Author Archives: Antonio

SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival

Saturday, April 26
Forsyth Park

Time and Purpose:
SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival brings focus on community

The people of Savannah witnessed a grand display of visual “street art” as Forsyth Park transformed into a sprawling canvas at the annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival. Beneath the late spring sun, hundreds of artists — from current students to alumni and even local high schoolers — chalked up their imagination onto the concrete squares.

As I wandered through the sidewalk gallery, it felt like stepping straight into a living dreamscape. Cartoon characters danced beside photorealistic portraits, surreal landscapes melted into abstract explosions of color — each square telling its own tale. The talent on display was jaw-dropping, but even more powerful was the shared energy of it all: artists laughing together, friends encouraging one another, and curious onlookers snapping photos while sipping sweet tea.

There’s a unique magic that occurs when a community comes together like this. Families spread out picnic blankets, dogs tugged excitedly at their leashes, and music drifted from everywhere — a perfect celebration of imagination and connection.And yet, as inspired as I felt soaking it all in, I couldn’t help but reflect a little on my own relationship with creativity. These days, between teaching my kids, trying to squeeze in a few precious minutes with my guitar, and keeping up with the pace of everyday life, finding that mental space for creative play can feel like getting enough sleep, a pipedream. Today was a gentle reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit — it thrives in community, in encouragement, and in those little messy, joyful moments we share.

Short tips on creativity:

  • Focus on “play” not perfection. Purpose and process rather than product.
  • If finding time is an issue, try to be creative with how you handle the tasks you take on during the day rather than trying to find “spare” time for arts.
  • Be in the moment. If you’re yearning to paint or practice an instrument, but time gets in the way, create a playful way to complete your tasks. For example, I sometimes will improvise some approach while cooking using the recipe as word inspiration.
  • There is no one perfect solution to any one problem, only a limitless variety of options.

Creatively,
Melanie Nolan

Photo credits to: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News, J Lanning Smith, and Allison Cobb

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Graasi Barley Water- Product Review

Recently, I had the privilege of trying all three flavors of Graasi Barley Water. Graasi is designed to appease those concerned that in our fast-paced world there are options for convenient ways to stay healthy. Graasi, aims to offer products that are healthy, clean, and trustworthy for every consumer. Graasi features barley grass water which contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is USDA certified organic. They also add the recommended daily allowance of vitamins C, D, and zinc for an added immunity boost. In addition, all of their ingredients are sourced and the product is made in the United States.
The three flavors, Lemongrass Ginger, Cucumber Lime, and Citrus Mint, were all perfectly-balanced and subtle. The Citrus Mint ended up being my favorite. Where I see the greatest impact is in the ease of having a tasty, low-calorie drink that doesn’t add too much sugar and hydrates well. When you are monitoring your water intake as part of your overall nutrition plan, many nutritionists and weight loss plans recommend adding flavors in the forms of sliced fruit and vegetables, and fresh herbs. Graasi provides a shortcut to this successful and popular technique.

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Book Review: Wednesday Night Wine Down by Jennifer Newens

​Jennifer Newens’ Wednesday Night Wine-Down: 52 Drinks for Low-Alcohol Midweek Sipping offers an exploration of light, flavorful cocktails designed for relaxed evenings. The book not only provides a seasonal approach to its collection of recipes, but also suggests the appropriate glassware, mixing method, and garnishes to level up your cocktail hour into something special.

Newens structures her book into four seasonal sections, each offering 13 recipes tailored to the flavors and moods of the time of year. The drinks have low-alcohol content, making them suitable for midweek relaxation. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, ingredient notes, and suggestions for presentation, emphasizing both taste and aesthetic appeal.​

The tradition of mixing wine with other ingredients dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, wine was often diluted with water and infused with herbs and spices for variety. This practice evolved through the centuries, leading to the development of mulled wines in medieval Europe and the more sophisticated wine cocktails we enjoy today.​

My biggest take away from this book was focusing the cocktail around flavor rather than using my favorite type of wine or on alcohol’s relaxing properties.

Some days are tougher than others, but on a good day, I reached for this book. Seeking a drink that delivered some refreshment, I opted for the Moscato and Strawberry Slush. Following Newens’ recipe, I blend the strawberries with a chilled bottle of Moscato, a touch of lemon juice, and ice, creating a refreshing slush.​

Wednesday Night Wine-Down is more than a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to embrace the ritual of unwinding with intention and savoring the nuanced flavors that low-alcohol cocktails can offer.

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Southern Comforts Culinary Crawl: A Cultural Dinner Event

Friday, May 9 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
May River Manor 155 Old Miller Road Bluffton, SC 29910

Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure at May River Manor’s Southern Comforts Culinary Crawl on Friday, May 9th, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This unique culinary crawl will take you on a flavorful journey through the stunning spaces of our property, with each stop offering a new course of Southern-inspired delicacies paired with delicious drinks.

As you explore May River Manor, you’ll enjoy each carefully curated dish that showcases the rich flavors of the South, from savory classics to sweet treats. Along the way, sip on expertly paired beverages as you make your way through different areas of the property, immersing yourself in the charm and warmth of Southern hospitality.

For more information click here

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Meet the Wine Maker – Robert Stuart

Friday, April 11 at 6:30 PM
Wine Bar on the River 425 West River Street Savannah, GA 31401

We invite you to a special night. Meet Robert Stuart – Owner & Executive Winemaker at R. Stuart Winery in Oregon, established 2001..Enjoy a flight of his wines and priceless knowledge.

$25 covers the lesson and the flight of 4 wines. No payment necessary to register.

Bottles, charcuterie, and desserts also available for purchase.

For more information click here

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Savannah Doers & Makers

Thursday, April 24 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Service Brewing Co. 574 Indian Street Savannah, GA 31401

Savannah is full of emerging change-makers doing cool things in the city. We want to highlight these folks. So, we decided to put together an informal gathering to hear from people who have started projects followed by some gentle, non-awkward networking.

  • We will highlight 5 people you should know about doing cool things in the city.
  • We will give them 5 minutes to share what they are up to.
  • Then we will hang out and hopefully find you some collaborators for our next idea or project.

Everyone is welcome and the event is free. Note that selling and self-promoting will be discouraged.

Why should you come?

This event offers a low-risk opportunity to connect with and be inspired by people doing interesting projects in Savannah. Come to support others and be supported in return.

For more information click here

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Tacos and Margaritas Bar Crawl

Saturday, May 3 from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Bubba Garcia’s on Bay

Everyone’s favorite combo: Tacos and Margs are combined in this massive event! Check-in at Bubba Garcia’s on Bay, start feasting at our Taco Station to get a good base and then start your margarita journey where each bar will have their own take on a margarita for you to enjoy!

TACO STATION

When you check-in to this event at the newest Mexican restaurant in downtown Savannah, Bubba Garcia’s on Bay, we will be providing a buffet of tacos for your enjoyment from 4pm-8pm. Each ticket includes 1 FREE Carnita Taco and more can be purchased via add on or on-location for only $4.

DRINK SPECIALS

$4 Michelob Ultra 16oz Can
$5 Estrella Jalisco Draft
$5 Monday Night Brewery Taco Tuesday Can
$6 Nutrul Lime
$6 Cutwater Reposado Margarita
**Drinking is 100% optional! Although this is a “bar crawl”, that doesn’t mean you are required to drink to participate. You do not have to purchase drinks at any bar in order to participate, get your scorecard stamped and earn your “Bar Crawl” t-shirt. We love and welcome Designated Drivers to join us. If you do choose to drink, please drink responsibly.

PARTICIPATING BARS

Bubba Garcia’s on Bay (Registration & Taco Station)
Bay Street Blues
Stafford’s Public House
Pour Larry’s
Octane
Barrelhouse South
Eclipse
Tree House
Escape Room Hideaway Lounge
Rogue Water
Orale Tacos & Tequila (After Party & Taco Specials)

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

  • WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
  • START: Packet pickup will be at Bubba Garcia’s on Bay between 4pm-8pm the day of the event. Please bring your 21+ ID.
  • END: Pick up your T-shirts at Orale Tacos anytime between 6pm-10pm.

PRICE:

$14.99 until March 7th
$19.99 until March 21st
$24.99 until April 4th
$29.99 until April 18th
$39.99 Day of Event May 3rd, 2025

HOW DOES A BAR CRAWL WORK?

Participants crawl at their own pace instead of all together in one huge group. Once crawlers pickup their scorecards at the starting bar, they then travel to all the bars listed enjoying drink specials and getting their scorecard marked at each bar. After visiting all the bars on the list, crawlers join us at Orale Tacos to get your t-shirt!!

THE GOAL

Complete your scorecard by visiting each participating bars and be one of the first 100 crawlers to receive a t-shirt. As you enter the venue, the doorman or bartender will “mark” their respective bar’s section of your scorecard. You do not have to purchase a drink to have your scorecard marked.

FREE STUFF

On top of drink specials, all participants will receive a koozie, a bunch of swag from our sponsors (while supplies last), a scorecard/map to mark your progress, and free entry into all participating bars. Also, the first 100 participants to complete their scorecard will receive an official Savannah Bar Crawl Event t-shirt!

AFTER PARTY

After you have had your scorecard marked at all the bars, join us at Orale Tacos for the official after party. This is also where you will pick up your FREE/RESERVED t-shirts between 6PM-10PM. Remember, we are only giving away FREE shirts to the first 150 crawlers with a finished scorecard. Make sure to bring your score card as proof of participation.

FREE T-SHIRTS

We will be giving away FREE t-shirts (size S-XL) to the first 100 crawlers to join us at Orale Tacos with a completed scorecard. XXL and XXXL will need to be purchased to guarantee in your size.

Many of you want t-shirts, so for an extra $20 (S-XXXL) you may guarantee yourself a t-shirt, in your size, to be waiting for you at the After Party! You will find this option on the registration form.

T-SHIRT ORDERS ARE CUT OFF 1 WEEK PRIOR TO BAR CRAWL TO ENSURE ACCURATE ORDER COUNT. You will be able to purchase t-shirts at the after party for $25.

NOTE: You will only receive ONE t-shirt. This feature is to guarantee yourself a t-shirt when we run out and guarantee it will be in your size. Otherwise, you are more than welcome to try to be one of the first 100 crawlers and get a free t-shirt, size not guaranteed. START: Bubba Garcia’s on Bay between 4pm-8pm. Packet pickup will be at Bubba Garcia’s on bay between 4pm-8pm the day of the event. Please bring your 21+ ID.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Orale Tacos & Tequila anytime between 6pm-10pm.
END: Pick up your T-shirts at Orale Tacos anytime between 6pm-10pm.

For more information click here

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Old Savannah City Mission: Race for a Place!

Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 AM
Forsyth Park Savannah, GA US 31401

This annual 5k/10k Run/Walk will be through beautiful downtown Savannah and Forsyth Park. This Run/Walk will raise money for the continuing growth of the Women’s and Children’s Rescue Mission. Housing women and children who have no permanent address while we assist them in taking control of their lives.

For more information click here

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Anime Ink Con: Savannah

Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20
Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr, Savannah, GA 31421

Anime Ink Con: Savannah is the world’s first Anime tattoo convention combining all the best parts from the Anime and Tattoo worlds. Meet the entertainers currently shaping geek culture. Engage with the talent behind your favorite channels, podcasts, streams, and performances, and connect with the creative minds driving the pop culture conversation. Enter a tattoo or cosplay content. Meet your favorite or new vendors, artists, and voice actors. Kick it at the After Party.

For more information click here

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Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy Block Party

Saturday, March 8 at 12:00 PM
West Broad Bandshell 514 MLK Jr.Blvd Savannah GA

SMF Jazz Academy is bringing it to the streets with a Block Party in partnership with the debut of the new West Broad Street Bandshell. This FREE event will have student jazz performances, food and drinks for purchase, and a public jam session at 2:15 pm. Come out and join us in lifting up Savannah’s rich jazz history and community.

For more information click here

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Global Summit on Materials Science and Nanoscience

Monday, August 4 at 9:30 AM to Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00 PM
Germany

Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramics and Composite Materials Polymers Science and Technology, Advanced Nanomaterials, Mining and Metallurgy, Carbon Nanostructures and 2D Materials, Computational Modeling of Metals & Materials, Smart Materials and Applications, Metamaterials, Energy Materials, Advanced Materials Synthesis and Characterization, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Thin Films and Coatings, Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology, Nanomaterials for Energy and Environment, Nanofabrication and Nanolithography, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Technology, Magnetic Materials, Crystallography, Semiconductors, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Emerging Areas of Materials Science, Magnetism and Multiferroism, Graphene and Its Technology.

For more information click here

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Savannah, Bluffton & Hilton Head: A Coastal Trio Worth Exploring

The Lowcountry region is home to three distinct yet deeply connected destinations: Savannah, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island. While each offers something unique, their shared history and culture make them an ideal trio for a well-rounded visit.
Savannah, GA is the heart of history and Southern charm, with cobblestone streets, historic squares, and a vibrant arts scene. From its well-preserved architecture to its haunted past, Savannah is the cultural and entertainment hub of the region. Visitors can explore SCAD’s creative influence, enjoy world-class dining, and take in the lively nightlife along River Street. Of the trio, this is the place you’ll want to head to if you plan on staying out past 10 p.m.
Hilton Head Island, SC is a retreat into luxury and nature. Known for its pristine beaches, top-tier golf courses, and outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the coastal region. Whether you’re biking under Spanish moss-draped oaks, kayaking with dolphins, or indulging in a spa day, Hilton Head is all about high-end relaxation alongside local Gullah history.
Bluffton, SC (Beaufort County) is where small-town charm meets artistic soul. Nestled along the May River, this hidden gem offers a slower pace with a strong sense of community. Its historic Old Town is full of art galleries, unique shops, and farm-to-table dining, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking for an authentic Lowcountry experience. A heavy amount of migrants from other states have expanded this area so you can take in some of the charm and a nature walk and then hit up a movie or go-carts.
How They Connect
Many Savannah tourists take day trips to Bluffton for its artsy, laid-back vibe and continue to Hilton Head for a sunset walk on the beach.
Hilton Head vacationers often visit Savannah for a day of history, shopping, and nightlife.
Bluffton serves as a bridge between the two, offering an off-the-beaten-path escape with a strong local identity.
Which One Should You Visit?
Love history, culture, and nightlife? Savannah.
Want beaches, golf, and outdoor fun? Hilton Head.
Prefer local art, small-town charm, and riverfront beauty? Bluffton.
For the best experience, visit all three—you’ll get the perfect mix of history, relaxation, and authentic Lowcountry culture!

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