Up for a treasure hunt? If you find yourself on St. Simons Island take an extra close look at some of its majestic live oak trees, you might just find one gazing back at you, and if you do, then you’ve come face-to-face with a Tree Spirit, definitely one of the unique treasures of this coastal Georgia island.
Nestled along southeastern Georgia, St. Simons Island is one of a string of 4 barrier islands that make up the Golden Isles. It is roughly the size of Manhattan Island in New York, but it couldn’t be more different. Instead of glistening skyscrapers, St. Simons is known for a different kind of high-rise; its towering, ancient, moss-draped live oak trees. In the early years of the island, lumber was a thriving industry, and the Southern live oak played a significant part in that history. Case in point, the famous naval ship the U.S.S. Constitution (aka “Old Ironside”), had its wooden frame constructed of Southern live oak timbers harvested from St. Simons Island. Pretty cool!
I first traveled to St. Simons almost 20 years ago, and like a magnet it keeps drawing me back. Situated between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida and easily accessible along I-95, you literally feel your heartbeat slow down as you drive over the Sidney Lanier Bridge with endless views of the Atlantic Ocean off in the distance. Just beyond that you merge onto the causeway that crosses the golden Marshes of Glynn- you have now arrived on St. Simons Island.
My island producer tip is to go directly to the Golden Isles Welcome Center, located just a block from the Pier Village District, which is St. Simon’s downtown, of sorts. Here you can collect a complimentary Tree Spirit Scavenger Hunt map. Your island adventure begins!
Adjacent to the center is where you’ll discover your first Tree Spirit, and the most elaborate one too. Carved into a tree is a mermaid named Cora. Island lore says Cora is the gentle protector of St. Simons’ iconic loggerhead turtles who return each summer to the island's beaches to lay their eggs.
In 1982, sculpture Keith Jennings began bringing the tree spirits to life on the island he calls home. With woodcarving instruments in hand, Mr. Jennings began the meticulous task of carving intricate faces into several centuries-old live oak trees scattered throughout the island’s parks and byways. These weathered wooden faces are all unique and their stories are left to your interpretation.
It took Mr. Jennings two to four days to sculpt each face. They blend seamlessly into their natural surrounding; some are on tree trunks others are carved on the stubs where there once was a branch. They are such a part of each tree that they can be hard to spot at first, that’s why finding one is like uncovering a lost treasure. Some say the tree spirits represent sailors lost as sea, but the sculptor has said, "not so". As Jennings carved these magical faces, he was inspired by each tree’s soul, it is as though the wood spoke to him.
There are more than 20 Tree Spirits scattered around St. Simons, but only 7 are located on public property – those are the ones listed on the scavenger hunt map. A short walk from the Welcome Center to Mallery Park is where you’ll discover two more Tree Spirits concealed among stately oaks and southern pine trees. My suggestion for searching out the remaining Tree Spirits is to hop in a car or rent an island bicycle, going the bicycle route will provide you with lots of exercise.
What makes this treasure hunt adventure for Tree Spirits so fun is that it allows you to explore the island at your own pace - to experience its unspoiled marshland vistas, its beaches, its iconic lighthouse, and its stylish and sometimes quirky shops and galleries.
One of the reasons I love St. Simons Island so much is its unhurried charm. It’s a small town with a rich history. It’s manageable in size for exploring in a day and its year-round residents welcome you with southern grace and hospitality. One thing is for sure, the Tree Spirits are a beloved addition to the island’s story and in many ways will always be a source of magic that adds to the allure of St. Simons Island.
Travel Tips
• St. Simons Island may have been one the best kept secrets along Georgia’s coast, but the word is out as the Golden Isles was voted “2020 World’s Best Islands in the Continental U.S.” by Travel & Leisure. (The Golden Isles are comprised of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island). Check out: https://www.goldenisles.com/discover/st-simons-island/
• While out exploring Tree Spirits, you’ll find one located in Redfern Village, a cool collection of shops, bars, and dining spots. A local from the welcome center mentioned Golden Isles Olive Oil for lunch – great suggestion. Try their Curry Chicken Salad or if Tomato Pie is on the menu, order it.
Check out: https://www.goldenislesoliveoil.com/
• Looking for a place to stay – check out the Village Inn and Pub, a charming little property nestled among towering live oak trees and an easy walk to the Pier Village district for eats and entertainment.
Check out: http://www.villageinnandpub.com/
• If you want to catch a glimpse of a loggerhead turtle, there’s no better place than the Golden Isles of Georgia. Plan to be on the island in summer when the hatchlings make their way from the shore nests to the ocean. Please make sure you adhere to the warning signs posted, as these turtles are a protected species in Georgia. If you have time, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on nearby Jekyll Island.
Check out: https://gstc.jekyllisland.com/
Photograph Credit: The photograph of the Golden Isles Welcome Center is courtesy of the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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