Have you ever wanted to visit an island reminiscent of a Caribbean village, and never have to leave the eastern United States? If this idea captures your dream, St. Simons Island, Georgia is the place to take time off for some well-deserved relaxation. Located near Brunswick, St. Simons is part of the Golden Isles. The entranceway takes you across the elusive Marshes of Glynn, and from then on the scenery becomes even more exotic.

The island itself is tiny, and there are two different atmospheres, depending on which section you visit. For a tropical setting, the seaside shopping village is a mecca for the beach-going tourist. Restaurants, t-shirt shops, toy stores and home decor can be found, along with an array of many other things. The village is accented with a lighthouse towering above the ocean. To get away from the hustle and bustle of village life, try driving back through the untouched woodlands and exploring rustic historic attractions. St. Simons Island showcases some of coastal Georgia's best scenery, complete with ancient trees dripping Spanish moss.

Before Europeans ever stepped upon what is now the state of Georgia, Native Americans were calling the marshy shores home. All of this changed in the 16th century, when intrepid Spanish explorers set out to make Christians out of the Indians and conquer the land for their own purposes. When England laid claim to Southern lands, the island became a military base in its own right when Fort Frederica was built. James Oglethorpe, the general and mastermind behind the local militia, defended his new territory against Spanish Floridians and native Indians. The town of Frederica reached its high tide in the mid 1700s, but then quickly deteriorated, leaving only echoes of the past.

Whether you are traveling alone, with a loved one, or with the whole family, there will be no shortage of activities to keep you busy. Are you curious about some of the best ways to spend your time on St. Simons? Here are some ideas rated high on the tourist meter:

Victorian Charm

• St. Simons Island Lighthouse: St. Simons' lighthouse is a stately Victorian beacon still operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Although the original lighthouse was constructed in 1810, it was ruined during the Civil War. The modern structure was raised in 1872 by a man named Charles Clusky. The tall white tower is accented by a picturesque brick keeper's house, and both museum and lighthouse are still open to tourists. If you feel like doing some climbing, the view is fantastic. Small children (under six years of age) are admitted free.

British Remnants

• Fort Frederica: This colonial British fortification is located on the marshy, picturesque side of the island, and is a time capsule of colonial British history. There are two major parts to the park: (1) The ruins of Fort Frederica, dating from the 1740s when it was a military base, and (2) foundations of colonial British houses. The foundations are dotted with markers and plaques explaining their past significance. The fort itself is open to travelers to explore the remaining rooms. Take note of the lovely Frederica River rambling behind the fort. Both fort and river were named for England's Prince Frederick of Wales. Other things to see on the grounds include the small but informative Fort Frederica visitor center and the old English burial grounds.

Reverence and Reflection

• Christ Church Frederica: Christ Church is a striking Victorian church dating from the 1880s. The stained glass alone is enough reason to visit, but the interior is rustic and peaceful, a perfect spot for reflection. The church is situated on beautiful cemetery grounds; among the few to be buried here is the prestigious author Eugenia Price, who wrote many novels about St. Simons Island and surrounding areas. Also see the Wesley Oak, a huge gnarled tree with a lot of history. It was beside this tree that the Methodist preachers John and Charles Wesley preached in the early days of the colony of Frederica. A quiet, secluded path leads back to more statuary across the road from the church. This church is still used by the Episcopal congregation, but if you visit at a time when no services are being conducted, you may be able to step inside to view the quaint colonial-style interior.

Chills and Thrills

• Ghost Tours: St. Simons has its own circuit of tale-tellers who will recruit you for otherworldly adventures. The ghost walks take visitors over the backwoods trails and famous historical sites of the island's past. Venture into the darkness with your guide, who will show the way with lantern light and spin yarns of spirits who may still linger. This is a great and unique activity for thrill-seeking families.

Tales of Conquest

• Bloody Marsh Battlefield: This site marks the spot where in 1742, Spanish forces from St. Augustine were sorely defeated by British and Highland foot soldiers. The marshes are still as much a site of breathtaking natural beauty as they were when Spanish blood gave the place its name. Markers tell the story of who fought there, for what gain, and how the battle was won. Spanish moss accents the Southern view, and this is generally a very quiet, out-of-the-way spot, perfect for the history enthusiast.

Natural Beauty

• Marshes of Glynn: Perhaps you've heard of the poem by Sidney Lanier titled "the Marshes of Glynn" and wondered what he was speaking of. Going over the parkway from Brunswick into St. Simons Island, you'll see the view that inspired Lanier's mournful sonnet. If possible, travel over the marshes on a day with little traffic, so you can stop and look out over the endless marshes, the epitome of Georgia's beauty. Palm trees dot the landscape, along with an occasional sea bird. This is a great start to a St. Simons vacation, one that shouldn't be missed. If you have access to Sidney Lanier’s "Marshes of Glynn," such as a copy gleaned from the Internet, have one of your family members read parts of this poem while driving over the famous marshes. It will add to the experience.

• Gascoigne Bluff: This little-known tourist spot is offset by the Frederica River, and has much history that few people know. To begin with, when Manuel de Montiano's Spanish soldiers came up from St. Augustine, they came ashore on the bluff. Also, St. Simons' oak trees, known for their tough, durable wood, were made into siding for the U.S.S. Constitution ("Ironsides") near this very spot.

A Break From the Ordinary

• Tree Spirits: Do you have a knack for the strange and unusual? You will find something to satisfy your tastes scattered throughout St. Simons Island. There are "spirits" inhabiting the island - tree spirits! These whimsical faces were carved into a select few of St. Simons' trees to represent the countless sailors who died at sea. Although they are not the most exciting thing you'll find on the island, they make a good photo opportunity and some funny memories.

Gator Hunting

• Salt Marsh Nature Tours: For those who enjoy the idea of sailing through narrow marsh waterways, keeping a look out for "gators," this is the attraction for you. Salt Marsh Nature Tours offers several selections to keep you intrigued. Running through St. Simons Island's many inlets to Little St. Simons Island, you will see a variety of sea life. You might spot dolphins, birds, great blue herons, and many other captivating creatures. Plantations can be spotted from the shoreline, and each place's history will be discussed. Children are always invited, and will be allowed to steer if they wish to do so. There is also the opportunity for the "grown-ups" to take the wheel.

• Dolphin Quest Tours offer an excursion that lasts two hours and covers both swampland and the Atlantic Ocean. Dolphins are a well-known feature here. If you travel in the summertime, be prepared to see one of the South's famous scaly creatures swimming alongside your boat! This ride lasts an hour and is an unforgettable experience.

The Ocean Breeze

• Fishing Pier and Atlantic Ocean: Of course one of St. Simons' biggest attractions is its fishing pier that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. Walking down by the beach and searching for shells is a favorite activity for many families, and St. Simons is willing to accommodate. Fishing and other outdoor activities are available at the pier and surrounding areas. St. Simons Island pier combines the activities of any beachside town with Southern views and Georgia hospitality.

All Aboard!

• St. Simons Island Trolley Tours: For an all-around trip of the island without having to do the driving, try the 1 1/2 hour trolley tours. After boarding at Pier Village, enjoy seeing all the sights of the island, historical and scenic, in the comfort of a St. Simons trolley. Tour guides are well informed on the top spots for dining and browsing the Pier Village's many stores. The tours are highly regarded by locals and tourists alike.

External Links:

• Golden Isles Navigator - A tourist's guide to Georgia's Golden Isles
• High Tide's St. Simons Island Guide - An informative site concerning all things St. Simons
• St. Simons Island local guide - For tourists and locals alike, containing all kinds of info