Exploring Coastal Georgia: Brunswick's Best

Brunswick, Georgia, is a city in Glynn County, on the state's southeastern coast. It's known for its rich history, stunning scenery, and thriving population. Brunswick offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking, and it serves as the primary gateway to the Golden Isles. The city boasts a vibrant downtown community with entertainment, restaurants, shops, and a unique charm.

Brunswick has a strong economic base, with a GDP of $3.9 billion as of 2013, largely driven by tourism and logistics. The Port of Brunswick, one of Georgia's two seaports, is a vital part of the city's economy, handling approximately 10% of all US roll-on/roll-off trade.

The city also has a warm sense of community, with residents valuing its small-town ambiance and close-knit social circles. However, it's important to note that Brunswick faces challenges such as limited employment opportunities outside the tourism and service sectors, a higher-than-average crime rate, and a risk of hurricanes due to its coastal location.

The city's history and heritage

The history of Brunswick, Georgia, dates back to 1738 when Mark Carr, a Scotsman and the first European settler of the area, established a 1,000-acre tobacco plantation along the Turtle River. The plantation, known as "Plug Point", became the foundation of the city of Brunswick. In 1771, the Provincial Council decided that this area would be ideal for a new city, and the town of Brunswick was laid out in a grid plan similar to that of Savannah. The city was named after the German Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg, the ancestral home of King George III and the House of Hanover.

In 1789, Brunswick was recognised as one of the original ports of entry for the American colonies by President George Washington. This proclamation brought prosperity to the city, and in 1797, it became the county seat of Glynn County, a status it still holds today. The early 19th century saw slow growth, with the construction of the first public building, Glynn Academy, in 1819. The town was officially incorporated as a city in 1856.

During the American Civil War, Brunswick was abandoned when citizens were ordered to evacuate. The city suffered economic depression in the post-war years but recovered when a large lumber mill began operating on nearby St. Simons Island. Rail lines were constructed, connecting Brunswick to inland Georgia and stimulating economic growth.

In the late 19th century, Brunswick became a popular tourist destination, particularly for influential families such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, and Goodyears. The city's natural harbour and deep-water port contributed to its prosperity, and it became known for its seafood industry, particularly shrimp.

During World War II, Brunswick served as a strategic military location, with a shipbuilding facility and a blimp base that played a crucial role in patrolling the coastal areas and escorting ships. The war brought economic growth to the city, with over 16,000 workers involved in shipbuilding.

Today, Brunswick is a vibrant city with a strong educational system, a world-class healthcare system, and a thriving business climate. It is known for its 19th-century Victorian-style homes, endless golden marshes, and historic sites. The city continues to be a significant port, with one of Georgia's two seaports, and a centre for tourism and logistics.

The climate and weather

Brunswick, Georgia has a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90 °F (32 °C). The humidity further increases the heat index, and summer mornings average around 90% humidity, dropping to 60% in the afternoon. To cool off, residents can take advantage of the nearby coast, which offers some relief from the heat. Thunderstorms are common in the summer, and the hottest temperature on record was 106 °F (41 °C) in 1986.

Winters in Brunswick are fairly mild, with average highs of 63 °F (17 °C) and lows of 44 °F (7 °C) in January, the coldest month. Snowfall is extremely rare, and the last recorded snowfall in Brunswick was in December 1989. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the city was 5 °F (−15 °C) in January 1885 and again in January 1966.

The city receives a high amount of rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of about 49.6 inches (1,260 mm). August and September, the peak of hurricane season, are typically the wettest months. Brunswick's location on the coast makes it vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, and while the city has suffered less damage from hurricanes compared to other East Coast cities, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential extreme weather events.

The warm and humid climate of Brunswick, Georgia, makes it a popular destination for those seeking to escape the cold winters of the north. However, the high temperatures and humidity in the summer months can be uncomfortable for some. Overall, the city experiences a typical humid subtropical climate, with distinct seasonal variations and a high amount of rainfall.

Employment and economy

Brunswick, Georgia is a city with a progressive economy largely based on tourism and logistics. The city's GDP was $3.9 billion as of 2013. The Port of Brunswick, one of Georgia's two seaports, is a vital part of the city's economy, handling approximately 10% of all US roll-on/roll-off trade. The port is the sixth-busiest automobile port in the US, serving as the primary export facility for Ford, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz, and the central import facility for Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Hyundai, and Volvo, among others. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, headquartered 5 miles north of the city's central business district, is the largest employer in Glynn County, with an annual economic impact of over $600 million.

Other major employers in Brunswick include Southeast Georgia Health System, the largest private employer in the city; King & Prince Seafood; GSI Commerce; Pinova; and Gulfstream Aerospace. The city is also home to the Georgia-Pacific mill, which has been in operation since 1937 and is the largest single-site fluff production facility in the world. Hercules, a manufacturer and marketer of chemical specialties, operates a production facility in the city, and jet aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace has a presence at the Brunswick airport.

Tourism is the single largest industry in Brunswick and Glynn County. The city and the Golden Isles are a year-round resort community, attracting visitors from around the world with their beaches, resorts, shops, and historic sites. The Port of Brunswick also contributes to the tourism industry, as cruise ships dock at the port, bringing passengers to the city.

The city's downtown area is committed to economic development, historic preservation, and beautification. The Brunswick Downtown Development Authority works to promote economic growth and community activities to bring people downtown and preserve and enhance the district's character.

The arts and culture scene

Brunswick, Georgia, is a city with a vibrant arts and culture scene. From theatre and film to music and visual arts, the city offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. Here is a more detailed look at the arts and culture scene in Brunswick, Georgia:

Performing Arts

The Historic Ritz Theatre, a beautifully renovated ornate theatre, is the main hub for performing arts in the city. It hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including productions by the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, the city's most significant professional performing arts group. The theatre is also home to the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association, which coordinates arts events for Brunswick and Glynn County. The Brunswick Actors Theatre is another venue for live performances and is located within the Art Downtown cultural arts centre.

Visual Arts

Brunswick is home to several art galleries and studios, showcasing a range of visual arts. The Gallery on Newcastle displays scenes from coastal Georgia's marshes, while Art Downtown features fine art exhibitions and provides a space for artists to create their own paintings and pottery. The city also has a public art initiative called the Brunswick Mural Project, which aims to ignite change and build community through art.

Music

Brunswick has a thriving music scene, with local musicians performing regularly downtown. The city also hosts the Georgia Elvis Festival, celebrating the music and legacy of Elvis Presley.

Festivals and Events

In addition to the performing and visual arts, Brunswick hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. These include the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee, a celebration of the city's famous Brunswick stew; the Rhythm on the River concert series; and the Mayfair, previously known as the Blessing of the Fleet. The city's downtown area also comes alive on the First Friday of every month, with art exhibit openings, live music, and street performances.

The cost of living

Brunswick, Georgia, has a cost of living index of 90, which means living costs are 10% lower than the national average. This is a central selling point for the city compared to other coastal areas in Georgia.

The median home price in Brunswick is $227,012, almost half the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $37,639 per year on basic living expenses such as rent, groceries, childcare, transportation, medical care, insurance, and taxes.

The city's progressive economy is largely based on tourism and logistics, with a GDP of $3.9 billion as of 2013. The Port of Brunswick, one of Georgia's two seaports, is a vital part of the city's economy and is recognised as one of the most productive ports on the East Coast.

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), headquartered in Brunswick, is the largest employer in Glynn County, with an annual economic impact of over $600 million. Other major employers include King & Prince Seafood, GSI Commerce, Pinova, Gulfstream Aerospace, and International Auto Processing.

The city also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with galleries, studios, and annual art festivals such as the Brunswick Art Festival. The Historic Ritz Theatre, built in 1899, is a beautifully renovated theatre and arts centre that hosts year-round performances, films, exhibits, and education programs.

Frequently asked questions