The Starfish Café will be hosting their annual gingerbread house competition through December 22nd from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People passing by will have the chance to vote on the best gingerbread house until December 22nd. The houses are created by five students from Savannah Technical College, who in collaboration with Union Mission, Inc. run the Starfish Café.

In April, 2005 the TODAY show kicked off its annual series TODAY Lend A Hand segment. In the series Al Roker traveled to five different cities in five days to help chosen non-profit agencies with items they need for their programs and to also raise awareness of the good works. He started on April 11th in Las Vegas, NV and came across the country to Savannah to wrap up the series at Union Mission, Inc. Although Union Mission is the agency chosen, NBC highlighted the Starfish Café for its extraordinary program. “We chose Union Mission for all the great things you guys are doing, but wanted to focus on the Starfish because we have never seen anything like it,” stated a NBC TODAY Show producer Russ McCarroll, “This is a great program that we see is literally saving lives.”

The Telfair Museum, a Savannah National Historic Landmark building, presents Durer to Whistler: The Art of the Print.

This winter, the Telfair is pleased to present an exhibition of original prints by celebrated masters of the printmaking medium, including Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt van Rijn, and James McNeill Whistler. Drawn from the museum’s permanent collection as well as the John H. Wrenn Collection, generously lent by Mr. Brent W. Taylor, Mrs. Sally Taylor Rush, and Mr. Richard Ford Taylor, this exhibition traces the history of European printmaking through the presentation of the work of some of its most talented practitioners.

This exhibition runs through January 22, 2006. The Telfair Museum is open seven days a week. Rates: Members Free, Adults $8, Seniors & AAA $7, Students $2, Children 6-12 $1, Children under 6 Free.

The premier event on the Champions Tour is heading back to Savannah, Georgia and the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.

Once again, the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf tournament will be held at Savannah, GA, a beautiful city boasting of Southern charm and old-fashioned hospitality. The tournament, scheduled for April 22 through April 24, 2005, will be held at the Club at Savannah Harbor, part of The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia. Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf is the tournament that sparked the creation of the Champions Tour, formerly known as the SENIOR PGA Tour, and it continues to showcase the greatest golfers of yesterday and today, including Palmer, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson and Rodriguez.

Golfing fans – make you plans now to come to Savannah and watch golf legends battle it out for the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf title.

Looking to do something new and exciting this New Year’s Eve. Spend this New Year’s Eve with friends and loved ones by cruising in style. Savannah’s own River Street Riverboat Company invites you to partake in a fun filled evening cruise that will not disappoint.

You will enjoy a southern home style buffet, live entertainment, dancing, party favors and to cap it off, a champagne toast at midnight. While you are enjoying the festivities, you will also enjoy the sights of one of the south’s most beautiful cities.

So don’t spend this New Year’s Eve on the couch! Spend it “southern style” with the River Street Riverboat Company!

Contributed by Aubrey Stringer

The city of Rome, Georgia is going after the Goliath’s of the travel industry, online travel web sites for non-paid luxury taxes collected from their automated reservation service customers that allegedly never end up being paid into state and county coffers but are instead pocketed by these out of state travel tax cheats according to the News-Tribune. 

The city of Rome has followed the lead of major U.S. cities by suing Hotels.com, Cheap Tickets Inc. and a long list of other travel planning Web sites. The lawsuit claims the companies do not pay the proper amount of taxes to the cities and counties where they sell hotel room rentals — including plaintiffs Rome, Cartersville and Hart County.

“Defendants are charging and collecting Excise Taxes from consumers that are not being remitted to (the cities and counties),” according to the lawsuit, which was filed Nov. 18 in the U.S. District Court in Rome. Under the companies’ business practices, they buy room rentals from hotels at a discounted rate and then mark them up for resale to customers, according to the lawsuit. Customers pay the Web site operators a tax based on the full rental price, but the online travel sites remit taxes based on the discount rate paid to the local hotel — and pocket the difference, the lawsuit states.

A word to the wise traveler, national and international travel directory web sites not only do not save you money on your room accommodation in Savannah and other Georgia travel destinations as opposed to dealing direct with the area hospitality industry professional. As often as not they don’t pay the luxury room taxes they are supposed to pay either, something that local hotels, inns, bed and breakfast lodgings, and vacation rental properties have to pay when they assess this 12% surcharge.

Regional travelers from the greater Atlanta area have historically traveled to Savannah looking for romantic weekend getaways and week long vacation retreats. Many of these same Atlanteans may want to choose the Hostess City this holiday season for Christmas and New Years celebrations in a well appointed “home away from home” in the historic district as this Atlanta Journal Constitution article on regional travel ideas points out.

Escape the Holiday rush at Savannah inn

Savannah's elegant Ballastone Inn is offering a Holidays & History shopping package that trims 15 percent off the regular rates of its luxury suites and superior rooms. Forget the shopping frenzy --- this oh-so-civilized package includes full breakfast daily, formal afternoon tea, manager's cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres. Rates start at $265; regular rates are $315 -$395.

Guests can stroll the city's historic squares, visiting shops for distinctive gifts. The inn's 24-hour concierges can take care of tour and fine dining reservations, point you to the area's top attractions and map out shopping excursions. The four-story Italianate mansion is dressed for the holidays with evergreens and bows, Christmas trees and mantelpieces dripping with garlands of pheasant feathers and golden ornaments. The AAA four-diamond Ballastone was named a 2005 "Grand Hideaway of the Year" by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report.

Then again when it comes to saving money on upscale accommodations to fit any budget with cheap hotel rate pricing, check out Savannah Getaways’ inventory of 100+ properties and give their reservation desk a ring to find out about excellent last minute lodging deals for the popular Christmas season with their remaining inventory.  Some portions of the historic district still have a handful of unbooked condo's with remaining availability that can be reserved at  last minute discount pricing.

Savannah and coastal Georgia have long been recognized as a major vacation destination and the resulting tourism dollars fuels a robust economy. This well kept economic secret is becoming less well kept, however, as more reports indicate a surging Georgia Ports Authority presiding over a hyperactively increased shipping center on the eastern seaboard fueling economic growth all across the state of Georgia. Georgia Trend, the magazine of Georgia business and politics documents and spells out why it might be a good idea to relocate to coastal Georgia and participate in the ongoing boom years over the next decade. This insightful article ties together coastal Georgia's climb to the top in imports, job creation across the state, and rapidly appreciating Savannah real estate investments.

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, a total of 18.3 million tons of cargo went through Georgia's deepwater ports in Brunswick and Savannah and inland barge terminals in Columbus and Bainbridge, an 11 percent increase over the previous year. In July, the ports opened the new fiscal year with 19 percent monthly increases in both Brunswick and Savannah, according to GPA statements. A University of Georgia economic impact study says the ports contribute more than 275,000 jobs and $10.8 billion in income across the state. What's behind this remarkable growth?

Meet Doug Marchand, the longtime Galveston, Texas, port director who became general manager of the Georgia Ports Authority in 1995. He's a modest, medium-sized brown haired man who's been criticized by environmentalists on the coast for seeking to deepen the rivers leading to his ports, zinged by legislators in the capitol for spending on lavish meals and hotel rooms in New York to wine and dine customers and skewered a bit by former employees who note his obsessive attention to detail. He's had his face immortalized in the distinctive black and white line drawing of the Wall Street Journal. Marchand took over the Georgia Ports at a time when the West Coast was eating their lunch by heavily importing from Asia. Retailers were complaining that all Georgia did was export regional products and they couldn't get the merchandise they wanted from China and Japan into the state. Indeed, the Georgia ports were dominated by shipping lines that pulled up empty and left with bulk loads like grain and kaolin or container shipments. Now Georgia ranks second on the East Coast in the fast-growing Asian import market - behind only the Port of New York/New Jersey - having convinced retailers that it's faster and cheaper for them to send their East Coast and Midwest bound goods here.

This is undoubtedly one of the reasons that the real estate values continue their contrarian climb in Georgia’s oldest city as more and more Amecians come to this economic power house while the bloom is off the rose on a nationwide basis as real estate values slow down and start to decline.

As more and more Americans adapt to off the scale loss of jobs via outsourcing overseas, a growing number of Americans are becoming entrepreneurial in their cash flow generation approach by adapting to market conditions in their regional geography and opening up hospitality industry businesses that cater to the varied needs of tourists. As rising fuel prices keep tourists closer to home, life’s savings are flowing into visionary and creative alternative travel industry business plans as varied as the boomers that implement these plans.  Necessity being the mother of invention, if you don’t already live in these vacation destination corridors, your first order of business is to purchase that second vacation home as a recent Myrtle Beach area guide article outlines

Why The Boom Will Continue

Prices of new oceanfront condos have increased over $100,000 in the past two years and many homeowners are concerned that current levels can not be sustained. Despite the rapid appreciation in recent months, experts believe the real estate market will continue to boom for another ten years.

Prices of new oceanfront condos have increased over $100,000 in the past two years and many homeowners are concerned that current levels can not be sustained. Despite the rapid appreciation in recent months, experts believe the real estate market will continue to boom for another ten years.

The North Carolina Association of Realtors reported a 68.7 percent boom in home sales between 2001 and 2004, with the dollar value of those properties up 72.5 percent over the same period. Baby Boomers from across the country and Canada were the most significant factor in the increase. Walter Molony of the National Association of Realtors said that although beachfront all along the East Coast is in high demand, the Carolinas were among the cheapest, and very popular because of price and location.

And once you have the second vacation home to live in (assuming you have not already sold your primary residence outright prior to moving to the mountain or  beach destination of your dreams), you are then free to open up that connoisseur wine shop you always wanted to operate, or direct that specialty eco-tourism mountain guide service that you could operate in your sleep, or co-ordinate that destination beach wedding reception and ceremony for 100 or so guests, or – well you get the picture.  In today’s risky economy a leap of faith and a well thought out calculated risk must work hand in glove when it comes to delivering one to the promised land of economic well being and preferred life style choices.

With local Real Estate power house, Mopper-Stapen’s planned renovation of Liberty Street’s historic icon Drayton Towers drawing closer to implementation floor by floor, Savannah Morning News' Bill Dawers brings up to the minute insight on how all of this is playing out in the “Hostess City” in his “City Talk” column. The restoration and upgrading of this coastal Georgia high rise urban property with it’s unseemly façade by affluent investors will undoubtedly result in displacement of our lower-income residents within the district.  But the change to the structure will be a welcome one for tourists and local Savannahians alike.

Drayton Tower is currently occupied, of course, but it definitely needs restoration. You're all familiar with the stained exterior with replacement windows that don't match the original tinting, but there's also the old carpet, the rickety elevator, the shabby lobby, the lack of sprinklers, the 50-year old electrical system, and on and on.

It's a shame to see cheap rental property disappear from downtown, but it's pretty obvious that Drayton Tower's current use prevented the kind of upkeep the building requires.

Some Savannahians will no doubt always resent the presence of such an imposing example of International Style architecture right in the middle of the Historic District, but I suspect that the building will gain a lot of new fans once the exterior is cleaned up and the windows are standardized.

Those lucky enough to live inside may have to work around a few posts that support the concrete core and get used to relatively low ceilings, but they'll have spectacular walls of windows in every room. And they'll also be right there on Liberty Street, with a host of services and restaurants literally a few minutes' walk away. For those who want "urban living" in Savannah, it's hard to imagine a better spot.

Now that the real estate bubble is slowing down in vast parts of the country and coastal Georgia’s own real estate boom continues unabated as it climbs to reach median levels with the rest of the country, the gentrification issue that has emerged in urban America over the past 30 years not only remains unresolved but will continue to come up again with the rapidly disappearing remaining inventory of structures that are still in need of renovation within the 2.4 square mile landmark historic district.

The historic district of Savannah has long been noted for the many artists and galleries that can be found scattered out amongst the trendy lofts and historic townhouses of the district as is immediately evident to the many leisure travelers walking these hallowed streets downtown seeking that artistic treasure to carry back home. Husband and wife Eugene Horne and Mary Ann McDonald opened up their Horne and Thistle Gallery in the past few months not only becoming the most recent addition of trend setting historic district galleries but a distinctly unique one as well.

As their web site explains, the original concept of their Savannah, Georgia art gallery germinated in Maine where the couple has lived for the past eight years prior to moving here this past summer. With an extensive background working with artists over the years, artists and art patrons alike will not want to miss meeting Gene at this weekend’s reception. In addition to that food for the soul that art provides for all of us being offered up by the gallery on December 11th, refreshments will be served for those in attendance this weekend as well. So support the arts and help keep Savannah’s track record intact of historically putting patrons and artists in touch with each other by showing up this weekend at the Horne and Thistle Gallery located at 424 East Oglethorpe Street. For details, call (912) 232 – 3322.

Forget surfing the net looking for the next E-Bay wanna-be auction site, the truly adventuresome traveler rewards that inherent hunter/gatherer gene with searches far and wide in person while undertaking adventure vacations (translation – shop till you drop in antique and specialty boutique stores while seeking that gotta have collectible gift this holiday season).  Discerning shoppers might as well head to Savannah’s historic district in general and Wright Square in particular to take in the fourth annual open house December 9th.  And while you are at it, check out seven year old A Fine Choice for a well thought out selection of European styled collectible gifts such as Italian porcelain, Polish mouth blown glass, paper weights from Scotland, fairies, angels, cranes, rosary, fish, fantasy gifts, yard, and indoor decorating.

Many of the people that come to us compare our shop to a European gift shop that offers a unique and large selection of unusual items. For the local shopper we have a wide variety so we can provide you with "that special gift".

If you are pushed for time just call us ahead and we will have it ready for curbside pickup. We can also deliver to downtown hotels and ship to your home or business. We offer a lay-away service.

The Merchants of Wright Square have been noted by Yuletide tourists in prior holiday seasons to provide the traditional “ambiance of the season” every Christmas Shopping Season with an abundance of “Holiday Cheer” for all.  To find out more about Wright Square's Open House, you may call (912) 650 – 1845.

A new museum featuring family oriented and educational exhibits and programs opened it’s doors to the delight of tourists and residents alike on Hilton Head Island at the St. Andrew-By-The-Sea United Methodist Church according to the Island Packet.

The much-anticipated Sandbox interactive children's museum opened Monday, when about 60 children and their adult chaperones attended a gala ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new non-profit activities center on Pope Avenue. The museum is housed in a building owned by St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church, and church members have been instrumental in making The Sandbox a reality.

At the opening, Kim Likins, The Sandbox's executive director, thanked all the volunteers who worked to raise money and build the 11 interactive exhibits and read a letter of heartfelt appreciation from a Hardeeville mother and preschool teacher who attended one of four "test run" birthday parties held at The Sandbox over the weekend.

"If we have achieved this result in such a short time, we have succeeded," Likins said. The museum's mission is to offer opportunities for positive child development through play and provide a place for families to spend time together and get to know other families, she added.

Looking for some educational and deeply fulfilling activities to promote interactive bonding between parents and younger children to do on your next beach vacation trip to our popular lowcountry South Carolina/Georgia vacation destination?  Look no further than the Sandbox to scratch that ”raise them up straight” itch.

Each and every year for over a century, Mysterious Santa has visited Savannah area hospitals and nursing homes so that no one spends Christmas alone.  The Savannah Morning News had this to say in 2001:

Before heading back to the North Pole, the jolly one has parked his sleigh at local hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living residences to brighten up Christmas Day with something more valuable than any packaged gift.

Words of comfort, welcome hugs hello, glad smiles, and hearty "ho ho hos" are dispensed like toys from his sack to folks who might otherwise be forgotten on Christmas Day.

Still on the job when most figure he'd be heading to some sunny spot, Mysterious Santa visits Savannah's ill and elderly.

Legend has it, Santa says, Savannah businessman Eugene Smith started the tradition in 1903.

While spending Christmas sick and alone in the hospital in 1902, Smith prayed if he recovered he'd make sure nobody would be alone on Christmas again. The following year, Smith is said to have spent all day visiting with sick patients. Ever since, Mysterious Santas have continued the tradition.

There have only been three people who have worn the head Santa suit in all this time and their identities remain a mystery. 

The Mysterious Santa program is funded by contributions.  Those wishing to contribute can make checks payable to Mysterious Santa Program and mail in care of Linda Larson (Mysterious Santa treasurer) to 12471 Northwood Road, Savannah, GA 31419. 

Eco-tourists travel to Savannah and surrounding coastal island destinations in ever increasing numbers to watch dolphins and whales frolic in these teeming coastal waters but every now and again, human activities put our finny friends at risk as reported by a recent Associated Press article.

An endangered right whale got entangled in a fishing line off the south Georgia coast just days after arriving off the coast of south Georgia, where the species calves each winter.

The whale was spotted trapped in the lines Saturday by researchers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, who tagged it with a telemetry beacon.

Only about 300 of the whales remain, and environment officials go to great lengths to protect them. Maritime laws restrict boating in known calving areas and communities run programs to teach recreational boaters to look out for the massive mammals.

Still, boat collisions and fishing line entanglements are the species' greatest threats, said Clay George, the state's marine mammal biologist. "It's not just one animal that this problem represents," said George. "The reason we go to these great lengths to free an animal is since there are only 300 whales, each individual whale is very important."

Conservation offiicals with the State of Georgia will continue to work to free this majestic creature from the fishing line entanglement.  Tourists are always welcome to our popular Georiga beaches and the numerous and varied eco-tours are recommended to our visitors.  This potentially tragic whale sighting is not on that recommended eco-tourism list, however.

When it comes to the dance of choice in the low country along the Heritage Corridor in the Carolinas and northern Georgia, this part of the country has long been known for it’s unique two step dancing technique known as "the shag" that is typically danced to “beach music.” This popular music was written and performed throughout the southeast in general and the low country coast in particular where the shag was perfected in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. As more and more people follow the sun and relocate to the low country from around the America’s, dance instructors are having a field day teaching young and old alike how to dance to the newly emerging accepted dance of choice, Ballroom Dancing, featuring the Latin influenced cha-cha, merengue, and salsa.

According to one competitive ballroom dancer, “if your only exposure to ballroom dancing is through the popular TV show, Dancing with the Stars, you haven’t really seen a complete competition” as there are traditionally 40 or so dances that competitors go through. Dance studios are on the rise with robust attendance at three local dance centers in Savannah, Bluffton, and Hilton Head. Dance competitions are featured throughout the country by local chapters of The United States Ballroom Dancing Association which provides competitive outlets for the more serious dancers. Think you might want to try it? Locals and visitors alike coming to the “Hostess City” are signing up for 40 minute long private and group dance lessons that cost just $15 to $70 per session. And as a final encouragement for you die hard shag "wanna be" dancers that never got around to learning this southern favorite, shag and foxtrot lessons are available as well.

Savannah’s first wine bar, Venus de Milo, celebrates the New Year and it’s birthday by opening their doors free of charge.

Serving more than 130 wines offers something for everyone. They are known for their “Venus White Chocolate Martini” and mojitos (a Brazilian drink made with rum). Cheese plates featuring exotic selections such as Cottswold (an English cheese infused with scallions) and Wensleydale (infused with cranberries) are served as well.

Venus is known for its exciting parties and history of supporting local charities with such events as Winter Hooch & Pooch and Dog Days of Summer. These events invite you to bring your favorite pet and have drinks and dog biscuits to support local pet charities.

Venus de Milo is available for Christmas party rental and features an intimate VIP room for small gatherings. Call (912) 447-0901 for more details.

Located in Savannah’s Historic District on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard near the City Market area, Venus is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Mary Grosse had her son’s go out and sell boiled peanuts to beach goers on the weekend’s coming to coastal Georgia’s premier summer vacation destination, Tybee Island, and a family tradition was born. The boys made between $50 and $75 per week in the days that this was significant income even for her pre teenage boys and not just peanuts if you will pardon the pun. The boy’s with Mother Mary’s help managed to save about $500 apiece per summer selling peanuts and an expanded plan was formed to open their own business, the proceeds of which would pay for the boy’s college education.

Hence in 1971, the savvy mother Grosse borrowed $5,000 to go along with her son’s $2000 in the purchase of the bankrupt Sugar Shack Ice Cream Parlor that they reopened with a Breakfast and Lunch area as well as a newly constructed kitchen, outside patio, and inside eating area. And the rest is now history as the many years of returning patrons can attest to year after year. Son Bruce, who not only lives above this beach eatery but also manages it indicates that he will stay involved with the day to day operation of this Tybee Island institution as long as the “heart and soul” Mary Grosse wishes to maintain the family tradition. And this is good news indeed for the many Sugar Shack patrons with a sense of history.

Entering the lobby of this newly remodeled theatre you'll be whisked back to the 1950s era with the vintage art deco style which is decorated for the season.

You'll hear many of your favorite Christmas songs including "White Christmas", "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside".  The musical arrangements will reflect a 1950s sound. 

There will also be a medley of Elvis Presley's most popular Christmas hit and a surprise appearance by Santa.

Call (912) 233-7764 to join in this great holiday experience.

Heralded by the arrival of this past Thursday’s full moon, coastal Georgia waters in general and Savannah’s myriad creeks and rivers in particular report optimum conditions for a month long fishing spree for the hard core saltwater angler. Even with the northeast winds limiting most open water fishing thereby forcing anglers to fish more protected rivers and creeks, tides are expected to remain at good levels (eight foot levels expected early next week) with water temperatures continuing to drop. This combination should not spawn normal muddy water conditions, typical of warmer weather months. Much of December is expected to continue to produce excellent tide depths unless severe cold temperatures are experienced. And these are the saltwater conditions that are currently being enjoyed by the spotted sea trout, instrumental in attracting this species of game fish to our protected coastal Savannah environment.

Anecdotal reports from this past weekend indicate that many coastal anglers limited out on trout and bass with one fisherman remarking he had never seen so many small trout for this time of year. A smattering of red drum and even a few whiting were being taken as well, this past weekend. While the greater number of fish are being caught on live shrimp of which there is an abundant supply this year, there is also a significant number of fishermen trolling these waters with great success when it comes to catching trout on artificial lures.

If you are planning to run in the annual Savannah River Bridge Run tomorrow, you need to pick up your race packet today. Scheduled events include a Kiddie Run to start at 8:00 AM, a 5K Run/Walk event slated to start at 8:15 AM, and the main event 10K run, starting at 8:45 AM. Both the 5K and the 10K races will start across from the Chatham County Court House on Montgomery Street, with the 5K race ending on Bryan Square on Hutchinson Island the 10K race ending in front of the west side of the Savannah Civic Center. There will be a first, second, and third place award this year for the most creative costume worn during the race.

ESRBR race director Robert Espinoza (owner of Fleet Feet Sports, Savannah – unofficial race headquarters) has added a new dimension to this year’s race. He has coordinated a run to take place simultaneously in Iraq with some of the local runners stationed at Hunter Army Airfield who will not be able to run in this year’s event as in previous year’s due to their military commitment in the middle east. In order to run their race simultaneously, the Iraqi race participants will be looking at a 4:45 A.M. start time. It remained uncertain how many Hunter Airfield participants would be running in Iraq due to the late recruiting drive initiated within the past few weeks.

Following this year’s races, participants and race spectators alike will be able to walk over to the Michelob Ultra Party Village stretching from Liberty Street to Broughton Street along the Montgomery Street corridor through the historic district.

On December 3rd, the Savannah Waterfront Association will present Holiday on the River on Historic River Street.

Featuring Arts & Crafts and holiday entertainment from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and The Holiday on the River Lighted Parade beginning at 5:30, this is sure to be entertaining for the entire family.

Join Savannah in celebrating this holiday season and get down to River Street on December 3rd for a full day of festive activities.

For more information call (912) 234-0295.

More than 700 slaves were freed from plantations in Colleton and Beaufort counties in what is believed the first uprising led by a woman in recorded United States History. The fiery abolitionist Harriet Tubman  was a courageous emancipator that walked her talk by leading these daring raids with the hated “Yankee Army” of that war of occupation from a Confederate perspective. In 1989, preliminary studies undertaken by the South Carolina DOT (Department of Transportation) revealed Confederate earthworks and an old African American cemetery in this long abandoned low country area in close proximity to the planned expansion of Highway 17.

With the highway 17 widening project back on track, archeologists hired by the DOT recently have discovered artifacts that came from the house or tavern in close proximity to the ferry crossing where Tubman and her black Union soldiers surprised Confederate forces, the slave holding south’s worst nightmare of that emotionally charged time frame. DOT officials and archeologists have been poring over centuries-old maps, conducted underwater and soil tests, and most important of all discovered artifacts that confirm the great historical significance of this almost forgotten river crossing area that led south to Savannah just a short journey down the road.

Now that the DOT believes it knows the actual location of the historic ferry crossing made by ex slave Tubman and the accompanying Union forces at this important embarkation point along the legendary Underground Railroad made up of safe houses and secret passages, a very important piece of little documented African American history can be better understood and shared with history lovers of our generation. The actual recommendation by a private firm of historians working with the DOT that this area be designated by the State of South Carolina as the Combahee Ferry Historic District would go a long way towards paving the way for having this area listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Beginning on December 2nd, the fourth annual Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley Tour offers plenty of holiday cheer and historical facts.

The two-hour tour will feature decorated homes and squares with two stops – the Isaiah Davenport House, where riders will see a snapshot of how holidays were celebrated in the 1820s, and a stop at the best place to get a sweet treat in Savannah, The Savannah Candy Kitchen. While cruising around downtown Trolley guests will be invited to sing Christmas Carols and Santa and Mrs. Claus and Norbert, the Head Elf, will climb aboard and talk about the history behind many holiday traditions.

The tours will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, December 2-4 and December 9-23.

When it comes to preserving and maintaining massive environmental friendly tracts of land by keeping them from being developed, it would appear that Georgia understands what is required for implementing the necessary checks and balances required for maintaining wildlife areas in the midst of popular tourism destinations within the Peach State. Georgia’s State Properties Commission recently approved an initial $4 million in bond money that will become a new wildlife management area administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

The Nature Conservancy’s Georgia Chapter is also stepping up to the plate with a $3.6 million donation towards this $13 million final price tag on this important flood plain around and adjacent to the Altmahaha River, the second largest watershed on the eastern seaboard in the continental United States. This important swath of land is important as a habitat to an estimated 130 species of plants and animals that live within this acreage on both land and water. Once the land is fully under control by the state of Georgia, an estimated 14 miles of riverfront land will be protected which includes the actual habitat for extremely rare animals such as the swallow-tailed kite, gopher tortoise, and eastern indigo snake. This important low country swamp land will be made available for hiking and wildlife observation as well as limited fishing and hunting opportunities for the sportsmen under a carefully controlled permitting process.

On January 5, 2006 join the rest of Savannah in welcoming Hal Holbrook to the Johnny Mercer Theatre for his one-man show, Mark Twain Tonight!

Mr. Holbrook becomes one with his character and before you know it the actor is gone and the audience is completely under the spell of his alter ego, Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, as he comments on the contemporary American scene. 

Mr. Holbrook has won both a Tony and an Emmy for this performance.

Don’t miss the debut of Mark Twain Tonight! in Savannah. Tickets are $47.00 for the floor, $40.00 for mezzanine and $30.00 for balcony seats. Contact the Savannah Civic Center Box Office at (912) 651-6556 or (800) 351-7469 for tickets.

That old saw, “the more things change, the more they remain the same” might have been describing Savannah’s trendy retail district on Broughton Street and all the changes this Hostess City icon has witnessed over the past hundred or so years. Since the early twentieth century, Broughton has been noted as Savannah’s premier shopping corridor with many department stores lining her streets. As the urbanization of America moved into high gear in the late 60’s and 70’s, Savannah watched the migrating department stores be replaced by a robust African American retail district that catered to a predominantly black clientele. After a brief period of stagnant retail growth along this decaying strip of buildings lined through fare, the mid 90’s witnessed a resurgence of Broughton Street via the refurbishment and renovation of an ever growing number of retail storefronts.

As we come full circle into the modern day 21st century tourism driven boutique shops and eclectic restaurants interspersed amongst the Savannah College of Art and Design complex and the City of Savannah Public Service buildings, this storied street once again resembles the shopping corridor of yesteryear. Today, Broughton Street boasts 102 new business openings since 2000, $93 million invested in acquisition and rehabilitation of infrastructure since 2000, and a four fold increase of appraised property values since 1986 of a whopping $158.7 million in Broughton Street buildings. The founding fathers have been well served with the implementation of this historic refurbishment of what is arguably Savannah's most important street with apologies to Bay and River Streets.

Paula Deen has been serving it up on the Food Channel since 2002. She was quickly embraced by fans. Her cookbooks have been bestsellers and her restaurant, The Lady and Sons, is an extremely popular local Savannah attraction.

Now, the Food Channel is offering diehard fans an opportunity to bring Paula Deen into their home with their 9-DVD set of Paula’s Home Cooking. The set includes Sweet Treats, Holiday Celebrations, Celebrate with Friends, BBQ, Summer Treats, Outdoor Eating, Country Store, Country Specialties and Specials from the Sea.

Each disk contains three episodes and never-before-seen footage. The set is regularly $149.85, but is currently on sale for $99.95. It will ship by 12/20/05.

This is the perfect gift for those Paula Deen fans on your Christmas list!

Jekyll Island turns into “Holiday Island” beginning November 26th through January 1st, 2006. This six week celebration kicks off with Community Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. There will be food, hayrides, children’s activities and music. The night will end with Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the tree and a fireworks display.

In the weeks following there will be Christmas Light tours, crafts, storytelling, chef demonstrations and bingo with Santa.

On December 3rd, the Festival of Tees Golf Tournament will be held, which is the Georgia PGA Junior Tour Championship on the Pine Lakes course. About 50 boys and girls will participate.

On December 6th, Holiday High Tea will be served in six courses including savories, tea sandwiches, scones with cream and preserves, an assortment of petite pastries and a great cup of tea to top it off. Reservations are required. Call (912) 635-2600 for more details.

Jekyll Island will be celebrating in the spirit of Christmas all month long, a great treat for whole family.

Several Old Town galleries located on Boundary, Calhoun, and Church Street held a very successful night of art appreciation for patrons and art lovers, alike, on November 17th while displaying over 600 original pieces of work. With many of the artists in attendance at individual galleries such as Society of Bluffton Artists, Pluff Mudd, Calhoun Street Gallery, A Guild of Bluffton Artists, and Preston’s Studio, refreshments were also served to the attendees.

It is estimated that in excess of two thousand people showed up this year, making it even more successful than last year’s inaugural event, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to see how the new growth in the Old Town section of Bluffton is coming along with the uniqueness of the new stores have to offer the holiday shopper. In addition to the artworks on display, many antique stores, jewelry, furniture, floral arrangements, clothing and more for the “discretionary buyer” were on display according to an BOTMS spokesman.

The Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia expects a few hundred representatives from various organizations to attend the early December meeting at Savannah’s DeSoto Hilton off Madison Square said chair Rod Musselman, also general manager of the DeSoto. It will be the group's second tourism summit and the first in Savannah. Chairman Musselman indicated that representatives from hotels, convention and visitors bureaus, as well as banks and corporations from all over Georgia will be present. "Anyone who is affected by tourism is welcome to the summit," Musselman said.

More than 6 million people visited Savannah in 2004, according to a recently released report from the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the same time, Savannah's direct travel expenditures reached $1.7 billion. Tourism is one of the three leading sources of income for the Savannah area, with the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Georgia Ports Authority counting for the other two sources of revenue making Savannah a wonderfully diverse model of a thriving coastal Georgia economy. Michael Plummer, President of the Savannah area Tourism Leadership Council said he was "thrilled to death" to have the summit in Savannah, and would have TLC representatives in attendance. "It's a great opportunity to get some attention with our legislation groups and state government," Plummer said. "It will do wonders for Savannah. Savannah Getaways urges other hospitality industry professionals to be in attendance at this important meeting.

The popular TLC show “Trading Spaces” is heading to the Hilton Head area to shoot an episode in mid-January.

Homeowners up for the challenge will need to apply by December 5th. The producer for the show expects about 25-35 applications.

“Trading Spaces” gives a budget, professional designer and carpenter to two neighbors who have 48 hours to redo a room of their choice. On this show, the better you know your neighbor the better off you will be. The neighbors, with the help of the professional designer, will choose paint color, flooring, window treatments and accessories for each other.

If you have a room in need of a makeover and a trusted neighbor who needs the same, apply by e-mailing sfinne@banyan.com.

If you're looking for the finest South African food possible, look no further than Zunzi’s Takeout. According to their web site, this African restaurant prides itself on consistently bringing the Savannah, Georgia, area the exotic flavors of South Africa. "Let your taste buds embark on a fantastic journey as you feast upon our smoked pork chops or our South African pies”, their web site goes on to say, “we offer a variety of other foods such as spaghetti and Indian curry stew. The authentic food and great prices found at our family-owned-and-operated African restaurant make us the ideal place for you and your family to visit.”

Offering a variety of your standard deli sandwich fare, the ethnic dishes that are also offered are outstanding in both presentation and flavor with a smattering of Indian, Greek, and Italian cuisine, make sure you try the house specialty of South African dishes – well worth the adventure for first time diners.

Paula Deen and her brother “Bubba” will be presenting A Southern Thanksgiving Buffet on Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House.

Adults prices will be $19.99 and children under 9 will be half price. Uncle Bubba’s is located at Highway 80 at Bryan Woods Road. Call (912) 897-6101 and make your reservations now, this is sure to be a great Thanksgiving meal.

“Tucked in the heart of the South Carolina sea islands between glimmering marshes and deep water, nestled between the silvery moss draped limbs of massive live oaks, you will find the Penn Center – the site of one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves and one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today.”

Located on St. Helena Island, one of the most beautiful and historically distinct of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Penn Center sits at the heart of Gullah culture, on the 50 acres of the historical campus of Penn School. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974, it is a part of the Penn School Historic District which has nineteen separate buildings on these hallowed historic grounds including the Brick Church and burial grounds, Gantt Cottage which once housed Martin Luther King, Jr., one of St. Helena Island’s oldest buildings, Darrah Hall and a myriad of other eco-tourism attractions such as Chowan Creek, a nature trail, acres of pines, and indigenous flora and fauna representative of your typical low country barrier island ecological system - some of the above material reprinted with permission of The Penn Center Museum from their web site.

The annual Holiday Tour of Homes in downtown Savannah, GA is scheduled for December 10th and December 11th, 2005.

The tour is a fund-raising activity of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and is a self-guided walking tour of historic homes and properties in downtown Savannah. The funds generated will support, preserve and enhance projects in Savannah’s Landmark Historic District.

Three separate tours will take place; the first on December 10th from 12:00 Noon to 4 p.m., an evening candlelight tour on December 10th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the last on December 11th from 12:00 Noon to 4 p.m. Each tour will feature different private homes. Most of the homes have 8-12 steps to climb for entry, so unfortunately they are not wheelchair accessible.

Well supervised children are invited, but no strollers or children that must be carried. No cameras or videotapes are allowed inside the homes.

A special exhibit of Nativity Sets from around the World will be held in the weekend before and the weekend of Thanksgiving: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - November 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27, 2006 in the Clare Booth Luce Library. There is no charge for the exhibit. Contributions are encouraged to help build the collection and cover the costs of the exhibit. Tours will begin at the Abbey Store. Those interested in purchasing Christmas themed gifts may wish to consider selecting from some of the many Nativity Sets from around the world for sale, as well as other distinctive products for your Christmas shopping.

Located on the banks of the Cooper River in low country South Carolina, Mepkin Abbey can trace the American lineage of this renowned abbey that resides in close proximity to nearby Moncks Corner to American patriot, Henry Laurens (one-time President of the Continental Congress) as well as to the noted philanthropist publishing family Henry and Claire Booth Luce who purchased the property in 1936 and later donated a large portion of their property to the Abbey of Gethsemani in 1949, for the purpose of founding a monastic community.

Shortly after the Luces purchased Mepkin in 1936, Mrs. Luce commissioned the famed landscape architect Loutrell Briggs to create the Mepkin Gardens. They were renovated in 1988 through the vision of Nancy Bryan Luce, wife of Henry Luce III. Thousands continue to visit these historic grounds and to stroll through these Gardens each year. Don’t miss this inspiring exhibit this holiday season along the Heritage Corridor in coastal South Carolina.

Some friends of mine posed the following question: "We were thinking of Savannah for St. Patrick's Day, but instead we decided we'd rather visit when things are a little more 'normal' --- quieter and more laid back, if you know what we mean. What do YOU think is the best time?" This question came to me from someone who has "done" St. Patrick's Day, Savannah style, and is going to be vacationing next year with some friends who've not been to Savannah before.

True, I told them, Savannah is a blast around St. Patrick's Day, but for a more leisurely taste of the local culture and scene you might want to try another time. Like when? Absolutely the most gorgeous time of year, weather-wise, might easily coincide with Savannah's fabulous Music Festival. The other reason this is a great time is that Savannah does get real gussied up (like the beautiful Southern lady she is) for the huge crowds that visit each year's St. Patrick festivities, and the Music Festival follows immediately on its heels; the squares and gardens are all looking their best. Other considerations: less hassle enjoying River Street, less hassle parking around town, no problem getting seated at restaurants. It truly IS a kind of "best of both worlds" situation.

So my out-of-town contingent IS coming into Savannah the week AFTER St. Patrick's Day and is already picking their entertainment choices from the Savannah Music Festival Ticket Online brochure. Wondering myself how many of the Music Festival Patrons come from outside Savannah, since it seems like such a good idea for vacations here, I asked the staff at the Festival offices. The answer came back: "The number of 'visitors' to the festival is 46% of all attendees."

So... "doing Savannah" at Music Festival time is an idea whose time has come! That means it's not a moment too soon to make plans for the 2006 Festival; it runs from March 17 through April 2. And for those traveling in groups, like my friends, it's time now to find accommodations in Savannah. One way to have that "togetherness" experience and maximize the opportunity for relaxing in a home-like atmosphere before and after the Festival events, is to find just the right-sized, and right-style, and right-priced leisure rental for your party .... on Savannah Getaways.

Wait a minute? Did he say March 17 is the Music Festival opening date? I sure did, and guess what? That is St. Patrick's Day in 2006. So let me submit another idea for your consideration. Come for St. Patrick's Day, and stay for the Savannah Music Festival. It doesn't get any better than THAT, in terms of the whole Savannah experience. See you at a concert or two (and maybe the St. Patrick's Day Parade, too, for that matter). Better get in a hustle though on reserving your accommodation as many vacation rental properties, hotel rooms, historic inns as well as bed and breakfast lodgings are rapidly disappearing as the early vacation planners are snapping up remaining inventory as we speak.

Contributed by Tom Mott, owner of listing # 1010 on Washington Square and listing # 1033 easily viewed on the Savannah Getaways web site.

The Savannah City Council has approved a three-year lease with their minor league baseball team, the Savannah Sand Gnats, to continue playing at Grayson Stadium.

The Sand Gnats owner, Jon Simmons, has spoken with the city about upgrades to the 64-year-old ballpark including new seating, improved lighting, etc. The city will wait for a specific list of upgrades the team needs to operate before making any decisions.

The Sand Gnats will pay the city $10,000 per year as well as 3% of food and drink sales and 30% of all concession sales for city events. The team has the right to sell food and beverages at events in the stadium other than games.

On the evenings of December 17th and December 18th Fort Pulaski will host the annual Candlelantern tours which recreate the confederate Nog party of 1861. This has been a Savannah tradition for over a decade.

Guests will enjoy cookies, hot cider, music and merrymaking. Staff will be dressed in period clothing and will conduct tours of the Fort.

Due to limited tickets for each program you should make your reservations early. Festivities will begin at 6:30 and 8:00 on both evenings. Reservations will be taken beginning November 1st and ending December 9th. The cost is $3.00 for adults; children under the age of 15 enter for free. Everyone must have a ticket.

Call the Visitors Center at (912) 786-5787 between 10:00 and 4:00 for ticket information.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa will present the 5th Annual Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 26th at 6:30 p.m.

The evening will start off with a holiday tree lighting on the Westin’s River Lawn. The 25 foot tree will be a sight to see with over 22,000 lights. After the lighting a cannon will be fired to indicate the beginning of the parade.

The parade will officially kick off the Savannah Harbor Holiday Series at the Westin. Bring the family to watch over 60 festively decorated yachts and sailboats as they compete for various titles. The decorations are fantastic and watching the lighted boats go by on the Savannah River is truly a spectacular sight. Following the parade of boats will be a dazzling fireworks display.

Call (912) 201-2062 for more information.

Spend Thanksgiving on board the Georgia Queen or the Savannah River Queen with a special dinner cruise. On Thursday, November 24th the River Street Riverboat Company will take you out on the high seas for a traditional Southern Holiday buffet and entertainment.

The two hour cruise will set sail at 2:00 and 6:00. The rates are $43.95 for adults and $27.95 for children 12 and under. Children under 3 are free.

The menu will feature turkey and ham, sweet potatoes with praline topping, dressing, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, baked rolls, holiday dessert, coffee and iced tea.

Call the River Street Riverboat Company at (800) 786-6404 for more information. Don’t wait too long, though, this is bound to sell out fast.

Built circa 1842, three dozen volunteer archaeologists recently sought to “seek a better understanding of the (historic McGrath-Scheper house) site, which has been occupied since before the Revolutionary War” last month. This was the second time in the past four years that foundation members had been allowed to assist archaeologists by working sided by side with these professionals on an historic site during the exploratory digging and screening process. And more of this type activity will undoubtedly be undertaken in the quest to both learn more as well as to preserve the wealth of antebellum homes in Beaufort’s Historic District just a 45 minute drive north of her larger and better known sister city Savannah, Georgia.

The Historic Beaufort Foundation was organized in 1967 by a group that earlier banded together in the 1940s to save the Lafayette Building, as HBF's flagship historic property, the John Mark Verdier House, was then known. As the "Committee to Save the Lafayette Building," they rescued the ca. 1801 Verdier House  from demolition. This same group of farsighted local citizens recognized that the historic buildings and settings that define the character of Beaufort were threatened and they began the long-term effort to inventory and document the city's historic resources. The first inventory, conducted in 1969, was successful in the nomination of the 304-acre historic district to the National Register of Historic Places that same year. In 1975, the district was named a National Historic Landmark, one of the first three in coastal South Carolina. 

For more than 50 years now, the most well known fly fisherman is undoubtedly the sport’s icon, 80 year old Bernard “Lefty” Kreh. Maryland native Kreh, is an accomplished writer as well as fly fisherman having spent a career starting in 1951 as a sportswriter for such well known publications as the The Baltimore Sun, The Miami Herald, and The Florida Sportsman Magazine which he co-founded. Lefty has authored more than twenty books including his two best known salt water fishing tomes of “Saltwater Fly Patterns” and “Fly Fishing in Saltwater.” Mr. Kreh’s many contributions to the sport of fly-fishing are documented by his induction in 2003 into the Interntaional Gamefish Association Hall of Fame.

His latest seminar at the exclusive Oldfield Plantation includes his timeless wisdom with the many tips being shared with his apt listeners. One such tidbit being the fly fisherman that can readily fish salt water areas such as river, bay or ocean, can far more easily fish freshwater streams and lakes due to greater difficulties the salt water fly fisherman has mastered such as larger fish, heavier tackle, stronger winds, and rougher water than those faced in the typical freshwater fishing environment. Lefty's Deceiver, his timeless fly pattern creation (honored in the form of a stamp by the U.S. Postal Service in 1991) was the star of his seminar as he demonstrated his repertoire of casting techniques for novice and pro alike.

Are you a pet lover?  Can’t go on vacation without bringing the four legged members of the family?  Savannah Getaways has a number of accommodations throughout the historic district that welcomes your furry family members!

Listings 1000, 1001, 1008 and 1010 are just some of the great properties that are pet friendly you can choose from for your stay.  With quick access to the parks and squares your pets can also enjoy the beauty and convenience of the historic district.  So for your next visit to Savannah go ahead and plan to bring your entire family.

If you look at the grand historic inns, bed and breakfast accommodations, and garden hotels in the Savannah historic district, you would assume, like many others that this sort of accommodation is outside your budget. However, you would assume wrong! You can find good hotel accommodation deals in the historic district, assuming you are willing to think out of the box and raise your standards a bit. How about considering an upscale private historic townhouse instead? And this “self catered accommodation” would probably cost you less money but yet be far roomier than one of the above traditional historic district lodging options. Our vacation rental homes also offers you far more amenities than you normally expect in a bed and breakfast inn.

Abercorn Townhomes, Suites, and Condominiums rewards not only the weekend getaway couple looking for that intimate romantic suite but larger parties for traveling to the historic district in the low season by offering nice savings over high season rates. As noted by Conde Nast and Trip Advisor when referencing Savannah’s “top 10 vacation destination” status in the USA, there are travel deals to be found out of season. It helps to know which upscale properties are offering the best out of season deals and which properties are not. Automated reservation software will never take the place of an informed reservation desk in those instances when it comes to making an informed decision about which vacation rental property will best suit your individual budget and amenity requirements. So when planning your next trip to the Savannah historic district, give our Savannah Getaways reservation desk a ring and let one of our hospitality professionals put together the appropriate condominium with the required amenities at the right price. Call us today at (866) 690 – 2074 if planning a trip to “The Hostess City.”

The Tybee Marine Science Center is home to a variety of local species from the land, marsh, shoreline and reef. The Center is now looking to expand in its mission to promote “the appreciation, conservation, and understanding of the marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia through education and service”.

There have been negotiations regarding a property trade that would allow the center to build its new facility next door to Tybee Lighthouse. The center’s current building is a former police station next to the Tybee pier and Pavilion.

The 7,000 square foot center is visited by many students from the surrounding areas each year as well as locals and tourists.

Walking tours along the beach and marsh, a sea turtle project, interactive classes and aquariums with turtles and fish are a just a few of the features at the Tybee Marine Science Center.

Savannah City Council has raised taxi rates with built in automatic annual rate increases. The rates will increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index, which will help offset the rising gas prices and operational costs.

This is one of the first cities in the country to have this formula of automatic increases. Rate increases will go into effect each March 1st.

Taxi riders in Savannah will now pay $3.50 for the first mile and $1.80 for each additional mile.

The new ordinance will also allow taxi drivers to park, one per block, to save fuel. There had been previous complaints that there were not enough taxi stands around downtown Savannah so most drivers had to continue circling to pick up customers.

The Halloween Special of the Sci Fi Channel's Ghost Hunters, was entertaining, as well as extremely scary. TAPS investigated one of the most significant historic houses in the United States, the Sorrel Weed House. "Bader's House" on the episode, Grant Wilson and Jason Hawes meet the owner Steven Bader, who tours them through the beautiful Savannah mansion, which was the first home in Georgia to become a registered state landmark.

Bader seemed to be somewhat of a skeptic, as he gives Savannah history tours through the Sorrel Weed House, and candlelight tours in the evening. Bader recalled the historic account of a slave who had died a traumatic death in 1861, following the suicide of Francis Sorrel's wife, who had jumped from the second floor porch two weeks earlier. An EVP was recorded in the 8th hour of their investigation, with an African American woman screaming......Get out....Get out....Help me, my God, my God. The TAPS team said it was the most significant EVP they had ever encountered. A man was heard with the woman, but his words were inaudible. Other significant evidence which had been gathered was for some reason not aired, so hopefully it will come out on a later episode.

Owner Steven Bader does not appear to be a skeptic now. He appeared pretty set back after he heard the woman's very audible screams, and he just wanted to "be alone". Bader plans to incorporate the evidence into his evening walking tours of the squares, and his home.

The final case was of the Moon River Brewing Company, and 1820's building on Bay Street. The manager walked Jason and Grant through the historic building, and the TAPS team went to work. They found shadows, an ascending mist, and a weird object moving on tape in the cellar. On the Ghost Hunters. The conclusion of the TAPS team was that in both cases, paranormal activity had occurred.........something one rarely hears them say.

The TAPS crew seemed to confirm Savannah as being the most haunted city in the United States, and it was an entertaining as well as a very strange episode.

Talk about your eclectic mix of bar patrons, newly opened “neighborhood watering hole and restaurant” Jen’s and Friends easily fits that description with a nice mix of early evening on into the night patrons comprised of bankers on their way home after work from their Johnson Square work place, shorts and sandal clad tourists, early night club goers, and the pre-requisite SCAD students easily filling this 40 seat historic district bar and grill. Mixing an affordable dining menu with a heavily laden offering of sandwich and salad fare along with a broad array of drink offerings, J and F’s opens for business at 3:00 PM on most days.

This intimate bar is tucked away between the Savannah Coffeehouse Café (7 E. Congress St.) and Inga’s Casual Elegance (32 Bull St.) in the well traveled northern aspect of the corridor between River St. and Forsyth Park. Jen’s and Friends strong suit is arguably affordable beverages via their featured drink specials and reasonable prices for their sandwiches ($6.00 to $8.00 price range). So prior to heading out for your next night on the town in the historic district, you may want to plan to stock up on tasty vittles here first as well as get that early leg up on your first evening beverage.

On November 7th, 1861, the river borne battle of Port Royal Sound revolutionized naval warfare and gave the victorious Union Navy a strategic toehold in capturing the important southern city of Beaufort, South Carolina it was to hold for the remainder of the Civil War. This early battle has been deemed by historians as one of the most important battles of the Civil War where one of the largest Union armadas of the entire Civil War commanded by Commodore DuPont brilliantly kept his armada’s ships from being fired on by the two defending Confederate Forts, Fort Beauregard and Fort Walker, but for a few minutes at a time via a well planned battle formation while in turn rendering the cannon at each fort inoperable in a mere four hours of combat.

Two well known local historians, Lawrence Rowland (author of “The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina” and Stephen Wise (director of the Museum at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot on Parris Island, South Carolina) will provide lectures on this historic battle. In addition to the boat cruise and the lectures, there is a box lunch offered to passengers that book this cruise. The cost is $95 per person. To book your reservation, call (843) 521 – 4147 or (843) 208 – 8247.  Book your last minute getaway to nearby Savannah to take advantage of both the Civil War "battle cruise" and the Historic District for a history filled weekend getaway.

Savannah native assumes the pulpit of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s former Atlanta church. Reverend Raphael Warnock is the new senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church and understand that he has taken leadership over a church that means a lot to people all over the world.

The 119-year-old church is where Martin Luther King, Jr. preached, making the church a home base for the civil rights movement in the South. The original building draws tourists from all around, but the sanctuary is too small to hold services so Reverend Warnock will be preaching from the newer sanctuary.

Warnock attended Morehouse College and eventually went on to study at New York City’s Union Theological Seminary. He was most recently senior pastor at a church in Baltimore. He comes from a family full of pastors including his father, mother and sister.

Celebrate Halloween and Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday on October 31st and November 1st in Savannah, Georgia.

The founder of the Girl Scouts wrote “I was born on the night when witches, imps and fairies roamed the earth!” From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, tour her childhood home at 10 East Oglethorpe Avenue and learn more about this incredible woman – her funny side, her artistic side and her strong spirit and determination.

Low had a ritual that she followed every birthday - she stood on her head just to prove that she could.  Guests are invited to do the same.

Guests who come in costume (no face masks) will receive a ticket discount.  All guests will receive Girl Scout Cookies, a rare treat for this time of year!

Music lovers will certainly want to check out the Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Combo joint concert in the AASU Fine Art’s Auditorium, November 1st at 7:30 pm. The address is 11935 Abercorn St.

The Armstrong Atlantic State University Department of Art, Music & Theatre is a thriving fine and performing arts department nestled in the south side of scenic Savannah, Georgia. Minutes from the breezy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the quaint charm of the historic district of downtown Savannah, AASU fine arts students enjoy a largely sunny and temperate climate in which to find artistic inspiration.

Students within the arts, and also from other majors on campus, have the ability to participate in more than 100 performances and art exhibits annually.

So don’t miss out on what promises to be an exciting night for anyone who truly appreciates good music!

Contributed by Aubrey Stringer

This luxurious carriage house, located just behind the main house on Broughton Street, features a gourmet kitchen with intimate dining setting, Jacuzzi, leather sofa and a great, comfy queen size bed.

You can park your vehicle in the garage located below the carriage house and stroll just a few short blocks to River Street and enjoy the street performers, artists, shops and huge ships going by.

It doesn’t get any better than this to set the mood for a relaxing, romantic vacation for two, with emphasis on pampering like never before.

The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation will feature an art exhibit by Savannah native Sonya Walker from October 30th to December 11th, 2005.

The exhibit will feature a series of watercolors dealing with the subject of family and history that documents the day to day lives of family members. The art work acknowledges the contributions made to our country by African Americans and reflect positive depictions of African Americans.

Sonya Walker was born in Savannah in 1962 and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design for a year, majoring in Illustration. She is the owner/operator of Sonya Walker Fine Art in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to the curator of the Might Eighth Air Force Museum (located just off Interstate 95 close to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport), “everybody knows about Rosie the Riveter but until a few years ago, they didn’t know about the WASP pilots.” That is all now going to change as The Mighty Eighth Museum will open it’s “Fly Girls of WWII” exhibit in honor of the dedicated women pilots of that war time era. Although these accomplished aviators never actually flew in combat theaters of war, they performed in a number of other invaluable ways including towing airborne targets behind warplanes, ferrying aircraft to military bases, and even trained the male pilots in how to fly the planes themselves.

After completing the loop of the popular original war museum, visitors can now take in the museum’s east wing which features life like period feminine manikins as well photos of smartly dressed younger women in military jump suits and goggles flying aircraft over land and sea. Thanks in large part to the gracious donation of the James Cox Foundation, women pilots during the war will be preserved at the museum for the viewing pleasure of the hundred thousand plus history loving guests that visit this museum each year.

The 2006 Savannah Music Festival is scheduled to kick off on St. Patrick’s Day with an impressive line-up of musical guests.

Emmylou Harris, the great folk, pop and country artist, will be headlining the Festival. Some of the artists joining her will be classical pianist Andre Watts who will be performing at the Johnny Mercer Theater on March 19th, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, classical guitarist David Russell, bluegrass band Biscuit Burners and jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon.

The Festival showcases a wide variety of musical genres in various venues throughout Historic Savannah.

Also, for the second year in a row the Savannah Music Festival will be conducting a TV commercial contest. The first prize is $1,000. Entries can be submitted to the Savannah Music Festival website.

Local Savannahians as well as tourists to the historic district will have a new source for organic fresh fruit and vegetable, cheeses, wine, beer, and gourmet non-perishable foods at the 318 E. Broughton St. location of this health food loving shopper’s complex this coming Christmas season. Re/Max realtor Diane Berryhill envisions a European styled market, not to be confused with your garden variety grocery store on her planned December opening.

Joining Berryhill in this undertaking will be mid town’s Carraway Café with their second location debuting on the first floor of this market with plans to offer “gourmet to go” meals including pasta’s and salads. The second floor the complex will house a restaurant featuring “upscale southern cuisine” according to co-owner’s Robyn McArthur and Tony Wiggins. The complex is adjacent to Berryhill’s historic Berrien House that will be renovated as well with a planned first floor tea house and four residential units situated on the second floor. This “fresh market” complex within the historic district should prove to be an important resource for our many Savannah Getaway guests as they are within easy walking distance to what is arguably the most popular strategic location to stay at when visiting the historic district in close proximity to River St. from upscale affordable historic townhouses.

The MTV reality show “Making the Band 3” features a talented singer, dancer and native of Savannah, GA, Chelsea Allen.

The show shines the spotlight on 19 girls who live together and compete for pop stardom, all under the watchful eye of Sean Combs (now known as Diddy).

Chelsea Allen, mother of two, went to the open call in Washington, DC and waited in line for three hours. More than 10,000 contestants later she is one of the final 19 girls chosen to live in a New York City SoHo loft to compete for a chance to make her dreams come true.

Biologists recorded over 1200 plus separate sites of loggerhead nests with as many as 120 clutches of eggs in some of these coastal Georgia nesting sites this nesting season. With the sea turtle nesting season almost over, this is a short term improvement over the dismal 2004 season. Georgia beaches are host to approximately 1.5 percent of the overall loggerhead hatching grounds annually in the United States with the vast majority of these turtles laying their eggs on the more preferred southern lying Florida beaches.

All thirteen of Georgia’s barrier islands reported increased activity over last season with many of the loggerheads well on their northward bound migratory cycle now that the egg laying season is over. At least two of the tagged turtles have reached waters off of New Jersey all ready based on telemetry tracking data on a dozen female loggerheads by the Wildlife Resources Division satellite telemetry research project. It is hoped that this research will ultimately lead to having the Loggerhead sea turtle removed from the endangered species list as a result of restoring this important turtle back to the numbers it enjoyed prior to 1978. To find out how you might participate as an eco-tourist in this important recovery effort, visit the Eco-Explorers web site to learn about visiting Wassaw Island as a volunteer in 2006

On a recent "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" a Missouri family got to spend some well-deserved vacation time on Hilton Head Island.

In 1995 the Teas family – Paul, Cyndy and their two children – bought a rundown camp in Purdy, MO. Slowly but surely they updated the camp to make it accessible to children with all kinds of disabilities. They emptied savings accounts, retirement accounts to make Camp Barnabas a reality.  The camp is now thriving, but the Teas' home has not gotten the attention the camp has and is need of improvement.

While "Extreme Makeover" was busy rebuilding their house and renovating the camp, Hilton Head Island generously put a vacation package together for them.

Area businesses came together to make sure that the Teas’ family had a relaxing, worry-free vacation. The vacation was designed and provided by Hilton Oceanfront Resort. They received oceanfront accommodations, on-site food and beverages, activities, etc. Area businesses donated goods and services during the family’s stay.

The Savannah Concert Association recently released the schedule for the 2005 and 2006 chamber music season that will be scheduled at the Lucas Threatre for the Arts located at 32 Abercorn St. in Savannah’s historic district. Early indications are that tickets are selling well to view scheduled acts such as Vassily Primakov, Charles Wadsworth and Friends, The Fischbach Quartet during the coming season.

Savannah College of Art and Design's contribution in supporting the performing arts in Savannah's historic district once again proves to be a real boon to music loving tourists visiting the historic district during the coming chamber concert season.

A plan to demolish a former service station on Drayton Street which has been sitting vacant since the mid-80s was turned down by The Historic District Board of Review.

The 78-year-old building, which was added to the historic building list in 2002, was determined to be a rare example of early 20th century gas stations by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office.

The Savannah College of Art and Design, former owners of the building, have a reputation of restoring, renovating and maintaining dozens of buildings throughout the Historic District.

Currently under contract to purchase the building from SCAD, Carson Co. had plans to build three, three-story townhomes on the site. It looks like those plans may now have to change.

The visionary Starland Center for the Arts that started out several years ago as a renovation of the abandoned early 19th century Starland Dairy building that operated from this block long location close to Bull and 40th Streets continues to expand and grow as the gentrification of this area of Savannah's Victorian district now encompasses 34th Street to Victory Drive and Abercorn to Barnard Streets. With plans for a mixed use of arts formatted retail space and residential condominium use, the two story condo’s are being offered in the $159,000 to $250,000 price range.

Plans for the renovation of the 17,000 square foot Doyle Building located at 41st and Bull Streets, while not near as far along as the Starland Lofts project, are none the less well underway with a completion date hoped for by August of 2006. This project will feature ten mixed used condominiums as well. The competitive pricing of these two projects in close proximity to the historic district provide a nice counter point to the soaring pricing of other underway building condo projects being offered at two to three times more within the landmark historic district.

Do you or your pets do any unusual tricks? If so, the Late Show with David Letterman wants you.

David Letterman’s crew will be invading Savannah on Saturday, October 22nd to hold auditions for upcoming Stupid Human & Pet Tricks segments. The audition will take place at Chatham Furniture from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

You can call 1-800-PET-TRIK to qualify for an audition. The trick must be safe, fun and unique. Animals must perform voluntarily and be treated humanely. All types of animals are welcome.

Take those tricks you and your pet have been performing for family and friends and cash them in for a free trip to New York to meet Dave!

Both tourists and local Savannahians in the historic district may have lost Liberty Deli underneath the Drayton Towers recently, a well known affordable eatery at this popular location but there will soon be another eating option, namely J. Christopher’s Restaurant just a block east of the old Liberty Deli location in the 100 block of East Liberty St. Formerly an old auto repair shop, the new location currently being renovated will feature a Breakfast and Lunch menu at an average price of “eight bucks” according to local co-owner Christopher Brogdon.

The menu will feature breakfast and lunch items such as banana-nut pancakes, breakfast burritos, eggs benedict, grilled portabella sandwiches, and salmon salad. Locally produced art will enhance the interior décor and plans remain to keep the rolling door open and available so that restaurant patrons can eat outdoors on pretty days. We expect to see plenty of SCAD students interspersed with the prerequisite "snowbird" tourists wintering in Savannah dining al fresco on our balmier winter days this winter season after J. Christopher's grand opening.

The 16th Annual Savannah Folk Festival was held this weekend. The three-day event was presented by the Savannah Folk Society and featured great artists from a variety of folk music’s subgenres such as bluegrass and Americana.

This year’s event featured Jesse Colin Young of the Youngbloods, blues artist Kate Campbell and Jack Williams. There were also newcomers Robin and Linda Williams who are featured monthly on “A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor”.

An auction was held which featured guitars signed by Ricky Skaggs and Charlie Daniels.

Check out the Savannah Folk Society website for information on other music events held throughout the year.

Some people still think that an adventure holiday is for the super fit or for kids. In Reality, there are adventure vacations for every kind of person. After all, what is an adventure other than a new experience in an unexplored place? Of course one form of adventure holiday is quite physically demanding - it could involve mountain climbing or cross country skiing for example. But another adventure holiday could be visiting an unusual part of the USA where tourists are just a little bit out of the ordinary, and you choose not to stay in huge and expensive resort hotels.

Adventure vacations can be about discovering new experiences while discovering your physical limits. Or it could be about both. To book the trip of your dreams, first establish precisely what you want to do. Have you always longed to ride in a hot air balloon? Investigate local low country resources that offer hot air balloon rides.  Want to spend three days exploring the Savannah River with the River Keepers, camping at night in remote spots on the Savannah River (or staying in a more comfortable motel a little further ride inland – your call to make) before finally docking at bustling River Street in the historic district of Savannah? Maybe you just want to become more familiar with our desolate Georgia coastal barrier islands and their Geechee inhabitants with their 200+ year old West African heritage. This can all be set up as well, you just have to think out of the box a bit in putting all of these component side adventure trips together.

For trips like this we here at Savannah Getaways can help in that we can customize a personalized getaway of slightly more adventurous trips such as the above mentioned balloon rides over Savannah, excursions down the Savannah River, or day long trips to remote barrier islands only accessible by boat to our popular Southeast United States tourist destination. And of course this also means that you may get to stay in more interesting private self catered accommodations rather than a hotel room and visit sights that are off-the-beaten track far removed from the normal crowd of tourists.

Working with us here at Savannah Getaways, we can always create a hybrid adventure vacation so that you can get the best of both worlds--a stimulating mental journey and a physically challenging one, too—combine both types of holiday. Visit an exotic location like the Heritage Corridor here coastal Georgia, then explore it on foot as well as by car or tour bus.

In August 2005, The Fresh Market opened their doors in Savannah, GA. If you’ve never been to a Fresh Market store before you are in for a real treat!

This store conveys the atmosphere of an old world European market, from the old style butcher shop and fish market to the bakery to the produce and floral stands. You can sample free fresh brewed coffee as you stroll down the aisles, taking your time to check out all of the unique items offered.

The Fresh Market first opened their doors in 1982 in Greensboro, NC. The goal was to provide a small, local grocer type feel selling wholesome foods at a reasonable price. Gone were the prepackaged meats, seafood, produce, bakery and deli items.

This Saturday, October 15th there will be a chef cooking demonstration at The Fresh Market in Savannah. This demonstration will be on how to prepare Blackened Steak with a Cabernet Blue Cheese Sauce. This event will take place from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary.

Looking for a little romantic ambiance to get your significant other in the mood?  Look no further than romantic Savannah. Weekend getaway couples in search of a little amore, continue to flock to the historic district in ever increasing numbers and some local hospitality industry professionals believe that this emerging demographic might be due in part to an increase in intimate romantic suites that are being set up to attract these honeymooning couples. A key component of many of the new properties coming online here at Savannah Getaways is the prerequisite oversized Jacuzzi baths in many of the suites and self catered accommodations being offered to our "top ten" vacation destination here in coastal Georgia.

Keep an eye on the Savannah Getaways web site in the coming months as more and more upscale properties near completion and many of these romantic accommodations will be offering honeymoon suites with individual Jacuzzi baths as one of the basic amenities for your lodging convenience during your visit to the historic district. One historic eight-suite Bed and Breakfast that is now nearing completion after close to three years of renovation is strategically located on a major square and will feature an oversized Jacuzzi bath in every suite as well as balconies overlooking a well designed sprawling courtyard with exquisite landscaped terraces and individual sitting areas throughout. If planning your own personal romantic getaway or honeymoon, don’t be bashful about asking questions at our reservation desk. In all likelihood we have the answers you want to hear.

The Savannah Film Festival is scheduled to kick off on October 29th and the final plans are now coming together.

Peter Falk was scheduled to be a guest, but due to unforeseen circumstances he will be unable to attend. Instead, Jeff Daniels, who has starred in such films as Terms of Endearment, Dumb and Dumber and Because of Winn-Dixie, will be on hand to receive an Achievement in Cinema Award on October 31st at Trustees Theater. Following this will be a special screening of his film The Squid and The Whale.

On October 29th director Sidney Lumet will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has directed such movies as Serpico, Murder on the Orient Express and Dog Day Afternoon. Following this event will be a screening of the film Good Night, and Good Luck, the film directed by and featuring George Clooney.

Ellen Burstyn (The Last Picture Show) will also be honored, as well as Natasha Richardson (The Parent Trap) and James Franco (Spiderman). Other films being screened are Capote, White Countess and The Ape.

Events are subject to change.

The City of Bluffton located in close proximity to Savannah just across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge is sorting through the bids submitted this past summer by twelve qualified developers to turn the one square mile “Old Town” section of our South Carolina neighbor into a tourist attraction with a stated goal of maintaining the charm and integrity of this area as it exists today.

Initial plans call for the Old Town historic district to be anchored by a planned free standing shopping area of several thousand square feet in size housing boutique shops on the main ground floor with above ground space being utilized for lofts for private residents. While not planning to have a Beaufort type historic district like her River Front neighbor to the north, Bluffton is planning to preserve the best of her historic features in this planned historic district overlooking the May River. Stay tuned to this Blog as plans for Bluffton’s Historic District become clearer over the months ahead.

In 1994, John Berendt spent some time in Savannah and wrote a book you may remember, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Since that time John Berendt has been piecing together his long-awaited new offering, The City of Falling Angels. This is a work of nonfiction, featuring real names.

Set in Venice, this book bears a resemblance to Midnight with its colorful cast of characters, including the city itself. As he did in Savannah, the author spent a great deal of time in Venice and three days prior to his arrival the historic opera house, La Fenice, went up in flames and many rumors were floating around about the cause of the fire. This event provided the opening for the book.

John Berendt admits many similarities between Savannah and Venice, calling them “marvelous, magical” cities that are beautiful and isolated, steeped in tradition.

This book is a great follow-up to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Let’s hope we won’t have to wait another 10+ years for his next adventure.

Starting with Oktoberfest and the renowned wiener dog races on River Street last weekend and picking up speed right on through this weekend with tourism friendly events such as “Picnic in the Park” at Forsyth Park, a saltwater fishing tournament off the Georgia coast, a history loving celebration of colonial era Savannah’s favorite adoptive son Count Casimir Pulaski’s re-interment on Monterey Square, and a nearby tour of upscale homes on Hilton Head Island just up the coast, there is no mystery as to why Savannah remains a “top ten tourist” destination year after year. Coastal Georgia’s Heritage Corridor delivers natural beauty in a history rich setting along this scenic stretch of coastal waterway with the most unique cultural heritage tourists are likely to find on the eastern seaboard over this hundred plus mile barrier island border state corridor between South Carolina and Florida.

In keeping with that diverse mixture of tourist attractions, nature and bird lovers from all over the world have been taking advantage of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail’s third annual “Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival” which ends today with featured inexpensive tours of out of the way sanctuaries such as Blackbeard, Wassaw, Cumberland, and Little Tybee Islands. Headquartered on Jekyll Island, this eco-tourism event has quickly become a favorite day trip among outdoor enthusiasts with excursions to abandoned rice plantation fields along the Altamaha River as well as opportunities to spot rarely seen raptors such as eagles, hawks, and the only eastern seaboard home of the turkey sized game bird, the chachalaca, which was introduced less than a century ago to remote Sapelo Island. Just one more reason to plan your next fall getaway weekend to coastal Georgia with the Peach State’s many scheduled October festivals and events.

This beautiful home has been featured in the National Historic Registry of Homes and features hardwood floors, Pulaski furniture, a great footed tub and fireplaces. Outside, you will find a brick courtyard with life size statuaries and a gas grill for your cookout needs.

Parking is provided for three vehicles. Your cars will probably spend most of the time in this parking area as you will be within walking distance to most downtown attractions.

Get your group together and take advantage of this lovely Historic home!

The Savannah Redfish Rally kicks off tomorrow and will feature cash awards of $1000, $500, and $250 for the top three winning fish in both the men and women’s division with a Georgia Lifetime Sportsman’s License and rod and reel the top prize for junior anglers. The event is being hosted by Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Skidaway Institute for Oceanography. The Skidaway Institute on Skidaway Island will serve as weigh in center and fish will be accepted for weigh in by water or land at the facility.

Points will be given for spots with one spot on each side of the fish counting as one point. A total of two extra spots will be awarded for all fish that are alive and in release condition. The entry fee for this tournament is $50 per adult and $10 per junior anglers (14 and under). Registration forms are available at most coastal Georgia fishing camps, marinas, and sporting goods outlets along the coast. The Peach State Reds Initiative is a five year project to determine if stocking hatchery-reared redfish is feasible in Georgia.

Count Casimir Pulaski’s remains were delivered once again to Savannah’s historic district by a local funeral home this past Saturday, when a hearse pulled up to the Ship’s of the Sea Museum for the first of ten days worth of Pulaski Jubilee Celebration events. Savannah’s favorite adoptive patriot will lie in state on successive days at First African Baptist Church, Christ Church, Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Temple Mickve Israel, St. Johns Episcopal Church, until spending one day lying in state at Battlefield Park as re-creators re-enact the battle of the siege of Savannah where Pulaski was mortally wounded defending our colonial era city against the British.

The final resting place of Count Pulaski will be in the northwest corner of Monterrey Square once a planned funeral procession starting at 1:00 P.M. winds through the historic district following a 11:15 Memorial Mass on Sunday October 9th at the Cathedral of St, John’s The Baptist prior to delivering his remains to Monterrey Square for a 2:00 PM funeral. A dedication ceremony is planned for Monday, October 10th following by a picnic in Forsyth Park, dancing and an exhibition by the 9th Pulaski Calvary Mounted Regiment.

Savannah’s first clue that the Historic District Board of Review might be changing their direction to a degree in their approval process was when the Jepson Center for The Arts that sets on Telfair Square with it’s glass walls and ceilings started going up. Due to be completed in 2006, this building characterized by some local Savannahians as “Rooms to Go” on Telfair Square will be part of the Telfair Museum of Art. A recently announced planned facelift for Liberty Street’s International Drayton Towers, another glass façade high rise built in the 1960’s, confirms that it is suddenly hip to be different when it comes to what goes architecturally downtown.

The latest evidence that this new direction of the heretofore staid Historic Foundation’s enthusiastic unanimous final approval for the 150 room hotel dominated by a metal and glass tower overlooking the planned location close to City Market. The Inn at News Place will be erected where the old Savannah Morning News parking lot stood at Jefferson and Bryan streets. This striking facility will undoubtedly add to the overall reconstruction of that part of the historic district adjacent to the also planned Phoenix like re-emergence of Ellis Square from the same site that the parking lot that replaced her 50 years ago currently sets. The old parking lot will be torn down after the first of the year and replaced with underground parking. Apparently growing weary of cookie cutter less expensive versions of 19th century architecture that does not quite live up to their 19th century counterparts, the historic review board is instead opting for contemporary structures. The blend of 21st century construction within the district is undoubtedly what the doctor has ordered for the ongoing renovation of Savannah’s famed historic district.  After all to truly create an historic district over hundreds of years, it is important to introduce tasteful renditions of one era with another era in a seamless manner.

The hits just keep on a coming, one could say, when it comes to Savannah’s historic district providing the appropriate backdrop for making a movie or shooting the latest segment of a cable television show for one’s fans. We already knew about the Learning Channel’s “While You Were Out,” segment shot at our Savannah Getaways listing # 1026 a few years ago as well as that same Channel’s “Trading Spaces” Jones St. location segment shot just a few doors down from listing # 1011 last year. No surprise there that Savannah’s historic district would attract two different television shows about remodeling as if Savannah is about one single thing, it would have to be about renovating creaky old homes that have fallen on bad times back to their historic luster they once enjoyed.

Well it seems that Savannah’s Hostess City charm with her well known romantic ambiance is once again the darling of Cable Television as both the Travel Channel’s “Stranded with Cash Peters” and the Sci Fi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” are the latest two cable programs to get in the act with recent episodes of their respective shows shot there in the past few months. The Travel Channel’s offering of “Stranded with Cash Peters” features British transplant Cash Peters being stranded from one episode to the next without any money in popular vacation destinations throughout the USA. The Savannah episode starts with Peters being dropped off at the Savannah River’s Talmadge Memorial Bridge and picks up steam from there with cameo appearances at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Lady Chablis, and Club One just to name a few. This show initially aired in late September with repeat airings scheduled right on through October.

The Ghost Hunters spent the past week shooting a special segment due to air on Halloween Night at Madison Square’s Sorrel-Weed House, wrapping up their shoot this past weekend on Saturday night with an interview of owner Steven Bader about the nature of the spirit activity at this well known antebellum mansion. Be sure to tune in for the show’s Halloween Gala to learn more about Savannah’s status as the “Most Haunted City in America”.

This Saturday, October 8th, come to Forsyth Park and join the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs/Leisure Services Bureau for “Picnic in the Park”. There will be orchestral music and a picnic contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top picnics. Prizes include:

1st Prize: An Evening on the Town – tickets to CHI at Lucas Theatre on November 18th, gift basket from Cobblestone Conch House, carriage ride, gift certificate to La Boheme Café and Wine Bar.

2nd Prize: Literary Package – tickets to concert, year subscription to Secrets of the South Magazine, gift basket from E. Shavers Book Seller, gift certificate from Soho South Café.

3rd Prize: Family Package – tickets to Sand Gnats games, gift certificate to Leopold’s Ice Cream and Barnes and Noble, movie passes.

The pre-show will begin at 4:00, Picnic in the Park Orchestra starts at 7:30. Picnic registration is from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. and judging begins at 5:30 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

If everything goes as planned, Paula Deen will now be taping all of her Food Channel shows at her Wilmington Island home. She announced her decision back in late August at the Southern Governors’ Association. The annual meeting showcased Georgia’s home-grown talent.

When she and her husband decided to build their home they included the huge gourmet kitchen with the intent of moving production of her show there. Previously, most of her cooking segments were taped in Milbrook, NY, the home of her producer Gordon Elliott.

Gray’s Reef is one of the largest near shore live-bottom reefs of the southeastern United States. It is a popular site for recreational fishing and sport diving along the Georgia coast.

Located off Sapelo Island the Reef encompasses 17 square nautical miles of live-bottom habitat, which is a series of rock ledges and sand expanses that has produced a complex habitat of caves, burrows and overhangs that provide a solid base for the sessile invertebrates to attach and grow.

For the past two years Gray’s Reef has hosted an Ocean Film Festival in Savannah. The festival screens 25-30 films over a three day period and feature question and answer sessions with filmmakers.

Book lovers will want to make E. Shavers their first stop on their tour of Savannah.

Located on the ground floor of the Shavers’ Historic District home, E. Shavers offers a wide variety of local “goodies” including books, historical maps and notecards. There are also current bestsellers, cookbooks, books for the kids and much, much more. The ladies at E. Shavers, including Esther Shaver herself, are quite knowledgeable in all things Savannah, so feel free to ask them any questions you have.

Be sure to check out the books by local authors and books about Historic Savannah, Georgia, both signed and unsigned, over the fireplace as you enter the shop.

Enjoy the unique experience of being on vacation, yet feeling like a local in your own condo, apartment, townhome or vacation home away from home.

For instance, you can request this spacious garden level apartment from which you can take morning strolls over to lively Forsyth Park, less than two blocks away. You could also use the two bicycles at your disposal to get around the city as many local Savannah residents do.

This one bedroom, one bath apartment includes many beautiful Victorian antiques, a shared private courtyard with a gas grill and off street parking (a rarity in Historic Savannah). There is also a sleeper sofa for parties of more than two.

With shops, restaurants, Forsyth Park (great for kids), art galleries and much, much more nearby, this would be ideal lodging for your next vacation in Savannah.

The University of Georgia's public saltwater aquarium exhibits display organisms typical of the various habitats that are found along the coast: the tidal creeks of the salt marshes, the ocean beaches, and the open waters of the continental shelf including "live bottom" areas such as Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Fourteen exhibit tanks hold 200 live animals that represent approximately 50 species of fish, turtles, and invertebrates found along the Georgia coast.

Museum display cases on the upper level exhibit fossils of sharks, giant armadillos, whales, mastodons, wooly mammoths dredged from the Skidaway River. Native American artifacts dating back to the "Guale" era of Georgia's prehistory are also on exhibit, as are sea island grass baskets crafted by the Gullah residents of Sapelo Island. This area is also used as an exhibit area to display photographs and paintings by local artists.

And while you are there by all means, check in on the herd of new born seahorses that the aquarium staff has become increasingly more proficient in maintaining the survivability rate with in their ever increasing herd of sea ponies. These creatures are the real crowd pleasers at the aquarium as they whir and dart around in their tanks snapping their snouts forward to gulp down tiny crustaceans as they come floating by. Native to Georgia waters like all the other aquarium residents found here, the lined seahorse is the only one of the 35 variety of seahorses world wide to be found here.

Ready to hire a good local captain for your next fishing charter while visiting Savannah? Assuming you have a half day or full day set aside, here are a few tips that should serve you well. Don’t always hire a guide on price alone. A good rule of thumb is the less expensive the captain is, the least amount of fish you will likely catch. The better captain is typically found waiting at his boat for your party of anglers to arrive and ready to cast off, not vice versa. His rods and reels are in good functioning condition for the day’s fishing.

Once underway, both the captain and the mate will be quite forthcoming about where you are fishing, how they rig, and will let you hook the fish. They will make sure you want to eat the “keeper fish” you catch to begin with, otherwise they will release your catch along with any other undersized or marginal fish caught. And one final tip, even if you want to fish in your own boat, there are many captains that will hire out to come with you which is a great way to learn if you are equipped with the right tackle and instrumentation.

Treat yourself the next time you’re in Savannah and stop by the Savannah Day Spa. This is the very same spa where Jennifer Lopez was said to spend a day while she was in town with Ben Affleck (do we remember Bennifer, part 1?).

There are many different experiences available at the spa, including massage, manicure, facial, cellulite treatment, waxing and makeup application. There is also a treatment package for men which includes a sport facial, massage and manicure, so take your spouse for a relaxing day together. 

So, start your vacation off on the right foot and begin relaxing immediately with a luxurious day at the Savannah Day Spa, located in the heart of Historic Savannah.

Chicken wing hub, Wild Wing Café recently announced plans to open their newest restaurant to date in Savannah’s historic district by the end of the year. The Wild Wing Café will bring a sports bar ambiance to the old Malone’s location in City Market and offer a variety of chicken wings, hamburgers, onion wings, and buckets of beer. Boasting sixteen other café locations, fundamentally scattered throughout the southeast, the Savannah café location will be the chain’s largest single restaurant to date with a planned 100 – 150 employees required to operate this strategically placed facility. Providing a family friendly atmosphere for the many day time tourists in City Market with a shift over to sports bar clientele after 10:00 PM or so is a “perfect fit” for the locale according to a City Market spokesman. WWC plans on keeping up the old Malone’s tradition of live music performed by various bands outside their restaurant store front.

Moving further south down Abercorn Street, yet another Charleston based restaurant chain, Sticky Fingers, plans to open in the old Shoney’s Restaurant located on that bustling stretch of suburban Savannah through fare. Featuring ribs and barbecue in the Memphis tradition of barbecue, Sticky Fingers (named for the classic Rolling Stones song and album by the same name) will also feature live music by area jazz and blues bands. With a planned opening in November, this new restaurant will maintain the same basic format that the other fifteen Sticky Fingers restaurants provide which has made this fast growing chain a favored destination for barbecue aficionados throughout the southeast.

Savannah native, Regina Hicks, is one of the writers for the UPN show Girlfriends. The show is currently the longest running sitcom on UPN and explores the issues facing women today (family, career, friends, relationships).

Ms. Hicks grew up in Thunderbolt and graduated from the University of Georgia. She joined the writing staff of Girlfriends in 2000 and now has found time to co-write a Disney movie of the week and re-write another Disney script called Double Dutch.

Girlfriends airs Monday nights at 9 p.m. on UPN.

Wondering what might be the source of the interesting spicy odors wafting out of the restaurants while strolling along River Street in Savannah’s Historic District? Mystery solved! You are in all likelihood coming in contact with variations of one of Savannah’s favorite culinary delight’s, drum roll please, Beaufort Stew, AKA Frogmore Stew better known on River Street as Low Country Boil. Depending on where you sample this low country concoction along South Carolina’s Heritage Corridor or the historic district of Savannah, by any other name we are talking about the same basic one pot delight.

Frogmore Stew was reputedly created back in the 1960’s on St. Helena’s Island, South Carolina in the community of Frogmore by the owner of the Gay Fish Company. Richard Gay claims that he was preparing a cookout for his fellow National Guardsmen while on weekend duty in nearby Beaufort. The dish was immediately very popular and went on to gain notoriety among the patrons of the first restaurant to serve this delicacy, Steamers Restaurant on Lady’s Island. Now that you have the history, make it a point to sample Low Country Boil on your next weekend getaway to Savannah’s historic district.

Some excerpts of this Blog courtesy of Sue Ade's Bluffton Today article.

The City of Savannah plans to spend $240,000 to stop the erosion of the towering Savannah Civil War Monument in Forsyth Park. First presented to the city of Savannah in 1875 amidst a controversy to honor the Civil War dead by the “war widows” of the Ladies of the Savannah Memorial Association, the statue was modified in 1879. Wormsloe Plantation owner, George DeRenne paid for the modifications which included the bronze Confederate soldier standing guard at the top of the Memorial that replaced the initial allegorical figure of Justice.

Modern restoration plans by the City of Savannah include replacement of some of the eroding sandstone monument columns with plans to close the space behind the columns that allow water to collect. Additional work will include painting the bronze soldier, pointing gaps, and pinning details in danger of breaking off from future erosion. After stabilizing the monument with the initial plans, future plans call for a complete restoration of this recognizable Forsyth Park tourist attraction.

Beginning next year, the City of Savannah will implement her well known plan to raze the existing City Market Parking Garage and replace this garage with a 1,075 space underground parking garage. Plans to resurrect Ellis Square, which the existing above ground garage replaced in the 1950’s, on top of this underground facility are underway as city officials have started the review process for at least two proposals for the finished square on completion of the underground parking garage.

City Market, which lies to the west of the existing parking garage is looking forward to the completion of Ellis Square and the newly formed avenue for foot traffic that will accompany this square on it’s completion. Plans for Ellis Square include sidewalk borders running the entire quadrant around the square, a greater number of trees than the twenty three other historic district squares, and a fountain that children can play in that will squirt water in timed bursts as they frolic around the fountain.

The design of Ellis Square will cost $150,000 with the City of Savannah budgeting $1.5 million for the completion of this long anticipated square.

Oktoberfest is coming to Savannah September 30th – October 2nd. Help celebrate Savannah’s German heritage on River Street with German food, beer, wine, contests, children’s activities and much more!

Thousands of locals and guests will enjoy the creative arts and crafts, live entertainment. Take the Georgia Bulldog Shrimp Boat Tours, watch the Wiener Dog Races, see the Oompah Band. The Marshall Tucker Band will be performing live at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 30th and Ambrosia will be taking the stage at 9 p.m. the next night.

This should be lots of fun for everyone, so be sure to mark your calendar and join in when Oktoberfest begins in Historic Savannah.

Originally designated as a military outpost in 1733 to protect the brand new Georgia Colony against the Spanish encroachment, this 2200 acre tract comprises two of the original twelve Georgia River Plantations set up by the English. Major General Nathanial Greene (Historic District Greene Square named for this colonial patriot) was awarded Mulberry Grove in 1785 at the completion of the Revolutionary War in appreciation of his service to his countrymen. The plantation passed through many hands prior to having the main house and outbuildings burned by Union General Sherman’s troops in the Civil War in 1864. Having been designated an historic location by the National Register of Historic Places ten years earlier, the Georgia Ports Authority purchased this acreage in 1985.

Characterized by the chairman of the Mulberry Grove Foundation as “the single most historic undeveloped site in America today”, both the GPA and MGF are joining forces as they attempt to deliver once again on the realization of the historic and economic powerhouse that Mulberry Grove Plantation once held within this same coastal Georgia community. The as of yet to be designed Interpretative Center will cost an estimated $5 to $10 million on completion, with the completed project characterized as “years down the road”.

Built in 1771 for James Habersham, this brick Georgian mansion is one of the oldest buildings in Savannah. This home has served as a tearoom and a bank as well. Featuring the original Georgia pine floors and 18th century antiques it will remind you of Williamsburg, VA.

The specialty of The Olde Pink House is seafood. She-crab soup, Blue Crab in Vidalia onion sauce (seasonal), grouper, trout, flounder, pork, shrimp and duck are on the menu. You can eat your meal by candlelight in the dining rooms or in the Planter’s Tavern, where you can find music on Saturday night. Reservations are recommended.

The Olde Pink House is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Starting today, South Carolina DHEC kicks off several week’s worth of “Coast Week” tours from the low country all the way to the grand strand along Coastal Carolina’s portion of the Heritage Corridor. Paddle down black river swamps, seek out dolphins in the ACE Basin, tour the lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park, or explore the beaches of the many South Carolina barrier islands during an annual nationwide celebration of coastal resources.

These tours are scheduled to coincide with the end of the high summer beach season after Labor Day as tourists return home from the last of their summer vacations. Local residents typically take back their coastal environment as they learn more about beaches and wetlands teeming with life as they combine education and adventure in these relaxing pursuits. This year’s national celebration of Coastal Weeks is even more profound in light of Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic landfall on America’s Gulf Coast late last month. The web of life microcosm contained within these linked coastal environments is a hugely important resource that holds the key to our own macrocosmic well being. Take the time to learn more about these natural infrastructures created by Mother Nature and you will surely come to appreciate the need for humankind to preserve and protect this irreplaceable life sustaining commodity.

The second floor of this two bedroom, one and a half bath home is unique because the entire floor is the master bedroom. There is a huge brick fireplace, washer and dryer and comfortable chairs for sitting as well. The full bath with Jacuzzi is also located on this floor.

If you have children, they will love their loft, which they climb a spiral staircase to enter. There are two beds in the loft, a double and single.

The huge, comfortable downstairs area includes the kitchen and living room. There is a lovely back porch with ceiling fans and a large fenced yard. Parking for two vehicles is provided in the back of the property.

Even after setting up shop in the new world in 1733, early Savannahians made it a top priority to defend her citizens against invasion at her strategic location on the Savannah River. Pirates that sailed the waters of the Caribbean and up and down the eastern seaboard were a constant threat to early colonists. James Oglethorpe himself, on defeating the Spaniards that held modern day Florida in a battle at St. Simons Island, felt the need to cause various forts to be erected against this threat on several locations on the Savannah River as well as other Georgia waterways.

Though many of these colonial era forts are now lost to view under the tangle of Georgia underbrush having been mostly comprised of sandy bluffs dotted with rifle pits and a handful of cannon batteries buttressed with timbers of pine and oak, some of the more substantially constructed forts remain for visitors to view along the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers. Fort Pulaski, Fort Jackson, and Fort McAllister are all open for visitation by history buffs and protected by state and federal park caretakers. Even the restored wall of the old Fort Wayne is evident as you look south from Bay Street in the direction of Trustees Garden. If the history of warfare as waged over the past few hundred years is your passion, then Fortress Savannah should be high on your list for your next getaway weekend.

Before you visit Savannah you should really read the best selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. “The Book” (as it is known in Savannah) is loosely based on the story of antique dealer Jim Williams who goes on trial for murder, but the true story of this book is the city itself, along with the colorful locals of Savannah.

You can see many of the famous places noted in “The Book” by taking the Savannah Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Book Tour with Savannah Tours. The tour will take you to areas where the book took place and where the movie (directed by Clint Eastwood) was shot. You will visit Bonaventure Cemetery, the Mercer House which Jim Williams’ sister has now opened up the house and gardens as a museum.

Tours run daily at 10:00 a.m. and run about four hours. The cost is $54.95 for adults and $30.95 for children (7-17).

One of the finest places to go for a vacation in the Southeast United States is Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston has the beach, river, art, music, and the rich Charleston history. Whatever be your preference, you will find everything from fine dining to art galleries to charming carriage rides in Charleston.

Charleston is an extremely famous historical site, so if you want your vacation to be filled with wonderful historical sites and tours, then Charleston is the place you want to be. In Charleston, you'll find historical tours focusing on the Civil War, patriots, slavery, Charleston history, and even pirates. There are also plantation tours that sweep you back in time. The Gone With The Wind Charleston City Tour is one of the most popular historical tours available in Charleston. On it, you'll get to view gorgeous plantations, some several hundred years old. There are also historical walking tours that you can take, as well as some fun ghost tours that you wouldn't want to miss.

Charleston also offers many other activities such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest orchestras in the South. You can also see ballet and many other types of performing arts at the excellent Dock Street Theater.

Once in Charleston, you wouldn't want to miss out on the food. Seafood is a Charleston specialty, and she-crab soup and crab cakes rank high on the list of tourist favorites. Charleston is also famous for its pecan pie. Don't miss the chance to try this delicacy. The taste of Charleston's meals will linger on in your memory for years to come.

In the midst of all the activity that Charleston offers, you'll find a secluded spot on the beach where you can relax when you feel tired. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach while you sip on fine Charleston lemonade as vendors of various kinds make it easy for you to get what you want. However, if you want a little more beach excitement, you can always try hang gliding over the ocean or go out on a shrimp boat.

There are so many things to do in Charleston that it's hard to choose and, finally, the holiday comes to an end and you have to leave. But, you leave with the promise to come back next year and the next. To find out more about all the activities available in Charleston, check out opur Charleston Tours web site.

Submitted by Charleston Tours guest weblogger

Forget the tacky bridesmaid dresses, fidgeting relatives grudgingly packed into too small churches, and the amateurish wedding bands singing corny songs off key, more and more couples are bagging the traditional wedding gala in favor of more in keeping with their own philosophical life styles.

Recently some of my extended family members, along with 40+ close friends and relatives, flew into the island destination of St. Johns for a mountain top wedding ceremony overlooking the Caribbean for their well orchestrated and long planned nuptial gathering. Understanding that not every family can afford an expensive jaunt off to exotic resort destinations, a little budget friendly creativity can go a long way in becoming your own wedding planner for memorable ceremonies.

One anecdotal article reports a couple that eloped with only their best friend, their beloved dog in attendance for the actual ceremony with the real fun coming later at the local bowling alley, replete with the bride in denim, the groom in black converse and assorted family members in customized bowling shirts. Talk about a one of a kind wedding event!

Savannah, Georgia certainly lends herself to these type quirky destination wedding ceremonies with a gamut of venues to cover the most discerning wedding ceremony and after party reception or the most intimate gathering of close friends and family. More and more wedding parties continue to arrive in the landmark historic district year after year as the thriving $72 billion wedding industry is alive and well as couples continue to seek out creative ceremonies in popular tourism locales for their own destination wedding.

On Saturday, October 22, 2005, St. Joseph’s/Candler will present St. Vincent’s Annual Historic Tour & Tea.

The nuns will open their Convent home to the public for touring and tea. The tour also includes Cathedral of St. John The Baptist and eight private homes in the Historic District. This is the only tour of homes this fall in Savannah.

The centerpiece of this self-guided tour is the tea, homemade confections and traditional tea sandwiches served on the grounds of the Convent.

Proceeds benefit the Historic preservation of the original 1845 Convent building. Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 22nd and costs $35 per person.

A well known Indian saying (Sanskrit, perhaps) postulates the theory that the more things change, the more they remain the same. This would seem to be the case with the scheduled fundraising gala this weekend for Trinity United Methodist Church located adjacent to The Telfair Museum on Telfair Square this weekend. Savannah residents have long admired the classic beauty of this Historic District Corinthian influenced architecture and are once again stepping up to the plate to reduce the associated costs of this newly completed exterior restoration project with a Saturday gala from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Telfair Square featuring food, music, an art auction, and a performance of “Godspell” by the Savannah Children’s Theater.

Savannah native and current pastor, Reverend Enoch Hendry characterized the restoration as “successful beyond our wildest expectations” as the renovation more closely approximates the original edifice circa 1850. “What we have done is restored one of Savannah’s architectural gems”, said Hendry who believes “we still think we have the most beautiful church in town.” Tickets to this event can be purchased for $40 per person.

Prized for it’s diverse cooking qualities, exquisitely soft texture, and superior flavor, Carolina Gold Rice was much sought after throughout the world markets of pre-colonial era America. Carolina Gold Rice thrived in the sub-tropical weather and tidal river marshes with the state of South Carolina ultimately achieving thousands of acres of rice production with it’s rich plantation owners. Over time the production of this cash crop gained equal importance in coastal Georgia.

An important component to the rise in popularity of Carolina Gold rice was the African slave trade, particularly those arriving from the West African rice coast. These West African indiginous culture People's skills were essential due to their expertise in rice cultivation as well as the knowledge handed down from generation to generation of all things rice related. These slaves not only knew the secrets of cultivation but were instrumental in introducing the African way of cooking and preparing this delicacy in the plantation households that resided at. Without the slaves, there would be no rice industry and without the rice industry, there would be no Carolina Gold offering of this locally grown favorite. As rice production moved on to other local areas that could better sustain mechanized cultivation, it eventually died out in the low country during the Civil War era.

Fast forward to today and it is noted that a handful of modern day “plantation owners” scattered up and down the South Carolina/Georgia coast are now actively cultivating this timeless low country delicacy as it makes a comeback of sorts. With the October rice harvest due next month, you can try this household staple yourself by ordering milled rice from several low country rice mills websites or by calling (843) 726 - 3743. 

Paula Deen is teaming with CruiseOne to host a week at sea in the Caribbean. She will set sail on The Celebrity Millennium with her sons, Jamie and Bobby, on April 2, 2006. There will be cooking demonstrations, Southern BBQ, photo and autograph sessions.

The “Paula Cookin’ at Sea” cruise has limited space, so sign up now! Prices range from $1,099 to $1689 per person.

This is sure to be a fun-filled week you won’t soon forget, so pack your bags and sign up today!!

Just prior to Hurricane Katrina drawing a bead on the Gulf Coast, many southern Governors met at the posh Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia. Among other issues, Governor Sonny Perdue returned to his ongoing theme of emphasizing heritage tourism and how the states can better collaborate in promoting this “historic and cultural sites within the south” was once again one of the themes touched on in this year’s meeting. A spokesperson for the Governor’s office released a statement asserting “Travelers from around the world are beginning to want more interesting and historic activities in their vacations. We see those examples in historic locations in Savannah, visitors to remnants of Native American cultures in Northwest Georgia, and visitors to Atlanta who want to see civil rights movement historic sites.”

The states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina have been actively promoting the Heritage Corridor that runs parallel to their already popular seashore coastal regions for the past few years running. Guided tours in both Georgia and Florida are already implementing tourism programs shedding light on the clash of the Spanish and English Nations in the early pre-colonial days when these two states were both claimed by each respective nation. Tourists traveling these “corridors” north to south and south to north have shown much interest in learning more about the historic events that took place in these coastal regions a few hundred plus years ago.

Also in attendance at this year’s meeting were well known Georgia natives, comedian Jeff Foxworthy and Savannah’s own Paula Deen. Both personalities had scheduled events for the six hundred attendees at this year’s meeting.

Newly renovated three bedroom, two bath condo in beautiful brick building on Lincoln Street, just a short walk to River Street.

Features three private bedrooms with a queen size bed in the first bedroom and trundle beds (which can be converted to two twins) in the other two bedrooms, wet bar, four TVs with cable provided and washer/dryer. This 1200 square foot condo has hardwood floors throughout and high ceilings.

Great location – nearby to SCAD library and theater, surrounded by great restaurants and shops.

An assortment of local, regional, and national relief agencies including real estate/vacation rental resources are networking together to link respective websites that are offering alternative housing to homeless Hurricane Katrina victims. Much of the housing referenced on these linked web sites are free of charge and the remainder are offered at highly discounted rates to our Gulf Coast friends in need of short term accommodations as we move into phase two of connecting victims with individual homes. To obtain more information about alternative housing in the greater Savannah and coastal Georgia area, feel free to contact our reservation desk at (866) 690 – 2074 and we will direct those requiring temporary housing to appropriate area resources in our coastal Georgia community.

There will be an ongoing effort over the weeks and months ahead to keep resources connected as we update our linked websites on a daily basis as we seek these resources out in the public domain. We invite all legitimate sources of temporary housing to post your offering with any of the linked web sites below of your choosing, request linkage for your website featuring inventory of alternative housing, and extend a helping hand to those in need of this shelter.

Amid the chaos and confusion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, local real estate professionals are coming together to provide housing options for a minimum of 90 days and longer with this collective inventory of properties that are sitting vacant at discounted rates and in some instances free of charge in an attempt to ease the suffering somewhat for those displaced Gulf Coast evacuees that have no homes to go back home to.

These homes are fundamentally the second phase of this relief effort when homes will be required for months by the homeless prior to returning to their demolished homes in Katrina's path along the Gulf. These homes will be provided on a case by case basis as individual property owners will do what they can in this effort commensurate with their financial requirements to keep these investment properties filled under normal conditions. Some homes will be offered in a furnished condition while others will require donated furniture for temporaray housing needs. To find out more about this relief effort, call toll free at (866) 690 – 2074.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced that in an effort to help those displaced by Hurricane Katrina it will offer free tuition for eligible students for the Fall Quarter 2005. These students will enter as transient students. The fall quarter starts September 14th and ends on November 22nd.

Those interested should contact admission@scad.edu or call toll-free in Savannah 1-800-869-7223. Applications can be filled out online. You must provide documentation that you were enrolled for fall 2005 in a college or university that closed due to Hurricane Katrina and had paid for that tuition. This offer is for the fall 2005 quarter only and does not include housing or meals.

Students already scheduled to attend SCAD will be offered deferment of tuition and other payments for 30 days and a fund has been set up to help those students in affected areas with materials and school supplies.

Contact SCAD for questions and more information.

Oatland Island Education Center is a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, and the premier environmental education center in the southeast, serving thousands of students from school systems throughout the region. Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, the center features a 2 mile "Native Animal Nature Trail" that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Along the way, visitors can observe native animals such as Florida panthers, Eastern timber wolves, alligators, and many more in their natural habitat.

More than 50 indigenous Georgia animals are used in educational programming, many of which are an endangered and/or threatened species. Most animals are located along a 2 mile trail in large, natural enclosures. Animals living at Oatland include bison, Florida panthers, wolves, alligators, bears, and diverse raptors. All the animals living on Oatland Island have been rescued and could not otherwise survive on their own in the wild or they would not be living here.

Savannah Historic District visitors are always welcome as the center is open to the public for self-guided trail walks Monday-Friday 9-4 and most Saturdays from 10-4 and is less than ten minutes from the district by car. Daily admission is $3 per person, ages 4 and up. This Nature Center is located 5 miles east of downtown Savannah off Islands Expressway at 711 Sandtown Rd. Call (912) 898-3980 for more information.

The Telfair Museum in Savannah is the oldest museum in the South. The Historic building was designed by English architect William Jay.

September 28 - November 27, 2005, the Telfair Museum will feature an exhibition of the work of Maxfield Parrish. This well known American artist studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His imaginative style was fused into his beautiful paintings and illustrations.

Over 80 works of art will be featured for your viewing pleasure, assembled from diverse collections. This will include paintings, photography studies, book illustrations and original murals. Some of Parrish’s own props, photographs and set models will also be shown.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue.

When General William Tecumseh Sherman captured Savannah in December, 1864, he used the Green Meldrim House for his headquarters. The Sorrel Weed House was used by his top adjutants and Generals. It is hard to envision the tents of Union soldiers pitched throughout Madison square today, but that was the Savannah scene in 1864-1865. Francis Sorrel attended a party for General Sherman at the Green Meldrim House while his son General Moxley Sorrel was still in the field with Lee's army in Virginia. Moxley was irritated by this, and it caused a short term argument within the Sorrel family. Sherman was particularly impressed with the formal parlor of The Sorrel Weed House, and made comments To Francis Sorrel of the irony of General Lee being there just 3 years earlier.

The Green and Sorrel families were very close friends, and Charles Green was to be buried in Laurel Grove cemetery in the Sorrel vault. Although he is buried in Virginia, there is an empty tomb with his name on it today in the Sorrel plot.

The Sorrel Weed House is offering Savannah walking tours of Madison and Monterey squares with plans to expand these tours on completion of the two year renovation of this historic home in October later this fall high season. This historic Bed and Breakfast will be offering self catered and non-catered rooms with oversized Jacuzzi’s in every suite to tourists and business travelers in addition to tours of select floors with period antiques once renovations are complete.

Contributed by Steven Bader

One bedroom, one bath cottage located between Columbia Square and Greene Square. This cottage dates back to the 18th century and it is believed that Isaiah Davenport lived here as he was building his grand brick mansion, The Davenport House.

This cottage, called Laura's Cottage, is also said to be “haunted” by the ghost of a midwife and occasionally you will find a dime, a nickel and two pennies in the cottage. This is the price of a midwife in the 18th century. The cottage is featured in many of the ghost tours around Savannah.

With original heart pine boards, exposed post and beam construction, antiques and original artwork, this cozy cottage is a unique place to stay in Savannah.

The Paula Deen Tour, presented by Old Savannah Tours, provides a peek into the life of cooking entrepreneur, Paula Deen. The tour takes you by some of Paula’s favorite shops and includes lunch at Paula’s newest restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, where you can enjoy great fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere.

Guests of the Paula Deen Tour receive a gift bag of goodies and an exclusive VIP pass to the Lady and Sons restaurant.

You need to purchase your tickets 48 hours ahead of time due to limited seating. Tickets are $48 for adults and $30 for children (includes ages 12 and under). The tours run Monday through Saturday and last about 4 hours.

Savannah is a city that promotes creativity – you will see it in the many art galleries, the wide variety of cultural events, theater, sidewalk art festivals, music festivals and the street performers on River Street. At the center of this artistic explosion is the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Each year SCAD presents the Savannah Film Festival, which has promoted quality independent films and filmmakers. More than 50 films are selected from over 600 entries in a variety of categories. Lifetime Achievement Awards are also presented to outstanding individuals in film each year.

Professional workshops and lectures for the community and local schools address acting, producing, animation, filmmaking, etc. There is also a student competition for films which allows local students to meet with the filmmakers following screenings.

The Savannah Film Festival, which began in 1998, will take place from October 29th through November 5th, 2005. Tickets go on sale on October 1st at Trustees Theater box office or by calling (912) 525-5050.

The early history of Savannah, Georgia is remarkable for a great number of history making events in the Georgia Colony set up by Oglethorpe shortly after his arrival in 1733, not the least of which is the sheer diversity of its people. Religious observance of many faiths played a hugely important role in the early life of Savannah. In addition to its founding English settlers, Jewish settlers fleeing the horrors of the inquest arrived from London in the summer of 1733; they later founded the Temple Mickve Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the South. In the spring of 1734 came Evangelical Lutherans from Salzburg who settled on the Savannah River at a town they named Ebenezer. Scottish Highlanders and German Moravians came in 1736, followed by Dutch, Welsh, and Irish settlers. John and Charles Wesley conducted Anglican services. In 1737 the Reverend George Whitefield arrived and soon after founded Bethesda Boys Home, colonial America's first orphanage.

Featuring a rich history of selflessly giving to those in need, the Bethesda Home for Boys has followed the example of it’s founding father and expanded his mandate to provide relief of “distressed widows and schooling and maintaining of poor children.” With over 265 years of continual service to the greater coastal Georgia community around Savannah proper, this storied orphanage continues to be a beacon of hope for those in need.

Coastal Georgia is steeped in human and natural history. Since the first human inhabitants colonized the coast, man and the abundant natural resources found here have been inexorably linked. A visit to one or more sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail will provide you with the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty of a kaleidoscope of birds and glimpse the fascinating history of this land and its residents.

More than 300 species of birds (75 percent of the total species of birds seen in Georgia) have been spotted at the 18 sites along the birding trail. Don't expect to see most of these birds on a single visit. The birds you see will depend greatly on when and where you visit. Some birds can be seen throughout the year. Others are migratory and travel long distances from their breeding grounds to wintering areas.

Each site along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail is unique. Many sites offer visitors the opportunity to watch birds and visit 18th and 19th century historic places. Other sites are located on lands and waters that were once part of early plantations dedicated to growing rice, indigo and cotton. So whether you want to see a bald eagle soaring over a coastal river, an endangered wood stork feeding its gawky young, sanderlings chasing the waves on a sandy beach, or a great egret standing motionless in a placid pond, the Colonial Coast Birding Trail has something for you. Some of the above excerpts provided courtesy of Georgia Wildlife Department of Natural Resources

Georgia had a banner year in 2004 as tourists did indeed have "Georgia on their mind" along with her southern neighbor in Florida and our two Carolina neighbors to the north with a 6% increase in Georgia alone. The recently established The New Georgia Tourism Foundation has plans to keep Georgia in tourists mind’s for years to come with implementation of marketing plans to attract more business travelers as well as the garden variety vacation traveler. A few of the foundation’s immediate goals are plans to create free wireless internet access at all Georgia Travel Centers for travelers passing through these centers as well as plans to create an online booking service linking hotels and motels across the entire state for seamless booking of nightly lodging reservations.

Georgia hosted 46.2 million visitors last year with 10 million driving through the state en route to other tourist destinations and an 26.9 million that stayed at least one night during their visit. Georgia has proven herself in previous yeas as a favorite regional tourism destination with two thirds of her visitors originating out of the state of Georgia which goes against the national trend which typically averages only half of their visitors from other states with approximately half of all tourism dollars coming from within traditional state boundaries.

If one looks around at the travelers arriving and departing Savannah – Hilton Head International Airport, it might seem you are in the locker room of the Augusta National rather than a bustling airport with all the golf bags being carted around. No mystery here, these duffers are probably en route to or returning from Hilton Head Island less than an hour away with her twenty championship golf courses (fourteen of which offer public access) including those courses that are located even closer in nearby Bluffton.

And Golf enthusiasts aren’t the least of the sporting crowd that annually visit this legendary resort island with plenty of tennis aficionados in evidence as well as the 350 or so tennis courts can attest to among the 7000 villas and timeshare accommodations, many of them hidden away in gated communities. With twelve miles of beach rim access on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, there is plenty of opportunities for sailing, surfing, a variety of boating, and fishing of all descriptions for the more aquatic loving visitor to this historically popular tourist destination. Whatever your leisure pursuit, you are likely to find it when visiting Savannah and the surrounding area

This two bedroom and one and a half bath carriage house is unique in its design because the living room, dining room and kitchen are on the top floor and the bedrooms are on the bottom floor. The Liberty House was built in 1870 and has recently undergone renovations to make your stay even more comfortable.

Two large pillars separate the dining room from the living room and you will find lovely paintings throughout. Open the curtains your bedroom in the morning to allow the sunshine in while you taken in the beautifully landscaped shared courtyard.

This upscale accommodation will make you feel right at home while you’re in Savannah!

Experts anticipate a larger than usual fall season harvest of white shrimp this season. Although the unknown factor of this equation as always this time of year remains the unknown component of the hurricane season as too much rain pushes shrimp to deeper waters away from recreational shrimpers who cast in the fall. This promises to be good news after last fall’s dismal season that produced fewer and smaller shrimp during the fall shrimping season.

This years spring season began late when cooler water temperatures in local coastal waters slowed the spawn and growth of white shrimp. Some reports indicate there was only about a month’s worth of decent brown shrimp catches that were typically too small for the most part. Based on preliminary reports of plenty of shrimp in bait nets so far, at least one area seafood wholesaler allows that “we see no reason why this fall won’t be a good season.” Good news indeed for shellfish fans and Savannah area seafood restaurants.

For a unique shopping experience in Savannah, visit River Street Marketplace. This open-air market is located right on the River and features 50 shops with imported items from all around the world.

The Coat of Arms Shoppe can trace the history of your family name as well as your family’s Medieval Coat of Arms.

Savannah Brown, LTD features a large selection of wood and stone carvings from Kenya. All pieces are handmade.

O’Donoghue’s Irish Imports offer handcrafted items from Ireland including soaps, perfumes, figurines and pendants.

These are just a few of the many shops located in this marketplace, reminiscent of the Sheds that stood on River Street in the 1800s.

We gave up trying to correct first time historic district visitors years ago with all their inquiries we were receiving about availability of self catered accommodations in easy walking distance to “river walk”. There never has been a designation of a “River Walk” for the cobblestone street running alongside the Savannah River per se, even though technically this is what the thousands of daily visitors are actually doing on this highly trafficked pedestrian causeway. River Street with it’s strategic placement on a high bluff overlooking the Savannah River has enjoyed a huge resurgence of popularity since Savannah’s civic leaders joined forces in the late 1970’s to implement the River Street Urban Renewal Project.

Nowadays, these nine blocks of renovated 19th century era cotton warehouses house approximately eighty restaurants, pubs, night spots, hotels, shops, galleries, and boutiques making this particular location Savannah’s number one tourist attraction. While walking along the Savannah River, first time tourists quickly understand why Savannah is ranked as the fifth largest cargo port of call in the United States with the many building size super ships being ferried through the murky waters of the Savannah River by the attendant tug boats that carefully maneuver these massive sea going vessel’s through the fifty plus foot deep waters.

The strategically placed stone paved ramps that connect River Street to Bay Street are actually made of European ballast stones that gave schooners added stability on their Atlantic crossing from Europe when cotton was king in this thriving antebellum port city. A perfect blending of history, romantic ambiance, gourmet restaurants, and plenty of tourist attractions has assured historic Savannah’s annual designation well into the 21st century as a top ten vacation destination here in the United States. Just be careful not to misstep on the cobblestones while sauntering along Savannah’s “River Walk.”

At one time, Forrest Gump’s famous bench was located in the square just steps from this one bedroom, one bathroom vacation rental. This circa 1854 townhouse features the original cooking hearth, fireplace and exposed pine beams.

This 1400 square foot townhouse is extremely spacious with hardwood floors throughout. The bedroom features a queen size canopy bed. There is also a sleeper sofa if you’re bringing your family.

In the morning, you can enjoy your coffee at the table out in the lovely courtyard. Parking passes can be arranged with the owner.

Savannah hosts nearly six million guests a year to this southern gem of a coastal Georgia city with her antebellum style and gracious hospitality. Not resting on her laurels as a major travel destination for national and international tourists alike, the Hostess City also boasts a robust maritime friendly infrastructure for accommodating massive container ships world wide, and three different institutions of higher learning that are all expanding their course offerings and enrollments.

Savannah's diversified economy appears to be on solid ground with new hotels, new housing developments, and new industries that are high tech in nature coming online at a breath taking rate almost daily it seems. And the heart of this growth within the historic district has not been idle either as plans to restore Ellis Square in the City Market area move forward along with an ambitious underground parking garage to take care of the increased parking needs for Savannah’s 365 days a year stream of tourists.

The eclectic mix of new and old as demonstrated by exquisitely rendered period correct restored historic homes, restaurants serving varied fare, trendy galleries, boutique shops, and the largest art school in the country, Savannah College of Art and Design, with the campus scattered throughout the historic district with 50+ buildings. All things considered, this southern sultry lady remains a lively southern belle indeed.

Paula Deen is scheduled to make her movie debut in the new Cameron Crowe movie, Elizabethtown.

The romantic comedy focuses on the life of Drew Baylor, a man who is down on his luck, who finds an unexpected romance on the way to his father’s hilarious memorial in Kentucky.

The movie stars Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Alec Baldwin. Paula Deen plays Aunt Dora. The movie is scored by Cameron Crowe’s wife Nancy Wilson of the band Heart.

This movie promises to be full of laughs and romance, so if you’re a Paula Deen fan be sure and buy your ticket early!

Even before hosting last year’s G-8 Summit of world leaders, The Heritage Corridor's Sea Island has long been favored by the elite in search of upscale coastal accommodations. For more than 75 years, Sea Island has continued its ongoing commitment to preserve its natural surroundings. The Eco-Adventure Package is an educational getaway that gives guests the opportunity to observe southeast Georgia’s one-of-a-kind natural coastline environment.

Sea Island Vacation Packages include:

This Salt Marsh Eco-Adventure by boat with on-site Naturalist Stacia Hendricks, offers visitors the opportunity to experience an up-close look at the beauty of the island’s delicate, rich eco-system, from dolphins to birds to the surrounding marshes.

• Three nights room accommodations in a Cloister guest room

• Breakfast buffet for two daily in The Beach Club Dining Room

• One picnic basket for two With packages starting at $1,150

Call or E-mail for more details on our three night Eco-Adventure package by going to our web site at the end of this Blog post.

*The three-night stay must encompass a Wednesday or Friday night.

Other outdoor eco-activities not included in the package are the Natural History Horseback ride along the marsh, ocean, beach, and inner dunes; the Bird Watching Walk, offering a glimpse at resident shore, wading, and song birds; Eco-kayak Tour through the surrounding marshes and Spring Saltwater Fishing.

Savannah’s historic district is the premier destination along Interstate 95’s colonial era route for your next long weekend getaway. Savannah undoubtedly has the greatest concentration of fine historic homes, museums, and historic sites to be found in the southeastern United States, if not the country in her 2.3 square mile Landmark Historic District. There is plenty to see and do with a broad spectrum of sightseeing options for visitors and locals alike including Civil War forts, art and history museums, and a multitude of grand old mansions including Hodgson Hall, a living library that documents much of the rich history surrounding Savannah as well as houses The Georgia Historical Society.

Given all of Savannah’s unique history, art, and architecture, it would be a good idea to have an advance plan of specific points of interest that you wish to spend more time exploring on your next visit to the Hostess City. Our easy to read oversized Historic District Points of Interest sectional map featuring nine distinct sections is the perfect tool for customizing your personal sightseeing options prior to your arrival of this significant destination along the Heritage Corridor.

The Savannah College of Art and Design hosts many events throughout the year around the Historic District.

The Red Gallery, located at 201 E. Broughton Street, is currently featuring the work of SCAD students, faculty and staff called Reorder. The exhibit highlights how artists process information and presents unique perceptions of their environment. This exhibition is free to the public and closes on September 16.

Habersham Hall is currently featuring the work of British landscape artist, Julia Barton, who is a SCAD artist-in-residence. The living sculptural exhibit, called Resurrection, is created out of the weed-filled courtyard of the former Chatham County Jail and features plants found in South Georgia. This is also free to the public and closes on September 30.

Check out the SCAD website to find out more information on upcoming events and exhibitions.

Savannah Getaways joins in with SEDA (Savannah Economic Development Authority) in opening up new opportunities for rewarding the State of Georgia’s largest single trading partner, Canada by offering discounted lodging rates for Canadians visiting Savannah Georgia during the coming fall high season. For the next 30 days (promotion to kick off on august 16 and end on September 16), all Canadian citizens* will be rewarded for booking accommodations during this time frame with discounts in the high season of up to 20% off on selected participating consortium properties for self catered accommodations that are booked through Savannah Getaways and stayed in through November 15th, 2005.

To obtain more information about how our Savannah Fall Flings to the Historic District will save your money this fall, contact our reservation desk at (866) 690 – 2074 and find out about our discount fall vacation rentals in the landmark historic district. Just one more way of saying Thank You to all of our Canadian friends and patrons who have stayed with us over the past seven years as well as providing a promtional vehicle to make new Canadian friends with Savannah Getaways consortium owners.

*Valid Canadian residence required to participate in this promotional offering

Want to stay close to River Street? Look no further than this great two bedroom, one and a half bath townhome on Habersham Street, just a short walk across Bay Street to River Street.

Exposed brick highlights this unique property where you’ll find the bedrooms downstairs and the living room, kitchen and dining room upstairs. The living room is spacious and comfortable and includes a sleeper sofa. Another great feature is the off street parking that is provided behind the property.

Wake up in the morning and step around the corner to B Matthews Bakery and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and breakfast before you head down to River Street.

Tybee Island was recently awarded a federal grant to enable this coastal Georgia city to purchase historic land where Union troops once manned batteries of artillery during the Civil War siege of Fort Pulaski. It is hoped that two parcels of land at Battery Halleck and Goat Head may one day become an extended part of the already linked history and nature trails currently owned by Tybee Island. At present, the National Park Service administers Fort Pulaski and could include these historic sites if the sale to Tybee Island does go through. Assuming these plans materialize, one Tybee Island official believes that “both these sites are historically and environmentally significant and will enhance Tybee’s appeal to eco-tourists.”

In 1862 Union troops attacked what was, up until that point in time thought to be impregnable, Fort Pulaski situated across the open water from these two points, opening fire with a combined twenty artillery pieces. These batteries utilized rifled cannon pieces that spun shaped shells through the brick and mortar walls of the fort which fell in just over 24 hours after the bombardment commenced. This cutting edge technology for it’s day changed warfare as it had been waged up until that point in time by rendering these type constructed fortifications as fundamentally useless in defending fixed geographic positions from this type bombardment.

The Midnight Gambler II became the fifth casino boat in the past decade to ferry gamblers out to the legal three mile limit in federal waters off the Georgia Coast to try their luck against the house in mid July. Featuring live tables of baccarat, blackjack, craps, and poker as well slot machines, MG II was able to up her ante of passengers from 150 to 500 when she passed a Homeland Security inspection earlier this month.

This 160 foot vessel plans two five hour cruises a day leaving from her Wilmington Island based Williams Seafood dock at the base of the Bull River Bridge off of Highway 80 between Tybee Island and Thunderbolt as she cruises past Tybee Island out to the legal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Departure times are 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily seven times a week.

Coast Guard officials praised the craft prior to her maiden voyage when one official indicated that “it looks like it is going to be a nice boat for our area.” To obtain more information about undertaking your own gambling excursion aboard the Midnight Gambler II, call (877) 758 – 2597

On one of my many visits to Savannah over the years, I had the great fortune to come across a movie shooting in Savannah. After speaking with a few of the locals I found out that the movie was The Legend of Bagger Vance. It was being directed by none other than Robert Redford and starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron!

I decided to try to find out more about the story of Bagger Vance, so I headed to a local book store. I purchased the book by Steven Pressfield and soon found out it was a mystical golf story.

The next day my family and I decided to go around Historic Savannah to check out the cosmetic changes that were being made throughout Savannah for the movie (it was set in the 1930s). On West Congress Street we found lots of classic cars and new “prop” signs on the businesses. After talking with a few people we found out where they were currently shooting and headed over, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the stars. While none of the stars were in this particular shoot, we did see Mr. Robert Redford – mission accomplished!

This, of course, is not the first movie shot in Savannah and I’m sure will not be the last. I just hope I’m around next time Hollywood visits Savannah – it’s really a magical experience to watch all that takes place to bring a movie to the big screen.

Situated on E. Macon St. facing east towards Madison Square, St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Green-Meldrim House complex has significant historic value for Savannah dating back to the Civil War. General Sherman on his “march to the sea” captured the City of Savannah virtually without a shot being fired in late1864. Sherman proceeded to set up his headquarters at the Green-Meldrim House, home of a wealthy cotton merchant, located beside St. John’s Episcopal Church that was relatively new, having been completed in 1853. This Gothic-Revival architecturally influenced church was designed by Calvin Otis of New York.

It was from the Gothic influenced home (designed by well known architect John Norris) of cotton merchant, John Green, that now serves as the parsonage of St. John’s Episcopal Church that Sherman sent the following famous telegram to President Abraham Lincoln in December, 1864: "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah...". Sherman ordered the church bells of St. John’s to be melted down and made into bullets for his Union troops. With much alarm, many of Savannah’s citizens sent a telegram to President Lincoln imploring him to save the church bells from Sherman. President Lincoln responded by countermanding Sherman’s order to have the chimes made into bullets much to the relief of the parishioners of this historic church. This remarkable intervention of President Lincoln on behalf of his “southern enemies” should serve as a model for our own leaders today on how to implement true Christian based “family values” during a desperate war time struggle. Our forefathers obviously knew the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk.

For those travelers with a bit of a sweet tooth, the Savannah Candy Kitchen will be one of your first stops in Savannah.

The pecan pralines are made fresh right in the store with Georgia pecans. Try a sample as you enter, it will melt in your mouth. In addition to pralines, you can choose from a variety of goodies including handmade gophers (pecans, caramel and chocolate), pecan divinity, peanut or pecan brittle, toffee and truffles.

For a real treat, get a homemade pecan pie, strawberry layer cake, key lime pie, brownies or a sampler of three of the best cakes or breads that the Kitchen has to offer.

Be sure and get a bag of the best pecans Georgia has to offer, as well as many other varieties of specialty nuts to take home with you.  You can also purchase a gift basket or tower for a loved one who couldn’t make the trip or plan for the perfect Christmas gift for friends.

While you’re in the store, sign up to receive a catalog so you can take a piece of Savannah home with you. The Savannah Candy Kitchen will deliver the freshest baked goodies right to your door!

The Mercer Williams House was originally built in the 1860's and stands at the west end of Monterey Square. The Mercer Williams House is arguably one of Savannah's grandest homes and certainly the most photographed historic home in the district due to the famous names that have been attached to this home since it was built in the 1800's. It has eight cast-iron balconies, cast-iron window pediments and a fence at the sidewalk, all of which add to the design. The house was named after General Hugh Mercer. He was the original owner as well as the great-grandfather of the renowned lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer who had a major impact on Twentieth century music with a wealth of well known tunes such as Moon River, Days of Wine and Rose, Hooray for Hollywood, and That Old Black Magic, just to name a handful from the repertoire of this prolific tunesmith.

In recent years The Mercer House was owned by Jim Williams who was one of the main characters found in the book and movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Williams who purchased the Mercer House in a state of disrepair completed a thorough period correct restoration. He was an antique dealer/collector in addition to being well known locally for his restoration of various low country homes in coastal Georgia and South Carolina. He operated an antique store found at the rear of the Mercer Williams House. You can now take a tour of the Mercer Williams House that originates in this location for $12.50 per person.

Savannah’s neighbor to the north, Hardeeville, recently annexed enough adjacent acreage to increase this Jasper County city’s size from five square miles to thirty square miles with plans to grow even larger pending approval in the coming months of additional acreage by the Hardeeville City Council. This little known nationally low profile city that forms the northern most point of the triangle with the two better known tourism destination cities of Savannah and Hilton Head has positioned herself to grow into a Charleston sized area over the next 20 years with a planned 100,000 residents projected to move into this strategically situated area along the Heritage Corridor encompassing I-95 and Highway 17.

The Argent East and Argent West tracts of land will bring 22,000 new homes online within the 12,000 plus acres that lies adjacent to highway 278 and Interstate 95 at mile marker 8 on I-95 just outside of Bluffton, South Carolina along this much traveled highway to Hilton Head Island. Bluffton based developer John Reed plans to build in excess of 12,000 homes in Argent East while Florida based Core Properties has won approval to build up to 9500 homes in Argent West.

Planning on relocating or making a purchase of investment propreties in the next few years in Savannah or Hilton Head?  You might want to shop in Hardeeville becoming making that purchase.

If walking around at a leisurely pace while taking in historic tourist attractions, many of them dating back to pre-colonial days, is your idea of a vacation experience, then Savannah’s landmark historic district (2.3 square miles) may well be what you have in mind for your next weekend getaway destination. History buffs have long recognized this stately southern city as a wonderful historic resource with a plethora of museums, grand old homes, historic artifacts, historic markers, a wide variety of diverse period correct architectural wonders on cobblestone streets as well as antique stores, boutique shops on River St., world class restaurants, live theater venues, and a great number of art galleries that cover the complete spectrum of artistic sensitivities.

Even though Savannah has been designated as one of the top 10 walking cities in the country, here are a few low country recommendations for alternative means of getting around for your consideration while visiting the crown jewel of our Hostess City, the landmark historic district, situated on the banks of the maritime Savannah River. Your first order of business on arriving in the historic district should be to take one of the many trolley tours that are offered. This will enable you to get a quick over view within a two hour time frame so that you can pick and choose points of interest to return to later for closer inspection. If your interest is piqued during one of these trolley tours, most touring companies will allow you to get off the trolley and look around a bit. You can then get back on the next trolley that shows up in 15 to 30 minute intervals at specific locations. My own personal favorite is the Old Town Trolley Tours, as their tour guides are a consummate group of knowledgeable professionals that know the historic district.

And of course there is always the prerequisite horse drawn carriage tour. There are a few different companies that offer pick up in City Market as a fairly centrally located starting point for one of these leisure tours. My only real complaint with this conveyance through the historic district is that you don’t to see a great deal of the district in this shorter tour. Pedicabs are an additional optional way to travel as well. Economical and you can invariably get your guide to take you virtually anywhere within reason on request. There are usually a few pedicabs located in the City Market area as well for your convenience.

For the more adventuresome, you may wish to consider getting around on a scooter. Why limit yourself to just staying in the historic district? Scooters are a great way to get around in an urban environment and can be rented by the day or the week. A good local rental store is Coastal Scooters located on Broughton St. an affordable resource for this type of motorized conveyance. If you don’t mind taking a tour while moving around in an attention grabbing manner, then the recently launched futuristic Segway Human Transport conveyance offered by Kinetic Tours might just be the ticket.

Or maybe you prefer to pedal around in the historic district – many do as evidenced by the many bicycles one notes moving along the cobble stone streets. You can pack your own bicycle or perhaps rent a pair of bikes at a few different locations within the historic district. It is prudent to confine these excursions to daylight hours as opposed to night time, Savannah’s historic district being a downtown urban area. Of course this is good advice for strolling as well. From a safety stand point, it always pays to use common sense in visiting urban areas in any part of the country you vacation to in this day and time, unfortunately.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, Savannah’s historic district is certainly worth the effort to move around and take in the many tourist attractions. You will certainly not be disappointed whatever your method of transport within the district.

Since 1903 Clary’s Café has been a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors to Savannah. The friendly, inviting atmosphere at Clary’s will make you feel like a local while visiting Historic Savannah.

Recently, while on a trip with my family from New York and Arizona, we stopped in to have breakfast at Clary’s. My aunt had gotten up that morning and accidentally put her shirt on inside out. Well, no one in the family noticed, but one of the guests at Clary’s did. The next thing you know one person, then two, then three and more started getting up, going to the bathroom and putting their shirts on inside out. It was quite amusing and everyone in the café, including my aunt and the rest of the family, were laughing and having a good time, like one big family.

The breakfast at Clary’s is out of this world. Featuring stuffed French toast, hot blueberry pancakes, omelets, biscuits, crab cakes benedict and Hoppel Poppel scrambled eggs (with chunks of kosher salami, potatoes, onions and green peppers). You need to be sure and try to stop by Clary’s for breakfast at least once (if you do you’ll definitely go back for more).

Lunch and dinner are also served, beginning at 11:30 a.m. They also have super deserts and an ice cream soda fountain.

Clary’s was featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Spacey, Jude Law and John Cusack.

The owners of this circa 1848 townhouse have traveled extensively in Europe and it shows in the upscale décor. You will absolutely love having your coffee on the comfortable fish chair on the back porch.

Perfect for a romantic getaway for two or a honeymoon, this one bedroom, one bath vacation rental features a unique kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of great art, a big, comfy king size bed and off-street parking.

Take advantage of the fact that this property is centrally located in the Historic District, within walking distance to all local attractions, restaurants, parks and shops.

If you are flying to Savannah, you will likely land at the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport. It’s very conveniently located, only about a 15 minute drive to downtown Savannah.

Featuring the largest brochure collection in the region, you can stop on your way out and gather all the information you’ll need for your Historic Savannah getaway. You can arrange transportation here to take you from the airport to your vacation destination.

Most of the major airlines fly in and out of this 275,000 sq. ft. airport. You can visit their website for flight schedules, weather updates and a guide to the terminal.

Now playing at The Historic Savannah Theatre – Jukebox Journey, a colorful, fast moving display of music and dance from the 1940s to present.

The building itself is as much a treat as the entertainment inside. The original building was designed by architect William Jay and opened in 1818. It was refurbished into a 1950s art deco structure and now serves as a performing arts center.

Jukebox Journey is the #1 downtown entertainment extravaganza and a MUST SEE while in Savannah.

The gamble that Statesboro based Georgia Southern took a few years ago is apparently paying off by booking well known artists into The Performing Arts Center on the GSU campus as “the tickets are jumping off the shelves” according to the PAC director. There had been some concern about filling this venue with performing arts fans due to Statesboro’s rural location and some wondered if a dozen performances per year might be too ambitious a schedule for the newly constructed Performing Arts Center back in 2002.

Apparently not, as the PAC is enjoying it’s best year ever. Of course booking such well known and diverse acts as The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kathy Mattea, and “Mark Twain Tonight” featuring Hal Holbrook, plus other well known scheduled acts through April of 2006 is bound to attract fans from miles away for a night’s worth of hard to find entertainment. If traveling the Heritage Corridor, you may want to check your schedule and see if your planned getaway through coastal Georgia will allow you to take in any of these scheduled performances.

 It is doubtful that Blind Willie McTell could ever imagine the musical acts that eventually would end up performing in Statesboro year after year when he wrote the rhythm and blues favorite “Statesboro Blues” back in 1928. You have to believe that somewhere out there, Duane Allman, who prior to losing his own life in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia performed this classic in 1971 at The Fillmore East, is smiling broadly with the new found notoriety amongst recording artists that this Southern Georgia City is receiving.

Everybody has to be somewhere, why not be relatively cooler at the same time? Just as the dog days of summer heralds rising temperatures and sauna like weather conditions here in the southeast every year, Savannah Getaways once again lowers the nightly/weekly rates on all of our lodging options for the month of August for the many history loving Floridians that choose this month to visit Savannah’s Historic District. Makes sense to drive north where the thermometer readings are arguably slightly cooler than those found in the “Sunshine State”.

All of our vacation rental properties offer at least 10% discounts off normal low season rates to all Florida based travelers with some select properties offering up to 30% off depending on length of stay and geographic location within the historic district. If you are looking for a long getaway weekend or just an opportunity to explore historic tourist attractions in cooler conditions, review our roster of self catered accommodations in the historic district to find your best deal. Come on up to Savannah, where the weather is nice this time of year, relatively speaking, for our southern neighbors.

Whenever we are at our historic district townhouse in Savannah on Taylor Street, I always make sure to get up and go for a peaceful bicycle ride early in the morning, usually around 7 AM.

I start my route by going down to Whitfield square and then take Habersham south to either Gwinnett St. or Gaston. St. both of which are lined with the most beautiful homes and often the residents will be out watering the flowers or sweeping the sidewalk, etc. I then go west to Forsyth Park and join the walkers and runners for several laps around the park as they get their morning exercise, again admiring all the beautiful historic homes around the park.

After circling the Park several times to get warmed up I continue west to Barnard St. and head north (towards the river) through all the squares until I get to City Market where I cut West through it until I get to Martin Luther King and turn north all the way to River Street.

Then I turn east and ride along the Savannah River watching the city starting to wake up as the businesses and all the workers start flowing into work. Often I will catch a HUGE freighter coming in or leaving as I ride this section. Somewhere along the river I have to stop and catch my breath. Then I continue along River Street until I get all the way to the end of the shops where I go up the ramp and get on Bay Street.

By now Bay Street is usually pretty busy, so I will cross it and go over until I get to Broughton Street and turn west again. Along this street there are also opportunities to stop and grab a sandwich or a StarBucks coffee, if you still need a wake up call. Broughton Street is also where the Links Bicycle shop is located that rents Bicycles if you didn’t bring your own.

I will stay on Broughton until I get to Bull Street where I turn south and enjoy all the squares and activity as I ride back to Forsyth Park and go around it again to add some distance to the ride. And on the final leg, I will go east on Gaston to Habersham, North on Habersham to Taylor, and east back home once again on Taylor St.

The ride is an excellent way to start the morning, a chance to get some exercise, AND you will see things in the morning that you never realized were there. One morning the Sun was just coming up and it perfectly highlighted some Wisteria around the front of a home that had a curved front on it. It was absolutely breath taking in architectural details. I had walked past that house many times over the past last 3 years and had never noticed this feature until then.

The city also welcomes you in the morning, before everyone gets so busy, with lots of “Good Morning, what a beautiful day” from others out enjoying the historic district. Makes you understand why Savannah is known as “The Hostess City”.

Contributed by Ernie Knepp, Savannah Getaways consortium property owner

Situated next door to the famed Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House on the Jones Street, a beautiful cobblestone street, this two bedroom, two bath townhouse is one of the many available for vacation rentals in historic Savannah, Georgia.

The Madison Square Suite is spacious and stylishly furnished. Recent renovations enhance the appeal of this well appointed property. It features a fully outfitted kitchen, large formal living room and dining room with designer furnishings and linens. The floor-to-ceiling windows give a picturesque view of the horse drawn carriages going by on Historic Jones Street.

To top it all off, spend your evenings on a private Charleston side porch relaxing on the chaise lounge or dining alfresco while listening to the gurgle of the fountain from the courtyard below.

A recent Newsweek Magazine article (July 25th edition) touted the real estate boom taking place in Pocatello, Idaho with homes and condo’s going in the median price range of $98,000 and less. This river valley city located in the scenic Rockies certainly attracts a modest amount of tourists to help pay the mortgage, assuming you know how to attract the potential tourists via vacation rentals. And it helps that the local college, Idaho State University, has 14,000 students that provides a “solid base of renters” according to Newsweek. The article does not go far enough, in my opinion, in laying out a useful criteria in seeking these investment properties out to begin with. They do reference the rental cash flow as being the key in making these investment properties pay for themselves on the one hand but offer very little in the way of how to best determine which geographic location to purchase properties in other than those areas of the country that offer under-valued properties for sale to begin with.

Our own portfolio of coastal Georgia investment properties has made us big believers in purchasing properties that can be offered to a variety of renters, be they college students, tourists, or just your every day garden variety renter looking for housing at competitive rates. Our core investment portfolio of vacation destination rental condo’s and townhouses in Savannah’s historic district, however, has enabled us to become reasonably proficient at projecting positive cash flow before making a vacation rental investment.

If looking to purchase a resort property, it is far better to spend more money on purchasing vacation destination properties in a location, location, location criteria, assuming it will cash flow as opposed to purchasing an undervalued property that will be difficult to cash flow due to an inability to attract a sufficient number of tourists to begin with. Case in point is the Half Moon Marina condo we purchased 20 miles out of Savannah a few years ago on the deep water North Newport River – located 30 minutes away by boat from the Intercoastal Waterway and St. Catherines Island, the only means to get to either location. We purchased this water front condo for a relatively modest amount, comparatively speaking, as it relates to eastern seaboard waterfront coastal properties, and it continues to appreciate at $20,000+ per year with no signs of slowing down until it reaches the $200,000 mark. You would think this remote vacation destination condominium with it’s 7+ mile view of a Nature Preserve would be the perfect destination for the water loving adventure vacation traveler looking to get away from it all, right?

You would be correct in that assumption of course, unfortunately, just not in any significant numbers to make it cash flow in a positive manner in spite of a lot of creative marketing efforts to attract a sufficiency of vacation travelers to this fairly new condo. Our plan B option of renting this property out to military personnel from nearby Ft. Stewart (located 20 miles away) did not pan out so well either. In spite of offering this condo out to the military at a low monthly rental rate ($750 per month), seems there is a war going on at the moment and the officers and enlisted personnel at Ft. Stewart can not project their rental needs ahead very far into the future as they keep getting recycled back overseas. Fortunately we have had reasonable success with renting it unfurnished (moved the furniture to a new property that we purchased in the historic district back in December of last year) to local residents in Liberty County, Georgia.

While used to subsidizing this condo in a modest way every month (it does not quite cash flow in a positive manner on an individual basis to the extent that our other more strategically placed vacation properties cash flow) we are considering cashing it in, in spite of the off the scale water front appreciation we are enjoying. However, all of our investment portfolio of vacation rental properties have to do their own lifting. And so, for those of you that are looking to make your first resort rental property investment, heed the most important advice you are ever likely to hear in purchasing real estate, be it vacation rental property or otherwise. That old saw, “the three most important considerations in purchasing real estate are location, location, location” is even truer today than it ever was before, assuming the “experts” are correct about the coming bursting of the real estate bubble. Our experience over the past seven years with our own vacation destination properties suggests that Americans will continue to enjoy long vacation getaway weekends, come what may.

For a fun excursion from Savannah, take the 45-minute drive to the sheltered community feel of Hilton Head Island. Settled by planters in the 1770s, Hilton Head is connected to the mainland only by a bridge.

During your day trip you can visit the various shopping centers with shops that range from outlet to upscale. If you’re a golfer there are gorgeous golf courses, many designed by PGA players. The beaches stretch on for miles, so maybe a day of relaxation in the sun is just what the doctor ordered. For the whole family, there are Dolphin Discovery tours, kayaking and a beach nature walk.

So, if you’re planning an extended trip to Savannah you may want to consider a day trip to take advantage of everything the coastal Carolinas and Georgia have to offer.

A recent Associated Press article reported that Americans are continuing to travel in great numbers this summer holiday season in spite of high fuel prices based on tourism data generated over the past 12 months. The only change on the national level is that more Americans are taking more trips in the course of the calendar year but staying shorter periods of time favoring long weekend getaways over the traditional week long family vacation.

Our popular American week long vacation has been shortened by one day with the average American household spending a few dollars less than $1100 on average for a six night vacation on an annual basis when factoring in the longest trip of the season taken by the typical American family over the past twelve months. More frequent trips of shorter duration seems to be the norm as savvy travelers seek to stretch their travel dollars while undertaking a greater variety of vacation options in regional vacation destination areas as they are more likely to drive shorter distances to tourist attractions.

This has certainly been the case for Savannah’s historic district this summer season in what has long been considered the “low season” to this history filled destination while Tybee Island, located just 20 minutes away from the Landmark Historic District by vehicle, continues to enjoy a normal family vacation oriented robust high season as usual to this popular coastal destination in spite of rising fuel prices.

To understand the dynamics of this equation, it is necessary to break out which states this steady stream of tourists originates from, with our own state of Georgia proper as well as our southern neighbor Florida continuing to lead all states this season as Savannah bound travelers continue to travel in respectable numbers to Tybee Island and downtown Savannah for both the low season and the high season at these two uniquely different Georgia tourism attractions

I first became aware of Dr. Samuel Nunez’s contributions to Colonial Era Savannah from one of his ancestors, James Eunice, a few years ago. Mr. Eunice had named a historic district property he owns on St. Julian St. in his ancestor’s honor, “The Nunez Cottage” and I became curious as to just who Dr. Nunez actually was. Research at the Georgia Historical Society and Temple Mickve Israel located on Monterey Square yields a fascinating story of the good doctor’s timely contribution to Savannah’s colonists in their time of need.  According to documents found at the GHS, he very probably kept the fledgling colony from being wiped out by an epidemic of dysentery that took 20 colonists before being held in check by Dr. Nunez’s prompt medical measures to stop the spread of this contagious killer.

His story is a fascinating one, set against the backdrop of a small but diverse group of visionary settlers that came to coastal Georgia looking for a better way of life while escaping the religious persecution rampant on the European Continent.

Samuel Nunez was born in Portugal to a distinguished Jewish family in 1668. Despite being under surveillance by the principals of the infamous Spanish Inquisition, he became a successful doctor with “an extensive family practice” according to historical documents. The entire Nunez family was arrested as “heretics” in 1703 and remained imprisoned for many years in the infamous dungeons of Lisbon. During this time he became the personal physician of the Grand Inquisitor who not only recognized his skill as a physician while disingenuously overlooking the fact that he was Jewish but eventually agreed to his release from prison providing he would allow two officials to reside with him constantly to assure neither he nor his family ever again practiced the heretical faith that the misguided Catholic leadership of that era characterized Judaism as being engaged in.

In spite of these conditions, Dr. Nunez became involved with smuggling Jews out of Portugal to England. After the outbreak of pestilence in 1724 (no doubt giving Dr. Nunez practical experience, he would utilize years later in his New World home), a Great Fire broke out in Lisbon during a time there were three British Warships anchored in the Lisbon Harbor. During the confusion of this fire, Dr. Nunez and his family managed to escape on one of these warships to England. An estimated 3000 Jews escaped the horror of the inquisition in this manner.

While in England, Dr. Nunez became intrigued with reports of the New English Colony in Georgia and was able to gain passage for himself and his family on Captain Hanson’s ship, arriving in Oglethorpe’s Savannah based Colony on July 10, 1733 at the advanced age of 65 years old. Among the 42 passengers on this voyage were such future old Savannah family names known to later generations as the Sheftall and Minus families. It was fortunate indeed for these initial passengers that Oglethorpe welcomed Jewish settlers in spite of the Trustees being adamantly opposed to them being allowed into the colony to begin with – much like today, ingrained prejudices of that era died hard.

Prior to the deadly outbreak of contagious pestilence 4 years later, Dr. Nunez and his fellow settlers enjoyed several years of peace in the colony until the Florida based Spanish fleet began threatening to invade coastal communities along Georgia’s coast. Eventually, Dr. Nunez, undoubtedly remembering his prior treatment at the hands of his Spanish Inquisitors, moved his family to the better protected city of Charleston where the trail goes cold on the impressive life of Dr. Nunez. No records exist as to when or where he died or even where he may have been buried. It has been suggested that he could have accompanied his daughter, Zipporah, and her husband David Machada in their move to New York after their arrival in Charleston.

This much we do know. Dr. Nunez may very well have been Georgia’s first public hero with his timely medical expertise and service to the at risk colonists during their time of need while holding a tenuous toe hold at best in Georgia’s first Colonial City – the first of many more to come pay off’s for her initiation of a visionary policy of religious tolerance for all faiths and creeds in historic Savannah, even as other settlers opposed it. And one need look no further than the diverse group of active Churches serving the spiritual needs of the faithful today, still dominating many of the Squares of the landmark historic district that sprung up during the first hundred years after Savannah grew to become a major antebellum era City of her day to see how very well this all worked out.

First made popular in recent years in Britain, France, and Germany by European travelers, self catered accommodations are rapidly gaining broad appeal as an ever growing number of savvy American tourists are seeking out these “vacation rentals by owner” properties as alternative lodging options when undertaking getaway weekends as well as the more traditional week long family vacation resort trip. While not for every traveler, the benefits of these “Bed, no Breakfast” private vacation homes are readily apparent when the more adventuresome traveler considers the competitive pricing, large roomy upscale accommodations, and the intimate privacy for both small and large parties of travelers as opposed to historic inns or hotel suites.

As a growing number of baby boomers reach retirement age and purchase these second homes for their own personal getaways as well as prudent investment vehicles throughout the nation’s tourist destinations, these homes continue to stay booked during the high season by vacationers looking for more value while stretching their vacation dollars. While discerning travelers continue to find excellent value with these type alternative vacation getaway options, make sure you deal with the right resource in looking online for your best deal. The higher price you pay for even the most upscale vacation condo does not necessarily mean it will translate into the best vacation experience.

For those of you who have never stayed in this type facility before, make sure you are dealing with a reputable travel industry professional before booking one of these “upscale” properties. Online photographs can be deceiving. And once you arrive at your “dream vacation home”, you may find out it is not at all as advertised depending on how the absentee property owner administers their vacation facility from many miles away. Some property owners are merely looking to make mortgage payments and are not the most sophisticated when it comes to delivering advertised goods and services in the manner you expected to find on checking in. If you are unfamiliar with the travel resource, you may want to ask for references from some of the other travelers who have stayed at the same property you are considering - most reputable property owners are more than happy to share these resources with you and some even keep a log of comments from satisfied guests for your review.

Before you make a reservation, know their return of security deposit policy, what to do in the case of an emergency such as a backed up toilet, air conditioning unit not being operational, or other unforeseen possibilities that your typical front desk at a hotel is set up to handle. The more questions you ask, the more of an informed decision you can make in securing just the right self catered accommodation from the appropriate vacation rental resource on your next family vacation.

Paula Deen is set to begin a new chapter in her life – as a magazine publisher. In November, Cooking with Paula Deen will debut on newsstands.

Featuring recipes, sample menus for everyday meals and creative ideas and tips as well as personal stories and events from Paula Deen’s life, this bi-monthly lifestyle magazine will cost $4.99 for a single copy or $19.98 for a yearly subscription.

So, move over Martha Stewart, now there’s hope for all of us who struggle in the kitchen – every other month Paula Deen will teach us some new tricks on how to set the perfect table, cook the best meal and create the most festive holiday atmosphere with humor and a whole lot of fun!

Looking for something to do today? You might want to hop on down Interstate 95 to Riceboro (about 20 miles south of Savannah) and take in the Afircan Independence Day Celebration at Geechee Kunda, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Center and Museum of Georgia located at 622 Ways Temple Road (912 - 884 – 4440). According to Jamal Toure, one of the event’s organizers and a djeli (living historian) at Geechee Kunda, “although the African Independence day is an ocean away (in Liberia) from Savannah, the event is significant enough to celebrate in the Coastal Empire.”

Today’s celebration will feature performances by Adiva, the voice of the Lowcountry; ancestral drumming with Abu Majied; comedian Janet Tandy, celebration dance by Danille, inspirational dancing by Samantha Stephens; and African Spirits of Day Clean. In keeping with the Center’s ongoing independent celebrations of African heritage since May, today’s activities will include singing, dancing, drumming, and shouting. Plan to attend this uniquely Gullah themed day along the Heritage Corridor, if looking for an out of the ordinary day trip.

Charming historic home located within blocks of River Street, so close you can see the ships go by on the Savannah River from the balcony. It features two beautiful live oaks out front and three porches to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

This house, formerly known as Trompe L'oiel House, has been professionally decorated utilizing 18th century antiques. Off-street parking is available.

This property is located within walking to distance to all Historic Savannah attractions and restaurants.

Enjoy the unique experience of vacationing in a private residence – you’ll never go back to hotels again!

To the delight of tall ship fans in coastal Georgia, the fully rigged sailing vessel, HMS Bounty made Savannah her port of call recently in early July during her east coast tour. This voyage originated in St. Petersburg, Florida with her eventual destination terminating at the harbor of New York City. The only North American tall ship still sailing, HMS Bounty opened up her three levels of living and work space to a steady stream of visitors in Savannah’s historic district that were characterized in one report as “eager to see 200 years of history afloat.”

Boasting an overall length of 180 ft. including the bowsprit, this striking sailing ship has 18 sails that comprise 10,000 square ft of canvas requiring 10 miles worth of rigging to assist in keeping her moving smartly over the water. A supplemental diesel electric engine is only one of the modern day upgrades added some years back as an accommodation to meeting deadlines for this storied vessel.

Over the years, HMS Bounty has appeared in many Hollywood productions featuring sailing ships starting with the 1935 epic “Mutiny on the Bounty” right on through to her starring role in “The Pirates of the Caribbean”, a blockbuster movie released by Disney in 2003 starring Johnny Depp. This Hollywood connection shows no sign of slowing down with more swashbuckling era movies to be released over the next few years.

When the Bounty finally hoisted anchor and sailed away after a few days visit, somehow she seemed not at all out of place moving down the Savannah River past oncoming modern day sea traveling merchant vessels heading up river to off load their cargo, an impressive testimony of the expertise of our seafaring ancestors that plied these historic waters when antebellum Savannah was busily carving out her own historic niche in a still young United States.

Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub and Grill, a new restaurant in Savannah, opened its doors on July 1st, 2005. Located at the former site of The Lady and Son’s Restaurant on W. Congress St., the menu features Scottish specialties and more than 40 varieties of single malt Scottish whiskey.

The owners of the restaurant, Jennifer Brown and Debbie Boulanger, named the restaurant in honor of their great-grandmother, whose recipes are featured in the restaurant.

The pub and grill is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to close on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 noon to 11 p.m. on Sundays and will feature live Scottish music at least every other weekend.

Looking for a helping hand while walking through Savannah’s designated historic district noted as one of America’s “Top Ten Walking Cities?” Here is a helpful hint, why not take advantage of Chatham County’s CAT Shuttle that stops at 30 different locations throughout the Landmark Historic District? The fare-free CAT “Trolley” Shuttle makes scheduled stops every 20 minutes or so to keep you moving through the district.

The tourism friendly CAT (Chatham Area Transit) Shuttle is a Chatham County tax supported transportation solution with major support provided by the City of Savannah. If planning to do a lot of walking while visiting our historic city, it might be a good idea to keep the CAT Shuttle schedule of stops within the historic district in mind to further enhance your vacation plans while staying at strategically placed hotels, Bed and Breakfast Facilities, Historic Inns, and self catered accommodations while staying in the Hostess City by reviewing the CAT trolley schedule.

Whether you plan to walk or drive while staying in the district, you are sure to enjoy the many historic attractions that attract an ever growing stream of national and international tourists annually to our popular coastal Georgia vacation destination.