Does the thought of a sunny, clean, uncrowded, snow-free and relatively warm place appeal to you on a frigid February day? If so, let me tell you about Saint Simons, one of the “Golden Isles” of Georgia, where there are good affordable accommodations, pristine beaches, fine golf, massive Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss, cherished history and a general atmosphere of genteel quality.

Saint Simons is one of four islands offshore from Brunswick, GA, separated from the mainland by the most extensive salt marshes on the US east coast. The largest of Georgia’s barrier islands, it is about 4 miles (7 km) wide and 14 miles (23km) long. It features houses, condos, small shopping areas, miles of beaches, exclusive shops, galleries, restaurants, historic sites galore and the whole gamut of churches. Not a “tourist trap”, it is home to about 15,000 retirees, intellectuals, professionals and relatively affluent people. There are several good hotels, and dozens of condos and cottages available for rent by the week, month, or season, in both large complexes and smaller intimate mini-communities. As a bonus, “the natives are friendly”, as well as displaying traditional Southern friendliness.

There are several web sites offering information, including http://wikitravel.org/en/Saint_Simons_Island and I would recommend obtaining the excellent 80-page “Brunswick and Golden Isles of Georgia Visitors Guide” available by mail from the Convention and Visitors Bureau site www.ComeCoastAwhile.com , whose phone number is 1-800-933-2627 (COAST).

This article and those which follow will tell you about this relatively unfamiliar destination which may well offer everything you or any Snowbird could ask for.