Just a little island in Georgia, BUT...

(Nancy Kirkpatrick)
If you head Southeast from our North Georgia area, you will find the beautiful barrier islands of the Georgia coast.

(Donna MacPherson)

Saint Simons Island is a beautiful peaceful little island
 where people go to build their dream castle. 

The beaches are beautiful and perfect for strolling and jogging.

You might get lucky and see dolphins while you are on

your walk.

If you want to get in the water there is always 

the challenge of Stand Up Paddle board. 

You may want to enjoy the water by taking a kayak tour.

You will find a cherished Georgia treasure,

The King and Prince resort where you can

enjoy your ocean front stay.

There are a number of condos and homes you can also rent

and the colorful Coastal Cottages.

As you walk along the beach, you will find 

a number of beautiful oceanfront homes.

This one was even a Coastal Living Showhome.

There are many beautifully landscaped yards that flow 

down to the beach.

BUT
 one weekend out of the year, 
our beautiful little island is invaded 
by Georgia Bulldog Fans! 

They are there for the Worlds Largest Cocktail Party
It will take place in Jacksonville, Florida on
October 31st this year. Most of the time that date
is known as Halloween, but this year it will
be the GA/FL game Friday! 
They flock to local watering holes like 
Brogens in the village. A long standing
tradition for Dawg Fans!

But over the years, the crowd coming to the island has grown. 
Students have started to flock to the usually uncrowded beaches.

They now have their own area of the beach known as Frat Beach.

But each year the crowds have grown and things have 
gotten out of hand, along with the trash.

Especially around Halloween, you never know 
who you might see! Is that Big Bird?

The locals try to make keeping the beaches clean
and easy task.

They try to establish some beach rules.

It is enough to make a dog say, "can I get a little help here?"

But as the sunrises after a day on Frat Beach, 
things look a little different than usual.

Last year over 21,000 pounds of liter were removed from the beach. 

(Donna MacPherson)
This year even the local Diva, Precious the Pig, may have to get up early to help.

So this year don't let the dogs remove the trash 
just in Jacksonville.

(Donna MacPherson)

Everyone pitch in on the island, so the locals 
will have something to celebrate when the 
weekend is over and they get to take their 
beach back!

So everyone enjoy and have a safe Halloween!

And on Saturday let the big DAWG eat! 

Take care of St. Simons Island. We all want to be able
to enjoy the island for many more Ga/Fl weekends 
in the future. 

GO DOGS WIN!

Source: Nancy Kirkpatrick, Donna MacPherson, Pinterest and Internet images. 

Tradition continues at the Swan Coach House

This is a story about two little girls, 

their mothers and how a tradition was born.

(Courtenay and Anslee)

When these two little fashionistas were very young,

(back in the early '70's) 

their mothers would dress them up 

and take them to Atlanta.

One of their favorite places to dine, was the

Swan Coach House. 

Good table manners were learned 

here at lunchtime. 

The Swan Coach House was established in 1965. 

A group of extraordinary women established 

the Forward Arts Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia.

Their steadfast mission to promote and support 

the visual arts in metro Atlanta continues to this day.

These distinguished arts patrons, whose dynamic leadership 

was matched by their determination transformed the garage of the 

Swan House estate into a restaurant and gift shop.

As you drive up to the valet parking,

you will see the first of many swans.

There are three doors to enter the Coach House. 

This red door is the entrance to the Art Gallery. 

In 1984, an art gallery was established. Throughout

its history the Forward Arts Foundation has 

raised significant funds in support of the visual arts

and has created an indelible mark on Atlanta's arts landscape.

The second door will take you into the Gift Shop. There 

are several rooms that house a children's area, household items,

women''s apparel and jewelry, antiques and gift items. 

Many fabulous finds have been discovered while you wait to be seated.

Also in the Gift Shop, you will find some beautiful design books

and these two treasures. 

The Swan's Palette Cookbook

If you are tired and want to sit, there is a lovely waiting area

that you can sit in. Notice the painting of the

swans over the settee. 

There are several dining areas. We always like to 

eat in the main dining room. When Anslee and Courtenay

were little, they called this room "the big birthday party."

At that time these walls were covered in fabric that had

beautiful balloons in soft pastel shades! 

But change must happen and now they have this gorgeous 

floral background! 

The menu at the Swan House is yummy.

I have a difficult time not always ordering

The Swan Favorite.

Their Menu!

And of course for dessert, there is nothing better than 

the French Silk Swan! 

This is one of the dining areas upstairs. 

It is perfect for a private luncheon. It 

will seat 15 - 24. 

Is this not a fabulous Ladies Room! 

Here is a close up of the walls. I can't think

of a more appropriate pattern! 

This is the glass porch upstairs on the front of 

the Swan Coach House. Perfect for a bridesmaid's luncheon.

There are white swans on the dark green fabric. 

A beautiful window treatment that does not hide, but

enhances the view.

Upstairs overlooking the gardens, is a large glassed in
room that is the perfect stop for a large luncheon or dinner.
This room is called the Katydid room!

On the lower level, there is another large dining room. 

This room has a more casual feel and would make men 

feel more comfortable dining here.

In the ladies room downstairs, we find 

another swan! 

The Forward Arts Foundation host and annual Swan Coach 
House Flea Market.This year it is on September 18-20. 
Admission to the Flea Market is free and 
open to the public. 

Not to long ago, we stopped by the Swan Coach House

and got to enjoy a lovely ladies luncheon! 

(L-R Our friend Vickie, Anslee's mother Elaine, and myself)

And those two little girls  ....

They grew up, but they still LOVE going to the

Swan Coach House! 

source: Debbie Jacobs Designs, Pinterest and The Swan Coach House