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The Darien Waterfront Wine & Gourmet Shop is located in the Shops at 107 Broad Street in historic district of downtown Darien, Georgia. They have a wide variety of wine, beer and cheese.
While you are in the store picking out a wine, don’t forget to check out their selection of gourmet food, including Buckhead Certified Angus Beef Steaks, Alaska Wild Caught Salmon, Bahamian or Maine Lobster Tails, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Center Cut Pork Chops, Ashley Farms All-Natural Chicken, and other fine meats. Their grocery selection also includes locally caught Georgia Wild Shrimp, along with Georgia made Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese and Sugar Marsh Cottage Gourmet Chocolates. Most of their offerings are top-of-the-line and on the expensive side. The Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese is one of our favorites. It is fine hand crafted brie cheese made in Thomasville, Georgia.
Directly behind the store is the Waterfront Wine Bar with a beautiful view of the Darien River. It is open from 5 to10 every Friday and Saturday night. Enter through the Wine Store, then sit down and enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, along with an hors d’ oeuvre or desert while you watch the boats go by and the sun set over the river. Their wine & beer list includes an assortment of red & white wines from around the world, either by the glass or by the bottle, import & domestic craft beers, and sparkling & dessert wines. Pair one of them with an antipasto plate, artisan cheese plate, crab cake plate, or a dessert plate. There may even be live music at times!
Be sure to sign up for their email list for notice of special events and wine tastings.
Georgia Olive Farms, an agricultural cooperative formed in 2009, in Lakeland, Georgia is the leading East Coast producer and marketer of olive trees and Georgia Olive Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil. In 2011, Georgia Olive Farms conducted the first commercial harvest of olives east of the Mississippi River since the late 1800s. The olives harvested were pressed into extra virgin olive oil, which is marketed under the Georgia Olive Farms label. Right now there is a very limited supply of the 2011 harvest of the Chef’s Blend of Georgia Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Georgia Olive Farms is working with farmers and investors to provide sustainable, locally produced olive oil to east coast consumers.
The efforts of Georgia Olive Farms should result in a significantly reduced carbon footprint for olive oil consumed on the east coast. Each year, Georgia Olive Farms will be the first to harvest olives in the United States and can provide the very freshest olive oil to U.S. consumers, especially on the east coast.
While most may assume that growing olives in South Georgia is a radically new concept, south Georgia olives are, in reality, a tradition older than our nation. In archeological excavations of 16th century Franciscan settlements from Florida up through Georgia, olive pits have been found. Also, in the early 18th century, British settlers arriving to St. Simons Island, Georgia found olive trees growing alongside oranges near the lighthouse. These olives were most likely brought to the new world by Spanish explorers as far back as 1526. It is known that Spanish explorers sailed with olives aboard, and they are attributed with introducing the sour orange to the east coast of America.
Olive Affairs is located in the downtown historic district of Darien, Georgia at 106 Broad Street. Olive Affairs features fine gourmet olive oil, vinegars and other olive-related products. They also carry a very limited supply of “Georgia Liquid Gold” which is a 2011 harvest of a chef’s blend extra virgin olive oil from the Georgia Olive Farms in Lakeland, Georgia. They also sell their Award Winning Gourmet Olive Tapenade, Vegan Olive Tapenade, Italian Olive Oils, Gourmet Modena Aged Balsamic vinegars, muffaletta sandwiches, breads and much more. Next time you are in Darien, stop by and check out this very unique shop.
Hodnett Cooper is thrilled that Southern Living magazine, the preeminent source for Southern culture, travel, events and lifestyle, has named St. Simons Island one of its favorite spring vacation destinations. In the article, Southern Living describes St. Simons Island:
“The beaches and golf courses of this Atlantic escape vie for king of the island. About 80 miles north of Jacksonville and 85 miles south of Savannah, St. Simons has multiple golf courses, pristine coastlines, and plenty of outdoor activities to fill those sun-drenched Spring Break days. If you’re bit by the shopping bug, venture to the island’s southern tip to Pier Village to pick up an extra pair of sandals or an easy beach read. Local restaurants specialize in seafood dishes, and The Coastal Kitchen offers a raw shrimp and oyster bar.”
Southern Living goes on to describe accommodations through Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals:
“Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals offers condos and villas for couples or families on any budget, including daily and weekly rentals.”
We look forward to sharing St. Simons Island with Southern Living readers who have not yet been to our island…during Spring and all year long!
Last year, Barron’s reported an upswing in sales volume and prices of second homes among the affluent market. Barron’s ranked fifteen locations for beauty, comfort, convenience, a range of lifestyles and—most importantly—value. Sea Island, Georgia was ranked Number 1.
At the same time, many affluent buyers continue to adopt a “wait and see” policy when it comes to purchasing real estate, and luxury home and apartment rentals are on the rise.
At the center of the two developments is Brett Flanagan, Residential Rentals Manager at Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc. “We have a growing number of high-end second home owners on Sea Island who are willing to place their home in a professional rental program,” explained Flanagan, “combined with a growing demand for luxury rental properties so people can ‘test drive’ the area.”
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc. currently has five Sea Island cottages in its residential rental program (by tradition, even the most extravagant homes on Sea Island are referred to as “cottages”). Two cottages were rented quickly and are currently occupied by families considering a real estate purchase. Another three properties are currently available, ranging from a 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath home for $5,000/month, to a 6 bedroom, 6.5 bath home that rents for $12,000/month. “These homes have extraordinary, distinctive features such as an artist’s loft, gourmet kitchen, private swimming pools and separate guest homes,” said Flanagan.
In addition to exquisite features, residential rental cottages on Sea Island have access to membership privileges at Sea Island Resort. The 84-year-old resort and club underwent a complete rebuild of its iconic Cloister Hotel, beach club, and tennis and spa facilities. Since then, Sea Island, The Cloister and The Lodge (Sea Island’s golf destination on neighboring St. Simons Island) have racked up an impressive portfolio of awards: both hotels are Forbes Five-Star Award winners; resort golf course, Seaside, is ranked a “Top 100 Course” by Golf Magazine; and The Georgian Room at The Cloister is a Forbes Five-Star restaurant.
“We are finding there is a demand for residential rentals on Sea Island, where residents can experience a luxurious home, the resort facilities and activities, and can get a feel for the community before choosing to purchase a home or second home,” explained Flanagan.
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc is the largest real estate company in the Golden Isles. Hodnett Cooper Real Estate Inc.’s Residential Rentals division features a constantly expanding inventory of over 365 properties and employs four residential rental specialists. For more information, please visit www.hodnettcooper.com, http://www.hodnettcooper.com/resrentals.htm or call toll-free 888-638-4750.
Barbara Jean’s is a family run, multi-unit restaurant operation that began here on St. Simons Island in 1988. Jim & Barbara specialize in both seafood and made-from-scratch, home-style cooking. There is little doubt that they are best known for their Crab Cakes, but their Southern entrees and vegetables are great. At Barbara Jean’s they make three different fresh breads and up to fifteen vegetables daily. They also have three homemade soups on the menu daily, and that always includes their truly incredible “She Crab Soup.” Each day they hand batter and cook to order every fried product, and those include Chicken Fingers, Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Fish Fillets, Chicken Fried Chicken, Fried Shrimp, Fried Catfish and Coconut Shrimp too!
My personal favorites are the meat loaf and the country fried steak. The service is impeccable, the ambiance is lovely, and the food is to die for. It’s rare that a restaurant can pull off both seafood and home-style cooking and do both very well, but Barbara Jean’s does just that. Expect long waits all day long in the summer. I recommend you put your name in at the door and then take a stroll through the Village to the pier to work up a good appetite. You will need it with all the food and bread they serve you!
Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, Inc announces the launch of Hodnett Cooper Premier, a new website showcasing its portfolio of luxury vacation rental residences on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Hodnett Cooper Premier properties are all exquisite with unique features such as seaside swimming pools, deepwater docks, and separate guest quarters. In addition, the Premier properties have service enhancements that cater to the luxury traveler.
One of the latest trends in luxury travel is the resurgence of multi-generational vacations. Hodnett Cooper Premier homes are large enough to accommodate grandparents, parents and children and have enhanced amenities and services that make planning and traveling easier for busy families. Homes in the Hodnett Cooper Premier collection offer accommodations with up to twelve bedrooms that sleep thirty.
Each Hodnett Cooper Premier vacation home rental includes a personal travel concierge who assists with travel details such as dinner reservations, event tickets, tee times, pre-arrival grocery shopping and guest needs throughout their stay. And each home is stocked with a starter supply of Bulgari toiletries.
Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, Inc currently manages over 400 vacation rental condominiums and homes on St. Simons Island, Georgia, a treasured destination for families in the Southeast for generations. Hodnett Cooper Premier reaches out to a new audience of luxury travelers that may not be familiar with beautiful St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, Inc and Hodnett Cooper Premier is the largest vacation rental management company on St. Simons Island, Georgia with over 400 homes and condominiums in inventory. Properties include The Beach Club at St. Simons, St. Simons Grand, North Breakers, Shipwatch, The Sea Gate Inn, as well as private homes. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, Inc employs a team of professional vacation planners who find guests the perfect accommodations and is a member of the Vacation Rentals Management Association (VRMA). For more information, please visit www.hodnettcooper.com and www.hodnettcooperpremier.com or call toll free 888-638-1991.
Fins On The Beach is located on Jekyll Island at 201 Beachview Drive. Fins is—by far—one of the best ocean view restaurant on the Georgia Coast. They have an outside patio dining area with about 12 tables with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Fins has been newly remodeled and boasts a brand new menu! Fins features signature seafood platters with fresh fish and Wild Georgia Shrimp. I had the hamburger with grilled onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese—very good and cooked just right. And the fries were very good.
During our visit, the patio was packed but the service was good and fast. Our waitress didn’t miss a beat refilling our tea and cokes though she was quite busy. Next time I visit Jekyll Island, I will give their seafood a try. They also had some very interesting salad dishes I would like to try. Yes, I’m going back!
Fins on the Beach, Jekyll Island
Fins on the Beach, waterfront dining
Indigo Coastal Shanty is located at 1402 Reynolds Street in downtown Brunswick. Indigo is operated by Kate Buchanan, one of the former owners of Cargo Portside Grill. The eclectic restaurant is currently open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 3pm for lunch and Friday and Saturday night from 5pm to 9pm for supper. The food presentation was great, and what an experience for my taste buds. Indigo has a daily special and soup every day. I had the Stockpot Pozole Verde soup with chicken, tomatilloes, poblanoes with hominy. It was exceptional. My son had the fish tostada which was a crisp blue corn tortilla topped with black beans, island slaw, grilled fish and fresh pineapple salsa. It also came with black beans and rice. A.T. had the Mediterranean veggie stack, which was grilled season vegetables with hummus layered and drizzled with a roasted red pepper vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese. My wife had the jerked chicken which were two large chicken breast served with Jamaican spices for a touch of heat. It was served with black beans and rice, pineapple salsa & a cooling dollop of sour cream. I had the daily special which was the crisp Venezuelan corncakes stuffed with a beef and pork picadillo, melted Mexican cheese and avocado cream; served with a side of salsa verde, black beans, brown rice & crisp Island slaw. We cannot wait to make a return visit to try out some of the other unique dishes. Get there early because this is a small restaurant popular with the locals, so the line starts forming around 11:30 or earlier.
Mangos Grill is a great Cuban restaurant recently opened in Brunswick at 135 Altama Connector (across the street from the Wal Mart). Mangos serves some of the best dishes from Latin America, including Cuban sandwiches, plantains and burritos. All of their food is made from scratch and is very tasty. I had the Arepas, which are two huge hot corn cakes, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. They are stuffed with ground beef or chicken. My wife had the hot dogs, which are not your average hot dogs. The all-beef franks are served in a fresh baked bun, top with their secret relish, mayo, mustard ketchup and a very generous sprinkle of potato sticks. The black beans and rice are some of the best we have ever had. Mangos Grill also serves up a variety of salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, quesadillas, burritos and nachos. Mangos Grill is open seven days a week from 11am to 9pm. We look forward to a return visit to Mangos Grill in the near future.
