Last Minute Panic Shopping?

Have you waited to the last minute to do your shopping? If you have and its because you have run out of ideas for gift giving than I have a few to pass on. The simpliest idea is to hit the nearest mall. Sure, there are many inconveniences to shopping malls, with long lineups, crowds and potential difficulties finding the items you want, but come crunch time you know that the mall offers a multitude of gift options. A plan is the only way to maximize your time in the mall so make a list, get a general idea of what you want to buy and from which stores. Otherwise you may end up following the temptation to overspend, so stick to your list!

The Mall Too Much To Bear?

If you just cant stomach the mall so close to Christmas, then here are some great alternative shopping ideas that are all accesible as last minute puchases.

• Head to the nearest gift shop. If you live near the Telfair art museum, check out the gift shop for something a little different.
• Shop SCAD - they often have offbeat, interesting gifts for students along with logo-ware for your favorite alum.
• Buy local. Support area entrepreneurs – and give a unique gift – by purchasing artwork, spirits or even baklava from the hometown experts.
• Get physical. A yoga mat and a gift certificate to a nearby yoga studio is a great holiday present for the athlete in the family.
• Try something completely different, give a certificate for dance lessons, horseback riding, rock climbing or sushi-making.  
• A magazine subscription will make sure your friend thinks of you when each issue arrives. Wrap a current copy with a note stating more are on the way
• A charity gift card. Make a donation to a friend or family members favored charity in their name. 

Everyone is extremely busy and preoccupied this tiome of year, so crime is also up at the holiday season. Here are a few safety tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.

• Do not buy more than you can carry.
• Save all receipts. Verify credit card or bank statements as they come in
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday!

Equinox Orchestra Concert Benefits The Empty Stocking Fund

Tonight at the Westin Savannah Harbor and Resort there will be a benefit concert with Equinox Orchestra along with a three course dinner. The event will benefit the annual Empty Stocking Fund sponsored by Savannah Now, tickets are $50.00. The Empty Stocking Fund benefits Savannah families in need during the holiday season.

The Savannah Now newspaper runs stories about some of the families that will be recipients of the fund. Read about today's story which describes the difficulties of a woman, with a five year old girl, in an abusive relationship and how she is turning her life around.
http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2013-12-16/battered-mom-flees-abuse-seeks-help#.Uq8cNPRDuVA

Read more more the fund hre: http://savannahnow.com/opinion/2013-12-10/empty-stocking-fund-continue-tradition#.Uq8Pj_RDuVA

There is still time to reserve your seat at this evenings concert here: https://equinox.thundertix.com/

Savannah Holiday Events in Full Swing

The holiday season is in full swing here in sunny and warm Savannah. There a plenty of holiday events this weekend.  Here is a brief calendar list of some of the highlights of this weekends' events.

Dec. 6th

5:30 - 10 pm: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - Festival of Lights - (Hutchinson Island) The drive-through light experience will showcase over 80 larger-than-life displays with surprises around every twist and turn. Daily events will include: Staples Safari Zoo – pony rides, camel rides, petting zoo, exotic animal safari tent, monkey pictures and live interactive animal shows and magic shows Horse Carriage rides through the lights.  Activities for all ages, Friday, & Saturday December 6 & 7th – Palmetto Bronze Handbell Ensemble. More info: http://www.savannahharborfoundation.com/index.html

6:00 pm: City Market Open House - Explore the beauty of holiday decorations including hundreds of lights and over 500 luminaria in the courtyard. Enjoy Christmas carolers, visit with Father Christmas, and sample holiday treats in the shops.

6:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday: The Journey - Experience life the night Christmas began in an outdoor production that draws thousands from across the Southeast. Step back centuries in time as you walk through the authentically recreated ancient Middle Eastern town of Bethlehem teeming with bakery, tannery, blacksmith and jewelry shops and an inn that’s full to capacity. Follow shepherds to find a Mary, Joseph and a baby crying softly in a manger. More Info: http://www.SCCJourney.com 

8:00 pm: Theatre show 'A Christmas  Tradition' buy tickets here: http://www.savannahtheatre.com/shows/a-christmas-tradition/

8:30 pm:  First Friday Fireworks - Celebrate the end of the week and the beginning of a new month with First Friday Fireworks and River Street fun!

Dec. 7th 

8:00 am - 12:00 pm: The Annual Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run - Watch it crawl, walk or run it! A 5k, 10k and Double Pump run over the Savannah with a party afterwards. Live music by Chuck Courtenay, awards, food, and great spirit until noon. More Info here : http://savannahriverbridgerun.com/about/

10:00 am: Jane Coslick's Holiday Cottage Tour - The annual tour of Tybee Island's historic cottages (10) with refreshments after the tour at North Beach Grill. Purchase tickets ($30.00) here: http://www.humanesocietysav.org/holidaytour/

11:00 am - 2:00 pm: Christmas For Kids Celebration, City Market - Bring the family to City Market for fun-filled activities including cookie decorating, making ornaments to take home, facepainting, a petting zoo, photos with Father Christmas in the Carriage Tours of Savannah Cinderella carriage, and a choir performance. Please bring an unwrapped toy to drop off in our Holiday Hope collection box

1:00 pm: Tybee Island Christmas Parade - featuring floats with Mr. Mrs Claus, photo opps with Santa at the end.

Holiday Weekend Activities

There is always plenty to do on long holiday weekends. Activities like; eating, watching TV,

sleeping, shopping, and visiting with friends and family. However if you tire of these activities there is also plenty going on in Savannah. Check it out:

The 2^nd Annual Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights.
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2013 – 5:30pm – 10pm
http://www.savannahharborfoundation.com/festivaloflights.html

The drive-through light experience will showcase over 80 larger-than-life displays with surprises around every twist and turn.

The Staples Safari Zoo with Brian Staples returns this year with exotic animals to showcase.

Boat Parade of Lights: About 50 lighted vessels parade both sides of the waterfront, accompanied
http://www.savannahharborfoundation.com/boat-parade-of-lights.html

by live music performances, tree lighting ceremony, and a fireworks.

Saturday, November 30 beginning at 6:00 pm

Want to take in a holiday show? There are several to choose from.
The historic Savannah Theatre is showing “A Christmas Tradition” a 2 hour dazzling performance.

http://www.savannahtheatre.com/shows/a-christmas-tradition/

The Lucas is kicking off the holiday season with ‘The Nutcracker in Savannah’ http://lucastheatre.com/schedule/

At the Civic Center
November 30^th  The Columbia City Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 1 - Mindless Behavior is playing.

Want to spend some time in the outdoors?

Afternoon and sunset sail on the Schooner Roseway
http://www.worldoceanschool.org/get-onboard/day-sails

Charles Dickens Victorian Savannah Christmas Walk: http://www.zerve.com/OldCityWalks/DknsWalk

Highlights:

·         Walk Victorian Savannah

·         See Christmas-decorated Victorian Savannah Architecture

·         Special scene performances from “A Christmas Carol”

·         Hear historical Savannah stories

·         Traditional Victorian Christmas food and drink in a Victorian parlor

10% of all proceeds go to the Homelessness in Savannah Advocacy Group

Rock & Roll Marathon Savannah

You have to be living under rock to not have heard the buzz about the Rock'n'Roll Marathon that is taking place this weekend here in Savannah. Not being much of a runner I had some questions about this big event that is taking over our city tomorrow. First question, was ok what's the big deal anyway? The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is the ‘world’s largest running series’ featuring live bands along the course, cheer teams and entertaining water stations. The outdoor festival will encapsulate Savannah in its entirety and culminate with a finish line festival featuring the band Jackyl. It is however a rock and roll marathon so there is more than one band, there are actually a total of 24 bands along the race route that will be playing. If you would like to listen to any of the music (since it’s free) here is a link to a list of the bands and their venues.

Who Puts This Marathon On?

Competitor Group, Inc. a Global Services, Media and Event Entertainment Company headquartered in San Diego CA owns and operates the marathon. CGI owns and operates 83 events around the world, including the flagship Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. CGI also owns five magazines; Velo, Inside Triathlon, Triathlete, Women’s Running and Competitor. They operate 30 events in the The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series, everywhere from Madrid, Las Vegas, Montreal, and New York. For Savannah to host such a large international event is monumental. No wonder all my running friends are going crazy about this event being here.

The Most Spirited Neighborhood

Since the event covers the entire city there will be many road closures. Here is a link to a list of the closures, or here is a link to a map of the course if you prefer to plan your routes that way. However if you prefer to hang at home, or maybe you are close enough to bike or walk to a section of the race there is a neighborhood Spirit Station competition that includes prize money. The contest is called Rock around the Block. Such a clever way to get people on board with the race in their neighborhood!

Other Events

• There is a Health & Fitness Expo Today (Friday Nov. 8^th) at the Convention Center. No Entrance Fee
• An official Pasta Party offered by Connect Tonight (Friday Nov. 8^th) from 5-9pm at the Charles H. Morris Center 10 E. Broad Street with live music (of course). You can purchase tickets here.
• Runners can earn ‘Heavy Medals’ by completing more than one event in a calendar year.
• But wait there is more … even kids can participate in the marathon! There is a non-competitive one mile run for children in grades k-7 which takes place on Sunday 2:00pm at Daffin Park. Learn more and register here.

Big Weekend with Savannah Events

This weekend in Savannah there are two big events that are a must go. Saturday from 11-6pm at Daffin Park WellFed hosts Food Day. Food Day is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. More than 4,500 events in all 50 states are happening to celebrate Food Day in 2013! Here in Savannah our event includes over 25 FREE workshops and classes with topics as organic gardening, cooking classes, sustainable living, nutrition, and more. This year, the festival is also partnering with the city of Savannah’s Play Streets event, making this two festivals in one. Play Streets will include free children’s fitness activities, such as bicycle courses, a skating rink, obstacle course and more. Read more at www.wellfedsavannah.com 

Also This weekend starting on Saturday is the week long Savannah Film Festival. The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the annual festival, filled with cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Each year more than 40,000 people attend the eight day Savannah Film Festival. The festival is host to a wide variety of competition film screenings, special screenings, workshops, panels, and lectures. – See more at: http://filmfest.scad.edu/ and view this short video on what defines an artistfrom the 2011 Film Festival

3rd Annual Coastal Empire Surfers for Autism Beach Festival

Tybee Island will be transformed into a beach bash on September 7^th for a very special group of kids. The beach by the pavilion will be filled with families, volunteers and children, special needs children who have a chance to feel the sweet taste of success, fun and self-confidence by learning how to surf. Surfers for Autism, a non-profit organization, will be hosting the event from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The therapeutic benefits of the surfing activity to children and young adults within the autism spectrum cannot be put into words and must be experienced.

At a Surfers for Autism event, the surfers are provided a safe, fun, judgment free environment where highly skilled surf instructors carefully guide the children into waves. Each child is accompanied with two or three volunteers and a "master" surfer who take the kids into the water one at a time. Each child is in the water for 25 minutes, then a new session is started with another child. The sessions continue rotating until 4:00 pm.

This is a very special day where children with developmental delays interact with typical peers and

wow families with their capabilities. The result is always the same: complete and total transformation in a moment. Transformative moments are not the exclusive province of the surfers, as parents also undergo a shift in thinking. Goals and milestones once missed or forgotten suddenly come into sharp focus. For many of the families, it’s a day they never thought they would experience.  Many times autistic children are sensitive to auditory stimulation, but here they can just enjoy being a kid.

A Few Testimonials From Past Events

Amy Spalter Schwartz: “I am awestruck at what a difference you all have made in my son’s life, but not just Spenser’s life, but our whole family. When he is out there surfing, he is a completely different child. This is the ONLY extracurricular activity he has had ANY interest in sticking with.” 

Caryn Jones Hamblen: Words cannot express our gratitude for today. What an amazing event! Dylan said it best, “This is the best day, ever!"

Kara Collins: I will never forget the joy I saw on my daughter’s face that day, the pride she felt that she was enough- just the way she was. She made friends and no one cared who spun in circles or said something inappropriate, they just welcomed you for who you were. Now we own Boogie boards and sun shirts and count down the days until the next event, when she isn’t a girl with Asperser’s- she is just a girl who is 7 catching a wave.

Surfers With Hearts as Big as Their Ambition

Surfers for Autism was founded in Deerfield Beach Fla in December of 2007 with a handful of local surfers. There was a local surf club in Florida. One of the members' brothers was touched with autism, so they got together to take some kids with autism and related special abilities surfing, and the rest is history. Although the SFA has events internationally most of the coordination for an event is on the local community level. While surfing with special athletes is certainly the centerpiece, events have morphed into massive beach parties replete with concerts, catered cuisine, gaming tents and much more.

This Saturday at Tybee Island there will be an activities tent and other resources available. Musician Cody Blake will be performing on the beach, his big brother is one of the participating surfers. In addition Lunch and water for the families will be provided plus the opportunity to enjoy time with other families just like their own. 

The Don Callahan Real Estate Group will be there volunteering this Saturday. Tybee's Surfers for Autism beach festival has an open invitation to anyone.

Photos from Surfers for Autism.

Labor Day Activites

Labor Day weekend is upon us again, they seem to come faster every year! I usually feel pressure from my peers and society in general to have some fantastic plans for the weekend. My plans generally vary from home projects to doing something fun with friends. These weekend the office still filled with boxes of papers calls to me, it's time to finally sort through and either chuck or find room for storing. That leaves some time for fun with friends, but what to do? I've been scouring the internet and local papers to see what is up this weekend. Here are some activities that I can share with everyone. I’m sure there are more and of course there is always the beach and a backyard barbecue. Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

• Tybee Island Labor Day Art Festival: FRI: 6-9, SAT 10-6, SUN 10-5 #7 Cedarwood Dr, by the Lighthouse. Original Art & DIY tie dye for charity, organic food bar, fruit smoothies Savannah Riverfront, The Ultimate Tailgate Party: Multiple games will be playing on three large inflatable screens.
• Relax with a brew: Savannah Craft Brew Fest, 150 different craft brews available for sampling. The Brew Fest will include educational sessions, a corn hole tournament, live music and a brand new cider garden. At The Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Saturday 12:00 5:00 pm
  
• A day at Tybee Island Beach: Free live entertainment featuring the Swingin' Medallions will be playing at the pier pavilion with fireworks in the evening. Sunday 10 am – 7 pm
• Take in a Show: Savannah Live at the Savannah Theatre, 2 hours of high-energy, song and dance.
• Expand Your Knowledge at the Wormsloe Sate Historic Site: Craft demonstrations from the 18th century including woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking, colonial games, candle making and more!
• Take in a game at Grayson Stadium; Saturday first pitch at 6:05 pm with post game
  
  fireworks.
• Oatland Island: Alligator Wetlands is now open, with a brand new resident!
• Humane Society; Last chance to adopt a pet and help the society reach their goal of 787 adoptions to qualify for a grant.
• Enjoy the weather and scenic landscape, participate in a Ranger program at Skidaway Island

Many New Business Open in Savannah GA

We are extremely fortunate to have several grand openings for new business here in Savannah this week. Whole Foods, which opened on Tuesday the 13^th has gotten a lot of press of course. (Review my July 23rd article Retail Establishments Increasing Property Values  here.) However also in the new Victory Station shopping plaza is a Zoës kitchen that will open on Thursday the 15^th.  Zoës describes themselves as having Mediterranean style menu with southern origins.  In fact the kitchen founder’s name sake, Zoe, is from the south and used her Greek heritage for inspiration on the restaurant’s menu. They offer lunch and dinner items for eat in, or take out. The take out can be individual meals, tubs, or for a family of four. If you are having guests in for the upcoming holiday call them for catering. They have four menus or ‘party packs’ that serve up to 10 people. This is another wonderful addition to the already bustling area at Victory Dr, the Truman Pkwy and Skidaway Rd.

More at Victory Station

Also staged to open within the next weeks at Victory Station is the Chipotle Grill and Pet Smart.

Chipotle Grill Mexican Grill is a different kind of fast food chain as their tag line is: Food with Integrity. That means they source organic and local produce when practical, and that they use dairy from cows raised without the use of synthetic hormones. Chipotle also, whenever possible, uses meat from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. This is good news for the growing community of local natural and organic farmers that sell to other Savannah food retailers. As for Pet Smart, this will be their second store in Savannah. There is one located on Abercorn St in the south side of the city.

Grand Opening Sandfly

Just on the outskirts of midtown Savannah lies the charming community of Sandfly, home to the historic site of Wormslow.  In Sandfly at the intersection of Skidaway and Norwood Rd sits Norwood plaza which has been undergoing a facelift this past year. The plaza has attracted to some great new business to the delight of residents in the area. There is a Power Yoga studio, a new Pizza place called Your Pie, and the well-established Cutters Point coffee shop. This Friday the 16^th the plaza will be the location of another grand opening for the store Great Harvest Bread Co., a national Freedom Franchise.  The ‘Freedom’ part means that the local owners get to run their business in a way that meets their community’s unique needs. You can read about the two women owners Janet and LeeAnn here. The Great Harvest Bread Company also has a unique approach to their business. Each morning they fresh-grind premium whole wheat in each bakery and blend it with wholesome ingredients, like yeast, salt and honey. They offer highly nutrient dense breads and sandwiches on a daily basis and each day different breads and sweets. Sounds like a great place to have lunch with a friend.

All of these recent new business can only mean that Savannah is growing, and keeping up with national trends. 

4th of July Celebration in Savannah

When: July 4- 7
Hours: Thurs: 4 -11
Hours: Friday: noon-11
Hours: Saturday: 10 -11
Hours: Sunday: 10-5
Where: Savannah Riverfront
Admission: Free

Celebration Well Known in the Country

On Thursday the 4^th of July the celebration starts at 4 pm on the Rousakis Plaza near River Street.  The Plaza will be filled with artists, local entertainment, and fun for the entire family! Grab your chair (and get there early) to watch the sky light up for the Fireworks Extravaganza on Thursday the 4^th. Relax in the shade of oak trees and sip a cool lemonade with friends in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. Free fireworks display starts at about 9:30 pm. Watch the brilliant display in the sky as the waters of the Savannah River shimmer with color from the eruption of color.

Entertainment All Weekend Long

The riverfront will be celebrating the Fourth of July all weekend from July 4-7! Enjoy artists, local entertainment and fun for the entire family. Live music will be featured throughout the entire festive weekend. On Thursday The Accomplices play at 8:30, Friday and Saturday offers music starting at 3:30, then another musical group at 6:00 and a third group at 8:30. Wrapping up the holiday weekend on Sunday the Magic Rocks play at 1:00 pm.  Friday, July 5th is the first annual Burger Wars challenge.   This head to head competition will feature local Restaurants and be hosted by our favorite Savannah foodie, Jesse Blanco from Eat It and Like It. Savannah Cornhole and Rock 106.1 will be co-hosting a cornhole (also known as a bean bad toss) tournament on Saturday, July 6 at 1 1am on River Street. Teams can pre-register for this competition online at Rock106.1.com.

Insider Tips:

Bring your own water and folding chair! It’s July and it will be hot, your best shot at finding a shady spot is to come early. Remember to bring cash there will be plenty of vendors and great food - not all take cards. Also it’s always faster if you have cash. If you bring your dog, make sure it’s leashed and please remember to bring baggies to clean up after your pet.

Parking

Parking will be tight so try and get a spot early here is a list of lots and garages that are in close proximity to the river:

• Liberty Street Parking Garage – 401 W. Liberty St
•  Liberty/Whitaker Parking Lot – Liberty & Whitaker
•  River Street Parking lot 1 – Banard Ramp & River Street
•  River Street Parking Lot 2 – Banard Ramp & River Street
• River Street Parking lot 3 – Abercorn Ramp & River Street
• Robinson Parking Garage – 132 Montgomery St
• Savannah Civic Center Parking Lot
• Savannah Visitor Center 301 Martin Luther King Blvd
• State Street Parking Garage – 100 E. State St
• Whitaker Street Parking Garage – 7 Whitaker Street

Savannah GA a Great Place To Relocate

Steeped in art, history and culture, Savannah offers a unique blend of bright talent, cool creativity and an exceptionally high-quality of life. With Savannah’s mild climate, fascinating architecture, well preserved history, and southern charm, it’s not a wonder that the Conde Nast Traveler magazine rated the city one of the top ten cities in the USA. (Oct. 2009) The average seasonal temperatures are 66 degrees in spring; 81 degrees in summer; 68 degrees in fall and 51 degrees in winter making outdoor activities possible year-round. Because of that local officials made sure to provide numerous parks in the city so there is always a place to play ball, tennis or simply stroll under the oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

Plenty of Activities

If you enjoy being on the water than Savannah/Chatham county is a the place to be as there are 420 miles of navigable waters twisting through nearly 87,000 acres of tidal marshlands. A fisherman’s dream with inshore and offshore opportunities for saltwater anglers, and plenty of rivers and creeks for the sportsmen who prefer fishing in fresh water. If you are not a water person there are 27 annual festivals that take place in Savannah. Some of the top few are The Savannah Music Festival, which attracts international talent and lasts for an entire week. Other weekend long festivals include the Savannah Film Festival, the Savannah Jazz festival and the 4^th of July celebration on the Riverfront. Savannah is also known for the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration, when local shops close for the day of festivities.

Strong Economic Base

Savannah boasts a flourishing economy balanced on a strong multi-tiered economy that

includes a thriving port, increasing tourism, a stabilizing manufacturing sector and significant military presence. The manufacturing sector is a large part of the economy, with 226 manufacturing facilities in Chatham County producing goods that range from jets to baked goods with annual payrolls totally nearly $700 million. The largest plants include Gulfstream Aerospace, an executive jet aircraft manufacturer; and International Paper, the largest producer of paper for paper bags in the United States. The transportation industry, centered on the Port of Savannah, is a vital element of the economic mix. It is the fourth largest container port in the country, shipping to more than 150 countries around the world. Savannah is one of the south-east’s leading seaports and cargo hubs. Shipping activity is focused on the Port of Savannah, which is supported by two railroads and two interstate highways as well as Savannah International Airport. Tourism is an active and rapidly growing segment of the economy. The city's attractiveness as a visitor destination is enhanced by its charming historic district, accommodations, and accessibility. The city houses two major hospitals employing over 7,700 healthcare employees. In addition Memorial Hospital is a teaching facility. Savannah is unique in having a large tract of waterfront land open for development and located close to the central business and historic districts. Recently completed projects on the tract include the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and Westin Savannah Harbor Resort, a 403-room luxury facility.

Multiple Educational Venues

The educational sector is strong source of employment with 13 colleges offering undergraduate and graduate programs, and 3 technical colleges. Home to one of the largest art and design schools in the country, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers bachelor and master of fine arts programs and graduate courses in architecture. The school is spread throughout the city offering students the opportunity to become familiar with the beautiful city via bicycle. Founded in 1993, the School of Visual Arts/Savannah, part of the School of Visual Arts/New York, awards bachelor's degrees in arts, computer graphics, sculpture, and other arts-related disciplines.

Cost of Living

Savannah is a relatively inexpensive town in which to live and do business. Outlook Magazine ranked Savannah as "one of the top 25 places to live and work." The Savannah metro cost of living index is 93.9. Median Household Income: $46,785. There are approximately 3,103 homes on the market in Chatham County with an average sale price of: $190,765. A destination of choice young professionals are trading in major-metro stress and suburban sprawl for the city’s wide range of cool new and old neighborhoods.

Great Neighborhoods

Mostly residential, Ardsley Park is the poster child for the all-American neighborhood. Laid out in 1910 as a suburb to the downtown district – this area has become a staple for Savannah families and neighborhood businesses. Designated a National Historic District, Ardsley is proud, protected and kept in prime condition. Ardsley Park Area Media Income is $81,000, population. The architecture of the homes in this sought after neighborhood ranges from bungalows and Federal style and some grander colonial styles.

 As part of the famous Low Country of Georgia, Savannah has an abundance of marsh-front and waterfront communities. Collectively they are known as The Islands. Isle of Hope is timeless with its white picket fences, classic cottages and adjoining lanes with river views. Dutch Island is an exclusive, gated community, with roomy homes, manicured lawns and traditional architecture. Long Point is a purely residential, a gated community home to about 150 families situated in the middle of downtown, Southside and the beach. Wilmington and Talahi Islands’ residents are lucky to be book ended by downtown and the beach – each within a 10-minute drive. Tybee Island is Savannah’s only barrier island, boasting 3 miles of surf and sand. An eclectic bunch, its residences are young, old, single, married, conservative, artistic, wealthy, and not so wealthy. And, they all manage to see eye-to-eye on this funky, little isle.

Sidewalk Arts Festival in Historic Savannah

Saturday April 26^th is the Sidewalk Arts Festival, the highlight of alumni and family weekend which enters its 32nd year in 2013. This is a wonderful activity to attend with your family and friends, the SCAD art students paint temporary chalk masterpieces on the sidewalks of historic Forsyth Park. There will be food, music and children’s activities where young artists can get their hands dusty in the children's chalk drawing area. Admission is free, and photo opportunities present themselves with every step.

After snapping photographs of your favorite sidewalk paintings, there is plenty to see and do while visiting Savannah’s historic district, including tours of the historic downtown and SCAD. SCAD — widely recognized for adaptive reuse and urban revitalization — is the centerpiece of Savannah, Georgia, with 70-plus facilities encompassing more than 2 million square feet

The city of Savannah offers several of the most renowned National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. One of those districts is the Victorian district, which surrounds Forsyth Park and is worth a stroll through to see some of the magnificent homes there. Toward the end of the 1800s the beautiful Victorian District was born due to the overcrowding of the Historic District. Highly detailed Victorian and Queen Anne Victorian homes, constructed between 1870 and 1910, were built in a 50-block division. The homes are mainly regal brick mansions to small craftsmen style cottages. Lined with Spanish moss-draped towering Live Oaks and Mulberry Trees, touring this area is like gently strolling back in time. On the Register of Historic Places, Savannah's Victorian District is full of bed & breakfasts and restaurants. One can find some nicely priced Victorian homes for sale in this historic Victorian district.

After viewing some of the beautiful homes in the Victorian district make your way back towards the

park and enjoy lunch or a cup of coffee on Park Ave where The Sentient Bean, and Brighter Day Natural Foods host outdoor seating. In addition Savannah’s Farmers’ Market will be set up in the Forsyth Park parking lot on Park Ave.

The Sidewalk Arts Festival starts at 11:00 and goes until 5:00pm and the Farmers Market starts at 9:00 am and ends around 1:00. It’s a full day of wonderful activities free and open to the public at historic Forsyth Park on Saturday, enjoy!

 

 

 

Earth Day Savannah 2013

OMG!!! Earth Day Savannah on April 20 has everything you ever wanted to know about how to save the Earth. Workshops, a family bike ride, vendors and live music: The Moon and You, the Train Wrecks and Sincerely, Iris. Its Free and open to the public from 11 - 4 at Forysth Park. http://www.earthdaysavannah.org/index.html

The Farmers Market will also be there, as it usually is from 9:00am - 1:00pm.  However, to make room for RecycleRama and other fun events, the market will move a little deeper into the park. Among the many events and workshops, The Farmer’s Market and Mixed Greens will be hosting a “make your own veggie costume” workshop, followed by a parade at 12:30.

RecycleRama held from 8:00 to 11:00 am kicks of the day by accepting unusual recyclables. Drop off by car is on Park St. between Drayton and Whitaker. FYI - Bull St between Park and Anderson will be closed, so there is no parking in that area. Items that can be dropped off are:

• Tires
• Paint
• Batteries
• Electronics
• Motor Oil
• Waste cooking oil
• Expired medications
• Clothing/Shoes
• Misc. itmes for Goodwill

 The weather is supposed to be great, so come on down to the park and enjoy celebrating Earth Day 2013 with Savannah.