Ladies' Weekend in St. Simons Island
Dotted with remarkable historic sites and miles of pristine beaches, St. Simons Island, with its small town feel, boasts a history that spans thousands of years, beginning with the settlement of the Guale Indians around 500 years ago through the English colonization in the 1600s, to the occupation by confederate troops during the Civil War in the mid-1800s. If history is not your reason for visiting, surely the salty breeze through your hair and stunning ocean views will have you packing your bags in a heartbeat. And no matter the time of the year, a weekend getaway with your besties is just what you need to unwind, bond and create lasting memories. Grab your favorite gal pals, pack your weekend bag and get ready for an unforgettable time in St. Simons Island!
Friday
2:00pm: Check-in to your perfect barbie dreamhouse- The Park SSI
Whether you have an assemble of stereotypical Barbies, weird Barbies or beach Barbies, you will feel like you were swept away to a fairytale land as soon as you enter the white brick gate at The Park SSI. Set under idyllic oak trees and conveniently located in walking distance to the Pier Village, The Park embodies the spirit of St. Simons Island: local, inspired and fun! Whether you're sipping tea at the outdoor community table or soaking up sun by the pool, you’ll feel right at home. Each rental at The Park has its own character. We chose the unit called Mandevilla: “Inspired by nature, the coolest girl at any party, but considers herself a nerd, she loves music, travel, fashion and food, and is a giver of love and taker of no sh*t. She is all of us. She is you.” Not only was Mandevilla appropriate for our girl’s trip by character, she was also the perfect size for our group of 10! Each of the five vacation rentals at The Park are truly one-of-a-kind, however similar in vibrant modern design and furnishings.
3:00pm: It’s Tea Time!
Who said adults can’t have tea parties too? Take a trip down the rabbit hole, with a themed afternoon tea party featuring a full-vegan tasting menu, 10 varieties of teas, lively music, personalized tea infusers and snarky quoted napkins.
The Park SSI boasts a charming outdoor dining area, ideal for hosting themed parties. For our girl’s trip, I selected a vibrant Tea Party theme with a colorful modern twist. It served as a tribute to one of the attendees who was starring in the leading role of ‘Alice in a Christmas Wonderland’ in Amelia Island that weekend. All the girls wore their tea party best, as we indulged in an array of delicate tea sandwiches, desserts and a fun selection of hot teas to keep us warm and toasty. Whether it’s a tea party, tropical luau, retro 80’s theme or just simply a dinner party, choose a theme that resonates with you and your guests and let your creativity flow with the inspiring beauty of The Park SSI.
4:30pm: Hop on the St. Simons Trolley for a history tour accompanied with BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine)
Imagine sipping a glass of wine while meandering through scenic streets, belting out the words to your favorite songs with your besties. These were just a couple of the extra layers of fun that added to our tour experience with St. Simons Trolley Tours.
The trolley promptly arrived at The Park SSI at 4:30pm for pick up. Before embarking on our adventure, we were sure to snap a few group photos in front of the trolley. The driver made us feel right at home from the start, ensuring we felt the seats to be comfortable, the temperature adjustment was just right and the volume setting of the music allowed for conversations.
5:30pm: Get around the island in style featuring Posh Carts
Carrying on the theme of adventure for our weekend getaway, we felt it was an absolute must to add Posh Carts to the experience! Originally designed for the British Military in the 1950s, these jeep-looking cars have now been transformed into all-electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs). They boast a top speed of 25 mph and can travel 40 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for getting around an island. The folks at Posh Carts went above and beyond for our booking. In addition to delivering all the vehicles to our vacation rental, they also stuck around to assist us with snapping a few photos. Whether you are girl-tripping, spending a day at the beach, getting married or simply sightseeing, Posh Carts will add a touch of fun and style to any adventure.
Dinner at ECHO at The King and Prince Resort
ECHO pays homage to the naval history of St. Simons Island. Its name reflects the echoes of the past, resonating with the island’s maritime heritage. The restaurant boasts panoramic views of the sea, creating a captivating backdrop for dining. Whether you choose indoor seating or the outdoor terrace, the rolling waves are ever-present. ECHO’s menu offers a delightful fusion of Southern favorites with a coast twist. We enjoyed an assortment of apps, mains, fruity cocktails and excellent wine. Be sure to visit before sunset to enjoy the oceanfront lawn overlooking the marsh. If you end up vacationing during the winter, there are several stunning outdoor firepits with plenty of seating to share a toast.
8:00pm: Night cap at Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar
Dorothy’s is by far one of the most unique restaurants on the entire island. Don’t let the classic name fool you, they are serving up a modern Asian twist to the standard coastal cuisine of the island. Upon entering through the front door, your attention is immediately drawn to the elegantly designed foyer adorned with vibrant oriental wallpaper and striking black-and-white checkered floors.
Do yourself a favor and try one of their many bold original cocktails. I went with the fresh and toasty cocktail Mystery of The Geisha, featuring Umeshu whiskey, plum oleo, hibiscus, hazelnut and a hint of lemon. Can’t decide what you want? Put your fate in the hands of Dorothy’s expert bartenders with the Follow the Yellow Brick Road custom drink experience. We went for the drinks and stayed for the small plates and dessert. Too full for dessert? Try the frothy and smooth cocktail That Don’t Impressa me Matcha, with toasted rice vodka, oat milk, matcha and amaretto. As you bid farewell to Dorothy’s, the lingering flavors of coastal cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails and enjoyable conversation will leave you with fond memories of a superb evening.
9:00pm: Late night pool swim and gossip
Despite the chill of the evening, a moonlit swim back at The Park SSI was an absolute must. We slipped into the warm water, with the ripples reflecting the starry sky above. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as the music played softly in the background, setting the perfect rhythm for conversation. As we floated and chatted, secrets were shared, dreams were whispered and bonds were strengthened.
8:30am: Visit the beach, St. Simons Pier, and the St. Simons Lighthouse
By the early morning hours, you can expect the town to be lively with walkers, bikers, sunrise-chasers, beachgoers and breakfast-seekers. With just a 2-minute walk, you’ll find yourself at the center of all the island action: the Pier Village. With clear sight of the St. Simons Lighthouse, this charming area boasts shops, restaurants and picturesque views of the pier and beach. As you stroll along the streets, breathe in the salty air and wave hello to the locals, take a short moment to soak in the beauty all around you. The pier itself extends gracefully into the Atlantic Ocean, inviting you to enjoy panoramic views and spot dolphins and pelicans. If the feeling hits you, climb the 129 steps to the top of the St. Simons Lighthouse where you'll get breathtaking views of the coast, including Jekyll Island, Brunswick and the southern end of St. Simons Island.
10:00am: Visit St. Simons Island Farmers' Market
Who doesn’t love a trip to a local farmers' market on the weekend? This one truly had it all. With over 100 vendors showcasing everything from coastal art and handmade jewelry to local honey, fresh baked bread, gourmet cheeses and seasonal fruits and veggies, this was a must-visit to bring home a taste of the island charm.
11:00am- Check out and Island Hop
Time of year permitting, we chose to end our trip with an island hop to Amelia Island to watch our fellow gal pal perform in Alice in a Christmas Wonderland.
The performance is a part of Amelia Islands annual Christmas festival, Dickens on Centre. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ beloved novella, A Christmas Carol, the event transforms Centre Street into a classic English village. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, complete with costumed characters, themed entertainment and a visit from the Queen of Hearts herself!
Closing
As the Queen took her last bow on stage, with full hearts and the scent of saltwater in our hair, we said our goodbyes before embarking on our journey’s home. This girls’ weekend was etched into our souls, a magical memory we revisit often together, until the island calls us back for more.
