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Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
Little St. Simons Panorama
The Lodge at Little St. Simons Island and panorama
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Joe Loehle
The Lodge at LSSI
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Joe Loehle
Scott Greene
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Joe Loehle
Fireplace at The Lodge
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Joe Loehle
Michael Cottage
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Joe Loehle
Outdoor Shower
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Joe Loehle
The "Hidden" Pool
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Joe Loehle
Oystershell Bulkhead Project
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Joe Loehle
The Garden
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Joe Loehle
Stacia Hendricks
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Joe Loehle
Phenomenal Birding
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Joe Loehle
Exploring the Island by Bike
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkein
Dubbed by USA Today as “upscale travel’s international man of mystery,” the original “Andrew Harper” (a pseudonym) created Hideaway Report, a guide to “traveling the world in search of truly enchanting places.” This little guide has approximately 25,000 subscribers and is now published by a hand-picked editor who carries on the tradition of traveling incognito and always paying the full rate for all accommodations and services to ensure that he isn't receiving special treatment—a rarity in the travel writing industry.
The February 2014 Hideaway Report, featured Little St. Simons Island, saying, “The true luxury on Little St. Simons Island is its tranquility and unspoiled character.” The review concluded, “Little St. Simons Island offers an exceptional experience of pristine nature, made all the more enjoyable by a terrific staff and the comfortable accommodations.” While thrilling to see high praise from a world-traveler, it is equally exciting to hear a Little St. Simons guest sitting at The Lodge dining room table discussing his recent cross-country travels say that the island “ranks right up there with Zion and Yosemite” in natural beauty and splendor. It was his first visit and he was in love. Sometimes it only takes a glimpse of tree swing that hangs under the canopy of Spanish moss as you approach this backyard paradise to feel that same way.
EIL visited the island recently on a picture-perfect day. We departed Hampton Marina for the 15-minute morning commute under gorgeous blue skies with nary a cloud in sight and were greeted with a smile at the dock by General Manager Scott Greene. A brief lesson in the history of the island at The Lodge was followed by a brief tour of the cottages and guest accommodations on the island. From the guest rooms in The Lodge to the historic tabby Helen House to the smaller, more modern Tom House and Michael Cottage, or the spacious River Lodge and Cedar House, there is a wide variety of selections for guest accommodations, each with its own charm…and air conditioning. Screen porches and incredible views with comfortable seating demonstrate the main appeal of this private paradise. There are no televisions or radios, although wireless service is available to guests who do want to “plug in” as needed while still enjoying a retreat from the world of technology. Every convenience has been thought out and you will find sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas, rain ponchos anywhere they might be needed, be it at your cottage, the main lodge, the beach, or in the trucks. Greene explains they want this to be a truly “all-inclusive” experience where guests’ needs always come first—right down to the built-in body wash/shampoo dispensers, even in the outdoor shower.
Visits with Ecological Manager Scott Coleman and Naturalist Supervisor Stacia Hendricks were like spending time in an outdoor classroom. Guided tours and activities with knowledgeable and charismatic naturalists are part of what make the Little St. Simons experience so special and unique. Scott showed us the living shoreline project that they started near the dock on the island last year. This joint-agency educational and environmental management program replaces the prior failing bulkhead structure with anchored and layered bags of recycled oyster shells to create a natural bulkhead from new oyster reefs. This is beneficial to the environment by filtering the water and attracting more abundant and varied species of fish and marine life. The tour of the organic garden with Stacia was equally interesting. We learned about the benefits of using cover crops like rye grass instead of fertilizer and vermiculture (That’s right, worms!) compost to add minerals and helpful bacteria and fungi rich dirt to our sandy soil. The raised beds for produce and herbs used in the kitchen and trees of citrus, pomegranate and olive are inspiration for the home gardener. We smell, touch, and taste, watch the chirping bluebirds and basking lizards, and then head for lunch in The Lodge.
Chef Charles Bostick prepared a hearty mushroom soup, curried chicken salad croissant sandwiches, complete with fresh lemonade, watermelon, and cookies. A peek at the dinner menu showed rack of lamb as the entrée. How good is the food? Scott Greene jokingly said the dinner bell is one way of keeping track of guests: “If people don’t show up for dinner, we know something is wrong. Dinner is so good that nobody wants to miss it.” Friday night oyster roasts and afternoon Low Country boils at the beach are popular.
The afternoon held a whirlwind trip around the 10,000 square acre island with Stacia to check on a popular alligator haunt, an amazing birding experience at one of the impressive blinds, and a trip to the beach for treasure gathering. Other guests enjoyed biking, fishing, kayaking, and guided treks with naturalists. A day is hardly enough time to experience the whole island, but is more than enough to whet your appetite for a longer stay. What is surprising is that many Golden Isles residents have never experienced this little slice of heaven. It is such an easy day trip, and affordable at $95 per person. A weekend stay is a fabulous private escape into a world that allows you to experience rustic charm and nature at its most pristine without sacrificing luxury. It is also perfect as a summer, early fall destination for families, with plentiful adventures for all-ages. Greene says one of the best compliments he’s received was from a guest who said their 6 year-old grandchild thought it was better than Disneyworld.
At lunch, a guest was wearing a t-shirt imprinted with J.R.R. Tolkein’s quote, “Not all those who wander are lost,” and Scott Greene remarked that it was one of his favorite sayings. How fitting. Little St. Simons Island is the perfect place to wander, wonder, and witness nature in a way that those who stick to the well-traveled road may never experience. littlestsimonsisland.com
Story by Kathi Williams
Photos by Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
Don't forget to register for a chance to win your own day trip to Little St. Simons Island! Click on the link on our homepage to leave your name & email address to enter our drawing for this fabulous opportunity for you and a guest.
