With the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching and health recommendations as plentiful as grandma’s homemade biscuits, we were wondering what we were going to do this year. We did not want to have a huge family gathering like we normally do but still wanted the holiday to feel special. Brenda’s son just recently moved to Brunswick, Georgia, and bought a house, so we decided this year to give our family a break and do a destination Thanksgiving Celebration. We decided on the King and Prince Thanksgiving Buffet on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia.

Located just off of the Georgia coast between Jacksonville and Savannah, St. Simons Island is rich in history, charm, and natural beauty, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. St. Simons Island is the largest of the Golden Isles – a cluster of barrier islands off the Georgia coast that includes Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island, as well as Brunswick on the mainland. From the Spanish moss-draped oaks to the quaint shops in the village, it is clear from the moment you step foot on the island that Southern charm is alive and well! Relax, you are on island time.

Where to Stay at St. Simons Island

The King and Prince Resort have been an island institution for over 80 years. The King and Prince originally opened as a dance club in 1935, served as a navy observation post during WWII, and transitioned into a hotel in 1941. This historic hotel is just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only hotel on St. Simons actually on the beach. Along with being able to hear the ocean from your room, there are miles of unspoiled beaches to explore.

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St. Simons Island Tides

The tides on Saint Simon’s Island range from 8 to 10 feet and are the largest tidal range on the East Coast excluding Maine.  When the tide is high along the shore, most of the beach is underwater. At low tide, sandbars are exposed. The hard sand on East Beach makes it great for a walk or a bike ride.

The King and Prince

The beautiful lobby at the King and Prince Resort welcomes you as you walk in the door. Natural light streams in through the large window. The bright atrium lobby is a comfortable and cozy place for guests to sit by the fireplace and visit with family or other travelers.

King and Prince Thansgiving Buffet

We were made to feel like royalty when we were seated for our Thanksgiving meal at the King and Prince. They served up a spectacularly delicious Thanksgiving buffet. We dined on Lobster Chowder, Kale and Watercress salad, brunch, carved turkey and roast beef, seafood, sides, and desserts. They specialize in coastal cuisine with a Southern flair.

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The dining room spaces were beautiful with lots of windows facing the water.

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After Thanksgiving dinner, we couldn’t help but notice that it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. There was a Christmas Tree decorated in the lobby where we had to stop and have our picture taken. The holidays must be beautiful at this historic resort.

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The luxury resort excels in Southern hospitality and making the guest feel at home, charmed, and appreciated all at the same time. Many of their guests are repeat visitors, which says a lot about their commitment to customer satisfaction.

The King and Prince’s beautifully manicured grounds offer plenty of spots for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.

St. Simons is around 18 miles long, with live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. There’s plenty to do and see, so come along and take a look at some of the stops on this charming island.

Christ Church Frederica

 One of the oldest churches in Georgia, Christ Church is one of the most popular historic sites on the island. The church is a beautiful gothic style tucked away in monumental oak trees. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Christ Church is on the far north end of the island. Christ Church is one of the most photographed sites on the island. The church is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday from 2 to 5 pm

6329 Frederica Road

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John and Charles Wesley first began preaching here under the live oaks in 1736 and established the foundations for the modern Methodist religion. The cemetery surrounding the church is one of the oldest in Georgia.

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St. Simons Lighthouse

St. Simons Lighthouse is one of only 3 lighthouses on the Georgia coast. It is an operational navigation aid for boats entering St. Simons Sound. The light can be seen up to 23 miles away at sea. The lighthouse was built in the 1800s and is one of only five remaining Georgia lighthouses. Visitors are welcome to climb up its 129 steps to see the spectacular view from the top! 

610 Beachview Drive

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We did not have much time on the island after our Thanksgiving dinner but did want to visit a few key spots. There were many attractions that were not open due to the holiday. Fort Frederica was closed as were the cute locally-owned shops and art galleries downtown. We will have to return someday and visit more of what St. Simons Island has to offer.

If you are staying the weekend on St. Simons Island, take a day to drive to Savannah, Georgia. There is something truly magical about Savannah, Georgia. Some say it is the charming atmosphere, while many agree that it is the numerous parks and rich history. Maybe it’s the famous Southern hospitality and cuisine. So, we set out to spend One Day in Savannah.