The Golden Isles Part III

We've passed the Northern end of the Sea Islands and towns in the area referred to as "The Golden Isles".  Now we are in the midsection of the area and like many midsections it to is beginning to bulge with new growth.  But in this instance the growth is good and healthy.  The areas I'll be speaking of are in this report are all in Glynn County.  Glynn County is the fastest growing county in Georgia with a current population of approximately 75,000, economic base in the service, forest agricultural industries and fishing. Home to a state of the art Regional Medical Center, a Community College as well as a convenient and diverse transportation system inclusive of Highways, Rail, Shipping and a commercial Jet port as well as several smaller airports Glynn County sits approximately half way between Jacksonville Florida and Savannah Georgia.  Residents enjoy a temperate climate along with bountiful fishing (fresh and salt), hunting, golf, tennis, biking, kayaking boating and other recreational opportunities.

The top of the midsection is shared by St. Simons Island and Sea Island.  Both are recognized as residential islands but with two entirely different populations and structures. Sea Island is a world renowned residential private resort where the moneyed of the world can closet themselves away behind restricted access gates. Home of the five diamond five star Cloisters and the PGA's "Walker Cup" it offers the best of the best in golf, fine dining, tennis, horseback riding, beach activities etc. Private housing is present and begins in the multi-million dollars.  Sea Island Membership is private.  Availability of membership is highly restricted and greatly sought after.  Access to Sea Island is by a private causeway, by water and via the McKinnon Airport located on Saint Simons Island.  McKinnon Airport is capable of handling a steady stream of private and corporate jets. Saint Simons has approximately 16,000 full time residents.  Housing begins in the low $225,000 range.  There are many private gated upscale residential communities directly on the beach and in the interior of the island. A limited amount of retail shopping is available on Saint Simons but does include several grocery stores, locally owned eateries from chains such as "Outback" and "Mickey D's" to such local favorites as "Crab Daddy's" and "Gnat's Landing".  Of course Saint Simons has it's history going back to the 1700's encompassing the British occupation, wars with the Spanish and French, the War between the States, Plantation owners and the maritime industries.  Aesthetically "The Island" as Saint Simons is referred to by locals is surrounded by vast salt marshes and brackish rivers to its South, West and North with the Atlantic and salt marshes embrace the Eastern shores.  The Interior of the island is pocketed by ancient Live Oaks and lush tropical like vegetation.  Saint Simons is accessible by four lane causeway as well as ship.  Trains do not access Saint Simons Island. 

Either going to or departing Saint Simons one must pass through historic Brunswick Georgia.  Brunswick is a town whose roots are traced back to General Oglethorpe.  It has a rich maritime history ranging from the days of being a major port for the shipping of naval stores, through it prominence in building "Liberty Ships" in World Two to today and its growing importance in East Coast shipping.  Growth is coming to Brunswick with the resent advent of a multi billion dollar project referred to as "Liberty Harbor".  A project located right on the Brunswick River which will contain upon completion a major hotel, private luxury condominiums and approximately 1,800 single family residents.  Even with this major project the true growth is not within the limits of Brunswick but in the county.  Literally hundreds of new homes in developments have sprung up and are continuing to arise.  But wait I nearly left off the last of the midsection, Jekyll Island.  Owned and operated by the State of Georgia this Island is accessible by air, sea and causeway.  Once this home to the rich and infamous of the robber baron days it now offers tours of what is called "The Millionaires Village."  Yes folks such as the Carnage's, Hurst's, Pulitzer and so forth all owned Summer cottages but after establishing the "Federal Reserve" this group elected to deed over the island to the State of Georgia.  The true reasons remain in dispute but stories have it that its overall popularity had decreased for the bold and beautiful and so many of the luxurious homes began to fall into disrepair.  Once deeded to the State of Georgia certain parameters were set one being that no more than 35 % of the island could ever be developed.  Although 4 golf courses were built and some modest housing and motels on the beaches were built:  Jekyll Island retains much of its charm. Although of late its popularity has decreased primarily due to Motel owners not reinvesting.  But that trend has turned around as the result of the Jekyll Island Authority's enforcement of standards.  The changes are resulting in new and exciting changes and improvements beginning to take place.  Changes which will once again turn Jekyll Island into the family playground it once was. Additionally, although the Jekyll Island Authority does not permit new home construction they do allow new construction on the existing footprint of existing homes, resulting in larger multi-storied homes.  But these too are regulated and have to meet Authorities approval.

That pretty much gives you an overview of the mid-section of "The Golden Isles".  Next I'll cover the bottom end which will come in installment four. So stay tuned!