'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.

Columbus replica ships 'Pinta" and 'Nina' to visit Brunswick and The Golden Isles

In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.

He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way.

A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go.*

Replicas of two of Christopher Columbus' ships, the Pinta and the Nina, will dock in downtown Brunswick Thursday, April 22 beginning a three-day stay at Brunswick Landing Marina.

The two ships are touring together as a 'sailing museum' to educate the public on the 'caravel,' a Portuguese ship that was used by Columbus and many explorers to discover the world.

The 'Nina' was built completely by hand, without the use of power tools. Archaeology Magazine called it "the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built." It was used during production of the film, '1492' starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.

The 'Pinta' was built in Brazil to accompany the 'Nina' on her travels. She is a larger version of the typical caravel and offers larger deck space for walk-aboard tours. Below deck, a 900 square-foot main salon features a slide presentation highlighting the ships' construction.

While in port, the general public is invited to board the ships for self-guided tours. The ships will be open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission.

The Columbus replica ships are operated by the Columbus Foundation, Inc., based in the British Virgin Islands. For additional information, please visit them online.

*From the poem, "In 1492." Author unknown.

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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