I love that spring time always brings not only warmer weather, but also the much anticipated time change. The longer days make me want to spend as much time outside as possible! I look forward to enjoying time with Casey after we’re finished working while their is still plenty of sunlight. We spend time in the Village all year long, but you can always tell when it’s warming up outside by the influx in hustle and bustle.  It’s no wonder why the Village is one of the most popular spots on the island–it has great restaurants, the St. Simons Lighthouse, the Pier and a beautiful waterfront park. The village also hosts many antique and art festivals throughout the year. There’s always something fun going on in this area!

When we go on date nights, or are entertaining out of town guests, we frequently dine at Del Sur on their outdoor covered patio. It’s the perfect spot to have dinner & sip on cocktails while taking in the Village scene. The owners, and friends, (who met years ago in culinary school), Hernan Stutzer and Alberto Llano, opened Del Sur in 2014 after moving to Saint Simons from Miami. Since they opened their doors, it has become the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike! Whenever you stop by, you’re sure to find either Hernan or Alberto (or maybe even both of them!) there. They treat Del Sur as an extension of their families, and love welcoming customers who have turned into friends. Don’t be surprised if after a dinner or two, they welcome you by name. They specialize in Argentinian and Italian cuisine, so you can count on always finding steak, homemade pasta, and plenty of other options on their menu. One of my favorite dishes is their Linguini al Vongole, a traditional Italian dish with clams and white wine. Between the homemade empanadas, chimichurri sauce and grilled provoleta, you may wind up thinking you’ve travelled all the way to Buenos Aires. They pride themselves on serving authentic food and sourcing the freshest ingredients. In addition, everything is made in-house, and you can certainly taste it!

In April, they will be launching their brunch menu. I’m always up for grabbing mimosas and bellinis with my girlfriends and treating ourselves to a delicious breakfast of Lemon Ricotta pancakes or Eggs Benedict. Just like their lunch and dinner menus, their brunch features homemade, fresh and flavorful dishes. Whether taking advantage of the great weather on the patio or enjoying a delicious meal inside, the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.

One of the best parts of an evening at the Village is being able to walk down to the Pier after dinner to take in the sunset and spectacular views of this quaint part of town.

Kelli Boyd Photography exclusively for Lavin Label