I would call Phillip and I fairly new “East Coast Cruisers.” We’ve bumped up and down the east coast since we got Ubiquitous in 2021—so, about three years now (and we’re doing it again as I write this). But, we know some cruisers who have done it for 20, 30, even more years. The places to stop, savor, and explore seem infinite. We follow the lovely temps down south in the winter—to the point that we’re often in bikinis and board shorts, calling it “summer”—and up to glorious New England for the “summer”—which usually puts us occasionally in our foulies and fleeces, calling it “winter.” This pattern also coincides with our goal to stay out of the hurricane box during hurricane season, a nice bonus.
However, there are times when we need to park the boat to head back home (Pensacola, FL for us) to handle work matters, family stuff, medical appointments, all that fun stuff. This is exactly where we left you last time on the blog, after spending some fabulous time in Norfolk, Charleston, and (new for us) Beaufort, SC, we were looking for a safe place to button Ubi up for a couple of months. As fairly new East Coast Cruisers, we’ve been trying a few different safe harbors along the coast and I believe one of our now new favorites—recommended to us by many cruisers—is Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, Georgia, also just a short drive (or even bike ride) from the exquisite “Golden Isles” of Georgia: St. Simons, Jekyll, Sea, and Little St. Simons. We found many (many!) reasons to love this area. But, for brevity’s sake, I’ll just share ten. Ten Reasons Why We Love BLM and the Golden Isles.
November 2023 — January 2024
Number One: Protection
The most important: it is super protected. A former Navy hurricane hole, the marina has land mass on three sides and a heavy duty wave attenuator, protecting both the docks and boats. They also have well-maintained concrete floating docks with tall pilings for storm surge. As a testament to its superior protection, when Hurricane Irma rolled over bringing winds over 70, driving rain, and an 8.5 foot storm surge with the tide, out of 341 full slips at the time, the only damage reported at the marina was one head sail that had not been secured. Also, while being protected, it’s not a 5-hour motor in either. About an hour and a half and you’re back out in the Atlantic. There is also only one bridge you have to navigate but it’s 165 feet, so no trouble and it’s gorgeous to travel under. There is also no real current at the marina to battle. Phillip and I felt very comfortable leaving Ubiquitous there for a couple of months over the winter.
Number Two: Location—Planes, Priuses, and Insurance
While none of us like the reality that insurance governs when and where we travel, it simply does. Brunswick Landing Marina is one of the last safe harbors north of the Florida-Georgia line where boat owners can keep their boat insured until November 1st, when hurricane season ends and the fleet can then start sailing south. When Phillip and I were staying on the boat in Brunswick it never failed, every cruiser we met in the laundry, walking the grounds, in local restaurants, at the marina happy hours, etc., when asked “Where you headed next?” 99% of folks said the Bahamas after November 1st, specifically the Exumas. Because the place is so perfectly located for insurance purposes, it feels like a mass exodus in the winter. This does mean the place books up solid during hurricane season, but plan early and it’s worth it. Also, there is an airport in Brunswick (just a short 15-minute drive, we hired a very professional, friendly driver) which connects to Atlanta so flying in or out all over the country is a breeze. We also chose Brunswick specifically for our purposes because we could drive back and forth to the boat from Pensacola in just six hours. We packed the Prius up and hauled all kinds of stuff both ways. It was very handy. And, they have expansive dockside parking so many cruisers bring their cars there (and they’re often happy to share them for a day and carpool for errands).
Number Three: Mostly Pleasant Weather
With very few exceptions, we found the weather in Brunswick over the winter could get cold, but it rarely freezes. Boats sitting in the water typically have no problem staying warm and snug throughout the winter. We kept a temperature activated space heater on Ubi (with a tip-over safety shutoff) just in case and, with the exception of one abnormal freeze) were able to leave her unattended and safe during the winter. There are also no trees close enough to drop leaves (or branches) on the boats in heavy winds. Aside from the bugs, gnats mostly that like to eat you alive in windless summer days, the weather it typically shorts and t-shirts and sunny through most of the spring, summer, and fall. Comparing this option to Annapolis, which we considered, where we would have to wrap and winterize Ubi for the winter, this was a fantastic alternative.
Number Four: Friendly, Incredibly Helpful Staff
The dockmaster and staff at BLM simply “get it.” They know boaters and they know what’s important to us. We want help getting into the fuel dock and our slip. Then we promptly want to throw our trash away, get water, log onto fast internet, and wash our clothes. We also want packages shipped, which the marina is happy to accept. Dan and Kyle in the marina office helped us out many times, even coming aboard Ubiquitous at one point when we had an alarm going off that needed investigating. They also operate live-feed cameras on all the docks so you can check on your boat from afar. And, they keep each gate locked with fob key access for cruisers so it’s secure. Like I said, they just get us and they never make you feel like you’re a burden. They also work very hard to maintain clean grounds, empty trash cans, working washing machines and dryers, and (probably the most important) happy hours three times a week with free booze. I mean … Yes, let’s just go there, shall we?
Number Five: Free Laundry and Other Impressive Amenities
You read that right. The laundry is 100% free. No coins or tokens or card-reading machines charging $4.00 or more per wash and dry. They also have three laundry facilities, each with multiple machines so wait times are short or non-existent. You can also check out their marina bikes for free via their app and bike all over. Phillip and I even biked all the way over to St. Simons Island and spent a lovely day. BLM has a dog park and dog-friendly facilities. The “Yacht Club” facility in the center of the marina (on Dock 9) blew my mind when I opened the door. At many marinas you may find one lumpy couch, a couple worn Dean Koontz or Danielle Steels in the book swap, a broken washer, and a water fountain. At BLM, the Yacht Club presents more like a resort lobby—expansive and welcoming. They have an impressive selection of DVDs to watch on their big screen, a book swap that looks like a library, organized by letter, a half-done jigsaw puzzle anyone can work on at any time, a small gym, it’s just incredible. I was blown away. Then, I learned they use this space to host a happy hour not once a week. Not twice. But three times. A brave move inviting thirsty cruisers up there three times a week. But, that’s just the tip of the social iceberg.
Number Six: Social Butterflies Flourish Here
I would sometimes find myself standing by the bulletin board announcing the upcoming “events” at the marina simply in awe of everything they came up with and put together. This is just a list of what I can remember:
· Ladies Luncheons
· Bingo night
· Jam sessions (BYO … Guitar!)
· Paw Parties (doggie play dates)
· Yoga
· All sorts of Arts & Crafts – cupcake decorating, jewelry making, cross-stitching and embroidery lessons,
· Book Clubs
These are all in addition to the Yacht Club Happy Hour not once a week, or twice a week, but THREE times a week every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings where free wine and beer are provided. I mean … [insert mind-blown emoji here]. They also usually come up with a fun food theme for the Happy Hour (optional whether you want to bring food or not – if you bring you eat; if you don’t – you eat, no one cares). The times we went the themes were bacon, jalapeño, and “something creative on a cracker.” Phillip and I met many new friends and, not surprising, several folks who knew our boat Ubiquitous (that happens a lot, she’s kind of famous). We also had a great time bringing several friends along with us, including the former owners of Ubiquitous, Jim and Ann who made a detour to see us (and primarily Ubi! Ha!) last fall. What I love about this incredibly social aspect, though, is it allows you to be as social as you want (or don’t want). You’ll learn which one of us is the more social one in the next section. Ready on!
And I must mention here (in the social section) what wonderful friends we have — Stephen and Beth (I’ve written about these two salty sailors, exceptional comrades on the blog before) — who drove Phillip and I (and our boatloads of stuff) from Pensacola over to Brunswick and back several times. Thanks again SB!!
Number Seven: Community
On any given day, I would come across cruisers helping one another—offering their car, lifting heavy packages, sharing tools, coming over to help troubleshoot a boat problem, going up someone’s mast, helping with lines on the dock, donating some great, lightly used goods to the donation pile, you name it. The minute you get settled in at BLM, you find yourself among 100+ friendly, helpful cruisers eager to talk about your boat problems (and share theirs – it is quid pro quo) but also offer their help, knowledge, and experience. You would never feel alone here, even if you tried (and trust me, I’ve tried!). Being the more anti-social of the two of us (Phillip will surprise you with his lust for a cruiser gathering!) I found I couldn’t shake their good nature and genuine offers for help, so I quit trying. Ha!
Number Eight: Georgia’s Exquisite Golden Isles
I will admit, I had no idea the coast of Georgia was so preserved, pristine, and … well, just beautiful. Live oaks sprawl, thrive, and arch over the roads creating wooded canopies laced with Spanish Moss. The marshy grasslands are green in the summer, turning gold in the fall (hence the “Golden Isles” title I presume – don’t correct me if I’m wrong). They look like golden wheat fields with sparkling waterways snaking through. The coastline looks very different than Florida or the Bahamas but boasts their own unique breed of beauty. There are four barrier islands: St. Simons, Sea Island, Jekyll, and Little St. Simons and they all offer breathtaking stretches of marshland, idyllic downtowns, great shopping and restaurants, and plenty to explore. We visited St. Simons and Jekyll and drank it in. Many folks travel here to vacation because it’s so stunning. We found their driftwood beach breathtaking and had a great time walking the beaches with fellow cruisers and very good friends who drove us over to Georgia several times for a visit.
Number Nine: Walkable Destinations—Reid’s, 1509, Thai Basil, Schroeder’s, Fox’s Pizza, Silver Bluff Brewery
After Phillip and I got Ubi settled in her slip at BLM our first mission was to explore on foot. I will readily admit this is one of my favorite aspects of cruising. Setting off on foot to explore a new city, port, area. I love finding each new port’s little coffee shop, bookstore, restaurants, trinket shops, parks, etc. and just getting a feel of the “vibe” of the place. After perusing just a few blocks from the marina in downtown Brunswick (which itself is beautiful with lots of old buildings and homes, little parks, and quaint streets), Phillip and I found several gems that only kept surprising us and offering more to eat, drink, and savor at each place. We’ve already been to all of these at least several times and are still looking forward to coming back.
Reid’s Apothecary: a swank, upscale eatery (we like it best for lunch) with exceptional food and a very cool speakeasy-style “Study” in the back for late-night fun.
1509 Steak House: a high-quality restaurant with cocktails, appetizers, and main dishes that will knock your socks off, not to mention an outdoor/rooftop area that offers great live music and an incredible view of Brunswick and the marina.
Basil Thai: hands-down best Thai soup I’ve ever had, and their entrees (pad thai, drunken noodles, all the curries, etc.) are phenomenal for a great price and quick, satisfying Thai food.
Schroeder’s Market: we ate here the most, it is an exceptional little lunch spot (family run and owned) offering fresh, inventive specials every day and little grocery items you can buy (think limited fresh produce and lots of unique spices, pastas, herbs, teas, and wine), plus incredible pastries, cookies, brownies, scones, I could go on … I had to keep Phillip away from this place at times.
Fox’s Pizza: consistently good, affordable pizza that offers a great option after a long day of boat chores that pairs well with a desire to not cook and have a lazy, stuff-your-face dinner.
Silver Bluff Brewery: awesome venue indoors and out with a great variety of homemade brewskies as well as trivia nights and other fun events.
But, don’t worry, I saved the BEST walkable option for last. We are sailors, remember? ; )
Number Ten: Richland Rum Distillery
Saving the best for last. Phillip and I were simply taking our first stroll down the main strip—Newcastle Street—when Phillip literally choked on his Silver Bluff beer and shouted. “Holy hell!” I about dropped mine trying to find out what the hell he was so excited about. But right there, on the downtown strip was a gem we would have never dreamed to have found within walking distance of our boat. A rum distillery?! Are you kidding me? And, not just any rum distillery. It is an estate rum. Meaning, they grow their own sugarcane for the sole purpose of making Richland Rum. They’ve been in business for twenty years, with two distilleries in Richland and Brunswick, Georgia. Their barrel aging and distilling process makes a variety of different rum tastes and colors (called “expressions”). Our favorites were their white rum which tastes like a high-end tequila (crazy, but it does) and the “Pineapple Express” cocktail they made with it. You have to go there to try it and get the recipe (it’s quite cruiser-friendly! : ). We also loved their top-shelf XO dark rum which was super refined and went down like smooth syrup. Phillip and I booked a tour of the distillery, which we loved, bought multiple bottles (which are all gone now) and their flights of rum, and took several friends there to share the rum bliss. We couldn’t believe we stumbled on such a dream just a walk away from our boat’s safe and happy home for the winter.
In all, Phillip and I (and Ubi!) were impressed and thrilled with the protected, affordable, accommodating, and exciting “digs” we found for our boat at Brunswick Landing Marina and the surrounding area. If you haven’t yet been, check the place out and tell the staff we said hello! Hope to see some of you there someday.