Plan An Island Getaway at St. Simons Island: A Weekend Apart

Jan 24, 2012 ~ Nancy Krabill

St. Simons island offers an exceptional island experience with historical interest, biking, fishing, golf, lovely lodging, and local low country cuisine.

An island getaway, your place in the sun: St. Simon's Island has all the comforts and accoutrements you expect at a beach resort, but offers a distinctive sense of becoming one with a place that has delighted visitors for centuries. Take the time to immerse yourself in the lore of the island and expand your experience beyond the easy, beachy activities that beckon.

Where to Stay

First of all, stay at the grand dame of the island, the King and Prince. It's at the island's epicenter and a perfect stage for your visit. Built in the 1930's as a private club, it served as a World War II radar training center, and today has evolved into a first-class resort with all the spa and golf one could desire. Spring for an oceanfront room and nestle into the upscale, comfy furnishings while enjoying a spectacular view. The oceanfront Delegal dining room, encircled with antique stained glass, serves as a perfect setting for Sunday brunch or Friday Seafood Buffet.

Local Fare

On the menu, you'll find classic coastal cuisine updated with fresh, artisanal twists. The Shrimp and Grits is a must, enlivened with cajun seasoning and local Tasso ham. The new director of food and beverage, Vinny d'Agostino, has transformed the resort's menus, using as many local products as he can source, such as wild Georgia shrimp, local olive oil, 13th Colony spirits, and artisanal cheeses. Ask for one of Vinny's cocktails that features homemade simple syrup and spirits from a Georgia (you heard it) distillery, 13th Colony. While there, I enjoyed an Aviation with 13th Colony Southern Gin, fresh squeezed lemon juice and Maraschino Luxardo liqueur.

History and More

To learn more about the island's history, take an hour and a half tour on Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley that departs daily from Pier Village near the island's lighthouse. Upon your return, climb to the top of the lighthouse, then visit the Maritime Center to acquaint yourself further with the natural and man-made history of the island.

Wine and Dine

The island offers a number of local restaurants run by personable residents who are happy to tell their stories. For non-fishy fare, try Southern Soul Barbeque, seen on the ubiquitous Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. It's a celebration of all things protein. For a bargain, try the Weekday Worker Special: a pulled pork “Que” sandwich with fries and a large soda for $6.50. Near the pier, locals gather at the Sand Castle Café for breakfast buffet, with all things warm and wonderful. Eggs cooked to order and pancakes are part of the $8.95 sticker price. Finally, the Friday Seafood Buffet at the King and Prince is not to be missed. Start with one of Vinny’s vintage cocktails then dive in. Be sure to sample haute Shrimp n’Grits featuring those wild Georgia crustaceans flavored sweet by the spartina marsh grass (cousin to sugar cane).

Read This Next

Romantic Getaways on St. Simons Island
Sourcing Low Country Cuisine on St. Simons Island: The Backstory
The Golden Isle of Georgia

Active and Out-of-Doors

To experience the island at its slow pace, rent a bike at Ocean Motion and travel the bike trails that wind along the twelve-mile length of the island. A map of suggested routes can be found here. Head down to the pier, climb up to the top of the lighthouse, and enjoy the unparalelled view.

Get into the fishing flow by taking a ride on the Lady Jane, a renovated shrimping boat that trawls the marsh and brings in a cornucopia of a catch that is explained by captain's son Cliff Credle. We came up with a green sea turtle while there. Go to second #48 on this youtube clip for the action. Shrimp are boiled and served onboard.

Finally, for golf, the King and Prince course nestled in the live oaks at the island's north end is my favorite, with four holes floating across the glittering marsh grass. King and Prince guests can enjoy 18 holes for $79; otherwise the rate is $115. Less sportily inclined may opt to hit a bucket of balls for $5, or enjoy the peace and quiet and the view from the clubhouse porch.

You'll Be Back!

Whether your idea of a perfect beach vacation includes hours of beach time, a learning opportunity, or a physical, active connection, St. Simons offers a venue with a difference, miles away from its cookie-cutter cousins to the north. One trip there and it's likely you'll join the ranks of visitors who return yearly, like the island's snowy egrets, to nest.

Read more at Suite101: Plan An Island Getaway at St. Simons Island: A Weekend Apart | Suite101.com http://nancykrabill.suite101.com/plan-an-island-getaway-at-st-simons-island-a-weekend-apart-a401428#ixzz1kxWi1dCK

www.KingandPrince.com