St. Simons Island is one of Georgia's Golden Isles along with Sea Island and Jekyll Island. St. Simons is the largest of the Isles with a vast history of Native American, Spanish, Gullah, and Civil War influences. Now, St. Simons has become a resort-driven area gaining popularity to being vacation spots for some of the wealthiest people in the country.

Originally inhabited by the Timucuan Native American, the area was first settled on by Spanish in the Seventeenth Century. There is still a national monument with a mound supporting three magnificent oak trees where over 30 indians were buried. After the Spanish conquest, the Europeans began teaching many of the Natives Christianity. Battles with the French and British over the area ensued. During the American Revolution, The Frederica Naval Action was an important battle that demonstrated the effectiveness of galleys in shallow waters over bigger vessels when Colonial troops defeated three British ships. The lumber in the area was also very good for shipbuilding. The live oak in the area was very strong and used in the construction in 1794 for numerous frigates, including "Old Ironsides," the USS Constitution, which still is in operation in Boston. St. Simons later became well-known for the long-fiber Sea Island Cotton. Nearly the whole island was used as a cotton plantation and saw one of the last trade ships for slavery enter its marina.

St. Simons' nautical history is also very rich. Its original lighthouse was built in 1811 but was destroyed during the Civil War. Another was built in 1872 which still is operated today. The lighthouse and residence that includes a two-story Victorian house are undergoing vast renovations to support navigation in the area, as well as, the museum at the light. Another unique building in the area is the Coast Guard Center built in 1935 during WWII. One of only three remaining out of 45, it now houses the Maritime Center and a small museum. The King and Prince Hotel and Resort is another fun place with spectacular view and a great history with the area.

COAST is proud to have a retailer in the area. Make sure to stop by M.J. Landis as they carry all of the newest COAST merchandise and have a great retail location.