Archive for the ‘St Simons Island Restaurants’ Category

St Simons Island Vacation – Vanderford’s Travels

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Bill Vanderford published this article on Lakeside News after his spring St Simons Island vacation that including historic tours, boating, dining at local restaurants and a stay at The King and Prince.

Vanderford’s Travels

By Bill Vanderford

St. Simons Island is a golden Georgia treasure

Standing on the wall of Fort Frederica scanning the river and the marshes beyond was serious business around 1740. The British soldiers on guard

Canons at Fort Frederica

knew that the Spanish-held Fort St. Simons was only five miles away and were painfully aware that war had been declared with Spain. Eventually these English soldiers realized that they would have to fight for their lives on St. Simons Island.

Even though the British were far outnumbered, good intelligence, a timely ambush, and some skillful maneuvering of ships and men by James

Fort Frederica

Edward Oglethorpe made the Spanish believe that the British force was much larger. Therefore, after the historical, but small ambush, known as “The Battle of Bloody Marsh,” the Spanish retreated back to Florida and were never a threat to General Oglethorpe and his fledgling Georgia colony again.

Today, visitors to St. Simons Island can walk the open grounds of Fort Frederica and gaze across the picturesque “Marshes of Glynn” that were made famous by poet, Sidney Lanier (yes, the namesake of Lake Lanier), and never have to worry about being fired upon. This immaculate spot is simply one of many that attracts folks to St. Simons.

For nearly eight decades, families from all over the South have come to this gorgeous barrier island to enjoy the elegant atmosphere, mouthwatering

View from Oceanfront Building

food, and antebellum style hospitality at the King and Prince Hotel, which was built because of an insult. It seems that one evening in the early 1930s at the nearby Cloister Hotel on neighboring Sea Island, Frank Horn and Morgan Wynn were tossed out for being drunk and disorderly. Horn was a tall, heavy man, and Wynn was a short, skinny fellow, and when seen together, they were affectionately known as “The King and Prince.” So, because of the insult, the two founded the King and Prince as a seaside dance club to compete with the Cloister Hotel. The main hotel building with its classic Mediterranean architecture was completed and opened to the public just in time for World War II in 1941. During that period, the new hotel was converted into a training facility for coast watchers looking for German submarines.

Following the war, the King and Prince opened to families again in 1947 and has continued to serve as a prime vacation destination in the Golden Isles of Georgia. Renovations and expansions were completed in 1972 and 1983,

Sunrise over a dock

and the hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 as the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. It still offers a unique resort experience with real Southern flair, fantastic and varied cuisine, and spectacular ocean views from almost every room. For information or reservations, call toll-free at (800)-342-0212.

Beauty in the Marshes

Many golf lovers come to St. Simons to play the recently restored King and Prince Golf Course, which is the home of the Hampton Club. This 18-hole championship course is both challenging and beautifully interwoven with ancient oak trees, island holes, views of birds and wildlife in the surrounding marshes, and picturesque lagoons.

Fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing are always great outdoor endeavors

Fishing

when visiting St. Simons Island. This huge coastal ecosystem of salt marshes, tidal rivers and creeks is probably the best rearing ground for fish, sharks, and shellfish on the Atlantic seaboard of the USA. This little known fishery is best explored and experienced with an expert local guide like Larry Kennedy III out of Hampton Marina. Larry and his family have been fishing the waters productively as long as I can remember, and have entertained thousands of visitors to St. Simons. For more information or reservations, call 912-222-1687.

Charter Boat

Fine dining and local seafood is another highlight of any trip to the Georgia barrier islands, and St. Simons has some of the best! Certainly the chefs at the King and Prince would be in the running in any food and drink contest, but my favorite would have to be Halyards and the culinary artistry of Chef Dave. Being a fisherman himself, Dave loves to have his friends bring by their “Catch of the Day” and allow him to create a succulent meal with his special touch. Both Bill and Cindy Acree told me of magical meals that they have enjoyed with Chef Dave during the Atlanta Braves off season when Bill wasn’t so busy as a Braves executive. For more information, contact Dave at www.halyardsrestaurant.com.

Another interesting, but quite casual eatery, is within easy walking distance

Christ Church

from the King and Prince Hotel. The Saltwater Cowboy is a swinging place with a young, female chef straight out of the Bayou country of Southern Mississippi. She has put together some unique offerings of steak and seafood with a different Cajun rendering. For information or reservations, call 912-634-2102.

Certainly more experiences are available on St. Simons Island including visits to the historic Christ Church, Fort Frederica, Epworth by the

St. Simons Lighthouse

Sea, and the St. Simons Lighthouse. For me, however, the beaches, marshes, old oak trees, and the slow movement of time and tide take me back to simpler time in my youth when my family would visit this magical island during the summer break from school. Sure there are new businesses and different people, but the natural beauty where sea, sky, and shifting sands meet has a soothing effect that transcends all time.

Tags: Fort Frederica, General Oglethorpe, Halyards, King and Prince History, Saltwater Cowboy, St Simons Island History, The Battle of Bloody Marsh
Posted in St Simons Island, St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island History, The King and Prince Golf Course, The King and Prince Resort, Travel Reviews | 1 Comment »

Sky Magazine July 2011 – Iconic Cities in the U.S.

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

The July 2011 issue of Delta’s Sky Magazine had a special section called “Americana Summer” featuring five iconic cities in the U.S. St. Simons Island was one of destinations listed. The King and Prince Resort was listed for accommodations. To see the full special section and photos of The King and Prince and St. Simons click here: Sky Magazine July 2011.

St. Simons Island

This island off the coast of Georgia offers seaside splendor, historical intrigue and many opportunities to sit back and relax.

By Giannina Smith/ Photos By Chris M. Rogers

Just over the F.J. Torras Causeway towards St. Simons Island, a quaint Georgia beach town emerges that is uniquely different from many of the sandy retreats in nearby Florida. The largest of the Golden Isles-which also include Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island and Sea Island- St. Simons was settled by English colonists in 1736 and later used for rice and cotton plantations. It became a resort community in the 20th century, and the exodus from urban sprawl continues today, with stressed-out city dwellers looking to enjoy this unhurried, oceanside haven.

One of the island’s most noted historical attractions is Fort Frederica: Built in 1736, it was the center of defense for the English colony of Georgia. Tour the archaeological ruins of the fort before taking a shady drive along The Avenue of the Oaks- once the entrance to an antebellum plantation, this picturesque location now lines the entrance of the exclusive Sea Island Golf Club. For a bit more history, stop at Christ Church, a Gothic style structure hidden among the oaks that was the locale for Georgia author Eugenia Price’s novel The Beloved Invader.

Before heading to the center of activity in St. Simons’ pier village, trek up 129 steps to the top of the 1872 St. Simons Lighthouse to get a panoramic view of the coastline and nearby barrier islands. Stroll along the waterfront to the island’s bustling pier and take a breather while watching chatty locals reel in buckets of crab and fish.

If the sight of fresh seafood gets your stomach grumbling, head to Mallery Stree. For a no-frills, home-cooked breakfast, the 4th of May Deli and Cafe offers everything from seafood omelets with local shrimp and crab to peanut butter-and-apple French toast. Known for its crab cakes, Barbara Jean’s is another good spot for a casual lunch topped off by an indulgent “Chocolate Stuff” dessert. For a more refined repast, book a table at Halyards, where the island cuisine and wine list earns foodie accolades, or at its sister restaurant Tramici, a local favorite for southern Italian cooked in a wood-burning oven.

After lunch, browse through the village shops, tee off at one of the island’s golf clubs or rent a bike from Ocean Motion Surf Co. to pedal along the island’s extensive system of paved trails. To cover lots of ground without breaking a sweat, hop on a St. Simons Island Trolley Tour or rent a golf cart from High Tide Carts. For water-lovers, a Southeast Adventure kayak trip will take you through the wildlife marshes, and a ride aboard the Lady Jane, a retired 49-passenger steel shrimping vessel, can take you farther out to sea.

After a busy day of activities, head back to your ocean-view room at the Ocean Lodge. An elegand, old-world Europe-inspired bed-and-breakfast, this boutique property is nestled on a sleepy street just steps from the Atlantic. Another stellar option: a room at the histroic oceanfront King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, opened in 1935, or at the quaint Village Inn and Pub, veiled under the live oaks between a park and the village center. For impressive lodgings with a storied past, the properties of Sea Island- The Cloister and The Lodge-will not dissapoint.

Tags: Iconic Cities in the US, Sky Magazine Article, St Simons Island Attractions
Posted in St Simons Island, St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island Activities, St. Simons Island History, The King and Prince Resort, Travel Reviews | 1 Comment »

St. Simons Island- A Restful Retreat

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Dena & Chuck Bingham write about their visit to St. Simons Island in Senior Connection Magazine. Along with the King and Prince accommodations and St. Simons Island attractions, they describe the southern island culture and way of life.

St. Simons Island—A Restful Retreat

BY CHUCK AND DENA BINGHAM

OK. You’ve taken the grandkids to see Mickey and Minnie often enough to know the routine: Stand in line for 45 minutes for a five-minute ride; someone else’s crying grandkid just spilled a sticky concoction on your new izod shirt and the line for a $9 sandwich is twenty people deep. By late afternoon a whole theme park full of cranky three-year-olds are pitching a fit because they’re tired. You take two more Tylenol and head for the exit with your own grandkids in tow. Ah, but wait. You are parked on the other side of a lake that now looks endless and there are three thousand people in front of you waiting for the same ferry boat.

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Travel

The Oleander Building

This time do something for you… About an hour north of the Jacksonville airport is a quiet, laid-back hideaway just waiting for you. Take the Saint Simons Island exit off of I-95 and head for the Atlantic Ocean (about ten miles). Once you cross the causeway to St. Simons Island you can feel the stress melting away. You won’t find Ferris wheels, or tea cup rides, or 6-foottall rodents with big ears. What you will find is an upscale residential island that doesn’t mind sharing its seclusion with savvy, well-heeled vacationers.

Oceanfront Rooms

The grand old oak trees drip with Spanish moss as you make your way to the stately King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Upon arrival the attentive staff quickly reacquaints you with Southern hospitality. Built in 1935, the resort was originally a dance club for well-to-do Northerners. It has consistently been upgraded to meet today’s discerning traveler’s tastes. Accommodations range from Oceanside Villas to private cottages to king-bedded rooms. Outstanding cuisine is a hallmark of the resort and is not to be missed.

King and Prince Golf Course

Venturing into other parts of town reveals an additional bounty of local dining pleasures. Kick back at George Stewart’s Saltwater Cowboy for great pub fare. Or, if you’re in the mood for finer dining, try Halyards where Chef Dave Snyder prepares an exquisite tuna tartare. Lunch at Palmer’s Village Café is a must as Chef John Belechak prepares the best Southern dishes with locally grown produce. For a truly unique experience, take the “Lady Jane” shrimping trawler into the shallows of the Atlantic marshes for a first-hand look at how modern shrimping is accomplished. The tour comes complete with a marine biologist who explains in detail the ecosystem of the region and its importance to the local economy.

St Simons Island Trolley

St Simons Island Lighthouse

To enjoy the laidback pace of the island, why not rent bicycles at Ocean Motion right outside the entrance to King and Prince Resort. A leisurely 10-minute ride gets you to the heart of town. For the truly adventurous, the island boasts 18 miles of paved bicycle paths. If you’d rather let someone else navigate, try the Lighthouse Trolley which takes you (free) from the north end, where you’ll find the championship King and Prince Golf Course, to the south end, where you’ll find—you guessed it—the Lighthouse. Go in the lighthouse museum to hear about the great historical importance of this region.

There is so much, or so little, to do here…the choice is yours. If there is one drawback to this hidden treasure, it’s this: you may not want to leave…

To learn more, contact The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort at (912) 638-3631 and www.kingandprince.com, or visit the St. Simons Island visitors guide at www.explorestsimonsisland.com.

Tags: Lady Jane, St Simons Island Accommodations, St Simons Island Restaurants, St Simons Island Trolley, St. Simons Island Activities
Posted in St Simons Island, St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island Activities, The King and Prince Accommodations, The King and Prince Golf Course, Travel Reviews | 1 Comment »

Kristi Casey Sanders’ Travel Article About St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Kristi Casey Sanders writes about where to stay and things to do on St. Simons and Jekyll in Encore Atlanta. She mentions The King and Prince for its beach accommodations and resort golf course.

April 2011 Encore Life

Going coastal

Start your summer now on the ‘golden isles’ of Jekyll and St. Simons

By Kristi Casey Sanders

Spring is beautiful in Atlanta, with cherry blossoms and dogwood trees in bloom. And as spring clothes replace sweaters, it’s easy to yearn for full-on summer. That’s why so many spring breaks unfold on the beach. You can escape to a sandy wonderland where sunsets give way to moonlit surf, casual beach bars serve frosty drinks and fresh seafood, and kids can learn the fine art of avoiding sunburns while building sandcastles and riding Boogie boards.

Atlanta’s closest beaches are on the barrier islands off the Georgia coast. The four clustered around Brunswick are known as the “golden isles.” It’s a five-hour drive or a 60-minute flight via Delta Connection, which has three daily nonstop flights to Brunswick Golden Isles Airport.

There are exclusive resorts (Sea Island) and serene eco-retreats (Little St. Simons), but if you desire a family friendly spot affordable enough to become a yearly tradition, St. Simons and Jekyll islands are the best options.

St. Simons Island

There’s an anecdotal story told about the Timacuan Indians, who lived here under Spanish rule for almost 200 years. They finally rebelled, it is said, because the Catholic priests insisted the men take only one wife. Whether that’s true, you still get the feeling that these island inhabitants would rebel if someone tried to stop them from having a good time.

For more than 75 years, the center of the island’s social life has been the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort (800-342-0212), which began as an open-air oceanfront dance pavilion. The hotel grew up around the pavilion — now the Delegal Dining Room. It’s next to the King’s Tavern, a legendary watering hole added to the property in the 1980s. Accommodations range from traditional hotel rooms and multi-bedroom condo units with full kitchens to private homes with rooftop patios. Guests can rent bikes or kayaks, ride horseback on the beach, or learn how to play tennis, shoot sporting clays or fish.

Golf is a big deal here, and the King and Prince Course (912-634-0255) is quite scenic. Wild marsh grass cuts the field of play between the tee box and fairway on one hole, golf cart paths are elevated over marshland, wild birds soar overhead and gators nap inches from the greens under oak trees. The Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort (800-841-6268) offers guests three courses and suite-style accommodations, three clay tennis courts, three swimming pools and an array of family friendly activities.

The Lighthouse Trolley (912-638-3333) is a fun way to learn about the island’s history. It is owned by Cap Fendig, a local character and sometime politician, whose family has been here since the 1800s. You can take a narrated tour or hop on and off the trolley at scheduled stops. At Fort Frederica National Monument, you’ll see where Spanish and British troops clashed in 1742. Graves of their descendants are found in the historic graveyard surrounding Christ Church. The Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station has interactive, kid-friendly exhibits explaining the role the U.S. Coast Guard has played in the region before, during and since World War II. There’s also the famous St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum (912-638-4666), where you can enjoy the best view in town. Fendig’s company offers dolphin tours, bird-watching trips and real-estate services — in case you need a permanent local address.

The Georgia coast is only 100 miles long, but it contains one-third of this country’s salt marshes, which replenish the Atlantic Ocean’s ecosystem. Learn about the barrier island’s marine life aboard the Lady Jane (912-265-5711). Piloted by Captain Credle, the vessel takes passengers into St. Simons Sound, where marine biologists sort shrimp from the other creatures caught in nets and explain what guests are seeing. The ship’s first mate serves up a shrimp boil as the boat heads back to the dock.

As you’ll learn on the Lady Jane, you’re not eating just any shrimp. The salt marsh grasses available to Wild Georgia Shrimp™ grazing here make them particularly sweet. Shrimping season begins between April and June and runs through December. And thanks to the large local sturgeon population, this region also is known for quality caviar, harvested in January and February and said to be superior to Russia’s.

St. Simons doesn’t lack for good restaurants. Saltwater Cowboy (912-634-2102) is a relaxed steak and seafood eatery with live entertainment near the King and Prince Resort. Further inland is Southern Soul Barbeque (912-638-SOUL), featuring award-winning Brunswick stew. If people-watching is high on your agenda, try breakfast or lunch in the village at the Sandcastle Café & Grill (912-638-8883), where you’ll rub elbows with police officers, politicos and other characters.

Jekyll Island

Legislation requires that at least 66 percent of Jekyll Island remain in its natural state. The island is part of Georgia’s park system, so there is a small fee for all cars ($5/day or $25/week). On the island’s east coast, where the beaches are, an ongoing revitalization project has added budget hotels and a 20-acre oceanfront park with picnic pavilions and wheelchair-friendly beach access points. New shopping and dining outlets are under construction, but old favorites like Blackbeard’s Restaurant (912-635-3522) offer hearty fare and spectacular ocean and sunset views.

The Intracoastal Waterway borders the island’s west coast. Dine waterfront in the Jekyll Island Marina at Sea Jay’s Waterfront Cafe & Pub (912-635-3200) and on the Jekyll Island Pier at sister restaurants Latitude 31 (dinner only) and the Rah Bar (912-635-3800), where live music plays three to four nights a week and oysters and shrimp are available by the pound.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel (800-535-9547), at the heart of the island’s historic district, is a short walk from the pier. Built at the turn of the 20th century for vacationing millionaires, the club was described in a 1904 edition of Munsey’s Magazine as “the richest, most exclusive, most inaccessible club in the world.” After Georgia bought Jekyll Island in 1947, the club became a luxury hotel. Several of the surrounding millionaires’ “cottages” are now gift shops, restaurants, event facilities and atmospheric accommodations for small groups.

The resort can help you explore what life was like for the millionaires of the Gilded Age through a walking tour of the historic district. Learn how the Federal Reserve System was planned by a select group of bankers and politicians at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. See the island by bicycle or on horseback. Play croquet or sign up for a geocaching game for a treasure hunt around Jekyll. Also available: dolphin cruises, kayak tours or visits to nearby Cumberland or Sapelo island.

Four golf courses on the island’s interior use natural sand barriers, inland lakes and pine forests to create challenging links-style play. The best course for multigenerational groups is Pine Lakes, which has family friendly tee boxes and winds its way through prime bird-watching territory. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, a lazy river and waterslides beckon at the Summer Waves water park; the adjacent Tidelands Nature Center offers nature tours and watercraft rentals. Another prime attraction is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rehabilitation, research and educational center that has special programs for kids.

Tags: Jekyll Island Georgia, St Simons Island History, St Simons Island Restaurants, st. simons island georgia
Posted in St Simons Island, St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island Activities, St. Simons Island History, The King and Prince Golf Course, Travel Reviews | No Comments »

Easy Getaway to St. Simons Island

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

Charlene Peters writes another article on Examiner.com about St. Simons Island mentioning numerous outdoor activities and local restaurants.

Easy getaway from Boston to St. Simons Island, Georgia

April 11, 2011

Charlene Peters

Boston City Guide Examiner

Sometimes there’s nothing as exciting as discovering unique shopping areas in a destination you hadn’t expected would offer so much. St. Simons Island, about a one-hour drive from the Jacksonville, Florida airport, is such a place.

A high-scale island that caters to families who want an affordable vacation (a stay at the King and Price Beach & Golf Resort is the place to be), and is home (seasonal) to the Fortune 500 crowd, it was surprising to find affordable, unique pieces in trendy shops throughout the downtown area. But that was but one small perk in a recent visit to the 18-mile long island — with a population of 21,000 seasonally.

Sous Chef, Paula Murphy offers a cooking demo of shrimp 'n grits at King and Price Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island, Georgia

The culinary scene, which is trendy and not just about shrimp ‘n grits (although there are plenty of these sweet island tastes at almost every eatery), includes top restaurants such as Halyards, serving the freshest and tastiest tuna tartare with citrus aioli, as well as offering cooking classes through its USA Island Cooking Classes program. The drive to Halyards is your first course for dinner, aesthetically speaking, as the road that leads to this eatery is a tree tunnel of old oak trees accessorized with Spanish Moss. In business for 11 years, Chef Dave Snyder is one to watch, especially when he’s kneading his own cheese curd and water to make fresh mozarella. While Halyards is a bit more of an upscale dining experience, Chef Dave offers a scaled down version of more affordable tastes at his neighboring Tramici restaurant. And then there’s Palmer’s Village Cafe, the newest spot in town for breakfast and lunch, where Chef John Belechak serves southern specialties that will tempt you to return over and over again. If your in the mood for some low country pub food, head to Saltwater Cowboy and you’ll “git” your fill. Learn firsthand about the shrimping industry of the island onboard the Lady Jane, an absolute must for those who want to be in-the-know.

Not sure what else to do while on the island? Take a tour on the Lighthouse Trolley with “Cap” Fending and you’ll learn about life on the island, with personal anecdotes from a man that once ran for the presidential election, but now relishes in a life of sharing his experiences and knowledge of St. Simons Island through group tours on the trolley, as well as dolphin and fishing excursions. If you want to know more about the history of the Georgia Coast, you can head to the Coast Guard Maritime Museum and get your fill, courtesy of Curt Smith, or hop on a bicycle and get lost in the island’s surrounding beauty of beaches and residential areas. Ocean Motion offers kayak rentals and bicycles with baskets and locks so that you can cruise along 21 miles of bike paths! Oh, and it also has a great sports shop and clothing store.

Need to sweeten things up a bit? Head downtown to St. Simons Sweets and grab a pecan, Rice Krispie treat — or two.

If you, or someone you travel with loves golf, a must go-to spot would be the King & Prince Golf Course, a championship course that’s worth a golf cart drive through just to witness the beauty of the landscape.

Need a bit of culture? You’ll be sure to get your fill at the Left Bank Art Gallery, especially if you stay and chat with owner, Mildred Huie Wilcox, a southern belle who will leave you in awe with stories from her past experiences living in New York City as a fashion model, and stories of life on the island with her late-husband.

With so many treasures to experience on St. Simons Island, this is a destination worth exploring.

Tags: Georgia Golf Resort, St Simons Attractions, Things to do St Simons Island
Posted in St Simons Island, St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island Activities, The King and Prince Golf Course, The King and Prince Resort, The King and Prince Restaurants, Travel Reviews | No Comments »

Charlene Peters’s St Simons Island Travel Article

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Charlene Peters writes writes about her travels to The King and Prince and St. Simons Island on WickedLocal.

Taste of Travel: Reigned in by the King and Prince Resort

By Charlene Peters /Wicked Local Marblehead

Marblehead Reporter

Posted Apr 19, 2011 @ 03:36 PM

Swampscott —All the hype leading to the royal marriage between Kate Middleton and Prince William of Wales is likely to evoke the need for a bit of grandeur in your own life. So, if you’re in need of getting the royal treatment, there’s an affordable destination with a five-star golf course and staff that will treat you like crowned royalty — and you’ll be in surroundings fit for a king.

Lined with oak trees over 200 years old, it’s the Spanish moss that will grab your attention. Draped on limbs that “bough” down to greet you with southern hospitality, and streets dotted with blooming azaleas, roses and more floral landscape, St. Simons Island in Georgia spans 18 miles along a salt marsh that keeps sweet Georgia shrimp happily fed and spawning. Although peaches are what come to the minds of most when this low country Southern state is mentioned — on St. Simons Island, it’s all about shrimp. In fact, Georgia has the largest marshland in acres and is the largest producer of seafood on the eastern coast.

Shrimp with grits, peel ‘n’ eat boiled shrimp, fried shrimp — whatever y’all are in the mood for, you can get it at St. Simons. If you’re not sure how you want your shrimp prepared, or want to try other seafood tastes of the area, such as grouper or flounder, head to King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, a family-friendly, affordable spot on the island for the Friday night seafood buffet; you’ll be guaranteed to get your fill of seafood, as well as prime rib and an assortment of desserts, such as peach cobbler, of course.

: Shrimp ‘n’ grits at King and Prince Resort, St. Simons Island, Georgia

Paula Murphy, sous chef at KP, knows her grits (acronym: “girls raised in the south”). Murphy advises seasoning grits as you cook them — don’t wait until they’re fully cooked or “they won’t work,” she says. Cooking lessons are part of KP’s offerings, held in spacious rooms with windows that overlook the sea. During high tide, the beach disappears and all you see is water (you’ll feel as if you’re on a cruise ship, but without the seasickness).

Shrimpin’ along Georgia’s coastline on the Lady Jane is as popular as the little black dress.

A walk, bike or Lighthouse Trolley ride off-resort will lead you to the Left Bank Art Gallery, where owner, Millie Huie Wilcox, upon request, will regale you with stories of her life, including her past fashion modeling career in New York City, as well as how she came to own an art gallery on St. Simons Island. The artwork, some of which features artists from France, hosts plenty of talented regional artists (my personal favorite: Jane Smithers of North Carolina). Following a fill of culture, be sure to take time to explore the fantastic shopping districts for women, and take a break at Palmer’s, the newest breakfast and lunch eatery, a must-stop for visitors who want to experience a taste of the south. Try the Southern poached eggs with collard greens accompanied by a ham and buttermilk biscuit topped with pot licker gravy, or Mary’s chicken salad sandwich with the hollowed Hoagie filled with ricotta cheese and sun dried tomato chicken salad. Hey, even the Texas-cut French toast stuffed with a strawberry cream will more than satisfy the ficklest of foodies.

Until you reign at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, here are a few shrimp recipes that will catapult you down south.

Shrimp and Grits

- recipes courtesy of King and Prince Resort

Burgundy gravy:

1 lb. shrimp (26-30 count)

3/4 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup julienned red pepper

1/2 cup julienned green pepper

1/2 cut julienned onion

8 beef bouillon cubes

1 quart water

Dash of salt

Dash of cayenne pepper

4 oz. Burgundy wine

Sauté onions, mushrooms and peppers in butter. Add wine and bring to a boil. Add salt and cayenne pepper, re1duce heat. Add shrimp and simmer for 5 minutes. Add beef bouillon cubes and mix well, add water and bring to a boil. Thicken with half cornstarch and half water mixture.

Cheese grits:

2 cups stone ground grits

1 quart chicken stock

1 quart milk

1-1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 cup water

Bring chicken stock and milk to boil. Add grits, cook for 5 minutes. Add cheese, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add butter, stir well and cook for 10 minutes.

Serves 6 to 8

***

Shrimp & Crab Seafood Lasagna

2 cups wild shrimp (preferably from Georgia), medium size, defrosted and dried off on paper towels (you can also use/add crab, scallops, etc.)

1 garlic clove, minced

3 scallions cut in 1/2-inch pieces (greens included)

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

1-1/2 cups béchamel (when making sauce, use only 1 cup)

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup dry white wine

Few threads saffron

Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

3/4 cup Fontina, provolone and mozzarella cheese mix, shredded

1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese

8 lasagna sheets, cooked “al dente”

Salt and ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, sauté the garlic until transparent — do not brown or burn. Add the shrimp and toss over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add scallions and parsley, stir and continue cooking until shrimp lose their transparency. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the béchamel using just 1 cup of milk as you will be adding the cream and white wine to it. When the béchamel is ready, stir in the cream, wine, saffron, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. Blend thoroughly and remove the sauce from the heat.

Spread about a third of the sauce over the bottom of an 8- by- 10-inch round pie pan. Sprinkle half the cheese mixture (Fontina/mozzarella) over the sauce. Scatter about half the shellfish evenly over the cheese. Cover with half the lasagna sheets. Repeat the layers finishing with the last sheets of lasagna. Cover with the remaining sauce and Parmesan and a few threads of saffron (and some ground pepper if you wish).

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until topping is golden brown (keep an eye on it — you don’t want the top to burn). Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 4 to 6

Tags: Lady Jane, Left Bank Art Gallery, Palmer's Village Cafe, Shrimp and Grits Recipe, St Simons Island Restaurants, The King's Tavern
Posted in St Simons Island, St Simons Island Restaurants, The King and Prince Restaurants, Travel Reviews | No Comments »

St. Simons Island Discoveries

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Sheila Gaspers writes a second article about her St. Simons trip on her blog, Tango Diva. She writes about local eateries and activities on the island.

St. Simons Island Discoveries – Coastal Georgia

April 20th, 2011 by Sheila

My love affair with St. Simons Island, Georgia is renewed with each visit.

Living the island life is about exploration & experimentation.

Here are a few delightful ”Off the Beaten Path” Recommendations:

Sandcastle Cafe & Grill - Local DIVE Extraordinaire for over 20 + years! You have hit the mother lode when you have opted for the breakfast buffet. I found myself drowning in ecstasy over a plate of biscuits and gravy…no easy task for a northern gal. Owners, Tim and Melissa Wellford take pride in serving up a hearty and wholesome meal for under $10.
Palmer’s Village Cafe – a hip newcomer to the Island Dining Scene. Chef John Belechak, hailing from Tennessee’s jewel – The Inn at Blackberry Farm, brings his prestigious culinary experience and love of innovation to his new special seaside kitchen. Customers are treated to unique flavor combinations with every dish. Oversized whimsical and colorful paintings by island artist, Cathie Parmelee, brighten the walls and frame the open kitchen giving the eatery its artsy bistro ambience. The cafe is a hometown hit. You know it’s good when the locals are lining up on Mallery Street with visitors to partake in Palmer’s signature plates. The Hooch, a spicy cheese omelet dressed with fried onions and served with grits; Mary’s Chicken Salad Sandwich, a toasted hoagie filled with rich ricotta cheese and red pepper and Palmer’s rock’n Reuben Sandwich are notoriously popular! Expect a wait; the word on the street – “it doesn’t get any better than this”. Open for breakfast (served all day) and lunch with monthly themed dinners to be added to the mix by September. Reservations accepted for larger parties.
Saltwater Cowboy – Good Down Home Island Grub…with a touch of the big city. Give me a great burger or serve up a juicy T-Bone steak, grilled tuna, low country boil …and, I am liv’n the St. Simons’ dream. Enjoy that extra cocktail, Saltwater Cowboy is just around the corner from the resort….so skip the car, relax and take carefree moonlit stroll back to your island sanctuary.
Halyards - Fine Dining Far from Ordinary! Chef Owner, Dave Snyder excels in opening up his kitchen and the minds of guests to innovative cuisine that focuses on simple pleasures. His talent and generosity runneth over! Chef Snyder loves to share – his expertise, his recipes and his local finds. He seeks out only the best ingredients and harvests from the nearby coastal area whenever possible – local fish, shrimp and farm fresh products – to deliver an authentic regional dining experience. Halyard’s “Catch of the Day – Your Way” – Asian, Almondine or Nola/Cajun with a variety of sides – gives frequent diners a chance to mix it up and experiment. Or indulge in a mouth-watering favorite dish from the main menu – Almond Baked Trout, Braised Short Ribs, or opt for the Mustard Glazed Pork Chop. Whatever the entree, you will not be disappointed. But no meal would really be complete without a taste of Halyard’s Creamy Blue Crab Bisque; be forewarned, during the holidays faithful customers flock to the restaurant for carry out containers of the hearty homemade recipe – so it may be sold out! For a limited time, you can dine and save with Halyard’s fixed menu special - 3 for $33 -available most weeknights. Love Italian… then cross the courtyard to Tramici, Halyard’s sister restaurant next door. Expect the same great friendly service with casual Italian fare at affordable prices.

So much to see and do! You will need more than a weekend to enjoy all that the island has to offer!

Lady Jane Shrimp Boat Saint Simons Island Trolley

Saint Simons Island boating Saint Simons Island Maritime Center Saint Simons Island biking

My Top Picks

The Coast Guard Maritime Museum and Lighthouse. You will not want to miss St. Simons’ native historian, Mr. Curt Smith’s engaging and enlightening personal tour.
A Trolley Tour c/o St. Simons Lighthouse Trolley. If you are lucky, a colorful narration awaits by trolley owner and island ex-commissioner, Cap Fendig, a charming southern gent with stories that could fill a lifetime. On the weekends, Cap offers a wonderful 90 minute river tour exploring the inland waters around the island where playful Dolphins and Alligators are often spotted. Each tour is a special adventure.
An Island Bike Ride – 11+ miles of incredible natural beauty. Ocean Motion Surf Shop, just one block the resort’s entrance, offers affordable flexible rentals.
Shopping on Mallery Street in the Village. Fabulous Fashionista Finds!
Dancing and Drinks at The Village Pub, a fun local watering hole. Good music and good people that make for a GREAT time!
Shrimp Boat Experience on the Lady Jane. A perfect way to spend an afternoon! Learn about the shrimp industry firsthand and discover the wonders of the coastal eco-system brimming with sea life from onboard marine experts – horseshoe crabs, turtles, fish, squid, shrimp and more. A fantastic family outing!
A visit to the Left Bank Art Gallery and an informal chat with owner and island icon, Millie Huie Wilcox. Relish every moment as Millie shares personal stories and intimate insights of the art and the island.
A Chocolate or Cupcake Fix at St. Simons Sweets – a candy emporium of homemade treats, ice cream and confectionary delights. Sharon. the owner, tells me it is all about a special mother’s touch. Her mom, Mary often acts as quality control in the kitchen while baking away behind the scenes daily to deliver decadent and delicious memories. Mom’s specialty Orange Cupcakes are outrageous…be sure to snag a few for the road trip home.
Soak in the Sunshine with a morning jog or walk on the beach then lounge with a good book poolside at the King and Prince Resort.
Sleep In with the balcony doors wide open welcoming a cool ocean breeze and the hypnotic sonata of the surf.

It is hard resist the charm and beauty of the island.

Visitors always seem to find their way back…bringing extended family and friends in tow. And then, of course, there are those lucky few…who come to vacation…fall in love…and simply choose to never leave.

Whether for a day, a week or a lifetime, St. Simons will capture your heart!

Before you go: You will not want to miss the Tango Diva Special Profile on the Island’s top rated oceanfront property,The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.

For all your travel planning needs, visit the Brunswick-Golden Isles Tourism website or call 800-933-COAST.

Tags: St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island Activities, St.Simons Island Dining, Things to do St Simons Island
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Patti Davis Writes About Stay at King and Prince

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island

By Patti Davis

April 7, 2011

“What kid in all of us wouldn’t want to find treasure?” - Cap Fendig, St. Simons native and 2008 presidential candidate

St. Simons Island is that gleaming treasure. Choose a five hour drive, or a quick flight from Atlanta, as you travel back to a more gracious era. If St. Simons is the treasure, then the crowning jewel is The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Opened as a seaside dance club in 1935, you feel enveloped in history as you step inside the grand lobby. Overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, it is not hard to imagine Jay Gatsby holding court while enjoying a gin and tonic at the bar.

Aerial View of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Accommodations

With a wide variety of rooms, villas and private cottages, the resort has something for everyone. You may select a romantic king-bedded room facing oceanfront or a cottage for the entire family that has a full kitchen with all the amenities. All you have to do is pick up some fresh Georgia shrimp for the grill.

Amenities
Four outdoor pools and two hot tubs dot the property, with an additional heated indoor pool adjacent to the lobby. If golf is your passion, complimentary transportation whisks you to the resort’s Hampton Club Golf Course, while giving you a guided tour of the island as an added bonus. Do you crave a massage? Wander over to the cozy Royal Treatment Cottage to release any stress.

Dining
The Friday night seafood buffet at the Delegal Dining Room is not to be missed. Trays are laden with crab legs, fried and freshly shucked oysters, boiled, fried and sauteed shrimp along with a carving station and an impressive array of side dishes and desserts. A signature dish of pecan-encrusted tilapia in an amaretto sauce had me wishing I had asked for the recipe. If you are looking for a place off-property, try Saltwater Cowboy, just outside the entrance to the resort for delicious steak.

The King and Prince truly is the epitome of southern charm.

WHERE:
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
201 Arnold Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522
Reservations: (800)-342-0212
Direct: (912) 638-3631

Tags: Cap Fendig, Georgia Accommodations, Resort Accommodations, Resort Amenities, Saltwater Cowboy
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Kristi Sanders Visits St. Simons Island

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

Kristi Sanders, writer for Plan Your Meetings, recently took a trip to St. Simons Island. She stayed at The King and Prince and toured the area. She saw historic places, ate at local restaurants, and enjoyed local attractions. Her article about her trip is below.

St. Simons Island: Wild, historic seaside beauty

By Kristi Casey Sanders

Published: February 10, 2011

Want unusual transportation?

Play off the island’s historic allure by chartering a Lighthouse Trolley for a guided tour or to shuttle attendees from point A to point B. The open-air trolley looks historic, but provides a smooth ride and might be piloted by naturalist, sometimes politician and local character, Cap Fendig, whose family has resided on St. Simons since the 1800s. Fendig’s company also offers fishing and dolphin tours and beach walks.

Want edutainment?

Take attendees on a sunset shrimping cruise aboard The Lady Jane. Captain Credle and his son Cliff take small groups out to see how Wild Georgia Shrimp are harvested. Along the way, guests will learn about other forms of indigenous marine wildlife and enjoy a shrimp boil.

Want to meet somewhere with history?

The 197-room King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort originally opened in 1935, survived two fires, was rebuilt and reopened in 1941, just in time to be commandeered by the U.S. Navy for use as a WWII radar operator training station. The Delegal Room began its life as an open-air “casino” (read: gathering place) that was the center of the island’s social life. Lined with stained glass windows depicting scenes from the island’s history, the now-enclosed space offers a stunning view of the ocean and accommodates up to 200 for banquets and 250 for receptions. The Solarium (capacity: 60 banquet-style) was the original hotel’s lobby lounge; it features distinctive crown moldings, woodwork, antique furnishings and a wrap-around view of the water. Other historic meeting spaces with ocean views include the 20-person Butler boardroom and the 1,050-sq. ft. Retreat Room. The resort also has a divisible ballroom, oceanfront event lawn, 48 two- and three-bedroom villas and eight private homes that can host events. The A.W. Jones Heritage Center and adjacent St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum are available for receptions, meetings and corporate events. Venues include an oceanfront event lawn, a historic gazebo, a 1,400-sq. ft. multipurpose room and a boardroom.

Want to meet by the marsh?

Located a short drive from the beach is the 175-room Sea Palms Resort & Conference Center, which offers one- to four-bedroom suites and meeting space with views of lagoons, the salt marsh and lush golf courses. Meeting space includes a 6,500-sq. ft. climate-controlled pavilion (capacity: 600 banquet) and a conference center with 11 meeting rooms (capacity: 400 theater; 320 banquet). Other amenities include a private beach club, three swimming pools and resort activities.

Want golf?

Sea Palms has two golf courses on property: an 18-hole, par-71 Tall Pines/Great Oaks course and a par-34, nine-hole executive Sea Palms West course. The 18-hole, par-72 King and Prince Golf Course is so integrated into the wild marsh landscape, tee boxes give way to hazards of wild grass, holes are linked by elevated cart bridges, and gators lurk in the historic forests and ponds between the fairways.

Want group dining?

The Village Inn & Pub on St. Simons is a 1930s-era beach cottage that’s been expanded to include an authentic English pub and guest rooms. The cozy pub is known for its wild orchid martinis and features a stone fireplace surrounded by leather lounge chairs and a sun porch. Live entertainment is a staple at SaltWater Cowboy, a steak and seafood restaurant located within walking distance of the King and Prince. If it’s Brunswick stew or barbecue your group hankers after, Southern Soul Barbeque offers full-service catering and can bring its hardwood-fired smoker to prepare meals on-site.

Want group activities?

St. Simons has some fascinating historic sites in addition to its famous lighthouse, which is still used and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station has rooms filled with interactive maritime exhibits and a short film that gives guests a crash course on the island’s history. The Christ Church congregation dates back to the 1700s. The island’s church of that name was built in the 1800s and is known for its stained glass windows and cemetery filled with the island’s earliest settlers. In 1742, Spanish and British forces met in battle to decide the fate of St. Simons Island. The English soldiers of Fort Frederica were victorious. Today, the remains of their military stronghold are Fort Frederica National Monument’s main attraction.

Tags: Georgia golf, Georgia Meeting Space, St Simons Island Restaurants, St. Simons Island Activities
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“The Southern Spirit of St. Simons Island, Georgia”

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Linda Kissam visited The King and Prince Resort a few weeks ago. She wrote a raving review of The Resort and St. Simons Island. Her review was posted in her blog and on Tripatini.

Beach at The King and Prince

There’s a lot to be said for Southern hospitality. There’s much more to be said experiencing it for yourself. I was very fortunate to do just that in a five-day trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia. For a traveling wine aficionado and foodie like me, this has got to be one of my top three trips this year. It’s quite clear that Southern hospitality focuses heavily on food and the role it plays in daily life and social interaction. Add some great wines, amazing beaches and fun activities… and Voila! I found Southern nirvana.

For a Southern California girl it’s a bit unnerving to be addressed as “Ma’am “all the time. I am more used to hearing “Babe, ”Dude,” and “Hey”. But there’s a whole lot of emphasis in the South on the etiquette of being addressed as “Ma’am” and “Sir” to demonstrate respect. After about 20 minutes I actually rolled quite easily into the greeting. How nice to find that manners still exist and flourish in today’s casual world.

Crowne Plaza Hotel

My St. Simon’s experience began with a 5-hour plane ride to Jacksonville Airport. Arriving a bit late, I decided to rest up and regroup at the newly refurbished and award winning Crowne Plaza Hotel. This is one of the few hotels that still offer a free shuttle to/from the airport. I was treated to an amazing executive level room overlooking a beautiful courtyard. I loved, loved loved the beautiful business center located just feet from my room. It offered a computer and printer to conduct business at and luxe furnishings (including a huge flat screen TV) to stretch out and relax in. I was delighted to also find a great coffee maker featuring lattes, cappuccinos, teas, and hot chocolate; and a refrigerator stocked with ice cream, fruit and other delights. These people understand the business traveler.

Crowne Plaza Executive Chef White

While touring the hotel’s impressive restaurant, conference/event areas, lobby bar, Internet Café, and fitness center, I noticed a solid mix of business and family guests. I headed back to my room where I was met by Executive Chef Arthur White carrying a yummy welcome fruit platter. He was kind enough to sit with me awhile while we talked about his background, his philosophy and the foods he loves to prepare. This 31-year veteran started his career at the property as a dishwasher. His hard work ethic and culinary mastery eventually earned him the top chef spot. He describes his cooking style and offerings as a mixture of Southern, Caribbean, Italian, Cajun and American cuisine. He shared with me that his favorite ingredient is cream as he loves creating cream soups, sauces and Seafood Newburg. Eating at the restaurant is a treat. I highly recommend this hotel for its upscale amenities, friendly business traveler atmosphere, and its family-friendly facilities. How they can blend all that into one fabulous hotel experience I am not sure, but they do, and you should take advantage of it whether flying in for a cruise, a sports game, or a trip to the dazzling St Simon’s Island.

St Simons Island Beaches

The next morning I was picked up by Max Transport for the one-hour ride to St. Simons and my lodging The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. I began to first understand the extraordinary St. Simons Island aura as I crossed the five-mile causeway experiencing stunning river views, immense salt marshes, and my first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Once on the Island, tunnels of Live Oaks, picturesque ocean-side streets and homes, and all the natural beauty, beaches, intriguing shopping opportunities and an array of restaurant choices all called out to me to stop, relax and renew.

The King and Prince Lobby

The historic King and Prince Resort has been welcoming guests since 1935. I could go on and on about the historic resort. The room choices are endless and appropriate for every need and budget. Think beach front rooms, villas, suites, and guest homes. Add in 10, 000 sq. ft. of ocean front meeting, conference and function space, wedding facilities and several excellent dining options and you have the ultimate experience. My beach front room was just steps from the beach, was beautifully appointed and featured a lovely patio to chill out on. Wine in one hand, computer in the other… I was soon relaxing on comfortable wicker furniture listening to the soothing sounds of crashing Atlantic waves.

Lighthouse Trolley

Having met up with several friends, I was soon hopping on the St. Simons Lighthouse Trolley to begin my exploration of St. Simons’ history and the Southern fun and hospitality experience. First stop was the Coast Guard Maritime Museum. This was to be my introduction to the intriguing history of the Georgia Coast. A 20-minute video and a 30 minute tour of the museum explained the ecological nuances of the Georgia’s barrier islands of which St. Simons is the second largest of Georgia’s 18 barrier islands, encompassing 31 square miles. Open seven days a week with an admission price of $6.00, be sure to stop by.

Gould's Inlet

With the day waning, the trolley made a final sunset stop at Gould’s Inlet. Gould’s Inlet is the opening between St. Simons East Beach and the south tip of Sea Island providing inspiring views of coastal birds. Picturesque wooden observation platforms are part of the experience for wildlife viewing. Migrants and resident species of birds can be seen every day. High or incoming tides are best for birding at this site, but something will be there all the time, as was the case with my time there.

Chef Robyn Gomez at The King and Prince

Dinner that night was at the hotel in the lovely Solarium. We were treated to appetizers and White Sangria, with a main course of Wild Georgia Shrimp & Grits, seafood salad, and Peach Cobbler…all via a culinary demo featuring Chef Robyn Gomez. Have to confess, up until that night I had never had grits or White Shrimp. Both were exquisite and made an immediate convert out of me. The food, the service, and the culinary talents of Chef Gomez defines gracious Southern hospitality and is definitely what culinary memories are made of. And oh yes, you have to love that the perfect wine – a 2007 MontGras Reserva Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca Valley, Chile was chosen to pair with the dinner.

Next morning my friends and I popped into the King & Prince King’s Tavern for their world-famous Breakfast Buffet and to listen to a short talk on 75 years of St. Simons History with Curt Smith, the Lighthouse Events Coordinator and Historian. Let me just say that “Wow” defines the buffet and the Mimosa’s. I loved the eclectic mix of Southern focused dishes and all- American favorites.

King and Prince Golf Course

Back on the trolley, the group headed out for an afternoon of golf and lunch at the King and Prince Golf Course. Paired up in two’s in golf carts we toured the award-winning course well-known for its challenging layout amongst ancient forests, vast salt marshes and dramatic island holes. Had to love the two alligators sunning themselves on the 15^th hole (see on the left)! After the tour we were treated to a golf lesson including a swing lesson and a putting lesson. I sucked big time at learning how to swing a club, but was dynamite in the putting class. Lunch came next in the comfortable clubhouse overlooking the huge lake that adds to the challenge of the course’s 9th hole. If it’s golf you like, this is the place for you. Also a great place for a wedding.

Back at the hotel I opted for a walk on the beach at low tide. The soothing coastal air and wet sand beneath my toes reinforced that this untouched island haven is a luxury of time well spent. Dinner was a short stroll away at the Saltwater Cowboy. Owner George Stewart‘s vision for this casual eatery centers around steak, seafood, low country boil, burgers and a nice selection of cocktails, beer and wine. I had a lovely Cabernet with my generous tasty 16-oz Rib Eye. Open seven days a week for dinner, enjoy the frequent live music and really cool bar.

Sandcastle Cafe

St Simons Island Village

Up early the next morning, our group was back on The Lighthouse trolley to the Sandcastle Café. Tim and Melissa Welford have a gold mine in this village, “hole in the wall.” The place was crowded, and for good reason. The food is good, plentiful, affordable and easily lives up to its “family legend” status of 20 years. Order off the menu or enjoy the breakfast buffet. Afterwards stroll the shops and sights that make up this scenic waterfront village. I certainly scored in several of the boutique shops, but in a few hours I was back on the trolley heading out for lunch at Southern Soul BBQ.

Southern Soul BBQ

This is what I had been waiting for …Southern BBQ, and I was not disappointed. Another crazy-busy spot this Southern smoke joint slow hardwood smokes their ribs, chicken, sausages and beef. Featured on Food Network’s, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” this is a local landmark and deservedly so. Eat inside or outdoors, expect a short wait, and delicious melt-in-your mouth BBQ. Geese I really really loved the variety of squirt bottles of spicy, mild, smoky, and Carolina- style sauces available at each seating area. Get yourself some spicy ribs, sweet tea or cool beer, and be ready for the experience of a lifetime.

Lady Jane

Filled to the gills, we were off to an authentic shrimp boat experience aboard the “Lady Jane.” For me, this particular experience was my “Wow” moment of the trip because it brought together all the St Simons Island puzzle pieces together. it was the culmination of the beauty, the brawn and the ecological magic that makes this place so special. The Lady Jane is a United States Coast Guard certified 49 passenger steel shrimping vessel painstakingly refurbished for an enjoyable seafaring cruise. Lady Jane is the only shrimp vessel on the entire east coast that has been certified by the USCG to carry 49 passengers. Our crew and guides, Paul Christian (Marine Biologist), Phillip Flournoy (Marine Biologist)and a very mature and focused teenager Clifford Credle (aspiring Marine Biologist) dredged the inland coastal waterway for shrimp. We were invited to help sort through the catch of shrimp, Bonnethead , Blacktip, Sand shark, Horseshoe Crab,Puffer Fish, Amberjack, Crocker, Spot, Whiting, Bluecrab, and Skate while learning about the waterway ecology and each portion of the catch from Cilfford. As a extra bonus we were offered fresh shrimp to eat, boiled and prepared by First Mate John Tyre. Weather is never a concern, as the Lady Jane performs quite nicely in the protected waters of St. Simon Sound, has an air conditioned cabin, restroom, and large open decks with ample room to walk around and enjoy the views. About $40 per person, this is a deal …and a memory for a lifetime.

The “Southern” experience is something I highly endorse. If you’ve never been a part of this engaging phenomena, I suggest you start the discovery process at the King and Prince resort on St. Simons Island.

If you already know what I am talking about, then you know how right I am … so what’s keeping you from booking a room at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, and falling in love all over again?

Tags: Georgia golf, Lady Jane, Saltwater Cowboy, Sandcastle Café & Grill, Southern Soul BBQ, St Simons Island Restaurants, St Simons Island Trolley
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