The most captivating destinations are sometimes those that don't often make headlines in the travel sections of national and regional newspapers. St. Simons Island, located off the coast of Georgia among a group of islands (Jekyll Island and Sea Island are situated nearby) dubbed "The Golden Isles," is one such place.  It is easily reached through the Savannah, Brunswick and Jacksonville airports. Those who have visited this island almost never come here just once. It's well known among Georgians and Southerners in general as a peaceful respite where relics of history still stand, where Southern hospitality and that laid-back Southern pace are the rule, and where visitors can relax on pristine beaches, peruse quaint retail shops or get in a few rounds of golf.
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For boating, the Inter-coastal Waterway runs right out to the Atlantic Ocean between St Simons and Jekyll Island. The Inlet is quite large and the waters there are mostly calm. The landscape of the 17.86 square miles is quintessential Southern: marshlands, large oak trees covered with moss, and vast stretches of sandy beaches. Diverse species of wildlife -- including deer, turtles and several species of birds -- thrive on this island. The weather is mostly moderate and although it can dip down into the 40's during the winter months it has not snowed on Saint Simons Island since 1989. Author Eugenia Price, a transplant from Chicago who relocated to St. Simons, was so inspired by its landscape that she based her best-selling historical novels (including Lighthouse and New Moon Rising), around this setting. Population is roughly 13,000 as it is mostly a popular vacation spot and inclined to many part timers.
The St Simons Island history is quite fascinating. Around 700 AD it is known that the Islands were inhabited by Guale Indians being drawn to the abundance of oysters. Fort Frederica was built and protected the early settlers in Georgia from the Spanish who had occupied Florida at the time. Its heritage also tells of the determination of early British settlers, who, despite being extremely outnumbered, fought off the Spanish and claimed this island as their own.  Later the land was bought by a pencil company and in 1915 the company hired Phillip Berolzhiemer to examine the trees for there use. However, the cedars on the island were too salt infested for harvest, but Phillip was so enthralled by the island that he bought the 10,000 acres from the company and used it for his friends and family. Many plantations were later built as Phillip sold pieces of the quaint island. A plantation owner named G. Croeper bought the site where the lighthouse would be built and eventually sold it to the US Government for $1.00. In 1807 the first lighthouse was built from material taken at the abandoned Fort Frederica but that lighthouse was later destroyed during the Civil War. Ten years after the war, the present day lighthouse was built along with a simple Victorian home for the lighthouse keeper and his wife. Some say the lighthouse is haunted by the first keeper, Mr. F. Osborne.
Plantations eventually dotted the island as the cotton crop became one of St. Simons' primary means of commerce. Many of these antebellum plantations still stand today. St. Simons' economy soon diversified to include fishing and maritime industry; agriculture; and eventually, tourism. St Simons quickly became known for its sandy beaches, its friendly weather and resort-like atmosphere.
The island caters to sports enthusiasts with numerous golf courses, tennis courts, and hiking and biking trails. Visitors who prefer a slower pace will want to take their time strolling along the St. Simons Pier, dropping into the shops in St. Simons Village and sampling some of the freshest seafood around at one of St. Simons' eclectic restaurants. For a genuine taste of local color, hop aboard the Salt Marsh Sea Tours, which wind through narrow tidal creeks between St. Simons Island and neighboring Sea Island, giving passengers a front-row seat for viewing native wildlife in their natural habitats.
From its pristine landscape and preservation of local wildlife to the friendly, accommodating nature of its locals, St. Simons Island embodies the best of the old South. At the same time, St. Simons embraces the future, continuing to build up its residential real estate market without compromising its natural resources -- which have prooven to be the island's biggest draw -- to accomplish that goal.
Be sure to allow our office to update you on the fine homes and income property on Saint Simons Island by contacting St. Simons Homes. |
