Darien
#wherelocalsplay | 73
Settled in 1736, by Scottish Highlanders under
James Oglethorpe, Darien is the second oldest
planned city in Georgia after Savannah. Darien
was a prosperous lumber trading center in the
early and mid-18th century, also exporting rice,
cotton, and indigo around the world. Take a
tour starting at the riverfront boardwalk, past
the tabby ruins, and through Vernon Square,
originally laid out in 1806. Darien is a peaceful
ride up Hwy 17, about 30 minutes from St.
Simons Island. Stop by the Darien Welcome
Center, located off Exit 49 on I-95, call them
at 912-437-6684 or www.visitdarien.com
Fort King George State Historic Site.
From 1721 to 1736, Fort King George was the
southern outpost of the British Empire in North
America. Using old records and drawings, this
18th century frontier fortification on the
Altamaha River has been reconstructed for
public tours. Structures include a blockhouse,
officers' quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat
and palisades. Located in Darien, the route is
well-marked. Hours are Tues-Sun 9-5.
912-437-4770
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
This once- thriving rice plantation on the
Altamaha River between Darien and Brunswick
provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and
culture of the Georgia rice coast from 1800 to
1915. View a historic working plantation,
complete with original furnishings and
surrounded by freshwater marshes and dikes
that supported five generations. Off Hwy 17
North. Thurs-Sat 9-5. 912-264-7333.
RIVERFRONT DINING IN HISTORIC
DOWNTOWN DARIEN
Skippers’ Fish Camp Oyster Bar and
Grill offers spectacular casual riverfront dining.
The Darien shrimp fleet docks at the back door
and provides Skippers’ with fresh locally caught
sweet Georgia shrimp. While the McIntosh crab
cakes are rapidly becoming legendary, it is Skippers’
fried shrimp, crispy fried flounder and BBQ
rib platters that have people raving and returning!
Open 7 days a week, 11-9. Downtown
Darien on the River, 912-437-3474,
www.skippersfishcamp.com
Waterfront Dining in Historic Downtown Darien
Locally Caught Sweet Georgia Shrimp • Oyster Bar
Crispy Fried Flounder • Awesome Steaks and BBQ
Just across the bridge to Darien - on the river
912-437-3474 • Open 7 days • skippersfishcamp.com
/www.visitdarien.com
/www.skippersfishcamp.com
/skippersfishcamp.com