Jekyll Island And Southern Living Present 11th Annual Iconic Shrimp & Grits Festival

16/09/2016 08:23

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga., Sept. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jekyll Island and Southern Living magazine are raising the bar at the 11^th annual Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, kicking off this year's celebration of the favorite coastal dish Sept. 16-18 in the oak-lined National Historic Landmark District.

This mouthwatering three-day event – and the only shrimp and grits festival in the state – will be bigger and better than ever with expanded entertainment, more attractions, VIP and new lounge opportunities, and a professional cooking competition among the state's favorite chefs.

The 2016 festival includes the Jekyll Island Experience Pavilion with educational opportunities and wildlife interactions, Southern Living Pavilion with captivating lifestyle demonstrations, a heated competition for "Georgia's Best Shrimp & Grits," new and classic takes on the dish from local restaurants, and an outstanding array of more than 50 craft brews to sample at the Craft Brew Fest. Family-friendly entertainment, kids' activities, live music on three stages by popular regional artists, and more than 100 hand-selected art and craft vendors will line the paths of the Historic District.

A full schedule of events can be found at www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpgrits.

Statewide Professional Cooking Competition: "Georgia's Best Shrimp & Grits"

To add to the celebration and variety, chefs from top restaurants around the state will battle it out in a professional cooking competition for the title of "Georgia's Best Shrimp & Grits" on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m.

Chefs were chosen from top-voted restaurants who competed via online voting from the various regions of the state. Winners selected to compete for "Georgia's Best Shrimp & Grits" include the defending champion Blackwater Grill and new challengers American Catch Seafood Exchange, Deano's Italian, Goin' Coastal, Indigo Coastal Shanty, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, The LOCAL Kitchen:Bar, The National, and West Egg Café.

The winner will have the opportunity to prepare his or her dish for Georgia's Governor and Mrs. Nathan Deal. Read more about the chefs and their restaurants here.

VIP and Lounge Opportunities

Set up on the banks of the Jekyll River, the new Riverfront Lawn Lounge, presented by Brunswick News Publishing, offers spectacular views of the river, marsh, and Riverfront Lawn stage, and easy access to restaurants' booths of shrimp and grits.

Presented by Ocean Oaks at Jekyll Island, the new DuBignon Lounge will be located in the center of the action on the grounds of the historic DuBignon Cottage. This private oasis includes a daily tour of DuBignon Cottage and access to the DuBignon porch.

Atlanta Magazine presents the festival VIP Lounge that includes meals catered by locally-renowned Straton Hall Events and unlimited beer and wine inside the dedicated tent with prime views of the main stage. Ticketholders will also exclusive festival parking.

VIP and Lounge tickets should be purchased in advance from www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpgrits, but may be purchased at the Festival Gifts tent throughout the weekend, while supplies last.

Festival Hours and Admission Information

Friday, Sept. 16, 4-9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

General admission to the festival is free. Tickets for the VIP Lounge, DuBignon and Riverfront Lawn lounge options, and Craft Brew Fest, presented by Southern Eagle Distributing, are available at www.jekyllisland.com.