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1. Saint Simons Island
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Saint Simons is located approximately midway between Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL,
and is the largest of the Golden Isles.
The four barrier islands comprising the Golden Isles are
(1) Saint Simons Island, (2) Sea Island, (3) Little Saint Simons Island, and
(4) Jekyll Island.
Moss-draped oaks line many of the streets on the island.
'The Village' offers many shops, restaurants, and Neptune Park.
Idyll-on-the-Rocks is located in the heart of The Village -- so you
can easily walk to everything!
How is Saint Simons connected to the mainland? Saint Simons Island is a bridged island
-- It is connected to the mainland by a four lane causeway/bridge (no toll). The town on
the mainland side of the bridge is Brunswick, Georgia. The island that is adjacent to and
connected to Saint Simons Island by a small causeway is Sea Island (indeed, many of the
Sea Island facilities are on St. Simons Island itself). You can access Little St. Simons
Island via a boat and reservations from St. Simons Island. The next island South in the
Georgia Golden Isles is Jekyll Island. Cumberland Island and Sapelo are also available for
tour from nearby local ports, with reservations and boat access.
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2. The Beach
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We love going for long walks on the beach here in Saint Simons -- especially
with the puppy (when allowed). "Animals are prohibited on the beach form 9am to 5pm, Memorial Day through
Labor Day From Mallery Street (the pier) to First Street/East Beach (Coast Guard
Station)." - from a 11/22/2004 Glynn County Publication
Tidal: But be aware that the beach here at Saint Simons is also very tidal.
At times, there can be a lot of beach, or no beach at all.
Be sure to consult the tide charts before planning your walks.
What is the beach like on the island? Very pretty! It is not unusual to see
the dolphins playing right off shore every day. But please be aware that the beaches
at St. Simons Island are tidal. The first thing we do upon arrival is to pick up a
tide table. What that means is that for the beach by the house, at low tide, for
hours, there is beautiful deep beach with walkovers; but at very high tide, the water
comes up to the breakwater. A mile and two miles down from the house, respectively, are
Massengale Park Beach and the Coast Guard Beach Access. Both have permanent all day
long beach with bathroom facilities and parking lots. Many of our dog people like the
Coast Guard Beach. The sand at the beach close to the house is wonderful for bike riding
directly on the beach itself as it stay fairly hard packed which make for a unique
biking experience. St. Simons occupies the westernmost portion of South Atlantic
Bight, the coastline that curves from Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Canaveral FL.
This location provides protection from waves but also means it has the highest
tidal range in the southeast. As the beaches are tide dominated rather than wave
dominated, this means the beaches are wide and flat with very shallow slopes.
Where are other public beach access points close to the house? The first
thing you want to do is pick up a tide table. At low tide, there are many access
points to the beach in Neptune Park, just across the street from the house. Or
just go up up Ocean Boulevard to Massengale Park and access Massengale Beach.
You will find picnic/bathroom facilities, including showers. Park hours are
6am-10:30pm. Also up Ocean Boulevard is East Beach, with parking,
bathrooms, walkovers, etc.
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3. Weather & Tides
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Weather: Check out the current weather.
Tides: View a
Tide Chart
(very nicely formatted).
Another source.
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4. Location Zoom
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Saint Simons Island is located nearly midway between Savannah GA and Jacksonville FL.
Use the following interactive map to zoom in/out of the area. Or, visit
http://local.live.com
to fully interact with a map.
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5. Driving Directions
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To get driving directions from your city to Idyll-on-the-Rocks,
enter as much information as you can in the form below, and then press
"Get Driving Directions!" to obtain driving directions from Google Maps.
Here are driving times to Saint Simons Island from various major cities:
| Atlanta, GA | 4 hr 31 min |
| Baltimore, MD | 10 hr 09 min |
| Birmingham, AL | 6 hr 38 min |
| Boston, MA | 16 hr 28 min |
| Charlotte, NC | 4 hr 47 min |
| Coral Gables, FL | 6 hr 14 min |
| Dallas, TX | 15 hr 27 min |
| Hartford, CT | 14 hr 58 min |
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| Houston, TX | 13 hr 25 min |
| Memphis, TN | 10 hr 06 min |
| Miami, FL | 6 hr 03 min |
| Nashville, TN | 8 hr 10 min |
| New Orleans, LA | 8 hr 46 min |
| New York, NY | 13 hr 11 min |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 16 hr 49 min |
| Palm Beach, FL | 5 hr 11 min |
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| Philadelphia, PA | 11 hr 44 min |
| Raleigh, NC | 5 hr 44 min |
| Richmond, VA | 7 hr 44 min |
| Savannah, GA | 1 hr 22 min |
| St.Louis, MO | 12 hr 36 min |
| Tampa, FL | 4 hr 13 min |
| Washington, DC | 9 hr 30 min |
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6. Airports
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Regional Airport: If you are looking for a major airport serviced by
multiple airlines, check out one of the two closest major airports:
Local Airport: Delta/ASA (smaller planes) services this local airport
in nearby Brunswick with several flights per day to/from Delta's Atlanta hub:
Airport for Private Planes and Jets:
Transportation: For transportation to/from airports, consider using
Max Melchindina (our family does). Max can be reached at (912) 634-7749.
Arrangements need to be made ahead of time.
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7. Golf Courses
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Area Golf Course Information:
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8. Sports, Fitness & Fun
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Neptune Park
Fun Zone
550 Beachview Drive
St. Simons Island, GA
912-279-2836
glynncounty.org
Walk across street
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Located directly across the street from Idyll-on-the-Island, this
facility offers lots of fun for the family.
In addition to a pool and small water park, there is miniature golf,
a playground for the children, a small concession stand, and
a picnic/grilling area.
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The Club
2929 Demere Road
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-5600
www.theclubssi.com
Driving Directions
6 minutes - 2.70 miles
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| | Individual | Couple |
| Daily | $15 | $25 |
| Weekly | $55 | $75 |
| Monthly | $140 | $170 |
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42,000 sq ft of fitness, 300+ group fitness classes each month, circuit training room, free weight
room, Cycle Studio, private yoga studio, cardio zone, personal training, massage therapy, locker
rooms, steam rooms, saunas & whirlpools, indoor basketball court, racquetball courts, indoor
walking track, outdoor rope course, year-round heated pool, swim lessons.
Located less than 3 miles from the cottage.
They offer affordable temporary memberships / passes (table right; call for current rates).
Children can be added to any membership for about $10/week.
Many guests get passes to this center.
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Summerwaves Waterpark
210 S Riverview Dr
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
912-635-2074
www.summerwaves.com
Driving Directions
29 minutes - 18.20 miles
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Summerwave WaterPark have more than a million gallons of water fun -- on 11 acres.
Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus other select times.
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Biking
website
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"Explore over 30 miles of bike paths around St. Simons Island, including the newest paved
path that leads past Frederica Park to the far north end of the island. Enjoy views of beautiful
parks, rivers and the ocean, marshlands, historic sites, Pier Village and more.
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9. Boating & Charters
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Charter fishing Information
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10. Fishing Piers
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Saint Simons Fishing Pier
Mallery Street
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
2 minutes - 0.15 miles
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The fishing pier is just minutes away from Idyll-on-the-Island, at the end of Mallery Street.
And while there is parking there, you are located so close, you can probably end up walking
there just as fast as riding the car.
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11. Parks & Pets
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Neptune Park
110 Mallery Street
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
1 minute - 0.04 miles
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This oceanfront park features picnic tables and BBQ pits under a large oak tree,
a community pool, a children's playground, benches, a walking path, and a fishing pier.
Various events are held here throughout the year.
Well behaved dogs are allowed in this pet friendly park.
However, you must always clean up after your pet.
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Mallery Park
601 Mallery Street
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Walking Directions
1 minute - 0.40 miles
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Located just two blocks north of the village, on Mallery Street, and dog friendly.
The park has a nice playground for kids, and (1) a basketball court, (2) shuffle boards,
(3) tennis courts, (4) three baseball/softball fields, (5) grills / picnic area / restrooms.
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Frederica Park
2201 Lawrence Rd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
18 minutes - 8.4 miles
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This park has:
(1) Multipurpose sport field with mobile goals.
(2) Dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs
(3) Restroom facilities
(4) Picnic pavilions
(5) Botanical trail
(6) Labrynth
(7) Paved walking trail
(8) Playground
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Pet Sitter
312 Sandcastle Lane
St Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-8462
www.petsittingandmoressi.com
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"Pet Sitting & More provides loving in-home pet care
services to your treasured furry family members."
For pet sitting services on St. Simons Island, call Gail Chandler
at 912-638-8462 or 912-270-5022, or gailrc75@gmail.com.
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12. Rentals
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High Tide Carts
124 Pier Market Village
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-2313
www.hightidecarts.com
In the village
1 min - 1 block
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"High Tide Carts is a locally owned and run business on St. Simons Island
Georgia, serving St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Brunswick and Jekyll Island.
High Tide Carts is owned and run by The Perez Family, who strives to bring the
island experience to visitors. Using the golf carts - we introduce visitors to
our own local favorite restaurants, hangouts and sites on Saint Simons Island.
We only rent carts that go 20+ mph and would not embarrass you to be seen on."
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Island Bicycle
507 Ocean Boulevard
St Simons Island, GA 31522
912-268-2541
www.islandbicycle.co
In the village
1 min - 1 block
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"Conveniently located in the Pier Village on St. Simons Island, Island
Bicycle takes pride in providing visitors with the best method to experience
our island."
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Ocean Motion Surf Co.
1300 Ocean Blvd
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-5225
www.stsimonskayaking.com
Driving Directions
4 mins - 1.06 miles
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Rent bicycles anywhere from 4 hours to a week.
"Cruise St. Simons by bicycle. There's no need for a car on St. Simons! A bicycle will do just
fine. Explore St. Simons on our island wide bike path system or ride along the ocean on our low tide
beach. We have the largest selection of beach cruisers for adults and kids on St. Simons"
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Monkeywrench Bicycles
1708 Frederica Rd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-5551
monkeywrenchbicycles.com
Driving Directions
5 mins - 2.38 miles
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Open 7 days a week 10am-6pm. Rent bicycles anywhere from 4 hours to an entire month.
"Bring the whole family along as you explore the Golden Isles at your own speed
on the coolest cruisers in town! Pedal in the sunshine and fresh air, and under the
cool canopies of mossy live oaks. Enjoy our extensive path system while you visit
quiet neighborhoods, bask in the local history, or just work up a good appetite as
you ride the most comfortable bikes in town!"
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Electric Coast E-Bike Rentals
181 Palm St.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912.602.5015
electriccoast.co
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Around $40 (half day) to $60 (full day).
Deliveries and pickups can be scheduled from 8 am 5 pm, 7 days a week.
Office hours will vary, so please call ahead before you drop by.
"Electric bikes allow you to ride farther and longer than a traditional pedal bicycle. See more
of the islands in less time with a fresh breeze on your face and less sweat on your back!"
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13. Theater & Movies
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 Local movie showtimes from Google
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The Island Players
Casino Theatre
530 Beachview Drive
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-0338
www.theislandplayers.com
Across the street!
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"This oldest community theatre in the Golden Isles is committed to bringing the
stage alive with a variety of shows. Four performances plus a Young Peoples Summer
Workshop (YPSW) are presented annually. Residents and part-time residents alike are
invited to not only attend these performances but also audition or work on the
production teams."
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GTC Island 7 Cinemas
44 Cinema Lane
Saint Simons Island, GA, 31522
912-634-9100
www.georgiatheatrecompany.com
Driving Directions
9 minutes - 3.87 miles
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Located behind the Harris Teeter in the shopping center near the corner of
Sea Island Rd and Frederica Rd.
Georgia Theatre Company is a third generation family-owned business specializing in
motion picture exhibition, operating 275 screens at 28 locations in GA, SC, and VA.
Facilities feature Stadium seating. Company HQ is in Saint Simons Island.
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GTC Glynn Place 11
551 Mall Blvd
Brunswick, GA, 31525
912-265-7600
www.georgiatheatrecompany.com
Driving Directions
19 minutes - 11.59 miles
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Located in the mall by the Ruby Tuesday entrance (mall is by Home Depot and Walmart).
Georgia Theatre Company is a third generation family-owned business specializing in
motion picture exhibition, operating 275 screens at 28 locations in GA, SC, and VA.
Facilities feature Stadium seating. Company HQ is in Saint Simons Island.
On Fri/Sat nights after 6pm, the mall does not allow unaccompanied minors.
Minors are allowed with an adult.
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Golden Isles Arts &
Hunanities
1530 Newcastle St.
Brunswick GA 31520
912-262-6934
www.goldenislesarts.org
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"Golden Isles Arts & Humanities began as an all volunteer group of
outstanding citizens with a mission to promote and strengthen the arts
and humanities in Glynn County. In 1990, we assumed responsibility for
managing the Ritz Theatre for the City of Brunswick. In 1991, Golden Isles
Arts & Humanities was designated the coordinating arts council for Glynn
County and the City of Brunswick."
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14. Personal Chefs & Catering & Services
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(prior businesses listed here are closed)
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15. Grocery & Convenience Stores
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Village Liquor &
Package Store
508 Ocean Blvd
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-9738
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.12 miles
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Sales of Liquor only at a Liquor/Packing store.
Beer and wine sold in Liquor/Packing store, and in grocery and convenience stores.
No alcohol is sold on Sunday, except in restaurants and bars
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Winn-Dixie #19
Retreat Village
220 Retreat Village
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-4805 (store)
912-634-4817 (pharmacy)
www.winn-dixie.com
Driving Directions
4 minutes - 1.83 miles
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Closest full-service grocery store.
Located in a shopping complex by the airport.
Open 6am-12am
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CVS Pharmacy
1605 Frederica Rd
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-7732
www.cvs.com
Driving Directions
5 minutes - 2.14 miles
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CVS sells convenience food items, has a full service pharmacy, as well
as one-hour photo processing.
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Harris Teeter
600 Sea Island Rd
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-8100
www.harristeeter.com
Driving Directions
9 minutes - 3.87 miles
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A fancier more upscale grocery store.
The 'GTC Island 7 Cinemas' (Threater) and 'Halyards' (Dining) are located behind Harris Teeter.
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16. Day Trips
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Are you looking to just see the area, or make a day trip out of it? Here are some suggestions:
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17. Fresh Seafood
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St Simons Seafood
2463 Demere Rd
Saint Simons Isl, GA 31522
912-634-2646
Driving Directions
5 minutes - 2.44 miles
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to be done...
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City Market
1508 Gloucester Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
912-265-4430
Driving Directions
14 minutes - 8.00 miles
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Recommended by Beachview guests as a great place to obtain fresh seafood.
In historic downtown Brunswick, Great Prices, Fresh Seafood, Wholesale & Retail, Shrimp, Poultry,
Oysters, Milk, Full Line Of Seafoods, Fish, Eggs, Butter
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18. Dining
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| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
Sandcastle
Palm Coast
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Sandcastle
Palm Coast
Barbary Jeans
Mullet Bay
Mellow Mushroom
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Sandcastle
Palm Coast
Barbara Jeans
Mullet Bay
Mellow Mushroom
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There are a LOT of amazing places to eat on and off the island.
This section lists just some favorites.
And to the right are some dog-friendly places to consider, all within walking distance of the house...
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The Half Shell
504 Beachview Drive
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-268-4241
thehalfshellssi.com
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.06 miles
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Seafood restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating.
Menu
Well behaved dogs allowed on outdoor patio areas
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Palm Coast Coffee
318 Mallery Street
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-7515
palmcoastssi.com
1 minute - 0.06 miles
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"Palm Coast coffee is an island favorite serving great coffee, casual food, sweets, craft beer,
wine, spirits and live music."
Breakfast and lunch served 8:00am-2:00pm.
Breakfast Menu |
Lunch Menu
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Barbara Jean's
214 Mallery Street
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-6500
www.barbarajeans.com
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.06 miles
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"We specialize in both seafood and made-from-scratch, home-style cooking.
There is little doubt that we are best known for our Crab Cakes".
Barbara Jean's is a family run, multi-unit restaurant operation that began in
1998 on Saint Simons.
Menu
Well behaved dogs allowed on outdoor patio areas
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Georgia Sea Grill
310 Mallery Street
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-1197
georgiaseagrill.com
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.09 miles
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This restaurant is tucked away in the village and is favored by many locals.
Featured in the May 2002 issue of Coastal Living magazine.
Usually open evenings.
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Mullet Bay
512 Ocean Boulevard
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-9977
www.mulletbayrestaurant.com
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.11 miles
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"We serve over 100 choices of real food and a lot of it. All in a fun filled
atmosphere with quick and friendly service, and unparalleled value! We have porch
dining, a children's menu, and large party capabilities."
Open 11:30am-10pm (bar open til 2am)
Menu
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Barberitos
509 Ocean Boulevard
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-5900
www.barberitos.com
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.11 miles
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Barberitos is a Southwestern Grille and Cantina, "proudly serving only the
freshest and best tasting burritos in the world."
You walk into Barberitos, place your order at the counter, pick up your food, pay,
and walk to your table. Enjoy burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads,
fajitas, and more.
Menu
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Porch
549 Ocean Boulevard
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-5168
www.porchssi.com
Driving Directions
1 minute - 0.11 miles
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Porch brings "Authentic Nashville Hot Chicken" to Saint Simons Island.
Also, Craft Beer, Chicken and Catfish Plates, Salads and Sides.
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Moon Doggy's Pizza
36 Canal Road
Brunswick, GA 31525
912-264-4888
www.moondoggyspizza.com
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If you want pizza, Beachview guests tell us this is
the place to go.
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Sandcastle Cafe & Grill
117 Mallery Street
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-8883
1 minute - 0.14 miles
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Open 7am-2:30pm for breakfast and lunch.
NOT open for dinner.
Breakfast is either buffet or a-la-carte.
Well behaved dogs allowed on outdoor patio areas
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Bonefish Grill
202 Retreat Village
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-634-0246
www.bonefishgrill.com
Driving Directions
4 minute - 1.83 miles
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"Bonefish Grill specializes in market fresh fish and seafood cooked to
perfection over a wood-burning grill. But leading up to the moment the fish
hits the grill there's the story of the passionate commitment that drives
us to search the fisheries of the world to discover the finest fish and
seafood, at the peak of its natural flavor and quality, and to bring it
home to our customers"
Menu
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Southern Soul Barbeque
2020 Demere Road
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-7685
www.southernsoulbbq.com
Driving Directions
6 minutes - 2.4 miles
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Southern Living Magazine's "The South's Best BBQ 2017: Southern Soul Barbeque"
Full Article.
Right across the traffic circle from Winn Dixie.
Mon-Sat: 11 AM to 9 PM
Sun: 11 AM to 6 PM
Menu
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Halyards
55 Cinema Lane
Saint Simons Island, GA, 31522
912-638-9100
www.halyardsrestaurant.com
Driving Directions
9 minutes - 3.87 miles
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"We never proclaim a few things to be fresh when everything
we serve at Halyards is prepared that way. Seafood, beef,
poultry, game. Sauces and soups. Everything is made from scratch.
Everything."
Highly rated by Beachview guests.
Appetizers $8-$12. Entrees $22-$38. Menus
Open Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm. Located across from the 'GTC Island 7 Cinemas' (behind Harris Teeter).
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Jekyll Island Club Hotel
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
800-535-9547
www.jekyllclub.com
Driving Directions
30 minutes - 18.05 miles
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Great for SUNDAY BRUCH.
Rreservations required. Call 912-635-2400.
10:45am - 2:00pm.
Grand Dining Room Menus
A great place to visit, even if you don't eat there.
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19. Health Care and Veterinarian
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Southeast Georgia
Regional Medical Center
2415 Parkwood Drive
Brunswick, GA, 31520
912-466-7000
www.sghs.org
Driving Directions
15 minutes - 8.14 miles
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Located in the historic port city of Brunswick, Georgia, the Brunswick Campus
is a 316-bed full service (excluding open heart surgery) not-for-profit hospital that
serves the health care needs of the residents of eight counties and is accredited
by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
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Island Animal Hospital
2603 Demere Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-319-4040
www.iahvets.com
Driving Directions
5 mins - 2.52 miles
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"We are a full service companion small animal hospital."
"Island Animal Hospital on St. Simons Island, Georgia is staffed
by a highly motivated and competent team of veterinarians and staff
who are committed to providing our pet clients with high quality,
full service and sensitive veterinary medical care."
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20. Links to other sites with more Information
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Idyll-on-the-Island is a trademark of Carol Irvine · Copyright © 2025 Carol Irvine
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Photos
