Tag Archives: Outdoor

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

Strolling Through Time – Enocha Edenfield

Savannah’s historic district hosts a wide range of tour companies, from large operators to independent guides, offering various ways to explore the city. These tours cater to all modes of transportation— from the rapid pace of trolley tour buses speeding through the streets to the leisurely strolls of walking tours. Other options include bicycles, Segways, and horse-drawn carriages.

Ghost tours are a staple in Savannah — and for good reason. Some of the city’s picturesque squares hide unmarked graves just beneath the surface. After going on so many of them, you start to notice a pattern. Some feel genuinely historic and atmospheric, while others lean campy and over-the-top, complete with guest “ghosts” popping out for cheap thrills.

Until something different landed in my inbox — a tour that piqued my curiosity. It focused on the women who helped shape the Savannah we experience today. This semi-private tour was led by tour maestra Enocha (pronounced Ah-nih-ka) Edenfield.

Enocha is the perfect guide. She walks and talks at a comfortable pace, answering questions with such thoughtfulness that it’s clear she wants her guests to be curious and engaged. Every question feels welcomed, not rushed.
One standout feature of her tour is the use of historical photographs and historic city maps flashed on her iPad. Seeing the faces of the people she describes, alongside the changes of the design of the city, makes history feel tangible. It ties together the locations, key events, and the individuals who played pivotal roles in the shaping and design of current Savannah.

If you have the stamina, I’d recommend taking a walking tour in the spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) when the weather is mild. This way, you can double back afterward and actually visit some of the historic homes and museums Enoch mentions along the way.
Even better, Enocha customizes her tours based on your interests. If you’re fascinated by a particular slice of history, she’ll tailor the experience to match. You can reach her on Instagram or through her website.

For more information click here

Bluffton Sunset Party Returns to Bluffton Oyster Factory Park

Looking to get a break from city market and want a super chill vibe?  Wanna feel like a local rather than a vacationer? What you’re looking for is a Bluffton Sunset Party.

Prepare for the 2025 Bluffton Sunset Party Kickoff Celebration, happening on Friday, April 25th, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park. This year’s event will feature live performances by The CHIGGERS and Individually Twisted, promising an unforgettable evening filled with fantastic music, great company, and so much more!

The Bluffton Sunset Parties take place monthly during the summer, overlooking the beautiful May River at Oyster Factory Park. These sundown celebrations bring together the Bluffton community in a vibrant atmosphere where family, friends, and neighbors can enjoy local food, craft beers, boutique wines, fantastic live music, and various activities for all ages.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive by boat, bike, or golf cart—and yes, you can party with your pooch! The Sunset Parties are kid- and pet-friendly. Lawn chairs and leashed pets are welcome.

Tickets for the Bluffton Sunset Party Kickoff Celebration are available online at blufftonsunsetparty.com, or at the door (cash only). Group discounts are also offered for those looking to share the experience with friends and family.

The 2025 Bluffton Sunset Party Series is proudly presented by Tanger Outlets and Kia Country of Hilton Head, with additional sponsorship from Coastal States Bank, Kroger, Beachside Tire & Auto, Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, The Law Office of Healy & Foreit, Latitude Margaritaville, Old Town Bluffton Inn, Lowcountry Lifestyles Team – Realty One Group, Schumacher Homes, CAV Integrated Home, Service Brewing, and Hilton Head Brewing Company.

In addition to providing a memorable experience, the Bluffton Sunset Party Series is committed to giving back to the community. The series supports several local charities, including Your Sound Stage, Bluffton Paddle Club, The Historic Bluffton Foundation, Savannah Roller Derby, Volunteers in Medicine, and others. Since 2013, the series has raised over $70,000 for its non-profit partners, making a significant impact on the local community.

Join us for a season filled with music, fun, and community spirit!

2025 Bluffton Sunset Party Schedule:

  • April 25th – 2025 Kickoff Concert Event
  • May 16th – Sunset Palooza
  • June 13th – Brews on the Bluff
  • July 25th – May River Shrimp Festival / Hawaiian Shirt Night
  • September 27th – Blufftemberfest Music Festival

For more information about the Bluffton Sunset Party Series, including event details and ticket information, please visit www.blufftonsunsetparty.com or contact Bear Foot Sports at 843-757-8520 or bearfootsports27@gmail.com.

Sun, Wind, and Spirit: A Regatta to Remember

 

This past weekend, the Wilmington River gleamed with possibility as the 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Regatta, hosted by the Geechee Sailing Club, brought a beloved tradition to life once again. With sails snapping in a steadily building breeze, 19 skippers took to the water in a spirited celebration of seamanship, resilience, and community—only one had to sit out due to a missing crew, a testament to the dedication of all who showed up.

 

Saturday’s races played out like a well-paced symphony—each course slightly shorter, each leg charged with the quiet thrill only a sailor knows. And when the final sail was lowered and boats docked, the energy carried into the evening at Molly McGuire’s on Wilmington Island. Under soft lighting and the warm glow of shared stories, skippers, crews, spouses, sponsors, and Geechee members gathered for a night that felt like a scene from a coastal novel—laughter, slideshows of the day’s best moments, and the simple joy of a community well met. The wine and beer flowed, the buffet was plentiful, trophies were awarded, and yes—there was cake.

Sunday brought another surprise. Though light winds had been forecast, nature had other plans. After a brief delay, the river offered up a near-perfect breeze. Boats beat their way downriver, then hoisted their spinnakers to soar back toward the finish line—graceful and determined.

A highlight of this year’s regatta was the presentation of the Sportsmanship Award, given to a skipper who embodied the true heart of sailing. After clipping the starting pin, he took his penalty turn without hesitation, then struggled with an over-sheeted sail that left him temporarily stuck in irons. But he didn’t give up. With steady hands and unwavering grit, he made his way back into the race—earning not just respect, but a well-deserved place in the story of this regatta.

Like many races, this weekend was a gathering of passion, perseverance, and people who love the wind, the water, and each other. If you’ve never experienced the magic of the St. Patrick’s Regatta, perhaps next year it’s your time to hoist the sails.

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

Ribs Wings and Rock Festival – Treasure Coast

Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4
Indian River Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave, Vero Beach, Florida

Join us for 2024 Treasure Coast Ribs Wings and Rock Festival

February 2, 2024 at 4:00 PM.

Register soon because space is limited.

We hope you’re able to join us!

Join the Ultimate Fusion of Rock Music, BBQ Ribs, and Wings at Treasure Coast Ribs Wings Rock Fest

Ribs & Wings Food Vendors – Arts & Craft – Vendor Bazaar – Commercial Vendors – Non Profits – Kids Zone

For more information click here

Sleep Out: Florida – Covenant House

Thursday, November 16 to Friday, November 17

One Purpose, One Night

By giving up your bed for one night, you can ensure that youth facing homelessness will sleep safely at Covenant House Florida.

Covenant House Florida welcomes every young person with love and respect. In addition to safe shelter, youth can access nourishing food, clean clothing, and essential services like job training, education, healthcare, mental health counseling, and legal aid — all the tools they need to build futures free from homelessness — at no cost to them. Sleep Out raises the funds that make this possible.

WE SLEEP OUT TO #ENDYOUTHHOMELESSNESS

Sleep Out is more than just a night without a bed. At Sleep Out, Covenant House residents share about their journeys through homelessness, experts empower us to meaningfully advocate for an end to youth homelessness, and Sleepers connect with each other in meaningful ways.

Sleep Out offers a unique way to take action during Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, helping turn the world’s attention to this critical issue and amplifying Covenant House’s boldest mission: to end youth homelessness.

Here’s an inspiring testimonial:
Ruthie Fierberg, 6-time Sleeper

“We sleep outside in sleeping bags, guarded by security, in a clean, rat-free parking lot…None of this is akin to the foodless, bathroom-less, blanket-less, dirty, unsafe, lonely reality of living on the street—even for a single night. Instead, we took stock of our privilege. We began to feel grateful for base needs and tiny conveniences…True, Sleep Out isn’t a first-hand experience. It’s a symbol and a tool.

Sleep Out forced me and those in my social media network to confront facts about youth homelessness in America because of my fundraising goal: 1,554 Facebook friends, 1,200 Twitter and Instagram followers, and over 75 email recipients became aware of the youth homeless crisis and the work of Covenant House because I joined a Sleep Out… That’s what Sleep Out is. It’s a moment of action, a symbol, a gesture, a cry, that will incite more action. In a world where we often feel helpless to do good, this is something tangible to move the needle a fraction of an inch.”

For more information click here

Florida vs #1 Georgia – A Statement Opportunity

Saturday, October 28
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL

When the Gators (5-2, 3-1) face the Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0) in their annual Southeastern Conference clash at EverBank Stadium this afternoon, Florida has an opportunity to rock the foundations of both programs if it can upset the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs and snap their 24-game winning streak.

Modern-day coaches Billy Napier of Florida and Kirby Smart of Georgia have two of the most high-pressure jobs in college football, and they meet on Saturday for the second time in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries. Smart is 5-2 against Florida since taking over in Athens in 2016, including back-to-back wins in which Georgia outscored Florida 76-27. The fact Florida could move into first place in the SEC East with a victory indicates the Gators are trending in the right direction in Napier’s second season.

For more information click here

Fall on the Farm

Saturday, October 28 to Sunday, October 29
Grande Lakes Orlando 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837

Grande Lakes Orlando’s Fall on the Farm will feature family-friendly offerings celebrating the season, all taking place at Whisper Creek Farm, an 18,000 square foot farm located on-property at Grande Lakes Orlando.

Fall On The Farm Tickets

  • Dates: 10/7, 10/8, 10/14, 10/15, 10/21, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29
  • Times: 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
  • Adults: $49 plus 6.5% tax
  • Children: (3-12) $30 plus 6.5% tax
  • Ages 0-2 Complimentary

Each Ticket Includes:

  • Parking
  • Farm Entry
  • Hayride
  • Pumpkin Carving and Painting (1 Pumpkin per ticket)
  • Seasonal Family Games
  • Animal Encounters
  • Face Painting
  • Farmer’s Market
  • Archery Exhibit
  • Falconry Meet and Greet
  • Farming education
  • Live musical entertainment

Locally-sourced dining options from local purveyors and the resort’s culinary team will also be available for sale

For more information click here