Brunswick, GA - Close to Jekyll and St. Simons Islands - Yet With Its Own Charm

Brunswick, Georgia - the "Cinderella" to Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. While St. Simons and Jekyll certainly aren't ugly stepsisters, Brunswick is most often the forgotten one when tourists flock to the Golden Isles of Georgia.

There's plenty to see in Brunswick and you ought to take a look when you are visiting Coastal Georgia.

Photo credit: Creative Commons - National Park Service

Brunswick is located 65 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida and 75 miles south of Savannah, Georgia. Known as the 'Gateway to the Golden Isles', Brunswick is home to over 15,000 citizens and is also the bustling center for Glynn County, Georgia which has a population of almost 80,000.

Established in 1771, today Brunswick is home to one of Georgia's deep water ports (the other is located in Savannah) and is a major port for foreign car importation, among other things. Your Porsche - or the one you wish you had - very likely first touched American soil in Brunswick, Georgia.

Along downtown's Union Street, you'll find beautiful historic homes. Since most of pre-1864 Brunswick was burned during the Civil War, these homes reflect a town getting back on its feet in the late 19th Century. Here you'll find Victorian homes of all types and sizes as well as the popular four square and Arts and Crafts style homes from the early 20th century.

Historical and Interesting

If you bypass Brunswick, one of the things you'll miss is an interesting downtown with plenty of charm. Many don't realize that Brunswick was designed by the same man who designed Savannah, Georgia. And like General Oglethorpe's plan for Savannah, Brunswick's downtown and living areas were built in grids with community squares and greenspace in mind.

Today, many of the Squares have succumbed to 'progress' and have been built over - houses, churches and offices now stand in areas meant to be enjoyed by the locals. However, the squares that have survived are undergoing a renaissance of sorts and are being improved and revived by a local organization known as Signature Squares.

Enjoy a little southern comfort and skip the basic motel room

To get a true feel for Brunswick, consider staying in one of the beautiful bed-and-breakfast inns within walking distance of the shops downtown. Brunswick has a lovely historic district and all of the inns listed in this section can be found there.

Stroll the moss-draped pathways around town or simply sit on the porch with a drink and a good book.

Brunswick Manor

This very large home in the historic area of Brunswick has been opened as a Bed-and-Breakfast by a few different owners. But, the current owners have it exactly right! Jaw-droppingly beautiful, especially when decorated for the holidays. You must give it a try.

Waters Hill

Small - just five bedrooms - but beautiful. Located on lovely Union St. and within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and the waterfront.

Indigo Coastal Shanty

Funky, low key, perfect for downtown Brunswick unpretentious restaurant. Great food when you just want to wear your flip-flops, shorts, and t-shirt.

Willie's Weenie Wagon

The little hot dog hut across from the College of Coastal Georgia. Willie's is an institution. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pork chop sandwiches, and some good sweet tea are just a few of the things you'll find to tempt you.

Arte Pizza

Creative wood-fired pizza and scrumptious pasta, too. Can get noisy but so fun and great for people watching.

You have to cross a bridge to get to Jekyll Island or St. Simons Island. Take some time before you cross to visit Brunswick or come back across for a walk down quaint small town streets of cute shops and historic homes.

Moving to Brunswick, Georgia or just staying for a few months to enjoy our warm weather. Either way, here are some links that will be very helpful to you.