Timeless Love in the Golden Isles

Timeless Love

Secluded pathways under centuries-old Live Oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Stunningly colorful beach sunrises and sunsets. Quaint historic squares with benches for languid summer afternoons. Live music on a seaside lawn under the glow of a lighthouse. It’s no wonder that Travel + Leisure named St. Simons Island and Brunswick in their list of America’s Most Romantic Towns last year. There’s just something about the Golden Isles and that appeal is timeless.

When you drive through Historic Downtown Brunswick, it’s hard to miss the sign for “Lovers’ Oak.” Just a short ways away, an enormous oak tree reputed to be more than 900 years old is located at the intersection of Albany and Prince Streets. According to local legend, Native American braves and their maidens would meet and kiss their tree love under the majestic spread limbs of the huge oak. The tree’s trunk is 13 feet in diameter and its limbs, which branch out approximately 3 feet above the ground, measure between 12 and 30 inches in diameter. A plaque at the base of the tree states: “1787-1987. The National Arborist Association and The International Society of Arboriculture jointly recognize this significant tree in this bicentennial year as having lived here at the time of the signing of our Constitution.”  The grand oak’s branches have provided a leafy canopy for many a couple throughout the centuries and there are weather-worn initials among the limbs that continue to tell their stories.

The shores of our beaches beckon lovers as well. Local legend tells a tale of true love in which a

beautiful young woman named Mary who lost the man to whom she was to be wed. He had gone out in his boat in a ravaging storm and when she went out to find him, armed with a lantern on that dark and stormy night, she discovered that his boat had capsized near shore and he had drowned. Distraught, she let the ocean claim her life as well. Now, late at night, many claim to see Mary carrying her lantern and walking the beaches and Village paths as she continues to search for her lost love. This tale of Mary the Wanderer’s enduring love goes to show that romance abides on the island, even beyond death. Even Christ Church is a testament to that fact, with the story of Anson Dodge’s legacy of love for his wife Ellen well-documented Eugenia Price’s historic romance “Beloved Invader.”

An abundance of picture-perfect settings and the love in the air draw couples from far and wide to the Golden Isles as a wedding destination. From the opulent rooms of Brunswick Manor to the quaint charm of Lovely Lane Chapel to the beaches on Jekyll Island, couples pledge their love to each other and start their lives together right here almost every day. And many continue to return to celebrate that occasion and other special events in their lives. 

Whether you’re in the Golden Isles for Valentine’s Day, a romantic weekend, or just want to add a little extra “amour” to the everyday, there are abundant opportunities to show your affection. Stop by RaeLou’s Edible Art, the new sweet shop in Retreat Plaza, to grab an assortment of truffles or other adorably cute and delicious hand-dipped treats. Drop by Joseph Jewelers to pick up the perfect bauble and present it to her during a sunset beach walk. Follow it up with an intimate Valentine’s Day inspired menu and champagne toast at Delaney’s Bistro & Bar. Seaside Home has a wide array of candles and fragrances if you’d rather stay in for the night. For the ultimate indulgence, book a room at The King and Prince Hotel & Beach Resort and a spa package at The Royal Treatment Cottage. No matter what you choose to do, let love rule the day!