By Colleen Knight
EBC Georgia Bureau
(Eagle News) — In the small town of Brunswick, tucked away in the southernmost regions of the state of Georgia, in a place called the Golden Isles, is a tree estimated to be over 900-years old. The magnificent Live Oak is nestled in the median of a road that runs through Historic Downtown Brunswick.
According to The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau website, The Lover’s Oak dates back to the 12th Century and is the center of a local legend that states that young Native American braves in this area once met their betrothed and kissed under the sprawling branches of this impressive tree.
Perhaps the legend of The Lover’s Oak comes from the appearance of the tree itself. Looking at the large Live Oak, it appears to have two trunks that have grown and woven together over the centuries, like two soulmates who have been bound together as one.
The tree itself is 13 feet in diameter and starting about three feet off the ground, thick large branches jut out over the land and street to shelter visitors from sun and rain.
At the base of the tree is a plaque placed by The National Arborist Association and The International Society of Arboriculture certifying that The Lover’s Oak was living at the time of the signing of the United States Constitution.
Access to the tree is free to the public and easily accessible by car, but there is no public parking in the area, so be prepared to walk a little bit (a half-mile or so) if you want to see the tree up close.
In April of 2019, the first Lover’s Oak Festival was held in celebration of this natural tourist attraction. The site is a popular place for tree-climbing, photos opportunities, and just admiring the beauty of nature. On a sunny afternoon, sunbeams can be seen breaking through the leaves, branches, and romantic Spanish Moss, creating an enchanting ambience that can be enjoyed by anyone: lovers, families and friends.
(Eagle News Service)