Why Live Anywhere Else?

One of the most enjoyable roles of being Mayor is the opportunity to talk with both residents and visitors as I walk around our great little city. I thought it might be interesting for your readers to hear what visitors like the most about St. Marys.

St. Marys fared better than most of our coastal neighbors when Hurricane Matthew swept through last fall. Our beautiful city and neighboring Cumberland Island were back in business almost immediately following the storm. If you are thinking of visiting in these cooler winter months, our weather is still warm and inviting so we encourage you, your friends and relatives to come on down!

Almost everyone talks about our waterfront location that allows for easy kayaking access and transportation to Cumberland Island to enjoy the natural wonders of the world famous national seashore treasure. Our summer and fall festivals, Music in the Park, Crooked River, year round golf and fishing also rank high with visitors. Others cite low density traffic and the close proximity to shopping, lodging and an international airport.

Or up, as the case may be as we have many visitors arriving from Florida as well. The Georgia Welcome Center at Exit 1 just as you cross from Florida into Georgia has been re-furbished and has re-opened to welcome all to our great state and offering dozens of ideas for spending time in St. Marys.

Letter from the Mayor

St. Marys fared better than most of our coastal neighbors when Hurricane Matthew swept through last fall. Our beautiful city and neighboring Cumberland Island were back in business almost immediately following the storm. If you are thinking of visiting in these cooler winter months, our weather is still warm and inviting so we encourage you, your friends and relatives to come on down!

Those seeking potential retirement locations are impressed with the fact that we are home to one of the best rated hospitals in rural Georgia. Visitors who are seeking a new life and can work remotely often mention our excellent school system and our year round temperate weather climate. The fact that St. Marys has so many different residential neighborhoods, each unique in its own way, gives us an advantage for those looking for a new place to call home.

Or up, as the case may be as we have many visitors arriving from Florida as well. The Georgia Welcome Center at Exit 1 just as you cross from Florida into Georgia has been re-furbished and has re-opened to welcome all to our great state and offering dozens of ideas for spending time in St. Marys.

While our waterfront, rivers and entryway to Cumberland Island remain our most popular attractions, we enjoy year-round entertainment venues like steam train rides and community theatre presentations at Theatre by the Trax. Kayaking continues to grow in popularity as do bicycle touring and races. Our History Walk is proving to be an enjoyable historical stroll through the long history of our waterfront village. We are known for our family friendly parades and festivals with February featuring our very own version of the Mardi Gras. Our historic hotel, modern motels, and charming bed and breakfasts provide lodging for all tastes and budgets while restaurants in midtown, downtown and the west side offer a variety of casual dining options.

Those of us fortunate enough to call St. Marys home already recognize its many attributes but sometimes our visitors provide a reminder of just how special our city is.

Whether you are here for an outdoor adventure or just want to enjoy time in a peaceful, quiet, laid back and friendly community, St. Marys is the place to spend a week, weekend or longer. Many will fall in love and move here to call St. Marys home.

While our waterfront, rivers and entryway to Cumberland Island remain our most popular attractions, we enjoy year-round entertainment venues like steam train rides and community theatre presentations at Theatre by the Trax. Kayaking continues to grow in popularity as do bicycle touring and races. Our History Walk is proving to be an enjoyable historical stroll through the long history of our waterfront village. We are known for our family friendly parades and festivals with February featuring our very own version of the Mardi Gras. Our historic hotel, modern motels, and charming bed and breakfasts provide lodging for all tastes and budgets while restaurants in midtown, downtown and the west side offer a variety of casual dining options.

We are a naturally friendly city whose residents and business owners have pride in our community. The summer and fall seasons offer plenty of reasons for all of us to take an individual opportunity to extend a warm welcome to those visiting as well as those looking for a longer term relationship with St. Marys.

Whether you are here for an outdoor adventure or just want to enjoy time in a peaceful, quiet, laid back and friendly community, St. Marys is the place to spend a week, weekend or longer. Many will fall in love and move here to call St. Marys home.

Welcome! And if you have time, please stop by City Hall and say “hi” or “hey” depending on where you are from.

JohnWelcome! And if you have time, please stop by City Hall and say “hi” or “hey” depending on where you are from. Sincerely,

Sincerely,

JohnJohn Morrissey, Mayor City of St. Marys

John Morrissey, Mayor City of St. Marys