St. Simons Island offers a variety of activities for the entire family. From dolphin tours to horseback riding or spending the evening on a ghost walk. Whatever your idea of fun, St. Simons Island is sure to have it.

Grab your bags and head over to the Ocean Lodge. It's much more than a place to lay your head for the night. The Ocean Lodge is rich with history and blessed with an abundance of beauty. Enjoy the warm gentle breeze while walking along the beach or simply relax out on the sundeck. This establishment has extraordinary details throughout, including the state of the art kitchen, bathroom and down to the luxurious view from the balcony. You won't be disappointed.

Now that you're settled in, take a ride over to Jekyll Wharf and catch a popular Dolphin Tour. See the dolphins carefree play, take in the view while you enjoy a water excursion like no other. Looking for something a little more hands on? The island offers sunset and beach horseback riding, grab a saddle and charge on. Interested in getting a little wet? A kayak is just what you are looking for. You can explore the Golden Isles and catch a glimpse of the wildlife on the beaches of St. Simons or journey through the Marshes of Glynn under a glorious moon during the Full Moon Paddle.

You might have to search high and low for this tucked away gem, but the Georgia Sea Grill is one of the best seafood stops on the island. Don't forget to order the Buttermilk Oysters, you won't regret it. If you are looking for a fine dining experience, J Mac's is your place. Choose from lobster, steak, veal or lamb and enjoy a drink at the piano bar, the Boston Cream Pie martini is a local favorite.

Take a walk over to Neptune Park, stroll along the beach and search for sand dollars or take a carriage ride and fall in love. This island has a variety of options for your enjoyment. But if you are up for a little adventure out of the ordinary, try searching for a tree spirit. That's right, surrounding the history of St. Simons Island lies a folklore legend; the St. Simons Island tree spirits. A local sculptor etched saddening faces into the trees in order to immortalize sailors who lost their lives at sea as well as several Indian faces. Follow the trail of the tree spirit's and allow your creative thoughts to take you back in time and imagine a storyline like no other.

St. Simons Island has something many other vacation destinations do not; it is not necessary to sell the idea of a visit with large theme parks, America's 1 beach or famous celebrities. Although those things are great and they do a wonderful job of attracting visitors, this tiny slice of the Golden Isle uses pure southern charm to whisk their visitors into place. That's the catch. St. Simons Island is charming, quaint and most of all, interesting.

Let's talk about one of my favorite attractions thus far, the Original Ghost Walk. I've been on many of the best including St. Augustine and Savannah, but I believe that this one is tops, by far. You can venture into the past with the local ghosts and spirits. The guided tour has you baffled by the talk of the tree spirits, the Lighthouse ghost and Mary the Wanderer.

Spooky, at best. But riveting for sure. The tour is led by only the light of an old tattered lantern and the legends of the historic south tip of St. Simons Island come alive by searching every nook and crannies of the eerie island paradise.

Throwing a little bit of nature into your vacation mix is always a good way to enjoy the great outdoors. Get out and play; St. Simons Island has more than an eyeful of exciting wildlife and scenic views of the island. Take on a nature tour and explore coastal Georgia. Search the island for a guided Marsh Walk or Beach Walk, you can even learn about the majestic live oaks that create the glorious landscape of the island.

Stop by Lovely Lane Chapel on your way to the beach. This is the oldest standing Church building on St. Simons Island. The windows are made of Old English art glass and colorful flowers highlight the traditional island landscaping surrounding the chapel. An elegant place to take your vows with the one you love; wink, wink.

Make sure to try out the local tastes while visiting the Golden Isles. What better way to enjoy the coast than to sip a raw oyster on a half shell? Don't forget the hot sauce, that's what makes it a real treat. Slurp away.

Before you leave the island make your way over to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, one of only five surviving light towers in Georgia. Climb the 129 steps to the top and take in the view of the Golden Isles below. The keeper's cottage has been transformed into a museum featuring exhibits on the history of the lighthouse as well as unique lighthouse-related items. Make sure you join the "129 Club". Do so by climbing to the top of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. A marker for St. Simons Sound, this historic landmark was created in the early 1800's by a local plantation owner. A local secret, the 129 Club signifies the 129 step cast iron spiral staircase to reach the top.

St. Simons Island is glowing with culture, wildlife and interesting facts and historical features. It is a hidden gem of the south and a vacation spot for both families and couples.

This area has it's own quirky spots to visit. No matter what your visit entails, you are sure to find something interesting around every corner. Some say this tucked away world is just the place to fall in love. I say, go and see for yourself why St. Simons Island, Georgia is a vacation getaway like no other.