When you plan a visit to Coastal Georgia, don’t forget your clubs!  Today I’m featuring the courses on Jekyll Island, but courses abound throughout the area.

Three beautiful eighteen hole courses are well manicured and maintained for your playing enjoyment.  Indian Mound, Oleander and Pine Lakes.  You may not know that Jekyll Island is Georgia’s largest public golf resort.  These courses meander through the center part of the island.

Their natural setting allows players to experience the beauty of the area, with an occasional deer or two grazing on the edge of the fairway.

Or wildlife of a more reptilian variety, alligators.  I am assured that they are shy and don’t want to bother us any more than we want communion with them!

Oleander is the older of the courses and many consider it the most difficult.  Pine Lake is the longest with Indian Mound providing the shortest yet still challenging game.

Don’t forget the fourth course, Great Dunes, a nine hole course.  In the words of the “Jekyll Island Golf Club” website:  “The course features several holes with some of the smallest greens you will ever encounter, one of the most unique par 5s in existence, and one of the most difficult par 3’s without water you’ll ever play.  Great Dunes represents what is left of Jekyll’s original layout of 100-plus years ago and is a real treasure because of the glimpse it provides of golf from a bygone era.”  For more from this great site: http://golf.jekyllisland.com/course.html

After you’ve finished a day of golf, wander on over to Latitude 31, located at the end of the pier on the Jekyll Island Club Hotel property http://latitude31jekyllisland.com/?page_id=12.  This exceptional fresh seafood restaurant’s is one of Mr. T’s and my favorites.  It’s actually the scene of our first date several years ago.  Waterfront dining in a casual island atmosphere is the perfect way to finish the day.  Many nights you’ll find live music at the “Rah Bar”, just outside the door, where you can dance under the moonlight and toast the stars!

Jekyll Island, it offers a setting that still feels remote, a bit removed from the madding crowd.  You’ll find all of the modern amenities you could possibly ask for!

 The Permanent Tourist welcomes advertisers/sponsors!  Contact me:  melissa@thepermanenettourist.com for more information.

Melissa | Out&About | 04 3rd, 2013 | 7 Comments »

We all love our pets.  But some people go a bit overboard!

The Easter holiday reminded me of bunny ears and all of the silly costumes pet owners come up with.

They make their cats head the center of a flower.  Do you think the cat enjoys this?

Then there is the duck costume…..is this precious, or what?

Some people dye their pets fur….hmmmmm!

We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in March.  I wonder how this fellow felt with his touch o’ the green?

Even the cat wasn’t safe!

Yoda….is that you?

It’s all in good fun and our pets do survive!  Some even seem to enjoy it!

Murphy said he’d like to meet this cutie!

No matter what, our pets are our best friends!  Happy Tuesday from Murphy’s World, ya’ll!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 2nd, 2013 | 4 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 »

If you travel south a bit to the Woodbine exit off of I-95 and meander through the countryside, you’ll come to Broadfield.  This wonderful Sea Island sporting club is the ultimate retreat for small groups who enjoy hunting, fishing and complete relaxation in a setting that can only be called rustic elegance.

Built by Bill Jones III, Broadfield is a tribute to the Old South, it’s traditions and grace.  The main house is an exact replica of a turn of the century hunting lodge with rich wood paneling and intricate pecky cypress wood ceilings that are elegantly vaulted and impeccably detailed.  The professional kitchen is ready to provide the finest in Southern or European dining at the lodgers request.

The 6,000 acre preserve is stocked with wildlife.  Deer, pheasant, quail and long beard wild turkeys are raised and fed a farm grown, organic diet.  Bow hunting season runs from September 15th – January 15th.  Quail and pheasant season takes place from the first of October through the end of March.  There are deer blinds placed throughout the preserve as well as a 40 foot tower for the avid hunter.  A rifle and shooting range is situated in an open field for practice.   Continental pheasant shoots can be scheduled as well as hunts using the age old art of falconry led by John Kent and Chris Kennedy, both master falconers.  This method of hunting provides a non scripted, natural atmosphere in which to enjoy an authentic outdoor experience.

Lee Barber, manager of the preserve, is from a long line of wildlife enthusiasts who have made Broadfield what it is today. His grandfather first oversaw this property for the Jones family beginning in 1928.  Lee plants the gardens in which the animals find radishes, sugar beets, oats, wheat, winter peas and clover.  He sees to the overall management of Broadfield, making sure the eco-system is kept in balance for the finest game hunting to be found in this part of the country.  There is also a well stocked fishing pond if that is your sport of choice.

Broadfield can accomodate 12 guests.  The charming guesthouse, located behind the main residence, is outfitted with all of the modern amenities, yet designed so perfectly you feel like you are in another time, somewhere before the great depression when gentleman donned their tweed suits and caps, shot guns swung over their shoulders, as they made their way through the fields and pine tree forests in search of wild game.

Chef Jordan, who trained at Sea Island, oversees all things culinary at Broadfield.  He has created organic gardens that produce all of the vegetables he prepares.  There is a smokehouse where bacon is cured, salmon is smoked as well as other meats, including venison that is brought fresh from the hunt for preparation.  A hen house was in the works during my visit that will provide fresh eggs as well as separate housing for quail and their eggs in the coming months.  There are hives for beekeeping with local honey being offered to guests and soon to be marketed under the Broadfield label.  Cooking instruction is available if anyone prefers to stay behind in the kitchen with Chef Jordan while others take part in the hunt.  Sounds like the perfect couples weekend to me.  The men can hunt and the ladies can learn some great tips from this talented young chef!

Contact Sea Island for more information on Broadfield: www.seaisland.com.  As Lee described his experience as manager of this beautiful retreat, his love of the land and his work shone through his words.  He describes the place as more than a shooting preserve, he sees it as an education in the operation of a plantation.  You’ll truly feel as though you have stepped back in time when you visit Broadfield.  Memberships are available through Sea Island as well as guest reservations.  You can spend a day or you can spend a week with transportation to and from Sea Island provided as desired.  Experience the magic of this lovely retreat.  This could be just the perfect spot for your private family Thanksgiving gathering!

 The Permanent Tourist is accepting advertisers/sponsors.  This is a unique way to share your business or service with others.  Contact me for further information:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com

Melissa | Out&About | 03 27th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Spring has always been a time for new beginnings.  Regrowth surrounds us as the weather begins to warm.  I know most of us associate Spring with flowers blooming and trees leafing out once again.  But it is also a time when wildlife gives birth.  Baby raccoons, bunnies, squirrels, deer and other animals that can be found in Coastal Georgia are born.  And sometimes, although not intentionally, the mother of a small animal will be killed, leaving her babies to try to survive without her.  The odds are against these young ones unless they are lucky enough to be found by Mark Heth.

Mark is the founder of Heth Haven, www.HethHavenInc.com, a not for profit organization on St. Simons Island that takes these little ones in, cares for them then turns them back into the wild when they are strong enough to survive.

He covers most of the state of Georgia, up to South Carolina, down to Florida and as far west as Valdosta.  Mark will take the time to drive to a destination where endangered babies are found and return with them to the haven he has created here on St. Simons.

As we talked he mentioned the fact that it’s easy to rescue domestic animals.  But a wild animal?  Not so easy.  Most people are frightened of rabies or some other disease.   But for the most part, these babies are nothing more than fragile, innocent beings who simply need some tender loving care in order to be able to return them to their natural habitat.

Mark has lived in the area since the early seventies.  His primary source of income has been landscaping, it’s something he came into this world knowing about and he is a master.  But in his spare time, he laughs at this term, he is all about rescuing wildlife, finding a better way to care for them and searching for cures to the various illnesses they may be threatened by.

He has been host to students from the University of Georgia who are researching Parvo, a disease that first came to the United States from Great Britain and only affected dogs.  Now, the parvo virus can be found in all sorts of animals.  Students in the school of veterinary science at UGA are trying to find a cure.  It’s a race against time as this disease spreads.

This is something that Mark is passionate about.  And lest you think he is sufficiently funded to carry out his dream, he struggles to get the proper food and to provide sufficient care for these babies when they come to him.  Ideally he would have the land to make a refuge, several acres where these creatures could be cared for in their natural habitat and given all of the food and medical attention they need.

His mission is an important one.  All wildlife contributes to a balanced eco-system, and yes, there has to be a natural form of population control, but those who can and do survive need a fighting chance.  Mark provides that in every way.  If you are interested in making a donation please contact him at MarkHeth@comcast.net.  Your donation is tax deductible and you will be contributing to a cause that means so much.

Advertisers are welcome at The Permanent Tourist!  It’s affordable and it will give you or your business a great new venue for getting your message out there.  Contact me for information:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com.

Melissa | people | 03 26th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

It’s beginning to feel like spring break here in Coastal Georgia!  One can always tell when it takes twice as long to get to the grocery store.  But, I’m not complaining.  I love the excitement in the air as people return to the island after years of visits and newcomers look a bit lost as they try to find their way around the main traffic circle on St. Simons.  Slow and steady wins the race in that instance.  Look right, look left, make sure you’re headed in the right direction and carefully blend into the flow of traffic.  Remember…you’re on island time, let the kinks out and enjoy!

Going to the beach is probably at the top of your list if you’re planning your spring break in the area.  Here’s a map that shows you all of the entrances along the eastern shore.  As the beach narrows and you travel south, you’ll find yourself closer to the Village area.

You’ll come across the wonderful King & Prince resort with its beach club as you venture north:  http://www.kingandprince.com/.

East Beach begins at the historic Maritime Center, continuing up the coast.

If you keep driving or walking you’ll find yourself at Gould’s Inlet, the perfect spot for bird watching and finding a bit more seclusion, depending on the day.  Yes, you can venture out onto the sand bars, but please, please be aware of when the tides change and make sure to be on shore well in advance of high tide…it can come in quickly!

If you’re planning on spending the day you’ll want to make sure you have all of the provisions to make it a comfortable time.  We have a beach canopy like this:

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But many people bring a cabana like this one so they can have a nap or just get in out of the sun.

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Remember your sun block, plenty of water to drink and this wonderful cure if you catch a few too may rays……one bottle of purified water with about a dozen drops of Lavender essential oil, shaken and sprayed onto the burn provides instant relief.  If you’re feeling a bit too hot take a small bottle of Peppermint essential oil to dab onto your pulse points….feels great and makes you feel ever so much cooler.  A few large, fluffy beach towels and maybe an inflatable pillow or two and you’re set!

If you want a true adventure during your stay contact Southeast Adventure Outfitters http://www.southeastadventureoutfitters.com/  and book a kayak trip.  You’ll see the area in a whole different way and may even come into contact with a dolphin or two.

Everyone gets hungry at the beach!  Be prepared with a picnic spread that all will enjoy.  You can take a small barbecue pit for grilling hamburgers, hotdogs, seafood or whatever you desire.  Both Harris Teeter and Winn Dixie offer wonderful deli’s, salad bars and all the makings to complete your seaside feast!

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If you’re looking for a beach cottage or home to rent for a week or two contact: www.hodnettcooper.com,  Hodnett Cooper is well known for providing visitors to the area with a full listing of available properties.

In the end, come, enjoy and relax.  The barrier islands of Coastal Georgia are beautiful, historical and waiting for you, your family and friends!  You’ll never forget your visit here and once you have St. Simons sand in your shoes, you’ll always return!

The Permanent Tourist is an excellent way to advertise your business or service, and it’s very affordable!  Contact me for information:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 03 21st, 2013 | 2 Comments »

You may be expecting this post to be about the herb sage, as pictured in the photo above, but it’s not.  Lest you get the idea that mine is a totally canine loving household, let me introduce you to Sage!  Foodie that I am it makes sense for me to name one of our pets after a favorite cooking ingredient.  Actually his intensely sage green eyes inspired the name!

Sage is the rescue cat who came to live with us three years ago.  He is an independent cuss, as most animals of the feline persuasion tend to be!   He let us know very readily that he did not wish to be an indoor cat.  So we followed his lead by making him a comfy space on our deck with a view of the lagoon on our property.  Sage also likes to curl up in a self made nest of pine straw and oak leaves where he basks in the sun for hours, with his head turned upside down, of course.

Surprisingly, when Murphy joined our family in November he and Sage became fast friends.  Thank goodness, since I read that Wheaton Terriers and cats DO NOT mix.  Sage was rescued by our local humane society from a home where he lived with eighteen other cats and several dogs.  We think he probably cozied up to the dogs more than the other cats since he is so good at chasing off the various feral cats that live in our neighborhood.

When we lost our beloved yellow lab, Simon, last November, Sage wandered all over our property and even did a thorough search of the inside of our home crying and looking for his best friend.  Here’s one of my favorite pictures of the two of them having a rest together.

Mr. T. is not a cat lover, but he gives in and provides a thorough back scratching to Sage when the cat appears on the deck or our front porch in the evenings.

Sage has us all trained to take care of his needs as he sees fit!  Here’s to the independent cat!

Advertiser are welcome on this site!  It’s a great way to get your business or service seen!  Contact me:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com

Melissa | Out&About | 03 19th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Millie Wilcox

What an honor to attend Millie Wilcox’s newest art show last Friday evening, “Spring Enchantment”.  Ms. Wilcox is the “Grand Dame” of the art world here in Coastal Georgia.  Her impeccable eye for art that appeals to discerning art collectors and enthusiasts  is well known.   Friday night’s offering from three different artists was no exception!

Spring colors hearkened the coming of the season in the colorful paintings included in the show.

David Whitty’s paintings of the marshes and ocean have a mystical light in them I love.

Artist, Missy Vanover’s, impressionistic style and colorful paintings evoke the beauty of spring.

And Ken Wallin rounded out the show with his fabulous work!  Ken’s use of palette knife and brush is nothing short of masterful.

Mr. T, Me and Ken Wallin

The crowd was lively, the piano music so entertaining, it was an evening to enjoy!  This show will be on display until April 30, 2013, you don’t want to miss it!

Visit the Left Bank Art Gallery to view these wonderful works of art.  You may just end up with one of these lovelies on your wall!  You can preview all of the beautiful paintings in the show here: http://www.leftbankartgallery.com/searchresults.php?exhibitionId=57&start=1

Left Bank Art Gallery, 3600 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, Georgia, 912-638-3017

Advertisers Welcome!  If you’re interested contact me:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com

Melissa | people | 03 18th, 2013 | No Comments »

As spring break begins on the island it’s always nice to know where to go for a great lunch with outdoor dining.  People watching is one of my favorite activities, wherever I may be.  In Paris, it’s just part of life, as it is in New York City.  St. Simons Island will not let you down if it’s great food and people you want to watch as you relax and dine.  A few of my favorite spots are listed in this post.

Palm Coast is a great place for lunch in the Village.  On a sunny day there is no place better to soak in some rays while watching the local scenery.  I love their red lentil soup and find myself repeatedly ordering the Mediterranean Platter with delicious tabouli, hummus and all the trimmings.  Sandwiches and salads are yummy and the servings are large!

Near the pier is a great frozen yogurt cafe, Yobe.  This is a self service business where you can control your portions and select all of the fresh fruit and toppings you love. Try the Passion Fruit “Caviar” if they have it….yum!   Stroll down to the pier, take a seat on a bench and enjoy!

I can’t leave Hot Dog Alley out of this post!  This place is an institution on St. Simons Island.  Order your dog with your favorite toppings, have your meal packed in a bag and walk across to Neptune Park, behind the library, where you can sit under the ancient oak trees and watch people as well as the ocean.  FYI:  You can order your hotdog without the bun, if you’re like me and avoid wheat…..chili, onions and cheese…..doesn’t get better!

Last but not least is another of my favorites, Fancy Q’s, in Redfern Village.  This is some of the best sushi and hibachi cooking in the area!  I love sitting out on the deck under an umbrella, watching the shoppers go by.

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway during spring break, or if you live in the area and need to rediscover what’s happening, visit one or all of these places!  The prices are affordable and the food is good.  Whatever you choose to do, make sure you take time to watch the sunset from the pier….there’s really nothing like it!

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Melissa | food & entertaining | 03 14th, 2013 | No Comments »

I recently finished reading the first in the St. Simons Island trilogy by Eugenia Price entitled “The Lighthouse”.  Several friends mentioned the book to me before I actually broke down and ordered a copy.  The connection the book made me feel with the island has led me to do a bit of exploring on my own.  I now have the other books in the trilogy entitled, “New Moon Rising” and “The Beloved Invader”.

I love anything to do with history.  Finding out about the origins of St. Simons Island, its original settler’s and and their stories is one of the reasons I began to write this blog in the first place.  As I began to read about James Gould and his journey to the area back in the late 1700’s I felt a connection with his pioneering spirit and quest to build the lighthouse of his dreams.  His original lighthouse was destroyed in 1862 by Confederate soldiers to prevent Federal troops from using it.  The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1872.

Then I found out that I could actually visit the cemetery at Christ Church and see his grave.  More connection.  Christ Church was first built in 1808, destroyed during the Civil War and rebuilt, as it stands today in 1884.

I located the headstone of Gould’s grave while walking through the Christ Church cemetery.  Putting the past together with evidence here in the present is always of interest to me.  When I lived in New York City I loved traveling into New England to experience the history.  Now, I’m finding it all around me on this island.

Just down from Christ Church is Fort Frederica, the settlement established by James Oglethorpe to protect the southern boundary of the British Colony, Georgia, from Spaniard raids.  A quiet, peaceful place now.  Acres of ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss provide shade as you look out over the Frederica River.

If you have never been to Coastal Georgia, I highly recommend a visit!  You’ll find everything you could want!  History, good food and entertainment, lodging from economical to  elegant and beautiful beaches.  Living here truly makes me feel like the permanent tourist.

Melissa | people | 03 13th, 2013 | 1 Comment »