Start anywhere along the tour route. Five Flag tour guide signs are at most stops (except on Jekyll Island). In the listings, the number to the left of each point of interest corresponds to its map location. The number to the right (in parentheses) indicates the mileage to the next point of interest.
1. SELDEN PARK (1.8) A 35-acre public park with swimming, is, and other activities, developed on the site of Selden Normal & Industrial Institute, which pioneered the intermediate education of African Americans in the coastal area. The Institute opened in 1903 and closed in 1933.
2. MARY ROSS WATERFRONT PARK (1.1) Located on Bay Street (US Hwy. 341) at the end of Gloucester Street, Mary Ross Waterfront Park features The Liberty Ship Memorial Plaza, outdoor musical playscape, staged pavilion and farmers market...an enticing spot to view the sunset across the marshes! Huge oceangoing ships from around the world, as well as picturesque shrimp boats, may be seen along the waterfront docks.
3. LOVERS' OAK (.4) According to local legend, Native American braves and their maidens would meet under the majestic spreading limbs of this enormous oak. The centuries-old tree is located at the intersection of Albany and Prince Streets.
4. OLD TOWN NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT (.7) Based on General James Oglethorpe's 1771 city plan, Old Town Brunswick's streets and squares form a grid pattern. Old Town's homes, churches and public buildings are noted for their turn-of-the-century architecture and eclectic mix of styles. Following the American Revolution, Brunswick (named for Braunschweig, Germany, ancestral home of King George II) did not change the names of its streets and squares, which honor English royalty and geography: Gloucester, Prince and Halifax, for example.
Old Town can be easily enjoyed on foot. A handout, containing photos and historical information about many homes, churches and public buildings in the district, is available at the Downtown Development Authority office, located in Old City Hall on Newcastle Street. Call 265-4032. brunswickgeorgia.net.
5. COURTHOUSE (.1) Built in 1907, this impressive building is widely known for its exceptional beauty. It is surrounded by moss-hung live oaks and trees of foreign origin including Tung and Chinese pistachio. The new Glynn County Courthouse is located immediately north of the structure. Opposite the Courthouse at 1709 Reynolds Street, the Mahoney-McGarvey House is known as one of the finest examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in Georgia.
6. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK (1.1) Historic Downtown Brunswick is centered at the intersection of Newcastle and Gloucester Streets, the traditional commercial corridors of the city.
Newcastle Street is anchored on the south end by Old City Hall (1888) with its distinctive clock tower. At the north end of Newcastle Street is the historic Ritz Theatre. Built in 1898 as the Grand Opera House, the Ritz Theatre is Brunswick & The Golden Isles' center for quality exhibits and performances by local, regional, national and international artists.
An information center, featuring downtown and area events, activities and services, can be found at the Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle Street, Tuesday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, or Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Call 262-6934. A calendar of area exhibits and events can be found online at ComeCoastAwhile.com. Just click on "Calendar of Events."
7. OVERLOOK PARK (.2) This is a fine vantage point for viewing some of the vast and beautiful marshlands and river networks that flank Brunswick and much of coastal Georgia. The park features picnic tables and an observation area with information panels about local history, wildlife and the marsh ecosystem.
8. LANIER OAK (.2) Under this tree during the 1870s, Georgia poet Sidney Lanier stood and, viewing the landscape, was inspired to write "The Marshes of Glynn," considered his finest poetry.
9. VISITORS CENTER (6.7) Located at the intersection of US Hwy.17 and the St. Simons (F.J. Torras) Causeway, the Visitors Center is the gateway to The Golden Isles. The pot in which Brunswick Stew reportedly was first made is on display here. A brief area video program and a weather satellite monitor are available for viewing. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. (Area literature is outside after hours.) Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days.
HOFWYL-BROADFIELD PLANTATION (Not shown on map; 14.7 miles north of Visitors Center off US Hwy. 17). Between Brunswick and Darien lies Hofwyl-Broadfield, a state park and historic site where the evolution of a rice plantation comes to life. Tours and holiday events provide a glimpse into the culture of Georgia's rice coast in the 1800s. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 2 to 5:30 pm. Closed Monday except Monday holidays. Closed Tuesday when open Monday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Days. Admission fee. Call 264-7333. gastateparks.org/info/hofwyl/
