Next door and sharing many outdoor attractions, St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Georgia, is an uncrowded destination less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, just off I-95 on Georgia’s southernmost tip. The culture, heritage and outdoor activities here make it popular with history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s filled with small-town charm; a downtown waterfront community where the views are part of the romance.
The streets are lined with locally owned shops, while historic homes offer glimpses into life in an earlier era. Many homes are available as either an inviting bed & breakfast or a unique vacation rental. Romantic options abound. Take a stroll on the beautifully landscaped downtown St. Marys Waterfront Park, with swings and benches facing the water.
When hunger strikes, walk to Locals Dockside where you can enjoy the perfect seafood dining experience with views of the St. Marys River, golden marsh and boats out on the water. For early in the day options, Cedar Oak Café offers breakfast, international dinner specials, pizzas and a bakery full of desserts.
St. Marys is on the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail. The St. Marys Submarine Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the South featuring nearly 5,000 square feet of exhibits and displays on two floors, from WWII to today. Experience history come alive with a wide variety of images, paintings, artifacts, models and rare historical documents, like WWII patrol reports.
What’s more romantic than snuggling up for the ferry ride to Cumberland Island to watch wild horses and walk the beach? Pack the perfect picnic and have lunch on the uncrowded sands of the largest barrier island in Georgia. Take the ferry from the Mainland Visitor Center in St. Marys to one of coastal Georgia’s treasures, Cumberland Island National Seashore. Very few places like this exist anymore. Mostly made up of pristine maritime forests, majestic live oaks and palmetto trees, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes, you’ll spot wild horses, turkeys, alligators, deer and an impressive variety of coastal birds. Discover the history of Plum Orchard Mansion, the ruins of the once elaborate Carnegie Estate “Dungeness,” Cumberland Wharf and the Settlement of the First African Baptist Church. Camping is also available as well as bike rentals and tours. Click here for more information.
Heading back to the mainland, let the celebration continue at Seagle’s Restaurant on the ground floor of the historic Riverview Hotel—which is also a great place to stay, or at Southern River Walk, where the salmon BLT is almost famous. You’ll find live music at both spots most nights.
Crooked River State Park is also a great couples date. Only 10 minutes from downtown St. Marys, the 500-acre park offers a nature center and hiking, biking and kayak trails, along with cabins and campsites. The 11-mile St. Marys Tabby Trail connects the park with downtown St. Marys. The entire area has spots noted on both the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail and the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. You can even arrange a guided tour, with state park staff, of St. Marys rookery to see native wading birds, including Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills. For a celebration that falls in line with the feel of the day head over to Wee Pub for elevated casual dining and drink specials or the Horse & Cow Bar & Grill, a submarine service themed spot where you’ll feel like a local. www.VisitStMarys.com
Journalists: Downloadable, captioned photos and additional details: https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/st-marys-cumberland-island-georgia/.