Jekyll Island Fuses Gilded Age Grandeur with Modern Design Innovation

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. – July 31, 2026 – In a striking fusion of past and present, the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort is set to once again transform its Gilded Age halls into a bustling hub of design and discovery. Braderie South, a curated antique marketplace, returns for its second year from August 28-30, 2026, building on its successful debut with expanded programming and featuring celebrated interior designer Gray Benko of the Magnolia Network.

This event represents a forward-thinking trend in the hospitality and retail sectors: leveraging historical authenticity to create immersive, high-value cultural experiences. More than just a market, Braderie South is an innovative model that blends commerce, community, and craftsmanship, breathing new life into a landmark of American history while tapping into the modern consumer's desire for authenticity and connection.

A Historic Venue as the Main Attraction

The choice of venue is no coincidence; the Jekyll Island Club Resort is, as organizers note, an antique itself. Opening its doors in 1888, it served as an exclusive winter retreat for America's most powerful families, including the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts. Its Queen Anne-style architecture and sprawling, oak-draped grounds provide a uniquely authentic backdrop for a celebration of heirlooms and timeless design. The very walls seem to whisper stories of a bygone era, creating a powerful synergy with the antique treasures on display.

"Braderie South perfectly aligns with what Jekyll Island Club Resort represents - a celebration of timeless beauty, rich history and refined experiences," says Shane Pappas, the resort's managing director. "This year's expanded programming, featuring Magnolia Network's Gray Benko and our curated lineup of events, allows us to share our passion for storytelling and craftsmanship with collectors and enthusiasts from across the region."

The event’s name and concept are inspired by the centuries-old 'braderie' street fairs of France and the Netherlands. These European traditions, originating from the Flemish word for "to roast," evolved from medieval fairs into massive community celebrations combining commerce with cultural festivities. Braderie South reimagines this spirit with a distinctly Southern elegance, creating a space that is as much about shared experience as it is about acquisition.

Gray Benko and the Curation of Contemporary Nostalgia

Headlining this year's event is Gray Benko, a rising star in the design world whose influence extends from her hit Magnolia Network show, "Happy to Be Home With the Benkos," to a burgeoning home goods empire. Known for her fearless use of color, layered patterns, and a maximalist ethos that artfully blends antique finds with modern pieces, Benko embodies the event's spirit. Her philosophy—that homes should be joyful, personal, and soulful—resonates with a new generation of collectors who see antiques not as dusty relics, but as unique story-telling elements in a contemporary home.

Benko's involvement is a strategic move that bridges the gap between traditional antique collecting and the dynamic world of social media-driven design trends. Her presence is expected to draw a broad audience of her followers and design enthusiasts. Attendees will have multiple opportunities for interaction, from an exclusive meet-and-greet for industry pass holders to an elegant "High Tea with Gray Benko" in the resort's Grand Dining Room. Furthermore, the Gray Benko Home Collection will be featured among the 21 carefully selected exhibitors, offering attendees a chance to acquire pieces curated with her signature eclectic style.

"The response to last year's Braderie South was incredibly moving, and we knew we had created something truly special," says Kelly Broome-Smith, the event's founder. "Welcoming Gray Benko as our featured guest adds another layer of excitement and our additional events create multiple touchpoints for guests to engage with the marketplace and each other as an embodiment of the Braderie South philosophy: celebrating history, craftsmanship and community in a space as thoughtful as the collections themselves."

An Innovation in Experiential Retail

Braderie South's expanded programming underscores a significant shift in the retail landscape toward the experience economy. Recognizing that modern consumers seek more than just a transaction, the resort has crafted a weekend-long itinerary designed to immerse guests in a world of elegance and intrigue. The 'Caviar, Croquet & Champagne' evening kicks off the weekend on the resort's historic croquet lawn, while 'Braderie After Dark' offers exclusive late-night shopping access.

Other innovative events include 'Coffee with the Curator' for an insider's tour of the marketplace, and the 'Braderie Boulevard' showcase of vintage automobiles. Perhaps most creatively, 'The Antique Heist' offers a family-friendly interactive murder mystery dinner set within the Grand Dining Room, weaving the theme of antiques into a captivating narrative experience. This robust schedule transforms a shopping trip into a memorable getaway, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement.

The Economic Impact of Curated Culture

This convergence of history, design, and entertainment is also a powerful economic engine. Jekyll Island is a cornerstone of Glynn County's economy, contributing over $1 billion in economic impact and supporting nearly 10,000 jobs in a recent fiscal year. Tourism is the primary driver, and high-profile cultural events like Braderie South are critical for attracting visitors, particularly in the lucrative cultural tourism niche.

By offering exclusive accommodation packages starting at $179 per night and a premier 'Connoisseur Patron Package,' the resort incentivizes overnight stays, ensuring visitor spending extends to lodging, dining, and other local attractions. The curated nature of the event, featuring 21 exceptional exhibitors like Apropos Antiques and handcrafted goods from Brackish, ensures a high-quality experience that attracts discerning collectors and designers willing to invest in unique pieces. This model proves that preserving and celebrating history can be a forward-looking and highly effective business strategy, securing the legacy of both the resort and the timeless crafts it showcases for a new generation.