Exploring Brunswick, Georgia: A Historic Coastal Escape

Brunswick, Georgia, is a port city known for its rich history, delicious food, and Southern hospitality. The city is laid out in a formal grid, similar to Savannah, with streets and squares bearing colonial names. Brunswick is famous for its seafood industry, particularly its wild GA shrimp, which has earned it the nickname The Shrimp Capital of the World. The city is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural scenery, parks, and opportunities for activities like jogging, walking, and fishing.

When it comes to attractions, Brunswick has something for everyone. History buffs will enjoy exploring the Old Town Historic District, with its beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings and the ancient Lover's Oak tree. Art enthusiasts can visit the Historic Ritz Theatre, which hosts exhibits, performances, and films. For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly options, including the Pinball Palace arcade, a bowling alley, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Museum.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Brunswick, Georgia, is a charming destination that has something to offer for everyone.

Explore the historic downtown area, including the Old Town Historic District

Brunswick, Georgia, is a historic port city with a downtown area that has been recognised as a National Historic District. The city was founded in 1771 and is laid out in a formal grid, similar to Savannah, with streets and squares bearing colonial names.

Old Town Brunswick

Old Town Brunswick, also known as Historic Downtown Brunswick, is centred at the intersection of Newcastle and Gloucester Streets, the city's traditional commercial corridors. The area is enjoying a renaissance, with the ongoing renovation and restoration of historic buildings and public squares.

Newcastle Street is anchored in the south by Old City Hall, built in 1888, with its distinctive clock tower. At the north end of the street is the Historic Ritz Theatre, originally the Grand Opera House, which was built in 1898. The theatre is Brunswick's centre for quality exhibits and performances by local, regional, national, and international artists.

Old Town Historic District

The Old Town Historic District preserves the site of the 1771 city plan and the colonial British town that was built there, though most of its surviving buildings are from the 19th century. The district includes an array of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Jacobean, Eastlake, Mansard, Gothic, and Italianate.

The main downtown shopping area is located within the district, and the city's original town plan set out 14 squares, though some have been lost or encroached upon. Hanover Square is the largest surviving example, and the project to reclaim the city's original squares is still underway.

What to See

Old City Hall

Old City Hall, completed in 1889, is Downtown Brunswick's most striking landmark. The building, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, currently houses various city offices and is open to the public.

Oak Grove Cemetery

This historic cemetery, dating back to 1838, is the final resting place of over 1200 people, including Civil War soldiers and local historical figures.

Mary Ross Waterfront Park

This park, located on the downtown waterfront, offers a spot to watch the ships and boats on the river. It is also home to a scale model of a World War II Liberty Ship, a farmer's market, and a playground.

The Ritz Theatre

As mentioned previously, the Ritz Theatre is the place to go for live performances, gallery spaces, and rotating exhibits.

Antique Shops

For those who love to shop, there are plenty of antique stores in Historic Downtown Brunswick, boasting unique trinkets and treasures.

Signature Squares

Brunswick has several signature squares, similar to Savannah, with grid-style streets. These squares host many community events throughout the year.

First Friday

On the first Friday of each month, the shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Brunswick have extended hours and serve hors d'oeuvres and specialty drinks.

Blessing of the Fleet Festival

This festival honours and blesses local shrimpers and fishermen as they start a new season. The weekend-long event features live music, food, and arts and crafts.

Visit the Lady Jane shrimp boat and try some local seafood

Brunswick, Georgia, is known for its rich seafood industry, with an array of shrimp boats docked at the wharf. The town has been called 'The Shrimp Capital of the World' due to the abundance of wild Georgia shrimp in the surrounding marshes and estuaries. At the heart of this industry is the Lady Jane shrimp boat, offering a unique opportunity to explore the coastal ecosystem and try your hand at shrimping.

The Lady Jane is a retired commercial steel hull shrimping trawler that has been refurbished for eco-tourism, education, and conservation. It is the only shrimp vessel on the East Coast certified by the USCG to carry passengers offshore. Aboard the Lady Jane, you will find an enclosed cabin, a restroom, and a large covered deck with ample seating. The boat operates in protected waters through the picturesque Marshes of Glynn County and its tributaries, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

During the excursion, you will have the chance to help the crew sort through the sea life retrieved from each trawl. Each trip includes three trawls in the salt marshes, and the cruise typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. The catch varies depending on the weather and season, but you can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, from small bottom-dwelling species to apex predators. A certified marine biologist will provide insights and allow you to touch and hold the fish before returning them safely to the water.

After your shrimping adventure, you can indulge in some delicious local seafood at nearby restaurants. The Lady Jane is docked outside the Marshside Grill, which offers waterfront views and a menu featuring shrimp tacos, burgers, and hibachi. You can also explore the fresh seafood markets around the Golden Isles, such as Shuck's Seafood Market, to purchase ingredients and cook your own meal.

Whether you're an adult or a child, the Lady Jane shrimp boat excursion offers an educational and entertaining experience. Don't forget to make reservations in advance and wear old clothes, as you'll want to get hands-on with the sea creatures! So, come aboard, enjoy the cruise, and savour the taste of Brunswick's renowned seafood offerings.

See the historic sites by bike or on a self-guided walking tour

Brunswick, Georgia, is a historic port city with a lot to offer visitors. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a bike tour or a self-guided walking tour to see the many historic sites. Here is a suggested itinerary for a self-guided tour:

Historic Sites in Brunswick, Georgia: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Start your tour at Hanover Square, formerly known as Hanover Park, which was redeveloped as a recreational space in 1878. This is the largest surviving example of Brunswick's original 14 squares, which were laid out in a similar style to the city of Savannah. From Hanover Square, head to the intersection of Newcastle and Gloucester Streets, the heart of Old Town Brunswick and the city's traditional commercial corridor.

At the southern end of Newcastle Street, you'll find Old City Hall, completed in 1888 or 1889, with its distinctive clock tower. This building is a great example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, designed by Jewish-American architect Alfred Eichberg.

Next, make your way to the Historic Ritz Theatre, built in 1898 as the Grand Opera House. This beautiful theatre hosts a variety of exhibits, performances, films, and educational programs by local, regional, national, and international artists. The Ritz has been carefully restored by the Signature Squares of Brunswick, a local preservation group.

As you continue your walk, you'll notice the variety of architectural styles in the homes and buildings of Old Town, dating from 1819. You'll see examples of Queen Anne, Jacobean, Eastlake, Mansard, Gothic, and Italianate architecture.

Make a stop at the Mahoney-McGarvey House, located at 1709 Reynolds Street. This house is considered the finest example of the Carpenter Gothic style in Georgia, with its stunning three-story, ornately decorated wood portico.

End your tour at the Brunswick Landing Marina, where you can admire the array of shrimp boats docked at the wharf. This is a testament to the city's rich seafood industry, and you can even sample the catch of the day at one of the nearby restaurants.

If you prefer to explore by bike, Brunswick Old Town Tours offer a 1.5-hour guided bike tour that covers the city's history, from pre-European settlement to modern times.

So, whether you choose to walk or cycle, Brunswick's historic sites are definitely worth exploring at your own pace.

Enjoy the beautiful views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge

Brunswick, Georgia, is known for its beautiful views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. This stunning work of art is the tallest and longest cable-stayed bridge in the state, standing at 480 feet (150 m) tall and 7,780 feet long. The bridge is named after the famed Georgian poet Sidney Lanier, who wrote about the area explicitly throughout his career.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge spans the Brunswick River and carries four lanes of U.S. Route 17. It is a vital link between the mainland and the four barrier islands of the Golden Isles: Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island. The bridge is not just a beautiful landmark but also a community landmark that ensures smoother and safer passage for motorists and helps revive maritime commerce.

The current bridge was built to replace the original vertical-lift bridge, which was struck by ships twice. The new bridge features two concrete pylons and two concrete anchor piers, with each pylon carrying two planes of fan-shaped cables anchored to the edge girders. The construction of the bridge was a challenging endeavour, with cranes mounted on barges and floated in the middle of the river until land could be created to support them.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a popular spot for jogging and walking, offering a challenging route for those seeking an active outdoor experience. Each year, usually in February, the bridge is closed to traffic for the annual 5k Bridge Run, where people can run or walk the bridge. The bridge also hosts the WX4BWK amateur radio repeater on top of one of its pillars.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful outdoor experience, a visit to the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick, Georgia, is definitely worth considering.

Take a rum tasting tour at Richland Rum

Brunswick, Georgia, is home to Richland Rum, the only rum distillery in the state. The distillery, located in the historic downtown area of Brunswick, offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional techniques and artisan methods used to craft their award-winning rum.

The Richland Rum distillery is a must-visit destination for adults exploring Brunswick. The distillery offers a variety of tours that showcase the rum-making process and allow visitors to sample their exceptional rums. With two locations to choose from, visitors can opt for a short 15-minute tour or a more comprehensive 45-minute experience.

During the tour, guests will learn about the unique history of Richland Rum. Founded in 1999 by Erik Vonk, Richland Rum is crafted using sugarcane grown on Vonk's Georgia estate, making it the only Single Estate Rum made in the USA. This commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and artisan methods has earned Richland Rum numerous accolades, including being named "America's Best Rum" by Forbes in 2018.

The tasting experience is a highlight of the tour, where guests can sample a variety of aged rums, each with its own distinct flavour profile. From clear to dark 86-proof rum, visitors will be treated to a delightful sensory journey. For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, the on-site retail store and gift shop offer a range of signature cocktails, limited editions, and private barrel selections.

In addition to their rum, Richland also offers coffee aged in rum barrels, allowing visitors to indulge in the aroma of rum aged for years. Whether you're a rum connoisseur or just looking for a unique tasting experience, a visit to Richland Rum is sure to be a memorable part of your time in Brunswick, Georgia.

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