As a writer, settings play a huge part in my stories. I almost always start a novel by imagining a place—whether from real life or my imagination. When I’m location scouting, I think about the way a place feels, the unique flowers and smells, whether it’s noisy or soothing, quaint or sophisticated, shiny or well-worn. Its personality is what draws me in.
One of my favorite places is St. Simons Island, Georgia. A few weeks ago, hubby and I packed a bag on the spur of the moment—when we realized we both had the same two days off. That rarely happens, so we seized the opportunity.
I was surprised at the giddy sense of homecoming I felt when we crossed the F.J. Torras Causeway onto the island, since we hadn’t been there in years. But some places are just like that. They call you back like old friends.
Epworth By The Sea
We stayed at the beautiful Epworth By The Sea, which we later found out is a Methodist Retreat Center. (Shh…we didn’t tell them we’re not Methodist.) The folks there couldn’t have been more welcoming and the grounds are serene and beautifully kept. (They rent rooms to the public.)
Restored Tabby Slave Cabins
A walk to the river past the old tabby slave cabins was just what the inspiration doctor ordered.
Since I’m a lighthouse nut, we of course, climbed to the top of the St. Simons lighthouse—all 129 steps of it—and imagined what it was like to tend the light all those years ago.
St. Simons Lighthouse, GA
We ate great seafood, too much ice cream, and browsed the shops around Pier Village and Neptune park. Camera held high, we even braved uncertain depths to explore the sandbars off East Beach.
Sandbars off St. Simons Island
One of my favorite stops was Christ Church. We originally visited St. Simons because one of my favorite authors, Eugenia Price, lived and wrote on the island. She set a series of books there, too. She is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, along with others dating all the way back to 1803. Reading the headstones is a poignant—and sometimes humorous–lesson in the history of the island.
Christ Church, St. Simons Island, GA
If you have the chance, take a trip to St. Simons. You’ll come back refreshed and renewed–and maybe, you’ll have found a story setting.
For more info, visit ComeCoastAwhile.com.
Hmmm, maybe my next book will be set there…
Connie
Hi Connie,
Loved your article on St Simons sounds like a gorgeous place for a holiday. Pity I live in Australia and it is too far away for me.
Your blog looks really good, too.
Cheers
Margaret
Margaret–Glad I could at least give you a virtual trip! It’s a wonderful place. Many thanks for stopping by–and for the encouragement!
Love the new look! It’s a super blog, with the easy to navigate format complimenting your wonderful entries. Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing my excitment, Ruth! I’m ready to get back to WRITING posts and stories. This techie stuff is HARD for me.
Connie,
Just looking across the sandbars makes me wonder how the old sailing Captains found their way into the harbor at St. Simons. Get busy writing another book because I loved
your book TRAPPED! so much, I cannot wait to read your next book. Will it be a sequel to TRAPPED?
Hi Peter, I wondered about the sandbars, too! I know the coastline has changed over the years with erosion and currents. So glad you enjoyed TRAPPED! I don’t have a sequel planned, but there is another story in the works about hidden springs and pirate treasure! Stay tuned!
Can’t wait Connie. We all need more from you to read.
Thanks, Peter! I’m working on it… 🙂
Great Job, Connie. Love the new look and the info on St. Simons Island.
Jan
Thanks so much, Jan! Appreciate it! St. Simons is a great place!
You did a great job on your site! I love exploring new places. Thanks for sharing St. Simons Island with us. I’m going to have to check out Epworth By The Sea. Lorna
Thanks so much, Lorna. You’d love Epworth By The Sea. We’d stay there again in a heartbeat. Reasonable and beautiful. 🙂
As always…a great read. Love the PICTURES! You got me!
Thanks so much, Debi! Glad you enjoyed taking the virtual trip with me!
I didn’t know the old look (I just rejoined FHL after a too-long absence!), but this one is lovely.
Beautiful pictures. I’ve never been to St. Simons Island, but have always heard so much about it. Thanks for reminding me about a possible vacation spot for our 20th anniversary!
Hi Christa–So glad you rejoined FHL, and thanks so much for stopping by! St. Simons is a great anniversary spot! I highly recommend it!
Love your new site, Connie, and thanks so much for sharing your trip to St. Simons, Georgia. It looks absolutely lovely and is one place I have to add to my list of places to visit!
Thanks so much, Anne! I appreciate the encouragement very much. Oh, yeah, add St. Simons to the list… 🙂
I felt like I was there! Nice job. I’m trying to get my own site going and know it is NOT easy!
Katy Lee (From FHL)
Hi Katy, thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate it very much. Let me know when you get your site up–I’ll look forward to stopping by there, as well!
Thanks for writing about my favorite place in the world. I may have moved to the UK, but I still return to St. Simons; a journey I’ve made as often as I could ever since Eugenia Price and Joyce Blackburn first led me there in 1994. My first stop is always at a florist so that I can place flowers for them at Christ Church Cemetery. I’ll be watching your progress to see if St. Simons turns up as a location!
So nice to “meet” someone else who loves St. Simons! I love it there. Oh yes, I imagine it will will turn up as a setting in one of my books somewhere down the line…