A Golden Isle Getaway – St. Simons Island
This low-key, island vacation is embedded in history.
Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.
If sun-washed seashore and sandcastle lined beaches are calling your name, look no further. Looking for a nearby tranquil island? Got you covered! All you have to do is head south to St. Simons Island.
This low-key, island vacation is embedded in history and a food-lovers paradise. Nestled along the East Coast, St. Simons is a quick trip and straight-forward five hour drive from Atlanta and has long been a time-honored favorite place to visit with its unpretentious ambience.
When the Islands legendary King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, a historic hotel and local treasure, invited me to experience it, the thought of a little relaxation lured me without hesitation. The idea of unwinding was high on my priority list.
At the King and Prince, you’re bound to slow down and enjoy the salty air, friendly folks and casual environment. This sprawling ocean-side hotel offers a multitude of accommodation choices. Appreciated for their selection of well-appointed rooms, spacious villas with ocean view balconies and resort residences, this popular resort exudes a friendly Southern hospitality.
Since 1935, the King and Prince has welcomed visitors and received six consecutive TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence. Proud to be on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel sits on the edge of The Atlantic Ocean. Crowned in terra cotta and “bathed in sea breezes and sunlight”, the rolling waves frame this destination. Add five oceanfront pools, the King and Prince Golf Course, massage therapies, tennis, and seasonal activities, this relaxed setting is ideal for a family getaway, wedding, romantic escape, reunion or sporting outing.
Food lovers will especially love the King and Prince’s culinary hotspot Echo, the islands only indoor outdoor oceanfront dining experience with a tempting array of handcrafted spirits and superb delicacies. The fresh catch of the day will please even the most seasoned foodies.
A well-known oasis for golfers, the island is covered with award-wining coastal golf courses. The King and Prince Golf Course, Home of the Hampton Club, celebrates its 28th anniversary on August 1st. During the last 28 years, the 18-hole golf course has stood the test of time. The Joe Lee design includes 4 salt marsh island holes connected by 800 feet of elevated cart bridges, and has the rare quality of playability for all ages regardless of their handicap.
For the tennis lover, the hotel tennis pro Pride Evans is a treat for tennis players wanting a lesson from a seasoned professional. A Georgia professional Tennis Hall of Fame Member, Pride offers private and group lessons. With decades of golf achievement Pride presents a focused tennis program and many options.
The Island will interest visitors who crave watersport activities and eco-adventures, exceptional restaurants, regional shopping, galleries, and a genuine friendliness that makes a short vacation memorable. Be sure to check out Delaney’s, a delightful bistro and bar on Fredericks Road, worthy of a visit for lunch or dinner. Nearby shopping welcomes boutique lovers at this part of the island along with a local toy store or G. J. Ford Book Shop, a charming book store that’s well-stocked for the best beach reads and staffed with literary pros.
Biking is a popular way to get around with local rentals with paths and low tide options are available. The moss-draped oaks and magnificent twisted trees that have stood the test of time line the winding island streets, creating a picture-perfect setting filled with historical landmarks.
The Island’s village includes the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum—a working lighthouse built in 1872. Walk to the top for a panoramic view and discover its story in the museum. Add a trolley tour or dolphin boat ride tour with leading island expert, Cap Fendig of Lighthouse Trolleys for an engaging island experience. (www.lighthousetrolleys.com)
“I love living in St. Simons,” says local resident and former Atlantan, cousin Steve Cohen, owner of East Coast Deigns, a custom cabinet company located in nearby Brunswick. He adds, “No traffic, beautiful weather and it’s an ideal place to live and work. It’s great when friends and family visits and do not want to leave!”
Yes, time flies when you’re having fun and St. Simons delivers the R&R. There’s something to be said for slowing down, heading south and packing up a small suitcase for a laid-back break at the beach.
You’ll be treated like a King, or at the very least, a Prince!
For more information, see www.kingandprince.com or www.goldenisles.com
Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times Bestselling Author and a media personality seen often on local and national television. www.robynspizman.com
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