LIBERTY COUNTY THE RIGHT BLEND
2024 Visitors Guide
LIBERTY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS “Come visit us and see why so many have discovered that Liberty County is a place to live for a lifetime.” Liberty County was founded February 5, 1777, and named for the American ideal of Liberty. It is ideally located between Savannah and Brunswick, with local access via I-95 to beaches and coastal recreational activities. A community of 65,256 residents, the area is proud of its cultural diversity and hometown atmosphere. Liberty County is home to Fort Stewart, home of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized). The county “boasts” a mild coastal climate that fosters year-round family-oriented events. The county is home to several historic sites and museums and proudly offers 19 recreational venues. In addition, the county has two colleges and a regional airport. Visit Liberty County and experience firsthand southern hospitality at its best and why others have chosen it as their home.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Commissioner Marion Stevens, Sr. ~ District 1 Commissioner Justin L. Frasier ~ District 2 Commissioner Connie Thrift ~ District 3 Chairman Donald L. Lovette Commissioner Maxie R. Jones, IV ~ District 4 Commissioner Gary Gilliard ~ District 5 Commissioner Eddie J. Walden ~ District 6
libertycountyga.com
LIBERTY COUNTY’S Official VISITORS GUIDE E X P LO R E L I B E R T Y 208 E Court St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912)368-4445 libertycounty.org E X P LO R E L I B E R T Y/ @ E X P LO R E L I B E R T Y
Published by Accent Creative Group
The
“COASTAL” BLEND N AT U R E & O U T D O O R S
The
“COASTAL” BLEND RECIPE Splash of orange juice concentrate
Steeped black tea
Lemon, orange, lime wedges
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niquely positioned as one of only six coastal counties in Georgia, Liberty County offers a blend of coastal and “small town USA.” Tucked away from sun-soaked shores and wildlife-filled marshes, Liberty County’s seven idyllic cities harbor a fusion of customs and cultures. Longstanding traditions, international flavors and a sense of unity merge with a quiet coastal lifestyle to create just the right blend.
Beyond wetlands and shorelines, Liberty County’s natural beauty shines in parks alive with flora and fauna, trails paralleled by snaking waterways and historic grounds draped in Spanish moss. Cast a reel, board a boat or hop on a trail to discover our version of the great outdoors.
ST. C AT H E R I N E S I S L A N D Of Georgia’s 15 barrier islands, St. Catherines is both less known and less visited, making its undisturbed landscape that much more intriguing. While visitors can’t access the island’s interior to observe its endangered species, you can roam its miles of beaches in hopes of getting a glimpse at the wildlife (and we mean wild, in every sense of the word.)
C AY C R E E K W E T L A N D S INTERPRETIVE CENTER Start your stroll down this elevated boardwalk and watch as the freshwater of Cay Creek transforms into a salty marsh. Deer turn to alligators, squirrels turn to crabs, and slowly, land turns to water. This unique environment breeds species from both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems, making it a haven for wildlife spotting and birding.
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EXPLORE at Sea
C A ST O F F
P U T- I N
Reel in flounder, sea trout and red drum inshore, or cast off from a dock or fishing pier to hook black drum and sheepshead. Check out these spots for some of the best fishing around.
The best way to glimpse the beauty of the marsh is to get up close and personal in a kayak! Luckily, we’ve got rentals and put-in spots to keep you paddling for days.
F I S H I N G S P OTS
KAYA K P U T- I N S
Bryant Commons Fishing Pond
Riceboro Dock
Sunbury Fishing Pier & Boat Ramp
Sunbury Boat Ramp Jones Creek Park
Jones Creek Park Fishing Area & Boat Ramp Riceboro Fishing Area & Dock Fort Stewart Soldiers and veterans can enjoy year-round fishing anytime here. The general public can contact the Fort Stewart Pass and Permit Office to arrange a fishing visit.
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KAYA K R E N TA L S Sunbury Crab Company sunburycrabco.com (912) 884-8640
EXPLORE at Bay H I K E AWAY Only in Liberty County can you watch the boats roll in, spot dolphins or walk on sacred grounds during your daily stroll.
Irene B. Thomas Park
Jones Creek Park
This picture-perfect stroll winds half a mile around a local fishing pond in Hinesville. It’s the perfect place to picnic with a view.
Head to the Isle of Wight for the county’s best coastal views. Jawdropping sunsets, endless waterways and playful dolphins are just a few. You’ll want to bring or rent a kayak to explore this spot fully.
Eve Park After a day at sea, wind down next door to Halfmoon Marina by watching the boats, taking in the sights and hopefully catching a striking sunset.
Warriors Walk This walkway is dedicated to soldiers of Fort Stewart and lined with Crepe Myrtels, symbolic of our nation’s gratitude to its fallen soldiers.
B RYA N T CO M M O N S Commonly known as Hinesville’s Central Park, this 150-acre property boasts an outdoor amphitheater, a pond, a playground, a dog park and the ITPA Telephone Museum. Spend a day here seeing sights, hearing stories and playing hard.
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The
“HERITAGE” BLEND H I STO RY
Our heritage began long before the
Lemon garnish
The
Sugar
“HERITAGE” BLEND RECIPE Iced tea
Spanish soldiers visit Georgia’s first settlement, Guale (St. Catherines Island) Fort Morris is established
1566 8
1741
American Revolution, as its name might suggest. As one of Georgia’s first eight counties, our quaint Southern towns have housed soldiers leading national revolutions, ancestors of America’s most notable figures and landmarks that allude to the change and progress still being made today.
The Puritans of Dorchester, South Carolina settle in Midway
Liberty County is founded
1754
1777
Colonel John McIntosh famously replies “Come and take it!” to the British’s demands to surrender Fort Morris
1778
A G R E AT M I S S I O N 1587 Georgia’s oldest known church was a product of a Spanish mission on St. Catherines Island—Mission Santa Catalina de Guale—where Spanish soldiers attempted to bring Catholicism to the Guale Indians living on the island.
MAKING A NAME FOR OURSELF 1777 Named after the great American ideal, Liberty County is one of only three Georgia counties not named after a person or place.
H I STO RY I S M A D E 1978 Walthourville’s Mayor, Carrie Kent Brown, was the first African-American female mayor in the state, appointed by Governor Jimmy Carter.
Sherman’s March to the Sea burns several plantations, The Midway Church and the cemetery
1864
Dorchester Academy is established, marking the beginning of African-American heritage in the county
1870
E STA B L I S H I N G INDEPENDENCE 1776 Two signers of the Declaration of Independence are from Liberty County: Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnett. A historic marker in their memory can be found on the yard of the Colonial Midway Museum.
A P L AC E I N C I V I L R I G H TS 1960 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. frequented Dorchester Academy, where thousands of African-Americans learned about their legal rights. The Academy is now a stop along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
A T E A O F O U R OW N TO DAY Liberty was on track to be the first producer of tea for the states until the deal fell through to South Carolina. However, our rich soil remains perfectly primed for tea growing! Enjoy a glass of Liberty tea while you’re here!
Our history has made way for the unique blend of cultures, customs and traditions present in our community today. President Roosevelt established Camp Stewart, the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River
1940
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HISTORIC SITES & LANDMARKS Several historic sites in Liberty County have helped blaze the trail for a new way of life. Today, they still hold powerful memories and meaning for so many.
FORT MORRIS This state historic site once defended the former town of Sunbury, a Georgia seaport. Today, it is Georgia’s only revolutionary historic site with earthworks.
DON’T MISS: • Original earthwork remains - Stand among them for a scenic view of the St. Catherines Sound. • Birding - Fort Morris is a stop on Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Grab binoculars and a field guide when you arrive for a chance at spotting woodpeckers, goldfinches, storks, buntings and more. • The on-site museum - It portrays civilian and military life during the Colonial, Revolutionary and Antebellum periods.
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Third Infantry Division Museum This 14,000-foot campus is dedicated to telling the story of the 3rd Infantry Division, an active military division today.
Dorchester Academy This school is now a designated National Landmark and site of African-American heritage. Walk the halls where some of the first African-American voters registered and dive deeper into the civil rights movement at the history museum.
Bacon Fraser House A picture of Southern, coastal living, this historic home is Liberty County’s visitor center! Stop by on your way into Liberty, say hey, grab a jar of sweet tea and take some photos in front of the gorgeous Plantation-plain style architecture.
Historic Baptismal Trail The Gullah Geechee people, a community of Southern, coastal plantation slaves, congregated on this holy site to perform Christian baptism ceremonies. Take in the sights, sounds and spiritual history that makes this trail so remarkable on a self-guided tour of the grounds.
Midway Museum The Midway Historic District includes the 1792 Midway Church, its 2-acre cemetery and the Midway Museum, a reproduction of a colonial-era coastal home built in 1959 that tells the story of early Liberty County. 11
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fortstewartgeorgia.com
The “CINEMA” Blend As the film industry moves farther south, Liberty has earned its fair share of time in the spotlight. From emotional period pieces to action-packed TV shows, check out these spots that may pop up during your next Netflix binge.
Fear the Walking Dead — Dorchester Village Road Liberty boasts some of the most scenic dirt roads in the South if we say so! This specific one just happened to be perfect for a few scenes in this post-apocalyptic TV series.
DON’T MISS T H E S E OT H E R PRODUCTIONS S H OT A R O U N D T H E CO U N T Y: • A Soldier’s Heart • Halloween Ends • The Menu • American Grit • The Act
Live By Night — Hampton Island
• Manhunt
Ben Affleck, who owns property on Hampton Island, wrote, directed and starred in this crime thriller.
The
A Jazzman’s Blues — Bacon Fraser House Tyler Perry and his crew filmed this American drama and love story at the historic Bacon Fraser house.
“CINEMA” BLEND RECIPE Butter popcorn
The Color Purple Musical — Dorchester Presbyterian Church Coming Soon! Both Oprah and Steven Spielberg worked to produce their musical rendition of Alice Walker’s famous novel in Liberty County earlier this year. Don’t miss the Dorchester Presbyterian Church during its premier December 2023!
Sprinkle of sugar Add lemon flavored instant tea packet
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Our charming city is rich in history, dating back as far as the 1700s. From the Historic Midway Church, Museum and Cemetery, to the Dorchester Academy Museum of African-American History, there is much to discover here! In and around Midway, nature thrives, as seen in our newly rennovated Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center and the eyecatching surrounding wetlands. Connect with nature, and stroll the 7/10-mile elevated boardwalk through six ecosytems and diverse wildlife. We strive to create a safe and prosperous model city in which to live, raise a family, or enjoy a peaceful retirement. This is a great time to join our community! Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, we are glad you are here!
WWW.HISTORICMIDWAY.COM | 912.884.3344
The “CREATIVITY” Blend A R TS & C U LT U R E
The merging of past communities has brought varied beliefs, new forms of art and unique customs into everyday life in Liberty. Admire works of the past, uncover local folklore and purchase artisan-made goods!
Sip through a bendy straw
The
“CREATIVITY” BLEND RECIPE
Sweet tea Add rainbow fruit: blueberries, strawberries, lemon, lime, orange slices
Hinesville Area Arts Council Take a class on topics ranging from painting to pottery or check out the most recent exhibit to come to the gallery. Exhibits rotate monthly and feature mediums like photography, painting and drawing.
International Telephone Museum Once located in Washington DC, the Telephone Museum retells the invention and modernization of telephones and their equipment. The National Office is located in the current family home of Glenn E. and Trudie Bryant, pioneers of the telephone industry.
Martin Mercantile This handmade marketplace sells local crafts and gifts made right here in Liberty and our surrounding communities. There’s no telling what creative, one-of-a-kind collectibles you might fill your shopping bags with.
P U B L I C A R T: • Tree Spirits: The mystery behind these locally-adored spirits has yet to be uncovered. Wander down Barrington Ferry Road and explore the forest where you’ll find these majestic faces among the oaks. To this day no one knows the meaning or purpose of these curiosities. • HAAC Building Mural: Liberty County’s first public work of art is this large, colorful mural depicting a Live Oak tree draped in Spanish moss: a sight synonymous with our marshy coast. 15
B RYA N T CO M M O N S
C AY C R E E K
FORT MORRIS
D OW N TOW N H I N E SV I L L E
Atlanta Atlanta
LIBERTY COUNTY
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MAP HERE
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The
“CULTURAL” BLEND FOOD & DINING
T he military presence and Liberty’s diversified history has made way for a blend of cuisines from varying cultures and genres. Our spot on the Southern coast lends itself to awe-inspiring seafood and comfort cookin’, but you can also find traditional dishes from dozens of different countries all within county limits.
The
“CULTURAL” BLEND RECIPE Rim glass with Tajin
Black tea
Add mango juice
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S O U T H E R N CO M F O R T • Smokin’ Pig: Bar-be-que is somewhat of a southern tradition and this family-owned restaurant does it right. Their slow cooking process follows recipes that have been passed down through generations and yields juicy, tender results.
GERMAN
SEAFOOD • Sunbury Crab Company: Operating on a net-to-plate basis, Sunbury’s notable Blue Crab, among other seafood is pulled from the ocean, cooked and served right away. Freshness, flavor and quality are just a few reasons this spot is regarded as a top Seafood Dive (Coastal Living Magazine) and lead chef, Joe Maley has been called one of the South’s 10 Greatest Chefs (South Magazine). • Melody’s Coastal Cafe: Locals Kelli and Ron Lash pride themselves on this madefrom-scratch kitchen that does steaks, burgers and chicken just as well as seafood. Whether you’re craving seafood or a taste of home, you’ll find both at Melody’s.
AFGHAN • Tazza Kabob Grill House: Father/son duo Nick and Shaen Mehrzed grew up sharing their Afghan cooking with friends and family before pursuing a venture of their own. The result is a unique restaurant concept featuring kabobs, korma bowls, samosas, shawarma and more.
• Zum Rosenhof: Locals David and Anka Hinze have worked hard to bring a piece of Germany to Liberty County, and they go all out! Filled with German decor, wait staff in traditional German attire and shelves of glass boots for beer drinking, this immersive experience goes beyond the food, though their schnitzel, potato salad and bratwurst are still to die for!
CENTRAL AMERICAN • Rodeo Mexican: Every town needs a go-to Mexican joint and ours is Rodeo for a reason! Owner Leo Escaeras has started four locations, all known for incredible fajitas, nachos and traditional street tacos. (And don’t forget to add a margarita tower when you visit!) • Latin Dream: Liberty County’s newest local restaurant, owned and operated by Ana Morel, is a classy spot with a great atmosphere and better food. The menu ranges from traditional latin cuisine to pasta to seafood and so much more. Try their delicious homemade plantains and be sure to take home a little extra! 19
The “BOOZY”Blend D R I N K S & CO C K TA I L S Around here, we know how to have a good time. Don’t be afraid to kick back and let loose with a cold drink in hand at one of these local hangouts. You never know what may come out of a spontaneous decision to pull up a barstool! Sweet tea
The
Add 1oz liquor of choice
“BOOZY” BLEND RECIPE
Freshly squeezed lemonade
T H E PA R R OT A N D FROG In the mood for something other than beer? The Parrot and Frog offers a welcoming hometown feel and thirst-quenching frozen drinks like “The Frozen Purple Drank” (a wine slushy) and frozen pink lemonade. Quick tip: be sure to bring some snacks as they do not serve food.
DOODLE’S BILLIARDS This poolhouse and bar is the perfect spot to host a night out with friends. Their wide range of domestic and imported beers and popular five-bottle beer buckets are perfect for sharing around an intense game of pool.
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HOPS ON FIRE BREWING As Liberty County’s one and only brewery, this place gathers a crowd. Their tap selection changes constantly, so grab a flight or two and pull out a board game for a night of fun.
diversityhc.org
912.877.2227
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Services Offered: Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health & Pediatrics 303 Fraser Drive Hinesville, GA
502 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA
244 Peachtree Street Jesup, GA
213 N. McDonald Street Ludowici, GA
The
“SOCIAL” BLEND S E A S O N A L E V E N TS
N
o matter what time of year you find yourself on the Georgia coast, there’s always something happening. Southerners are social creatures and in Liberty County we welcome everyone with open arms, so don’t be shy! Put on your dancing shoes and hit the town!
The
“SOCIAL” BLEND RECIPE Top with whipped cream and sprinkles
Chai tea Add vanilla cream
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SPRING: val (March) • Small World Festi mber) vals (March & Septe • Food Truck Festi
SUMMER: • 2nd Saturday Blo ck Party (March October) • Independence Da y Celebration (July)
FA L L :
mb vals (March & Septe • Food Truck Festi r) be cto (O oll N Str • Scarecrow Rock ber) vem (No est • RiceF
er)
WINTER: • Hinesville for the Holidays (Decemb er) • Illuminated Chris tmas Parade (Dece mber)
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The
“DOWNTOWN” BLEND SHOPS & BOUTIQUES
No sassy southern wardrobe is complete without a few smalltown boutique finds. Fill your shopping bags with treasures from these local boutiques and gift shops. Then, finish your spree with a new look from a local beauty salon.
The
“DOWNTOWN” BLEND RECIPE Fresh mint leaves
Splash of lemon juice
Classic sweet tea
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Cakamile With ties to Gullah Geechee culture, the owner of Cakamile has developed a line of homemade, holistic products designed to benefit mind, body and spirit.
Southern Roots Boutique Your new wardrobe lives here! Browse racks of timeless, fashionforward tops, pants and dresses for your next night out, cozy time or game day.
Molly Maxine This trendy shop has curated a collection of quality basics, statement pieces, elegant jewelry and chic makeup for ladies of all ages.
Thomas Hill Celebrating a milestone on the coast? Whether you’re popping the question, cheering on a graduate or celebrating an anniversary, Thomas Hill’s gorgeous stones and metals are perfect for a loved one.
The Beauty Bar Why not use a visit to Liberty County as an excuse to get a whole new look? Whether you’re looking for waxing, cosmetology or tanning services, The Beauty Bar will do you up right!
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The “ROAD TRIP” Blend N E A R BY D E ST I N AT I O N S
RICHMOND HILL: 3 0 M I N U T E S AWAY
DA R I E N : 4 5 M I N U T E S AWAY
Just outside Savannah, you’ll find authentic small-town charm, delicious seafood and plenty of breathing room. Get lost in the sights and sounds of Richmond Hill’s parks, wonder at the whimsy of the Georgia coast’s botanicals and immerse yourself
Craving more time out on open waters? Darien is a perfect spot to get out there without the hustle and bustle of the big cities nearby. Surrounded by secluded estuaries, islands and beaches, Darien offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of
in history.
the Georgia Coast.
Don’t Leave Without:
Don’t Leave Without:
• Visiting Fort McAllister State Park
• Chartering a boat
• Admiring blooms at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
• Deep sea fishing
• Bird watching along the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail • Indulging at Bubba’s Bistro
• Visiting Fort King George State Historic Site • Grabbing snacks at Georgia Peach World
SAVA N N A H : 50 M I N U T E S AWAY
The
“ROAD TRIP” BLEND
Right down the road awaits Georgia’s largest port and its iconic Riverstreet. A day spent atop its cobblestone streets and under its Spanish moss is a must for anyone looking to experience every aspect of the Georgia coast.
RECIPE Peppermint tea
Extra ice
In a travel cup
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B R U N SW I C K & T H E GOLDEN ISLES: 1 H O U R AWAY Brunswick and its four surrounding Golden Isles are picture-perfect getaways. After a day of fun in the sun on one of the islands, hit the Old Town Historic District for a night on the town.
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The
“COZY” BLEND H OT E L S & LO D G I N G
C ozy up after a day under the sun at one of our premiere hotels or getaways.
The
“COZY” BLEND RECIPE Add honey
Dash of cinnamon
Warm chamomile tea
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ST U D I O 6 SUITES
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BEFORE YOU GO... N O V I S I T TO L I B E R T Y CO U N T Y I S CO M P L E T E W I T H O U T T H E S E TO P 10 M U ST- D O S !
To Do: osenhof
Eat at Zum R
See a film loca Visit a milita
tion in-perso
ry fort
Picnic under
Spanish moss
Take a sunse
t photo
Put your toes
in the sand
Find a tree sp
irit
Try a Low Co
untry Boil
Stroll down a
scenic dirt ro
co Enjoy an ice
30
n
ad
ld glass of sw
eet tea!
STATE LICENSE #PDSCO01754
INFIDELITY CHEATERS CASES
ARMED SECURITY
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS
912-312-9510
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