You can’t get there in a car or, for that matter, anything other than a boat or a plane.  Sapelo Island is a little jewel of history and beauty, quietly sitting within marsh waterways on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  The seven mile trip is easily made by catching the ferry in McIntosh County at the Sapelo Island Visitor’s Center.

The R.J. Reynolds Mansion, now a state owned park, offers a look back into a bygone era.

Originally built by Thomas Spalding in 1810 it served as his family’s residence until Union invaders wrecked havoc on Sapelo Island during the Civil War.  The orginal home, built of “Tabby” the native construction material made of shells, lime and water did not stand the test of time and was bought by automobile magnet Howard Coffin in 1910.

He rebuilt the house, adding a lovely arbored area just off to the side of the main property that reminds me of the Giverny Gardens so artfully painted by Monet during the Impressionist Era in France.

One cannot wander through the property that was then bought by tobacco heir, R.J. Reynolds, in 1934, and not think of the slate of illustrious guests he entertained during the mansions’s heyday.  Charles Lindbergh visited the island as a personal friend of Reynold’s as well as other famous personalities and a whole list of American Presidents who have walked through the halls of this beautiful structure.  For more information on the Mansion:  http://gastateparks.org/lodges/reynolds/about/

Nestled among all of the history that dates back to the days when pirates are said to have invaded the island, through the Civil War and days when industrial magnates sought privacy on Sapelo is a community name Hogs Hammock.  The community is filled with descendants of slaves who served the Spalding family when they built the original mansion.

Rich in history, filled with natural beauty and remaining a haven for those who visit and return year after year to stay at the Mansion or see the annual Christmas Decorations and enjoy a delicious lunch.  You can find out about reservations here:  http://gastateparks.org/reynoldsmansion-holidaycelebration.

Sapelo Island remains an important piece of Georgia’s history that I hope you’ll visit.  You might want to take your parasol for summer shade or wear your finest winter wrap when visiting in winter months…..you won’t feel out of place!

Melissa | people | 11 21st, 2013 | No Comments »

Far from a crowded city, tucked into the weaving waterways that make up Coastal Georgia, Eagle Island is only accessible by boat.  If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own private island getaway, this is the ticket.

crab trap planters

You can bring your own boat and Capt. Andy will lead you to Eagle Island or he’ll pick you up, groceries, libations and all to whisk you away to a peaceful paradise.

The lodge you’ll find when you get there is nothing short of perfection.  Well appointed and rustically comfortable, this is the perfect place to rest, reconnect and find peace.

Whether you have one of the hospitality specialists prepare a low country boil and Five Moon Oysters for you or you choose to cook on your own, it’s all okay when you arrive at Eagle Island.

Capt. Andy will guide you through the waterways on your own boat or his, making it easy for you to visit nearby Sapelo Island or go shelling on another of Private Islands of Georgia’s untouched havens, Queen’s Island.  You’ll find sea shells, exotic birds, bald eagles and maybe a gator or two along  the way, all naturally beautiful and part of this spectacular ecosystem.

Would you like to relax in the oversized hot tub in front of a roaring fire?

Or perhaps prepare dinner for you and your family or friends in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen?

A bonfire in the firepit after dinner could be the perfect way to end the evening…..

Or a soothing time in the Five Moon Shower, rustic, organic and large enough for two.

Let your imagination go, let the kinks ease out of your body and take a deep breath….you’re on island time…..what happens at the island stays at the island!

For further information on reservations and pricing:  www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com.  

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 11 20th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

When I received the invitation to join Leigh Cort and three other women travel/lifestyle writers on Eagle Island last week I jumped at the chance.  Little did I know what lay in store for me.

We met at Skippers, my favorite seafood restaurant in Darien, Georgia.  A quiet, unassuming man met us there, sitting between me and fellow writer Monica Lea.  We were all ordering shrimp and oysters for lunch, standard fare for the typical traveler when I heard, “I’ll have the gator tail with a side of coleslaw “, coming from beside me.  Andy Hill, known as Capt. Andy by most of us, is a man who marches to the beat of his own drummer.

He is creating his own brand of paradise via his company, Private Islands of Georgia, www.PrivateIslandsofGeorgia.com.  Owner of several marsh and barrier islands off the coast of McIntosh County, Andy provides a getaway experience second to none for the traveller who wants to experience something different.

His brochure says “No Agenda….No Clocks….No Schedule….JUST FUN!” and Andy does not let you down!

Whether it’s a tour of the waterways that wind their way to the ocean.  Or a hike around his soon to be finished May Hall Island, Andy creates magic wherever he goes.

Tamra Bolton, photographer

And can this man cook?  You betcha!  His low country boil, recipe to come on Friday, is second to none.  Not to mention the steamed oysters with savory toppings we feasted on at dinner one of the nights we shared on Eagle Island.

Reclaimed Doors

Andy is like a kid with a huge toy.  He loves nothing more than to walk one of his islands picking up shells that will be repurposed as a candle holder or “shot glass”.  He spots pieces of driftwood and hauls them to Eagle Island to create a table or other object to be enjoyed and marveled over by his guests.  His mind is always coming up with the unexpected, to the delight of his guests.

crab trap planters

His ability to take something from nature and turn it into something useful that adds to the beauty of his resort locations is impressive, to say the least.  Crab traps turned into hanging baskets and uprooted cypress trees turned into giant planters are just a couple of things you’ll find when you visit.

Andy Hill loves Coastal Georgia.  He and his wife, Shannon, work together to create places like none other.  Places where couples wanting a private honeymoon, families wanting an adventure or groups wanting a getaway where they can reconnect and find peace and tranquility….it can all be found because of this inventive couple.

A tour through Coastgal Georgia with Capt. Andy is something you won’t want to miss!  I’ll be sharing more on his properties over the next couple of days.  You’ll be ready to book your stay by the time I’ve finished!

Melissa | people | 11 19th, 2013 | No Comments »

I spent most of last week discovering magical places.

Some I had heard of before and never been to, others were new to me and offered glimpses of the eco-system in Coastal Georgia, practically untouched by human hand.

Journey with me as I show you all of the beautiful places, people and things I experienced.

Knowing that I live in the midst of all of this, surrounded by nature, able to capture the essence of it all with my trusty little camera….I can only say that I feel blessed.

Each day will be a new adventure this week, beginning tomorrow with the story of a man whose vision created a haven.  Nestled among the wandering rivers and waterways that connect Coastal Georgia to the ocean, there is a place to rest, renew and explore.

Get your bucket lists ready, I’m sharing things you’ll want to add!

Melissa | people | 11 18th, 2013 | No Comments »

I’m featuring a post from the past as I continue my trip on Eagle Island.  With the holiday’s coming it seemed “fitting” to repost “Cross Fit Grit”.  The season of over-indulgence is coming and we’ll all be thinking about getting rid of a couple of extra pounds!  Enjoy this again and THINK FIT!

I finally have the answers I’ve been searching for in regard to the fitness rage known as “Cross Fit”.  I met with Todd Thompson of “Cross Fit Grit” here on St. Simons Island and he shared his story as well as the history of the program first started by Greg Glassman, Olympic gymnast who sought to strengthen his body in order to meet the demands of competition.

Todd began Cross Fit Grit in 2008.  Always athletic, which goes with being a firefighter, but missing something.  He continues his work with the Fire Department today, but his fitness program has changed since he found Cross Fit.  As trainer, Todd sees results in his clients.  He sees them shed their problems, their worries and issues as they begin to workout and see results. Cross Fit is a great form of therapy, leave your troubles at the door and get into the moves…it all melts away.

He refers to it as functional fitness.  He works with clients through high intensity integral training to improve their cardiovascular as well as respiratory systems.  They learn about the proper form of movement and how to create movement that works with their bodies to strengthen their core and increase their endurance.

This is not just another gym…far from it!  The space at 201 Skylane Drive is referred to as a “box”.  It is a large, square room filled with various training equipment and a sound system that gets ramped up to fill the room with a beat you just cannot be still too when a session begins.

Each member of Cross Fit Grit is getting personal training.  A program that is specifically put together with their individual needs in mind.  Yes, they work out together, but even if you’re the last to finish you are cheered on.

There is a sense of community here.  The ninety plus members of Cross Fit Grit congregate for workouts on the beach over weekends, then gather again for cookouts with a healthy emphasis on lean animal protein, locally bred, fed and humanely processed.  Lots of fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts.  We’ll get to the actual eating program next week.  I have to say I’m intrigued.

The glow of health that emanates from Todd is impossible to miss.  He walks his talk and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and training with others.

Todd speaks specifically of women and the loss of inches, accompanied by a vast increase in self confidence he witnesses each time a female client finds her zone with the workouts and begins to experience the physical changes that are inevitable.

Cross Fit pushes you to your limit, but you are not alone.  You’ll be surrounded by your friends, pushing theirs as well.  It’s about fitness, it’s about health…..it’s about community.  Cross Fit provides workouts for the fit as well as for those going through rehabilitation for various sports injuries and joint issues.  But when you begin to look awesome and feel the energy….you just have to keep going!  To read more about Cross Fit click here:  http://www.crossfitgrit.com

Cross Fit Grit – 201 Skylane Drive – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-996-4091

Melissa | people | 11 14th, 2013 | No Comments »

Our journey begins with a drive south on I-95 into Florida.  It’s a short getaway for us, something we love to do.  Seeking out charming, historic places in Coastal Georgia is fairly easy, yet, very few places have the charm and history of the oldest city in America, St. Augustine.  Upon driving into the city and nearing the historic area we feel like we’re in another country.  Could it be France….Spain….Portugal?  Sailboats sway in the light breeze as they sit, moored in the Intracoastal waterway that winds its way down to Miami.

The Bridge of Lions makes me think….Paris!  Spanning the waterway, this drawbridge is its most charming at night, fully lit and magical!

A right turn on Cathedral Place and we feel immersed in history.  Unique shops, art galleries and restaurants fill both sides of the boulevard, some sharing their wares street side.

Then left on St. George and the scenery changes to charming turn of the century homes as we make our way down the brick street that reminds us of cobblestone.  Our destination?  The fabulous St. Francis Inn, a charming bed & breakfast where our reservations for The Wilson Suite await us.  We turn into the designated parking lot and feast our eyes on this historic structure, the oldest B&B among twenty-seven to be found within the city.  Our hosts, Joe and Margaret Finnegan have created a welcoming, warm environment which makes us feel instantly relaxed and pampered.  Our room consists of a living area, bedroom and bath complete with whirlpool tub.  We are drawn to the balcony with its porch swing and comfy rocking chairs.  The perfect place to have a glass of wine and toast our time together.

A trip on the Old Town Trolley gives us the opportunity to sit back and let someone else do the driving, J.P. is our guide  .We drive down streets canopied by ancient oak trees, past the Fountain of Youth and into the Mission of Nombre de Dios and the Shrine of Our Lady of Le Leche where countless women have made pilgrimage to pray for the birth of a child.  The cross on the grounds towers more than 200 feet over the Matanzas River.

Our first day ends with a nightcap, courtesy of the St. Francis, a lovely decanter of sherry that we share as we sit in the cool evening air, quietly listening to a ghost tour that is being led just below us.  I resist making any sound that might provoke thoughts of the supernatural as we sit, unseen, on our lovely balcony, surrounded by trees.  During daylight we strolled through the gardens, so beautifully appointed and filled with local plants and flowers all lovingly placed and cared for by Jill Ziebell the master gardener responsible for the award for Civic Beautification given to the Inn.

The St. Francis is full of special amenities, all included in the price of the stay.  Breakfast is served buffet style with so many delicious choices, accompanied by a latte or specialty coffee of your choice!  The evening social time includes a glass of wine and treats of the savory variety.  Bicycles are available at no charge if you’d like to get some exercise while sightseeing.  We opted for walking, feeling like we were in New York’s Greenwich Village or some other lovely old world city as we made our way through the historic district.   For reservations and more information:  http://www.stfrancisinn.com/

Last week I told you all about Chef Jean-Stephane and his fabulous Bistro de Leon where we enjoyed a first class meal.  There’s more to share next week as I tell you about our amazing lunch of tapas and sangria which followed a tour of the Colonial Quarter.  And dinner at an Irish Pub, so delicious….I’m still remembering the Scotttish Salmon en papillote.

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 11 13th, 2013 | 4 Comments »

I am a big  believer in sustainable farming and eating as much local produce as possible.  We’re lucky here in Coastal Georgia to have several providers of organic produce from which to choose.

Gilliard Farms, owned by Chef Matthew Raiford and his sister, Althea Raiford, is a Georgia Centennial Farm, African American owned and certified organic.  On Saturday, November 16th, the farm will open its heart to guests attending a Farm Cocktails and Film event to raise funds to support the farm.

Included in the event will be the screening of the documentary film, Ground Operations, that features Farmer Althea Raiford.  Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields. ‘Ground Operations’ follows the stories of an ensemble of visionary vets who are creating a new life in organic farming and ranching.

The menu of appetizers to go along with cocktails promises to be quite delicious.  Joining Chef Matthew will be guest chef, Jennifer Booker.  Chef Jennifer was recently named, one of only four Georgia Grown Executive Chefs for 2013 by Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black and Georgia Restaurant Association President Karen Bremer.  Here’s a peek at what will be served!

Food:

*Buttermilk Biscuits with Gilliard Farm’s Pulled Pork

and Homemade Slather

*Roasted Root Vegetables with Honey Glaze and Red Quinoa

*Herb Stuffed and Roasted Gilliard Farm’s Pastured-raised Chicken
*Margarita Shrimp

*Nana’s Mini Sweet Potato Pies

Drinks:

*Peach Brandy Cocktail with Lavender Syrup

*Pomegranate Brandy with Vodka Lime Twist

*Muscadine Shrub

*Assorted beer

This farm has been in the Raiford family since 1874.   Jupiter Raiford, great, great grandfather to Matthew and Althea, began the agricultura journeyl.  Go here to read more about the farm:  http://www.gilliardfarms.com/index.html

You can purchase tickets through the website link above.  You can also find out how to volunteer and have a hand in the success of this great farm!

From the farm to your table…..this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 11 12th, 2013 | No Comments »

Georgia Gives Day is this coming Wednesday, November 13th.  This annual event gives all residents of our great state the opportunity to contribute to your favorite non-profit organizations.

Whether you are concerned with domestic violence issues and the groups that help care for victims……

Hunger, which strikes more families in our state than I’d like to imagine……

Or animal wellfare.

Georgia Gives Day is your chance to give to the non-profit of your choice.  It just takes one click and it is so very important!

It only lasts for 24 hours so go here:  https://gagivesday.org/c/GGD choose who you would like to help as the holiday season gets underway.

We’re all in this together and we can all make a difference!

Melissa | people | 11 11th, 2013 | No Comments »

As the McGladrey Classic gets underway I am reminded that golf is much more than just a game.  The game of golf has inspired artists since the sport first began.

Charles Lees finished his painting, “The Golfers”, set on the St. Andrews Golf Course in 1847, which depicted one of the first grand matches.

Sir John Lavery painted this colorful piece, “Golfing at North Berwick”.  Both pieces have been part of “The Art of Golf” show which has been shown in major art museums all over the U.S. over the past couple of years.

St. Simons Island is no exception when it comes to getting in the game!

Davis Love Jr.

Marion Snyder, local artist, offers two of her paintings to commemorate the 2013 McGladrey Classic.  Her portrait of Davis Love Jr is so life like it looks like a photograph.

Jim Jones is also one of the artists displaying his work at the Left Bank Art Gallery.  His technique reminds me of some of the works displayed in The Art of Golf show, beautifully painted and framed.

Marion Snyder

The island is into the game, residents have their tickets for events and the actual tournament tees off on Thursday, November 7th.  If you live in the area or are here just for the tournament take the time to see this lovely exhibit! Any of the works would make the perfect addition to a collection and serve as a reminder of a great event!

Melissa | people | 11 6th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard came to the United States with a dream.  A dream of beginning a restaurant based on his French training and upbringing.  He studied with such great stars of the French culinary world as Paul Bocusse and worked at his father’s side before moving to this country, leaving his beloved Lyon behind.  Chef Poinard is a fifth generation food devotee, immersed in the French tradition that he now treats his vast clientele to.  We stumbled over the bistro a couple of years ago on a long weekend getaway and were thrilled to revisit on our recent trip to the area.

When Chef stepped foot in the St. Augustine area, destiny spoke to him.  The rest is history.  Bistro de Leon is his creation, his brain child and his marvelous gift to the St. Augustine area.

We dined on terrine with homemade made sweet pickles.

French onion soup made in the traditional style….ooooo lala!

A main course that I will share in a later post….something innovative and sure to place this talented chef on the culinary map in a big way.  I think the Chef may have discovered the art of channeling his talented ancestral line in the art of pastry making!

Dessert was a delicious serving of fresh berries with  handmade Madeleine’s, crisp and delicious….the perfect ending to a delicious meal.

Bistro de Leon is a little piece of France, beautifully transplanted onto 12 Cathedral Place, right in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, easy walking distance from hotels and B&B’s.

Experience the charm of Chef Jean-Stephane in this video.

If this doesn’t make you feel like putting St. Augustine, FL on your bucket list, I don’t know what would!  Charming, cozy and so very delicious….Bistro de Leon serves up a bit of Lyon every day, except Wednesday.

Bistro de Leon – 12 Cathedral Place – St. Augustine, FL – 32084 – www.bistrodeleon.com – (904) 810-2100

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 11 5th, 2013 | 4 Comments »