'Hop and Go' Lighthouse trolley provides convenient way to visit St. Simons Island

Visitors to and residents of St. Simons Island have a new way to get around this summer, thanks to the Hop and Go Lighthouse Trolley. The new service provides a convenient way to get around the southern end of St. Simons Island without the hassles of driving. Just park the car, hop on and go! It's that easy.

According to Cap Fendig, trolley co-owner and St. Simons Island native, the trolley continues a tradition that began more than 100 years ago during St. Simons Island's earliest days as a resort destination.

"In the days before the causeway was built to St. Simons Island (1924), you came to the island by boat from Brunswick, you landed here in the village and you caught a rail car or trolley car -- or a jeep train, depending on the decade -- to your cottage or your hotel on East Beach," FendigSimons Island has not had a transit system where you can step on and off as you visit your favorite hotel, attraction or restaurant.

"We've seen the island experience tremendous growth, and we believe that St. Simons Island is now poised and ready for a transit service that will seven days a week, from 11:00 am to midnight."

Trolley service began Memorial Day weekend, though the idea has been kicked around for several years, Fendig says. "We negotiated a contract with the Coastal Georgia Historical Society in 2009, to operate a shuttle between the lighthouse and the maritime museum at East Beach, but did not proceed due to the economy. It's something I've wanted to do for them because of my family's long involvement with the maritime industry."

"It's something that Cap and I have discussed for a number of years," says Pat Morris, executive director of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. "We opened the maritime center in 2006 and needed a way to connect with the lighthouse. This will be the perfect avenue for people to visit the maritime center, do some time on the beach, visit the lighthouse and enjoy the village. It's going to be a great opportunity and a great system that the island has needed for a long time."

Two trolleys serve the island, with scheduled stops at the plaza near the St. Simons Island fishing pier, the lighthouse, King and Prince Hotel, the maritime museum at East Beach, and Redfern Village. Visitors can park their cars at St. Simons Elementary School on Ocean Blvd., and near the fire station on Demere Road and the trolley will pick them up and drop them off.

The trolleys also will stop at many hotels, condominiums and restaurants along the route; just wave for a pickup! Riders also can call to arrange pickups from Sea Palms Inn, Longview Shopping Center, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western or Epworth by the Sea. Just call 638-3333.

Fendig says the trolleys enjoyed a "fabulous" start during the first weekend. "We showed up with almost no notice on one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year," he said. "It was a bit weak the first day but as soon as people realized the service is available, it exceeded our expectations. We even had guests from China, Peru, Colombia and England."

Trolley riders can purchase single-ride tickets or all-day passes. For a complete schedule, please visit Lighthouse Trolleys online.

Watch the video.

There's no cover-up, it's just restoration at the St. Simons Lighthouse

Recent visitors to the village on St. Simons Island have marveled at the sight a large, canvas-wrapped edifice in the spot where the lighthouse normally stands. No, it is not the latest work by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude; rather, it is part of an ongoing restoration project.

The St. Simons Island Lighthouse is undergoing a top-to-bottom, inside-and-out restoration that began Feb. 9.

The work began with sandblasting of all interior metal work including the 129 stairs, landings, railings and decorative window grates. The outside metal work is receiving similar treatment, necessitating the use of an enormous containment tarp which enshrouds the 104-foot structure and keeps the abrasive media and removed paint from being carried away by the wind.

After the metal has been stripped bare and, if needed, repaired, it will be given a primer coat, a middle coat and a urethane top coat. According to construction manager Paul Gilbert, the primer is equal to galvanizing in protecting the metal from the elements of sand and salt from the sea.

Eight cast iron handrail posts from the gallery level are being replaced, and will be recast from one of the originals. All windows, including the exterior metal, are being replaced as well. The lighthouse's outside masonry will be pressure washed and repaired as needed. It will then be repainted (white, of course) with two coats of acrylic paint.

The contractor went to great pains to protect the light's third order fresnel lens. The lens was encased in a layer of bubble wrap, followed by a layer of shrink wrap, with an outer layer of 1/4-inch plywood. Every chip and crack in the lens was documented.

The project includes renovation of the old storage building, which will receive a new metal roof and door. Its masonry will be repointed, and its exterior cleaned and painted. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by the end of April.

Total cost for the lighthouse restoration project is $700,000. Of that amount, $500,000 has been financed with transportation enhancement funding by the state department of transportation. The Coastal Georgia Historical Society, which owns and operates the lighthouse, storage building and keeper's dwelling, is required to match $200,000 toward the project, for which donations are being sought.

Pavers or benches are being sold as part of the Historical Society's fundraising effort. The benches and pavers will be placed around the base of the lighthouse after the renovation and landscaping are completed. For more information, call the society at 912-638-4666 or visit them online.

Photos courtesy of Natalie Bishop, St. Simons Island.

New Exhibit at St. Simons Lighthouse -- "Eugenia Price: A Life Celebrated"

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA – Bet you didn't know Eugenia Price was a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves.

That's just one of many new things visitors will soon learn at the keeper's dwelling at the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Museum will open a new exhibit based on the beloved writer's life and works, June 15 in the keeper's dwelling.

Entitled "Eugenia Price: A Life Celebrated," the exhibit discusses Price's research techniques and sources, drawing parallels between the characters she created for her novels, and their historical basis in the real world.

Museum goers who are familiar with James Gould – designer and keeper of St. Simons Island's first lighthouse – will enrich their understanding of him through his characterization in Price's novel, Lighthouse. Fans of Price's novels will expand their knowledge of Gould and the historical setting through the museum's permanent exhibits, including his portrait and depictions of the first lighthouse.

Visitors will visualize Price's writing process through the centerpiece of the exhibit: her desk, complete with manuscripts, photos, letters and a typewriter, among other objects. Price's many other activities took place and will be recreated in this work space, including her work as an inspirational writer and broadcaster.

They'll also see a homemade tomahawk, given to her by a reader who knew Price was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

Longtime readers and regular museum visitors alike will find new angles for exploration of the Golden Isles' history and the writings of one of its most beloved authors.

The exhibit will continue through the summer in connection with a series of speakers, book discussions and other activities related to Eugenia Price and her career. The exhibit is sponsored by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and is made possible through donations from the Eugenia Price Estate and the Eugenia Price-Joyce Blackburn Foundation, Inc.

Saint Simons Island Lighthouse Summer Hours Begin June 15. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesdays 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sundays 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Admission is $6.00 for adults (over 12 years of age) and $3.00 for children (6-12 years of age). Children ages five and under are Free. For information, call 912-638-4666 or visit them online.

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Biography:
Eugenia Price, 1916-1996

Perhaps more than any other modern writer, Eugenia Price has defined the stories of the old South. Her 14 novels, including the St. Simons Trilogy, the Florida Trilogy, and the Georgia Trilogy, are filled with characters from the Georgia and Florida coasts in the 1800s.

Ms. Price’s meticulously researched books set the standard for historical fiction of the period, offering a rare insight into the everyday routines and concerns of Americans in the 19th century South. As well-known as her novels are her 26 volumes of inspirational non-fiction.

Ms. Price touched readers with her insights and perceptions on life, faith and service in such works as The Burden is Light and God Speaks to Women Today. In all, Ms. Price sold more than 20 million books world-wide during her lifetime.

Eugenia Price was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1916. After completing her studies at Northwestern University, she began writing and producing for radio, then television. The publication of her first book, Discoveries, in 1952, launched her career as an author.

In 1960, while on a promotional tour for her non-fiction books, Ms. Price discovered St. Simons Island, Georgia. Stories of long-ago Island families inspired her first novel, Beloved Invader, and her writing took a new direction. Ms. Price built a home, named “The Dodge,” on St. Simons Island and lived there until her death from a heart ailment on May 28, 1996. She is buried at Christ Church on her beloved Island.

Eugenia Price Books
(In Order of Publication)
Discoveries
The Burden Is Light
Never A Dull Moment
Early I Will Seek Thee
Share My Pleasant Stones
Woman to Woman
What Is God Like?
Beloved World
A Woman’s Choice
Find Out For Yourself
God Speaks To Women Today
The Beloved Invader (Novel)
The Wider Place
Make Love Your Aim
Just As I Am
Learning to Live From the Gospels
New Moon Rising (Novel)
The Unique World of Women
Learning to Live from the Acts
Lighthouse (Novel)
Don Juan McQueen (Novel)
Maria (Novel)
St. Simons Memoir
Leave Yourself Alone
Margaret’s Story (Novel)
Diary of a Novel
No Pat Answers
Getting Through the Night
What Really Matters
Another Day
At Home on St. Simons
Savannah (Novel)
To See Your Face Again (Novel)
Before the Darkness Falls (Novel)
Stranger in Savannah (Novel)
Bright Captivity (Novel)
Inside One Author’s Heart
Where Shadows Go (Novel)
Beauty From Ashes (Novel)
The Waiting Time (Novel)

Lighthouse Concerts a Great Way to Spend a Summer Evening

From coast to coast, cities and towns throughout the country offer their own versions of summer concerts. The ambience and experiences are as varied as the locales, from all-volunteer community bands performing in ancient gazebos to internationally known, professional orchestras on stage in multi-million dollar amphitheatres.

Since 1989, St. Simons Island has offered its own, distinct version of the outdoor summer concert. The “Jazz in the Park” and “A Little Light Music” concert series take place each summer on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, drawing eclectic crowds of locals and visitors who come to soak up the sounds in a setting unlike any other.

“There are outdoor concerts all over the country, but ours are definitely the best,” says Heather Heath, executive director of Golden Isles Arts and Humanities (GIAHA). “We’ve got the ocean on one side with dolphins jumping and boats sailing by, and the beautiful lighthouse and heritage center on the other. It’s the perfect spot for a summer evening of music.”

GIAHA sponsors the “Jazz in the Park” concerts series, which was one of the organization’s first fund-raising activities. Now in its 19th season, Jazz in the Park features regional and nationally known jazz artists who perform everything from “traditional” jazz standards to cutting-edge music with an international beat.

Heath says the GIAHA series has always been jazz-based. “People love jazz,” she explains. “We have a large number of patrons who buy their season tickets in September, well in advance of the coming season.”

A second summer concert series, “A Little Light Music,” is sponsored by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. Begun in 1998, the series features local and regional performers. “We choose groups that remind us of our youth,” says Jerri Hager, the society’s director of development. Music runs the gamut from pop to bluegrass to Motown classics.

Performances typically draw from 400-600 people, with many, many more during holiday weekends. According to Heather Heath, more than 1,200 people attended this year’s Memorial Day weekend performance by local favorites Phil Morrison and Keith Williams.

Concert veterans will tell you the Sunday night concerts are more than a picnic on the lawn. Much more. “These are social events,” Heath says, “ and many people use the opportunity to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions. It’s like a real community.”

Setups are as varied as the participants, ranging from a simple blanket and a cooler to tables and chairs with complete place settings, table linens and decorations to suit the occasion. The Golden Isles Track Club, for instance, has an elaborate setup complete with a small bar, tiki torches and a club banner.

At the July 4 weekend performance, concert-goers compete to win prizes for having the most creative and unusual setups.

Concert fare is a veritable smorgasbord limited only by the participants’ imaginations and ability to transport and safely serve their food items. Some are happy to stop by their local quik-mart for a bag of chips and sodas or beer. Others bring complete, full-course meals assembled potluck or by local eateries.

“This is truly the place to be on Sunday nights,” Heath says. “We’re even listed in a book entitled, ‘101 Things to do in Georgia before you die.’”
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Sunday evening concerts at the St. Simons Lighthouse continue through September. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm.

A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC
August 3 – Harry O’Donohue’s Celtic Melodies
August 31 – Sensational Sounds of Motown
Tickets for the “Light Music” concerts are $10 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free. Information: Contact Coastal Georgia Historical Society at 638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org

JAZZ IN THE PARK
August 17 – Anton Harris Quartet
September 14 – Barry Green
Tickets for the “Jazz in the Park” concerts are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free. Information: Contact Golden Isles Arts & Humanities at 262-6934 or visit www.goldenislesarts.org

Museums provide Rainy Day Fun on St. Simons Island

Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia are a popular destination for summer beach getaways. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate and there are days when you need to find other, indoor activities. St. Simons Island is home to several very interesting museums and historical sites. They’re great places to learn about the history of the Georgia coast, and a great way to spend a rainy day.

St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum & A.W. Jones Heritage Center

Standing over the St. Simons Island Village at 104 feet, the St. Simons Lighthouse was built in1872 and is the oldest brick building in Glynn County. It, along with the adjacent keeper’s dwelling, comprise the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Displays inside the lighthouse keeper’s dwelling highlight local history and tell the stories of the families who operated the light. Climb the 129 steps to the top of the Lighthouse for a breathtaking view of St. Simons Sound and nearby islands.

Enter the museum through the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, which features a new and exciting exhibit entitled, “The Sea Island Summit: Coastal Georgia Welcomes the World.” There you’ll learn the remarkable story of the historic Summit, including how Sea Island was chosen as its site, the international leaders who attended, Summit accomplishments, and a fascinating look behind the scenes in preparing for and staging such an important and complex world gathering. Be sure to stop by the museum store for a memento of your visit.

The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and A.W. Jones Heritage Center are located at 101 12th Street. Hours are Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; Sun. 1:30 to 5 pm. Summer hours (Easter to mid-August) are Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; Tues., Thurs. 10 am to 9 pm; Sun. 1:30 to 5 pm. Admission is charged*. For information, call (912) 638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

Maritime Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station

This interesting museum is located in the restored U.S. 

Coast Guard Station at East Beach, which was built during the Depression as part of a WPA project. The museum features seven galleries that explain the importance of our coastal ecosystem and its preservation, the coast’s military history, and the important role played by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Your “guide” throughout the exhibits will be Ollie, a young Coast Guardsman who was assigned to duty on St. Simons Island. His journal entries, based on actual documents, help tell the story of station life and the natural wonders of the nearby beaches and marshes. Visitors of all ages will enjoy hands-on exhibits and activities along with the exhibits.

The Maritime Museum is located at 4201 First Street at East Beach. Hours are Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; closed Sun. Summer hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) are Mon. - Sat. 3 to 9 pm; closed Sun. Admission is charged*. For information call (912) 638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

* Combination tickets, good for admission to the Lighthouse Museum, A.W. Jones Heritage Center and the Maritime Museum, are available.

Fort Frederica National Monument

When it was built in 1736, Fort Frederica was the most expensive military installation in British North America. The town and fort, established as an outpost by Maj. General Oglethorpe, played a crucial role in establishing England’s claims to the disputed Georgia territory.

Begin your visit with a stop at the park visitor center, where you can see an orientation program and examine exhibits that help tell the story of this vanished town and its former inhabitants. Stroll along the town’s streets to view the sites of homes, barracks, tabby fortifications and the magazine.

Fort Frederica National Monument is located at 6515 Frederica Road. The Visitor Center is open daily 9 am to 5 pm and closed Christmas Day. Admission is charged. For information call (912) 638-3639 or visit www.nps.gov/fofr

Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum
Many people are surprised to learn of St. Simons Island’s significant connections to Methodist Church history in the United States. That story is told at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum, located at Epworth by the Sea, a Methodist conference center off Sea Island Road.

Exhibits explore St. Simons Island history, from its Native American inhabitants to colonization by the Spanish and British, through the plantation era to modern times. Other exhibits highlight the history of the Methodist Church, which was founded by John and Charles Wesley, who spent time on the Georgia coast during the 18th century. Their influence is explored in a fascinating video in the museum’s viewing area. Nativity scenes from around the world are displayed, and an extensive research library is available.

The museum is located on Arthur Moore Drive in Epworth By the Sea Methodist Center. It is open Tues. - Sat. 10 am to 4 pm. Individual admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For information call (912) 638-4050 or visit www.epworthbythesea.org.

Mildred Huie Museum at Mediterranean House
Beloved St. Simons Island artist Mildred Huie lived and kept her studio in Mediterranean House, which was built in 1929. This intimate museum and gallery is dedicated to the art and history of St. Simons Island plantations and landmarks, which were so vividly captured in the artist’s works.

The museum houses a unique collection of paintings and replicas of the homes from each of St. Simons Island’s major 19th century plantations. The artist’s collection of rare books, papers, letters and other documents is available for viewing and study by historians and researchers.

The Mildred Huie Museum at Mediterranean House is located at 1819 Frederica Road. Hours vary. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For information call (912) 638-3057 or (912) 638-3017 for open hours by appointment, or visit www.landmarkscenes.com.

These are but a few of the attractions and activities to be enjoyed in Brunswick & The Golden Isles: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Here, you’ll discover miles of sun-drenched beaches, 198 holes of golf, tennis, fishing and water sports, shrimp boat cruises, dolphin tours, casino/cruise ship and more. Plus accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

For a complete listing of area attractions, activities and accommodations call the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-933-COAST (2627) and request a free copy of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Visitors Guide. Or, visit them online at ComeCoastWhile.com. For information “on the go,” text BGIGA to 95495 or go to ComeCoastAwhile.mobi on your mobile phone.

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