St. Simon’s Island Art

St. Simons Island is a must-visit location for Georgia explorers. It’s one of the legendary Golden Isles, and this large island faces the historic Marshes of Glynn. In some (and only the best) ways, visiting St. Simons Island is like being transported to the 19th century. Oak trees with moss adorn picturesque streets on many parts of the island. 

While activities in the great outdoors tend to be on most people’s St. Simons Island itineraries, don’t forget about indulging your creative spirit, too. After all, we’re increasingly learning the true importance of creative expression in happiness and general wellness. If you are an art lover, you’re in luck on St. Simons Island. The island has several places where you will find and enjoy art. 

Glynn Visual Arts

Photo Credit: glynnvisualarts via Instagram

Glynn Visual Arts (GVA) is a non-profit arts organization funded by generous patrons. This St. Simons Island art gallery is a community of local artists and art enthusiasts. It’s the area’s most well-established arts organization, with hundreds of members. 

This arts center was founded in 1953. It features many different events during the year, including many exhibitions, exciting art festivals, and educational opportunities for both kids and adults. Glynn Visual Arts features an art fair and summer camp especially for kids.

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Photo Credit: andersonfineartgallery via Instagram

Peruse an excellent selection of still life, portrait, and landscape paintings at Anderson Fine Art Gallery. Portraits are a special area of expertise for Anderson Fine Art Gallery. In fact, the gallery represents more than 100 portrait artists. If you’d like, you can even engage these artists for your own personal projects. 

Anderson Fine Art Gallery opened in 1998 and has a large selection of original paintings from artists at every stage of their career. Most of the work you will see at Anderson Fine Art Gallery is representational, with genres such as landscape and still life. There is a limited amount of non-representational (for example, abstract) work at the gallery, too. 

As wonderful a gallery as it is, Anderson Fine Art Gallery is truly more than that. It also offers the chance for art instruction and workshops. These workshops tend to take place at the gallery’s second location, which is called the Artist’s Annex Studio. There are workshops available there on a frequent basis, no matter the time of year. You will find the Artist’s Annex Studio directly behind the main gallery. 

One of the reasons why Anderson’s workshops are so impressive is the fact that they are led by professional artists. The gallery is so widely respected that professional artists from other parts of the United States come to Anderson Fine Art Gallery and its Artist’s Annex Studio to teach. There is also an Open Studio facility program. If you plan to visit and avail yourself of these facilities, take a look at the studio schedule first. Whether you paint in oil, acrylic, or watercolor paint, you will love the Artist’s Annex Studio.  

Wallin Studio & Gallery

Ken Wallin is a well-known and highly accomplished artist with a studio and gallery on St. Simons Island. He is admired for an impressionistic style that he executes with oil paint on canvas. Much of his wall art is inspired by places he has visited. 

As well as oil paintings, Wallin creates and includes mixed media wall sculptures in his gallery. Some of the subject matter you will see in Ken Wallin’s paintings include abstract florals, wildlife, and landscapes. Wallin’s artistic career spans back more than 35 years. 

Viola’s Market

Photo Credit: violas_market via Instagram

Viola’s Market is a St. Simons Island gallery location where you can view both fine and folk art. You can buy unique gifts here for your family and friends back home. Viola’s Market is well-known for its wicker and French wire baskets, as well as beautiful glazed pottery. It’s a wonderful place for finding home decor.  

This creative spot is located in Redfern Village, a charming area of St. Simons Island. When you visit Viola’s Market, you will find antiques, home accessories, and other kinds of artistic gifts. Viola’s Market is open weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. 

St. Simons Island is an Art destination 

St. Simons Island is not only an essential Georgia attraction but an impressive art destination, as well. When you head to St. Simons Island during your Georgia adventures, remember to include the island’s art scene on your itinerary. And don’t forget how many lovely additions to your home decor, not to mention gifts for friends and family, you can buy while you’re there.

Last Minute Deals

Last Minute Deals

We occasionally have last minute deals for travel to St Simons Island.

If your dates are flexible, enter your email address and we’ll send you any deals we have, or check out current deals below.

No gimmicks – just last minute deals on our vacation rental properties. We really do offer last minute deals from time to time, for several properties including our East Beach homes, condos in Beach Club and North Breakers, and other properties as well. Sign up below and we’ll be in touch if we have a real deal for you!

Current Deals – Specific dates as listed only, discounted 20%-35%, click link for specific pricing. Valid until booked, sorted by arrival date.


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DON’T GET SCAMMED BOOKING YOUR VACATION

A couple recently booked a last minute deal on a vacation rental.  On arrival, they found they had been scammed – they had made arrangements with an online person pretending to be a property owner, paid via a wire transfer to a foreign bank, and almost ended up with no place to stay in their destination town.  Travelers should beware of scams that target would-be vacation travelers. Even consumer advocate and scam-aware king Clark Howard was nearly hoodwinked.  We want you to have a great vacation – so follow these tips to ensure you book with confidence.

Below are items to watch out for to keep your wallet and vacation safe!

WIRE TRANSFER

Requests for wire transfer payment should be an immediate red flag.  Lighthouse Vacations will NEVER ask you to wire transfer money. We accept a variety of payment methods, but we will never ask our guests to wire money. If you are emailing with someone about renting a vacation home who is asking you to wire transfer money to a bank account – STOP! It is likely a scam.

GIFT CARDS

Similarly, a request to pay via store/online gift cards is a red flag for an almost certain scam.

NOT AVAILABLE TO SPEAK ON THE PHONE

Our local office is open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and we’re happy to take your call almost any time after hours. Scammers are known to make outlandish excuses as to why they cannot take phone calls. If the person you are dealing with is avoiding a phone conversation then STOP because it is likely a scam.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE DISCOUNTS OR CANCELLATION POLICIES

The advice our grandmothers gave us is still true today – when the deal being offered seems too good to be true, it probably is.

FOUND ON CRAIGSLIST

Unfortunately, craigslist has become an easy place for scammers to falsely advertise vacation homes, which usually leads to email conversations about wire transfers, too good to be true discounts and a representative who is unable to take a phone call. Do not use craigslist to find your St Simons vacation rental, instead browse vacation rentals on a professional property manager’s website (ie: https://lighthousevacations.com) or trusted online travel agency.

LINK TO A DIFFERENT PROPERTY

Like many guests, you may inquire about more than one property for your potential vacation rental accommodation. Scammers sometimes link to a property online that may not be a property you inquired about initially.

BE WARY OF LOOK-ALIKE WEBSITES

As Jessica Puckett points out at The Points Guy, be sure you’re browsing on the website you think you are.  Check the web address in your browser.  For example, Jessica says, you should see “https://www.airbnb.com” as the url. If something like “airbnb1.com” or “airbnb.bya.com” is listed, it is most likely a scam.

TIPS TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED

  • Book direct with a legitimate and reputable property manager like Lighthouse Vacations using their website or advertised phone number.
  • Call the management/owner advertised phone number.
  • Do your research, especially if something seems fishy. Google search the name of the home or search the company name listed on the VRBO listing to find their actual phone number/website.
  • Never wire transfer money for a vacation rental transaction.
  • Avoid shopping craigslist for vacation rental deals.

 

READY TO GET AWAY?

Come visit St Simons Island, named by Oprah’s “O Magazine” as one of America’s top charming towns you should visit.  Book online securely and booking fee-free at https://lighthousevacations.com.

 

Guide To Attending The RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club

The 10th Annual RSM Classic returns to the Golden Isles November 18-24, 2019. The official PGA Tour event will take place on Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside and Plantation courses, the latter being recently redesigned to a traditional standard by tournament host and chairman Davis Love III and his brother Mark, of Love Golf Design.

Each year, the RSM Classic welcomes a host of professional players, amateurs, and fans to scenic coastal Georgia, raising a significant amount of funds for charitable organizations.

Event Location

100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island, GA 31561

The RSM Classic tournament takes place at Sea Island’s Seaside and Plantation courses. A redesign by Tom Fazio, Seaside is a nostalgic classic described by golf legend Bobby Jones as being among the best he ever played. The oceanside course features 18 holes, since the redesign absorbed the previous Marshside nine into Seaside’s original nine. A Par 70, the course measures a little over 6,600 yards. The Plantation course recently opened following the Love brothers’ redesign. Originally created in 1928, Plantation was Sea Island’s first nine-hole golf course. The course renovations are part of a series of Sea Island projects, including a new 17,000 square-foot golf performance center. The Plantation course features 7,058 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.

Sea Island, Georgia

Part of the Golden Isles on the southeast Georgia coast, Sea Island is home to five miles of natural beaches, tennis center, Yacht Club, and more – including three championship golf courses: Plantation, Retreat, and Seaside. Sea Island is the location where 2019 PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductee Davis Love III learned to play the game, and he is still an integral part of the sport’s presence on the island. Sea Island golf has been recognized on lists of leading courses in the nation by Golfweek and Golf Magazine, as well as one of the “Top 40 Courses for Women” in Golf Digest.

Beyond golfing, guests are sure to find an assortment of amenities to round out a Sea Island experience, not the least of which are the sights along the shoreline – perfect for some quiet reflection or photography. Enjoy a stop at the spa, salon, or fitness center for a little “me time”, or partake in any number of onsite recreational activities like biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, tennis, and water sports. There are also an array of guided tours designed to bring visitors closer to the unique and storied history of this charming community and the neighboring islands of Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island.

Sea Island dining options run the gamut from fine-dining to beachfront snacks. There’s a flavor to satisfy even the pickiest palate, with a vastly-experienced culinary team providing a collection of traditional and modern concepts to create extraordinary global menus in exquisite environments. Sea Island’s Georgian Room is the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in Georgia, serving up locally-sourced, crafted cuisine for the most discerning tastes.

Other high-end options include the Colt & Alison steakhouse, authentic Italian at Tavola, panoramic views of the Black Banks River at the River Bar & Lounge brasserie, traditional southern favorites at the Oak Room, and vintage elegance in the Wine Cellars. More casual offerings include seafood at the Beach Club’s Southern Tide, sweet treats at the Wonderland ice cream and soda shop, poolside quick bites at the Snack Shack or Pool House at The Lodge, gastropub fare at Davis Love Grill, and grab-and-go snacks from The Market.

Parking

Your ticket price includes parking and transportation from the parking lot to the tournament site. All tournament parking is located at McKinnon/St. Simons Island Airport (map). Shuttles will run each day of competition from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Guests in need of additional assistance will use the airport’s General Parking area where a separate, wheelchair accessible shuttle will provide transportation directly to the Special Needs tent on the tournament grounds. Designated bicycle parking is located near the main entrance of the Sea Island Golf Club.

Schedule Of Events

Monday

  • Tournament grounds closed to the general public for player practice
  • Monday BMW Pro-Am Event – Seaside Course

Tuesday

  • Tournament grounds closed to the general public for player practice
  • Wiffle® Ball Classic featuring PGA Tour players and their wives – Frederica Academy Baseball Field, 5:00 PM (FREE to the public)
  • “Meet the Pros” hosted by Rotary Club of St. Simons Island – Mizner Ballroom at The Cloister at Sea Island, 5:00 PM

Wednesday

  • Community Appreciation Day (FREE admission)
  • Gates open at 7:00 AM; Merchandise Tent open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Yamaha Pro-Am Event – Seaside Course and Plantation Course
  • “Youth Golf Zone” featuring PGA Tour players – Driftwood Putting Course, 3:00 PM
  • Charity Putting Challenge featuring PGA Tour players, Special Olympics athletes and Boys and Girls Club participants – Driftwood Putting Course, 4:00 PM

Thursday

  • Gates open at 9:00 AM; Merchandise Tent open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Round 1 of The RSM Classic – Tee Times TBD

Friday

  • Gates open at 9:00 AM; Merchandise Tent open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Round 2 of The RSM Classic – Tee Times TBD

Saturday

  • Military Appreciation Day
  • Gates open at 9:00 AM; Merchandise Tent open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Round 3 of The RSM Classic – Tee Times TBD
  • Folds of Honor “Million Dollar Challenge” – Open qualifying – Plantation #1, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Finals – Seaside #18 immediately following play
  • RSM Classic Concert Event featuring Cole Swindell – McKinnon/St. Simons Island Airport

Sunday

  • Gates open at 9:00 AM; Merchandise Tent open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Final Round of The RSM Classic – Tee Times TBD
  • Trophy Presentation on the 18th green of the Seaside Course immediately following completion of play

Players

The RSM Classic draws some of the biggest names in golf to Georgia’s Golden Isles each year, including talented hometown players. The 10th annual event promises to be no different, with pros like Aaron Baddeley, Charles Howell III, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, Pat Perez, and D.J. Trahan scheduled to hit the links alongside many other top performers, both old and new.

Spectators are encouraged to refer to the daily Pairings Sheet in the Spectator Guide to find out when and where individual players will be teeing off. The pros will take to the Plantation and Seaside courses on Thursday and Friday (Seaside only on Saturday and Sunday) for threesome rounds, teeing off Hole 1 and Hole 10 on both courses.

Spectators have the choice of selecting one spot on the tournament grounds to observe from as the parade of players pass through or following a selected group around the entire course. For the ultimate experience, consider the Yamaha Pro-Am, taking place Wednesday. This event groups guests with top PGA Tour pros for play on both the Seaside and Plantation courses.

Tickets

General admission tickets sell for $30 daily, or $100 for the entire week, and can be purchased here. Guests aged 17 years and under are admitted free each day of the event, when accompanied by a paid adult (excluding hospitality areas). Active and retired military servicemen and women with proper ID will free tournament admission, as well as access to the Heroes Outpost hospitality venue located near #9 green.

First responders will also have access to the Heroes Outpost, along with free admission to the tournament grounds for the first responder and a guest. General admission tickets to the RSM Classic Concert Event featuring Cole Swindell are available for $40.

Accommodations

 


Lighthouse Vacations is happy to welcome guests and participants of the RSM Classic to enjoy island accommodations at their finest. Our experienced staff can help you find the perfect property convenient to tournament events, while getting you familiar with the lay of the land, and anything else you may need for a comfortable stay.

Our vacation rentals provide a fabulous private retreat that will put you near all the action of the game, and in the heart of the scenic beauty of the Golden Isles. Browse rentals available for your event stay! Options range from 1-5 bedrooms, starting at less than $1,000 for the length of the event.

Charitable Affiliation

The RSM Classic is the largest fundraising event for the Davis Love Foundation.To date, The Davis Love Foundation has given more than $13 million to charity, including Special Olympics and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia.

Charity initiatives linked to the RSM Classic include the Birdies Fore Love RSM employees giving challenge and the Friends of the Davis Love Foundation raffle.

Important Details And Policies

Fireworks, laser pointers, coolers, pets, weapons, video cameras, and selfie sticks are not allowed in event locations. It is advisable to check the complete list of prohibited items before arrival to assure hassle-free entry for all guests.

When it comes to items like personal bags, cameras, and chairs, some types are allowed, but there are guidelines regarding size and specifications.

  • Handicap seating is located near 18 green.
  • Visit The Mellow Mushroom Chill Club between 16 green and 17 tee on the Seaside Course, where a $10 donation to the Davis Love Foundation gets you two slices of pizza and beer from Mellow Mushroom. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.
  • Mobile devices must be on silent at all times. Flash may not be used, and live streaming/ real-time coverage is prohibited. Phone calls are allowed only in designated areas.
  • A designated autograph area is located between 9 green and 10 tee on the Seaside Course.

Cargo Ship Listing near St Simons Island

Many of us enjoy watching the large cargo ships that pass by SSI on their way in and out of out of the Brunswick port.  From the St Simons Pier today we see something different – one of those ships is on its side in the channel.  The Golden Ray cargo ship is listing, or in other words, is on its side. The Coast Guard is supporting the situation and national news media is covering the incident. In fact, the St Simons pier is closed as news media report on the situation from there.

 

 

 

Below are additional photos of the ship as it currently sits, showing the ship on its side.

Cargo ship in St Simons is listing on its side

 

 

View provided by the coat guard of the listing ship shows a fire aboard

 

If you’ve ever seen these large cargo ships and have been curious where they’re going or what’s inside, it’s simple.  These large ships, often called “RoRo’s” by locals, are ships delivering automobiles to the port of Brunswick, just to the south of St Simons.  The ships earned their nicknames because their cargo, new cards, roll on and roll off.

Below is a photo of one of these ships and its cargo. As you can see, these large ships can hold a lot of cars!

RoRo ship with its cargo, similar to what is delivered to the port near St Simons

 

The port of Brunswick, called  Colonel’s Island Terminal, is the second largest port for auto entry in the country. That’s why we see so many “RoRos” passing by our island.  Have you ever photographed a RoRo passing by?