"Where we love is home -- home that our feet may leave, but never our hearts." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
Over the past several months we’ve marked many milestone events, from the centennial celebrations for the Torras Causeway and Historic Harrington School to the 25th anniversary of the St. Simons Land Trust and the 50th for beloved island restaurant, The Crab Trap. Meaningful moments like these remind us how special it is to call this place home. About how lucky we are to be “locals.” Admittedly, many of us aren’t island natives and may not have grown up here, but since our arrival the sand of these beaches has been between our toes and the sound of the waves echoes our souls. We know the correct way to say Demere and how to navigate roundabouts. Emmeline, Blanche, and Boz are names we recognize. We know you won’t find fried fish or BBQ at Hazel’s Cafe anymore, but you can still sip a raccoon at Bennie’s Red Barn. In this month’s feature we’re sharing some local highlights that go beyond the typical attractions and entertainment sought by island visitors.
One fun part of being a local is knowing where to find deals, discounts, exclusive features, and other special offerings from area businesses and restaurants. We’ll share some noteworthy examples, but please know that what you read here is not all there is to find. We encourage you to take advantage of this slower time on the island to shop and dine local, while there aren’t many waiting lists or crowded aisles, and find your own favorite “specials.
Let’s begin with a couple starters. There’s the scrumptious “Eddie’s Special” served as a complimentary appetizer with your meal at Fancy Q and the mouthwatering pumpkin bread and cornbread in the breadbasket that accompanies the famous crabcakes and other Southern fare entrees served at Barbara Jean’s. The always delicious and wallet-friendly Early Bird specials at seafood and steak Frederica House between 5:30-6:30 p.m. are practically part of St. Simons Island lore! Georgia Sea Grill has great deals for the early birds too with their deals on appetizers and drinks from 5:00-6:30 p.m. with their First Call Specials.
When it comes to lunchtime deals, the Weekday Worker Specials at Southern Soul Barbeque and Frosty’s Griddle & Shake are hard to beat! From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can grab a regular Q sammich fries and large drink for only $10 at SSBBQ. At that price, it’s not unreasonable to pick up a $5 banana pudding from the cooler for dessert too! Over at Frosty’s, it’s a double cheeseburger, fries, and drink for $9.25 during those same hours. No excuse for skipping lunch to save a buck with prices like these! We will note that prices for the Weekday Worker Specials may change, but these eateries are always looking to make sure there are affordable menu options for hard-working folks.
For a sweet treat after your meal, Iguana’s offers complimentary soft serve ice cream with the purchase of an entrée bar so you can enjoy a cone or make a dish with your favorite toppings. And did you know you can also get soft serve cones at Frederica Pharmacy? They rotate flavors weekly so you can bring the kids by after school or indulge while you wait on a prescription to be filled.
Speaking of kids, how about the restaurants offering deals where they eat free? Hootenanny’s BBQ is ready to be your go-to family spot for good food and fun. With wide open yard, games, a sweet new screened porch, newly improved indoor seating, live music, and visits from the Shake It Up truck, it’s a terrific place to bring the kids and let ’em play! Bonus? On Sundays, kids under 12 always eat free. And for the month of March, the Hoot folks are offering another special deal just for our Golden Isles residents: locals receive 15% off their check when they dine in as a family or come in to pick up a family to-go meal. (Tell ’em EIL sent you!) Bubba Garcia’s and V Pizza help make the beginning of the school/work week easier for you. Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée from 4:00 p.m. to close at Bubba’s and from 5:00 p.m. to close at V Pizza.
If it’s drink specials you’re looking for, the Happy Hour at Catch 228 in Redfern Village featuring discounted pricing on wine, beer, and oysters is a popular choice with the locals. Bloody Mary aficionados will appreciate a weekend visit to their build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. If you’re a wine lover, check out Tasting Tuesdays at Golden Isles Olive Oil with free tastings of select wines and spirits from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Follow their social media pages to see what they’ll be offering each week. For cocktails accompanied by a stunning moonlight ocean view, grab a seat on the Rooftop at Ocean Lodge during one of their monthly Full Moon Soirées.
Once you’re satisfied your appetite, you’re ready to shop! First and foremost, seasonal sales, trunk shows, and pop-ups are plentiful, and many store “regulars” know when their favorites have their annual inventory clearances and other recurring retail happenings. If you feel like you’re missing out on the deep discounts offered by events like Southeast Adventure Outfitters’ annual kayak sales or the huge warehouse sales held by Saltwater Boys Company, make sure to follow social media pages for the businesses you frequent, and if they have email lists, sign up! Dutchmans Casual Living not only has frequent sales on items in their inventory, but they often offer discounts on design services, custom orders, and more. For our brick & mortar businesses that also offer online shopping, special discounts and sales may be available on their websites even when you can’t make it into the store.
Planters Exchange has frequent trunk shows, often with special offers or discounts on purchases made during the shows. This month, they’ll be hosting a Coppley trunk show showcasing exquisitely tailored men’s sport coats and suits on March 18-27 and one featuring Elizabeth Locke jewelry on March 18-19. When bargain hunting, a rotating array of discounted items in the back room at Maggie’s Boutique is ALWAYS worth checking for fabulous fashion finds, and the upstairs clearance room at Restoration Imports can yield some wonderful surprises. Of course, B&B Design & Consign is a treasure trove for furniture, artwork, home décor, and more. Delightful designer clothing and accessory discoveries can be made at Mixed Nuts, and you might even get lucky enough to nab some items with the original tags still attached! Don’t miss out on the seasonal inventory change over sales at Bailey Boys to take advantage of incredible deals on this national brand of baby and children’s clothing from right here on St. Simons Island. St. Simons Drug Co. is the perfect place to stock up for next year when they have their seasonal and holiday clearance sales.
In addition to enjoying the benefit of St. Simons Island retail locations for national brands like Bailey Boys, Tibi, and Saltwater Boys, we have local shops that offer exclusive items you can’t find elsewhere. For instance, not only does Bullington have their own brand of classic, traditional menswear, they also sell top grain Columbian cowhide leather luggage, wallets, and other leather products that are specially made for the store. SSI Lifestyle and Golden Isles Bracelet Company (GIBCo.) offer unique island-centric designs. You can read more about GIBCo and the special raffle they’re holding for locals as part of the celebration of their 25th anniversary in this month's article in our YOUR PASSIONS section. It’ll be even luckier for you to be a local if you’re the winner!
Art collectors have no shortage of options in the Golden Isles. Galleries on St. Simons Island include Anderson Fine Art Gallery, ArtTrends Gallery, Wallin Gallery, Julep Gallery, and the upstairs gallery at Dutchmans, as well as offerings from local artists at Glynn Visual Arts (GVA), the Golden Isles Welcome Center, and on display at Hotel Simone. Seasonal art strolls highlighting new exhibits and artist meet-and-greets at participating galleries occur on select Thursday evenings. We’re also lucky to have the many artisan vendors, local and regional artists who participate in GVA’s seasonal art festivals, Crafts in the Village, and St. Simons Vintage, Art & Antiques shows under the live oaks in Postell Park on the island. In Historic Downtown Brunswick, there’s a First Tuesday Gallery Showcase featuring exhibits on display at the Wilcox Gallery in The Ritz Theatre, SoGlo Gallery, and at the Brunswick Library Gallery. Other galleries and shops offering local art that have been known to participate include Brown Butter Shoppe, Atlanta North Art Gallery, and Kenny Nobles Photography. On Jekyll Island, the Jekyll Island Arts Association presents monthly exhibits at Goodyear Cottage in the Historic District. That will be the site of the 50th Annual Jekyll Island Arts Festival on March 7-9. This free 3-day festival is open to the public and features a wide variety of art, local authors, live music, food and bake sale, and more. For a link to information about featured artists, opening receptions, and other art events, click HERE.
A little “insider” tip: when you join the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, you receive some special benefits. Your membership includes unlimited free admission to both the Lighthouse and World War II Home Front Museum, free admission to three membership meetings and select events, use of archives and library, plus 10% merchandise discount in the museum store. If you become a Keeper of the Light ($1,000 donation or more), you also receive two season passes to the Little Light Music Concert Series at the lighthouse, two tickets to the Annual Keeper Appreciation Reception, and six guest passes (can be redeemed at either the Lighthouse or World War II Home Front Museum). Additional benefits are available for higher membership levels. Learn more at coastalgeorgiahistory.org.
Another group worth joining is the Literary Guild of St. Simons. Their annual membership fee starts at only $10 and provides you with free access to all author events and early access to their Spring and Fall Book Sales. Admission to author events as a non-member is $10 per event. The Literary Guild also regularly hosts movies that are open to the public in the St. Simons Island Casino Theatre with a suggested donation of $3/person to offset costs. Membership link and the full calendar of author events and movies is available at litguildssi.org.
Any newly minted locals should consider joining Island Newcomers Club. This active social group plans regular outings and gatherings to that help get you acquainted with the area and other new members of the community. From dining out to day trips and book discussion groups to golf, you can choose how you’d like to participate and how often. For more information, visit islandnewcomers.org.
If you’re an exercise enthusiast or have participated in any of the local 5K or 10K races, you probably already know the friendly faces from the Golden Isles Track Club. This local non-profit organization was created to promote fun in fitness and is dedicated to the idea that exercise can be fun for the young and the young at heart alike. The group always welcomes new members and is comprised of walkers, joggers, runners, and cyclists of all exercise levels/speed. The club hosts organized "fun runs," participates in and volunteers to work local races, as well as gathering for regular social events, and monthly educational and business meetings. To join them or learn more, visit goldenislestrack.club.
Locals are also the best at steering you to entertainment and attractions that go beyond what you’ll read about in the tourist guides. Everybody knows about dolphin cruises, but what about a sail on the Lynx? This privateer was inspired by the original historic tall ship from the War of 1812 – The Privateer Lynx. It was designed to be a living history museum to educate children and adults about American history through active sail training aboard a real wooden sailing ship. The Lynx makes its summer home in Nantucket but spends winter and spring in the waters of St. Simons Island, with deck tours, educational sails for local students, and public day and occasional evening sails through May. For more information about Lynx and booking, visit tallshiplynx.org.
For up close and personal visits with farm animals, bring the family to The Farm at Oatland North. Located on the north end of St. Simons Island, this not-for-profit animal rescue and sanctuary gives animals who were abused, neglected, and abandoned a chance to thrive and live out their lives in peace, comfort, dignity, and love. With horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, and a staff of devoted volunteers, The Farm happily welcomes visitors at Open Houses held on most Sunday afternoons from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and during special seasonal events. Admission is free but donations are welcome to contribute to the care of the animals. For more information, visit thefarmssi.org.
How about a small-town spring event that demonstrate the unique charm of St. Simons Island? Saturday, March 22 is SSI Opening Day for Youth Baseball and Softball. This day of family fun begins in the Village with a 9:30 a.m. parade that leads all the teams in a procession down Mallery Street to Butler Field for the 10:00 a.m. opening ceremony and first pitch. Festivities include a Home Run Derby and Road Runner Base Race, bounce houses and other games. Don’t worry if you don’t have kids playing ball, the activities are open to everyone and it’s a fabulous way to celebrate the beginning of the season!
While you’re in the Village, drop by St. Simons Bait & Tackle to sign your kids up for the 2025 Youth Angler Extravaganza. This year’s youth fishing tournament begins in the spring and will run through the fall. And best of all, it will be free to enter! Thanks to generous sponsors, all youth anglers who want to participate will be able to do so free of charge. The focus is to get our kids out there fishing! There will be a wide range of amazing prizes provided by local businesses for each category of the tournament. Stop in for more information or keep up with the St. Simons Bait & Tackle Facebook page for further details as the tournament start date approaches. Whether on the beach, on a boat, enjoying a paddle or the pier, we’re in the right place to go fishing. Even if a catch isn’t guaranteed, we’re still pretty lucky indeed.
Almost as plentiful as the fish in the sea are the opportunities to listen to local live music. St. Simons Island, Brunswick, and Jekyll Island all have a variety of venues, both indoor and out, to enjoy musicians and bands from near and far. Here at EIL, we keep our thumb on the beating pulse of the local music scene with “I’m With the Band,” sharing comprehensive weekly listings of who’s playing where and when. You can find the link HERE and daily posts on the @imwiththebandssi Instagram and Facebook accounts. From Monday night’s Open Mic Night at Palm Coast Coffee to Sunday evening acoustic sessions at Beachcomber BBQ, there’s music every day of the week.
Whether you’re an “old timer” who can reminisce about meeting friends at Cusie’s Fish Camp and Poor Stephen’s or you arrived on the island after the toll booth was removed from the Torras Causeway, we’re happy you’ve chosen to call this place home. Elegant Island Living is proud to be a trusted source for information about local happenings and community news for longtime residents and visitors alike. Having you readers along for the ride for more than 20 years is our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
