Darien, GA - A Visitor’s Guide

1. Fort King George State Historic Site

• What is the Fort King George State Historic Site?
  • The Fort King George State Historic Site in Darien is the oldest English fort still remaining on the coast of Georgia.
• When was Fort King George active?
  • The fort served as the British Empire’s southern outpost in North America from 1721 through 1736.
• How was the fort reconstructed?
  • Using drawings and old records, the 18th-century frontier fort along the Altamaha River has been carefully reconstructed and is now open to the public as a museum and for tours.
• What structures can visitors see at Fort King George?
  • The fort includes several historic structures, such as:
    • Palisades
    • A moat
    • A guardhouse
    • Barracks
    • Officer quarters
    • A blockhouse
• What additional historic sites can be seen at Fort King George?
  • Along with the fortification buildings, visitors can also see tabby ruins and the remains of three sawmills.

Address: 302 McIntosh Rd, Darien, GA 31305, Phone: 912-437-4770

2. Old Jail Art Center & Museum

• What is the Old Jail Art Center & Museum?
  • The Old Jail Art Center & Museum was originally built in 1888 and served as the county jail for McIntosh County.
• How historically significant is the Old Jail building?
  • The Old Jail remains one of the city’s three oldest public buildings and was used as a county jail until 2002.
• How did the Old Jail become a cultural center?
  • A few years after its closure as a jail, it was transformed into a community cultural center by the McIntosh Art Association, with the support of McIntosh County and the City of Darien.
• What can visitors do at the Old Jail Art Center & Museum?
  • Visitors can:
    • Attend a wide array of events
    • View local art exhibits
    • Browse the historic museum housed in the old jail cells
    • Participate in art classes

Address: 404 N. Way, Darien, GA 31305, Phone: 912-437-7711

3. Georgia Peach World, Darien

• What is Georgia Peach World?
  • Georgia Peach World provides both locals and travelers with a taste of southern-style treats and the rich agricultural background of Georgia.
• What kind of products does Georgia Peach World offer?
  • Georgia Peach World specializes in local, fresh, and high-quality products and produce, with a strong emphasis on peach-related goods.
• Where are Georgia Peach World’s locations?
  • Georgia Peach World operates:
    • Two full-sized locations in Townsend
    • One location in Richmond Hill
    • A roadside location in Darien
• How did Georgia Peach World start?
  • What began as a summer job for students trying to earn money for college tuition has grown into a unique attraction.
• Why is Georgia Peach World popular?
  • Georgia Peach World has become the number one tourist attraction in Georgia along Interstate 95 for all things peach.

Address: 1828 GA-57, Townsend, GA 31331, Phone: 912-832-3270

4. Sugar Marsh Cottage

• What is Sugar Marsh Cottage?
  • Sugar Marsh Cottage is every chocolate-lover’s dream destination. This island chocolatier operates out of an historic 1935 home located on Vernon Square, where they carefully hand-craft a superior range of chocolates, toffees, shortbreads, and other delicacies.
• What are their most popular chocolates?
  • One of their most popular ranges is the seashell-shaped chocolates, inspired by the beauty and diversity of the Georgia coastline. These chocolates are hand-made using bitter-sweet chocolate infused with decadent sea-salt toffee.
• What other treats does Sugar Marsh Cottage offer?
  • Other equally delicious treats include artisan toffees, bon-bons, and shell-shaped shortbread coquilles.
• Do they offer seasonal specialties?
  • Yes! Sugar Marsh Cottage also produces a range of seasonal specialties that you can buy for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day.
• Where is Sugar Marsh Cottage located?
  • You can visit them at Sugar Marsh Cottage, 300 Franklin Street, Darien, GA 31305. You can also contact them at 912 268 2522.

5. Ashantilly Center, Darien, GA

• What is the Ashantilly Center?
  • The Ashantilly Center, also known locally as the “Old Tabb”, was once the mainland residence of Thomas Spalding, a McIntosh County landowner and early Georgia planter and legislator.
• What is the history of the Ashantilly Center?
  • The original house was built in 1820, but it burned down in 1937. The current house was rebuilt as a Haynes family project.
• Who founded the Ashantilly Center?
  • The Ashantilly Center today is operated as a nonprofit cultural and historic site, founded by Williams Haynes, an environmentalist, small letterpress printer, and artist.
• What kind of events and workshops are held at the Ashantilly Center?
  • The center hosts a wide variety of workshops and events throughout the year, including letterpress printing, gardening, and crafts.
• Where is the Ashantilly Center located?
  • You can visit the Ashantilly Center at 1712 Bond Rd, Darien, GA 31305. For more information, call 912-437-4473.

6. Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge

• What is the Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge?
  • The Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge is located around twelve miles off the Georgia coast, right outside Darien. Established in April of 1930, the barrier island wildlife refuge was created to provide habitat and protection for migratory birds and other threatened species.
• What areas make up the Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge?
  • The refuge consists of Wolf Island itself and two smaller islands known as Little Egg and Egg. More than three-fourths of the 5,126 acres of the refuge is made up of saltwater marsh.
• What recreational activities are allowed at Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge?
  • The saltwater areas of the refuge are open to visitors for recreational activities like crabbing and fishing.

7. Skipper’s Fish Camp

• What is Skipper’s Fish Camp?
  • Perfectly nestled on the banks of the Darien River, Skipper’s Fish Camp is a popular fish and rib eatery, offering fresh Georgia seafood, wonderful sunsets, and a lively atmosphere.
• How fresh is the seafood at Skipper’s Fish Camp?
  • You will struggle to find fresher fish and seafood anywhere – the local shrimp boats dock right alongside, ensuring that Skipper’s always has a great supply of fresh, local seafood.
• What are some signature dishes at Skipper’s Fish Camp?
  • Guests can start with delectable fresh oysters (with 8 styles to choose from), before enjoying their signature Sweet Georgia Shrimp Platter, Crab Cakes, Mahi-Mahi, Scallops, or the Captain’s Platter.
• Are there options for non-seafood lovers?
  • Yes! Those who do not eat seafood can feast on steak, ribs, pulled pork, or combo platters.
• Where is Skipper’s Fish Camp located?
  • You can visit Skipper’s Fish Camp at 85 Screven Street, Darien, GA 31305. For more information, call 912-437-3474.