St. Simons Island festival celebrates Gullah-Geechee culture

The Georgia coast boasts a fascinating history that spans hundreds, if not thousands, of years. During its recorded history, the flags of five nations have flown over here, reflecting exploration, settlement and occupation of the Georgia coast.

The coast also became home to another group of people who, while not here by choice, played a vitally important role in the development of our economy and culture. Their history and culture take center stage this weekend during the Georgia-Sea Islands Festival in Postell Park on St. Simons Island.

The festival is sponsored by the St. Simons Island African American Heritage Coalition, which is dedicated to "Educate, Preserve, and Revitalize African American Heritage and Culture." Amy Roberts, executive director of the coalition, has been involved with the festival since the first event was held in 1978.

According to Roberts, the festival is a celebration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and language, a mix of English and West African dialects that was spoken by slaves who were brought to the area. It is still spoken in isolated areas of coastal South Carolina and Georgia, including Sapelo Island in McIntosh County.

The festival will showcase various crafts, art and traditional cooking. Handmade baskets, seine nets, music and dance will be displayed. Local and regional groups will perform, including Frankie Quimby and the Georgia Sea Island singers, the Gullah-Geechee Shouters from Darien, Michael Hulett from Brunswick and many others.

There also will be plenty of food, demonstrations by local crafters and information displays.

The Georgia Sea-Islands Festival takes place Saturday, June 12 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday, June 13 from noon to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.

Information source: The Brunswick News

Get Ready for Holiday Fun in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

The weather outside may be frightful (or not), but things are definitely delightful in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia -- St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. The holiday season is rich with sights, sounds and activities that are designed to fill you with good cheer and create lasting memories. Here's a rundown:

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25 (Thanksgiving)

Holiday Party at Color Me Happy – After a day of feasting and football, gather up the family for an evening of old-fashioned fun. This is a great chance to create some unique Christmas gifts and save money at the same time! 6:00 to 9:00 pm. (912) 554-1900. www.colormehappypottery.com

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Brunswick – Live music, Santa Claus, and a reading of Dickens' "The Night Before Christmas" add up for a magical evening that is sure to warm your heart and get you into the holiday spirit. 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Jekyll Square on Newcastle Street. (912) 265-4032. www.brunswickgeorgia.net

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – Ring in the holiday season with holiday crafts, games, kids activities, Santa Claus and the lighting of the Jekyll Island Community Christmas Tree. 4:00 to 7:00 pm, National Historic Landmark District, Jekyll Island. (912) 635-3636.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4

First Friday – Visit the shops, galleries and restaurants of downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations. 5:00 to 8:00 pm along Newcastle Street in downtown Brunswick. (912) 635-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net.

First Friday Fun – Make an ornament or a bookmark for the holidays. 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Brunswick Library, 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick. (912) 267-1212. www.trrl.org.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5

Annual Christmas Parade – Gloucester Street, downtown Brunswick. 10:00 am. (912) 265-4032. www.brunswickgeorgia.net

Annual Holiday Bazaar – Dozens of vendors offer holiday gifts, arts and crafts, antiques, yard sale items, food and more. 8:00 am to 5:00. Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Bay Street, Brunswick. (912) 262-6934.

Gingerbread House-Making Workshop – Pastry chefs lead this 2-hour, family-friendly workshop. 10:00 am, Jekyll Island Club. Reservations: (912) 625-2600. www.jekyllclub.com.

Christmas Tour of Homes – Visit nine homes and a church in Old Town Brunswick. 1:00 to 6:00 pm. For information and tickets: (912) 280-0650 or (912) 275-7054.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6

Handel's Messiah – 25th performance by 100-member community chorus representing more than two dozen area churches. 4:00 pm. Strickland Auditorium, Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island. (912) 638-5956 or (912) 554-1873.

DECEMBER 6 - 31

The Holidays in History – Tour cottages decorated for the season in the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. 11:00 am, 1:00 and 3:00 pm daily except Dec. 24 and 25. Admission. (912) 625-3636. www.jekyllisland.com.

MONDAY DECEMBER 7

Holiday Intermezzo – The Coastal Symphony of Georgia performs orchestral works by Tchaikovsky, Szewczyk and Brahms. 8:00 pm, Glynn Academy Auditorium, Brunswick. (912) 634-2006. www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12

The Grand Victorian Tradition – Learn how to make traditional Victorian Christmas cards during this two-hour workshop. 10:00 am, Jekyll Island Club, Jekyll Island. Reservations: (912) 625-2600. www.jekyllclub.com.



Open House at the Lighthouse – Enjoy the lighthouse and keeper's dwelling, decked out in holiday splendor. Be sure to stop by Santa's Shop for unique holiday gifts. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse and A.W. Jones Heritage Center, 12th and Beachview, St. Simons Island. (912) 638-4666. www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.


Holiday Family Fun Day – Healthy eating storytime by The Links at 10:45 am, ornament decorating by Color Me Happy at 11:00 am, and a holiday puppet show by Evy Wright of Curious Moon at 11:45 am. Brunswick Library, 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick. (912) 267-1212 or www.trrl.org.

18th Annual Christmas Craft Festival – featuring works by craftspeople and artists from throughout the southeast. Sponsored by Glynn Art Association. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Postell Park, Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island. (912) 638-8770 or www.glynnart.org.

25th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes – Visit seven homes with unique holiday decorating ideas. 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Tours begin at the historic tabby cabins at Gascoigne Bluff, St. Simons Island. Holiday bake sale at the cabins from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For tickets and information: (912) 638-1527. www.cassinagardenclub.org

Especially for Children – An old-fashioned holiday get-together and festival. 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Mildred Huie Museum at Mediterranean House, 1819 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island. (912) 638-3017 or www.leftbankgallery.com

Winter Farm Fest – Come play in the snow, ride the sleigh and run our holiday obstacle course. Three Oaks Stables, 332 Oyster Road, Brunswick. (912) 269-0623.

A Dickens Feast – Toast in the Boar's Head Lobby, holiday feast and musical dinner based on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island. Reservations: (912) 635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13

18th Annual Christmas Craft Festival – featuring works by craftspeople and artists from throughout the southeast. Sponsored by Glynn Art Association. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Postell Park, Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island. (912) 638-8770 or www.glynnart.org.

Santa at Crane Cottage – St. Nick welcomes children to Crane Cottage in the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. Photographer available for fee. 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. (912) 635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com

Winter Concert – Coastal Youth Symphony of Georgia. 3:00 pm, Glynn Academy Auditorium, Brunswick. www.coastalgeorgiayouthsymphony.org


DECEMBER 18 - 20

A Christmas Carol – Annual community production of Dickens' holiday classic, starring Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson as Scrooge. Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm; Sunday at 3:00 pm. Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle Street, Brunswick. (912) 262-6934. www.goldenislesarts.org


DECEMBER 19-24

Christmas Bagpiper – Scottish bagpiper Tim Akins heralds the season by the Jekyll Island Club, in the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. 4:00 pm. (912) 635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23

Family Carol Sing – Join on the riverfront veranda of the Jekyll Island Club, to sing carols in Jekyll Island's National Historic Landmark District. Cookies and punch served afterward. 5:00 pm. Reservations: (912) 635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 – CHRISTMAS

TUESDAY DECEMBER 29

Tuesday Tea at Two – Meet and engage in casual conversation with Gallery 209's featured artists, while enjoying tea and delicacies prepared by Suzanne Scaglione. 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Art Downtown / Gallery 209, 209 Gloucester Street, Brunswick. Reservations: (912) 265-0628. www.artdowntowngallery209.com.

HOLIDAY ART EXHIBITS

A Holiday Feast for the Eyes – Selected paintings by gallery artists. Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 3309 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island. (912) 634-8414 www.andersonfineartgallery.com

Holiday Festival of the Arts – Exhibits of plantation personalities by sculptor Mary Whitty, paintings of the 13 original plantations of St. Simons Island, and holiday cards and paintings by Glenda Cason. Left Bank Art Gallery, 3600 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island. (912) 638-3017. www.leftbankartgallery.com

Letters to Santa – Southeast Georgia Health System Outpatient Care Art Gallery, Starling Road in Brunswick. Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm time, place and admission.

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No matter the season, there are endless reasons to visit Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia. Discover fascinating museums and historic sites, take a cruise aboard a working shrimp boat, dolphin watch boat or our casino-cruise ship. Play a round of golf, stroll our beautiful beaches or enjoy a leisurely bike ride. You'll also find a wonderful array of shops, boutiques and galleries filled with unique gifts perfect that special someone on your holiday list. Plus, great restaurants wherever you go, and accommodations to fit every taste and budget.

Start your holiday tradition this year, in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia. For information, visit our website. While you're there, be sure to check out our Special Offers page, with discounts and other special offers from local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions. Come Coast Awhile!

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For "SMART" meetings, come to Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

For savings and great meeting options, look no further than the Georgia coast. That's the message from the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau, which encourages meeting planners to conduct their business gatherings here in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia.

In a new marketing campaign, the CVB advises, "For smart, savvy, savings-minded meeting planners, there's never been a better time to meet in Georgia. And some of the smartest places to meet are right here on our coast.

To encourage meetings in Brunswick and the Golden Isles, the CVB has launched a "Name Your Rates and Dates" program for groups that book meetings between now and March 2010. Participants are asked to contact the CVB with the size of their group and their desired rates and dates. They will receive information and offers from area hotels and resorts that match their specifications.

Brunswick and the Golden Isles – St . Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island – offer more than 120,000 square feet of meeting and function space in a great variety of settings, from full-service resorts and hotels to conference and convention centers, public buildings and historic settings," says CVB executive director Bill Tipton. "We can easily accommodate groups from 12 to 2,000 or more at a variety of affordable rates, and with programs that are as simple or as lavish as they desire."

Corporations, government agencies, associations and other types of organizations everywhere have become very sensitive about where they conduct their meetings, conventions, retreats and other business functions." Cost is certainly in issue in the current economy, but public perception has also become an important element in the decision-making process. We want to remind meeting planners that there are many, many great options throughout the state for memorable and affordable meetings, especially here in Brunswick and the Golden Isles."

For information about the "Name Your Rates and Dates" program, contact Brunswick and The Golden Isles CVB toll-free at 800-809-1790 or visit them online at ComeCoastAwhile.com. Or send an email to: info@ComeCoastAwhile.com

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MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Saylor

Faulkenberry Certain
Direct phone: 912-638-7770
Mobile: 912-230-5030
Email: psaylor@ComeCoastAwhile.com

Whimsical Calendar wins national award

A limited edition calendar commissioned by the Brunswick and The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau has been recognized in national and international competition by the Calendar Marketing Association.

The calendar, created by international calendar artist and St. Simons Island resident Pilliard Dickle, received a Gold Award for "Most Original Promo" in the 2009 World and National Calendar Awards. The annual competition is open to all those involved in the production, distribution and marketing of calendars - advertising agencies, artists, designers, photographers, printers, publishers, etc.

The calendar, created especially for the CVB, shows Brunswick and The Golden Isles - St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island - through the eyes of Dickle, known around the world for his portrayals of "Calendaria," a fanciful land of castles, airships, pyramids, flying houses and more, where everyday locations become years and common objects become months and days.

"Pilliard's calendars have a wonderful charm, with their whimsical portrayals of everyday scenes and bright colors," explained Bill Tipton, executive director of the CVB. "We are pleased and flattered that an artist of his stature agreed to create this original work of art just for us, and excited to receive this additional recognition."

The calendar was created especially for travel writers, meeting planners, and group tour operators, as a unique reminder to consider Brunswick and The Golden Isles as a subject for travel articles, and as a destination for meetings, tours, reunions and other gatherings. The calendar was mailed to more than 1,000 individuals in January; many calendars were numbered and signed by the artist, increasing their value as collectibles.

"We received a lot of positive comments from travel writers and others who received the calendar," Tipton said. "It reminds people in a fun way that Brunswick and the Golden Isles are a great place to visit and conduct business meetings. We consider it be a very successful promotion in that regard, and are pleased that the Calendar Marketing Association agrees."

Brunswick and The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Glynn County, Georgia including the City of Brunswick, Georgia and four barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.

The CVB's mission is to create awareness of and interest in Brunswick & The Golden Isles of Georgia as a destination for vacations, meetings and group visits. This is done through an array of programs and initiatives that include paid advertising, public relations, sales and marketing, a comprehensive area web site and operating three area welcome centers. For information, call toll-free 800-933-COAST (2627) or visit them online at www.ComeCoastAwhile.com

Pilliard Dickle, aka Joe Chandler, is an internationally known artist who lives on St. Simons Island. His calendars have won the World Calendar Award from The Calendar Marketing Association. A collection of his calendars has been published as a book, The Calendar World of Pilliard Dickle (Longstreet Press, Atlanta). Thanks to favorable reviews by such luminaries as David Letterman and Gene Shalit, Dickle has built a solid base of fans that eagerly await his yearly calendar creation. To learn more about Pilliard and Calendaria, visit www.PilliardDickle.com

The Calendar Marketing Association is the only worldwide trade association for the calendar industry. Based in Wheaton, IL, the CMA was founded in 1989 to represent the interests of designers, marketers, publishers, printers and suppliers of both retail and custom calendars. For information, visit www.calendarassociation.org.

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The Weather Channel chooses Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia to launch 'Great Escapes' Week

Brunswick & The Golden Isles travel features kicked off the Weather Channel's "Great Escapes Week" on Monday, May 4, with live broadcasts that originated from the waterfront in the St. Simons Island Village. Throughout the day, Weather Channel reporter Natalie Allen introduced six different feature segments, which spotlight many aspects of our area. There was even a segment about Cumberland Island.

Segments featured interviews with Michael Johnson, general manager of the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort and chairman of the Brunswick-Golden Isles CVB; Samuel Arbo, a 16-year resident of St. Simons Island; and John Hunter, director of the Jekyll Island Museum. Scenes included the St. Simons Island beach, fishing pier, crabbing, John Gilbert Nature Trail, Jekyll Island historic district, and the Emerald Princess II casino cruise ship.

The Weather Channel's visit was coordinated by the Brunswick-Golden Isles CVB, which is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Glynn County including the City of Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.

"We really appreciated the opportunity to work with The Weather Channel on this project and we thank Patrick Saylor, Faulkenberry Certain Advertising, and Mary Butin of The Butin Group for all their on-site efforts," said Bill Tipton, executive director of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Weather Channel segments can be viewed from the CVB's official website, ComeCoastAwhile.com.

Brunswick & The Golden Isles of Georgia – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island – are located on the Georgia coast just minutes from I-95 at Exits 29, 36, 38 and 42. Visitor information, including discounts and other special offers by area hotels, attractions and restaurants, can be found online at ComeCoastAwhile.com. For information “on the go,” text BGIGA to 95495 or go to ComeCoastAwhile.mobi on your mobile phone.

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Roll into Spring Break at Demere Skate Park on St. Simons Island, GA

St. Simons Island's newest attraction, Demere Skate Park, is up and running – just in time for spring break. The new skate park is located at Demere Park, near the beach and Pier Village on St. Simons Island.

The park design is geared toward younger skaters, with a variety of elements that are challenging for intermediate skaters, but easy enough to help novice skaters develop their skateboarding skills. The park includes two 3-foot quarter pipes, two 5-foot quarter pipes, two 2-foot bank ramps with flat decks and round grind rail, one square grind rail, one manual pad, one skate bench, and two 3-foot half pipes.

Demere Skate Park was designed by American Ramp Company of Joplin, MO. Specializing in modular skate park design, ARC has built similar parks in 17 states throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Demere Skate Park is the first of two skate parks planned for Brunswick and The Golden Isles. A second, larger and more difficult park is in the planning stages. It is anticipated that it will be built at the North Glynn Recreation Park in Brunswick.

The skate park is the latest in a series of enhancements and additions to St. Simons Island's recreational facilities. Last summer, Glynn County opened a new bathhouse at East Beach near the historic Coast Guard Station. Later this spring, the county will complete a new "Family Zone" recreation complex at Neptune Park in the St. Simons Island Village. It will include a new playground, miniature golf course and multi-zone pool, just in time for summer.

"Demere Skate Park is a wonderful addition to St. Simons Island's family recreational amenities," says Bill Tipton, executive director of the Brunswick Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Along with the new Family Zone in Neptune Park and the new bath house at East Beach, the skate park adds to St. Simons Island's appeal as a family vacation destination.

"We are especially pleased that Demere Skate Park will be available for spring break. Typically, we see a lot of families during spring break, and this will be a popular activity for many of them."

Demere Skate Park is located at 1219 Demere Road, near the intersection of Demere and Arnold Roads, on St. Simons Island. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Admission is free.

Brunswick & The Golden Isles of Georgia – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island – are located on the Georgia coast just minutes from I-95 at Exits 29, 36, 38 and 42. Visitor information, including discounts and other special offers by area hotels, attractions and restaurants, can be found online at ComeCoastAwhile.com. For information “on the go,” text BGIGA to 95495 or go to ComeCoastAwhile.mobi on your mobile phone.

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DEMERE SKATE PARK GRAND OPENING
MARCH 14 ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND

The Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department will conduct a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Demere Skate Park, 1219 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, GA, on Saturday March 14 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Pro skater Jud Heald will be on hand to conduct skating demos and sign autographs. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 skaters who register for the event. Door will be given away, including stickers, beanies and decks.

Registration begins at 9:00 am at the park. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 10:00 am. For more information, call Candice Temple, Glynn County Public Information Officer, at 912-554-7412.

Not just Five Stars, but 20!

Five Stars are great, no doubt about it. Ten are even better.

But 20 Stars? To a single Resort? That's unprecedented.

Sea Island Resorts has received four Mobil Five-Star Awards, the most ever given to a single entity. According to Mobil, the Sea Island Resorts "made history by achieving the most Mobil Five-Stars ever awarded to one destination."*

The Cloister at Sea Island made Mobil Five-Star history when it received three of the awards: for the hotel itself, its signature restaurant, the Georgian Room, and the Cloister Spa. In addition, The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club maintained its Five-Star distinction for the ninth consecutive year.

The Cloister Spa is the only Mobil Five-Star spa in Georgia and one of only eight so recognized in the U.S. and Canada. The Georgian Room shares its Five-Star status with one other Georgia restaurant, and 19 other restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. The Cloister -- one of only three Georgia Five-Star hotels -- achieved its rating just three years after a complete resort rebuild.

"Winning four Mobil Five-Star awards is an incredible achievement," said Bill Jones III, chairman and CEO, Sea Island Company. "Beautiful buildings alone do not achieve this level of recognition. People -- our employees -- make the difference, by providing the genuine, heartfelt service and authentic Southern hospitality that distinguishes Sea Island."

Criteria to earn a Mobil Five-Star rating are stringent, based on more than 750 standards for hotels, more than 250 for restaurants, and more recently, 450 guidelines for spas. To achieve Mobil Five-Star status, properties must also meet or exceed Mobil's bar-setting service standards, which are determined through an unannounced, undercover service evaluation conducted by Mobil Travel Guide's expert inspectors.

The Cloister is no stranger to the Mobil Five-Star award. Prior to the resort's recent rebuild, The Cloister held the distinction for 22 years. 

Sea Island Company is a private resort and real estate development company founded in 1928. It owns and operates Sea Island Resorts, including The Cloister at Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Course. For more information, visit them online.

Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has provided comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. Its team of anonymous, expert inspectors evaluates properties against rigorous and proprietary standards, giving consumers the insight to make better informed travel and leisure decisions. For more information, visit them online.

* The Cloister was one of only two U.S. destinations to receive three Five-Star awards for a single property; the other properties were the Tower Suites Las Vegas, Alex Restaurant and the Spa at Wynn.

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Images used with permission of Sea Island Company.