LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, staying the summer, or are a new resident, we understand that living on “island time” takes a little bit of adjustment. EIL is here to help with some tips and tricks to navigating St. Simons Island so you’ll feel like a local in no time.
KNOW THE GEOGRAPHY
The Beach
Where’s the beach? It’s a question we’re asked often – especially in the Village. Visitors are often confused that while we can access the beach in the Village during low tide, it’s not where we “go to the beach,” because it ends up underwater during high tide. The main public beach areas are located at Massengale Park and the Old Coast Guard Station (spanning from The King and Prince Beach Resort to Gould’s Inlet). Get there before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. if you want a decent parking spot.
The Bridge
The Sidney Lanier Bridge, named after poet Sidney Lanier, who penned “The Marshes of Glynn,” is situated on US 17 in Brunswick and at 7,779 feet is the longest spanning bridge in Georgia. Its beautiful 480-foot tall cable-stayed form is a popular subject for photos, and is the site of an annual Bridge Run event.
The Casino
Don’t get out your quarters or practice your blackjack, it’s not an actual casino, but a public gathering place. The St. Simons Island Casino Building is located adjacent to the Pier parking lot in the Village and has parking accessible from Beachview Drive. It is the home of the St. Simons Island Public Library and the 100-seat Casino Theatre where Island Players productions are staged and movies are shown on a regular basis. The atrium is a popular event space, so you may catch the music from a wedding reception or two. There are public restrooms and some great rocking chairs that overlook Neptune Park and the ocean. Just take a moment to sit and enjoy the view…THIS is island time.
The Causeway
The F.J. Torras Causeway – It’s the only way to drive onto St. Simons Island. The 4.2 mile length that crosses the marsh and rivers includes two bridges – the Mackay River Bridge and the Back River Bridge – and terminates at Gascoigne Bluff.
Demere
Pronounced dem’-ree, it's one of three roads accessing St. Simons Island from the causeway. The road crosses the width of the island, crossing Frederica Road at the mid-island roundabout and continues toward the beach and village.
Frederica
Frederica Road is the main thoroughfare that begins at the south side of the island at Kings Highway, at the corner of McKinnon Airport, crosses Demere at the roundabout, and continues to the north end circle at Lawrence Road.
Gascoigne Bluff
This is a popular park and boat launch area near Epworth by the Sea and the location of many local festivals and events, like Second Sunday and the St. Simons Food and Spirits Festival. There are also public restrooms and a pavilion with picnic tables. The view over the marsh here is beautiful. It’s a great place to catch the sunset.
Gould’s Inlet
Located at the eastern-most point of East Beach, Gould’s Inlet is a popular spot for crabbing, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s a fabulous place for morning dog walks and sunrise photography.
Picnic Areas
We love our live oaks and there’s nothing like gathering your friends and family under them for a picnic. Get your hot dogs and burgers and all the fixin’s at Winn-Dixie or Harris-Teeter, fill up a cooler with ice and your favorite beverages, and go stake your claim on a table at Neptune Park in the Village or Massengale Park. These are public picnic areas with barbeque grills, picnic tables, and adjacent playgrounds for children. They’re very popular spots for parties, family reunions, and other gatherings, especially around the holidays. Be sure to bring plenty of charcoal, matches, and lighter fluid, because the ocean breeze can make lighting the grills a challenge.
Redfern
Redfern Village is a bustling hub of retail shops, offices, and popular restaurants just off of Frederica Road north of Demere. Not to be confused with “The Village.”
The Village
This refers to the area on the south side of the island, near the St. Simons Pier, encompassing Ocean Boulevard and Mallery Street, and is often called “Pier Village.” This is where you’ll find dining, accommodations, retail shops, the Neptune Fun Zone pool, miniature golf, and playground, the library and Casino Theatre, as well as the lighthouse. It’s a hotspot for live music, kids’ activities and summer concerts that take place on select Sunday nights.
KNOW THE FOLKS
BLANCHE AND STELLA
These two beautiful blondes of the four-legged fuzzy variety can be seen cruising about the island in a convertible or out dining with their “chauffer.” You might even get to see them in hats, sunglasses, or holiday attire if the occasion permits. They’re sweet girls who don’t mind giving you a warm island welcome.
DL3
Veteran PGA TOUR pro, Ryder Cup Team Captain, McGladrey Classic Tournament Host, St. Simons Island resident, and all-around nice guy Davis Love III. Here he’s a regular guy and local shop owner. Sightings are not uncommon.
JACK DAVIS
The famous artist/illustrator and MAD magazine cartoonist is a University of Georgia alumnus and makes his home here. Caricatures drawn by Davis adorn the walls and shelves of many local restaurants and homes.
LACEY
Glynn County Police Sgt. Randall Lacey is a fixture at the pier and on St. Simons Island in general. He’s a friendly fella who makes a point to know everybody (and their kids/parents). This is his community and he’s dedicated to keeping it safe. He’ll be nice…unless you make him stop being nice. Don’t do that.
MR. BYRD
When you stop in St. Simons Bait & Tackle to buy your bait and fishing equipment or grab a cold drink and a snack, you’ll find it’s not just owners Mike and Trish Wooten that talk; Mr. Byrd, the African gray parrot, might greet you too. If you want a fishing report though, you’ll have to stick to asking the humans.
SEA ISLAND MAFIA
The group of PGA Tour Pros who call our island home or are affiliated with Sea Island. The “Godfather” is Davis Love III or “Uncle Davis.” The group includes Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Jonathan Byrd, Brandt Snedeker, Brian Harman, Lucas Glover, Hudson Swafford, Charles Howell III, Harris English, and Chris Kirk.
WAINO
St. Louis Cardinal ace Adam Wainwright. He’s a St. Simons Island resident and graduated from Glynn Academy. Folks have watched him grow up and start a family, from his days on the mound in Glynn County to pitching in the World Series, and are so proud of all he’s accomplished. So if you ask a local which baseball team they root for, don’t be surprised if you hear the Cardinals as often as you hear the Braves.
KNOW THE RULES
Just like they warn you not to tap on the glass at the zoo, it’s not wise to anger the locals on St. Simons Island. We’re happy to have visitors when they are courteous and observe some general rules. When you don’t pick up after yourselves, drive the wrong way, and exhibit risky behavior that endangers yourself and your family as well as others on the island, we tend to get cranky.
ROUNDABOUT:
Yield: Take a deep breath and slow down when approaching, while you don’t have a stop sign, you still need to yield to the traffic in the roundabout, so look to see what cars are circling or entering before you enter.
Choose Your Lane Early: Observe the signs and road markings. If you’ll be turning right at next road, choose the outer lane. If you’ll be continuing around the circle, choose inside lane.
Slow Down: Adjust your speed to traffic in the circle and whatever you do, DO NOT STOP!
Don't Change Lanes: Changing lanes in the roundabout is prohibited.
Drive Counterclockwise Only: Never make a left turn to enter the roundabout!
Be Aware of Pedestrians/Cyclists: Watch for crosswalk lights.
Do Not Pass Large Trucks or Buses.
If Emergency Vehicles Are in the Roundabout, Do Not Enter, Or Pull Over to Right Outside Lane.
BEACH:
Have respect for our beaches and the ocean. Lifeguards are only present at Coast Guard and Massengale beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, and you swim at your own risk. Our tides change very rapidly and dramatically. Do not swim to the sandbars, because it’s easy for you to be stranded there in deep water and dangerous swimming conditions when the tide comes in and submerges the sandbar again. Seriously, stay off of the sandbars. People underestimate how quickly the water rises and how hard it is to swim with that current. We aren't kidding or being alarmists; our hearts break every time we hear about an island visitor who is lost to the tides because they were out at the sandbars and it could have been prevented. It happens enough that now we have signs warning of the danger. Please be respectful of the power of the ocean. Rip currents are common. If caught in a rip current, do not fight it, swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current. Vehicles and fires (without a permit) are prohibited. Please pick up all litter and dispose of it properly.
BICYCLES:
We appreciate your right to ride on the road, but we have some wonderful bike paths and lots of handy sidewalks for riders. If you do choose to ride on the road, please see note pertaining to golf carts. We also ask that you actually stop for the crosswalks and press the button for the crossing light as those trigger flashing lights on the road in some hard-to-see areas, making you more visible to motorists.
FISHING/CRABBING:
We’ve got some great fishing on St. Simons Island. If you’re not going out on one of the many charters, but want to drop a line or net off the pier or over at Gascoigne Bluff or Gould’s Inlet, make sure you’re doing it legally. Anyone 16 years old or older who fishes, crabs or seines in Georgia waters must possess a fishing license. Licenses purchased anywhere in the state of Georgia are valid in the Golden Isles, allowing the licensee to fish in both fresh and saltwater. If you need a license, you can purchase one online through the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division or at the Brunswick DNR office, Dick’s Sporting Goods or Walmart in Brunswick. Also be sure to look at fishing regulations for size requirements and daily limits.
Paul Addessi
GOLF CARTS:
We know it’s handy to be able to get around on our little island with a golf cart instead of a car, but please remember that those of us who live here may not be on “vacation time” and actually have jobs to get to, so if there’s a line of cars behind you, please have the courtesy to pull over and let them pass. Also, PLEASE make sure children are safely buckled in. These are still vehicles operating on busy roadways.
PETS:
We are a very pet friendly island, so feel free to visit with your furry friends. Dogs are permitted outside at many of the restaurants and there are pet friendly hotels. Dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. from the Saturday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please have the courtesy to bring bags and pick up after your dog on the beach.
REDFERN VILLAGE:
It’s a one-way counterclockwise loop from the entrance to the exit of Redfern Village. Do NOT enter and turn left. That's a dead giveaway that you are a tourist.
WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS
Some of our local restaurants have special freebies. At Blackwater Grill, you’ll be treated to a little “lagniappe” before your dinner arrives. What is it? Go and see! The pumpkin bread served in the complimentary bread basket with your meal at Barbara Jean’s is so good you’ll want to buy it and take it home. Grab a basket of complimentary popcorn while you wait for your order or sip your cold beer at Brogen’s South at the Pier. The machine is back in the corner opposite the bar. At Catch 228, have it your way. You choose your own condiments to top your Bloody Mary at no extra charge at their make-your-own Bloody Mary bar. The free Eddie’s Special appetizer at Fancy Q is a favorite of many restaurant visitors. If you clear your plate and have room after that tasty fried shrimp, Iguanas Seafood Grill invites you to help yourself to a complimentary dish or cone of soft-serve ice cream. We also have restaurants with kids-eat-free nights: Barberitos – free kid’s meal per adult meal and drink purchase all day every Sunday; Cilantro’s – Saturdays and Sundays with purchase of adult entrée; Locos Grill and Pub – Mondays free meal from kids’ menu with purchase of adult entrée.
KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON
If you’re reading this, you’ve already got a leg up. Elegant Island Living is your source for what’s happening on St. Simons Island and around the Golden Isles. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check our website calendar and Events page regularly at elegantislandliving.net. Subscribe to our newsletter, the EIL Insider, to get handy information right at your fingertips via your email each week. We’re not just a monthly magazine, we’re your guide to the Golden Isles. Stick with us and you’ll be an island girl or boy in no time!
