Scenes of the South

More than two hundred runners and volunteers gathered together to take a stand against bullies at the 6th Annual Savannah Reindeer 8k Run hosted at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on December 19. Presented by the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Georgia and Fleet Feet Sports, this popular race attracts participants of all ages and skill levels who arrive to the start line dressed in their festive costumes to benefit anti-bully awareness activity provided by the Prevention Education program at RCC. After completing the run, guests were treated to a taste of the crowd favorites offered at the chili cook off competition followed by an award ceremony that included a prize for the youth with the most funds raised. Photos by Krystal Oblinger

Savannah's newest upscale sports bar welcomed over two hundred invited guests to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Savannah Taphouse on December 18. Located in the revitalized historic building formerly home to the Avon Theater on Broughton Street, the Savannah Taphouse features an award-winning menu of made-from-scratch selections in addition to forty beers on tap. Sports fans will love watching their favorite games on twenty eight flat screen televisions complete with a state-of-the-art TV package and access to their exclusive, members only beer club. Guests in attendance enjoyed food samples, door prizes and live music from the Christy Alan Band. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Ansley Williams and the Live Oak Restaurant Family invited the public to Spanky's River Street on December 16 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Savannah restaurant, home of the original chicken finger. Past and present employees and patrons could be found in attendance during the evening, offering their favorite memories and Spanky's stories while enjoying the delicious food that has been bringing them back for decades. The December event marks the kick-off to a yearlong River Street celebration of "Fingers, Fun and Frolickin' Friends designed to recognize the people that have supported Spanky's after all these beers! Photos by Jason Smith

The Andaz Savannah Artist Salon on December 17 featured the members of the Gray's Reef National Marine Science Sanctuary as they presented information on the films for the upcoming Gray's Reef Film Festival at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts January 29-30, 2016. The Andaz also partnered with Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire for the December event to collect new, unused toys or presents for families who are struggling with the financial and emotional difficulties of comforting an ill or injured child. Guests at the salon were treated to complimentary cider and wine served from Jane and Holden at the bar along with delicious oysters, steak and other farm-to-fork offerings from Chef Lauren Teague and the team at the 22 Square Restaurant. Photos by Lindsey Clark

The December Martinis at the Mansion event was hosted at 700 Drayton Restaurant on December 18 featuring Lesli Messenger with the Savannah Harm Reduction Coalition. Lesli tragically lost her son, Austin, in 2005 to an accidental Opiod drug overdose and she has since made it her life's mission to educate people on the harmful effects of Opiates and how a drug known as Naloxone, can be used to reverse the effects of narcotic drugs. The more than seventy-five guests who were in attendance enjoyed sipping on the evening's five dollar martini specials while purchasing raffle tickets to win more than fifteen prizes collected by Savannah VIP Events from members around the community. Martinis at the Mansion occurs on the third Wednesday of each month with the next event taking place on January 21 with the American Traditions Competition. Photos by Lindsey Clark

The historic fraternal organization known as the Guale Myers Society, welcomed an exclusive guest list of family and friends to celebrate their acheivements at their annual gala hosted at the Gingerbread House on December 12. Recognized by their trademark red tartan jackets, the society derives its name from the Guale Indians of Coastal Georgia, who befriended early settlers, with whom they traded tobacco. Although it is believed that the group was started as a cigar appreciation society, the modern GMS is primarily focused on embedding itself within Savannah-area political, business and civic institutions to help quietly shape the face of the city. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Savannah friends and neighbors took a break from the hectic malls this Saturday, December 12 and headed over to the new Southside Savannah Harley-Davidson location for a special Christmas Party that offered a little something for the kid in all of us. Guests who arrived at the afternoon event were greeted by Santa Clause and the Grinch, who posed for free photos with the children while the adults could browse through the amazing selection of Harley-Davidson merchandise and shop for something that they REALLY wanted this year. The day's fun and festivities included; refreshments, holiday crafts, live music by the Joyful Noise Trio and a jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics performance. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Presented by the Tiffani Taylor Gallery and Heej Chung Art & Designs, the second Saturday Savannah Art Walk welcomed over seventy visitors to take a self-guided tour of the thirty-two participating galleries, boutiques and shops located on the map. The evening began with a meet-and-greet reception at the Bohemian Hotel Riverfront where a special raffle drawing was held to benefit the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire for an original Tiffani Taylor oil painting valued at more than four thousand dollars. Following the reception, attendees hopped on board the free Old Savannah Tours Trolley to make their way throughout the various locations on the map before concluding at the Andaz Hotel for more prizes and gratis wine at 8pm. Photos by Krystal Oblinger

Runners from all over the United States turned out in record numbers on December 5 to tackle the historic Talmadge Bridge at the annual Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run . Known as the "South's Toughest Bridge Run," participants can choose to run in any combination of races including, 5K, 10K and Double Pump, allowing runners several opportunities to cross the 1.4 mile, 5.5% grade bridge that reaches heights of up to 196 feet above the Savannah River. Attendees sported a variety of themed individual and group costumes to compete for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes announced at the post-race party in Franklin Squaere. Proceeds from the race benefit the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer Pavilion at St. Joseph's / Candler Hospital, one of the most innovative oncology programs in the Southeast. Photos by Krystal Oblinger

The highly anticipated Wright's Square Merchant's Association Holiday Open House took place on December 4 in the Historic District, helping residents and visitors to find the perfect local Savannah gift for those on their shopping list. Guests to this annual event enjoyed extended store hours in addition to discounts and various samples, refreshments and treats served by the various businesses,vendors and specialty shops that surround Savannah's most recognized square. Father Christmas could be found wandering around to spread his Christmas Cheer to the holiday crowd and the Savannah Children's Choir made several appearances to perform favorite carols during the evening.

More than two hundred shoppers arrived to the Downtown Design District on December 3 to celebrate the one year anniversary of Bottega Bellini during the annual Holiday Open House. Returning customers and new guests enjoyed browsing the store's unique selection of Italian products including, specialty food, handmade ceramics and elegant dinnerware while sipping on the evening's featured cocktail, an Italian Peach Bellini, prepared by celebrity bartenders, Jere and Elizabeth Myers. Mother-daughter team, Janet and Ashley Kubista, relocated to Savannah in 2014 from Charleston, South Carolina in order to open the specialty shop featuring more than twenty original designs imported from Italy in addition to an endless selection of table top and serving pieces. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Members and friends of Buy Local Savannah joined together for an evening of networking and fun at their Annual Holiday Party hosted at Savannah Coffee Roasters on December 1. Buy Local President, Lori Collins, prepared an amazing array of food and desserts for guests to enjoy and spread her holiday cheer with her grandmother's recipe for Pavlova, Australia's National Dessert. Attendees enjoyed live music with local band, XuluProphit, in addition to door and raffle prizes and a well stocked cash bar. Buy Local Savannah supports locally owned and operated, independent businesses in the greater Savannah area and typically meets for their monthly luncheon on the fourth Thursday of the month, except for when it is Holiday Party time! Photos by Krystal Oblinger

Hundreds of visitors and local residents gathered on the waterfront to celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Season at the Savannah Harbor Foundation Boat Parade of Lights on November 28. Many onlookers lined the cobblestones of River Street to view the event, while others watched from The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort at the kickoff celebration for the SHF 2015 Holiday Series. A cannon firing launched the festive procession led by the Georgia Queen of Savannah Riverboat Cruises and included more than thirty lighted vessels sailing along the river vying for the judges attention. The evening concluded with an awards ceremony at the Westin followed by a colorful fireworks display. Photos by Tracy Scarpati

History was made on November 21 as the Metro Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrated their one year anniversary at the Coastal Georgia Center. welcoming more than two hundred local business leaders to commemorate the organization's milestone. Costumed dance performances entertained guests at the red carpet reception which was followed by the evening's award ceremony, featuring a delicious plated dinner of authentic Latin Cuisine prepared and served by Latin Chicks Restaurant. The event's key note speaker was Alex Salgueiro, owner of Savannah Restaurant Corporation, who delivered an inspiring speech about his journey from Cuba to Miami and Atlanta before finally realizing his dream of owning his own business. The Metro Savannah Hispanic Chamber is one of only two Hispanic Chambers in the State of Georgia, with the other located in Atlanta. Photos by Tracy Scarpati

The Andaz Hotel hosted their monthly Artist Salon on November 19, welcoming members of the Georgia Conservancy and Generation Green, who have joined together to discover innovative ways to conserve Georgia's natural resources. Guests to the November event were informed about the conservation efforts of these organizations while enjoying an intoxicating selection of fresh food prepared by Chef Lauren Teague and her team at the 22 Square Restaurant and Bar. This Salon was a bittersweet event for the Andaz team as it will be the last for General Manager, Matt Graham, before he heads off to Ottawa, Canada to open the newest location in the boutique hotel's collection Photos by Diane Dodd

The soggy weather in Savannah didn't put a damper on the crowd in attendance at the November Martinis at the Mansion event on November 19, as more than fifty guests turned out to the Mansion on Forsyth Park to raise money and awareness for Savannah's National American Business Club Inc., (AMBUCS.) Guests to this power networking event stopped to have their photo taken on the South magazine red carpet before heading up the stairs to Casimir's Lounge at 700 Drayton Restaurant where they enjoyed delicious five dollar martini specials while learning more about the non-profit's programs that are designed to create mobility and independence for people with disabilities. Proceeds from the evening's 50/50 Raffle went to benefit the organization's Amtryke Program, which provides therapeutic tricycles to individuals who are unable to ride traditional bikes. Martinis at the Mansion takes place on the third Wednesday of each month with the next event taking place on December 16 where the host will be the Savannah Harm Coalition. Photos by Tracy Scarpoti

Presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, The Savannah Children's Book Festival returned to Forsyth Park on November 14, boasting an impressive lineup of renowned and award-winning children's book authors and illustrators from around the country. Now in its twelfth year, the festival attracts children of all ages to celebrate the joy of reading with live costumed characters, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, live book readings and a variety of food and entertainment. More than fifty authors and illustrators attended the event including Kate DiCamillo, who is currently serving as the US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. DiCamillo is the author of "Because of Winn Dixie" and "The Tale of Desperaux," two bestselling books that were adapted into major motion pictures, and is only one of six authors to win two Newbery Medals in the award's history. Photos by Tracy Scarpoti

More than five thousand food and wine lovers flocked to the Georgia State Railroad Museum on Saturday, November 14 to sample the best cuisine and spirits in the Southeast at the Taste of Savannah, hosted by the Tourism and Leadership Council. This annual culinary celebration is the highlight of the Savannah Food and Wine Festival and features, hundreds of vendors, Big Green Egg cooking demonstrations, Georgia Grown Village, Celebrity Chefs, a Bartender's Challenge competition and book signings. Guests could purchase a VIP ticket which included, private on-site parking and early entry to the event along with exclusive access to the Board of Director's Lounge where they would find delicious food provided by Paul Kennedy Catering and festival sponsor, Publix. Now in its 3rd year, the SAVFW raises money for local causes including, the TLC Scholarship Fund which offers tuition assistance to students studying for careers in the field of tourism and hospitality. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Presented by the Tiffani Taylor Gallery and Heej Chung Art, the second Saturday Savannah Art Walk returned to the Historic District on November 14, featuring over thirty locations on the tour. Guests began at the Bohemian Hotel for a complimentary wine reception where they could meet the artists before heading off on a self-guided tour of the featured galleries and shops. Attendees could either walk to the locations on the map or ride in style on the Old Savannah Tours Trolley before reconvening at the Andaz Hotel for a final reception and gratis wine pour with raffle prizes. Photos by Danielle Jordan

Runners of all ages and skill levels put on their pajamas and headed over to Skidaway Island State Park on Saturday November 14 to show their support at the 6th Annual Trail of Hope fundraiser to benefit Covenant Care Adoption Services. Presented by Fleet Feet Sports Savannah and Dentistry for Children and Adolescents, the event offered racers a variety of courses including, 5K, 1 Mile, Pajama Run, Tot Trot and the quarter-mile, Teddy Bear Trot, where children were encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal along for the run. Prize were awarded for male and female runners in each race and age group and congratulations to South magazine's very own, Mary Thomas Pickett, for taking home 2nd place in the 5K Overall Female category Photos by Krystal Oblinger

More than four hundred guests arrived to the South magazine red carpet at the Lucas Theatre on November 12 to watch eight local celebrities compete for their mirror ball trophy at the 8th Annual Dancing with the Savannah Stars Finale. The contestants underwent weeks of intensive ballroom dance training with professional instructors in order to raise money and awareness for the Savannah/Chatham Court Appointed Special Advocates, who provide training to volunteers who serve as a consistent adult figure and voice for vulnerable children in our foster care system. Congratulations to all of this year's participants including, Allen Maricle, Amy Kaminsky, Brook Nash, Byron Meredith, Mary Haskins, TC, Deanna Corley and to the 2015 champion, Courtney Reich.

The Fifth Annual Rock N Roll Marathon Series raced into Savannah for the first weekend in November, attracting more than twenty thousand runners from all over the United States to the Hostess City. Dozens of streets were closed in anticipation of the race that began at 7am on Bay Street and ended at the Finish Line Party in Forsyth Park featuring, the Toyota Rock N Roll Concert Series headliner, Rascal Flatts. Saturday's unseasonable warm and humid conditions caused race officials to make the decision to divert runners along the course due to the health risk posed by over-exertion and a comprehensive heat plan was implemented. Photos by Lindsey Clark

The Savannah Music Festival presented its annual kick of concert on November 4 at the Ships of the Sea Museum to announce their impressive lineup for the 2016 Season. The evening's attendees enjoyed live music by the Paul Thorn Band before learning the exciting list of performers at this year's festival including, country music superstar, Dwight Yoakam live a the Johnny Mercer Theater. The SMF is the largest musical arts festival in Georgia with two weeks of live performances beginning on March 24 and continuing through April 9, 2016. Photos by Krystal Oblinger

The signature event for the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival rolled into the Port Royal Golf Club on November 1 as the Concours d'Elegance took center stage, featuring a showcase of the most elegant and flawless collection of classic cars in the country. Celebrating its fourteenth year in South Carolina, the Concours honored four significant milestones at its namesake soiree including, one hundred years of BMW, seventy five years of Continental, sixty years of the Ford Thunderbird and fifty years of the Shelby Cobra. Winning the coveted title of "Best in Show" was a 1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Phaeton, owned by Joseph and Margie Cassini III, and the People's Choice was awarded to a black 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540k, proudly owned by Tom Hill. Since it's inception, the Hilton Head Motoring Festival has become one of the fastest-growing automotive and Motorsports enthusiast weeks in the United States and is the only festival of its kind on the East Coast. Photos by Lindsay Payne