Brunswick, Georgia: Gateway To The Golden Isles

Brunswick, Georgia is a city in and the county seat of Glynn County. It is the second-largest urban area on the Georgia coastline and is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The city is famous for its historic squares, unique downtown area, and beautiful marina-front park. Brunswick also boasts a thriving seafood industry, with shrimp boats docked at the wharf ready to trawl the local waters. The city is an important port and has a progressive economy based largely on tourism and logistics. It offers a variety of attractions, including the Historic Ritz Theatre, the Brunswick Landing Marina, and the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation. With its moderate temperatures and scenic landscape, Brunswick invites outdoor activities such as kayaking, sailing, and jogging. The city is also known for its stunning sunsets and its annual festivals, such as the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee and the Rhythm on the River concert series.

Brunswick's rich seafood industry

Brunswick, Georgia, is famous for its rich seafood industry. The city's historic wharf is always bustling with shrimp boats ready to trawl the local waters. The Port of Brunswick, one of Georgia's two seaports, is recognised as one of the most productive ports on the East Coast.

The city's strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and its history as an important port city have contributed to the development of its seafood industry. Brunswick offers a unique opportunity to try your hand at shrimping aboard the Lady Jane, the only shrimp vessel on the East Coast certified to carry passengers offshore.

The seafood industry in Brunswick is not limited to shrimping; it is also the centre of Georgia's crab and oyster industries. The city was once known as "The Shrimp Capital of the World", although production has decreased in recent times. Despite this, Jekyll Island, located near Brunswick, hosts the Wild Georgia Shrimp & Grits Festival annually in September.

In addition to its seafood industry, Brunswick offers a variety of attractions, including the Historic Ritz Theatre, Lover's Oak, and the Marshes of Glynn. The city is also a gateway to the Golden Isles, including Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, which are popular tourist destinations known for their white-sand beaches.

The city's history as a strategic military location

Brunswick, Georgia, has a rich history as a strategic military location. During World War II, the city served as a crucial base for military operations. German U-boats posed a significant threat to the southern United States coastline, and Brunswick played a vital role in countering this danger. The city's Naval Air Station Glynco became the largest blimp base in the world at that time, with blimps patrolling the coastal areas to protect against enemy submarines.

Brunswick's strategic importance extended beyond its air defences. It was also a bustling centre for shipbuilding, with the J.A. Jones Construction Company employing over 16,000 workers to produce an impressive ninety-nine Liberty ships and "Knot" ships for the war effort. These ships were essential for transporting materiel and troops to the European and Pacific theatres of the war. The city's maritime contributions were significant, with blimps from the Naval Air Station escorting almost 100,000 ships safely without any losses to German U-boats.

In addition to its role in World War II, Brunswick has a long history as an important port city. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean and its access to several rivers make it a valuable economic centre for Georgia. The Port of Brunswick, one of Georgia's two seaports, handles a significant portion of the nation's roll-on/roll-off trade. The port serves as a vital export facility for major automotive manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz.

Brunswick's military significance also extends to the present day. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, located just north of the city, is a large agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security. This centre plays a crucial role in training law enforcement personnel and has a substantial economic impact on the region.

The Historic Ritz Theatre

The Ritz Theatre, like many single-movie houses, experienced a decline in the 1960s and 1970s. However, it was purchased by the City of Brunswick in 1981, leading to significant modernisation and alterations. The extensive reconstruction was necessitated by the collapse of the roof over the auditorium. The theatre returned to its roots as a live performance space and a venue for community and cultural events under the management of the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) since 1990.

Today, the Historic Ritz Theatre is a vibrant space that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, supporting GIAHA programs and independent productions. The theatre has also regained its popularity as a movie-watching destination with the addition of a large screen projection system. The lobby serves as a visual art gallery and an information centre for tourists and the community.

The theatre has played a significant role in Brunswick's cultural scene and was selected to participate in the pilot program of the Fox Theatre Institute. It continues to be a beloved landmark and a testament to the city's dedication to the arts.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge

The bridge is known for its stunning visual appeal, particularly at sunset or in the early morning fog, when it seems to shimmer or float in the clouds. The bridge's two identical towers anchor its cables to the bridge deck, forming two pyramids on either side. The structure is illuminated in the evenings, creating a beautiful sight. The Sidney Lanier Bridge is also known for its functional design, allowing larger ships to enter the port and eliminating the need for a drawbridge.

Each year, the bridge hosts the "Bridge Run" sponsored by the Southeast Georgia Health System. This event usually takes place in February and involves people registering to run or walk across the bridge. The U.S. Track and Field Association has certified the event as the toughest 5K in Georgia. After the run, a fun walk commences, followed by a family-friendly festival with vendors, food, entertainment, and children's activities. The proceeds from this event benefit the Southeast Georgia Health System's cancer and cardiac care programs.

The bridge has become a popular spot for boaters, who can launch their voyages from the paved ramp beneath the bridge. The Emerald Princess Casino, which departs from the dock beneath the bridge, is another attraction for adults. The Sidney Lanier Bridge offers sweeping panoramic views of the Golden Isles, making it one of the most photographed locations in the area. Its beauty and intricate architecture have made it a famous landmark in Brunswick and the surrounding region.

The Blessing of the Fleet festival

The festival was started by the Portuguese community in 1938 to commemorate the first appearance of the Blessed Virgin to three children near Fatima, Portugal, on May 13, 1917. During the festival, a hand-carved Brazilian Oak statue, with a crown of gold and precious stones, identical to the statue in Fatima, is placed on a carved wooden shoulder carrier and decorated with flowers. Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church process through Historic Hanover Square singing.

The 2023 festival, which was the 85th annual event, took place on Saturday, May 13, from 10 am to 4 pm, with the blessing held at 2 pm. The 2024 festival will be the 86th annual event and will take place on Saturday, May 11, from 1 pm to 7 pm.

Frequently asked questions