St. Marys Georgia Activities
Make Spencer House Inn your home for your visit to the coast of Georgia - whether you want to be active each day with a trip to Cumberland Island or Okefenokee Swamp or whether you would like to slow your pace and stroll the tree-lined streets of the village of St. Marys and spend your time immersed in history or perhaps shop for antiques and other unique items - whatever brings you to Spencer House Inn, we are so glad to have you as our guests - thank you for coming!
Dining | Outdoor Pursuits | Museums, Parks and Historic Places
Shopping, Antiques and Art | Events Calendar | Other Links
Saint Marys Restaurants and Dining
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants - it's nice to be able to walk to several of the restaurants that are near the Inn and in addition there are others to choose from which are just a short drive away.
Within a short walk -
Lang's Marina Restaurant 912-882-4432; Lunch Tues.-Fri. 11am-2pm; Dinner Wed.-Sat. 5-9pm; closed Sun. & Mon. Local seafood at its best, shrimp and rock shrimp are their specialties, seafood selections available, shrimp from Lang's own boats, wine & beer, located beside the St. Marys River & the waterfront park.
Mad Hatter Tea Shop 912-576-3645; Mon.-Fri. 11am-3pm; Sat. 12-3pm; closed Sun. Delicious sandwiches, salads, crepes, quiche, soup of the day & a wonderful selection of teas & the specialty scones to top off any lunch.
Cedar Oak Cafe and Java Joe'z 912-882-9555; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5pm; Sat. 8am-3pm; Sun. 9am-3pm. Terrific selection of salads, sandwiches, smoothies, desserts and coffees.
Pauly's Café 912-882-3944; Sun.-Thurs. 11am-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm. Almond crusted grouper #1 on the menu plus other seafood, chicken, steak, pasta dishes with an Italian flair along with salads, soups, sandwiches, fine wines & beer.
Riverside Café 912-882-3466; Tues.-Fri. 10am-9pm; Sat. & Sun. 8:30am-9pm; closed Mon. Dine across from the beautiful St. Marys waterfront & the ferry to Cumberland Island, inside or out on the porch - breakfast any time, casual lunch, dinner available, wine & beer, the menu is Greek & Mediterranean inspired & so much more including wonderful homemade desserts.
Captain Seagle's Seafood Restaurant 912-882-2472; Sun.-Thurs. 5-9pm; Fri. 5-10pm; Sat. 12-3pm & 5-10pm. Dine in history at the Riverview Hotel with fresh seafood including shrimp & grits, steaks, pasta, chicken plus sandwiches, salads, seafood bisque & desserts, full bar service.
Silver Star Steakhouse 912-882-1845; Dinner 7 nights a week 4:30pm until closing. Steaks from Texas, dishes inspired by Louisiana relatives, menu full of variety and home made desserts too, full bar service.
Within 5-10 minute drive -
Borrell Creek Landing Restaurant 912-673-6300; Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11am-2:30pm; Dinner 7 nights a week 5-10pm. Beautiful panoramic view of the marsh & sunset, for dinner a nice selection of seafood, steaks, chicken, duck prepared with flair; full bar service; separate areas for group events.
The Mill Seafood Bar & Grill 912-882-5659; open 7 days a week 11am-9pm; Wide variety of items to choose from in a family-oriented environment; the restaurant décor and memorabilia is a step back in time when the Gilman Paper Mill was the largest employer in the area; wine & beer available.
Outdoor Pursuits
With our beautiful coastal location and our moderate year round temperatures, St. Marys and the southeast Georgia coast are a perfect location for outdoor activities all year long.
Learn more about Cumberland Island which is just a short ferry ride from St. Marys. You can also view our Cumberland Island Map.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Another jewel in the Georgia Coastal crown, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is located 45 minutes west and is the largest national wildlife refuge in the eastern United States and contains the impressive Okefenokee Swamp. A visitor's center with a short movie; plus hiking trails, boardwalk & observation deck, picnic tables are all added features for a fun time at the swamp.
Okefenokee Adventures A 90-minute scenic boat trip through the Okefenokee Swamp is offered several times a day. Canoe, kayak, boat and bike rentals are also available. 912-496-7156
Crooked River State Park 500 acre park features picnic sites, boat dock & ramp, nature center, bird blind, bicycle rental and 4-mile hiking trail - 10 minute drive or 30 minute bike ride from Spencer House Inn. On the way, stop at the McIntosh Sugar Mill tabby ruins.
Camden Bicycle Center Bicycle sales, service and rentals 912-576-9696.
Colonial Coast Birding Trail The Colonial Coast Trail aptly weaves bird watching into the state's historical roots, encouraging visitors to stop at Civil War forts and plantations, as well as at freshwater wetlands, woodlands and tidal rivers. Though the driving route parallels Interstate 95, the many visitors' centers along the way and their staff will offer plenty of suggestions that will get both skilled birders and novices off the beaten path.
The Cumberland Sound Ferry The ferry travels between St. Marys, Georgia and Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, Florida. This ferry is a passenger ferry but you can take bikes.
View current schedule
East Coast Greenway The Greenway connects Georgia to Florida via The Cumberland Sound Ferry and is a long distance paved urban trail system with a 3,000 mile route linking cities along the Atlantic coast.
Short drives - make Spencer House Inn your home base for half day trips to the beach communities of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, Florida to the south and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Sea Island, Georgia to the north, all within a 30-60 minute drive.
Kayaking
Up the Creek Xpeditions & Outfitters A wide array of guided half day and full day kayak tours of Georgia's scenic waterways, for all levels - salt marshes, rivers, swamps and beaches - kayak, canoe & camping equipment rentals available also. 912-882-0911
Offshore & Inshore Fishing
Fish the Atlantic Ocean, St. Marys River, Satilla River and Crooked River with experienced guides or on your own - public boat ramps available.
Fish Masters Charters 912-729-5214
Lang Charters 912-882-4262
Salt Grass Charters 912-674-8238
Lang's Marina is a full service marina. Lang's offers a deep water marina with direct ocean access. 912-882-4452
Golf
There are two championship golf courses in the area, Osprey Cove, a Mark McCumber designed 18-hole course on the tidal marsh with beautiful views, and Laurel Island Links, which was designed by Davis Love III and is also an 18-hole course nestled in the marsh lands. A third course, Trident Lakes Golf Club, on the Kings Bay Naval submarine base is also available and is a great value.
Laurel Island Links 912-729-7277
Trident Lake golf course 912-573-8475
Osprey Cove 912-882-5575
Tennis - lighted public areas.
Museum, Parks and Historic Places
St. Marys, Cumberland Island and Camden County, Georgia are rich in history - as you explore the various venues in the area, you'll be surprised at the many facets of Americana that permeate our southeast Georgia locale.
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum Located across the street from Spencer House Inn in St. Marys, the museum houses a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island dating from the first inhabitants of the island & includes unique pieces from the Carnegie family collections. A new exhibit features the Forgotten Invasion of the War of 1812. These exhibits are open to the public and include pieces from the lives of Native Americans, African Americans, the Carnegie family and others who lived on the island in the 19th and 20th centuries.
St. Marys Submarine Museum A fascinating walk through the history of submarines and the men who operate them and a peek through an actual periscope. 912-882-2782
Orange Hall House Museum Tour one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the southeast.
Historic Oak Grove Cemetery Established in 1788, many graves date back to as early as 1801 and are a history of "who's who" in Camden County, Georgia. A section of the cemetery has headstones that are in French & camellias bloom all winter & azaleas bloom in the spring.
Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park Stroll, sit or swing at this beautiful park in a natural setting along the St. Marys River, a beautiful spot any time of day but especially at sunset. The park features a gazebo & arbors, a Charleston-style fountain, children's playground, picnic area, stage, river piers for walking & fishing - boat launching & docking nearby - wonderful site for a wedding or special event.
Link to video
Can walk to - waterfront pavilion, dock, boat ramp and marsh walk
38 National Register sites
Historic churches - Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic and Episcopal
Toonerville trolley
Washington pump and oak
St. Marys Aquatic Center Open May-September; drift lazily down the "continuous river" on your inner tube, swim a few laps or ride the twister slide & explore 1,000 ways to get wet in a fun atmosphere.
Shopping, Antiques and Art
Downtown Historic Area
Market on the Square 912-882-2215 - delicious homemade fudge, terrific assortment of ice cream and that cute gift or trinket to take home as a souvenir - try the wonderful variety of Torani flavors for espresso, cappuccino & lattes - open 7 days a week.
The Cottage Shop 912-882-9171 - Unique gifts, household and garden decor, accessory pieces, antiques, linens, framed prints - something for every room of your house - open Mon.-Sat. 10am-5:30pm.
French Quarter 912-882-8899 - Overflowing with unique, thoughtful and sometimes humorous items - you're sure to find just what you're looking for in this special shop - open 7 days a week.
The Golden Pineapple 912-882-0616 - Beautiful pieces sure to enhance the décor of your home. Unique antiques, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, jewelry and gift items.
Once Upon a Bookseller 912-882-7350 - Pick up the latest best seller to read on your vacation. Better yet, browse the interesting and varied selection of books about Cumberland Island and other historic places in the area. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm.
The Owl's Nest 912-882-7554 - Newest shop in town on quaint Weed Street. Selection of unique jewelry and purses, fun flip-flops and also items for children. Open Tues.-Fri. 10am-6pm and Sat. 10am-5pm.
Olde Town Gallery 912-673-0102 - Local art on display and for sale is a wonderful example of the incredible talent here in our small coastal community. The gallery is staffed every day by volunteer artists who are members of the Coastal Camden Art League.
Read 'em again Books 912-576-7888 - Over 12,000 used, rare and hard-to-find books in this charming shop. Sip a cup of specialty coffee or tea while you browse - open 7 days a week. Visit Mud Pies & Lullabies children's shop next door.
Forget Me Not 912-882-5998 - Cute small cottage filled with vintage furniture, antiques, collectibles and other items - don't miss the "children's room."
Local Art Gallery 912-882-9336 - Dedicated to local artistic creations of various media.
Gray's Gallery 912-882-3226 - Affordable local art and custom framing by owner/artist Elizabeth Gray. Nice selection of candles and also antiques.
St. Marys Community Market - every Saturday at the waterfront pavilion 9am-1pm.
Area Events & Festivals
Mardi Gras Festival & Parade
Historic Downtown St. Marys
March 5, 2011
Concours d'Elegance
Amelia Island, FL
March 11-13, 2011
Crawfish Festival & Parade
Woodbine, GA
April 23, 2011
Shrimp Festival & Pirate Parade
Fernandina Beach, FL
April 29 & 30-May 1, 2011
Fun in the Sun Festival
St. Marys waterfront park
May 28, 2011
Independence Day Festival, Parade, & Fireworks
Historic Downtown St. Marys
July 4, 2011
Catfish Festival & Parade
Kingsland, GA
September 4-6, 2010
Rock Shrimp Festival & Parade
Historic Downtown St. Marys
September 25, 2010 (date change)
Hay Days
Historic Downtown St. Marys
October 9-November 1, 2010
Okfenokee Festival & Parade
Folkston, GA
October 9, 2010
White Lighting Ceremony & Parade
Historic Downtown St. Marys
November 30, 2010
Christmas in the Park
Gilman Waterfront Park, St. Marys
December 4, 2010 11:30 AM
Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Historic Downtown St. Marys
December 11, 2010 5-9 PM
Other links of interest
St. Marys Welcome Center 912-882-4000 See a video of historic St. Marys; tram tours available Mon.-Sat. 11am and 2pm, Sun. 1pm, pick up at waterfront pavilion.
Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base: - St. Marys is the East Coast home port of the Trident submarines - a submarine museum is located on the St. Marys waterfront.
Greyfield Inn is located on Cumberland Island.
Camden County Chamber of Commerce
Kingsland Georgia Convention & Visitors Bureau
St. Marys Downtown Development Authority
Dining | Outdoor Pursuits | Museums, Parks and Historic Places
Shopping, Antiques and Art | Events Calendar | Other Links
Learn More...
About the Area | Cumberland Island | Google Attractions Maps
