Our first stop in Georgia brought us to St. Simons Island, which is known as the most romantic island on the coast. When we heard and read that of course we wondered why and set out to get an answer. Upon arriving at Morningstar Marina, we asked the Dockmaster why St. Simons was known as the romantic island, he had no idea and hadn’t even heard that before! Now we were really intrigued, the locals never heard that. This Marina was great and we were really impressed, great new docks, a courtesy car, courtesy bikes, and fresh muffins delivered to your boat every morning by 6 a.m.
The nicest courtesy car a marina has ever provided. It was a late model Ford Edge. We used it to cross the bridge to the island to buy provisions and make a Post Office stop. We haven’t had a courtesy car since the Ten Tom River, kind of forgot how to drive.Marina also provided courtesy bikes to use as long as you wanted. We spent the day exploring St. Simons island.The bike trails were beautiful with the Spanish moss-covered oaks on a lovely residential street lined with beautiful homes and lush landscapes, which lent itself to a type of romance. The St. Simons Lighthouse built in 1868-1872 replaced an earlier lighthouse destroyed during the Civil War. This was the first Lighthouse we actually were able to go in. The ParlorChildren’s BedroomInside the Lighthouse was the Keeper’s Dwelling consisting of four rooms. The Keepers lived here until the light was automated in the mid-50s. It is now a coastal history museum. And inside we found the answer as to why it’s the most romantic island. The island got that title because of the dramatic saga of an Episcopal minister, Anson Dodge, and the tragic death of his beloved wife Ellen on their wedding trip. His passion for his bride inspired him to build a beautiful church in 1884 as a memorial and that’s why St. Simons is known as the most romantic island on the Coast. Although there are certainly other reasons as well. We climbed the129 steps to the topBeautiful vistas from the topLighthouse was automated in the ’50s and is now a coastal history museum. Inside we found the answer as to why it’s the most romantic island. The island got that title because back in Docktails hosted by “Into the Mystic”, a Carver 440 from Grand Haven, MI also, “Dog House” and “Stray Cat”
Sunbury Crab Co.
The next leg en route to Savannah was rather desolate giving us very few docking options. Ron sleeps best when tied to a dock and I sleep well when he sleeps well, so anchoring is our very last choice. It was looking like we would have to anchor until I found a restaurant with a dock that was available for overnight transients. It was only $1.50 a foot but you had to make a reservation for dinner. The downside was that it was 7 miles off the ICW channel, so a little bit of out of our way. But the Captain was game, so I called Elaine, the owner, and made our reservation. This was your classic southern seafood shack that specialized in Blue Crab. Elaine is the hostess that seats you at the table and then collects your dockage fee. The food was delicious but it was the atmosphere that created the memory.
Seafood Shack VibeGreat GA Coastal viewsElaine’s husband is drummer in the band Classic Seafood Shack decorBlue Crab Claws, a lot of work for a little meatChocolate Covered Ice Cream Sandwich for dessertThese were a couple of Sunbury’s SpecialtiesJust like the previous morning, these fresh muffins showed up on our boat by 6 a.m. just before we were about to leave for the day. We did delay our usual 7 a.m. departure to assess the weather. We knew there were storms in the forecast and the wind kicked up but nothing we felt should stop us from cruising, so we headed out for Savannah.
Reimanns 'round the loop in 2022 