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A Weekend Visit To My Hometown: The St. Simons Island Lighthouse

This post was sponsored by SeaPak and The United States Lighthouse Society. All opinions are my own.

Having grown up on one of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia, I often took for granted how full my childhood was. We never lacked for things to do outdoors, there was natural beauty all around us. Saint Simons Island is a quaint little island about an hour south of Savannah. It’s full of rich Southern history dating all the way back to the 1700s. One of the landmarks that is a big part of St. Simons’ story is the lighthouse. I can’t even tell you how many times I have climbed that spiral staircase.

Together with United States Lighthouse Society (USLHS), SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Co. is working to promote lighthouse education and preservation in honor of National Lighthouse Day on August 7th. As a pioneer in the seafood retail industry, SeaPak has always advocated all things coastal. The USLHS and SeaPak are passionate about our maritime history and it’s importance to our country’s heritage. As a girl who was raised on the coast, I have to agree that it’s significance is huge.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit my little island and visit the lighthouse. The Keeper’s Dwelling is the first place I entered, which is now set up like a museum. There are several exhibits with lots of fun facts about the lighthouse and the island itself. The museum attendants were super knowledgeable and friendly.

The USLHS sent me this nifty little Lighthouse Passport to document my lighthouse adventures. It’s such a cool thing! Lighthouse hunting is actually a popular hobby that so many families enjoy. Head here to register for the Passport Club and start documenting your lighthouse trips!

And with that, I started my journey to the top!

There are 129 steps, total. It really wasn’t that bad of a climb. At every landing there is a fact poster on the wall in the little inset window areas. They also tell you how many steps you have left!

Once at the top, it’s easy to see a large portion of the coastline, and a lot of the island itself. St. Simons has many wooded areas, so the view of the treetops is stunning!

Once on the ground again, I admired the grounds that are covered in centuries old live oak trees and read some more history. Here are some quick facts about the St. Simons Island lighthouse:

  • The original lighthouse was built in 1810.
  • It was destroyed by troops that thought it might help Union ships navigate.
  • In 1876 the lighthouse was overhauled.
  • In 1934 the light switched from a kerosene lamp to a 1000 watt electrical lightbulb.
  • The lighthouse is said to be haunted by one of the keepers who was killed in a fight with his assistant keeper.

If you are ever within driving distance of a lighthouse, I encourage you to visit with your family! They are such a neat piece of our nation’s history. Even though lighthouses are not manned anymore, it’s so important that we preserve them. SeaPak is collaborating with the U.S. Lighthouse Society to encourage and facilitate lighthouse preservation and education. The brand is supporting these efforts with a $10,000 grant to be awarded to the Morris Island Lighthouse this National Lighthouse Day.

If you live too far from any of a lighthouse (head here to find your nearest location), try SeaPak’s Lighthouse Selections and bring the coast to you! My favorite is the creamy garlic shrimp. It’s so fresh and amazing!

Have you ever visited a lighthouse? Which one?

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16 Comments

  • Reply
    Susan
    August 2, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    Having grown up on the southern coast of Maine i couldn’t be happier that my kids will have the same experience of the ocean and all it has to offer including beautiful historic light houses. I often take solo trips to our nearest one 20 mins. away as well as family walks…there is something so powerful about their presences.

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 2, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      You’re so right! I have some great memories of visiting the lighthouse.

  • Reply
    Meg O.
    August 3, 2016 at 1:51 am

    Love that you got to go back to your hometown and do this. So awesome. Looks like a gorgeous town and community. And that lighthouse is beautiful!!

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 9:00 am

      It really is a great place! Come tour Georgia with me!

  • Reply
    Brittany Ashmore
    August 3, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    Such a cool place to grow up in and visit!! I have never been to a lighthouse but want to!!!!

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 9:00 am

      Meg says y’all have one! Go see it!

  • Reply
    Kristen
    August 3, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    Everything is so pretty! I love the pics you snapped too!

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 9:00 am

      Thanks frand!

  • Reply
    Sumer (Grace, Giggles & Naptime)
    August 3, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    I have an obsession with lighthouses. I’m always in search of awesome lighthouses to check out while we’re on vacation. St. Simons Island is only a few hours from us, and is definitely on my list of places to visit!

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 8:59 am

      Awesome! Where are you?

  • Reply
    chanel van reenen
    August 3, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    this is such a great recap! i would love to take the kids here. what a beautiful place to grow up in!

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 8:59 am

      Let’s all go!

  • Reply
    Erin | A Welder's Wife
    August 4, 2016 at 8:10 am

    Another blogger just shared her experience here! It looks amazing, and I love lighthouses! I’m adding this to my bucket list. Thank you for sharing your experience here!

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 8:59 am

      Thanks for reading! You would love it there!

  • Reply
    Bridget
    August 4, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Great pics and thanks for sharing! Definitely adding this place to my bucket list 🙂

    • Reply
      katiemcrenshaw
      August 4, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Thank you for reading!

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