Editor’s letter

PETER MURRAY

DURING THE PAST YEAR, when local businesses have temporarily closed, reopened, closed again, reopened again and, sadly, when some have even shuttered permanently, I’ve asked myself, “What can I do to support them? What can we, as a community, do to support them?” Consider this issue a call to arms — ones heavy with shopping bags.

The staff and collaborators at Savannah magazine revamped our March/April offering, historically our Style Issue, to become The Shop Local Issue. It’s a theme, but also a simple directive: when you can, shop local. The pandemic’s economic impacts have understandably tightened wallets, and I’m not suggesting to spend for spending’s sake. But when there’s a need — for a gift, a small pick-me-up or even a big-ticket purchase — consider visiting a locally owned establishment before a big-box store. Savannah even has options for essential items. Low on gas? Head to Parker’s. Tired of the lines at CVS? Try Apollo Pharmacy. I’d personally argue coffee is essential, and we’ve got Savannah Coffee Roasters, Blends a Coffee Boutique and Foxy Loxy Cafe, to name a few.

Of course, the ways to embrace a local mindset stretch even further. In an illuminating conversation on page 82, Benjamin Simons, new executive director and CEO of Telfair Museums, shares that institutions like the Telfair provide sanctuary, offering a place where people can feel both safe and uplifted. Many of the city’s local businesses fall under this same category, including the inspiring independent bookstores novelist Jonathan Rabb explores in his humorous and heartfelt ode, “Fine Print,” on page 115.

As Elondia Harden, founder of ElonWick Candle Co., tells us on page 108, “Your patronage of local businesses means that someone’s lights will stay on, employees are paid and everyone can feed themselves and their families.” With this in mind, buying a candle, a book or anything at all locally isn’t so frivolous. It’s an investment in our community.

Sara Watson Editor

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine.

To subscribe and save up to 78 percent off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049. For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com. Send pitches, ideas and feedback to editor@savannahmagazine.com. To advertise, download our media kit at savannahmagazine.com, email jane.townsend@savannahmagazine.com or call 912.652.0294. 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, Georgia 31405; savannahmagazine.com

Find a sampling of local shops across a range of categories — clothing, accessories, antiques, home goods — in our directory on page 153.

World’s Best-Kept Secret

Along the Georgia coast lies a stretch of land like no other. Here you will fi nd centuries-old oak trees draped with Spanish moss that line the streets and meet miles of sun-drenched beaches. Vast marshlands, winding rivers, and plentiful nature and wildlife beckon visitors who return for generations. Comprised of four natural barrier islands, Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Islands in the Continental U.S., St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island – and their mainland city of Brunswick, each has its own charm and personality for you to discover. Find private luxury on Sea Island, an internationally acclaimed Forbes Five-Star resort. Welcoming couples and families for nearly 100 years, Sea Island is best known for its impeccable service, stunning location, and heartfelt hospitality. Spend your time on St. Simons Island for a familyfriendly retreat with coastal appeal, sandy beaches, and exceptional historic sites. Or fi nd a private natural retreat on Little St. Simons Island, where you can experience sensational cuisine and activities in the most memorable natural setting. Visit Jekyll Island, a unique state park heralded for its open wilderness and National Historic Landmark District. And be sure to stop in the mainland city of Brunswick, a charming port town that dates to colonial times. Tour the historic downtown and delights in coastal cuisine along the way.

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Coastal Dental Surgery

6600 Abercorn Street, Suite 204 Savannah, GA | 912-349-3259 www.CoastalDentalSurgery.com

Walker T. Pendarvis DMD, MHS is a Board Certi ed Periodontist with extensive specialty training in dental implants, dental surgery, bone and soft tissue augmentation, periodontal disease, and IV sedation. He is passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to achieve clinical success as well as the highest level of esthetics. As an internationally published research author and National Institutes of Health fellow, he is innovative while utilizing the latest 3D technology to properly diagnose and measure the most predictable outcomes for his patients.

PUBLISHER Anita Hagin

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

EDITOR Sara Watson ART DIRECTOR Liz Gulick-Silvoy SOCIAL EDITOR Sylvie Baggett

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Britt Scott

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Jane Townsend ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS Jill Strauss & Lane Pelliccione

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Morgan Crolley

ADVERTISING COORDINATORS Anne Robin & Holly Todd

EXECUTIVE

PRESIDENT Tina Battock

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & OPERATIONS Scott Ferguson DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION Sherry Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks CIRCULATION BUSINESS MANAGER Michelle Rowe

MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS

CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III

CEO Craig S. Mitchell

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. Subscribe: 800.453.1049 Address changes: savannahmag@emailcustomerservice.com Advertise: 912.652.0294

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