As one drives down the southern tip of St. Simons Island, one encounters an outstanding sight: a superb double row of live oak trees that have remained virtually unchanged since 1826. This captivating stretch, famously known as The Avenue of the Oaks, was once the grand entrance to the Retreat Plantation, an area that prospered with cotton and rice before the Civil War. Today, it stands as a serene historical park, a testament to the deep roots of the Island’s rich history.
The very trees that line this breathtaking avenue were planted by Anna Page King, who inherited the plantation from her parents. She felt compelled to create an avenue that would perfectly frame the Retreat Plantation as a magnificent entrance for sailors returning home from the sea. What resulted was a spectacular work of natural architecture, a still perfect destination for afternoon runs, evening strolls, and now, as I have personally seen, an enchanting backdrop for weddings and events. The fragrance of flowers and the age-old moss-covered oaks cast a spell of warm solitude, a genuine southern charm that is as palpable as the sea breeze from the nearby Island shores.
Standing near the Sea Island Golf Club, one can’t help but feel completely immersed in the beauty of the landscape. On a sunny afternoon, the sun filters through the oak tunnel, casting shimmering patterns that create a captivating dance on the ground. The abundance of stately oaks and their moss-covered boughs make the drive through St. Simons Island a truly magnificent encounter with history. For historical enthusiasts and those simply seeking an escape, the Avenue of the Oaks Park offers a chance to follow in the footsteps of the past while making new memories amidst unrivaled southern splendor.
What Is The Avenue Of The Oaks?
The Avenue of the Oaks is an iconic and grand entry lane located on the renowned Sea Island Golf Club at St. Simons Island. This captivating pathway, adorned by a magnificent double row of nearly 200-year-old live oaks, presents a picturesque scene that beckons visitors to explore its natural beauty. The visual appeal of these trees offers more than aesthetics; they offer a sense of connection to the past and act as a reminder of the island’s enduring heritage. Walking beneath the intertwined branches, one can’t help but feel a deep reverence for the passage of time, observing the thriving persistence of oaks that have been a testament to the old South.
History of the Avenue of the Oaks
Retreat Avenue, dating back to 1794, shares a historical significance akin to the Brooklyn Bridge. During the Civil War, the 160-year-old oaks that now form a majestic pathway were seen by many sailors. It was in 1826 when Anna Page King took to planting these grand timbers, contributing to the low-country charm that is St. Simons Island.
With the whiff of Spanish moss in the air, one can almost hear the echoes of prosperity and the war that turned the allure of the golden north end into the surviving marvel that is the Avenue of the Oaks. Nestled near Cannon’s Point, the trees have stood as an impressive grand entry lane, managed to convey an enormity of history without uttering a single word.
Avenue of the Oaks Today
Today, this beloved, century-old oak area is more than just a backdrop to the local roads, sidewalks, and parks of St. Simons Island; it is a grand entrance that leads to the Sea Island Golf Club at the south end. Visitors and historical enthusiasts alike drive through the tree tunnel, surrounded by a double row of 160-year-old live oak trees, and can then circle back towards the Sea Island Golf Club, one of the nation’s oldest golf clubs, whose driveway once handled all traffic but now gifts us with a stunning scene and preserves the oaks’ beauty by diverting cars.
Seaside Course
The Seaside Course of Sea Island Resort hosts the RSM Classic golf tournament and is a cherished spot for the avid golfer with its links-style course, offering ocean views and complex fields. It’s a challenging course where every shot counts and the ability to recover from the marsh and forest surroundings is a true test of skill.
Sea Island Traditions
From the resort that has evolved over generations, Sea Island traditions are what define this pocket of Georgia. Here, children play where their grandparents and great-grandparents have played, and couples celebrating their golden anniversaries once spent their honeymoon. The natural canopy formed by thousands of live oak trees in majestic sizes invites visitors to host family picnics and festive gatherings under its oaked pathway with massive limbs. It’s also a favored wedding venue, where couples plant their deep roots with ceremonies ensconced within this scenic canopy.
Beloved Landmark
- St. Simons Island offers a scenic environment perfect for an evening run, rollerblading, or a leisurely stroll in the picturesque park.
- The Avenue of the Oaks: A proud landmark and a cherished park attracting both tourists and St. Simon residents; an iconic spot for visitors and a staple in the hearts of historians.
- Preservation efforts ensure the avenue remains well-maintained, echoing its state from 100 years ago, bridging rich history with the modern establishment.
- This gorgeous park is destined to be a fond memory remembered for many years to come.
- Serving as stunning imagery, The Avenue of the Oaks fuels creativity, propelling artists to paint and create lasting works of photography.
- As a muse for mediums of art, numerous reinterpretations of the oak-lined pathway emerge in paintings, and photos, visible in galleries and online.
- Artists draw inspiration from the avenue, indulging in painting and taking photos within this natural tunnel formed by majestic oaks.
What’s The Best Time To Visit The Avenue Of The Oaks, St. Simons Island?
For visitors looking to best plan their visit to the Avenue of the Oaks, exploring during off days, off times, or the off-season is advised. Weekends and the golden hour can be the busiest times, and one must be alert while meandering through this enchanting pathway due to cars consistently entering and exiting the club and the occasional stray golf ball flying.
Oak Tunnel St. Simmons
The oak tunnel at St. Simons is an area of stunningly scenic destinations with a rich and complex history, leaving visitors refreshed and renewed by the magnificence of oak trees that have withstood the test of time. The history that surrounds this place is like no other. For those seeking to capture its essence, it’s seldom that photos do it justice. Whether planning a wedding or a simple family picnic, this is an experience for loved ones that is like no other.
Visitor Info
Here’s a quick guide for those planning to visit: The Avenue of the Oaks is free to the public and is a short drive from the St. Simons Lighthouse, another iconic Georgia landmark of the Golden Isles. It’s close to historic Bridge Street and 100 Retreat Avenue, while Canary Drive leads to Jekyll Island and the popular Driftwood Beach. This coastal special attraction tells a story that can be enjoyed a day in and year-round.
Conclusion
In the heart of Georgia’s coast lies a living corridor connecting the present to the past, The Avenue of the Oaks. Planted in 1826 by Anna Page King, these serene and stately live oaks have stood the test of time, ushering visitors from the salt-kissed shoreline to the heart of St. Simons Island.
This grand entrance, once purely utilitarian, now serves as an iconic representation of southern resilience and beauty. It’s a majestic display that offers a timeless journey through history, where each towering oak tells a story of endurance and transformation. Whether bathed in the golden hour light or providing a shaded sanctuary for lovebirds, the Avenue of the Oaks remains a cherished landmark, artfully preserving the spirit of a bygone era.
Its lingering charm captivates all who stroll beneath its intertwined canopy, a true marvel of nature and a harmonious bridge between legacy and leisure.
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FAQs
What is the history of the Avenue of the Oaks?
Anna Page King, who inherited the land in 1826, planted the famous Avenue of the Oaks. It is said that Anna grew such an abundance of flowers at Retreat Plantation that sailors nearing St. Simons Island could smell the flowers’ fragrance before they saw the Island shores.
What kind of trees are on Saint Simon’s Island?
The majestic Live Oak trees of St. Simons are an integral part of Georgia’s history as well as what makes our Island so special.
How old are the live oaks on St. Simon’s Island?
Toward The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club and be inspired by Avenue of the Oaks. This remarkable double row of trees was planted in 1826 by Anna Page King as the entrance to Retreat Plantation, which she had inherited, making these stately trees nearly 200 years old.
What is the meaning of the city of Oaks?
Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks” for its many oak trees, which line the streets in the heart of the city. The city covers a land area of 148.54 square miles (384.7 km2).
What is the significance of oaks?
Oaks have been present in traditional rites and celebrations for many centuries, as far back in history as the early Proto-Indo-European cultures (Chassé, 2016). Oaks have been associated with longevity, strength, fertility, and robustness.