Passports from the Heart

Travel Guide: St. Simons Island, Georgia

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All it takes is one visit to the beautiful St. Simons Island to immediately fall in love. In fact, last year I visited the island twice. Voted America’s #1 Favorite Romantic Town and America’s #1 Favorite Beach Town, St. Simons Island is the perfect place to experience authentic southern charm. It’s a special place whose history dates back to the 1800s. There’s a plethora of activities to participate in locally, incredible restaurants, and accommodations with the perfect view.

Where to Stay: King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the King and Prince has gone through many changes over the last 80 years. One thing that’s for sure, there’s a reason this resort is a favorite among so many. With beautiful accommodations, oceanfront dining, and a host of amenities everything you need for a perfect vacation is right at your fingertips.

Where to Eat: Southern Soul BBQ 

2020 Demere Road St. Simons Island, GA

912.638.SOUL (912.638.7685)

In 2017, Southern Living Magazine named Southern Soul Barbeque the best in the south! The locals and visitors clearly agree because on the day I visited there was a line waiting out the door. If you are looking for a true southern meal then you really can’t go wrong with their chicken, mac & cheese, and okra. Delicious and definitely hits the spot.

Georgia Sea Grill

407 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522

(912) 638-1197

 

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Georgia Sea Grill. This locally owned restaurant and wine bar is located on the pier village. I took my family for dinner here last summer and they were so kind to allow my daughter to play the piano in front of guests. She was of course thrilled. I have quite a few favorites on the menu. I highly recommend the escargot, crab maison, crab stuffed hushpuppies, and of course the corn battered fried Georgia shrimp.

Echo

Located in the King and Prince Beach Resort

(912) 638-3631

Chef James Flack will not disappoint you at the King and Prince Beach Resort restaurant ECHO. From presentation to quality, your dining experience will be outstanding. ECHO has something for everyone and is great for drinks after a day at the golf course, lunch with the girls with a sea view, or dinner with a loved one. I also love that you can find the recipes for your favorite menu items on their website.

What to Do: Ocean Motion & Barry’s Beach Services

1300 Ocean Blvd

(912) 638-5225

I love to be out on the water every chance I can get. Ocean Motion offers paddle boarding, kayaking, sailboat rentals and lessons, and bicycle rentals. Kayaking through the salt marsh with a guide was not only an educational experience for my children but also lots of fun for everyone.

Lighthouse Trolleys and Boat Tours

(912) 638-3333

Cap Fendig has been leading fishing trips for over 40 years. In fact, his family’s presence on the island dates back to the 1800s. His company Lighthouse Trolleys and Boat Tours has been voted as the best dolphin tours by locals. In addition to boat tours, Cap offers tours of St Simons Island and Jekyll Island. That includes ghost tours of these areas of the region that are rich in history.

St Simons Island Lighthouse

610 Beachview Drive St Simons Island, GA 31522

(912) 638-4666

Located near the village is the St. Simons lighthouse which was built in 1872 to replace the original lighthouse from 1810. This place has incredible history behind it but rather than give it away I highly recommend stopping by the museum. Visitors can also climb the 129 stairs to the top for a beautiful view of St Simons. It’s worth every step.

John Krivec Photography 

(912) 602-8882

St Simons Island is a special place that should be experienced with special people. What better way to remember these moments than by having a photographer capture them. Local photographer John Krivec is an expert with over 20 years experience, I am confident he will exceed your expectations. I have worked with many photographers over the years and his work is by far some of my favorite. Just take a look at his website!

Finally, one thing not to miss during your time in St. Simons Island is the beauty around you. Bud St Pierre , Director of Sales and Marketing at the King and Prince, shared something with me that I have not been able to forget. ‘Never miss the sunrises on the beach and the sunsets over the marsh.’ Such a true statement. St Simons Island is a gem.

 

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort in St Simons Island, Georgia

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FTC Disclosure *I was offered a complimentary visit to the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort as part of a Press Trip however all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.*

In May I had the opportunity to visit the historic King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort in St Simons Island, Georgia. What a beauty this place is with a story to tell.  The King and Prince dates back to the early 1900s and wasn’t always a resort. In it’s beginning days it was intended as a private club which was later destroyed by arson. After numerous renovations, the King and Prince opened it’s doors to the public in 1941 but soon closed to be occupied by the Navy during World War II.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the King and Prince has gone through many changes over the last 80 years. One thing that’s for sure, there’s a reason this resort is a favorite among so many. With beautiful accommodations, oceanfront dining, and a host of amenities everything you need for a perfect vacation is right at your fingertips.

The resort has an array of accommodations including the Oceanfront Building, Oleander Building, Historic building, Beach Villas, and Resort Residences (with up to five bedrooms!).

In addition to a stunning outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness facility, and the Royal Treatment Cottage the King and Prince also has a stunning award winning golf course that overlooks lakes, lagoons, and tidal marshlands.

Chef James Flack will not disappoint you at the resort restaurant ECHO. Our dining experience was superior from presentation to quality. During one of our 5 course dinners we enjoyed this small plate of Smoked Sea Scallops, Lemon Curd, and GA Caviar which was paired with Drew Barrymore’s Carmel Road Winery Pinot Grigio.

This grilled Georgia Peach with Foie Creme Fraiche, Pickled Blueberries, Summer Greens, and Maple Pecan Dressing was one of my favorites!

The King and Prince has won a plethora of awards. It has received the Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor for 7 years straight and in the past year won awards from Hotels.com, Family Vacation Critic, Elegant Island, and Open Table. One unique award was given to ECHO’s awesome bartender Chad. While checking out ECHO, make sure to order ‘The Chad’ a twist on a White Russian named after it’s creator, of course. This cocktail using coffee infused dixie vodka won the Inaugural Coastal Stir Cocktail Challenge at The St Simons Island Food + Spirits Festival. Find the recipe HERE. 

                                                         Photo provided by the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort 

I’ve traveled the world and seen the sun rise and set in some of the most remarkable places. The sunrises and sunsets in St Simons Island are truly unforgettable. I can assure you that it’s worth waking up early for this bit of Heaven.

How does the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort ‘Give Back’? 

  • Two Tesla charging stations for guest use
  • Recycling of cardboard and paper in all staff areas.
  • Recycling of batteries
  • Recycling of ink cartridges
  • Eco-friendly disposal of fluorescent light bulbs
  • Cloth hand towels provided in public restrooms to reduce paper waste
  • Donation of discarded linens to local charities
  • Donation of outdated historical print materials to local schools
  • Usage of eco-friendly cleaning products for the vast majority of our general cleaning needs
  • Implementation of towel and linen re-use program in our guest rooms
  • Implementation of microfiber cleaning system
  • In-room recycling equipped with bio-degradable, eco-friendly bags.
  • Membership in the Clean the World Program
  • Utilization of low-flow shower heads and toilets
  • Recycling options for both plastic and aluminum in-room and throughout the hotel.

 

Interested in booking a romantic getaway or family holiday?

Check out -> http://www.kingandprince.com/booking.aspx

 

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