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Head to the Georgia coast for GA/FLA activities

Posted on Oct 19, 2009 by Mary Boyce Hicks  | 

13 Comments  | 

Bulldogs will make their annual migration down to the coast right in time for Halloween and some great happenings all around the Golden Isles, not forgetting the football game of notable interest on Saturday afternoon. With all the options for food and fun around the Golden Isles, some Georgia fans choose to avoid even stepping foot in the Sunshine State and remain right here in Georgia. Stopping by these events will make a Bulldog feel great, make new friends and have a good time, win or no win.

In the days preceding the game, the Georgia-Florida Golf Classic will tee off for its 30th year, held on Jekyll Island. The festivities begin Wednesday, October 28 with a get-acquainted cocktail party for players and their guests. The tournament officially begins Thursday morning with a shotgun start, though one can chose be an afternoon player and arrive a little later in the morning. For the ladies, a nine-hole putting contest and a doubles tennis tournament will be held on Thursday, along with the annual ladies luncheon Friday. Registration for the tournament is $300 per person, with over 75 team prizes being awarded.

“The tournament is a great way to start the party before the Georgia-Florida Football showdown in Jacksonville, FL,” said Beth Burnsed, Director of Special Events on Jekyll Island. “Fans get the chance to meet other fans and have a couple of days of relaxation before the big game.” Visit Jekyll Island Georgia-Florida Golf Classic for more information and the latest updates on schedules and events. All bulldog golfers should look into this event and plan to make lots of new friends as the dominant colors lean far towards red and black.

Back in Brunswick, the 2nd Annual Georgia-Florida Bash will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Seaboard Beach Club and Resort. Last year’s event was a great success and brought in great contributions to the event’s beneficiary, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia. The party never stops as events range from live music, helicopter rides and door prizes—and of course several large flat screen TVs and an LCD projector screen for Dawgs wanting to watch the game safely within Georgia territory. Friday night is a Halloween costume party for adults, with admission at juts $10 at the gate starting at 7pm. Saturday offers fun for the whole family; the door charge is $5 and kids under 12 get in free. Don’t forget to look for the smoked hogs and this year’s addition, two smoked gator tails! Even though Gator fans are invited, this event is still Georgia bred.

“The highlight is to be able to have a fantastic fun filled experience during every moment as soon as you enter the 80-acre Stadium Atmosphere Facility,” said Steve Swan, chair of the event. “The rivalry will begin when that Bulldawg fan meets eyes with the Gator blue-and-orange-covered fan and choose what chants to yell back at each other!” Buses are available to transport fans back to St. Simons, although parking is ample and free. One can count on hanging out here for many hours and all ages being entertained; as if they needed more activities, the night ends with a grand fireworks display. This event provides the tailgating experience and more while still feeling like a stadium atmosphere, along with enough Florida fans to really create a rivalry. Visit www.gfbash.org for the latest updates and more information.

The whole island of St. Simons along with the rest of the Golden Isles work hard to prepare themselves for the temporary relocation of Dawg fans down to their breezy home. Bulldogs will flock to Redfern Village on St. Simons to find great restaurants and hang out spots, while the students hit the beach all day Friday for their unofficial annual beach gathering, always sure to create lasting memories. Ziggy’s and Brogens are great spots for the over-21 crowd, though there is sure to be a party at every corner with the lighthearted camaraderie that this weekend brings.

The Georgia-Florida game is a highlight for Georgia devotees because the Islands work so hard to make this weekend memorable for students and adults alike. With all there is to offer, hopefully the game will always remain in the southeast with traditions like the Golf Classic and the Georgia-Florida bash to keep Georgia fans having an unforgettable time while pulling for the Dawgs.

Tagged: 2nd annual georgiaflorida bash, seaboard beach club and resort, georgiaflorida golf classic, gafla weekend on stsimons island, jekyll island, ga