Four Itchy Feet

As we embark on this travel adventure, we feel it is important to reflect on our past. We returned to the place we called home for the last 15 years of work, a time of ‘normal’ or ‘traditional’ life. Reconnecting with old friends who still live there was inspiring. Many people dream of doing what we’re doing, whether it’s a mid-life change or a retirement plan. However, obstacles like fear of the unknown often hold them back.

Saint Simons Island is a beautiful, quaint island on Georgia’s east coast, nestled between Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. It’s the primary island in the Golden Isles group, which also includes Jekyll Island and Little Saint Simons Island.

Saint Simons can be divided into three main areas: The Village to the south, Mid Island, and the North End, where we used to live. If you’re driving on Interstate 95 in Georgia, you can access Saint Simons from the south via Exit 29 or from the north via Exit 38.

If you only have a few hours, I recommend visiting the southern end of the island. In The Village, you’ll experience a slower pace of life. Take a stroll to the pier, and if you’re lucky, you might see a massive cargo ship gliding by just a few hundred feet away. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat at one of the many Southern food restaurants, like Barbara Jean’s, a weekly favorite of ours. For a more upscale dining experience, check out the Georgia Sea Grill, my go-to place for special occasions.

We stayed at Ocean Walk Condos, a charming one-bedroom Airbnb, for three nights. The nightly rate was a reasonable $90. From there, we enjoyed leisurely walks to the pier and the beach.

Saint Simons experiences significant tidal changes, with tides reaching 7 to 8 feet. During low tide, you can walk the entire length of the beach, even underneath the pier. However, the beach area near the pier becomes inaccessible during high tide. The tides bring a vibrant marine ecosystem, with dolphins feeding and pelicans diving. Some even claim it’s the largest shark breeding ground on the U.S. East Coast.

Upon arriving on the island, we couldn’t resist a visit to our favorite restaurant, Fancy Q’s. We’ve been dining there since their grand opening 20 years ago and have enjoyed countless meals. The food never disappoints. If you’re a sushi lover like us, you won’t be disappointed. It’s worth a stop on your way to The Village.

We also enjoyed breakfast with friends at Mallery Café. Everything looked delicious, but I highly recommend the Lox Bagel. For dinner, we dined with dear friends at Fiddler’s. This modern take on Southern cuisine offers fantastic dishes like tuna bowls, which we absolutely loved.

This trip was a nostalgic journey. Driving past the bustling Saint Simons Airport, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my time as an FAA Flight Instructor, where I taught many people to fly, including my own son.

Our time on Saint Simons affirmed our desire for a more dynamic lifestyle. We’re eager to embrace the challenges of travel and living out of a suitcase. We still have a few loose ends to tie up, but that’s a topic for another post.