*This blog post was guest written by Jennifer Prince
Wedding planning involves many different aspects – the dress, the color palette, the flowers. There are so many decisions to be made, and it’s always wise to consider your guests when you are planning. One choice that should be easy is including St. Simons Island into your big day! Even if your friends and family are traveling from a distance – and no matter their interests – they are sure to find something fun to do.
The History Buff
For those who adore an area steeped in history, St. Simons Island is full of options. One island favorite is St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Boasting beautiful views from the top, history buffs will certainly find the museum and its docents adept at describing the daily life of those who lived and worked at the lighthouse.
If a lover of the past enjoys the great outdoors, then Fort Frederica is a must see. With seaside views and lovely grounds, this national park showcases the remains of a fortification and the town that surrounded it.
Also of note is Christ Church, whose interior structure resembles the hull of a ship and includes beautifully stained glass. The surrounding cemetery is captivating and includes graves as early as the turn of the 19th century.
The Explorer
Have an adventurous guest? Suggest that they rent a bicycle from Ocean Motion. The island is easy to navigate, and a big plus is that bikes can be ridden on the beach during low tide.
For those who are curious about the waterways, taking a boat tour with Cap Fendig (of Lighthouse Trolleys) is a lovely option. The explorer will enjoy seeing native birds, open waters and the Sidney Lanier Bridge.
The Foodie
If your guests love food, then they are certainly in for a treat. Whether craving fine dining in the evening or a quick bite before the day begins, ECHO at The King and Prince is the perfect choice. As the only oceanfront restaurant on the island, the culinary team has a philosophy of “local first” when choosing ingredients for their carefully curated cuisine.
Another choice for your epicurean friends is Georgia Sea Grill. With a focus on both sustainable and local ingredients, their dinner menu is fabulous, and save room for dessert!
Gnat’s Landing is the ultimate place for outdoor, casual dining. Visitors can linger over long picnic tables or take up residence on the outdoor “Gnatio”.
For a hearty breakfast, a gourmet can get their fill at Sandcastle Café at the Pier. The morning buffet is delicious and filling, and trying the Bloody Mary is a must.
The Nature Lover
It goes without saying that the beach at St. Simons Island is beautiful. Whether your guests choose to swim, lounge, or walk on the sand at sunrise, the ocean will beckon.
The island is peppered with stately oaks dripping with Spanish moss. An interesting fact is that none of the buildings on the island can be built higher than the tree canopy, so St. Simon’s has a unique, natural vibe.
Speaking of trees, those who love the outdoors and a bit of a hunt will enjoy the island’s tree spirits. There are approximately 20 of these carvings around the island – with 7 on public property – and searching for them is an adventure on its own.
The Unwinder
For your guests whose only goal is to attend your wedding and use the time to get away from it all, a stay at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort offers just the right atmosphere. With on-site eateries, there really is no reason to leave the property. They can have a massage, play golf, or soak in the sun by the pool or ocean. No matter the choice, your guests can truly have a respite at this historic hotel.
The Shopper
Of course, it goes without saying that mostly everyone likes to pick up a little something while they’re away. Whether it’s for a souvenir or some heavy duty purchases, strolling through the stores in St. Simons Island is a treat. Two favorites are the Savannah Bee Company, where you can taste and sample, and Pane in the Glass, which carries beautifully crafted, artisan goods. Also of note is Pier Village, which is a street bursting with locally owned stores.
No matter the guest, the beauty of the area and plethora of fun things to do only serve to enhance a wedding on St. Simons Island. Happy planning!
Planning a St. Simons Island Wedding? Be sure to get in touch with Golden Isles Wedding Association, which can help you plan your day.
Jennifer Prince blogs at Hill City Bride (www.hillcitybride.com) where she provides inspiration for brides-to-be, which includes showcasing lovely destinations for them to consider for their wedding day.
