Rooted in history branching into the future. An 18th century writer described St. Marys as "...small, agreeable to all and with many respectable characters". As you stroll along the waterfront through Howard Gilman Park you will agree. The coastal village of St. Marys remains one of Georgia's best kept secrets. A town rich in history, natural beauty and Southern hospitality, St. Marys is the gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, the winter playground of the Carnegie family. Downtown St. Marys hosts a day filled with shopping in a myriad of curious little shops, sampling the local cuisine in waterfront cafes and dreaming sweetly in one of the many historic bed and breakfasts. Time doesn't stand still in St. Marys... it slows down just enough so you can smell the Cherokee Roses, Georgia's State Flower.