BeST TrIpS 8. ROAM SOLO IN THE GOLDEN ISLES It is entirely possible to enjoy an island escape without a traveling companion, especially when the destination is one of the Golden Isles of Georgia. The collection of barrier islands— along with the charming port city of Brunswick along the state’s east coast—was recently ranked No. 1 among U.S. islands in Travel + Leisure ’s 2023 World’s Best Awards survey. Make leisurely, pedestrian-friendly St. Simons Island your base. The 18-square-mile stretch is ideal for a solo stroll or bike trip. You can rent a beach cruiser at several businesses, some of which are happy to deliver your bike to you. Hotel Simone —the island’s newest, all-suite luxury boutique hotel—offers casual, coastal splendor in the form of nautical design, a gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge, plus easy access and discounted pricing at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort nearby. After check-in, take a 1-mile southbound walk to the Pier Village district, where you’ll find Neptune Park and the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum , as well as the fishing pier. Browse nearby stores like the Savannah Bee Company for sweet honey treats or stop into the Live Oak Shop for beachy gifts and souvenirs. On your way back, pass the hotel and continue for just over half a mile to the World War II Home Front Museum , which is full of artifacts and history detailing the unique role St. Simons, and hundreds of thousands of Georgians, played in the military effort. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit Southern Soul Barbeque , one of Georgia’s best barbecue restaurants, serving exceptional wings, ribs, brisket, pulled-pork sandwiches and more. If you’d rather ride after your meal, check the schedule for trolley tours that meet under the big oak tree along the pier. No St. Simons trip is complete without spending time on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. East Beach , Gould’s Inlet , Massengale Park and the Coast Guard Station Beach are all amazing shores worth visiting. For natural wonders of a different kind, plan a day trip to Jekyll Island. Here you’ll see everything from interactive exhibits at Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to Driftwood Beach , where weathered driftwood trees are fantastically shaped by decades of natural erosion. There are also bicycles, tricycles, surreys, dual trikes and other pedal-assist vehicles available for temporary use at Jekyll Island Bike Barn . Be sure to make a pit stop at the Jekyll Market gourmet grocery store in Beach Village for an unparalleled selection of snacks, wine, meats and food from four on-site restaurants. Take a quick trip to the mainland, Brunswick, where you can see the Romanesque design of Old City Hall , historical elements of The Ritz Theatre and the natural beauty of Mary Ross Waterfront Park . Wind down with an elegant sip of the award-winning Richland Rum , offered in tasting flights upon completing a tour of the distillery. And be sure to visit Silver Bluff Brewing Company for the freshest pours of beers like Golden Isles IPA. JEKYLL ISLAND/WANDER NORTH GEORGIA EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG 23
Official State Travel Guide 2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 23
