Is there such a thing as an absolutely ‘perfect’ day? There are many who will answer this question with a resounding, “YES!” And then they will speak about the day their child was born, the day they got married, the day of their anniversary, or the moment they met their soulmate. Some sports fanatics will even describe their ‘perfect’ day as being the first time they witnessed Tiger hit a hole-in-one. But, on this day, I want to describe to all of you an absolutely ‘perfect’ day that was just had by one of my colleagues. This is a day that everyone who reads this will yearn for more than anything in this world. A day of peace, beauty, serenity, where absolutely nothing can go wrong, and there is nothing bad in the world anywhere.
This day begins at the King and Prince Resort located in the stunning St. Simons Island, Georgia. There is a reason why this location is among the ‘Golden Isles’ because, quite frankly, it may be the only place in this country that is pure paradise.
(Warning: I was told of this perfect day by the person who was immersed in this joy and beauty. And after hearing it, my perfect day would’ve been to slap him silly in order to make sure he knew that I wanted that perfect day, too! (LOL) I have a feeling this may be your reaction, as well.)
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…I awoke to the sun greeting me; that perfect invitation to spend yet another beautiful day on St. Simons Island. The sunrises, the sunsets – there is nothing more invigorating than that perfect picture appearing over the clear, blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.
Rising, looking around at accommodations that are truly fit for a King, I went about my normal routine. A walk on the beach came first; a walk that entailed dolphins playing beside me as I stared out at the vivid flowers, and listened to the myriad of birds add their ‘good morning’ calls into the warm breeze.
I headed straight for the Kings Tavern to enjoy a breakfast of Eggs Benedict and a plate of fruit to get the ole’ synapse firing. Between the luscious sights and smells that are always a part of the King’s Tavern, it becomes almost impossible to leave.
But after the immaculate breakfast served by the nicest and most professional staff I’ve ever met, my partner and I walked the two blocks to “Ocean Motion,” in order to 
pick-up a couple of bikes we rented for the day.
We rode along the serene Ocean Blvd. for a mile to the quaint, elegant village of St. Simons. There, we were looking forward to walking around an arts and crafts fair that was being held. Little did we know this was also a day of celebration; Patriots Day, which is held to “honor the patriots of the American Revolution.”
So a day of sight-seeing soon turned into an amazing day of learning, where I immersed myself in the truly magnificent history of this area. You see, Georgia – and St. Simons Island – played a very significant role in the American Revolution. I soon learned that sixty-four counties in Georgia are actually named after patriots. Georgia also boasts the Revolutionary War Trail, which follows the Savannah River. On this Trail, historians and visitors can see the exact sites of some of the most important battles fought for our freedom. Included are, The Battle at Vann’s Creek; the Battle of Kettle Creek; the Battle of Brier Creek; and other the battles and sieges highlighting Augusta and Savannah. These moments in time were highly significant in building the Republic. In fact, both of these amazing cities are known as ‘Revolutionary Capitals’ of Georgia.
As I discovered the significant role that St. Simons Island played, I was amazed. One of the most interesting points was the huge naval battle that was fought near the Old Fort of Frederica built by the British.
Fort Frederica National Monument, preserves the archaeological remnants of the old fort and the town that was built by James Oglethorpe, in order to protect the southern 
boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish raids. Over 630 British troops were stationed inside the fort; and a town of over 500 colonial residents ‘grew up’ outside.
It was in 1742 that the battles of Bloody Marsh and Gully Hole Creek were fought here, in which Oglethorpe successfully squashed any and all Spanish attempts to retake St. Simons Island.
But it was also here, during the American Revolution, that an extremely important naval battle – The Frederica Naval Action - was fought and won by the American Colonists on April 19, 1778.
It was on April 15th that colonists discovered the fact that four British ships were going to sail into St. Simons Sound. 360 troops from the Georgia Continental Battalions boarded three Georgia Navy galleys: the Washington, the Lee, and the Bulloch, and entered the Frederica River. They dropped anchor and waited. On April 19th, the colonial ships – armed with heavier cannons and galleys which had a shallow draft so they could be rowed far easier – attacked the British.
When the winds died down and the British ships had difficulty maneuvering, two of them ran aground. The battle showed just how effective the ‘open’ galleys could be in restricted waters over ships designed for only the open sea. The Frederica Naval Action was a huge boost to the morale of the Colonists in Georgia, and the beginning a truly ‘free’ America. Patriots Day held on St. Simons is truly a stunning celebration of that day, and honors those who sacrificed their lives in order to build the Republic which we enjoy today.
I was among hundreds that attended, and not only did I come away with historic facts and knowledge, but I also had a new appreciation for the Colony of Georgia.
Back at the King and Prince, enjoying the food, the rooms, the pools, the golf course…there’s not one moment of the day where you’re not completely enamored. April is a great time to enjoy St. Simons; the vibrant flowers, the stunning landscapes, the quiet nature – and the true history that surrounds you – is, at all times, breathtaking.
I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
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See that everyone? THAT is a truly ‘perfect’ day. And I know you’re with me in saying that he deserves that slap! J
It’s time for all of us to enjoy that ‘perfect’ day! So, let’s just say that I hope we all head to the King and Prince very soon!
To witness the ‘best of the best’ and make immediate reservations, head to:
http://www.kingandprince.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/kingandprince
http://www.facebook.com/TheKingandPrince
http://blog.kingandprince.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/KingandPrince1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingandprinceresort/
http://www.kingandprince.com/
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
201 Arnold Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
(912) 638-3631: Phone
(800) 342-0212: Reservations
(912) 638-7699: Fax
Source: http://gignewsonline.com/2012/04/22/patriots-day-celebration-on-st-simons/
