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Spring is officially showing off this weekend—and the Golden Isles are delivering. CoastFest takes over the waterfront, grills are firing up for a full-on pig roast, and live music is everywhere you turn. We’ve also got another round of the Home Showdown (three totally different lifestyles, same price tag), plus a packed lineup of events from Brunswick to SSI to Jekyll. Let’s get into it.
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It’s that time again… your favorite segment is back. Three homes. Same price. Completely different lifestyles. Let’s see where you’re moving this week.
What does ~$500K get you around here right now?
Three completely different lifestyles. Same ballpark price.
Let’s see which one you’re picking…
🌴 St. Simons Island – Coastal Condo Life
101 Barkentine Ct, SSI
🎯 South SSI
🕰️ $489,000
3 bed / 2.5 bath • 1,414 sqft
HOA: $394/mo
Est. payment: ~$3,463/mo
You’re buying location and lifestyle here.
This renovated condo sits under live oaks in a small 34-unit community, just minutes from the beach, restaurants, and shops. The standout feature? A massive screened porch built around an actual oak tree — very SSI energy.
You also get a pool, low maintenance living, and zero yard work.
👉 Downsides: smaller space, HOA fees, and condo ownership tradeoffs.
Best for:
Beach lovers, second-home buyers, or anyone who wants to live the “bike to dinner, flip flops only” lifestyle.
🌊 North Brunswick – Waterfront Value Play
526 Old Mission Rd, Brunswick
🎯 North Brunswick (Belle Point)
🕰️ $495,000
4 bed / 2.5 bath • 2,824 sqft • 0.67 acres
HOA: $12/mo
Est. payment: ~$2,938/mo
This one is the sleeper deal of the group.
Nearly double the square footage of SSI, plus a huge lot, plus tidal creek + marsh + river views + private dock.
This is classic coastal Georgia living—low country boils, fishing off your dock, sunset views over the marsh.
But… it’s being sold as-is, and it’s a 1969 home.
👉 Translation: you’re likely signing up for updates or a full vision project.
Best for:
Buyers who want land, water access, and long-term upside—and don’t mind putting in some work.
More info: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/526-Old-Mission-Rd_Brunswick_GA_31525_M63666-03258
🏛️ Downtown Brunswick – Historic + Income Potential
400 Dartmouth St, Brunswick
🎯 Downtown Brunswick
🕰️ $498,900
4 bed / 4 bath • 2,186 sqft • 0.25 acres
Est. payment: ~$2,983/mo
This one might be the most interesting play.
A fully renovated 1939 historic home—but basically rebuilt from the inside out. New plumbing, electrical, structure… all the scary stuff already handled.
Plus:
👉 Detached studio apartment with its own entrance (rental income, guest suite, office)
👉 Walkable to marina, restaurants, downtown life
👉 Big corner lot with room to expand
This is the hybrid lifestyle + investment option.
Best for:
People who want character and modern reliability—with bonus income potential.
More info: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/400-Dartmouth-St_Brunswick_GA_31520_M50414-63609
🤔 So… What’s Your Choice?
Same ~$500K… wildly different outcomes:
If you haven’t been to Bubba Garcia’s lately… Taco Tuesday might be your sign.
The downtown Brunswick location just rolled out a major menu expansion, and it’s not subtle. The new menu feels nearly double the size of the old one, with a wave of new appetizers, entrees, and tacos added across the board.
A couple early standouts:
Mexican Pizza – big flavor, crowd-pleaser energy (Taco Bell nostalgia activated)
Burger Tacos – exactly what they sound like… and they work
It’s a noticeable shift—more variety, more options, and more reasons to keep coming back without ordering the same thing every time.
One thing to note: it’s still unclear whether this expanded menu has made its way over to the SSI location yet.
But downtown? Definitely worth another visit.
Support Local News (and Promote Your Business)
The Golden Isles Lantern continues to grow, and we’re opening a few spots for local sponsors who want to reach an engaged audience across Brunswick, St. Simons, Jekyll, and the surrounding area.
If you run a local business and would like to get in front of Lantern readers each week, I’d love to talk. Sponsorships help keep the newsletter free while supporting more local coverage, events, and community conversations.
Interested?
Email: [email protected]
What’s Happening This Weekend
Thursday, March 19
🎤 Velvet Thursday at Little Zooks
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Little Zooks, 1503 Newcastle St, Brunswick
A cozy downtown evening of live music featuring Annie Akins. Expect stylish cocktails, relaxed vibes, and an intimate performance perfect for a midweek outing.
🎣 Fly Tying Night
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 On The Fly Outfitters, 1501 Newcastle St, Brunswick
Curious about fly fishing or looking to sharpen your skills? Fly Tying Night is a relaxed community event where anglers of all experience levels can learn how to tie flies.
Bring your own tools or purchase a beginner kit with instructions for $20.
To register:
📞 912-342-7086
🎭 Footloose: Youth Edition — Brunswick High School Production
🕰️ 7:00 PM
📍 BHS Auditorium, Brunswick High School
Another chance to catch Brunswick High School’s lively production of Footloose, featuring a cast of talented student performers and a soundtrack packed with classic hits.
Tickets:
https://bhspc.ludus.com
Friday, March 20
Friday Fish Fry (Lunch Edition)
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Elks Lodge 691, Brunswick
A Brunswick staple 🙌 Fried fish, cheese grits, hushpuppies, coleslaw, dessert, and iced tea for $12. Simple, local, and always hits the spot.
FOSB Silver Jubilee Festival (Day 1)
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Shellman Bluff, Townsend
A full weekend of St. Patrick’s fun kicks off 🍀 Vendors, food, arts & crafts, and family-friendly activities all afternoon and evening.
Spring Pottery Sale
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Glynn Visual Arts, St. Simons Island
Browse one-of-a-kind handcrafted pottery made by local artists 🎨 Functional pieces, coastal décor, and truly unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. Free to attend.
Grand Italian Buffet
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island
Carb lovers, this is your moment 🍝 A full Italian buffet featuring pastas, sauces, and all the classics in a beautiful historic setting.
Monthly Movie Night – Stripes
🕰️ 6:00 PM (Film at 7:00 PM)
📍 American Legion Post 166, St. Simons Island
A brand-new monthly tradition 🇺🇸 Think Bill Murray, popcorn, and a room full of locals laughing together. BYOB, snacks by donation, and laid-back community vibes.
French Wine Pairing Dinner
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Oaks on the River, Darien
A full-on date night 🍷 Multi-course French dinner paired with curated wines, starting with a welcome reception. Each couple leaves with a bottle of French wine.
Movie Night Under the Oaks – FernGully: The Last Rainforest
🕰️ 6:30 PM
📍 Old Stables Corner, St. Simons Island
This is peak Golden Isles 🌿✨ An outdoor movie under the live oaks featuring a nostalgic favorite for 80s/90s kids—and a fun one for families too. Bring chairs, blankets, and your crew.
Free to attend (donations appreciated)
More info: https://bit.ly/4ckrJYd
Carnival Games Parents Night Out
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 The Brick, Brunswick
Parents… this one’s for you 😄 Drop the kids (ages 4–12) off for an action-packed night of carnival games, prizes, and nonstop fun while you enjoy a couple hours to yourself.
$30
Unit 9 Sip & Paint
🕰️ 6:30 PM
📍 American Legion Post 9, Brunswick
Paint, sip, and unwind 🎨🍹 No experience needed—just show up ready to relax and have fun.
Suggested donation: $25
Reserve: Text 843-877-2327
The Maple Street Band (Live Music)
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick
One of the most exciting newer bands in the Golden Isles is taking over Tipsy’s Friday night—and if you haven’t seen them yet, this is your chance.
The Maple Street Band blends funk, jam, and genre-bending originals with a chemistry that feels effortless and electric. What started as garage jam sessions on St. Simons has quickly turned into one of the most talked-about rising acts in the area.
Expect tight grooves, improvisation, and the kind of live set that doesn’t play the same way twice. These guys are musicians’ musicians—but still know how to keep a crowd moving.
If you like bands that feel alive on stage… don’t miss this one.
Dogwood Winter (Live Theatre)
🕰️ 7:30 PM
📍 The Island Players, St. Simons Island
A heartfelt Southern story brought to life 🌸 Follow Grace Vaughn and the women around her as they navigate life, loss, and second chances with humor and honesty.
John Schneider Live
🕰️ 8:00 PM
📍 The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick
An evening of music and storytelling with the Dukes of Hazzard star. Expect nostalgia, live tunes, and a great night at the Ritz.
Tickets: www.etix.com/ticket/p/81530161/john-schneider-in-brunswickga-brunswick-ritz-theatre-brunswickga
Saturday, March 21
Crusaders 5K & Fun Run
🕰️ 7:30 AM
📍 Downtown Brunswick
Start your Saturday strong 💪 A scenic run through historic Brunswick followed by awards, food trucks, and community vibes. Brought to you by the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School.
More info: www.runsignup.com
Brunswick Harbor Market
🕰️ 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
Your Saturday staple 🌊 Local vendors, fresh food, handmade goods, and waterfront views.
Antique, Art & Vintage Market
🕰️ 9:00 AM
📍 St. Simons Island
A treasure hunt under the oaks 🌿 Browse antiques, vintage finds, art, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
FOSB Silver Jubilee Parade & Festival (Day 2)
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Parade at 11:00 AM)
📍 Shellman Bluff, Townsend
The main event 🍀 Start your morning with vendors and breakfast, then line up for the parade at 11. Stick around for live music, food, and a full day of celebration.
CoastFest
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
One of the biggest events of the weekend 🌊 A free, family-friendly festival celebrating coastal Georgia’s natural resources.
Expect interactive exhibits, live animals, birds of prey, hands-on activities, and live entertainment throughout the day.
Free admission
Clothing Swap Brunswick
🕰️ 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Calvary Baptist Church, Brunswick
Refresh your wardrobe—for free 👕 Bring gently used clothes and swap for something new-to-you. Leftovers are donated locally.
Grilling in the Golden Isles
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Gascoigne Bluff, St. Simons Island
🔥 One of the tastiest events of the weekend Local grill masters and backyard chefs compete in a cook-off benefiting Morningstar Children & Family Services.
Come hungry, enjoy live entertainment, and vote for your favorites.
Free Easter Bunny Photos
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Beaus & Babes Boutique, Brunswick
Hop in for some springtime fun 🐰🌸 Free photos with the Easter Bunny + a chance to shop cute seasonal finds.
Backyard Pig Roast
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Canopy Restaurant, Darien
A true Southern gathering 🐷 Live music, backyard games, and a full pig roast served around 5 PM.
$45 per person (kids 10 & under free)
Next Stop Comedy Night
🕰️ 5:00 PM
📍 Tabby House Brewing Company, Darien
Stand-up comedy + craft beer 🎤 A rotating lineup of comedians brings a fresh show every time.
Sunday, March 22
Wildflowers with Katie Deal
🕰️ 3:00 PM
📍 The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick
A tribute to the women of country music 🎶 Powerful vocals and storytelling in this crowd-favorite performance.
Author Talk with Buddy Sullivan
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Ashantilly Center, Darien
Dive into coastal Georgia history 📚 Renowned historian Buddy Sullivan shares insights on McIntosh County and Sapelo Island.
The Greatest of These – Documentary Screening
🕰️ 6:30 PM
📍 The Chapel Midtown, Brunswick
A powerful documentary focused on transformation, stability, and community impact, followed by discussion and connection.
Ongoing / Multi-Day
Easter Scavenger Hunt at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily (closed Mondays)
🎯 5556 US Hwy 17 North, Brunswick
📅 March 3 – April 5
This isn’t just a quick egg hunt — it’s a full month-long scavenger adventure.
Grab a map at the visitor center, explore the historic grounds, uncover secret clues, and reveal a hidden phrase to win a prize. Perfect spring outing for families who want fresh air with a side of mystery. 🌷
Admission:
$8.75 Adults
$6.50 Seniors (62+)
$5.50 Youth (6–17)
5 and under free
This week’s Live Music Roundup is sponsored by Dreamweavers DJ — a father-and-son DJ team helping couples celebrate across Brunswick, SSI, Jekyll, Savannah, and Jacksonville.
https://dreamweaversdj.com
Thursday, March 19
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 5-8pm
🎤 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎤 Josh Nunn @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎤 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6-9pm
🎤 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny’s in the Yard, Brunswick – 6-8pm
🎸 Crawford & Co Songwriters’ Round @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎷 Jeff Szwast Trio @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7-10pm
🎸 Tony Adams & Tim Akins @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 7:30pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎤 Phil King @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
🎤 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
Friday, March 20
🎤 Opal Moon @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎸 60s Vinyl Band @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎤 Josh Nunn @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎤 Michael Hulett @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6-9pm
🎤 Live Music @ Sanctuary Golf Club, Waverly – 6-9pm
🎸 Last Call @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30-9:30pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Fish Dock Bar & Grill, Townsend – 7-10pm
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Tacocat @ Ember/Mas Lounge, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Brad Wells @ Rafters, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 The Maple Street Band @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎤 Lanie Mae @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Brogen’s South, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎷 Fire Lounge w/ Rastar @ Wine Alley/Wine Body & Soul, SSI – 7-10pm
🎻 Acoustic Bluegrass/Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine – 7pm
🎸 Live Music @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 SaltWater Gypseas w/ Marc Myers @ The Boat Shed, Shellman Bluff – 8-11pm
🎸 7 Street Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Frost Bros. Band @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Rider @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9pm
🎤 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎤 Gabe Spell @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6-9pm
Saturday, March 21
🎸 Live Music @ King City Kitchen, SSI – 12-4pm
🎻 Klezmer Local 42 @ Historic Downtown Brunswick/Jekyll Square – 12-3pm
🎤 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Gascoigne Park, SSI – 11am
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ Hootenanny’s BBQ, Brunswick – 5pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Skeet House Stage, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎸 Last Call @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎤 Leo Dean @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 Owen Plant @ Shore Restaurant Courtyard, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎸 The Gowen Family Band @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 6-9pm
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30-9:30pm
🎸 Thunderbird Blues Band @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎸 Big Engine @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Josh Kirkland Trio @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Fish Dock Bar & Grill, Townsend – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Roy Gentry & Hired Guns @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎻 Klezmer Local 42 @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎻 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine – 7pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Brogen’s South, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 The Long Stride @ The Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7:30-10:30pm
🎸 Live Music @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Peyton Chambliss & The Backshift @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Gabe Spell @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Gravity Bomb @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 Maple Street Band @ Rafters, SSI – 10:30pm-1:30am
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6-9pm
Sunday, March 22
🎤 Emma Mac @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 12-3pm
🎤 Josh Nunn @ Bubba Garcia’s, SSI – 12-3pm
🎸 Rider @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1-4pm
🎤 Lanie Mae @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 3-6pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 5-8pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5-8pm
🎤 Jack Brumfield @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 5-8pm
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7-10pm
Did we miss something? Have an event to share? Interested in advertising with us? Drop us a line at [email protected]!
