RECREATIONAL OPPORUNITIES

There are exciting things to do, wonderful sites to see, delightful places to dine, and pampering places to stay. The itinerary is up to you. Because of our warm climate, those who come to Brunswick and the Golden Isles are able to enjoy outdoor activities all year long. Our winters are short and mild, with the average temperature in January only falling to 53 degrees. Your only difficulty may be deciding what to do next! Enjoy all that Brunswick and the Golden Isles has to offer. You are always welcome.

People from across the country visit us each year to experience a bit of the splendor found only on our coast. With so many things to see and do, one would have to become a full-time resident to experience it all. Yet, if you're planning a shorter stay, this information will help you navigate your way through our little piece of paradise.

For phone numbers of specific businesses, (i.e. golf courses, marinas, etc.), please refer to the appropriate sections in the membership databank. If you have any questions about tourist attractions or activities, simply call the CVB at (800) 933-2627 or visit www.bgicvb.com.

Golf & Tennis
What would you like to do today? For real swingers, 216 holes of the most beautiful, professionally designed golf courses. The only problem: which one? (If you’re not a really big golfer, there’s miniature golf.) Tennis, anyone? Any one of 69 public and private courts, among them acrylic, concrete, Laykold, Har-Tru, Rubico and plain, old-fashioned clay.  For more information on local golf courses visit our membership database or visit www.bgicvb.com.

Water Sports
Water sports? We have them all—boating, sailing, fishing, skiing, parasailing, diving, snorkeling. Maybe just lazing poolside. Want something a little more athletic? Beach volleyball may be your thing. (On the other hand, if lying on the sand, girl-or guy-watching is all the exertion you want, maybe beach volleyball is your thing!) A number of local charters offer diving and sailing excursions. Private sailing lessons and coastal cruising are available through several dive centers. Snorkeling and scuba instruction, dive tips and equipment rentals can also be arranged.

If it’s fishing, you have to make some decisions: inshore, offshore, Gulfstream and deep-sea, trolling, bottom fishing or flounder gigging. On some charters they do everything from baiting your hook to filleting the fish. How about redfish, Spanish mackerel, jacks, shark, tarpon, kingfish? If kingfish is on your agenda, the Annual Golden Isles Sports Fishing Tournament, the first weekend in June, is a must for you. For info on licenses call (912) 264-7218.  Marinas offer a full range of services and sell fuel, bait and refreshments. You should call in advance to guarantee space for your boat and to learn the specific amenities of each marina.

Jekyll Island offers a water fun park that will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family, including water slides, wave pools and leisurely river rides.

Recreational Activities
We have biking, birding, bathing, running, jogging. If strolling is more your speed, do it among some of the most picturesque historic sites you’ll ever encounter, from Ft. Frederica to St. Simons Lighthouse to the Historic Districts of both Jekyll Island and Old Town Brunswick.

Public beaches line Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. Taking a trip to the isles will surely find you sun bathing on a sand dune or searching for shells along the shoreline.

A number of historical sites have drawn visitors and residents, alike. The Olde Town National Register District can be enjoyed on a leisurely stroll through historic downtown Brunswick. One of 37 Main Street cities in Georgia, it's easy to see a glimpse of the past while walking the streets. Visit the Ritz Theatre, built in 1898 as the Grand Opera House, or the old Courthouse, built in 1907. See a bit of history on St. Simons Island by visiting Fort Frederica, Christ Church, the Retreat Plantation, now known as the Sea Island Golf Club, or the St. Simons Lighthouse, a restored 1872 lighthouse that now houses the Museum of Coastal History. Or, take a tour of Jekyll Island's historic district and be swept back into a time of wealth and grandeur.

Of course, this is only a taste of Brunswick and the Golden Isles. There will always be something waiting for you. Our natural beauty will captive you, our many activities will exhilarate you, and our genuine kindness will keep you coming back again and again.

Shopping
If you ever tire of our exquisite outdoors (or, if it's raining), try some of our indoor activities. Brunswick and the Golden Isles are a paradise for serious shoppers. The Glynn County area is home to numerous shopping centers and a major mall which, when combined, offers hundreds of stores. Shopping is as varied as the islands and communities around us. Whether your taste runs to malls, elegant specialty shops, nifty little boutiques, or the economy of discount stores, you’ll find irresistible “shoppertunities.”

You will find a wonderful variety of village and specialty shops on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and in Brunswick. On the mainland, shopping is centered at Colonial Mall at Glynn Place, Cypress Mill Square, Golden Isles Plaza and Brunswick’s Historic Downtown and Village of Antiques. Downtown Brunswick offers a number of quaint shops in an historic atmosphere.

In The Pier Village area of St. Simons, shops specializing in mementoes and sports/resort wear stretch along Mallery Street and spread along Ocean Boulevard to art galleries and some upscale ladies’ apparel shops.

A number of small shopping centers line both Demere and Frederica Roads, stocking everything from apparel to antiques, gifts to gourmet groceries. In the elegant Shops of Sea Island area, a first-run movie theater provides an opportunity to rest and relax. Jekyll Island shopping is clustered on Beachview Drive across from the Convention Center and throughout the Historic District, with some of the hotels containing gift shops.

Dining
Dining is yet another experience that offers countless options. From surf to turf, we have it all. Seaside restaurants, coupled with historic downtown eateries, offer something for even the most discriminating tastes. From low country boil to continental cuisine, you will find it in Glynn County. The "catch of the day" is very popular at local restaurants.

Lodging
The Golden Isles offer lodging accommodations at many fine hotels, motels and resorts throughout the islands and on the mainland. From national chain motels to historic inns, you'll have a wide variety of styles and prices to chose from. The islands also offer a number of private homes as vacation rentals, available by the week or month, depending on the season.

Art, History and Culture

Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia offer a thriving arts community, a deep love of our history and heritage, and an abundance of cultural offerings year round.  With over 25 organizations dedicated to the arts and humanities, there is “something for everyone” as these organizations contribute to the rich and diverse cultural life of the Golden Isles.  

Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) is the coordinating arts council for Glynn County and the City of Brunswick and managers of the Ritz Theatre, Downtown Brunswick’s historic theater and arts center (built in 1899) and Mary Ross Waterfront Park.   From October – April, GIAHA offers an impressive variety of quality arts and entertainment from around the corner and around the world.  Dance, live theater, music and more can be found at the Ritz during the Annual Performing Arts Series.  And each summer from Memorial Day weekend through September, the acclaimed Jazz in the Park concert series takes place on the lawn of the St Simons Island Lighthouse.  The six twilight concerts of the season are one of the most pleasant and entertaining evenings you can spend in the Golden Isles. 

In addition GIAHA hosts an eclectic array of visual art exhibits in the Ritz Theatre Gallery throughout the year from local student art to highly visible touring exhibitions; sponsors special events including military band concerts and the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration; and partners with the Glynn County Board of Education to bring unique Arts in Education programs into the public schools.  In addition to its own extensive programming, GIAHA promotes and distributes information about all arts, culture and community activities throughout our area.   Visit their website at www.goldenislesarts.org for more information on their programs and for the Cultural Arts and Community Events Calendar listing all events in the Golden Isles quarterly.

Live Performances

Throughout the year, a wide array of performances in theater, music and dance abound.  You can take in a play, attend the symphony, enjoy a concert by the sea or dance to a live band.   Professional and amateur performers regularly entertain the Golden Isles community.  From October through April, you can find live performances to suit anyone’s taste:  concerts are offered by the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, The Island Concert Association and the Brunswick Community Concert Association; community theater abounds with The Island Players and C.A.P.E. Theater bringing to the stage comedy, drama and musicals;  Southern Dance Theater brings The Nutcracker to life every holiday season; and the Annual Performing Arts Series at the Ritz Theater offers an eclectic season of professional performances.  In the summer, the lawn of the St Simons Lighthouse is the home to not one, but two concert series, Jazz in the Park sponsored by GIAHA and A Little Light Music, sponsored by Coastal Georgia Historical Society.  Local musicians play at clubs and cabarets throughout the Golden Isles and festivals like the Brunswick Stewbilee draw big name performers like Blues Traveler and The B52’s.   

• Brunswick Community Concert Association - 63 years of musical entertainment at affordable prices.
• C.A.P.E. Theater - 996-7740  www.capetheater.org
• Coastal Georgia Historical Society – Annual sponsors of A Little Light Music, five summertime concerts by the sea.
• Coastal Symphony of Georgia  -  Presenting annual concerts and string instruction to young people  www.coastalsymphony.com
• Golden Isles Community Band
• Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association/The Ritz Theatre – Performing art series, Jazz in the Park, special events and more www.goldenislesarts.org
• Island Concert Association -  Offering five free concerts annually
• The Island Players-Community theatre for Glynn County and the surrounding area since 1956. www.islandplayers.com
• The Mozart Society - Offering programs, concerts and an annual scholarship
• Southern Dance Theatre-Founded in 1996, this performing arts company is open to the public, ages six and up. www.JillStanfordDanceCenter.com

Performances Venues

•  Jekyll Island Club Hotel a turn-of-the-century venue offers an array of musical events, lectures, chef’s demonstrations and historical programs. www.jekyllclub.com 
• The Historic Ritz Theatre a 440-seat theatre offering performing arts and special events in downtown Brunswick, 1530 Newcastle St. 
• Southeast Georgia Conference Center, Coastal Georgia Community College, hosts performances, conferences and more.  3700 Altama Avenue, Brunswick
• Three Rivers Regional Library System offers a variety of programs, exhibits and lectures of local culture. 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick 
• Strickland Auditorium located at Epworth-by-the-Sea
• Jekyll Island Amphitheatre outdoor facility 
• Glynn Academy Auditorium 750-seat performance space located on the campus of Glynn Academy High School

Visual Arts

The natural beauty of the Golden Isles makes it the perfect home to visual artists in all mediums.  And the natural resources are supplemented by a large number of visual art galleries each offering unique works by noted and up-and-coming artists.  Glynn Art Association, located in the Village on St. Simons Island, is a nonprofit organization that supports visual artists in the community with its Gallery on Mallery and offers classes with local artists throughout the year.  Jekyll Island Art Association regularly sponsors exhibits in Goodyear Cottage while Mistletoe Cottage houses the impressive Rosario Russell Fiore Collection. Mildred Nix Huie was "one remarkable woman," an impressionist artist, sculptor, historian, and writer on St. Simons Island for many years, and visitors can see her original paintings and the work of her contemporaries at the Mediterranean House on St. Simons Island.  In addition, there are a large number of private galleries, many owned by the artists themselves – so stop in, take in the art, talk with the artist and shop for a truly unique art treasure for your home or business.  Check the Membership Database for Art Gallery listings.

Festivals and Special Events

Brunswick and the Golden Isles offers a wide variety of annual festivals and abundant special events.  Every spring, the Fine Arts and Crafts Festival on St Simons and MayFair in Brunswick showcases hundreds of artists from around the country;  Taps at Twilight honor our veterans every Memorial day and during the July 4th holidays, Brunswick, St Simons and Jekyll Island all host outstanding festivals, fireworks and fun while the Sea Island Festival celebrates our community’s rich African-American heritage; in the fall, come back for the Golden Isles Arts Festival, the Rockin’ Stewbilee and the Brunswick StreetFair; and don’t miss the opportunity for holiday gifts at the Christmas Craft Festival and the Holiday Bazaar and Flea Market. 

Military bands from around the country perform regularly, concerts by artists like Edwin McCain and the Indigo Girls take place at different venues and local organizations sponsor gospel concerts, beauty pageants, talent shows and much more.  There is always something to do in Brunswick and the Golden Isles.

History and Heritage

• Bloody Marsh Battle Site-Site of the 1742 battle where British troops were ambushed and defeated a Spanish column, halting an attack on Fort Frederica. St. Simons Island 
• Christ Church-Built in 1820, this structure is the site of the beginning of Methodism by John and Charles Wesley. St. Simons Island. 
• Coastal Georgia Historical Society – Preserving the past for the future. www.stsimonslighthouse.org 
• Faith Chapel-1904 cedar chapel features Gothic architecture and famed stained glass windows; attended by members of the Jekyll Island Club during their turn-of-the-century visits. Jekyll Island.
• Fort Frederica National Monument-Built by General Oglethorpe in 1736, this historic site offers informative talks by park rangers and historical exhibits. St. Simons Island
• Historic Downtown Brunswick-This quaint Historic District includes shops, restaurants, The Ritz Theatre, and historic buildings. Brunswick 
• Horton House Ruins-The 1742 ruins is one of the oldest standing tabby structures in the state. Located nearby is the state’s first brewery, constructed by an aide to Gen. Oglethorpe, Georgia’s founder. Jekyll Island. 
• Howfyl Plantation State Historic Site-1,268-acre rice plantation with original antebellum home furnished with family antiques. Brunswick.  www.hofwylplantation.org 
• Jekyll Island, Georgia’s Jewel-Once the playground for wealthy industrialists, now a state park with beautiful coastal scenery, countless cultural events, naturalist site and an Historic District. www.jekyllisland.com
• Maritime Center at the Old Coast Guard Station 
• Old Town National Register District-Old Town Brunswick’s Historic District is the second largest small town urban district in Georgia, with streets and squares lined with turn-of-the-century homes, the campus of Glynn Academy and an eclectic mix of architecture. Downtown Brunswick.
• Overlook Park &Lanier Oak-Scenic roadside park overlooking the famed marshes of Glynn which inspired poet Sidney Lanier, and the live oak named in his honor. Brunswick. 
• St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition – Preserving the legacy of African Americans  www.ssafricanamerheritage.org 
• St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum –built in 1872,  the lighthouse is open year round to the public and maintained by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. www.saintsimonslighthouse.org. 

Artists & Authors
We’re now seeing that the arts increase our economic growth. Amazing! And we just thought we were having a good time!

In 1995 author John Villani listed Brunswick and The Golden Isles in his book, The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. His opinion has been borne out by the increasing development of the arts and the resultant overall enhancement in our quality-of-life.

Of course, the artistic culture that envelopes Glynn County is also evident in the number of local artists that reside here. One extraordinary writer who called Glynn County home was Eugenia Price. This famous writer told captivating tales of the South. She was particularly well known for her St. Simons Trilogy, which included the novels Beloved Invader, Lighthouse, and New Moon Rising. Intrigued by the mystique of St. Simons Island, Ms. Price built a home and lived here until she passed away in 1996. Other such famous authors include novelist Tina McElroy, children's author Doris Smith, artist Mildred Huie, international best-seller Bill Diehl, historical and young adult author Joyce Artistic, award winning science fiction author Jack McDevitt, and humorist/cartoonist Jack Davis.

Credit for much of the success must go to Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association and the other arts organizations. Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association (GIAHA) is the umbrella organization responsible for supporting arts and humanities in Southeast Georgia. Other organizations sponsor and support arts in specific disciplines, including Coastal Center for the Arts, Glynn Art Association and Jekyll Island Art Association.