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.
