Celebrate the July 4th holiday in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

INDEPENDENCE WEEK ACTIVITIES IN
BRUNSWICK AND THE GOLDEN ISLES OF GEORGIA

Though Brunswick and the Golden Isles are a year-round destination, summer is a special time for enjoying our abundant natural beauty, sun-drenched beaches and golden sunshine. Independence Day week is even more special, with an array of fun activities for visitors. Here's a roundup of Independence Week activities in Brunswick and The Golden Isles!

JULY 4 FIREWORKS FESTIVITIES AND DISPLAYS

BRUNSWICK - Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a traditional small-town holiday celebration, complete with games, prizes, free watermelon, music and fireworks at dusk. Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Gloucester and Bay Streets, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-262-6934.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND - Enjoy the annual July 4 fireworks display at Neptune Park on the St. Simons Island waterfront. Parking is available throughout the village area. NOTE: Lighthouse Trolleys offer shuttle service throughout the south end of St. Simons Island. For more information call 912-638-3333 or visit them online.

JEKYLL ISLAND - Jekyll Island Fireworks Extravaganza. Enjoy this annual family fun party and fireworks finale, on the Jekyll Island beach. $5.00 parking fee at gate. 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Information: 912-635-3636.

INDEPENDENCE WEEK ACTIVITIES

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

July 2 / First Friday. Visit the shops, galleries and restaurants of historic downtown Brunswick. "He said beer, she said wine" tastings at select shops; live music at various locations. This has become a popular way to spend a quiet Friday evening with friends! 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle and Gloucester Streets, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-265-4032.

July 2-4 / Sunshine Festival Arts and Crafts Show. Local and regional artists display pottery, jewelry, painting, sculpture, garden art and more. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Postell Park, Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island. Information: 912-262-0628.

July 3 / Sunshine Festival 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. An enjoyable run-walk through the St. Simons Island village area. Proceeds help support the St. Simons Island Land Trust to fund public walking and running trails. Information: 912-634-2514 or visit goldenislestrackclub.com.

July 3 / Living History at the Horton House. Hear tales of the Spanish attack on Horton House following the Battle of Bloody Marsh. Sample Major William Horton's "ale" or root "beer" in honor of Georgia's first brewery. Enjoy colonial games, early American crafts and soldier drills. 2:00 pm. Horton House, Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island. Information: 912-635-3636 or visit jekyllisland.com.

July 3 / Brunswick Bazaar and Farmers Market. Open air market with fresh produce, prepared foods, plants, arts & crafts, antiques, flea market finds, etc. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Bay and Gloucester Streets, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-262-6665

July 10 / Art in the Alley. Arts, crafts, food and music. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Grant Street between F and Gloucester Streets, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-262-0628.

RAINY DAY FUN

July 6 / Story Time. Stories and simple craft projects tied to various themes, for younger children. 10:30 am, Brunswick Three Rivers Regional Library, 208 Gloucester Street, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-267-1212.

July 7 / Movies for Kids. 2:00 pm, Brunswick Three Rivers Regional Library, 208 Gloucester Street, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-267-1212.

July 8 / Scrapbooking for Kids. Workshop for kids ages 9 and up. Pre-register: 912-580-4320. 2:00 pm, Brunswick Three Rivers Regional Library, 208 Gloucester Street, downtown Brunswick.

July 8 / Turtle Talk. Staff of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center discuss their work with sea turtles and other animals of the ocean. 7:00 pm, Brunswick Three Rivers Regional Library, 208 Gloucester Street, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-267-1212.

Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia offer a variety of recreational activities, fascinating museums and historic sites and more. For more information, click here.

Check out Georgia's Longest Yard Sale March 12-13

Georgia's longest yard sale, the Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, takes place March 12 and 13. This 211-mile long treasure hunt follows US Highway 341 from Culloden in central Georgia to Brunswick and The Golden Isles on the Georgia coast.

The first Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale was held in 2005 and ran from Perry, Georgia to the coast. My son, Richard, and I drove the route starting in Perry and working our way south. We discovered that Hwy 341 is a beautiful drive that takes you through at least a dozen small towns and villages. One of my favorites was Lumber City, where the local VFW served delicious barbecued chicken dinners just steps away from the community's yard sale site. Others included Hazlehurst, which had an expansive yard sale site in its community park, and Helena with its interesting old hotel next to the railroad tracks.

Each community has its own "official" yard sale site, which is identified by Peaches to the Beaches signs and banners. In addition, you'll typically find "unofficial" yard sales at shops, homes, churches and other sites along the way.

Offerings are what you would expect for any yard sale or flea market, and run the gamut from antiques and collectibles to arts and crafts, used clothing and household items and, of course, all sorts of food.

Peaches to the Beaches is modeled after the "World's Longest Yard Sale," which covers 654 miles from Ohio to Gadsden Alabama. It was begun by Evelyn Simmons, then interim president of the Golden Isles Parkway Association, which organizes the yearly event.




Held the second weekend in March, the annual sale's popularity has grown and the route has expanded from its original 172 miles to its current 211. Many "early birds" flock to the Friday sales in search of the best treasures, though Saturday seems to be the biggest sale day. For a complete listing and schedule, click here.

If you're looking for a delightful weekend activity, consider a road trip to the Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale. It's a great way to explore a beautiful segment of Georgia!

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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Georgia's Biggest Outdoor Yard Sale links 'The Peaches to The Beaches'

Some people live for yard sales. If you count yourself among them, don't miss the fifth annual Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, Georgia's largest yard sale, Friday and Saturday March 13 and 14.

The Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale spans 212 miles, from the beaches of Brunswick & The Golden Isles to the peach orchards of middle Georgia, along US Highway 341. In Brunswick & The Golden Isles, official yard sale sites will be in:

• Downtown Brunswick at Mary Ross Waterfront Park on Bay Street -
Saturday only from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

• St. Simons Island in the Pier Village - Friday-Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

• Jekyll Island at the Beach Deck on Beachview Drive -
Friday and Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Other official yard sale sites along US 341 will be in Gardi, Jesup, Odum, Baxley, Hazlehurst, Lumber City, McRae, Helena, Chauncy, Eastman, Hawkinsville, Perry, Fort Valley, Roberta and Culloden. In addition, there are sure to be plenty of unofficial sites along the way.

Yard Sale vendors, many of whom have participated in previous sales, will offer an array of goods from antiques and collectibles to craft items, food and other yard sale fare.

The Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale was inspired by the “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” which runs along US Highway 127 from Gadsden, AL to West Unity, OH.

“I read about it in a newspaper article in which the writers traveled from one end to the other,” says Evelyn Simmons of the Golden Isles Parkway Association, which is sponsoring the event. “In 2000 and 2001, my husband and I drove the entire trail and had a marvelous time. It seemed like a natural thing for us to do along the Golden Isles Parkway.”

Simmons says there is an entire subculture of buyers and sellers that work the Alabama-Kentucky trail. “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” she explains. “We met antique dealers who would drive the trail in search of items that they would buy, take home and clean up, and then sell the following year.”

“People like to haggle,” Simmons adds. “There is a real camaraderie and willingness to share among those who participate in yard sales. It’s like a treasure hunt where you can find the best bargains.”

There also is a great economic benefit for communities and organizations that participate, Simmons continues. “We talked with Chamber of Commerce and Tourism representatives all along the trail, and the revenues generated by the various groups was phenomenal. Many places had never had anything that provided such a widespread economic impact for hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses.”

“It's a great opportunity for Georgians and others to get off the Interstates, enjoy a beautiful drive and take a look at our small towns and cities. We think they will be surprised at what they find.”

Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale sites will be open Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Several communities will have their sites open Sunday as well.

For more information, visit the official Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale site.