Jekyll Island festivities
This weekend, Sept. 20 through Sept. 22, the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival returns with plenty of different takes on the classic southern dish as well as family friendly entertainment, live music, an artists market, a craft brew fest and a newly added 5K race.
Twice honored by the Southeast Festival and Events Association as Best Festival, the annual weekend event attracts more than 45,000 visitors to the barrier island. It’s held on 30+ acres of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District.
The festival’s highlight is Saturday’s chef showdown in which chefs from across the state compete for the title of Georgia’s Best Shrimp & Grits. Among the restaurants represented are:
- Defending champion Eagle Creek Brewing Co., Statesboro
- 2016 champ West Egg Café, Atlanta
- Sweet Potato Café, Stone Mountain
- Honey Café, Millen
- Jekyll Island Club Resort
- The Blue Bicycle, Dawsonville
- Spring Creek Park Resort, Donalsonville
- The Lodge at Sea Island, St. Simons Island
An artists market featuring work by more than 100 regional creatives and the Georgia Grown Alley, where guests can sample homegrown food products, are other popular attractions. In addition the Go for the Grits 5K road race will be held Sunday morning on a course that winds through the Historic Landmark District.
Learn about how Jekyll Island figures in Georgia’s tourism industry in last month’s feature, “Meetings – and More.”
Photo courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority.
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