Amelia Island, FL

Amelia Island, Florida, is a unique paradise among the chain of barrier islands that stretches along the east coast from South Carolina to Florida, including St. Simons Island, Hilton Head Island, Jekyll Island, and Tybee Island to name just a few. Amelia is 13 miles long and 4 miles wide at its widest point, located just south of Cumberland Island, Georgia. Amelia Island is rich with history, such as the landmark Historic District, Fort Clinch State Park, Old Town, and Fernandina Beach with its Victorian-era architecture. Amelia Island was voted #6 among Top 10 North America Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards.

Brunswick, GA

Mainland Brunswick was named for Braunsweig, Germany, the ancestral home of King George II who granted Georgia's original land charter. The city's streets and squares are laid out in a formal grid, similar to Savannah and other colonial cities, and continue to bear their colonial names.

The mainland entry point to the Golden Isles, Brunswick directly overlooks the saltwater marshes and the Atlantic ocean. Historic Downtown Brunswick was originally laid out by General James Oglethorpe over 240 years ago, and features magnificent Victorian architecture and colonial buildings preserved and restored with pride. You'll find the Old Town has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike, with lively shops, galleries, restaurants, and theaters that provide a truly unique experience day or night. Don't miss the infamous Ritz Theatre, built in 1899, and the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, which dates to the early 1800s. You'll want to be sure to try our world-famous Brunswick Stew while you're in town.

Brunswick's Shrimping and Seafood Industry is the heart of Georgia's shrimping industry, and was once known as "The Shrimp Capital of the World." Wild Georgia shrimp are plentiful in the local coastal marshes and estuaries, and are renowned for their large size and delicious taste, making them a favorite with local chefs as well as restaurants around the globe. The Georgia Shrimp Association is a non-profit organization that works to promote the area's trademark shrimp.

College of Coastal Georgia is a state college of the University System of Georgia. Located in Brunswick, the college recently expanded to a four-year program and offers a wide variety of academic and athletic programs. The college is expected to include more than 6,000 students by 2020.

Charleston, South Carolina

Just a short drive from Isle of Palms, SC, Charleston makes for a perfect day trip destination. The rich history and Southern charm of this city make it a must-see, with plenty to do and engage in during your stay.

Charleston is comprised of the following areas: North Charleston / Historic Downtown Charleston / Mt. Pleasant / Summerville / Sullivan's Island / Isle of Palms / Folly Beach / John's Island / Daniel Island / Kiawah Island / Seabrook Island

Daniel Island

This 4,000-acre master planned island town is part of the city of Charleston. A distinctive mix of traditional neighborhoods and a growing collection of amenities offer island residents all of the essential components of a community – schools, medical centers, boutiques, restaurants, office buildings, churches, a modern supermarket and more. World class recreational opportunities, including a private golf club, professional tennis and soccer facilities and access to hundreds of acres of parks, 23 miles of rivers and creeks and miles of bicycle and jogging paths, provide residents with endless choices for an active lifestyle.

Jekyll Island, GA

Jekyll Island was once an exclusive winter retreat for some of America's wealthiest families. Their exclusive Jekyll Island Club, a collection of "cottages" and a variety of support structures are now a National Historic Landmark, the Historic District is open to the public. Today, owned by the State of Georgia, the island retains much of its natural beauty and offers a wealth of amenities and activities including 63 holes of golf, tennis, beaches, 20 miles of bike paths, mini-golf, nature tours and Summer Waves waterpark.

Golfers will find plenty to captivate their interest on Jekyll and the mainland, with 234 holes of golf on 16 different courses. Or, try your luck aboard the Emerald Princess casino/cruise ship, which offers afternoon and evening cruises from downtown Brunswick.

Brunswick & The Golden Isles offer a great selection of accommodations, ranging from convenient Interstate hotels to island resorts, waterfront hotels, and small inns. Several companies offer rental cottages and there are three campgrounds: two on the mainland and one on Jekyll Island. Getting to Brunswick and The Golden Isles is a brief drive that is easily accessible for a fun day trip from Isle of Palms.

Mt. Pleasant, SC

Mt. Pleasant is located directly across the new Cooper River Bridge. At the heart of Mt. Pleasant is the "old village" which is designated a National Register Historical District with gracious homes from the colonial and antebellum periods. Mt. Pleasant is home to one of the world's largest naval and maritime museum complexes, Patriot's Point, which is dominated by the World War II famous aircraft carrier, the Yorktown. Visitors may also board tour boats to visit the National Monument, Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Mt. Pleasant hosts several popular annual festivals. So, expect many exciting days when visiting Mt. Pleasant.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, GA is all about true Southern hospitality today, just as it has been welcoming guests since 1733. Hip and historic, robust and refined, Savannah is where you'll find amazing architecture, spooky cemeteries and rich history—along with global sophistication, funky nightlife and fabulous food. It's where history resonates into the present day, and where memories are still being made. www.savannahvisit.com

The Historic Downtown District has stood throughout Charleston's history as the cultural capital of the South and is considered by many to be a living museum, with a wonderful variety of things to do and see. In this beautifully preserved city you can experience tours through historic landmarks, including 18th century homes and plantations, the Battery, museums, churches and the city market. The number of historic sites in Charleston South Carolina is astonishing. Charleston also boasts numerous art galleries that display the city's impressive appreciation for the visual arts. In addition, there are many historic Charleston South Carolina accomodations to choose from when planning your visit. Charleston maintains all the ingredients necessary for a great vacation!

St. Simons Island, GA

St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles, is just across the Marshes of Glynn, immortalized by Georgia poet Sidney Lanier. Moss-draped oaks line the island's streets, creating an image worthy of Faulkner. The Village offers a charming selection of shops and restaurants that range from fine dining establishments to casual outdoor eateries. A wide range of lodging accommodations is available on the island, for every price range.

Young visitors will especially enjoy Neptune Park, with its mini-golf course, playground and the fishing pier. They may even see a shark or some other sea creature, landed by one of the local anglers. St. Simons Island offers plenty of interesting historical sites and attractions, from the St. Simons Lighthouse (a working lighthouse in operation since 1872) to Bloody Marsh, where British and Scottish soldiers successfully defeated a larger Spanish force and ended Spanish incursions outside Florida.

Fort Frederica National Monument and historic Christ Church are on the island's north end. There are great beaches (check out East Beach by the old Coast Guard Station) and a nature center that offers fun day programs for kids.

Little St. Simons Island is a private island accessible by boat. St. Simons Island's north end, offering accommodations for up to 30 guests - a wonderful destination for family reunions and small group gatherings.

Sea Island, home to The Cloister, a world-class resort renowned for its luxury and gracious service, now offers new Ocean Houses, with beautiful oceanfront accommodations and flexibility for accommodating groups of most any size. Top-notch amenities include a full-service spa, golf, tennis, Shooting School, horseback riding, kids programs, a private beach, fishing, waterway excursions and more. Special theme weekends throughout the year are devoted to ballroom dancing, bridge and fine wines.

Summerville

The historic village of Summerville is like a walk back in time. Known as the "Flowertown in the Pines," was once an escape for plantation owners from the mosquito-laden marshes. Today, visitors are invited to explore the historic downtown area of Summerville with over 700 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including surrounding neighborhoods of distinctly Victorian homes and delightful parks and gardens.

Qualities developed in this village as one of America's first resorts dating back to the early 1800s are still very much alive today, and you will be able to experience the kind of charm and hospitality one expects from a small Southern town.

Old Town, a National Register District, is filled with majestic homes noted for their turn-of-the-century elegance and eclectic mix of styles. The burgeoning downtown is filled with interesting antique shops and a growing number of specialty shops and art galleries. At Mary Ross Park on the waterfront, you'll see fleets of shrimp boats that work the local waters and contribute to the area's rich seafood industry.

Tybee Island, GA

Tybee Island, Georgia, is a barrier island on the Georgia coast, 20 minutes east of Savannah. Offering a laid back lifestyle within an unspoiled habitat, Tybee has miles of beaches, salt marshes, and other natural resources and wildlife to explore, including sea turtles, endangered birds, and nature trails for hiking.

History and culture buffs will enjoy Fort Screven, Fort Pulaski, Tybee Museum, the Tybee Light Station and Cockspur Lighthouse, and nearby Savannah. There's also the Marine Science Center, Tybee Pier & Pavilion, and Little Tybee Island to Explore. Tybee Island was recently named the "Best One Tank Trip" by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Best Beach Retreat" by Atlanta Creative Loafing and "Best Beach" by Georgia Magazine.