Avenue of the Oaks

From 1760 until the outbreak of the War Between the States, cotton and rice plantations flourished in this area. The Sea Island cotton grown here became famous the world over for its outstanding quality. Retreat Plantation was one of the most prosperous plantations and was located on the southern tip of St. Simons Island. 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. Once the entrance to Retreat Plantation, the Avenue of the Oaks is now the grand entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club. Follow the drive around the magnificent double row of 160 year old live oak trees which create the Avenue of the Oaks. A visit to the Lodge at Sea Island might be pricey, but it's free to see the Avenue of the Oaks at the entrance.