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Escape to the Golden Isles this spring

Presented by Golden Isles CVB

a gif featuring images from the Golden Isles

Sun, sand, and a little bit of Southern charm await. | Photos courtesy of Golden Isles CVB

Our idea of the perfect getaway includes salty breezes, scenic bike rides, and really good seafood. Sounds like it’s time to take a trip to the Golden Isles of Georgia.

Tucked along the Georgia coast between Jacksonville and Savannah, this sun-soaked destination blends natural beauty, coastal adventure, and laid-back charm in all the right ways.

Whether for a long weekend or full vacay, the isles offer the perfect coastal escape, made up of four barrier islands and a coastal city:

St. Simons Island
Sea Island
Jekyll Island
Little St. Simons Island
plus the historic port city of Brunswick

Each spot brings its own personality, from quiet, nature-filled escapes to lively beach towns with shopping, dining, and rich history.

Don’t forget to add outdoor adventures to your itinerary. Spend your days:

Boating
Fishing
Biking
Paddleboarding
Horseback riding
or hiking through maritime forests and along miles of shoreline

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too — the area’s diverse ecosystems are home to everything from coastal birds to Loggerhead Sea Turtles, which begin nesting in May.

Don’t worry, if you can’t swing a trip this Spring, the islands host a slew of events all year round, celebrating food, music, and family fun, including Fourth of July celebrations, Southern Grown on Sea Island, and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival.

When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find accommodations ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals.

And wherever you stay, one thing’s guaranteed: amazing food. The Golden Isles serves up classic Southern flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and creative coastal twists that keep visitors coming back for seconds — and return trips.

Plan your trip

Asked

Which island or town are you most eager to visit?

A. St. Simons Island
B. Sea Island
C. Jekyll Island
D. Little St. Simons Island
E. Brunswick

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Thursday, Feb. 5

Friday, Feb. 6

Saturday, Feb. 7

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Quoted

“Baseball belongs in Tampa Bay.” That’s what Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press conference yesterday, where he solidified his support for building a new Rays stadium in Tampa. The state will transfer the Dale Mabry campus to HCC, then the college will sort out the agreement with the Rays. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Development

On a related note, Kettler just joined Ark Ellison Horus to make a pitch for the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District site. Yes, the same developer that’s a partner in the Gasworx project. The city’s window for proposals closed yesterday. (Tampa Bay Times)

Open

The latest Pete’s Bagels location opens its doors in Tarpon Springs today. The best part? It’s got a top-notch view of the sponge docks.

Try This

Happy 20th birthday, Kahwa. The local beanery is giving out free small drinks through Sunday, Feb. 8, at their new Kennedy location.

Coming Soon

Sadly — in Editor Bailey’s well-regarded opinion — the grilled cheese powerhouse Fo’ Cheezy is no more. But Chef Robert Hesse is behind a new eatery, The Landon, opening soon in South Tampa. We’ll keep you posted.

Closing

There’s time for a few more homemade cashew ricotta-crusted pizzas, but Florish is closing its doors on Saturday, Feb. 14. Owners announced the news on social media, saying they’re searching for a new home.

Plan Ahead

Tampa Tiger Bay is hosting its State of Our Cities: Mayoral Panel later this month. Who’s on the lineup? Mayor Jane Castor, Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton, and Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross, will weigh in on all things TBAY on Friday, Feb. 20, at Chester Ferguson Law Center.

Edu

Calling all future Florida Southern College students: You’re invited to Southern Select on Saturday, Feb. 21, FSC’s exclusive event for accepted students. Register for this immersive campus visit to connect with future classmates, catch academic showcases + faculty chats, and get a glimpse of student life.*

Learn

You’re smart. Don’t let your spending habits be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on — you won’t believe No. 9.*

Shop

This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? You can save 50% during the limited-time Valentine’s Day Sale.*

Wellness

Perelel’s Triple-Support Protein is a clean, doctor-founded and third party tested protein powder, with each scoop delivering 20 grams of protein, three grams of creatine, and five grams of no-bloat fiber. Support muscle, brain, and gut health with 20% off using code 6AMCITY20.*

Try This

Fall in love with our easy to use Self-Service Ad Portal this Valentine’s Day. Submit your business’s romantic events, specials, and soirees to reach our thousands of highly engaged local readers.*

Health

February is about connection, from intimate dinners to catching the game with friends. Don’t let background noise get in the way. Horizon IX hearing aids use advanced German engineering for crystal-clear sound, all-day comfort, and a nearly invisible fit. No wonder 540,000+ customers love them. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*

Event Spotlight

Yes, you can peek in stranger’s windows, but why not actually go inside? Legally, of course.

One of Editor Bailey’s favorite TBAY traditions, the BungalowFest Home Tour, is this Saturday, Feb. 7. Hundreds of folks board yellow trolleys with fellow Home Network devotees to peek into a slew of Kenwood bungalows.

The homes range in age from 97 to 106 years old — and also feature a mix of art and interior design styles.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 the day of.

The Buy

Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip Blush. Available in eight pigmented shades, it applies like a lightweight balm with smooth, buildable color.

Find your perfect shade

The Wrap

Much to the dismay of my dad and brother, the Super Bowl and the NFL as a whole are not for me. But, I’ll likely tune into the Halftime Show, or, as the Flan Factory calls it “The Benito Bowl.”

They’re serving up coquito lattes for the next two weeks only at their Armature Works location. And yes, you can get it “spiked si quieres perrear.”

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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