Some weeks are easier to describe than others. This one includes a nationally known cold-case investigator, tarot cards over coffee, a happy hour where your first drink might cost just 25¢, an owl-hunting night hike, karaoke, conservation cocktails, and a movie about a dinosaur. In other words: a perfectly normal week in the Golden Isles.

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A proposal to add nearly 200 new hotel rooms on Jekyll Island has sparked a heated debate about growth, preservation, tourism, and the future of Georgia's most beloved barrier island. More than 2,000 people have already signed a petition opposing the plans, while others argue additional development is necessary to support local businesses and amenities.

In this week's Community Conversation, we explore both sides of the discussion and share some of the most thoughtful comments from local residents and visitors.

👉 Read the latest discussion: https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/should-jekyll-island-keep-growing

Want to browse past Community Conversations? Visit our Community Conversation section:
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/t/conversation

Looking for local recommendations on restaurants, activities, hidden gems, and more? Check out Locals Recommend:
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/t/locals-recommend

Monday Night Runs
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Company, St. Simons Island

Mondays aren't for the couch. Join Game Changers Running Company for their weekly community run open to runners, walkers, and run/walkers of all ages and abilities. Whether you're training for a race or just looking to meet new people and get some fresh island air, you'll find a welcoming group waiting for you.

Understanding Poverty
🕰️ 10:00 AM
🎯 Marshes of Glynn Libraries, Brunswick

Family Connection of Glynn County presents an educational community conversation exploring the realities of poverty and how it impacts individuals, families, and communities. Led by Lisa Brewer, Regional Director for the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, this session aims to foster understanding while discussing practical ways communities can become stronger and more supportive.

Whether you work with children and families, volunteer in the community, or simply want to better understand the challenges many of your neighbors face, this discussion offers an opportunity to learn and engage.

Author Talk & Book Signing with Sheryl McCollum
🕰️ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Theater, St. Simons Island

True crime fans won't want to miss this one. Acclaimed crime scene investigator Sheryl McCollum visits St. Simons to discuss her latest book, Swans Don't Swim in a Sewer. McCollum has worked on thousands of cold cases and has been involved with investigations connected to the Boston Strangler, Natalee Holloway, Tupac Shakur, and the Moore's Ford Bridge lynching. She also hosts the investigative podcast Zone 7.

Free for members, $10 for non-members. Seating is limited and advance registration is encouraged.

Movie: The Good Dinosaur (2015, PG)
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Public Library, Darien

Cool off with an afternoon movie at the library. This week's feature is Disney-Pixar's The Good Dinosaur, a family-friendly adventure following an unlikely friendship between a young dinosaur and a human boy. Open to all ages, though parents should note that some scenes may be intense for younger viewers.

Flip Off Tuesday
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick

Possibly the most Brunswick happy hour concept ever devised. Here's the deal: they flip a coin, you call it in the air. Call it correctly and your first drink costs just 25 cents. Miss the call and... well, at least you tried.

It's simple, slightly ridiculous, and exactly the kind of low-stakes excitement a Tuesday deserves.

Tea & Tarot Tuesday
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers Coffee Bar & Book Shop, Brunswick

Whether you're completely new to tarot or have been reading cards for years, this welcoming gathering offers a chance to learn, practice, and connect with fellow curious minds. Bring your favorite deck—or borrow one from another participant—while enjoying tea, coffee, conversation, and a little mystical exploration.

No experience required. Admission is simply the cost of a cup of tea or coffee.

Trivia Tuesdays at Mack's Bar-B-Que
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎯 Mack's Bar-B-Que, Brunswick

Bring your smartest friends—or at least your funniest ones—and put your trivia skills to the test with local radio personality Scott Ryfun. Expect great food, cold drinks, bragging rights, and prizes that might just cover your dinner tab. A perfect excuse to gather the team and see who actually remembers all those random facts.

Nightjar Hike at Crooked River State Park
🕰️ 8:00 PM
🎯 Crooked River State Park, St. Marys

Trade the usual evening plans for a guided adventure into the nocturnal world of coastal Georgia wildlife. Hosted by the Camden County Audubon Society, this after-hours hike focuses on elusive nightjars and owls, including Common Nighthawks, Chuck-will's-widows, Eastern Whip-poor-wills, Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and more.

Participants will meet at the Nature Center before heading out in search of these fascinating nighttime birds. Comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, and water are highly recommended.

Summer Movie Series: GOAT
🕰️ 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
🎯 The Casino Theatre, St. Simons Island

The Glynn County Recreation & Parks Department kicks off its Summer Movie Series with the animated family film GOAT (PG). Admission is just $2 per person, making this one of the most affordable ways to entertain the kids this summer.

Multiple showtimes are available throughout the day. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Cocktails for Conservation
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
🎯 East Beach Yacht Club, St. Simons Island

Looking for a happy hour with a purpose? Join the St. Simons Land Trust Ambassadors for an evening of drinks, conversation, and conservation. Learn about ongoing preservation efforts, ask questions, and discover ways to get involved while enjoying the waterfront atmosphere.

Arrive early—organizers will be handing out a limited number of free drink tickets.

Karaoke Night
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick

Warm up those vocal cords and prepare to either impress your friends or create memories they'll never let you forget. Driftwood Wine & Cocktails hosts karaoke every Thursday night, inviting singers of all skill levels to grab the mic and take their shot at stardom.

Whether you're channeling Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston, Jimmy Buffett, or something completely unexpected, expect a fun crowd, good drinks, and plenty of singalong moments.

FILM: Anora
🕰️ 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
🎯 SoGlo Theatre, Brunswick

This Oscar-winning drama comes to downtown Brunswick as part of SoGlo Theatre's film series. Anora follows a young Brooklyn woman whose whirlwind marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch quickly becomes far more complicated than expected.

More Information & Tickets:
https://soglo.eventive.org/films/6a2197f41cf1ae493c055685

The Listening Room
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
🎯 Brown Butter Shoppe, Brunswick

Part art installation, part live music experience, and part personal reflection, The Listening Room offers something very different from a typical gallery opening.

Created in conjunction with Lavender Hill's Blooming Bare exhibit, the evening invites guests to quietly experience live painting, music, and written reflections in an intimate setting designed around contemplation rather than conversation. Guests will also have opportunities to leave their own notes and reflections inspired by the artwork.

For anyone looking for a slower, more thoughtful evening in downtown Brunswick, this may be one of the week's most unique events.

Line Dancing with Halle
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎯 The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick

Dust off those boots—or just bring your sense of humor—and learn some new moves with Halle. This beginner-friendly line dancing night is perfect whether you're a seasoned dance floor regular or someone who's only ever line danced accidentally at a wedding. Expect plenty of laughs, good music, and a welcoming crowd.

Live shows data courtesy of I’m With the Band

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6-9pm
🎤 Open Mic/Karaoke Night hosted by Conni Laine @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Joe King @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7pm
🎤 Open Mic Night hosted by Anthony Stubelek @ Palm Coast Coffee, SSI – Sign-up 8pm, music 8:30pm

🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Cliff Bragdon & Ren Halverson @ Catch 228, SSI – 6-9pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Downtown Cooter Brown's, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 7-9pm
🎸 Paul Ivey @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7pm

🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 5-8pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5-9pm
🎸 Dexter Jones @ Cactus Mexican Restaurant, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI – 6-9pm
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6-9pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn/Garden Grille, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Mack's Bar-B-Que, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Ashton Rowland @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 6-8pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 6-8pm
🎸 Kyle Manning @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎤 Open Mic in the Alley @ Wine Body & Soul, SSI – Sign-up 6pm, music 7-10pm

🎸 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Crawford, Jim & Jayson @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Josh Bruen @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 6-9pm
🎸 Rider Trio @ The Wharf, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 6-8pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie's Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 7pm
🎸 Austin Lane @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7-10pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
☕ Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid's Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 The Shaelyn Band @ Rafters, SSI – 9pm-midnight
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6-9pm

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]

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