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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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)

Neptune Park Fun Zone Open for Family Fun

St. Simons Island's newest family attraction -- the Neptune Park Fun Zone -- is open for summertime family fun.

The new recreational complex features a walk-in, multi-purpose pool; children's water park area; miniature golf course, and a brand new playground area as well as a bath house and concession stand.


The new, "multi-purpose" pool is designed to encourage use by swimmers of all ages and abilities. The southern end of the L-shaped pool, closest to the bath house, features a walk-in "beach" entry which slopes gently from 12" at the edges to 18" in the center. The northernmost section of the pool is divided into lanes for lap swimming and limited competition. Between these two sections is a smaller, 3-foot deep section for water aerobics and swimming instruction.

The pool, like the rest of the Fun Zone, is accessible to those in wheelchairs.

The children's water park area is situated between the two legs of the larger pool. It features a "water playground" complete with slides, a tipping bucket, fountains and a variety of showers, squirt guns and other water play toys. It is surrounded by a fence and landscaping to ensure limited access for young children and their caregivers.

The bath house features large restrooms with showers and changing areas, ticket offices for the pool and miniature golf course, and a concession stand called "Cap's Place."

Located on the south side of the bath house between the entrances to the pool and miniature golf course, Cap's Place is open to the public. It offers a variety of menu items including barbecue, pizza, hot dogs and boiled shrimp as well as "walk and talk" items, healthy treats, sno-cones and ice cream, cold drinks and more. Cap's Place will be open year 'round, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day. For information call 912-638-3333.


The miniature golf course features 18 holes with a "conservative" design. The mini-golf course has its own entrance, located on the west side of the bath house. Nearby is a new playground area, located at the southeast corner of the Fun Zone, next to the Neptune Park picnic area.

The new landscaping artfully incorporates the right whale sculpture which was created by sculptor Keith Jennings in 1995, and encourages close interaction.

The Neptune Park Fun Zone is located along the St. Simons Island waterfront between the lighthouse and the Casino building. Its opening marks the completion of the first phase of a two-phase master plan for the St. Simons Island waterfront.

The master plan project was designed to provide a more cohesive look for waterfront and Neptune Park. Architectural features of the new bath house complement those of the nearby A.W. Jones Heritage Center, which anchors the waterfront's north end, and the Casino building to the south.

In addition to the pool and mini-golf complex, Phase I included new landscaping and lighting, new beach crossovers, brick pavers and new benches. Phase II, which will be completed later this year, will incorporate new landscaping and other improvements that are designed to visually unify the entire Neptune Park / St. Simons Island waterfront area.

The Neptune Park Fun Zone will be open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Public swim hours will be daily from 1:00 to 8:00 pm. The miniature golf course will be open daily from 1:00 to 9:00 pm.

The Glynn County Parks and Recreation Department will offer a variety of services and activities including American Red Cross swimming lessons and water safety courses, private swimming lessons by certified instructors, water aerobics and a novice swim team. These activities will take place primarily during mornings prior to public swimming.

All-day admission to the pool is $7.00 per person. Miniature golf is $7.00 per person per game. Season passes are available for the pool, and multi-game passes are available for miniature golf. Special group rates are available, and the complex may be rented for private functions. For information about the pool, call 912-279-3720. For information about miniature golf, call 912-279-3721.

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Brunswick and The Golden Isles featured on DiscoverAmerica.com

Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island – are featured on DiscoverAmerica.com, a new web site that is designed to encourage Americans to discover and travel within their own country.

DiscoverAmerica.com was launched by the U.S. Travel Association to help Americans learn about domestic travel destinations and activities.

The site includes an interactive map that gives mileage from city to city, and an activity finder that lists more than 3,000 experiences, attractions and events, including museums, gardens, ski slopes, festivals and parks. The site also offers links to tourism information for all 50 states, as well as for more than 100 cities and other destinations, and includes content from the National Park Service, the National Scenic Byways program and useful Web sites like GoogleMaps and Weather.com.

The site offers photo galleries organized by location, with pictures of everything from a historic district in New Braunfels, Texas to wild horses in North Carolina's Currituck Outer Banks, to the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in the Shasta Cascade region of California, to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. Visitors can also upload their own images and comments about places they've been by clicking on the "Stories" link at DiscoverAmerica.com.

"DiscoverAmerica.com is the latest in a series of online media outlets that feature content related to Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia," explains Bill Tipton, executive director of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. "In addition to our official website, ComeCoastAwhile.com, we are distributing online information via a .mobi site, a blog and on several social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Squidoo.

"It's all part of an aggressive effort to promote Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia as a preferred destination for families, groups, meetings, reunions, weddings and other facets of tourism and travel. It's a relatively low-cost way to promote our area, with the potential to connect with millions of prospective visitors."

U.S. Travel is a private agency authorized by the U.S. Commerce Department to develop and market an official travel planning web site targeting the top five international markets that send visitors to the U.S. — Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. Launching DiscoverAmerica.com for domestic travelers was an outgrowth of U.S. Travel's outreach to international visitors.

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 web-enabled phone or PDA.

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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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Georgia Voyager Magazine launches new online publication

Georgia Voyager Magazine has launched its first online issue, according to editor and publisher Cathy Hodge. The online magazine features "page-flipping" technology that replicates the look and feel of the printed version, as well as links to featured attractions, sound files and more.

"The special features of our new online publication make it fun for adults to read, and provide interactivity for children," Hodge explained. "Among other things, there are links to learn more about historic sites and educational places to visit, and downloadable contests, games and educational activities."

The current issue includes features about Georgia's Fall Line, Georgia's prehistoric peoples, the Civil War in Georgia, The Great Locomotive Chase, Famous Georgia Women, and more.

Now in its 13th year, Georgia Voyager was created for children who requested information about the state during the 1996 Summer Olympics. In 2000 the magazine won the Georgia Outstanding Program of the Year award from the Georgia Council of the Social Studies. Since its founding more than 2 million copies of the quarterly magazine have been distributed to Georgia teachers and school children.

The Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a proud sponsor of Georgia Voyager Magazine and its programs, including the annual Georgia History Essay Contest for Georgia students in grades 4-12. Essays are judged by a panel of historians, teachers and others, and the winners are announced during a special Georgia History Day ceremony at the state capitol in Atlanta.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau also has partnered with Georgia Voyager to offer educational study tour programs designed to meet the needs of every school and youth group. Standards-based lesson plans are available for students in grades 4 through high school, and include pre- and post-visit classroom activities which are tied to the latest state and national educational performance standards in history, geography, economics, science and language arts.

These programs are offered through a special teacher planning guide developed by the CVB and Georgia Voyager.

According to Bill Tipton, executive director of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau, the educational travel planner has been very well received by Georgia teachers. "We've been extremely pleased with the response that we've gotten to the planner," Tipton

The travel planner is available free of charge from the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. Call 800-809-1790 to request a copy. Or, you can download a copy of the guide from the CVB's official website. explained. "Because of our natural environment and variety of attractions, museums and historic sites Brunswick and the Golden Isles are an ideal destination for educational field trips."

A Taste of Glynn: An Evening with the area's Best Chefs

Chefs from throughout Brunswick and the Golden Isles are polishing up their utensils and getting ready for "A Taste of Glynn," Sunday March 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. This annual fundraiser benefits the Amity House women's shelter in Brunswick, and provides a wonderful opportunity for area restaurants and caterers to show off their skills and their signature dishes.

The event takes place on the lawn of the King and Prince, right next to the water – a perfect venue for an event that typically attracts 1,000 to 1,200 people for an evening of culinary delights, silent auctions and live entertainment.

"It's definitely one of the major social events of the year," says Sherry Ellis, co-chair of the Taste of Glynn Committee. "We've had many people tell us that A Taste of Glynn is the kickoff for the spring social season."

Twenty-five restaurants and caterers will compete for awards in judged and People's Choice competitions. Awards will be presented various food categories including appetizers, desserts, seafood, etc. An award also will be given for overall presentation.

"The level of presentation seems to get better each year," Ellis says. "It has really become a lot of fun, with a lot creativity in serving containers, decorating and more.

"Our local restaurants and caterers take this very seriously, and there is a great level of competition among them. The winners proudly display their awards, and feature their winning items in their menus."

Great food is only part of the experience. This year, A Taste of Glynn will feature live entertainment by three different performing groups – "Three of Us," "The Not Brothers" and jazz saxophonist Michael Hulett.

One of the highlights of the event is the Platinum Silent Auction. This year's auction includes vacation trips to Duck and Murphy, NC as well as South Beach in Miami; a "Dessert of the Month" package; a women's bike and a platinum and diamond ring, among others. And, of course, there will be the traditional wine raffle.

Ellis is pleased to announce the release of a brand new "Taste of Glynn" cookbook, which will make its debut at this year's event. "It includes 400 recipes from chefs and caterers that have taken part in A Taste of Glynn over the past nine years," she explained. "It has absolutely gorgeous photos of many of the dishes, and is beautifully done. It will make a very nice gift for anyone who likes to cook or just collect cookbooks."

A Taste of Glynn is presented by Moore Stephens Tiller, LLC and MST Wealth Management, LLC, as well as 20 area businesses and individuals. Special thanks to the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort for their very generous support of the event.

Tickets are $40 per person in advance, or $50 at the door. They can be purchased by calling Amity House (912) 264-1348 or picking them up at Moore Stephens Tiller and MST Wealth Management Brunswick Office,The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, or SunTrust Bank on Demere Road St. Simons Island.

SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR A TASTE OF GLYNN
Free shuttle service for A Taste of Glynn patrons will be provided from Masengale Park on Ocean Boulevard, St. Simons Island, to the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Shuttle service will begin at 3:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS

• Bennie's Red Barn, St. Simons Island
• Blackwater Grill, St. Simons Island
• Bonefish Grill, St. Simons Island
• Millhouse Steakhouse, Brunswick
• Cargo Portside Grill, Brunswick
• Coastal Kitchen, St. Simons Island
• 4th of May Cafe, St. Simons Island
• Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island
• Gourmet to You, by Tanya
• Jekyll Island Club Hotel
• J Macs, St. Simons Island
• Los Arcos, Brunswick
• Palm Coast Coffee, St. Simons Island
• Purple Sage Catering
• Red Red Swine
• Sea Palms Resort, St. Simons Island
• Smokey Joe's BBQ, Brunswick
• Southern Soul, St. Simons Island
• Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick
• Straton Hall Catering and Special Events
• Tasteful Temptations
• The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island
• Wee Pub, Brunswick

Photo Credit: Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography

Taking Your Animal to the Beach

Many pet owners consider their animals to be members of the family, welcome to participate in most family activities, including travel.

A trip to the beach can be a very rewarding way to spend quality time with your pet. It is important to remember, however, that the beach is shared with other people, pets, and wildlife. Here are some helpful questions and answers to help make your -- and your pet's -- beach visit as pleasant as possible.


Is my pet allowed on the beach?

Ordinances regarding animals on the beach vary widely. Most Georgia beach communities require that animals be kept off the beach during certain hours of the day and/or certain times of the year. Some only allow dogs on specific beaches, some allow horses and others have banned animals altogether. All require that your animal remain on a leash and under your control.

Violators risk being fined, so it is best to check local laws before bringing along your animal companion. Here are the ordinances for beaches in Brunswick and The Golden Isles:

• St. Simons Island Animals are allowed on the beach until 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from First Street/East Beach (Coast Guard Station) south to Mallery Street (the pier). Animals on leashes (max. 10 feet) are permitted on the beach north of the Coast Guard Station year-round at any time.

• Jekyll Island Animals must be on a leash or reins and are permitted on the beach.

Why does my animal need to be on a leash?

In areas that animals are allowed they must be kept on leash. This is for your animal's safety and for the safety of other beachgoers and wildlife.

While we all like to think that our dogs are well mannered, it is important to remember that the canine social structure is quite different from that of humans. Anywhere that large numbers of dogs congregate the occasional fight is inevitable. Keeping your dog on a leash will minimize negative encounters with other dogs and give you better control of your pet if they are involved in a scuffle. Dogs with a history of aggression are best left at home.


Dogs and Wildlife

Georgia beaches are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife; several species are threatened or endangered. Here is some good advice designed to help protect and preserve these animals:

Shorebirds
If you are going to a remote beach, leave your dog at home. Dogs are effective predators and often disturb shorebirds that are nesting in the sand. Dogs can crush or eat young chicks or flush the parents off nests allowing other predators easy access to them. To minimize interactions with nesting birds keep your dog at home.

Do not allow your dog to chase birds on the beach. Several species of birds use Georgia beaches as critical stopovers during their long migrations. When forced to flee from dogs, birds burn up valuable calories and compromise their fat reserves. Chronic disturbance of resting birds can compromise their health and burns valuable energy needed for migration.

Sea Turtles
From late spring through early fall; loggerhead sea turtles nest on Georgia’s shores. Please take precautions to ensure your dog does not disturb adult turtles, their nests, or hatchlings. Do not allow your dog to dig above the high tide line and do not bring your pets to the beach after dark when females are laying eggs.


Why do I need to pick up my animal's waste...won't the tide wash it away?

The tide will wash it away…and that’s the problem. Recently, animal waste on the beach has received a lot of attention. Not only is it unpleasant for beachgoers, but it also poses a very real health threat to swimmers and other dogs.

Fecal coliform bacteria in seawater, tied to animal waste on the beach, can make people and animals very ill. In some cases, these bacteria can reach levels that require the local Health Department to issue a swimmers' health advisory. To ensure that your animal is not contributing to this problem, always clean up your animal's waste and deposit it in an appropriate trash receptacle. For current beach advisories in Georgia click here.

How can I keep my dog safe at the beach?

The American Kennel Club has provided the following guidelines to help you make your dog’s trip to the beach an enjoyable one:

• When taking your dog to the beach, make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade.

• Dogs can get sunburned just like humans, so limit your dogs exposure to the hot sun and apply a zinc-free sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

• Be careful not to let your dog spend too much time on hot sand or asphalt. Dogs can burn their feet just as easily as we can.

• Cool ocean water is very tempting to a dog. Don’t allow your dog to drink too much seawater. This can cause diarrhea or vomiting and quickly dehydrate them.

• Check with lifeguards for daily water conditions. Dogs can be easy targets for jellyfish.

• Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs, but don’t let them overdo it. They will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.

• Running on a beach is strenuous exercise and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament. If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand.

• The beach can present many hazards for your dog. Things to watch out for include boats, fishhooks, dead fish, garbage, and broken glass.

• Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog’s coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia
Several hotels, rental cottages and campgrounds in Brunswick and the Golden Isles accept pets. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of pets and/or their size. Pet-friendly properties often set aside a limited number of pet-friendly rooms. While they may show occupancy, they may in fact be out of pet-friendly rooms. Also, the accommodation may charge an additional fee for your pet. It's always best to check ahead of time just to be sure. For a listing of pet-friendly accommodations in Brunswick and The Golden Isles, click here.

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.

Survey results show economic impact of Brunswick Golden Isles visitors

The Brunswick Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau has released a new economic impact study, which shows the economic impact of tourism visitation in Glynn County, Georgia, including Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Davidson Peterson Associates, a travel marketing research firm in Kennebunk, ME, conducted the year-long study on behalf of the Brunswick Golden Isles CVB. According to the Davidson Peterson study, Glynn County visitors spent $735 million in Brunswick and the Golden Isles between July 2007 and June 2008 (FY 2007-08). Visitor expenditures during that period resulted in:

• 14,700 full-time-equivalent jobs;
• $320 million in resident income (wages, salaries and proprietary income);
• $51 million in state government revenues; and
• $39 million in local government revenues.

An estimated 1.6 million overnight visitors stayed in Glynn County during FY 2007-08. Of that number, 1.05 million visitors stayed in area hotels, motels or resort properties. The remaining overnight visitors stayed in vacation rental properties, campgrounds or with friends or relatives.

The study shows visitor expenditures divided into several key categories. According to Davidson Peterson Brunswick Golden Isles visitors spent:

• $214.16 million on Food (29 percent of total expenditures);
• $174.42 million on Lodging (24 percent of total expenditures);
• $150.56 million on Recreation (20 percent of total expenditures, this category includes museums and historic sites, sightseeing, sport and event fees, evening entertainment, cultural events, wagering, liquor, licenses and sweepstakes);
• $55.58 million on ground transportation (8 percent of total expenditures); and
• $2.04 million on other items (0.3 percent of total expenditures).

By season, Brunswick Golden Isles visitors spent:

• $220.41 million during Spring (April-June, 30 percent of total expenditures);
• $198.67 million during Summer (July – September, 27 percent);
• $162.71 million during Fall (October – December, 22 percent); and
• $153.27 million during Winter (January – March, 21 percent).

The study was designed to measure the economic impacts derived by Glynn County residents and governments from dollars spent in the area by visitors. Economic benefits cited in the study include:

• Total expenditures by made by Brunswick Golden Isles visitors;
• The number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by visitor expenditures;
• Wages, salaries and proprietary income earned by area residents as a result of visitor expenditures; and
• State and local government revenues generated by visitor expenditures.

For the purposes of this study, a “visitor” is defined as anyone who visits Brunswick and The Golden Isles while traveling outside of his or her normal routine, spends money and remains in the area for less than 30 days. According to Davidson Peterson, “economic impact” begins when a visitor spends any amount of money on a product or service. The study further defines three types of economic impact:

• Direct economic impacts are the direct result of visitor expenditures; for example, when visitor expenditures pay the salary and benefits of a hotel desk clerk.
• Indirect economic impacts are the economic benefits that result from additional rounds of spending; for example, when a hotel and its employees support additional jobs, wages, salaries, proprietary income, and government revenues.
• Total economic impacts are the sum of direct and indirect economic impacts.

The economic impact analysis is based on information gathered by Davidson Peterson Associates between July 2007 and June 2008 through three separate surveys. The survey results were based on self-administered questionnaires completed by Glynn County visitors who were staying overnight or had traveled 50 miles or more from home on a day trip, as well as telephone interviews of Glynn County lodging managers and residents.

According to Davidson Peterson, the previous economic impact study for Glynn County’s tourism industry was conducted in 2001. A complete copy of the report can be found on the Brunswick Golden Isles CVB official website. Just click on the “Visitors Statistics” button.

The Brunswick Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Glynn County, Georgia, including the mainland city of Brunswick and four barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. The Brunswick Golden Isles CVB mission is to create awareness of and interest in Brunswick & The Golden Isles as destinations for vacations, meetings and group tours. 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 more information about Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia, call toll-free 800-933-COAST (2627) or visit them online at http://www.ComeCoastAwhile.com.

Runners take to the beach and the bridge during 5K Walk/Runs

St. Simons Island Beach Walk/Run set for Feb. 14

The Golden Isles Track Club will sponsor its first "I Love the Beach 5K Beach Walk/Run," Saturday February 14 on St. Simons Island.

The race will begin and end at the beach crossover at the old Coast Guard Station on East Beach. Registration will be from 7:00 to 7:45 am, and the race will begin at 8:00 am. The top three finishers in each of 13 age divisions will receive awards, each with an island theme. Overall best prizes also will be presented. T-shirts are guaranteed for all who pre-register.

According to GITC officials, there hasn't been a beach run on St. Simons Island since 1995. According to club secretary Lea King, the race is designed to be "a fun time for all," serious runners and casual walkers alike.

The race is being held to raise community awareness about organ donation. According to the Georgia Lifelink transplant awareness group, there are nearly 3,000 Georgians on the national organ waiting list. Donor cards and educational information will be provided in all race packets, and organ donors and their recipients will be on hand to share their experiences.

King, an organ donor, gave a kidney to her mother in 2002.

Applications are available at area athletic clubs and health stores. Participants also can register online. For more information, call 912-638-2396.

Annual Bridge Run set for March 21

The seventh annual Southeast Georgia Health System Bridge Run across the Sidney Lanier Bridge will take place Saturday, March 21.

The 5K Walk/Run will carry participants over the Sidney Lanier Bridge and its approaches, which are more than 7,700 feet long, and 185 feet above the Brunswick River. Participants will start on the southbound side of the bridge, cross it and return.

Because of the steep angle of the bridge (approximately 6% grade), no baby strollers, running strollers or rollerblades will be allowed.

The event will include a variety of activities including

• Dept. of Natural Resources interactive fishing booth
• Children's casting contest
• Children's face painting
• Entertainment
• Food and Awards

Pre-registration entry fee for the Bridge Run is $18 per person. Pre-registration forms must be postmarked by March 6. Registration forms and information are available online, or call 912-466-7007. Race day registration will open at 7:30 am; Race day registration fee will be $25 per person. Only those who pre-register will be guaranteed a commemorative race T-shirt.

The event will benefit the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation.

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.

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. 

Step back in time during Fort Frederica Living History Festival

Take a step back in time to the earliest days of the Georgia colony, during the 2009 Fort Frederica Living History Festival, Saturday Feb. 21 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island.

Festival activities are designed to immerse visitors into the history of Georgia's second town, the fort and the struggle for empire between Great Britain and Spain during the 18th century. Military re-enactors and other living history enthusiasts will help bring the site to life. The 2008 festival included Florida Spanish soldiers from Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine; Scottish Highlanders from Fort King George in Darien, and soldiers from Fort Frederica's volunteer regiment.

Special programs will focus on giving children a hands-on experience, including hands-on musket drills, colonial children's games, journal making and archaeology programs.

"Our activities focus on the children," says Chief Ranger Kim Coons. "The kids are recruited into the regiment and must complete a journal of their activities to get a shilling and a 'drink' in the tavern. Activities include journal-making, soldiers drill, watching the orientation film, colonial kids games and tabby making."

Other activities will include weapons firing demonstrations, guided tours of the Frederica town site and live music. Admission to the festival is free.

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Fort Frederica National Monument
The town of Frederica was founded by General Oglethorpe in 1736, three years after the founding of Savannah. Park ranger-led tours and living history programs throughout the year recall life in Georgia's second town. The park visitor center features exhibits and an orientation film, which is shown every 30 minutes. Visitor Center hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. Admission fee. For more information, call 912-638-3639 or visit them online.

Special Events at Fort Frederica National Monument
Feb. 28 - Robert Abbott's Fight for Civil Rights, 2:00 pm
March 14 - Georgia's Colonial Music Concert, 7:00 pm
March 28 - Bloody Marsh Musket Program, 2:00 pm
April 4 - Colonial Games: Cribbage, 2:00 pm
April 18 - Evening in a Colonial Tavern, 7:00 pm
May 16 - Frederica Folkways: The Life of a Soldier, 2:00 pm
May 30 - Story Time at the Fort, 10:00 am
June 6 - 18th Century Kids Games, 2:00 pm
June 20 - Frederica Folkways: The Life of a Soldier, 2:00 pm
June 22-24 - Hands-On History Camp
July 7 - Bloody Marsh Musket Program, 2:00 pm
July 28 - "A Thanksgiving for Victory," 2:00 pm
Aug 22 - Colonial Games: Farkle, a dice game, 2:00 pm
Sept 26 - Frederica Folkways: 18th-century Cooking, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Oct 24 - Bloody Marsh Musket Program, 2:00 pm
Nov 7 - Story Time at the Fort, 10:00 am
Nov 21 - Frederica Folkways: Making Tabby, 2:00 pm
Dec 12 - Gen. Oglethorpe's Birthday Celebration

Daily Ranger Programs take place at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm during June, July and August.

All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm information by calling 912-638-3639.

Image credit: National Park Service, Fort Frederica National Monument

Writers Workshops Provide Inspiration, Encouragement

Through the years, the abundant beauty of the Georgia coast has inspired artists of every stripe: painters, potters, jewelers, and writers among them.

In 1878, poet Sidney Lanier extolled the lush beauty of our coastal landscape, in his ode to "The Marshes of Glynn." Many others have written about coastal Georgia's towns and cities and their inhabitants. One of the best-known local authors was Eugenia Price, who wrote 14 historical novels about the Georgia and Florida coasts in the 1800s. During the 1930s, playwright Eugene O'Neill built a home and worked on Sea Island, where he wrote "Ah, Wilderness," his only comedy. Another writer of the period, Ben Ames Williams, also lived and wrote on Sea Island.

Contemporary writers can find similar inspiration - along with healthy doses of fellowship and professional guidance - during writers workshops conducted here in the Golden Isles.

Southeastern Writers Association Writers Workshop
The Southeastern Writers Association will conduct its 34th (yes, 34th) annual Writers Conference June 21-25 at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island. The annual conference draws professional and aspiring writers from throughout the country who gather to share knowledge and experience, hone their skills and promote themselves and their work.

This year's workshops are led by a team of nationally and internationally known writers including novelist Steve Berry, whose books have made the best-seller lists of the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today. Other faculty include romance novelist and cookbook author Cheryl Norman; short fiction writer Jimmy Carl Harris; children's book author Jo Kittinger; freelance non-fiction writer Kristen Kemp; poet Dana Wildsmith; writer, editor and publisher Chuck Sambucino, and blogger and online marketing expert Charlotte Babb.

Workshops cover a range of topics including advanced fiction, fiction, short fiction, juvenile, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, blogging for writers, marketing and more.

In addition to the classroom sessions, workshop participants also can:

• Have up to three manuscript evaluations in personal conferences with instructors.
  
• Enter contests in Fiction, Poetry, Non-fiction, Inspiration, Humor, Science Fiction and Fantasy.
  
• Get to know agents, editors and instructors on a personal level.
  
• Sell their books at workshop bookstore.
  
• Sign their books at the Autograph Party.
  

Tuition for the full conference, including a one-year membership in the Southeastern Writers Association, is $395. Daily tuition also is available. Tuition does not include lodging accommodations or meals.

For more information about the workshop, please visit their website.

Scribblers Retreat Writers Conference
Scribblers Retreat will offer four writers conferences during 2009: Feb. 12-15, May 14-17, Aug. 13-16 and Nov. 12-15. Conferences take place at Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort on St. Simons Island. Each conference will focus on different aspects of writing, from History, Short Stories and Humor (February) to Novels and Journalism (November).

Workshop participants learn from the best authors, speakers, teachers and mentors, editors and publishers, during 10 one-hour sessions. Each day offers a leisurely lunch break, perfect for island exploration, walks along the beach or relaxation.

Workshops are open to published and non-published writers, and are dedicated to encouraging, educating and promoting writers of all ages to continue their craft and publish their works.

Conference packages are $795 and include three nights accommodations, daily breakfast buffet, a Thursday evening banquet and "Evening with Author" cocktail reception on Saturday. For information about the conference and registration, visit their website. 

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A Google search yielded many other novels set in coastal Georgia. These include: 

• "Palindrome" by Stuart Woods (set on Cumberland Island)
  
• "When Winter Comes" by Beverly Bird (Savannah)
  
• "Muskrat Courage" by Philip Lawson (Okefenokee Swamp)
  
• "Run Jane Run" by Maureen Tan (Savannah)
  
• "The Jekyll Island Club" by Patricia M. Clark (Jekyll Island)
  
• "Out of the Ruins" by Sally S. Wright (Cumberland Island)
  
• "Endangered Species" by Nevada Barr (Cumberland Island).
  

For additional information about Georgia writers, visit www.gabooks.com/authors.htm. 

For information about books that relate specifically to Brunswick & The Golden isles, visit our website.