a fresh look at the prince

Growing up in Georgia, you hear of its two jewels: the mountains and the sea. I experienced the mountains daily from my front porch in Clarkesville, Ga., but the sea that edged up on Georgia's southern tip eluded me for many years. I had always heard of the majesty of Savannah - her moss canopied streets and my favorite writer of all time, Flannery O'Connor's home -  and totally agreed with that assessment once I arrived. The other locale that people always nudged into any coastal conversation was the quaint little seaside village of St. Simons. "It's just beautiful," they would say, along with "you have to stay at the King and Prince." I listened and took it all in; however, it wasn't until this past spring that the opportunity presented itself, and I packed my bags.
Granted the weather report projected stormy clouds, but a little rain never stops a traveler. Honestly, it forces the locals and travelers to suit up in their best behavior and be creative.
These are a few of my favorite moments on St. Simons. There'll be more of my adventure in the upcoming Georgia Connector magazine, out September 1. There, you'll experience more of what St. Simons has to offer as well as well as some great recipes provided by ECHO's culinary team.

Just another gorgeous view from the pool area at The King and Prince

The King and Prince's newest child is ECHO, a culinary delight that reaches back into the island's history for its name and its focus. St. Simons Island played an important role in Naval history during the WWII regarding radar detection; today, the past is reborn through ECHO. The modern-open kitchen, dining and bar area allows visitors to get in the mix with the staff, watching and delighting in the creation of local fare. Serving local seafood dishes and staying true to their Southern roots is a priority for the chef and staff. From a breakfast of fresh seafood to a dinner accompanied by the perfect greens, ECHO is an incredible culinary adventure in the making.

Around St. Simons Island

The site of the Bloody Marsh Battle in 1742 which resulted in a British win and its land claimed by Georgia.

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In 1742, Spanish forces from Florida and Cuba landed on St. Simons Island. General John James Oglethorpe's attack on a Spanish reconnaissance party at Gully Hole Creek led to the battle at Bloody Marsh. Despite the name, causalities were light and the Spanish continued their campaign on the island. Clever deception on Oglethorpe's part convinces the Spanish to retreat form Georgia seven days later.

"we cook with love." ~ Sal. It says so right over his door!

Sal's Pizzeria - his newest concoction that day for the local EMS guys. He said, "It's a keeper."

Southern Soul BBQ - follow your nose

St. Simons Lighthouse

Sal's Neighborhood Pizzeria - the Italian pie maker straight from the heart of Jersey. He even knew "what exit!"

Christ Church near Fort Frederica

Charles Wesley who later founded the Methodist Church with his brother John preached to Oglethorpe's colonists in 1736 in a grove of live oaks near Fort Frederica. During the early 19th Century, an Episcopal Church was erected near this spot. The Civil War left it in ruins. Anson Phelps Dodge, Jr., a wealthy northerner, rebuilt the church in memory of his late wife who died on their honeymoon. Dodge served as rector of the church.

Golfing at The King and Prince

Golf pro and General Manager Rick Mattox: " Our long awaited golf course renovation now features mini Verde greens, Tif sports collars, celebration tees, roughs and fairways - and our traps are wrapped in Emerald Zoysia. We're the only course in the our region with these types of grasses and our golfers are amazed at the fantastic course transformation."

The foundation of the first lighthouse built in 1811 was made from Tabby slabs taken from the town of Fort Frederica. The first structure was demolished by Confederate Troops during the Civil War. Today's lighthouse, built in the 1870s, is 129 steps and still directs the mariners of the sea.

The evening descends at the King and Prince