This week in the Golden Isles feels a little like falling down the rabbit hole — in the best way. Alice in Wonderland is popping up everywhere, from cookbook clubs and tea parties to lectures, art, and book discussions across the area. At the same time, we’re launching something new at the Lantern: Locals Recommend, a growing collection of real answers from real locals to the questions people actually ask when they move here, visit, or just want to know where to go next. Curious, practical, and community-powered — very on-theme, honestly.

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City and county leaders struck an optimistic, forward-looking tone at Friday’s State of the Community meeting hosted by the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library.

In a “fireside chat” moderated by Chamber CEO Ralph Staffins III, Cosby Johnson and Wayne Neal emphasized collaboration, long-term planning, and preparing for continued growth as Glynn County approaches a projected population of 100,000.

Both leaders stressed that growth must benefit both the city and county. Neal pointed to the former Pinova site—now firmly within Brunswick’s urban core—as a major redevelopment opportunity with potential for housing, business, medical, and entertainment uses. Johnson highlighted recent city investments in roads, infrastructure, and neighborhood planning, along with the success of Brunswick’s homestead exemption and strong relationships with state lawmakers that have helped secure tens of millions in grants.

County Manager Bill Fallon outlined more than $41 million in completed projects in 2025 and detailed ongoing infrastructure efforts, including new fire stations, drainage improvements, beach protection work, and a multi-use emergency management facility slated for completion in 2027. Fallon also noted that SPLOST revenues—generating roughly $3 million per month—have funded major improvements while keeping Glynn County’s tax rate among the lowest in Georgia.

Brunswick City Manager Regina McDuffie highlighted momentum inside the city, citing the launch of the Brunswick Breeze transit system, rising downtown event attendance, 30 new businesses opened last year, and continued investments in public safety, parks, and flood mitigation.

The overall message was clear: city and county leaders see growth coming—and say cooperation, infrastructure investment, and long-range planning are key to making sure the next decade works for residents as well as newcomers.

Coastal Georgia is going delightfully down the rabbit hole this week as the annual Big Read celebration gets underway, centered on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Organized by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities in partnership with local libraries and cultural groups, the week features a lineup of free, public events across Brunswick, SSI, and campus spaces. Highlights include a Cookbook Club tasting inspired by Alice’s whimsical tea scenes, literary talks comparing Alice to Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, book discussions, and a full-on Mad Hatter Tea Party.

The celebration culminates during Brunswick Art Loop with the official kickoff event, featuring Alice-inspired art exhibits, a White Rabbit scavenger hunt, Lewis Carroll’s belated birthday party, and a special evening lecture at The Ritz Theatre exploring Alice’s cultural impact on art, literature, and beyond.

It’s a playful, literary-heavy week that blends books, food, art, and community—perfect for longtime readers and Wonderland newcomers alike.

More details and the full schedule are available at:
https://www.goldenislesarts.org/the-big-read/

We’ve added a new section to the Lantern website built entirely around one simple idea: ask locals, then listen.

Locals Recommend pulls together real community answers to the questions people actually ask—everything from who makes the best cheeseburger in town to trusted pediatricians, mechanics, dentists, and even the best tattoo artists in the Golden Isles. No ads, no rankings cooked up behind a desk—just patterns that emerge when enough locals chime in.

Some picks are obvious favorites. Others might surprise you. Either way, it’s meant to be useful, skimmable, and grounded in what people here actually recommend when friends ask, “Where should I go?”

If there’s something you’re always asked—or always debating—there’s a good chance it’ll show up there soon.

Cookbook Club: Alice in Wonderland Edition
🎯 St. Simons Library, SSI
🕰️ 12:00 PM
📅 Monday, February 2
Join a discussion and tasting of finger foods and tea inspired by Martha Stewart’s Hors D’oeuvres cookbook as part of Coastal Georgia Reads Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Monday Night Runs
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Company, SSI

Mondays aren’t for the couch. This weekly group run welcomes runners, walkers, and run/walkers of all ages and paces. Whether you’re training for a race or just showing up for the community, there’s a spot for you. Low pressure, high encouragement.

Heart-Centered Yoga Flow with Lindsey Adkison
🎯 1510 Bay Street, Brunswick
🕰️ 6:30–7:30 PM
📅 Mondays in February (Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16) + Final class Tuesday, Feb 24
A four-class Heart-Centered Yoga Flow series hosted by Golden Isles Belly Dance and led by Lindsey Adkison. This mindful flow focuses on opening the heart physically, energetically, and emotionally through breath, intentional movement, and compassionate practice. All levels welcome.
Registration required.
More info & tickets: https://www.lenamikado.com/service-page/heart-centered-yoga-flow

Tai Chi (Adult Beginners)
🕰️ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Library, Darien

A gentle, beginner-friendly Tai Chi class led by instructor Sandra Double. Focuses on balance, breathing, and slow movement — perfect for a midday reset. No experience required.

Music Bingo with Silver Bluff Brewing Company
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing Company, Brunswick

Music replaces numbers in this twist on classic bingo. Expect prizes, beer tickets, gift cards, and a lively crowd that actually wants to play. Hosted weekly with Island Sound DJs — show up anytime during the window.

C.R.A.F.T. (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)
🎯 1507 Reynolds Street, Brunswick
🕰️ 5:30–7:00 PM
Hosted by New Roots Glynn, C.R.A.F.T. is a family support program for people who love someone struggling with substance use disorder. The approach focuses on influence rather than control, helping families reduce chaos, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and protect their own peace — while increasing the chances their loved one seeks help.
This is an ongoing course that meets weekly for 1.5 hours over 12 weeks, and new attendees are welcome to join at any time.

Tri-Area Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Coastal GA Community Action Authority, Brunswick

Residents and business owners are invited to weigh in on neighborhood priorities, updates, and upcoming plans. These meetings directly shape what happens next in the Tri-Area — civic, but important.

Comparing Dorothy and Alice – A Literary Talk with Dr. Rachel Hartnett
🎯 Brunswick Library, Brunswick
🕰️ 6:00 PM
📅 Tuesday, February 3
Dr. Rachel Hartnett compares and contrasts Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The Four Chaplains Commemoration Service
🕰️ 6:30 PM
🎯 American Legion Post 166, SSI

A solemn annual ceremony honoring the Four Chaplains who gave their lives aboard the USS Dorchester in 1943. Includes a color guard, candle lighting, biographies, and reflections from local military and faith leaders. Light refreshments afterward.

Trivia Tuesdays at Mack’s Bar-Be-Que
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Mack’s Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick

Hosted by local radio personality Scott Ryfun, this weekly trivia night mixes sharp questions, BBQ, full bar service, and prizes — including Mack’s gift cards that might just cover dinner. Bring friends and your smartest guesses.

Lucas Forum
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
🎯 Golden Isles Development Authority, Brunswick

A monthly morning forum featuring two local entrepreneurs sharing real-world lessons, followed by Q&A and networking. Free, open to the public, and includes coffee.

More info: https://www.lucascenter.com

Alice in Wonderland Book Discussion with Ann Mason
🎯 Brunswick Library, Brunswick
🕰️ 10:30 AM
A guided group discussion of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland led by Ann Mason.

Mad Hatter Tea Party
🎯 Gould Memorial Library, College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick
🕰️ 12:00 PM
A whimsical Mad Hatter–style tea party celebrating Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Lecture: Alice and the World Around Her – Dr. Jon Hershey
🎯 Gould Memorial Library, College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick
🕰️ 1:00 PM
Following the Mad Hatter Tea Party, Dr. Jon Hershey presents a lecture exploring the themes and impact of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Pamper Party with Wash Your Worries!
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 Barracos Bakery, Townsend

A Valentine’s-themed self-care night where you’ll make four products (lip balm, lotion bar, sugar scrub, bath salts), sip a seasonal cocktail, and enjoy a bite from Barracos Bakery. This one sold out last time.

💲 $45 · includes all materials

Trivia Night @ Tipsy’s
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick

General knowledge trivia hosted by Michael & Mallory. Topics range from pop culture to history, science, movies, and music. Teams encouraged, solo players welcome, prizes for top teams — and yes, tie-breakers involve a CHUG-OFF. Free to play.

Author Talk & Book Signing with Jennifer Moorman
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Theater, SSI

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Moorman discusses The Charmed Library, a novel celebrating libraries, childhood stories, and lifelong readers. Seating is limited.

🎟️ Free for members · $10 for non-members

Golden Isles MomCo Galentines Meeting
🕰️ 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM
🎯 708 Mansfield St., Brunswick

An annual Galentine’s gathering with a photo booth, favorite-things white elephant exchange ($10 or less), themed food, and a special “Blessing for Moms” lesson. Childcare is provided with sign-up. First-timers welcome.

Vinyl Art Night
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Brown Butter Shoppe, Brunswick

Turn old records into mixed-media art inspired by music, memory, and color. Supplies and mocktails provided. Bring photos or small keepsakes if you want to personalize your piece. No experience needed — just show up and play.

Coastal Georgia Reads Kickoff at Brunswick Art Loop
🎯 Downtown Brunswick
🕰️ 5:00–7:00 PM
Kickoff celebration during the Brunswick Art Loop featuring Alice-inspired art exhibits, Lewis Carroll’s belated birthday party, and a White Rabbit scavenger hunt.

Master Your Garden
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Glynn County Extension Office, Brunswick

A shorter, accessible version of the Master Gardener program covering practical gardening topics to prep for spring and summer. Meets Thursday evenings.

💲 $5 per class
📞 Register: 912-554-7577
📧 [email protected]

Ocean to Table: Clams
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 University of Georgia Marine Extension, Brunswick

A hands-on program focused on Georgia-grown clams. Learn about clam biology, sustainability, seafood safety, and nutrition — plus hear from local Shellbluff Clams farmers. Ends with a cooking demo and tasting using freshly harvested clams.

🎟️ Registration required · $30
More info & tickets: https://bit.ly/4rG1Nvn

The Curiouser and Curiouser Impact of Alice on Just About Everything!
🎯 The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick
🕰️ 7:15 PM
Dr. Jon Hershey explores the wide-ranging cultural influence of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in this special presentation at the Ritz.

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI — 6–9pm
🎤 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, JI — 7pm
🎙️ Open Mic w/ Anthony Stubelek @ Palm Coast Coffee, SSI — signup 8pm · music 8:30pm (all ages, $5 non-performers)

🎸 Soulful Dave @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI — 5:30–7:30pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s, JI — 5–8pm
🎸 Josh Bruen @ Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick — 6–9pm
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI — 6–9pm
🎤 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, JI — 7pm
🎻 Askar Salimdjanov (violin) & Tamila Salimdjanova (piano) @ St. Simons Presbyterian Church — 7pm (free, limited seating)

🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick — 5–8pm
🎷 Phil Morrison – Ken Trimmins Jazz Collective @ St. Simons Casino Theatre, SSI — 6–7:30pm (free)
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI — 6–8pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI — 6–9pm
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI — 6–9pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn / Garden Grill, Brunswick — 6–9pm

🎸 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack’s, JI — 5–8pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic @ Hootenanny’s in the Yard, Brunswick — 6–8pm (family-friendly)
🎸 Crawford, Jim & Jayson @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick — 6–9pm
🎷 Dexter Jones (saxophone) @ Brunswick Library — 6–7pm (free)
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, JI — 6–9pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI — 7pm
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, JI — 7pm
🎸 Tony Adams & Tim Akins @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar, SSI — 8pm
🎸 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, SSI — 8–11pm
🎸 Live Music @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick — 9pm (call 912-289-2679 for password)

Did we miss something? Have an event to share? Interested in advertising with us? Drop us a line at [email protected]!