I am pleased to welcome Angela Wigger today!  Angela is the Director of Tourism in St. Mary’s, Georgia.  Please enjoy her post on a wonderfully historic town!

Historic St. Marys, Georgia offers picturesque streets lined with centuries old live-oaks draped in Spanish moss and the restorative beauty of pristine waterways and marshes. Quaint shops, charming restaurants, and comfortable lodging options await you in this very captivating water-side community. The city prides itself on a diverse blend of residents and has sustained a rich and varied history through the prosperity of the railroad, shrimping boats, and the paper mill and through the arrival of the National Park Service and the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.  With numerous Bed & Breakfasts, hotels and rental houses to choose from you can find the perfect location for your needs whether it’s a military reunion, family vacation or romantic get-away. To learn about the lodging options visit http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/lodgingV2.html.

Bird blind at the Crooked River state. Park Photo credit Georgia DNR

St. Marys is the eco-tourists dream with biking, kayaking and bird-watching in areas like the St. Mary River, Crooked River State Park and Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Photo credit Up The Creek Xpeditions

St. Marys is a real water lovers paradise. For a real close-to-nature experience visit Up The Creek Xpeditions at www.upthecreekx.com. With advance reservations, you can take a tour and visit the flora and fauna of the St. Marys harbor, Crooked Rivers’ Cherry Point, Cumberland Island, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge and more.

History timeline in welcome center

The St. Marys Welcome Center offers an experiential environment, with a history timeline of the area, a coastal marsh scene mural and a scavenger hunt for the kids.  Guests can also take advantage of free wireless internet serves or even use a guest computer in the center.

St. Marys Film Museum exhibit. Photo credit St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau

The St. Marys Welcome Center is also home to the St. Marys Film Museum which offers a free admission display room housing some favorite pieces of memorabilia from Sea Biscuit to Royal Pains.

During your visit, make time for our antebellum house-museum called Orange Hall, the Oak Grove Cemetery, and the St. Marys Submarine Museum, where the history and sacrifice of the submarine force are highlighted within 5,000 square feet of displays featuring shipboard equipment, a control panel and a working periscope.

Shopping is fun and unique with spots like Market on the Square, The Golden Pineapple, ORCA’s and Lulu’s Redstar.  You will find several bookstores and two antique and collectible’s mall’s to ensure you come away the perfect item.

Great dining options abound with many options to choose from. Options, like The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shop with its comfortable indoor and outdoor seating options, are perfect any time of the day and there are some great coastal cuisine picks where you can get the best in grouper, shrimp and scallops.

You may decide to relax with the locals in our local saloon where everyone is always welcome and you may find that you get a bit of “southern sass” from our favorite bartender.

Pauly’s Café is a quaint spot that specializes in American and Italian.  Great spot for lunch or dinner while in town.

Plum Orchard Mansion on Cumberland Island

Of course, St. Marys is the “Gateway to Cumberland Island.”  The ferry departs St. Marys to take you the 45 minutes by passenger ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, now in its 40th year as national seashore. There are no shops or restaurants on the island.  This is Nature and Adventure in its purest form.  Bring a day-pack and a lunch and enjoy walking the island or sign up for the motorized “Land & Legacies” tours.  These guided “north end tours” are given by park service staff and allow visitors to cover much more of the island than what they could see hiking on their own for a day trip.  Sites may include Plum Orchard, the First African Baptist Church and the Stafford Plantation site.  The tour begins once you arrive on the island, at 9:45 a.m., lasts approximately 6 hours and space is limited.  Cumberland Island was listed as one of the “Best US Southern Islands” by Travel Channel in January 2013.  Advance reservations a strongly recommended for the Cumberland Island ferry and the Lands & Legacies tours.  Visit www.nps.gov/cuis for reservation information.

As you begin to plan a visit to historic St. Marys or to Cumberland Island, contact the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau for travel assistance and information.  We can be reached at 1-866-868-2199, info@stmaryswelcome.com or www.stmaryswelcome.com.

Melissa | food & entertaining, people, Shop! | 06 11th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Moncrief’s….a name known on St. Simons Island for fashion excellence for more than 25 years.

I met with Lisa Crumbley, owner, along with her lovely husband, Josh.  They’ve been calling the Moncrief name theirs for close to a decade.

Lisa’s passion for this business is evident the moment you enter the doors of her shop in Redfern Village.

Colorful vignettes line the walls, artfully designed and crying “BUY ME!”

This is true shopping therapy!

A complete summer wardrobe can be found within these walls.   Lisa is the perfect person to consult with as you put it all together.

You’ll find  labels like Tribal, Lotus, Softworks, Pleats and Miracle Body just to name a few.

And then there’s Buster Brown, the Crumbley’s precious poodle.  Love!

Visit Moncrief’s and mention The Permanent Tourist for a 10% discount on your purchase!

Moncrief’s – 261 Redfern Vilage – St. Simons Island, GA – 912-634-1234 – Monday – Saturday 10-6

Melissa | people, Shop! | 05 30th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

It’s that time of year again.  Mother’s Day is upon us, graduations are coming and the wedding season follows close behind.

Edward Armstrong is something of a legend on St. Simons.  His lovely new location at 224 Redfern Village is no disappointment!  Joining him in his new shop are owners Chris Triplett and David Lowe.

The delicious smell as you enter the shop is enough to tell you that this is a very place special.

The European method of tightly arranging flowers and mixing natural elements to fit the feeling of Coastal Georgia sets Edward’s floral designs apart from others.

Lovely platters and items for your home abound.

Gifts for the bride and her attendants.

Hostess Gifts….beautiful topiaries, succulents and more arranged in lovely baskets or earthy pottery.

Candles, candles, and more candles….that’s where part of the wonderful aroma that fills the air comes from….the rest you can attribute to the lovely fresh flowers!

Visit or call Edward On St. Simons.  You’ll find everything you need for creating the perfect floral arrangements and bouquets for weddings and other events.  Have no doubt that this team of talent will make something exquisite just for you!

Don’t forget about Mom!  This is the place to call to insure your Mom gets the freshest, most beautifully arranged flowers!

Edward On St. Simons – 224 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA – 31522 –

912-638-7323

Melissa | people, Shop! | 05 8th, 2013 | 9 Comments »

The flowers that bloom in the Spring!  The island overflows with luscious blooms, everywhere you look.  My gardening spirit is awakening and I find my car practically driving itself to the Ace Garden Center here on St. Simons Island.  I like doing business with our local shops, getting to know the owners and supporting smaller concerns as opposed to major chains.

When I shop at Ace, I know I’m getting plants that are grown in or near our area.  The plants thrive and my need to feel dirt between my fingers is fulfilled!

This trip to the garden center did not let me down.  Yellows, fuchsias, lavender, every shade of green…..the colors popped all around me like a sea of Spring spreading before my eyes!

Fountains flow and St. Francis guards the grounds, surrounded by shrimp plants and other lovelies.

My kitchen garden is in the process of being tilled and prepared.  Sweet basil is calling my name…..pesto, Sicilian salsa, mint tea with basil ice cubes….the list goes on and on.

Anyone who loves to cook knows the importance of fresh herbs.  I even use them in beds of flowers, the various greens compliment spring color and the fragrance is heavenly!

Containers anyone?  You’ll find a bounty of ideas when you visit!

I love a spring garden.  As shoots begin to reappear from last seasons perinneal plants, I can see holes that need fresh color, gaps that need to be filled.  This is more than a mere hobby for me, gardening feeds my soul.  Maybe it’s the fact that I come from a long line of avid Texas gardeners?  Mr. T has kidded me on more than one occasion about looking like a “Texas Farm Hand” when I come inside after a days work in my favorite domain.

The great poet Matthew Holloway put it very succinctly in his famous poem:

Melissa | Shop! | 04 4th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I felt like I had discovered the “motherlode” when I walked into AccentsMarketplace!  New owner, Vivian Edwards, welcomed me inside to view all of the many treasures she features in her lovely shop.

The colors, the textures, the exclusive lines to be found are sure to delight anyone looking for special items to enhance a home, present to a hostess or give as a gift!

Vivian has a background in interior design that shines through the displays she artfully puts together.

Vignettes are to be found in every part of the shop.  Easter items for those looking for that something special to complete a tablescape this coming weekend are on sale.

I love the little egg shaped nest that can be worked into a centerpiece, hung on a door or nestled into a larger basket full of Easter goodies!  Just think of the many things you can put in this basket…..Spanish moss with pastel eggs and a small bird, perhaps?

Vivian is always looking for that something special you won’t find anyplace else in the area.

John Robshaw Textiles can only be found at Accents Marketplace.

As well as Isabel Glass hand made belts with their colorful glass buckles that can be customized to suit your taste.

Haute Papier, a beautiful line of fine stationery, cards and coasters can also be customized and are very affordable.

Fabric, fancy’s and more!  Thibaut, a fabulous line of textiles, is on display, ready to be ordered for your next design project.

Mr. B’s glassware that can be monogrammed and will soon be available for ordering with your favorite design….a Georgia bulldog, your family crest….the possibilities are endless!  These glasses are handcrafted from recycled wine and liquor bottles, perfectly finished with a smooth surface for your drinking enjoyment.

Of course, I was drawn to the display of culinary products from Stonewall Kitchen.  Mouthwatering salsas, sauces and condiments…..yummy!

Emerson Et Cie from High Point, North Carolina is a high end furniture line available through Vivian.  This chair caught my eye….love the upholstery!

Candles, candles and more candles abound.  Tapers from Root Candles, softly colored, unscented pillars from Lance Kitira and soon to come, Ribbonwick, a division of Woodwick.  These beautiful candles have a “ribbon” shaped wick embedded in the wax that gently crackles as they provide soft, ambient lighting to any outdoor setting.

Treasures indeed!  Vivian has so many lovely items to choose from and she ships anywhere in the United States.  Shop at Accents Marketplace for a special hostess or birthday gift.  I promise you’ll find something you can’t resist as a treat for yourself as well!

AccentsMarketplace – 1624 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522 – 912-638-2030 – accentsmarketplace@yahoo.com

Melissa | people, Shop! | 03 28th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Uncle Don’s Local Market…..all I can say is WOW!  Not only is Don delightful, his little produce market is awesome.  It poured rain during my visit so Don was busy taking things inside and making sure produce was protected from the elements.   Imagine really organic, local produce available  here on the island.  Admittedly, Don tries his best to make sure everything is local and organic, but there are times when some of the produce may come from Georgia but not our exact area and there may be times when what you find there may not all be organic, but he is committed to offering his customers the BEST, no matter what.

I saw hydroponic lettuce that was nothing short of magic, so big and beautiful!  I’m hooked and will be making many, many visits to buy veggies for my kitchen.  I love the fact that Don uses any vegetables or fruit that are less than perfect for smoothies, juices and compost.  This green approach is something we all need to give more thought and energy too.  Something new for me, and I am a Foodie deluxe, are “Rainbow Carrots”, filled with delicious goodness…they will be appearing on my table for sure.

The offerings from local artisans such as Lisa Morrow with Frali Gourmet from Savannah, Bridget McKeown an amazing local artisan, Sandy Shuttles beautiful sand designs that incorporate sea shells into  decorative items and Bob Swinehart’s handmade crosses….everywhere I turned in this little shop I saw something to put on my wish list.

Fresh baked goods from local bakers and clever displays that celebrate holidays and seasons.  It’s all innovative, creative and something I want to have in my kitchen and home.

All produce is seasonal….I’m waiting for the Cherokee tomatoes Don told me about to appear in the lovely baskets and other pieces his wife, Hollie, uses for display.  I don’t think any of the items I saw in the store are NOT for sale…..just ask.  Except maybe the tables which are artfully covered with organic burlap and offer vignettes of local products and artisan’s wares……BUY ME….it all cries!  Don tells me Hollie is the visionary for the business, and it shows.

Don networks with local farmers throughout our area to bring you only the BEST.  If it’s in the market he has tasted it to make sure it is up to his standards.  On my next visit I’ll definitely be picking up a jar  of Slow Roasted Almond Butter from NaturAlmond a company out of the Atlanta area.  Yum……so many things to feast on, aren’t we lucky?

As our meeting ended Don shared with me his deep gratitude for the support this new business is receiving from the community…”It’s off the charts”, he said.  With the amazing response I’m receiving from this blog I know that to be true.  We have much to be grateful for!

Uncle Don’s Local Market – 1610 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, GA – 31522

Melissa | food & entertaining, people, Shop! | 02 28th, 2013 | No Comments »

Fabulousness!  That’s the word Marti Tolleson, owner of Two Friends, wants her shop to be known for.  Located in Redfern Village on St. Simons Island, Marti is in the perfect location, offering one stop shopping for all sorts of fashion, shoes, gifts and gourmet goodies.  Everywhere you look in Two Friends your eyes are met with something you’ll just have to take home!  Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, something for the bride, a baby gift or that special treat you want to indulge yourself in for no special reason, you’ll find it here.

Two Friends started in Perry, Georgia when Marti and her friend and partner, Francis Hargrove decided to open a business together.  Something they could do that would be fun and allow them to express their love of fashion and all things beautiful.  When Francis moved to Cashier, North Carolina, Marti took over the business in Perry then moved, with her family, to St. Simons where they now live full time.

The Tolleson’s have visited Coastal Georgia and maintained a second residence here for several years, but when they made St. Simons their primary residence, it was still an adjustment.  Marti took her time exploring the island, familiarizing herself with the different areas where shops abound and settled on Redfern Village in the heart of the island where she decided to open her second Two Friends location.  The shop in Perry is going strong and the St. Simons store is thriving.

“You have to get a feel for the cycles in business, here”, Marti said.  “Every place has its slower times and the times when business is booming.”  Marti is definitely in rhythm with Valentine’s Day this coming Thursday.   “Champagne and Shopping” will be going full force, as customers are offered a delicious combination of chilled champagne and mango juice, topped with a wedge of fresh strawberry to celebrate the season of love.

Displays throughout the shop are filled with all things red, hot pink and perfect for that special someone.  There are great gifts for the man in your life, the best new cookbooks, everything you need to throw the perfect cocktail party AND a great line of gourmet products, Low Country Produce, that make entertaining easy.  Marti showed me one of their products, Low Country Creole, that makes giving an impromptu dinner party a snap.  Just heat up the jar of sauce, add some sweet Georgia shrimp, make a pot of boiled rice and you have it.  All you need to round out the meal is a crisp, green salad, some crusty bread and your wine of choice.  What could be easier?

I had a wonderful time talking with Marti as she showed me through her store.  There definitely is something for everyone on your gift giving list to be found here.   Marti has a way of making you feel right at home with her warm, Southern style.  I feel like I’ve made a new friend, which is one of the many joys I’m finding as I continue my blogging journey.

Visit Marti’s “Two Friends” Facebook page for regular updates on new products, fashions and updates on the opening of her new store, “Two Friends Too“.  Just across the street from her current location, her new venture will be an antique lovers paradise, with shipments coming from England and France as well as lots of wonderful decorating accessories and other items to make your home ever so lovely.

I know you’ll fall in  love with Two Friends the minute you enter the store and breathe in the aroma of  the wonderful candles and fragrances Marti carries.  Two Friends is, quite simply, delightful!  Marti says, “Be Happy!” and from what I experienced during the time I spent with her, she practices what she preaches!

Two Friends…304 Redfern Village….St. Simons Island, GA 31522…..912-268-4359

Melissa | Out&About, people, Shop! | 02 11th, 2013 | 2 Comments »