Wingster - Savannah, GA
One morning Minnie woke up with a pain in her chest. Not only was she having an active heart attack, an electrocardiogram (EKG) found severe blockages in multiple vessels. She was in a state of advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock, causing organ failure.
Dr. Abisogun, a cardiologist practicing at The Heart Hospital at St. Joseph’s Hospital, used the minimally-invasive Impella CP® to artificially pump her blood while he inserted stents and performed multiple artery-clearing procedures. Thanks to the availability of lifesaving technology and the expertise of Dr. Abisogun and the entire Heart Hospital team, Minnie is now back to planting flowers and enjoying life.
“I knew I would receive the absolute best care from the St. Joseph’s/Candler heart team. I’m grateful to be here for my children, my grandchildren and myself.” – Minnie Wingster
– Akinniran Abisogun, M.D. – Cardiologist
healthy artery clogged artery
“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER”Minnie
For 120 years, we’ve been honored to provide financial services for our local community. We live, work and invest our time and resources right here. Your success is our reward. We are your Qmmunity bank.
They are a local bank with a style as unique as mine.
Host a champion-level football watch party at home.
Photography by Michael Schalk
When interior designer Robyn Roberts couldn’t find her dream home, she built it.
Written by Margaret Daniel
Photography by Kelli Boyd Photography
As one of the most haunted cities in the country, Savannah is the ideal playground for paranormal investigators.
Written by Andrea Goto
Photography by Michael Hrizuk
With the future of Hutchinson Island’s road course in question, local automobile aficionados race to preserve Savannah’s sports car culture.
Written by Mary Cathryn Armstrong
Photography by Michael Hrizuk
The results are in for our annual reader-voted poll. Plus, meet some of the city’s newer neighbors who moved here for good
Photography by Jeremiah Hull
209
Readers voted these doctors and health care professionals the best in the city.
The refreshing [B]ramble On cocktail at Bar Julian at Thompson Savannah, voted the Best New Bar by our readers.
Photo courtesy Bar Julian
The Savannah Country Day School promises a transformative experience where students embrace a multitude of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our talented faculty combine the best in traditional and innovative education to help students reach their fullest potential while always treasuring each child’s energy, enthusiasm, and creativity.
Learn more about why Niche.com ranked Savannah Country Day as the #1 Private School in Savannah by registering for a small-group open house event. Discover
GROWING UP IN ATLANTA, my family visited Savannah often, and, from an early age, I fell hard for the beautiful scenery, artistic energy, captivating mystery (like the pursuit of the paranormal on page 116) and, most of all, the abundant stories. Later, as a journalism student at Georgia Southern, my visits became more frequent — particularly during one special summer spent interning in the Savannah magazine office.
Fast-forward to summer 2021. When my husband and I were planning our honeymoon during the pandemic, we had to cancel Plan A. Savannah was our Plan B. We rented a 1914 carriage house and pretended to be locals as we walked to Forsyth Park and through the Starland District.
During that wonderful week, we talked about “maybe one day” moving here. So when I saw the opportunity to rejoin the Savannah magazine
team, there was no looking back. To borrow some words from author John Berendt, I’m “crazy about Savannah and Savannahians.”
And we’re clearly in good company. The city ranked once again as one of the top five U.S. cities in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Readers’ survey for 2022. In this issue, we share the results of our 21st annual Best of Savannah reader survey (page 133), which highlights the people and places that make our city not only worthy of a weekend visit, but also worthy of staying put. Just a few examples are the generations-old family-owned businesses like J. Parker Ltd. (page 53), Levy Jewelers (page 68) and Culver Rug Co. (page 272).
And our city is only growing. After COVID-19 flipped the world upside down and made remote work a reality, Savannah witnessed an influx of people moving here from all over the country. Just ask local real estate brokers, like Staci Donegan of Seabolt Real Estate. “These new residents have fallen in love with our city and understand that Savannah is truly a special place to call home,” she says. “They want to invest in our community and to contribute to its success.”
So while these 272 pages celebrate the best of Savannah, we thought it perfect timing to introduce you to several of our newest neighbors (page 134) who are doing just that helping make Savannah even better. I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass of wine (page 99) or a signature cocktail from one of our honorees (page 102) to toast this beautiful city we all now can call home.
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 80 percent off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049.
For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com.
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Colleen Ann McNally Editor
Maria Zouves, the co-founder and president of the Savannah VOICE Festival, and her husband, Sherrill Milnes, have an Aussiedoodle, Mathilde. Maria was featured in the My Savannah article in the July/August issue.
In 2022, The Corcoran Group launched its first affiliate in Georgia. The Corcoran Group was featured in the Summer 2022 HOMES issue.
“Pursuing the Paranormal,” page 116
materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2022 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June and October for $19.95 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, Georgia 31405.
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Charlotte. Raise a glass and let the vineyard vibes flow as you toast with vintages carefully curated from just miles beyond this urban cityscape. Made for cheese buffs, cocktail crafters and fine food fanatics, endless epicurean escapes are heightened by a rapidly evolving culinary identity. Plan your trip at charlottesgotalot.com
VINEYARDS
All the people, places and things that make Savannah the best.
NEXT UP: The Good issue. Share your feel-good holiday moments for a chance to be featured in our November/December issue (just be sure to tag @savannahmagazine and use #savannahmagazine on Instagram).
Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. Pennsylvania Registration Number OL001170. Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2022. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed,
Oil-on-canvas paintings displayed at Hunter Army Airfield honor 25 Army Rangers killed in action
— Mitchel Coffman, SCAD Savannah graduate, (MFA, painting, 2006)
LIKE SO MANY SCAD STUDENTS, Mitchel Coffman (MFA, painting, 2006) fell in love with Savannah. The Illinois native-turned-New Yorker spent six years in Savannah getting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in painting. He always hoped he would get to leave his mark on Savannah, to give something back to the city that meant so much to him.
In late May, an Army Ranger battalion at Hunter Army Airfield unveiled the portraits of 25 men from that battalion who had been killed in action. Coffman painted each of them. Each oil-on-canvas painting took several days to sketch and paint. He used old photographs and met with many of the family members and friends of the fallen heroes to make sure he captured the personalities of each soldier in the paintings. Now they are all displayed in the Hall of Honor at Hunter Army Airfield.
Coffman knew one of the men personally: Sgt. Robert Sanchez. The two men became close friends in 2006 while Coffman was a graduate painting student and assistant strength and conditioning coach at SCAD.
“We basically created a gym brotherhood overnight of art kids and Army Rangers. We didn’t have time to waste because of their deployment schedule and our demanding class load,” says Coffman.
“Even though Rob was the only person I painted whom I knew, I can’t paint things I don’t care about, so I made sure to learn something about everyone I painted. These soldiers were fathers, brothers, sons and friends. These portraits help to never forget these soldiers and to keep their stories alive.”
Sanchez was killed during a combat operation in Afghanistan in 2009. Coffman painted Sanchez’s portrait a few years after his death to honor his
These soldiers were fathers, brothers, sons and friends. These portraits help to never forget these soldiers and to keep their stories alive.”
— Sheila Mitchell-Murphy, mother of Specialist Etienne Murphy, who was killed in action
friend. The painting caught the eye of a battalion commander and Coffman was asked to paint portraits of all the men.
“The Hall of Honor memorial was a career full circle moment for me. As an undergrad student at SCAD, I took a painting class with a professor named Jorge Alvarez with whom I eventually forged a classic master-apprentice relationship,” says Coffman. “My situation was like one that you read about in a book. The year before I graduated from grad school, Alvarez passed away. I made him a promise before he died to carry on the painting legacy he passed on to me. He was a very established artist, having painted the massive mural in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Now Alvarez and I both have lasting, important pieces of work in the city where we met and worked together. Coming back to Savannah all these years later, for this reason, is a feeling that is so hard to put into words. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions.”
Coffman did not just leave his mark on the city; he now has a special bond with many
of the families of the fallen, like the mother of Specialist Etienne Murphy, who was killed in action in Syria in 2017. Sheila Mitchell-Murphy attended the unveiling of the portraits last May.
“When I saw the painting, I started crying because it looked just like Etienne,” says Murphy. “Mitchel doesn’t just paint portraits; he gives his paintings life. It is an honor to know Mitchel, he is a very special person and I love him and what he does for Gold Star Families.”
“The most rewarding part of the project was the experience,” says Coffman. “I made sure to live in the moment as much as possible. I was welcomed into the special forces community and was able to forge new friendships and have experiences I never imagined possible. These are moments I will cherish forever.”
Coffman now lives in New York City. He has painted murals in Maryland and New York, including pieces for the Brooklyn Diner in Times Square and the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Mitchel doesn't just paint portraits; he gives his paintings life. It is an honor to know Mitchel, he is a very special person, and I love him and what he does for Gold Star Families.”
Look — and feel — your best with clean beauty at Paris Laundry (220 Whitaker St.). Owned by local mother, wife and cancer survivor Kelsey Bucci, the shop is packed with high-quality clean skincare products, soaking salts, body polish and makeup as well as home goods and loungewear. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself and others, with 10 percent of proceeds being donated to organizations supporting breast cancer research, patients and survivors.
Looking for a fresh start to your morning? There are several new options on the scene. Thompson Savannah recently welcomed the aptly named Stevedore Bakery (402 Passage Way) to its dining roster. Focused on locally sourced ingredients with a simple-but-elegant philosophy, Stevedore serves coffee, pastries, snacks and breads, including naturally leavened baguettes and sourdoughs … Meanwhile, the founder of Starlandia Supply is bringing a new community-based business to 40th and Waters Avenue. With the goal of bringing a simple, friendly cafe to Savannah’s Eastside, Waters Cafe will serve coffee, juices, ice cream, grilled cheese and bagels. To help reach this goal, owner Clinton Edminster has launched an online crowdfunding campaign offering naming rights to everything and the bathroom sink in exchange for donations to cover the startup costs … And if the work-from-home slog is getting to you, VEL (1512 Bull St.) might have the solution. A “premium work cafe,” VEL’s flagship location is now open in Savannah, with reservable privacy pods, seating
and walk-in-ready office space. Bring yourself or your whole team … The Isle of Hope Marina (50 W. Bluff Drive), located on the Intracoastal Waterway, has new ownership. Now operated by TGP Marinas, this local haven will continue to provide dockage, gear, event space and the Carefree Boat Club … Get revitalized at the medically certified and physicianowned E’lan Vital Medical Spa (11 Gateway Blvd. S.), with curated procedures and products, including innovative and minimally invasive procedures … Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty is moving across Madison Square (300 Bull St.) in the Historic District. Housed in the old Ameris Bank building, the thoughtfully renovated space – including a conference room in a former vault – embodies the brokerage firm’s affinity for luxury, professionalism and the Savannah community... The Savannah location of Poe’s Tavern (7 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) is now open, with a menu of burgers, hand-cut fries and more, with names inspired by the work of Edgar Allen Poe.
better than ever. better than ever.
LOCATED IN THE UPSTAIRS PORTION of Starland Strange & Bazaar, Dreamhouse Studios is currently home to five resident artists and “serves as a gathering place for Savannah’s creative community.” Four of the five residents served as the studio’s founders, with the original idea being both practical and fun — a space for the artists’ businesses to flourish and a center for public collaboration through workshops and events.
In just under a year, Dreamhouse has established itself as a gem of Starland, tying a sweet, glittery bow around the local businesses in the area. You can also count on the studio to show up and show out for Starland’s monthly First Fridays, hosting Craft Night experiences over wine followed by Porch Band (when a local band plays on the pink back porch).
@dreamhousesavannah // dreamhousesavannah.com
The fall season may be underway, but let’s face it: the temperatures will remain high until November. To help keep you cool while also cutting down on waste, the Savannah Downtown Business Association has launched a clever design for its Savannah To-Go Cup program.
Made with 100% recyclable Ball Aluminum, these cups will keep your beverages chilled longer and can be purchased for $1 apiece. Bonus: the new cups boast colorful, original artwork by local artist and SCAD alum Dana Richardson.
To get your hands on one, stop by one of the participating hotels (Perry Lane Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District and Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Riverfront) or other local businesses (Broughton Common, Ordinary Pub, Pelindaba Lavender and Tandem Coffee & Spirits). Cheers! @savannahdba // savannahtogocup.com
This all-girl artist collective is bringing all of Starland together — and painting it pink
IF YOU HAD THE POWER to reverse your age, would you?
That’s the question that Dr. Allen Meglin with Advanced Regenerative Therapy asks his patients.
“Age is the single greatest risk factor for death, stroke, heart attack, joint disease and sexual dysfunction,” says Dr. Meglin.
Developments in science have created a measurement called biologic or epigenetic (vs. chronological) age, which uses biomarkers to provide more relevant health information.
“Biological age can tell us how healthy someone is and even predict lifespan,” he says. “We can use your DNA to predict your biological age and then work with you to live a healthy lifestyle that will help you stay free of sickness and disease longer.”
An expert in genetic and epigenetic DNA testing, Dr. Meglin can use this information
to create personalized treatment plans for his patients that include advanced tools like biodentical hormone optimization, red light therapy, pulsed electromagnetic fields, ultrasound-guided injections, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and platelet-rich plasma and biologic injections to treat conditions like erectile dysfunction and improve sexual health and hair regrowth.
“Patients often come to us when conventional treatments have failed,” says Dr. Meglin. “We don’t want to offer false hope, but we have seen some very encouraging outcomes to otherwise unsolved problems.”
Board-certified in regenerative medicine and radiology and a member of esteemed medical organizations like the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and American Academy of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Meglin is one of the area’s
only medical professionals specializing in regenerative medicine.
“Regenerative medicine is the process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to age, disease, damage or congenital defects,” explains the stem-cell scientist, researcher and teacher. “This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by stimulating previously irreparable organs to heal themselves and restore normal function.”
Dr. Meglin is excited about the hope this field of medicine brings.
“After years of treating symptoms, I wanted to shift gears and treat the root causes not just the manifestations of illness,” he says. “I’m most excited about optimizing patient’s ability to heal themselves.”
Avant Gardener (self portrait), 2022, mixed media, 15-1/4 x 13 inches
Environmental conservation and ecological art converge in Lisa D. Watson’s new traveling exhibition
Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS
LOCAL ARTIST LISA D. WATSON has focused her career at the intersection of nature and urban sprawl. “The urban sprawl crowds nature out,” she says. “But if we can spread knowledge and have real communication about how to work together, we can create balance.”
Her traveling exhibition, Avant Gardener: A Creative Exploration of Imperiled Species, is part of that education as she celebrates some of the 900 endangered plant species in the U.S. One piece, Kingdom of a Roadside Ditch, is a stunning depiction of 11 native plants growing in a ditch, mere feet from a highway — four of which are endangered. “That right there is why we have to stop herbicide spray,” Watson says. “It’s wiping these plants out.
The exhibition will also include educational speakers and a native plant and tree sale. @art.ldw // art-ldw.com
The urban sprawl crowds nature out. But ... together, we can create balance.”
ExploreAvant Gardener at these nearby spaces
Sulfur Studios September 2 –October 22, 2022 2301 Bull St., Savannah
Coastal Discovery Museum November 1, 2022 –February 12, 2023 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
Averitt Center for the Arts March 9 – May 5, 2023 33 E. Main St., Stateboro
IAB Galllery –Georgia Southern Department of History March 9 – May 5, 2023
Interdisciplinary Academic Building #3012 Statesboro
Watson’s piece Convergence is also on display at the Jepson Center for the Arts until March 19, 2023.
Aweek-long eventwith plenty of activities, the festival showcases locally harvested seafood and delicious Lowcountry cuisine while highlighting the rich history and culture ofthe area. It all blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
The Savannah Ghost Pirates prepare to take the ice for the inaugural (spooky) season
WRITTEN by JAY LANKAUTO SOME, ICE HOCKEY in a warm southern city like Savannah may seem unexpected. Then again, the Savannah Hockey Classic — a collegiate ice hockey tournament dating back to 1999 — typically has held its popular games at the Savannah Civic Center every January.
And considering the city’s location between two other nontraditional cities that already have teams — Charlotte and Jacksonville — Savannah is an ideal place for burgeoning hockey fans.
So, since the shovel hit the dirt on the Oak View Group’s development of the Enmarket Arena, the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) has been working to bring mid-level professional action to the rink beyond the annual collegiate games (now known as the Enmarket Savannah Hockey Classic).
After the Savannah team was officially accepted into the ECHL, a naming rights contest with more than 3,000 entries determined who the city would be rooting for: the Savannah Ghost Pirates.
“Two things Savannah is known for are ghosts and pirates, and we decided that the best thing was to combine those two,” says Bob Ohrablo, team president. “We sampled it out to several focus groups, and they loved it. The logo has become one of the most popular logos, if not the most popular logo, in the league in terms of merchandise sales.”
Although Savannah isn’t a typical sports market, its people are proud of and enthusiastic about their city and its quirks. The Savannah Bananas have carved out a unique niche and put Savannah on the sports map, and Ohralbo is confident the Ghost Pirates will be following suit. In fact, as of mid-August, the team was leading the league in season ticket memberships, with over 4,000 sold. Single game tickets are expected to become available in early September.
“People already know Savannah is a great place to visit, and this will just reinforce that,” he says.
But bringing hockey to Savannah takes more than just an arena and a team. The Ghost Pirates’ Director of Community Relations and Game Presentation, Bryan Sklover, explains that the team also hopes to create a lasting culture around the sport.
“For us, it’s not just about putting a hockey team in an arena and playing 36 games,” Sklover says. “It’s about building a youth program and getting hockey sticks in the kids’ hands and building the culture in general, and Savannah has never had that before.”
On Aug. 17, the Ghost Pirates revealed the mascot’s new name, Davy, which was selected through a campaign with submittable suggestions, further demonstrating the team’s commitment to engage the local community. Fans will be able to see the mascot — sponsored by Memorial Health — and the team in action at Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Oct. 22, or at the Ghost Pirates’ first home game against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Nov. 5 at Enmarket Arena. The team also recently announced the addition of Assistant Coach Alex Lot as well as signed Darion Hanson as the first player in franchise history.
“I can’t wait for opening night,” Ohrablo says. “The place will be rocking. What I’m excited about is that we’re able to present some new opportunities for families to come together and cheer on their home team. That’s what makes me happy.” ghostpirateshockey.com
Once-in-a-lifetime sale will showcase hundreds of items collected over 75 years.
JOHN AND GINGER Duncan, known in the Savannah community as the owners of V and J Duncan Antique Maps, Prints and Books, have assembled an amazing personal collection of art and antiques that is now coming to auction.
The consummate collector, John Duncan, a retired history professor, award-winning author and historian and his wife, Ginger, have filled every square inch of their beautiful Baroquestyle home. Most items are of Southern interest and include wonderful collections of antique maps, natural history prints, engravings, books, pottery, folk art walking sticks, exotic curiosities, ethnographic art, American furniture and Southern fine art. Many notable Savannah artists are represented, including Myrtle Jones, Christopher P. H. Murphy, his son Christopher A. D. Murphy, Hattie Saussy, Leonora Quarterman, Anne Taylor Nash, Sydney Bumann, Helen Hatch Inglesby and Larry Connatser.
Beyond the hundreds of fine artworks, the Duncans' diverse collection incorporates examples of Southern pottery and finely preserved Gullah baskets from the surrounding Lowcountry. John Duncan’s passion for Southern history, particularly his hometown of Charleston and his current home of Savannah, influenced many of his acquisitions. Rare maps of these two cities, most notably Peter Gordon’s 18th century map of Savannah, well known as the earliest and scarcest view of the city – with perhaps only five in private hands – is a standout in the collection. Other highlights include a plan of the 1779 Siege of Savannah, portrait engravings of notable Charleston and Savannah figures, such as architect William Jay, Savannah founder Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, William Washington Gordon (Southern Civil War general and captain and father of Juliette Gordon Low), The Rev. John Wesley and many others.
Everard Auctions is selling the contents of the Duncan home, the historic ThomasLevy house located on Monterey Square, in a oncein-a-lifetime two-session auction that will showcase more than 75 years of collecting. The event starts Sept. 29 and runs through October 19-20. The public is welcome to attend the exhibition at 2436 Waters Ave. in Savannah from Oct. 12-14. For more information, to view the full catalogue and register to bid in the online auction, please visit Everard.com.
EVERARD AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS: 912.231.1376 EVERARD.COM INFO@EVERARD.COM
Photography courtesy of EVERARD AUCTIONSSEP. 16
On Constitution Day at the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) Research Center, the public has a rare opportunity to view an original draft copy of the US Constitution — one of only a few still in existence — along with other treasures of the GHS collection on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SEP. 18 – 19
Held at The Golf Club at Savannah, the annual Beer, Guys, Cigars, Golf & Casino event benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire is a two-day affair that kicks off on Sunday evening with casino games, brews, cigars and more, followed by a Monday morning tee time for the annual Ronald Open Golf Tournament.
SEP. 24 – 25
Celebrate comics, anime and pop culture at Savannah Comic Con. Visit Artist Alley and the Game Zone between panels hosted by comic industry vets. Meet the voices behind beloved animated and bigscreen roles, including special guest Ron Perlman.
SEP. 24 - OCT. 29
Every Saturday, get a taste of Oktoberfest at Plant Riverside District with German food, live music by Bob and the Polka Dots, steinholding competitions and free children’s activities from 1 to 4 p.m.
SEP. 16 - OCT. 30
On select evenings this fall, Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing live music to your community through its Phil the Neighborhoods initiative. In collaboration with the Savannah Jazz Festival, this laid-back event will be held at a variety of venues, from the Isle of Hope Marina to Windsor Forest and many spaces in between. To find a concert near you, visit savannah philharmonic.org/events
SEP. 19 – 24
Don’t miss the 41st Savannah Jazz Festival. This festival features a Latin Dance Night, Blues Night and more each afternoon, all with Forsyth Park serving as the backdrop. This year’s lineup includes the Quentin Baxter Quartet, the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame Band, Huntertones and Ray Lundy — to name a few.
SEP. 25
Join the Mediation Center of The Coastal Empire for its inaugural Savannah Day of Peace at Daffin Park from noon to 4 p.m. Designed to bring all sectors of our community together to promote peacebuilding and mental health, this free event includes a parade led by Mayor Van Johnson and City Council members, a wellness area and a youth artists corner.
OCT. 8
The sounds of the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus with conductor Keitaro Harada once again fill Forsyth at Phil the Park. The free event begins at 4 p.m. and patrons are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.
OCT. 13
Country fans, listen up! Fourtime GRAMMY Award-winner Keith Urban comes to Enmarket Arena as part of his The Speed of Now World Tour, featuring special guest Ingrid Andress.
OCT. 22
The Historic Savannah Foundation’s Annual Gala –its biggest fundraising event of the year — celebrates the community’s investment in preserving Savannah’s defining buildings and stories. Check myhsf.org/events/ gala for event updates.
OCT. 22
Support the Isle of Hope Historical Association while enjoying the Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival. Local vendors will be found at the Isle of Hope Marina Pavilion, Paxton Park, Rose Avenue and Bluff Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while live music will continue at the IOH Marina until 8 p.m.
OCT. 29
Continue your Pride Month festivities with the monthly Drag Brunch at The Lost Square. Tickets cover the brunch buffet and some beverages. A fabulous cocktail menu will also be available.
OCT. 31
Happy Halloween!
Nov. 5: The 20th Annual Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival is all about craftsmanship and construction. A must-do for automobile enthusiasts, the festival takes place on Hilton Head Island and presents aviation events, a car club showcase, seminars and more
OCT. 22 – 29
The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Savannah Film Festival turns 25! For a full schedule of this year’s screenings and panels of industry insiders, check out filmfest.scad.edu
OCT. 21 – 23
Celebrate Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage at Rousakis Plaza on River Street during Unity in the Community’s Gullah/Geechee Homecoming Arts, crafts, food and entertainment are held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
OCT. 27 – 29
Be who you are and let your rainbow flags fly at First City Pride Center’s Savannah Pride Festival! This year is chock-full of exciting events, from the Masqueerade to the Pride Festival and Parade. Inclusive celebrations will feature games, costumes, drag shows and more.
IN 2021, RECORD numbers of people quit their jobs to strike out on their own, says Mo Hamzian, a London Business School Sloan Fellow. Quoting estimates that upwards of 36% of the U.S. workforce now freelances, Hamzian says 56 million people are all running businesses, creating media, making products, gaining mass followings — and doing it all from ine cient, outdated locations.
That number, he says, is expected to grow to 87 million by 2030.
Enter VEL, a utopian workspace/café engineered to give individuals and groups dynamic and adaptable ways to gather, work, meet and unwind.
The first VEL opened in August at 1508 Bull St., at the bottom of The Matadora, one of Savannah’s newest luxury apartment buildings.
Hamzian describes VEL as the love child between Starbucks and WeWork, the global provider of flexible workspaces founded in 2010. Individuals or teams can walk in, grab a high-tech ergonomical space, order a great cup of coffee from a robot, tap into fast WiFi and get right to work.
Hamzian cofounded VEL — short for “Velocity” — with Jack Gunn, a former partner with the independent investment firm Veritable LP.
The reference to speed in the name is intentional, as their goal for the past two years has been to create frictionless, functional workspace environments where
individuals can get work done as quickly as possible, so they can get on with living.
“I believe all human beings in the workplace are requiring a demanding forward momentum,” says CEO Hamzian. “Today’s work is about having a high degree of flexibility. VEL is a reimagination of how and where good work gets done.”
The flexibility at VEL starts with the meticulously engineered workstations.
For $2, $4, $10 or $20 an hour, an individual can grab the exact space they need — whether it’s a standing desk, a hydraulic chair (which, Hamzian says offers great comfort for the spine all the while making you feel like a 13-year-old), comfy nest seats with great acoustics, lighting and built-in privacy, or even more enclosed pods.
Hamzian suggests the mono and duo privacy pods for Zoom meetings, if you have to record a webinar or podcast or if you’re interviewing someone.
For an additional $10 monthly fee, you can access an app that offers enriched features, like advanced reservations and preferred pricing.
One of VEL’s real perks, Hamzian highlights, is the café. Beyond the premium teas, coffees and espressos that you can order from Iris — a robot that comes right to you — is a selection of signature beverages like the Free Drive, with espresso, honey, lavender and performance mushroom blend, or the Fresh Focus, a concoction of crushed beet,
strawberry, acai, apple cider and natural caffeine energy boost.
Need a snack? Then have Iris fetch you a croissant, Danish or pastry with highquality ingredients that rivals the offerings of Savannah’s other fine establishments like Perry Lane Hotel or The Thompson Savannah, Hamzian says.
Savannah’s VEL is the first of several locations that Hamzian and Gunn are slated to open. Soon to follow are other mid-sized markets like Charlotte, Nashville, Charleston and Boston. Although they are excited Savannah came first.
“We love everything that Savannah stands for,” Hamzian says. “It sits at this interesting intersection of classic arts and music; it’s forward-thinking with an air of grace and elegance. It has SCAD, which adds an interesting dimension. It has good tourist flow, and we wanted to be in a very strong, fast-growing secondary market.”
“I’ve worked out of coffee shops my whole life,” Hamzian admits. Therein lies his excitement in offering these “modcons” — or modern conveniences — to individuals and working groups who come to this high-tech space.
“Experience is everything,” he says. “We’ve considered every detail required to help our customer reach their flow state, work flexibly and get twice as much done in half the time, so that, hopefully, they can spend less time working — and make even more money.”
| 1508 BULL ST. | MYVEL.COM
Today’s work is about having a high degree of flexibility. VEL is a reimagination of how and where good work gets done.”
– Mo Hamzian, CEO of VEL
Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS
AMERICA’S SECOND HARVEST of Coastal Georgia is a regional food bank that serves as the food warehouse and distribution center for more than 241 nonprofit organizations and churches in our community. In 2021, in collaboration with food relief programs and partner agencies, they distributed more than 28.1 million pounds of food to locals in need through their five programs: Kids Cafe, Partner Market Place, Brown Bag for the Elderly, Mobile Food Pantry and the School Pantry program.
Kids Cafe, which was founded in Savannah in 1989, is the third largest childhood hunger initiative in the United States. Meals are prepared in Second Harvest’s production kitchen and delivered to more than 85 locations in Coastal Georgia, including schools, community centers, Boys and Girls Clubs and churches — roughly 831,300 nutritious meals per year. And yet, there is a wait list of places seeking meals that they simply can’t accommodate in their current kitchen.
Even more worrisome is its location. “Our current facilities are in low-lying areas prone to localized flooding,” says Mary Jane Crouch, the organization’s executive director. “If Savannah experiences a major hurricane, it’s projected that the current food bank location would take months to reopen for service.”
So, in April 2021, Second Harvest submitted a grant request to help them build a new facility that would be both inland and double the size. In December 2021, they received that grant.
Second Harvest breaks ground on their new 1380 Chatham Parkway location this month — right in time for Hunger Action Month. And supply chain willing, their new home will be completed in December of 2023.
In addition to the imperative of remaining on dry land, they will go from operating out of multiple buildings on nonadjacent sites to one 143,226-square-foot facility. Their new production kitchen will be more than double the size of their old one, which means they’ll be able to provide more meals to children through Kids Cafe and their Summer Feeding programs. Due to cooler space, their current capacity is 4,500 hot meals a day. The new kitchen will allow for 10,000.
Their new warehouse will provide additional storage, cooler and freezer space, which will allow the organization to accept more food donations; it will be safer and more efficient for staff; and it will have 10 dock spaces as opposed to two — so drivers won’t have to wait an hour to load in the mornings and unload in the afternoons.
“We are also adding a childhood nutrition center,” Crouch shares excitedly, “and a learning center where we will be able to provide partner and community classes on nutrition and food safety and be a resource for people who need meeting space.”
Mary Jane Crouch, executive director, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Their volunteer center will also double its size. “We are so grateful to the Department of Community Affairs, Savannah Economic Development Authority and Chatham County for their vision and support in what will truly be transformational for our community and all of coastal Georgia,” says Crouch. “So many in our community have come together to make this dream a reality, and we are confident that these efforts will allow us to feed the future and provide essential nutrition to our neighbors in need.”
“So many in our community have come together to make this dream a reality, and we are confident that these efforts will allow us to feed the future and provide essential nutrition to our neighbors in need.”
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SAVANNAH tel 912.236.0261 200 E. Saint Julian St. Savannah, GA 31401
ST. SIMONS ISLAND tel 912.262.5996 455 Sea Island Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Written by TIARA HODGES
FOR DECADES, SAVANNAHIANS looking for the best names in menswear, formalwear and sportswear have made J. Parker Ltd. their only stop. In 1972, Jimmy Parker opened the first J. Parker store in the Medical Arts Shopping Center and, in 2005, moved the business to Savannah’s center of commerce: Broughton Street.
Since, J. Parker has established a stellar reputation for crafting a special shopping experience that features classic and contemporary brands including Peter Millar, Smathers & Branson, Martin Dingman, Hickey Freeman, Barbour, Filson and more. J. Parker’s influence can be seen all over Savannah; if you have seen the St. Patrick’s Day Parade signature green blazers, chances are they were purchased at the store. J. Parker’s staff, personal service and exceptional products, many of which are exclusive to the brand, have led voters to rank the company as Best Men’s Clothing in Savannah magazine’s annual Best of Savannah list for 13 consecutive years.
In recent years, the J. Parker brand has grown exponentially under the leadership of Dale Parker, Jimmy’s wife and retired coach and teacher at Savannah Country Day School. Since coming on board full time with the company in 2015, Dale has overseen the opening of a second location in 12 Oaks Shopping Center in 2018 and a third location in the Plant Riverside District in 2020 during the pandemic.
“I’ve seen people shop more with local specialty stores than in the past. They like the personal service and knowing the people when they come in,” says Dale. “Especially after COVID, people have been even more willing to shop local and support smaller businesses.”
In its 50th year in business, J. Parker will open its fourth location in Bluffton, South Carolina, in the fall, marking the company’s first expansion outside of the Savannah market and introducing the J. Parker experience to the Lowcountry.
“Bluffton is one of the fastest growing communities anywhere in the Southeast. There’s a need for our product, and there’s a great customer base in Bluffton,” Dale says.
As a coach and at the helm of the company, Dale understands the importance of having a strong team. With the expansion into three new locations in under four years, Dale notes that J.
Parker’s staff is the most valuable part of the brand. “The team is an integral part of our success. We’re lucky. With four stores, we have the best staff that I can imagine,” Dale says. “We’re very fortunate that all stores have people with a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge and good people skills.”
At its core, J. Parker is a family business. Jimmy and Dale’s son, Kieffer, runs the Broughton location, and their daughter Taylor — who, like Dale, is also
an educator — introduced womenswear to the J. Parker stores with labels that include Paige, Rails, Bella Dahl and more.
While 50 years is a milestone, the Parkers are focused on the future and the continued growth of the family business. Dale is quick to point out, “We would not be where we are without Jimmy’s keen eye, our strong family bond and the legions of loyal customers locally and regionally.”
jparkerltd.com
“ The team is an integral part of our success. ... we have the best staff that I can imagine.” – Dale ParkerCOURTESY J. PARKER LTD. Jimmy Parker stands with the sales team at the first J. Parker Ltd. store in the Medical Arts Shopping Center. Dee, Stephen, Denny, Brent and Sean Herb show off their St. Patrick's Day green blazers from J. Parker Ltd. Following Hurricane David in 1979, J. Parker Ltd. held a "flood sale" to overcome the unforeseen circumstances. COURTESY J. PARKER LTD.
Whether you’re rooting for Georgia, Georgia Southern or another grid-iron favorite, cheer on your team with a champion-level watch party this season
by MICHAEL SCHALK
Location: THE LANDINGS // Models: ALEX RHANGOS, FABIENNE DICKINSON, CORINNE KARMIEL, JAMIE MENHART and JOSH GANNAM
Accessorize with statement earrings and purses from local boutiques like J. Paige and Emily McCarthy Shoppe.
ON JOSH: johnnie-O UGA National Championship performance polo, Smathers & Branson hand-stitched needlepoint belt and Peter Millar Sateen stretch 5-pocket pant from J. Parker Ltd.
ON ALEX: Peter Millar Summer Comfort performance ¼ zip pullover from J. Parker Ltd.
Stay cool with craft beer from our reader-voted Best Brewery, Service Brewing Co. To commemorate the Georgia Bulldog's national title, just tuck it in a needlepoint can cooler from Smathers & Branson.
The Georgia Southern Eagles football season begins on Sept. 3, with the Eagles going up against the Morgan State Bears in Statesboro at 6 p.m., while the reigning National Champion Georgia Bulldogs (Go Dawgs!) take the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 3:30 p.m. versus the Oregon Ducks.
Feed the masses with a taco takeout box from Bull Street Taco — custom designed with everything you need to feed your party.
ON
ON
ON FABIENNE: bracelet stack and Queen of Sparkles top from Emily McCarthy Shoppe
JAMIE: Wooden Ships Gameday Sweater from J. Parker Ltd.
CORRINE: bracelet stack and red clutch from Red Clover Boutique
Go the full 10 yards by adding fresh flowers from Best of Savannah winner John Davis Florist to your game-day celebration.
Elevate your table with a Bloody Mary bar, Sophistiplate plastic cutlery and the Touchdown tablerunner (available at Emily McCarthy Shoppe).
Special thanks to the Rhangos family for hosting us at their home, and to our 2022 Best of Savannah honorees who participated in this styled shoot, including Bull Street Taco, Emily McCarthy Shoppe, John Davis Florist, Joselove-Filson Advertising Inc., J. Paige, J. Parker Ltd. and Red Clover Boutique.
6:30 a.m.: My typical day begins by taking out and feeding our dogs, Leo and Ella Fitzgerald. I’ll usually heat water for coffee or mint tea, which I love to sweeten with Savannah Bee Company honey, while the dogs romp in the backyard.
8 a.m.: I’ll walk up Bull Street toward our flagship location on Broughton and often stop in for a second cup at Gallery Espresso. They always have an interesting selection of art on their wall! The short walk allows me to finish organizing my thoughts and planning my day. I’ll often get the chance to make my first calls while I walk to the office. If I’m lucky, I’ll get a chance to catch up with Mark Dana, president of the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, or Jimmy Hungerpiller who serves as our chairman for the Bethesda Foundation Board
10 a.m.: Our downtown Levy Jewelers location opens for the day and we start doing what we do best: taking care of our customers! I’ll check in with the managers of our three locations and the leadership team, who are always hard at work. The tenure of our sales staff and leadership averages nearly 20 years each, and, fortunately, we have built relationships with our customers that often span two or three generations. We serve them best with our gift reminder service and managing their wish lists for upcoming life celebrations and occasions.
12 p.m.: Thinking about lunch usually brings to mind one of Ele Tran’s many Downtown restaurants. I always have trouble deciding between the Flying Monk Noodle Bar, Coco & Moss, Chive Sea Bar and Lounge or Flock to the Wok.
2 p.m.: I make certain that my call sheet and emails from the morning are attended to. I don’t like when my calls aren’t returned within 24 hours, so I try very hard to practice what I preach! That being said — wow, do I get a ton of emails!
3 p.m.: I always try to block a couple of hours in the afternoon to be available to meet with customers. If I have no appointments, I use this
time to process newly purchased estate merchandise from our myriad of relationships with attorneys and families who seek us out because of our long-term reputation of being fair and reasonable when trying to help people with their items for sale and inheritances.
5 p.m.: I try to leave the office to head home to my family. I am fortunate to have my three children currently in Savannah, so I am lucky that most nights I get to have family dinner with my wife and children to catch up on their day’s activities at both work and school.
7 p.m.: During summertime, I love to go with my family to watch our Savannah Bananas play their home games at Historic Grayson Stadium. We have had the same stadium seats over the years since Tommy Aaron coached the Savannah Braves. But, nothing beats Jesse Cole’s Bananas show!
8:30 p.m.: Finally some quiet time, when I try my best to finish reading the newspaper or catch up on the news of the day. I try to make sure that I get 10,000 steps every day. However, I must admit, there are times when I will drift off while sitting in my chair. But, I know I’ve had a busy and successful day living, loving, serving and working in our city.
When interior designer Robyn Roberts couldn’t find her dream home, she built it
Written by MARGARET DANIEL
LIFE IN THE SAVANNAH YACHT CLUB development was sweet for Robyn Roberts and her husband, Rob. Far from bustling Atlanta where they fell in love, the couple was savoring Lowcountry living with their toddlers, George (now 7) and Lake (6), taking outings on the water and strolling around the squares for inspiration. But bursting with creative energy, Robyn, an interior designer trained under the masterful eye of Atlanta designer Phoebe Howard, decided her life was due for a change in pace — a major one.
“Once my son was born, I decided it was time to start my own [design] business and see what would happen,” Robyn remembers.
The entrepreneurial plunge was fast. Clients immediately came calling and, when a friend tipped off the designer about an available lot in their neighborhood, Robyn jumped at the chance to put her design fantasies onto paper. She immediately enlisted architect Gerry Cowart (Cowart Group Architects) and builder Barry Koncul (Barry Koncul Building & Development) to realize her vision — a visual wonderland set against a backdrop of black, white and pale blue.
From the home’s French front doors (painted Farrow & Ball No. 22) to the back patio, outfitted with a trellised ceiling and black-and-white checkerboard floor, the home’s palette perfectly
marries French design and Lowcountry comfort. “I was really trying to think, ‘What am I not going to get sick of?’” Robyn says of her tailored color palette and finish selections.
“I wanted everything to be timeless. I love everything French, so I incorporated a little bit of that everywhere.”
“ The tough thing about being a designer is you see so many beautiful things, and it’s hard to narrow down what you like to make it cohesive.” — Robyn Roberts
Anchored by the gleaming, cream-colored Lacanche range, the kitchen is a bright and sunny gathering spot for the Roberts family.
In the butler’s pantry, Robyn selected a custom blend blue-green paint for the walls and casework.
laughs Dody, “But in the end he was right.
However, when my son moved here from Connecticut after he retired from his job, he didn’t want me to spend my winters in Iowa, so we began looking for a place here for me to live.”
Although Dody (as she’s known) would usually spend her winters in Arizona and Florida, she says she still longed for a more active lifestyle. “I’m still a very active person, but I don’t play golf or bridge. After taking a look at several places in the area, we then decided to take a look at Savannah Square.”
Immediately Dody and her son Fred were struck by the welcoming atmosphere of the senior living community, which offers elegant and comfortable residences for seniors with a range of lifestyles and requirements. With their spacious cottages and apartments, Savannah Square’s independent living accommodations are perfect for seniors on the go, but the community also features Palmetto Inn, a personal care residence with an on-site health center. “My son told me that this is a place that I was going to just love, so he put down the deposit without telling me. He had already made up my mind, so to speak,”
I do love it, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to live.”
Savannah Square’s amenities include restaurant-style dining, a full-service beauty salon, clubhouse, fitness studio, library, and a 24-hour staff. Located just three miles from St. Joseph Candler Hospital, their midtown location provides convenient access to all the best dining, shopping and cultural attractions that historic Savannah has to offer. Situated on several acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Savannah Square offers an abundance of organized educational, social and recreational activities for all its seniors. There is also laundry and housekeeping services available, and Savannah Square provides a convenient car service for its residents seven days a week. “I love my neighbors and all the staff here,” says Dody. “Everyone is incredibly accommodating and makes you feel so welcome. In fact, the whole community feels like one big family to me. Plus there are always events and activities planned for us. It gives me such a feeling of warmth every time I walk through the front doors, and I feel right at home.”
Savannah Square is located at 1 Savannah Square Dr. in Savannah, Georgia. For more information about availability, please contact Kelli Hartley at (912) 921-8002 or (912) 9277550 or by email at khartley@5ssl.com.
Nowhere is this inspiration more apparent than in the home’s airy living room. The soft blue ceiling is topped with an oval molding detail lifted from a Parisian apartment the designer discovered on Zillow (she frequently scours the real estate site for ideas). As a complement, Robyn designed a pair of curvilinear Dorothy Draperinspired pocket doors to conceal the adjoining family room. And, for a touch of black, Robyn imported a stunning bolection mantel with heavy black veining from England.
Playing off the traditional architectural features are swaths of Greek key, checked, striped and star-patterned fabrics in subtle shades of cream and blue (Pindler, Houlès and Beacon Hill). Above the French daybed (Noir), a gallery wall of whimsical figures and floral paintings infuse the room with chromatic energy.
“I knew I wanted black and white, lots of windows and natural light and high ceilings in the living room,” explains Robyn. “This room was my priority, and an office was Rob’s.”
With her husband’s requests being minimal, the designer
painted the ceiling and walls an enchanting shade of Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball. To complete the room, she wrapped the walls with towering bookcases, added leather furnishings, and hung an overscale black-and-white drapery fabric from VillaNova — creating the masculine counterpart to her living room.
For another small space — the wet bar and butler’s pantry neatly tucked behind the kitchen — Robyn selected a rich bluegreen for the walls and casework. Staggered wooden shelving inspired by Lowcountry Produce in Beaufort, South Carolina, and skirted cabinets hold the hostess’ platters and dry goods, while light from a porthole window dances across mirrored cabinet door faces.
The adjoining kitchen is a sunny gathering spot, perfect for serving up smoothies. “I do not cook at all, but I use the blender a lot,” Robyn laughs. A gleaming, cream Lacanche range and heavily veined countertops pop against naturally stained cabinets, while counter stools upholstered in a dreamy
blue-and-white floral (Boughton House by Schumacher) and Moroccan milk glass pendants (L’Aviva Home) add a touch of cosmopolitan glamour.
“The tough thing about being a designer is you see so many beautiful things, and it’s hard to narrow down what you like to make it cohesive,” Robyn admits. “There’s a lot of black and white because I am never going to tire of that combination.”
Upstairs, in the children’s realm, Robyn’s selections are every bit cool and casual. Yellow-patterned pillows, bold striped rugs and prints of octopi and guitars are the perfect backdrop for slumber parties and movie showings.
“I wanted everything to be timeless. I love everything French, so I incorporated a little bit of that everywhere.” — Robyn Roberts
Making the most of Lake’s penchant for pink, Robyn had stripes painted on the walls in her daughter’s preferred hue for the bedroom. Dotting the space are antique furnishings, while pressed botanicals from local artist, Mary Margaret Monsees (M Studio) add another pop of color on the walls. In the bathroom, a scalloped vanity features antique glass cabinet pulls that once belonged to the designer’s great-grandmother.
“I wanted Lake’s space to be serene and little girl-ish,” Robyn notes. “She’s not going to want that forever, so I figured this was my opportunity.”
Even with her carefully crafted home nearly complete (the homeowners are contemplating a swimming pool addition), Robyn’s design fervor has yet to lessen. After all, there are always ideas brewing in her mind, furniture groupings to tweak and new spaces to dream up.
“Even after three years, I am constantly moving things around. When I stop moving things around, we usually move.” Robyn laughs, adding, “If someone came and knocked on my door with an offer, I would sell it.”
The design evolution continues.
For her husband’s home office, Robyn paired a vintage desk from Baker Furniture Company with a desk chair from Hickory Chair Furniture Co.
Curvilinear Dorothy Draper-inspired pocket doors can conceal the adjoining family room.
Savannah
8422 Ferguson Ave Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 352-3930
Blu
208A May River Road Blu ton, SC 29910 (843) 535-8884
Columbia 2 Harbison Way Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 309-2188
St. Simons Island 143 Center Street St. Simons, GA 31522 (912) 634-1414
Amelia Island 960185 Gateway Blvd., Ste. 102 Amelia Island, FL 32034 (904) 641-0346
Jacksonville 3653 Regent Blvd., Ste. 205 Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 641-0346
St. Augustine 345 SR207 St Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 687-3455
Owners: Robyn and Rob Roberts
Year built: 2018
Square footage: 4,500
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 4 beds, 3.5 baths in the main house plus a flex space above the garage with a full bath
Time to complete: 8 months
Architects/planners: Gerry Cowart, Cowart Group Architects
Interior designer: Robyn Roberts Design
Contractor/builder: Barry Koncul Building & Development
Tile/flooring: Garden State Tile; Savannah Surfaces; Floor & Decor
Paint: Farrow & Ball; Benjamin Moore; custom blends
Wallpaper: Lulie Wallace
Windows/doors: Grayco; Guerry Lumber
Kitchen design: Robyn Roberts Design
Bath design: Robyn Roberts Design
Landscape design: Sprout Landscape & Garden
Hardscape design: Sprout Landscape & Garden; Robyn Roberts Design
Electrician: J Ryle Electric
Plumber: Jenkins Plumbing Company
HVAC: Gerrald’s Heating and Air
Furniture/lighting: Hickory Chair
Furniture Co.; Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; Lee Industries; A. Tyner Antiques; Englishman's Fine Furnishings; Circa Lighting; some pieces are custom-made or have been collected over time
Appliances: Billy Wood Appliance; Lacanche
Art: Heart of Gold Gallery; some pieces have been collected over time
All details provided by the homeowner.
by FEIFEI SUN
THE POPULARITY of natural wine has reached a fever pitch in recent years, and the term “natural” has been thrown around to describe everything from organic and biodynamic grapes, to the funky, kombucha-like taste of some wines that are frequently natural — and frequently not.
What actually makes a wine “natural” is far more simple: wine that’s had minimal intervention in its production. With newcomers like Later Air Wine and Sobremesa joining the city’s wine scene, it’s easier than ever to try natural wine.
Here, a few local experts share their favorite bottles and tips for finding a glass that suits your taste.
LATE AIR WINE
2805 BULL ST.
It’s important to remember that the term “natural” refers more to the way wine is produced than its taste, according to Colin Breland, who founded Late Air Wine with his wife, Madeline Ott. “While there are plenty of funky natural wines, there are also stable, balanced profiles,” he says. At Late Air Wine, customers can find a range of bottles, including some that are new to Georgia for the first time, like a Pinot Noir from Domaine Didon.
SOBREMESA
2312 ABERCORN ST.
Sobremesa co-owner Ryan Ribeiro recommends Nortico Alvarinho, with peach and citrus notes and plenty of minerality. “It’s from Minoh, Portugal, where my dad is from, which makes it extra special to me,” he says.
2418 DE SOTO AVE.
Marguerite Seckman, co-owner of Superbloom, recommends Sorelle Bronca Prosecco, made by two Italian sisters who grow the grapes on their family land. “It’s a light and refreshing Prosecco — perfect
for casual sipping,” she says. Try it at Superbloom’s wine tastings, held most Thursdays and Fridays (book via Airbnb), or the Watercolor Wine Wednesdays, free and open to the public.
This year, our Best of Savannah reader survey turns 21! To mark this milestone, we asked some of the Hostess City’s most hospitable honorees to join us in raising a glass to their success with a cocktail recipe worthy of the occasion.
HULL
Shared by Best Bartender winner Charlie Wentway of Garibaldi
1¼ oz. Bacardi rum
1 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. Charlie’s Signature PB&J Syrup
Garnish with fresh basil leaf
Charlie’s Signature PB&J Syrup Combine the following ingredients and steep for 30 minutes:
1 whole jalapeño 18 oz. pineapple juice 1 sprig of basil 2 oz. sugar
Where the Historic District meets the Eastern Wharf, enjoy mid-century modern luxury accommodations at Thompson Savannah, hyper-local ingredients at the signature restaurant Fleeting, endless panoramic views with craft cocktails at the rooftop Bar Julian and locally roasted coffee, artisan breads and housemade pastries at Stevedore Bakery.
912.790.1234 201 Port Street barjulian.com fleetingrestaurant.com stevedorebakery.com
Shared by a runner-up for Best Bartender, Ashley Simeone of Savoy Society (also a runner-up for best signature cocktails)
¼ oz. Luxardo Amaro Abano
½ oz. Luxardo Apricot Liqueur
1 oz. Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Stir then strain into a champagne flute. Top with dry sparkling wine. Express and garnish with an orange twist.
“Combining bourbon and bubbles is rarely done, but it really works ... nothing is more celebratory than a delicious bubbly cocktail.”
— Ashley SimeonePhotography by JEREMIAH HULL
Shared by Bar Julian at The Thompson Savannah, winner for Best New Bar
1½ oz. Hendrick’s Gin
½ oz. Combier Creme De Mure Blackberry Liqueur Dolin Dry Vermouth
¼ oz. honey syrup (equal parts Savannah Bee Company honey and water)
½ oz. lemon juice
Build in a snifter glass, swizzle with crushed ice, top with a mint sprig, a fresh blackberry and a dusting of cardamom powdered sugar (freshly ground cardamom mixed with powdered sugar in a 10:1 ratio).
“This cocktail was featured at our pre-opening celebration over a year ago, and it has continued to be one of our most popular drinks since day one.”
— Chelsea DeMark, beverage director at Bar JulianCOURTESY BAR JULIAN, THE THOMPSON SAVANNAH
“Passion, hard work, grit and creativity all power the heartbeat of this city. All these traits learned ... will forever be instilled in me. [This celebratory cocktail combines] my two loves of aged rum and rye whiskey … to form a variation on a pre-Prohibition classic, The Manhattan.” — Matthew Huntley
Shared by a runner-up for Best Bartender, Matthew C. Huntley of Peacock Lounge
1½ oz. Appleton Estate 12-year aged rum
½ oz. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
½ oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth
¼ oz. heavy pineapple-infused Demerara syrup (3:1)
2 dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
1 dash of Tiki Bitters
Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass and stir with ice until nice and chilled. Strain and serve in a chilled coupe glass. Garnish the cocktail with a brandied cherry and a dehydrated pineapple for a flavorful dessert after the last sip.
Shared by Artillery, winner for Best Signature Cocktails
Perfect for those hot and humid Savannah days, this libation is light and refreshing with bright citrusy notes and a color reminiscent of sultry summer sunsets.
½ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. agave syrup
½ oz. Cocchi Americano
¼ oz. housemade orange-andginger shrub
1½ oz. Dulce Vida Blanco Tequila Finish with blood orange juice
LESS THAN A YEAR since opening the 1540 Room, chef Collin Clemons has been named the city’s Best Chef.
Here, the Ohio native — who has spent time in kitchens from Minneapolis to New Orleans to Austin — talks about reimagining the storied restaurant, located on the first floor of The DeSoto Savannah Hotel, and where he eats around town when he’s not at work.
I was at the Hyatt Regency Savannah when I met Lauren Teague, the director of food and beverage at The DeSoto, and we discussed the opportunity. The 1540 Room had been closed since COVID, and the team was excited to reopen and reinvent the space under a new concept. I was excited by the chance to flex my creative muscle — and to help bring the new vision for 1540 Room to life.
Hernando de Soto, for whom the hotel is named, was an explorer who came to what is now Georgia in 1540 — that’s where the restaurant gets its name. At the time, the world was dominated by the spice trade. We wanted to explore this idea of the spice trade bringing folks from one part of the world to another, while honoring the fact that Savannah is a port city that has been a destination for travelers and sailors from around the world for hundreds of years. Our idea was that the restaurant could be a gathering place that blended global flavors with local ingredients.
I’d like to say the whole menu, but I’ll call out a couple of dishes. The first is a merguez dish — lamb sausage from Morocco in North Africa. We get the lamb from 920 Cattle here in Georgia, and the dish is served with couscous and vegetables from Gannon Organics and other nearby farms.
The pork pastilla is another plate that’s a bridge between two different worlds.
Pastillas are a pastry typically served with lamb, fish or chicken. We put a local twist on it by using regional pork that’s flavored with Hawaij, a Yemeni spice blend made of turmeric, coriander and other spices.
I love Bar Julian at the Thompson Savannah for bites and cocktails. I used to be at Big Bon Bodega just about every week. I usually get an everything bagel and a sandwich — The Pimento Pig, The 912 or whatever the special is. I’ve been a bit too busy lately, but I miss it and should make time in the mornings to get back there.
ON WHAT HE IS MOST PROUD OF IN HIS FIRST YEAR — AND WHAT’S AHEAD I’m most proud of getting this restaurant
off the ground and going, and that we’ve gotten good feedback so far. It’s nice having an open kitchen — guests walk right up to you and tell you how they feel. I definitely want to keep pushing our creativity in the year ahead and to continue bringing more guests in to experience the new concept.
The hotel restaurant has taken an interesting arc over the years. Forty years ago, all the nice restaurants were in hotels; 20 years ago, none of them were. But there’s been such a surge of boutique and lifestyle hotel brands investing in strong food and beverage programs, from Perry Lane Hotel to Thompson Savannah. So I’d encourage anyone still skeptical to keep an open mind.
“I definitely want to keep pushing our creativity in the year ahead and to continue bringing more guests in to experience the new concept.”
LET ME BEGIN by saying I believe in ghosts.
I have not seen a ghost, but I’ve lived in three homes that felt haunted, including my childhood one where my mother experienced sightings and another where my cat spent her days hissing at the walls. But that’s as far as my ghost experiences have gone: a creepy feeling that makes me cover my eyes at night when I sleep.
I have no interest in seeing a ghost; the thought of it actually terrifies me, but curiosity got the best of me. That, and the enthusiasm and encouragement of the Paranormal Society of Savannah.
I first meet Patrick Welsh, lead investigator and founder of the Paranormal Society of Savannah, at a spooky warehouse that’s the permanent home to the Alee Shriners’ annual haunted house. Welsh has been a Shriner for nearly 25 years and earned the moniker The Savannah Scaremaster for his part in helping create and manage the haunted house over the years. (Although you might also recognize him as the belly-dancing Shriner who performs in the St. Patrick’s Day parade each year).
He’s not what I expected. For one, there’s nothing scary or creepy about Welsh. He’s not a demon-worshiping, paranormal zealot who spends his days alone in his parents’ basement hovering over a Ouija board. He’s just a nice guy in his late 40s who works at the Eichholz Law Firm, is scared to death of needles and snakes and really excited about ghosts. And only once did he ever touch a Ouija board.
As one of the most haunted cities in the country, Savannah is the ideal playground for paranormal investigators.
A rookie ghost hunter takes you on her chilling chase.
“We tell people that we are not professionals,” Welsh says. “The people on TV aren’t even professionals. If someone tells you they are a professional paranormal investigator, run.”
Welsh doesn’t pretend to have special access to the spiritual realm, nor is he on a mission to convince nonbelievers that ghosts are real. He and his growing team of investigators aim to capture evidence
of ghostly activity on various equipment, which can range from EVP digital sound recorders and expensive EMF meters, to simple images and voices your cell phone picks up that you might not otherwise see or hear. They also offer Ghost Investigating 101 and 102 classes and a free ghost-busting service, where they investigate and cleanse a house of any evil spirit that may be causing harm to the residence. (Although
donations to cover travel expenses are appreciated.)
A few minutes later, we’re joined by Sarah Nesmith Cook, an investigator and the team’s case manager who also happens to be Welsh’s childhood friend. She’s equally as welcoming as she gives me an overview of the equipment and how it’s used, including the phone apps they prefer to use, like GhostTube SLS and Ghost
Radar. Cook places one piece of equipment, a REM-Pod-EMT, on a nearby table where they’ve detected activity in the past.
The REM-Pod is about the size of a roll of toilet paper, with a small antenna and four colored lights on top. When it detects sudden energy disturbances and temperature fluctuations, it provides audible and visual alerts.
I soak up Cook and Welsh’s countless
creepy stories of the ghost encounters they’ve experienced both growing up and while conducting more than 160 investigations since forming the group in 2020. This includes evidence of a human figure dangling from what is known as “The Hanging Tree” in Bluffton, South Carolina, and a recording of drums, voices and figures captured at the site of the Long Canes Massacre near Abbeville, South
Carolina. (You can find video evidence of both on the PSS Facebook page.)
“We make sure we document everything, video as much as we can, do the research, learn the history of the location and try to back it up with facts,” Welsh says. “But it’s kind of like fishing. You don’t catch something every time you go, but you keep doing it because you enjoy it.”
“If someone tells you they are a professional paranormal investigator, run.”
— Patrick Welsh , lead investigator and founder, Paranormal Society of Savannah
When I inquire about the most terrifying ghost encounter Welsh has experienced, the REM-Pod suddenly comes to life, setting off the red light and emitting a high-pitched sound that lasts about 15 seconds. He tells me it happened at a house on Savannah’s southside, owned by the Rancourt family, which is also the subject of the film “A Savannah Haunting,” to be released internationally on Oct. 28. Welsh and his team participated in a later-to-be-released documentary film in which they helped verify the authenticity of the haunted house.
The REM-Pod becomes even more active as they tell me about the evil spirit that haunts the warehouse we’re in. I ask Cook and Welsh if we can try communicating with it, and they’re all in. Cook poses a series of questions, such as, “Is there anybody here with us?” and “Can you tell us your name?” When she asks, “Do you want us to leave?” Welsh’s Ghost Radar app, which detects words below the range of human hearing, reads “Angel.” Cook tries to follow that lead with more specific questions. When she asks, “Can you tell me how long you’ve been here?” the REM-Pod alerts about 20 beeps in rapid succession. As the questioning continues, Welsh’s app picks up the names “Martin” and “Kyle,” and Sarah asks if those two are here with us before the activity dies out.
Later, while listening to my digital recording of our conversation, I catch a faint disembodied female voice saying “There are only two” in response to Sarah’s last question.
So when Cook and Welsh invite me on an actual paranormal investigation a few days later at one of Savannah’s most haunted locations, I eagerly accept.
It’s late July, and my clothes and hair are dampened with sweat before I even enter the Graveface Museum, where our investigation will take place and air conditioning seems to be nonexistent.
In some preliminary research, I determine that the museum might be more terrifying than any ghosts that haunt it. Located in a former abandoned space on Lower Factors Walk, Graveface is a place of eerie oddities. It’s overpopulated with horror pinball machines, taxidermy, serial killer memorabilia, and — perhaps most terrifying — a worn-out, life-size Ronald McDonald doll with a sign reading “I don’t like to be touched.” In fact, Cook and Welsh brought us to this location because they knew we’d be guaranteed some ghostly encounters. We’re also joined by PSS core investigators, David Guruel, Walter Finely, Pat “Papa Smurf” Welsh Sr. and Jay Chughtai, and Savannah magazine Art Director Rebecca Hrizuk and her husband, Michael, the photographer who’s documenting the event.
We begin in what is called “The Serial Killer Room.”
We ascend the steps to the windowless room,
careful not to brush against Ronald McDonald. As soon as I enter the room, my chest is tight, like I’m at high altitude and can’t take a full breath. It’s not fear; it’s something else.
“What are you feeling?” Welsh asks the three first-timers. We all describe the same sensation.
“Yeah,” Patrick nods knowingly.
The Serial Killer Room is small, like a bedroom. The walls are covered with tokens and memorabilia belonging to serial killers of the past, like John Wayne Gacy, Charles Manson, the BTK Killer and Ted Bundy. Many of the items were given to owner Ryan Graveface from family members of the killers, like Gacy’s sister who gave Graveface her brother’s paintings and his prison log.
Michael Hrizuk attempts to capture some images but when he pushes the shutter release, nothing happens.
“What the ... ? I think my camera just broke.”
Hrizuk removes the long lens and examines the shutter it protects, which looks as if a finger poked it, damaging the shutter. “What the hell?” he says, clearly as rattled and freaked out as the rest of us, especially considering the camera worked perfectly downstairs.
Hrizuk pulls out another camera, and we nervously begin the investigation. I volunteer to participate in what’s called the Estes Method. I’m wearing earbuds hooked to a Spirit Box that scans for radio frequencies. I’m instructed to repeat any words I catch amongst the white noise or indicate if I feel anything. I’m blindfolded, and noise-canceling headphones are placed over earbuds to ensure I can’t be influenced by seeing or hearing the others in the room. Once in place, the Paranormal Society team asks questions directed to the spirits, much like we did in the warehouse days earlier.
I’m disappointed to reveal that I don’t hear or feel anything, though the EMF meter and apps do pick up activity in the room. I’m also gripping a St. Christopher pendant that I don’t mention to anyone, which has now become an official talisman. Our photographer has better luck. Although Hrizuk doesn’t catch any voices, he tells us that he feels a coldness on his left side, that’s growing more intense. We can hear in his voice that he’s unnerved. The Ghost Radar app catches the word “Connected.”
Spooked, Michael abruptly removes the equipment.
“It’s not a breeze. I can still feel it. Even my leg is cold,” he explains, breathlessly. “It just got colder and colder and colder and colder.”
I touch his left side and I can feel the chill of his body regardless of the room’s stifling heat.
We have a number of paranormal experiences throughout the evening, but I take comfort in my secret St. Christopher, and in the friendly PSS investigators who seem just as excited and scared as I am.
“ But it’s kind of like fishing. You don’t catch something every time you go, but you keep doing it because you enjoy it. ”
– Patrick Welsh, lead investigator
Welsh concedes that he can’t scientifically prove that ghosts exist. For one, the paranormal activity doesn’t respond in a consistent, measurable way. Sometimes it’s there, and yet another time under the same exact circumstances it might not be. Could it be our imaginations running wild, unusual electromagnet fields or the power of persuasion? Welsh’s team goes to great lengths to rule out such influences and has even been able to debunk a haunting as
being related to a hidden electrical box on the fritz. But look, there are a bunch of things science can theorize about but can’t (yet?) explain, including why yawning is “contagious” or why we dream. Is there life in some other corner of the galaxy? Will Amazon take over the world? We don’t know, but the possibilities seem endless. And playing around in the realm of possibilities is pretty darn fun — and frightening — with these paranormal investigators.
The Paranormal Society of Savannah is preparing to open Haunted Grounds Coffee (248 Butler Ave.), a coffee shop that will also serve as the society’s official headquarters. In addition to enjoying typical café fare, patrons can get a taste of paranormal investigations through classes and more. Follow facebook. com/savannahparanormalinvestigators for updates.
Experience the Alee Shriners’ haunted house on Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 30 - Oct. 31 at 100 Eisenburg Drive. For more information on pricing and hours, go to aleeshriners.org.
FRIDAY • NOV 4, 2022
Opening night bringing the legacy of automotive and aviation together under the stars
SATURDAY • NOV 5, 2022
Including Austin-Healey Southeastern Classic, Aero Expo, and the Legends of the Autobahn East
Followed by the Satisfy Your Thirst After Party
SUNDAY • NOV 6, 2022
Our 20th anniversary event featuring Autos von Deutschland as the Honored Marque
Written by MARY CATHRYN ARMSTRONG
With the future of Hutchinson Island's road course in question, local automobile aficionados race to preserve Savannah’s sports car culture
“IT
This is how Kevin Iocovozzi describes the “race line” tour he recently provided Savannah City Manager Jay Melder and Councilman Nick Palumbo around the Grand Prize of America Road Course on Hutchinson Island. Yes, the drive in his Mercedes Benz S500 was enjoyable, as it is in the nature of fast cars to be fun. However, Iocovozzi’s purpose was less about raising heart rates and more about raising awareness.
“There’s this great asset sitting right here in our city that’s being overlooked,” he says. “And we’re trying to save it.”
Iocovozzi is a vintage car racer and founding president of the Oglethorpe Driving Club, a faction of some 50 Savannah automobile enthusiasts that was formed in 2006 for those whose interests weren’t solely dedicated to a single carmaker.
Prospective members of the club (mind you, there is a waiting list) don’t necessarily have to own a car to join, but Iocovozzi does insist on three criteria: an appreciation for all things motorsport, saving the Hutchinson Island track and raising money for Bethesda Academy. Each year, in addition to hosting oyster roasts, rallies, track days and awards banquets to name their Sportsmen of the Year, the club also holds the “Cars on the Burn” car show at Bethesda to raise funds for scholarships to the former orphanage-turned-private-school for at-risk young men. On average, the club has raised $15,000 per year for the last three years. (This year’s event was moved to Labor Day Weekend due to rain on the original date in July.)
This is a cause that is close to Iocovozzi not only for personal reasons, but also because it harkens back to the early 20th-century American Grand Prize Races, when spectators purchased lemonade at a homemade stand by the residents of the Bethesda Home for Boys as drivers whizzed past at more than 80 miles per hour.
Picture it: Savannah, mid-March.
The early spring air feels electric, as throngs of people — some local, some just visiting — line the fringes of familiar roadways like Bull Street and Estill Avenue (now Victory Drive).
Spectators pack into position as they vie for the perfect viewing spot, scanning the slick, freshly oiled roadways for any signs (or sounds) of approaching automobiles. Local businesses have closed shop early in anticipation of the revelry sure to accompany the day’s events. Even public schools have taken a holiday; though the countless high school students who threatened to skip class anyway might have had something to do with that.
Sound familiar? Sure it does. But before visions of shamrocks and shillelaghs start dancing in your head, let’s back things up a bit.
This is 1908. And it’s not St. Patrick’s Day — it’s stock car racing.
At that time, the races were orchestrated by the Savannah Automobile Club (SAC), an organization founded in 1904 that boasted some of the city’s heaviest and most influential hitters,
including Club President Frank C. Battey. They believed that establishing Savannah as a major player on the racing circuit would reward the city tenfold, bolstering economic, social and industrial interests with affluent guests from across the globe.
As is expected of the Hostess City of the South, Savannah gave a warm welcome to the thousands of worldly guests who descended upon their seaside city. The carefully banked curves along White Bluff and the lengthy Dale Avenue straightaway gave competitors the speed they craved while also ensuring that things were still (mostly) safe. Savannah racing was such a success that SAC continued the streak with the American Grand Prize Races in 1908 and 1910, and even the Vanderbilt Cup in 1911. (For more on the history of the Vanderbilt Cup, flip to page 128.)
Fast forward to the mid-1990s, when a group of like-minded individuals sought to reignite that same fervor for international racing in Savannah. Following discussions with city and county officials, a swath of county road on Hutchinson Island was allocated to serve as a technically sound, professionally designed (and taxpayer-funded) racing circuit that would attract the same worldwide attention à la 1908.
Approved by the Fédération International de L’Automobile (FIA), the track was slated to host only two events per year — races aren’t exactly quiet — with an Indy Lights race dubbed the Dixie Crystals Grand Prix slated for opening day on May 18, 1997. Sadly, the push was ill-fated. Although it was well received by the teams, drivers and spectators, several businesses involved with the track’s construction and food vendors were impatient for profits to roll in, and all subsequent races were canceled.
In the ongoing attempt to prove that the paved gem nestled into Hutchinson Island wasn’t just some “asphalt on dirt,” but instead fully deserving of the glory it was intended, the Oglethorpe Driving Club worked closely with organizers of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival to develop Savannah Speed Week back in 2008.
The annual Speed Week — which of course included vintage automobile races — continued through 2019 and was fully expected to return after its COVID-related hiatus in 2020. Recent development on Hutchinson Island, however, dropped another fly in the motor oil, and, once again, the future of racing in Savannah ended in a question mark.
But with this year’s announcement that the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon would no longer take place in Savannah, Iocovozzi believes that the window of opportunity has opened to establish another major event certain to attract people to the city for a much different kind of race — and without tying up the streets for hours on end.
Iocovozzi envisions a marquee event that is as beneficial for patrons as it is for the development groups that are currently creating multiple mixed-use spaces on the island. Think crowds
attending car shows in the adjacent Savannah Convention Center, shopping in retail stores and watching the day’s races from hotel balconies, as they do in the streets of Monaco and Long Beach.
And with some of the same proponents who spearheaded the original construction in 1997 behind this new endeavor, it’s all possible. But as Iocovozzi says, it’s a path that needs to be walked slowly and in careful conjunction with Hutchinson Island’s varied set of stakeholders.
“At these events, they’re able to have a little friendly competition and have authentic talks. Everyone can really enjoy the experience and culture of cars.” — Ken Lee, Solo Savannah Chairman for the Buccaneer Region of the Sports Car Club of AmericaCOURTESY OF OGLETHORPE DRIVING CLUB MICHAEL HRIZUK
“I can’t fault the developers for wanting to minimize their costs,” he says, though this may be at the detriment of the course itself. “What we need to impress upon our city’s leadership is the importance of having this advantage — and to invest in it. Eventually, the racecourse will complement whatever they’re developing.”
Ken Lee, who currently serves as the Solo Savannah Chairman for the Buccaneer Region of the Sports Car Club of America, also believes that Savannah needs racing.
The organization hosts one autocross competition per month on Hutchinson Island. Although they are largely limited to the track’s paddock area, Lee says that the years-long development projects, like the $271-million expansion of the Savannah Convention Center, have sometimes reduced their playground on race day. Still, competitors often travel from a wide range of distances to participate, and membership is continuing to grow. Organized events like these, Lee says, allow drivers to create a much-needed sense of community with each other in a safe, sanctioned space.
“We help keep people connected,” Lee explains, adding that without coordinated racing, drivers might be limited to hanging out in empty parking lots or other less desirable locations. “At these events, they’re able to have a little friendly competition and have authentic talks. Everyone can really enjoy the experience and culture of cars.”
For the Savannah Automobile Club, hosting the Vanderbilt Cup Races was the holy grail in the early 1900s.
Started by American business magnate W.K. Vanderbilt and held annually in Long Island, New York, the prestigious series of sporting events had amassed quite an international following. Yet, popularity came at a high cost; as the crowds swelled to unmanageable sizes, accidents became more frequent.
New York’s citizens balked at the inconvenience of road closures on race days, and its governor balked at the dollars being spent on deploying military safeguards to keep said citizens safely off the track. After a spectator was fatally injured in 1906 and several bids for relocation of the 1907 running ultimately failed, the race’s future was in dire straits.
Recognizing that Long Island’s loss could become their gain, the SAC — as well as Savannah Mayor George Tiedeman — pitched Savannah not only as a potential replacement for the Vanderbilt Cup, but also for a race that could be even better. Prison laborers (who would eventually become spectators on race day) performed the arduous task of building out and upgrading many of the city’s more neglected roadways. To offset the same pedestrian-related incidents that had plagued their northern counterpart, Georgia Governor Hoke Smith enacted an aggressive military and police presence to preserve and protect the course.
The city went out on a high note in 1911, for it was the last race to be held in Savannah for quite some time.
MAKING EVERY MOMENT MATTER
JESUP • HINESVILLE • BRUNSWICK • SAVANNAH • HILTON HEAD • WAYCROSS
Voted by our readers, this is the definitive list of people, places and products that Savannahians love — and that tempt visitors to stay here for good . (Plus, meet a few of our newer neighbors who are doing just that, along with some of their favorite finds so far.)
Jazz'd Tapas Bar 52 Barnard St. 912.236.7777 jazzdtapasbar.com Runner-up: Common Thread
BISCUITS AND GRAVY
Maple Street Biscuit Company 220 W. Broughton St. 912.349.7301 maplestreetbiscuits.com Runner-up: Narobia's Grits & Gravy
The Breakfast Club 1500 Butler Ave., Tybee Island 912.786.5984 Runner-up: J. Christopher's
The Collins Quarter 151 Bull St. 912.352.4001 thecollinsquarter.com Runner-up: Rise Southern Biscuits & Chicken
BRUNCH
The Collins Quarter 151 Bull St. 912.352.4001 thecollinsquarter.com Runner-up: The Ordinary Pub
BURGER
Green Truck Neighborhood Pub 2430 Habersham St. 912.234.5885 greentruckpub.com Runner-up: B&D Burgers
The Vault Kitchen & Market 2112 Bull St. 912.201.1950 thevaultkitchen.com Runner-up: The 5 Spot CATERER
Erica Davis Lowcountry 3209 E. Victory Drive 912.544.5544 ericadavislowcountry.com Runner-up: Coastal Kitchen
Sly's Sliders and Fries 1710 Abercorn St. 912.239.4219 slysslidersandfries.com Runner-up (tie): Bull Street Taco, Zunzi’s
Chef Collin Clemons, 1540 Room
15 E. Liberty St. 912.443.2022 1540savannah.com
Runner-up: Kirk Blaine, Castaways
CHINESE Flock to the Wok 37 Whitaker St. 912.239.6697 flocktothewok.com Runner-up: E-Tang
FARM BAG/ BOX DELIVERY
Local Farmbag 701 US 80 W 912.272.4202 localfarmbag.com Runner-up: Polk’s on the Go
The Olde Pink House
23 Abercorn St. 912.232.4286 theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th
FOOD TRUCK
Chazito's Latin Cuisine 217 US 80 E, Pooler 912.348.3373 chazitos.com Runner-up: Big Bon Bodega
FRESH/ORGANIC GROCERY STORE
Whole Foods Market 1815 E. Victory Drive, #101 912.358.5829 wholefoodsmarket.com Runner-up: The Fresh Market
FRIED CHICKEN
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room 107 W. Jones St. 912.232.5997
mrswilkes.com Runner-up: Savannah Fried Chicken
FRIES
Green Truck Neighborhood Pub 2430 Habersham St. 912.234.5885 greentruckpub.com Runner-up: Circa 1875
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS
Fox & Fig Cafe 321 Habersham St. 912.297.6759 foxandfigcafe.com Runner-up: Kayak Kafé
INDIAN NaaN on Broughton 114 E. Broughton St. 912.349.0324 naanonbroughton.com Runner-up: Pakwan Indian Cuisine
ITALIAN
Bella's Italian Cafe 4420 Habersham St. 912.354.4005 bellascafe.com Runner-up: Bella Napoli Italian Bistro
JAPANESE Hirano's 4426 Habersham St. 912.353.8337 hiranoshabersham.com 13015 Abercorn St., Ste. D10 912.961.0070 Runner-up: (tie) Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Ta Ca Asian Fusion & Sushi
LATE-NIGHT FOOD
Ellie's Crow Bar & Grill 4205 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.9991 crowbargrill.com Runner-up: Kay’s Pizza
MEXICAN
Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant 109 Whitaker St. 912.236.3222 7360 Skidaway Road 912.226.3307 tequilastown.com Runner-up: Bull Street Taco
NEW RESTAURANT (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)
Ardsley Station 102 E. Victory Drive 912.777.5888 ardsleystation.com Runner-up: Fleeting at The Thompson Savannah
After a six-month international search, the Savannah Music Festival brought Bradford from St. Louis, Missouri, to take the lead. Luckily, his search for local favorites was much shorter — and now he plans to stay as long as he can.
NEIGHBORHOOD: Victorian District
OCCUPATION: Gene Dobbs Bradford is the Executive Director of the Savannah Music Festival (voted Best Festival).
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “I love Forsyth Park. Seeing diverse groups of people enjoying it every day is a real treat. Also, I really look forward to going to the Farmers’ Market there on Saturdays.”
MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “The high quality of the restaurants and hotels here. We have an embarrassment of riches in that department.”
THE CURE FOR HOMESICKNESS: “It would be nice to have a Trader Joe’s here, but Savannah has a unique charm that I wouldn’t want to change.”
ON MAKING SAVANNAH THE BEST IT CAN BE: “I hope that we can create a greater bond between the Savannah community and the Savannah Music Festival.”
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s
317 W. Bryan St. 912.233.6394 vinnievangogo.com Runner-up: Screamin’ Mimi’s
PRODUCE MARKET
Davis Produce 7755 US 80 E 912.897.0802 facebook.com/davis-produce Runner-up: Forsyth Farmers’ Market
SALAD
Kayak Kafé
1 E. Broughton St. 912.233.6044 5002 Paulsen St. 912.349.4371 eatkayak.com Runner-up: Starland Cafe
SEAFOOD
Tubby's Seafood
322 E. Factors Walk 912.233.0770 tubbysseafood.com
Tubby's Tankhouse 2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt 912.354.9040 tubbysthunderbolt.com Runner-up: Erica Davis Lowcountry
SEAFOOD MARKET
Russo's Seafood Market 201 E. 40th St. 912.234.5196 Runner-up: Ambos Seafoods
Vic's on the River 26 E. Bay St. 912.721.1000 vicsontheriver.com Runner-up: The Public Kitchen & Bar
Flying Monk Noodle Bar
5 W. Broughton St. 912.232.8888 flywiththemonk.com Runner-up: Franklin's
SOUTHERN
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room 107 W. Jones St. 912.232.5997 mrswilkes.com Runner-up: The Olde Pink House
Brighter Day Natural Foods 1102 Bull St.; 912.236.4703 brighterdayfoods.com Runner-up: The Grey Market
STEAK
Stone & Webster Chophouse 500 W. River St.; 912.373.9066 plantriverside.com/venues/ stone-webster-chophouse Runner-up: The Steakhouse on Whitemarsh
SUSHI
The Vault Kitchen & Market 2112 Bull St. 912.201.1950 thevaultkitchen.com Runner-up: Sushi Hana Japanese Restaurant
TACOS
Bull Street Taco 1608 Bull St. 912.349.6931 bullstreettaco.com Runner-up: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant
TAKEOUT
Bull Street Taco 1608 Bull St. 912.349.6931 bullstreettaco.com Runner-up: Zunzi’s
Chiriya’s Thai Cuisine
3017 E. Victory Drive 912.691.2080 Runner-up: The King & I
VEGETARIAN
Fox & Fig Cafe 321 Habersham St. 912.297.6759 foxandfigcafe.com Runner-up: Kayak Kafé
VIETNAMESE
Flying Monk Noodle Bar 5 W. Broughton St. 912.232.8888 flywiththemonk.com Runner-up: Saigon Bistro
The Wyld 2740 Livingston Ave. 912.692.1219 thewylddockbar.com Runner-up: Vic’s on the River
BAGELS
Big Bon Bodega
2011 Bull St. 912.349.4847 bigbonfamily.com Runner-up: Midtown Deli & Bagel Shop
BREADS
Auspicious Baking Company 7360 Skidaway Road 912.349.3444 auspiciousbakingco.com Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Bakery
River Street Sweets 13 E. River St. 912.234.4608 4515 Habersham St. 912.201.3654
riverstreetsweets.com Runner-up: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
CHOCOLATE
Chocolat by Adam Turoni 323 W. Broughton St. 912.335.2914 236 Bull St.; 912.335.2068 chocolatat.com Runner-up: River Street Sweets
COFFEE SHOP
Foxy Loxy Cafe 1919 Bull St. 912.401.0543 foxyloxycafe.com Runner-up: Cutter’s Point Coffee
COOKIES
Two Smart Cookies 6512 White Bluff Road 912.353.2253 twosmartcookies.com Runner-up: Byrd Cookie Company
Gigi's Cupcakes 5521 Abercorn St., #100 912.349.2778 gigiscupcakesusa.com/pages/ savannah-georgia Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Bakery
Baker's Pride Bakery 840 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.355.1155 savannahbakery.com Runner-up: Wicked Cakes of Savannah
Baker's Pride Bakery 840 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.355.1155 savannahbakery.com Runner-up: Duck Donuts
When Garrett Bruen was offered a job at Savannah College of Art and Design, he moved with his family from Hawthorne, California, in January 2020. He and his wife, Jimin, needed to find a school for their daughter quickly, but as soon as they toured St. Andrew’s, they knew they had found a winning fit.
OCCUPATIONS: Jimin Bruen is a private chef. Garrett Bruen is a Professor of English at Savannah College of Art and Design.
WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE: “SCAD brought us to Savannah. Jimin was pregnant with our youngest, and we left on the last day her doctors would permit her to travel. Georgie was born a month later. Two weeks after that, we closed on our house, and then the world went on lockdown. A week after that, the quarter began at SCAD. We continued to be a relatively well-adjusted family until Georgie learned how to crawl about a year later. Not bad.” – Garrett
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “The trees and the people – don’t make me pick [between those].” – Garrett
ON MAKING SAVANNAH THE BEST IT CAN BE: “The biggest contribution I have made to Savannah is bringing my family along with me. They are awesome, and they make everywhere they go better. I try to make a difference in my students’ lives. I think I succeed sometimes. To be honest, Savannah has done far more for our family than we have done for it. We look forward to returning the favor.” – Garrett
“Feeding people healthy and delicious food and supporting local farmers and businesses as much as possible. In the future, I would love to get more involved in food education at local schools and the community as I used to teach at a culinary school and miss connecting with the greater community at large.” – Jimin
Jimin, Garrett, Louella and Georgie Bruen
Leopold's Ice Cream 212 E. Broughton St. 912.234.4442 400 Airways Ave. 912.483.0122 leopoldsicecream.com Runner-up: Ben & Jerry’s
PERC Coffee 1802 East Broad St. 912.209.0025 perccoffee.com Runner-up: Savannah Coffee Roasters
MACARONS
Marche de Macarons 42 Abercorn St. 912.665.9894 marchedemacarons.com Runner-up: Le Macaron French Pastries
Charlie Wentway, Garibaldi 315 W. Congress St. 912.232.7118 garibaldisavannah.com Runner-up (tie): Matthew Huntley, Peacock Lounge Ashley Simone, Savoy Society
BEER LIST
World of Beer 112 W. Broughton St. 912.712.3560 238 Pooler Parkway, Pooler 912.348.3079 worldofbeer.com Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor
Cohen’s Retreat 5715 Skidaway Road 912.355.3336 cohensretreat.com Runner-up: Huey’s
Service Brewing Co. 574 Indian St. 912.358.1002 servicebrewing.com Runner-up: Two Tides Brewing Company
The Original Pinkie Masters 318 Drayton St. 912.999.7106 Runner-up: American Legion Post 135
Myrtle & Rose 500 W. River St. 912.373.9080 plantriverside.com/venues/ myrtle-rose-rooftop-garden Runner-ups: Tubby’s Seafood River St.: Tubby’s Tankhouse
Habersham
4618 Habersham St. 912.354.6477 7927 Abercorn St. 912.961.6744 habbybev.com Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem Wine & Package Shop
Tequila’s Town
Mexican Restaurant 109 Whitaker St. 912.236.3222 7360 Skidaway Road 912.226.3307 tequilastown.com Runner-up: Bull Street Taco
MARTINI
Jen’s & Friends 34 Bull St. 912.238.5367 jnfsavannah.com Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar
NEW BAR (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)
Bar Julian at The Thompson Savannah 201 Port St. 912.521.6130 barjulian.com
Runner-up (tie): Eclipse Bar and Grill Over Yonder
NIGHTCLUB
Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos 314 Williamson St. 912.527.6453 savannahsmilesdueling pianos.com Runner-up: Club One
PUB
Six Pence Pub 245 Bull St. 912.233.3151 sixpencepub.com Runner-up: Churchill’s
ROOFTOP BAR
Peregrin 256 E. Perry St. 912.559.8333 peregrinsavannah.com
Runner-up: Bar Julian at The Thompson Savannah
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Artillery Bar 307 Bull St. 912.335.5200 artillerybar.com Runner-up: Savoy Society
SPORTS BAR
Coach’s Corner 3016 E. Victory Drive 912.352.2933 coachs.net Runner-up (tie): Savannah Taphouse Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill
WINE LIST
Elizabeth on 37th 105 E. 37th St. 912.236.5547
elizabethon37th.net
Runner-up (tie): 1540 Room Vic’s on the River
DATE NIGHT
Common Thread 122 E. 37th St. 912.944.7482 commonthreadsavannah.com Runner-up: Garibaldi
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District 400 W. River St. 912.373.9100 marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ savjw-jw-marriott-savannahplant-riverside-district Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar
WINNER
A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, Nikki Krecicki recently returned to the city (after living in Brooklyn, New York) and is opening an elevated shop for wine and groceries. In the meantime, she enjoys her pistachio ice cream fix at Leopold’s.
NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Historic District (South)
OCCUPATION: Nikki Krecicki is the owner and operator of Provisions (101 W. Liberty St.).
WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE: “Growing up in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina, I’ve always had a crush on the Spanish moss-covered cities of the South, but I really fell in love with Savannah while attending SCAD. After working in the New York fashion industry for several years, I decided I was ready to open a brick-and-mortar for Provisions — a place for people to drink wine around the table with loved ones and celebrate emerging makers while supporting local charities. A culinary hub with a small natural wine market, Savannah felt like the perfect home for Provisions.”
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “My dog, Scout, and I love getting lost in the squares every day, meeting neighbors on the sidewalk. The city is inspiring the vision of Provisions. It will be very approachable, just like Savannah is, a country store that’s very done up, but friendly and relaxed. The open container law doesn’t hurt either — a cold beverage in your hand definitely increases the romance of the city.”
THE CURE FOR HOMESICKNESS: “I hope to carry my favorite ice cream, Van Leeuwen’s, too. It is a nice homage to New York and the many fun memories I have of going there late at night to grab a pistachio ice cream cone.”
ON MAKING SAVANNAH THE BEST IT CAN BE: “During the pandemic, amazing new community pantries and volunteer opportunities developed in New York. I hope that, between Provisions and the hospitality community of Savannah, we can embrace those initiatives here, making sure everyone is nourished. A community kitchen with a pay-what-you-can policy and zero-waste initiative would be my ideal next-door neighbor.”
Starland Yard
2411 DeSoto Ave. 912.417.3001 starlandyard.com Runner-up: Coach’s Corner
LIVE MUSIC
Victory North 2603 Whitaker St. 912.323.2616 victorynorthconcerts.com Runner-up: Coach’s Corner
Coach’s Corner 3016 E. Victory Drive 912.352.2933 coachs.net Runner-up: Starland Yard
ART GALLERY (Tie)
Laney Contemporary Fine Art 1810 Mills B Lane Blvd. 912.438.4442 laneycontemporary.com
Tiffani Taylor Gallery 11 Whitaker St. 912.507.7860; tiffanitaylor.com Runner-up: A.T. Hun Art Gallery
Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Wine Women and Shoes 912.350.7641 rmhccoastalempire.org Runner-up: Senior Citizens Inc.’s Legends, Leaders and Life Well Lived
COMPANY TO WORK FOR
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 500 Gulfstream Road 912.965.3000 gulfstream.com Runner-up: Bouhan Falligant LLP
DIY STUDIO / CLASS / WORKSHOP
Painting with a Twist 513 E. Oglethorpe Ave. 912.349.4234 107 Grand Central Blvd., Suite 205, Pooler 912.737.2151 paintingwithatwist.com Runner-up: Scribble Art Studio
Savannah Music Festival savannahmusicfestival.org Runner-up: Savannah Stopover
GROUP TO VOLUNTEER FOR
Ronald McDonald House Charities 4710 Waters Ave. 912.350.7641 rmhccoastalempire.org Runner-up: P.A.C.K - People of Action Caring for Kids
Wormsloe Historic Site 7601 Skidaway Road 912.353.3023 gastateparks.org Runner-up: Fort Pulaski National Monument
LOCAL ARTIST Bellamy Murphy bellamyart.com Runner-up: Tiffani Taylor, Tiffani Taylor Gallery
EMILYMCCARTHY.COM invite joy.
LOCAL BAND / MUSICIAN
Outlaw Gypsy facebook.com/ outlawgypsyband Runner-up: Damon and the Sh*tkickers
LOCAL THEATER COMPANY
The Historic Savannah Theater 222 Bull St. 912.233.7764 savannahtheatre.com Runner-up: Savannah Children’s Theatre
MUSEUM
Telfair Museums 121 Barnard St. 912.790.8800 telfair.org Jepson Center, 207 W. York St. 912.790.8800 telfair.org Runner-up: SCAD Museum of Art
R ADIO STATION
WRHQ 105.3 FM Quality Rock 1102 E. 52nd St. 912.234.1053 wrhq.com Runner-up: WAEV 97.3 KISSFM
Red Clover Boutique 244 Bull St. 912.236.4053 shopredclover.com Runner-up: J. Paige
ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Jere’s Antiques 9 N. Jefferson St. 912.236.2815
jeresantiques.com Runner-up: Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market 217 E. 41st St. 912.239.4657 pickerjoes.com Runner-up: Jere’s Antiques
The White Magnolia Bridal Collection 5500 Abercorn St., Ste. 42 912.355.2502 whitemagnoliabridal.com Runner-up: Ivory & Beau
Designer’s Consignment 234 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.5600 facebook.com/ designersconsignmentsav Runner-up: Clothes Mentor
FINE JEWELRY
Levy Jewelers 2 E. Broughton St. 912.233.1163 7804 Abercorn St. 912.238.2120 levyjewelers.com Runner-up: Harkleroad Diamonds & Fine Jewelry
123 East Broughton St • (912) 644-7896 marshallhouse.com 220 East Gaston St • (912) 232-2869 gastonian.com 123 Habersham St • (912) 232-1020 kehoehouse.com
Polka Dots Gifts and Accessories
107 Charlotte Road, Ste. E 912.898.3730 123 E. Broughton St. 912.323.0434 Runner-up: One Fish Two Fish
HANDBAGS
Satchel 4 E. Liberty St. 912.233.1008 400 Airways Ave. 912.398.1007 shopsatchel.com Runner-up: Spartina 449 Savannah
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
E. Shaver, Bookseller 326 Bull St. 912.234.7257 eshaverbooks.com Runner-up: The Book Lady Bookstore
Emily McCarthy, Emily McCarthy & Co. 2428 Abercorn St. 912.495.5386 emilymccarthy.com Runner-up: Emily Bargeron, with Mamie Ruth, East + Up and Starland Strange
Lisa Zipperer, Lisa Zipperer Designs 912.598.2272 lisazippererdesigns.com Runner-up: Mary Liz Craft, M. Liz Jewelry Studios & Boutique
MADE-IN-SAVANNAH PRODUCT
Honey by Savannah Bee Company 104 W. Broughton St. 912.233.7873
1 W. River St. 912.629.9975 211 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.629.0908 savannahbee.com Runner-up: Cookies by Byrd Cookie Company
MEN’S CLOTHING
J. Parker Ltd. 20 W. Broughton St. 912.234.0004 5500 Abercorn St. 912.335.1439 300 W. River St., Ste. 6C 912.298.6675 jparkerltd.com Runner-up: John B. Rourke Gentlemen’s Clothiers
NEW BUSINESS (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD; NOT BAR OR RESTAURANT) NCG Cinema 3001 Skidaway Road
912.617.8181 ncgmovies.com/savannah Runner-up: Hannah E. Shoes
Globe Shoe Company 17 E. Broughton St. 912.232.8161 5500 Abercorn St., #43 912.352.1158 Runner-up: Hannah E. Shoes
SPORTS/OUTDOOR WEAR
Half-Moon Outfitters 15 E. Broughton St. 912.201.9393 halfmoonoutfitters.com Runner-up: J. Parker Ltd.
STATIONERY
Emily McCarthy & Co. 2428 Abercorn St. 912.495.5386 emilymccarthy.com
Proudly serving our community as the region’s largest and most comprehensive non-pro t hospice!
www. HOSPICESAVANNAH .org 912.355.2289
Sengstack’s FOUND FAVORITES: Best Breakfast: Clary’s Cafe (Because of the staff and the chicken and waffles)
Best Mexican: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant** Best Seafood Market: Russo’s Seafood Market**
Best Custom Cakes: Wicked Cakes of Savannah* Liquor Store: Johnnie Ganem’s Wine & Package Shop (A block away – who can resist?)* Best Independent Bookstore: E. Shaver, Bookseller** Best Florist: Madame Chrysanthemum
Best Local Artist: Daniel Smith Best Acupuncturist: Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine**
Russo’s Seafood Market WINNER
Best Seafood Market
After decades of visiting, Michael Sengstack and Edwin Walrad officially moved to Savannah from New York last year. “[Locals] are so happy to tell you about [the city’s] history, residents and resources, and I love that,” says Sengstack, citing Russo’s Seafood Market as a prime example.
NEIGHBORHOOD: Whitefield Square
OCCUPATIONS: Michael Sengstack is the director of Events & Recognition for The Avon Company. Edwin Walrad is a corporate controller.
WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE: “I fell in love with this city on a visit in 1994 and have returned many times over the years. We bought a small house here about three years ago so we could visit more regularly. After working from home for a year during quarantine, we thought why not move to the city of our dreams and enjoy it now? We bought our current home and moved here permanently in April 2021.” – Sengstack
THE CURE FOR HOMESICKNESS: “Savannah has so much to offer that I really don’t miss anything except our friends, but work gets me back to New York every couple of months so I can stay connected.” – Sengstack
“With the exception of an excellent bagel, there is nothing I want to change or add to the city. Savannah has become very diverse, and that allows me to enjoy the best of what other people have to offer.” – Walrad
ON MAKING SAVANNAH THE BEST IT CAN BE: “We are currently renovating our 136-year-old home. I also recently became the Wesley Ward Captain and have joined the Downtown Neighborhood Association and support the Historic Savannah Foundation and the Massie Heritage Center.” – Sengstack
Walrad’s FOUND FAVORITES: Best Chinese: E-TANG* Best Italian: Bella’s Italian Cafe** Best Late-night Food: Screamin’ Mimi’s Best Outdoor Dining (Nonwaterfront): Cha Bella Best Salad: The 5 Spot Best Seafood Market: Russo’s Seafood Market** Best Happy Hour: American Legion Post 135 Best Art Gallery: Kobu
“[We support the city by] enjoying everything Savannah has to offer — visiting museums, trying new restaurants, enjoying the walks and people we have met and spent time with. My favorite is hosting friends from out of town, showing them all there is to offer and listening to them as they fall in love with the city.” – Walrad
Runner-up (tie):
The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place Polka Dots Gifts and Accessories
VINTAGE CLOTHING
House of Strut 20 W. State St. 912.712.3902 houseofstrut.com Runner-up: The Future on Forsyth
J Paige 107 Charlotte Road 912.897.1525 shopjpaige.com Runner-up: Red Clover Boutique
BABY GEAR (NON-CLOTHING)
Punch & Judy 4511 Habersham St. 912.352.0906 punchandjudysavannah.com Runner-up: The Horseshoe Crab and Monogram Place
Exhilarate – The Adventure Zone 105 Tibet Ave.; 912.299.3900 exhileratesav.com Runner-up(tie): Savannah Children’s Museum Starland Yard CLOTHING
Sara Jane’s Children’s Boutique 202 E. 37th St.; 912.352.0906 shopsarajaneskids.com Runner-up: Punch and Judy
DAYCARE
Little Raiders Learning Academy 1599 Chatham Pkwy.; 912.721.2174 littleraidersla.com Runner-up: The Sanctuary Child Learning & Development Center
KID-FRIENDLY DINING
Starland Yard 2411 DeSoto Ave. 912.417.3001 starlandyard.com Runner-up: The Pirates’ House
PLAYGROUND
Forsyth Park 912.351.3841 savannahga.gov Runner-up: Daffin Park
PR IVATE SCHOOL
St. Andrew’s School 601 Penn Waller Road 912.897.4941 saslions.com Runner-up: Savannah Christian Preparatory School
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Savannah Arts Academy 500 Washington Ave. 912.395.5000 internet.savannah.chatham.k12. ga.us/schools/saa Runner-up: May Howard Elementary School
SUMMER CAMP
Camp R.E.D. C.H.A.O.S., at Savannah Christian Preparatory School 1599 Chatham Parkway 912.234.1653
ÉCLAIRS GELATO CAKES
FINE CHOCOLATES
LAVAZZA COFFEE
204 West Broughton Street Savannah, GA 31401 912.712.5094 lemacaronsavannah@gmail.com
Early in the pandemic, Allyson Short and David Andrews escaped to Savannah from their home in Atlanta for a weekend getaway spent in the great outdoors. The quick trip turned into a total lifestyle change. On Instagram, Short posted a photo of The Wyld with the caption, “Our new favorite place for drinks. People just roll up in their boats here.” Her enthusiasm even inspired her mom to join, relocating from California.
Gwyn Short, Allyson Short, David Andrews, Maddie & Miri
OCCUPATIONS: Allyson Short is a software engineer at Slalom Build Consulting. David Andrews is a 3D character artist.
WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE: “We first came here for a long weekend to escape the city and get a break from being stuck at home. We spent the weekend riding our bikes everywhere and going kayaking and fell in love with the city. At the end of the weekend, we decided to rent an Airbnb for a month to test out if we’d like living here. We ended up finding our dream home during that month adventure, and our work was flexible, so we moved here in October 2020.”
MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “The thunderstorms and all the amazing lush tropical plants. Our yard is filled with so many tropical flowers and plants we had never seen before … White Ginger Lily, banana plants, cardamom flowers!”
THE CURE FOR HOMESICKNESS: “More food cart pods. Portland is the food truck mecca, and it creates a fun mercatto-type vibe. It’s also a great way for local businesses to get started.”
ON MAKING SAVANNAH THE BEST IT CAN BE: “I volunteer at local animal shelters, currently at GRRR [Georgia Rescue Rehabilitation & Relocation] and the Humane Society. We also both attend The Creative Coast and tech meetups regularly to engage with others in our fields.”
savcps.com/summer-camp/redchaos-weeks-2-and-3-106
Runner-up: Point Pleasant Retreat and IPC Savannah Day Camp
ANIMAL RESCUE
One Love Animal Rescue 463 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Suite B7 #142 912.351.6750 oneloveanimalrescue.com Runner-up: Renegade Paws Rescue
DOG TRAINER
Ben Hutchinson, At My Side K9 Training & Boarding 1791 Toni Branch Road, Ellabell 401.932.3509 facebook.com/atmysidek9
Runner-up: Savannah Dog Training Club
DOGGIE DAYCARE
The Hipster Hound 1 Diamond Causeway, Suite 13 912.349.7640 115 Echols Ave. 912.436.6560 hipsterhound.net Runner-up: Von Trapp Animal Lodge
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
513 E Oglethorpe Ave., Ste. N 912.349.5366 202 W. St. Julian St., 912.495.5806 141 Bull St., 912.358.0537 1601 Bull St., 912.417.2149 100 Blue Moon Crossing, Pooler, 912.450.6600
And other regional locations woofgangbakery.com Runner-up: The Savannah Groom Room
PET SITTER/ DOG WALKER
Christy’s Critters 7105 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Unit 1 912.412.0450 facebook.com/christyscrittersga Runner-up: Savannah Pet Sitters LLC
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
202 W. St. Julian St., 912.495.5806 141 Bull St., 912.358.0537 1601 Bull St., 912.417.2149 100 Blue Moon Crossing, 912.450.6600
And other regional locations woofgangbakery.com Runner-up: Bentley’s Pet Stuff
PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION FACILITY
Fetch Canine Rehab 409 Stephenson Ave. 912.662.7616 fetchcaninerehab.com Runner-up: Von Trapp Animal Lodge
VETERINARIAN
Brian Mulvey, Savannah Veterinary Medical Center
2014 E. Victory Drive 912. 447.8711 savannahveterinarymedical.com Runner-up: Mallory Turner Von Waldner, Savannah Veterinary Medical Center
Forsyth Farmers’ Market RUNNER-UP Best Produce Market
New Yorkers-turned-neighbors of Savannah’s Eastside, Assaf Gleizner and Tegan Miller have gained a loyal following for both their musical talents as well as for Isreally Hummus, sold at the Saturday-morning market.
OCCUPATIONS: Assaf Gleizner is a professional musician, pianist, composer and orchestrator as well as the owner of Isreally Hummus (1000 Eisenhower Drive). Tegan Miller is a professional singer, the owner/ teacher of MTC Vocal Academy and the founder/conductor of Spectra, a “feminist treble choir” in Savannah. (They are accepting new singers through Oct. 1.)
“Initially it was the American Traditions Vocal Competition that introduced both of us to Savannah. I have been one of the accompanists for the competition since 2011, and Tegan has competed twice. This competition is always in February, which was a nice change from NYC’s arctic winter. That, plus the gracious hospitality, made us fall in love with Savannah.
New York has a way of making you feel like you can never leave, but when COVID hit and we had a moment to breathe and think, we realized we can make music anywhere. At this point, it was hard to imagine being trapped in our 800-square-foot apartment in Queens for another winter and not being able to do what we came to NYC to do. We threw around a few options but really couldn’t decide where to move. So a friend made us say the first city that came to mind for both of us on the count of three … and we both said Savannah. We immediately called our good friend, Danny Cohen, and told him we were thinking of moving, and he said, ‘You, too?’ Apparently, we weren’t the first NYC couple involved in the ATC who decided to move here.” – Gleizner
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “We always say that everyone you meet in Savannah eventually becomes your mentor, your collaborator or both! That is something we absolutely adore about this city, which is why we have 100% adopted that mentality as well.” – Miller
Paul Shealy, DVM, MS, DACVS, BluePearl Savannah 335 Stephenson Ave. 912.354.6681; vss.org
Runner-up: Jason King, DVM, DACVIM, cVMA, cVPP, Live Oak Veterinary Neurology
Case Veterinary Hospital 111 Eisenhower Drive 912.352.3081; caseveterinary.com Runner-up: Southside Hospital for Animals
ACUPUNCTURIST
Bauer Coslick, Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative
Medicine
716 E 71st St.; 912.308.1103 vitalitysavannah.com Runner-up: Nicole Ware, Heal Acupuncture
BARBERSHOP
AV8 Barbers 3307 Waters Ave. 912.349.1181 av8barbers.com Runner-up: Christy’s Barber Styling
BODY BRONZING AND TANNING
BEETTAN 102 E. Liberty St. 888.803.4908 beettan.com Runner-up: Body Bronzing by Becca
DAY SPA
Spa Bleu 101 Bull St. 912.236.1490
spableu-sav.com Runner-up: Savannah Day Spa
ESTHETICIAN
Kathryn Taylor Day, efine a anna 11550 Abercorn St. 912.421.9803 refinesavannah.com Runner-up: Michelle Turley, Chatham Plastic Surgery GYM
YMCA of Coastal Georgia 6400 Habersham St., Ste. A 912.351.3622
66 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.1192
165 Isaac G. LaRoche Drive, Pooler; 912.748.9622
154 Thunderbird Drive, Ste. 101, Richmond Hill; 912.756.5856 1224 Patriot Drive, Rincon 912.826.2199 204 5th St., Tybee Island 912.786.9622 And other locations
ymcaofcoastalga.org Runner-up: Planet Fitness
HAIR REMOVAL
Wax & Wane Waxing Salon 1917 Bull St. 912.233.7002 waxandwanewaxing.com Runner-up: Glow Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique
HAIR SALON
Chapel Hair 219 East Broad St. 912.335.8277 chapelhairsavannah.com Runner-up: 40 Volume Salon & Spa
JUICES/SMOOTHIES
Blend & Press Wellness Bar 4505 Habersham St. 912.401.2594 blendpresswellnessbar.com Runner-up: Clean Juice
Sea Salt & Sugar
1800 Victory Drive, Ste. 4B 912.201.3203 seasaltandsugar.com Runner-up: Perfect Polish
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Christina Harley, Christina’s Healing Hands Massage Therapy 402 US 80 SW, Pooler 912.272.8266 christinashealnhands massagetherapy.com Runner-up: Cathy Thomas, LMT, Savannah Healing Arts
MEDICAL SPA
Glow Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique 415 Eisenhower Drive 912.303.9611 3 Perry St.; 912.349.3690
glowsavannah.com Runner-up: Refine Savannah NONSURGICAL COSMETIC PROCEDURE SPECIALIST (FILLERS, ETC.)
Glow Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique 415 Eisenhower Drive; 912.303.9611; 3 Perry St.; 912.349.3690 glowsavannah.com Runner-up: Refine Savannah
Drew Edmonds, Train Me 24/7, FIT Gym and Bootcamp FIT 415 Eisenhower Drive, #3 140 Johnny Mercer Blvd. #10-A 7360 Skidaway Road And other locations 912.225.9695 trainme247.com fitgymsandfly.com Runner-up: CustomFit
PILATES AND BARRE STUDIO
Pure Barre 5521 Abercorn St., Ste. 500 912.665.1129 10 Whitaker St. 912.677.9316 461 Pooler Parkway, Pooler 912.445.1249 purebarre.com/location/ savannah-ga Runner-up (tie): Core Pilates and Health The Hub Savannah
SPIN AND CYCLE STUDIO
CycleBar
5525 Abercorn St. 912.777.5667 cyclebar.com/location/ midtown-savannah Runner-up: The Hub
YOGA STUDIO
Savannah Power Yoga
461 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Unit C-05 7360 Skidaway Road 912.323.7356 savannahpoweryoga.com Runner-up: New Yoga Now SERVICES AD AGENCY
RobMark Web • Advertising • PR
108 E. Montgomery Cross Rd.; 912.921.1040; robmark.com Runner-up: Joselove-Filson Advertising Inc.
AUDIO/VIDEO/LIGHTING PRODUCTION
Stage Front Presentation Systems
6 Southern Oaks Drive 912.236.1345 sfps.net Runner-up: Advanced A/V Rentals
*
Pure Barre is a low impact high intensity workout, featuring small isometric movements while focusing on strength, cardio, and flexibility for people of all levels.
5521 Abercorn Street, Suite 500 912-665-1129 savannah@purebarre.com
10 Whitaker Street 912-677-9316 citymarket@purebarre.com
* New and local clients only (local ID required). One o er permitted per client across all Pure Barres. Participating studios only. Cancellation policies apply.
Honey by Savannah Bee Company WINNER Best Made-in-Savannah Product
Last fall, Master Distiller Kevin Ford moved from Buffalo, New York to join New Realm Brewing & Distilling Company, where he uses Savannah Bee Co. honey to make the strawberry gin.
NEIGHBORHOOD: Historic District
OCCUPATION: Kevin Ford is the master distiller at New Realm Brewing & Distilling Company (120 Whitaker St.).
WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE: “This job! When I was getting to know the New Realm team, I spent time in both Atlanta and Savannah deciding where our spirits could come to life and find a home. I fell in love with Savannah when I came down to interview. The architecture and landscape are … intoxicating. A city dripping in history and culture of makers and artists felt like a warm place to practice a craft. More than anything, what got me were the people. I knew this would be a place where I could pour my heart into a product and have people who would genuinely appreciate that for what it is. Quality goods for quality people.”
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “There are so many interesting people living here and traveling in and out. You can walk in any watering hole, find a seat at the bar and very quickly make a new friend.”
MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT LIVING HERE: “How quickly the city is growing. So much new development and business moving in. Feels like a cool time to be here for sure!”
THE CURE FOR HOMESICKNESS: “Buffalo has an undeniable pride in the air — you can feel it in the community. Go Bills! I look forward to experiencing more of the local community outside of the Historic District.”
ON MAKING SAVANNAH THE BEST IT CAN BE: “Savannah is home to such a beautiful collection of makers and artists. It is the perfect place to practice a craft like distilling. I plan to bring high-quality and delicious spirits to the community through collaboration with other local artists and producers.”
Autobahn Service Center Inc. 2109 Norwood Ave. 912.352.0719 autobahnsavannah.com Runner-up: Southern Motors
BIKES & BIKE REPAIR
Quality Bike Shop
1127 E. Montgomery Cross Road; 912.692.1005 qualitybikeshop.com Runner-up: Star Bike Shop
Alpha Marine Detailing 912.663.0090 alphamarinedetailing.com Runner-up: Hale Marine, Inc.
CARS (NEW)
Critz Auto Group 7000 Abercorn St. 912.354.7000 critz.com Runner-up: Southern Motors Group
CARS (USED)
Grainger 1596 Chatham Parkway 912.790.5444 graingerhonda.com 1550 Chatham Parkway 912. 358.5858 graingernissan.com Runner-up: Southern Motors Group
Dabbs, Hickman, Hill and Cannon LLP 325 Tattnall St. 912.233.9004; dhhccpa.com Runner-up: Hancock Askew & Co. LLP
COMMUNITY BANK/ FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BankSouth 18 W. Bryan St. 912.200.9420 613 Stephenson Ave. 912.200.9430; banksouth.com Runner-ups (tie): Ameris Bank Truist
CONVENIENCE STORE
Parker’s 222 Drayton St. And other locations parkerskitchen.com Runner-up: Enmarket
DEEJAY
Will Smith, W. Smith Music 912.661.1476 wsmithmusic.com Runner-up: All About You Entertainment
DRY CLEANER
Curry Dry Cleaners
1310 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.355.2930 440 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.4595 Runner-up: David’s Dry Cleaner (now Five Star Cleaners)
Ranco Event Rentals 117 Westside Blvd., Pooler 912.944.6200 rancotents.com Runner-up: EventWorks Rentals
Victoria I. “Vicki” Waters, Edward Jones 6 Magnolia Blvd., Ste. B, Port Wentworth 912.964.9991 edwardjones.com Runner-up: Jason Ford, Wells Fargo Advisors
We are now accepting painting commissions for Fall and Winter. Please let us know if you have a specific subject matter and size in your heart that we can make manifest for your home! In addition, we are also offering custom giclees, with both flat and stretched canvas options available.
Wi love, Light, and gratitude!
TIFFANI
Savannah Aviation 34 Hangar Road 912.964.1022 savannahaviation.com Runner-up: Flight Safety International
FLORIST
John Davis Florist 2430 Abercorn St. 912.233.6077 johndavisflorist.com Runner-up: Ivory & Beau
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ DESIGN FIRM
Joselove-Filson Advertising Inc. 300 Commercial Ct., Unit D 912.353.7732 joselovefilson.com Runner-up: RobMark Web • Advertising • PR
INSURANCE COMPANY (AUTO, LIFE, ETC.)
Morris & Templeton Insurance Agency 7180 Hodgson Memorial Dr. 912.355.4549 morristempleton.com Runner-up: State Farm
IT SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Speros 2141 Rowland Ave. 912.354.8900 speros.com Runner-up: Infinity, Inc.
LAW FIRM
Bouhan Falligant LLP 1 W. Park Ave. 912.232.7000 bouhan.com Runner-up: The Eichholz Law Firm
LAWYER
Todd M. Baiad, Bouhan Falligant LLP 1 W. Park Ave. 912.232.7000 bouhan.com Runner-up: David Eichholz, The Eichholz Law Firm MARINA
Isle of Hope Marina 50 W. Bluff Drive 912.354.8187; iohmarina.com Runner-up (tie): Hogan’s Marina Savannah Boathouse Marina
PARTY/EVENT PLANNER
Tara Skinner Weddings and Events 404 E. Oglethorpe Ave. 912.596.6064 taraskinnerevents.com Runner-up: Ivory & Beau
Stayce Koegler Photography stayce@staycekoegler.com staycekoegler.com Runner-up: Katie McGee Photography
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM
Abshire Public Relations LLC 912.695.7881; abshirepr.com Runner-up (tie): Lesley Francis PR Joselove-Filson Advertising Inc.
SEAMSTRESS
Stitch 912.856.5159 savannahstitch.com Runner-up: Diana’s Alterations & Canvas
Charles H. Morris Center 10 East Broad St. 912.443.3277
trusteesgarden.com Runner-up: Kehoe Iron Works
TOWING COMPANY
Sapp’s Wrecker Service 34 Gulfstream Road 912.964.7277 sappswreckerservice.com Runner-up: Gordon’s Wrecker Services
Four Seasons Travel 3 Skidaway Village Walk, #C 912.598.8000 fourseasonstrvl.com Runner-up: Edgewood Travel
VIDEOGRAPHER
Mary Clare Kolbush Films 630 Indian St., Unit 441 maryclarekolbush.com Runner-up: Square City Production
WEB/SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
RobMark Web • Advertising • PR 108 E. Montgomery Cross Road 912.921.1040 robmark.com Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR TOURISM
BOUTIQUE HOTEL (LESS THAN 100 ROOMS)
(Tie)
The Drayton Hotel 7 Drayton St. 912.662.8900 thedraytonhotel.com
The Marshall House 123 E. Broughton St. 912.644.7896 marshallhouse.com Runner-up: Kimpton Brice Hotel
HOTEL (MORE THAN 100 ROOMS)
The DeSoto Savannah 15 E. Liberty St. 833.635.4268 thedesotosavannah.com Runner-up: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
INN/B&B
Ballastone Inn 14 E. Oglethorpe Ave. 912.236.1484 ballastone.com Runner-up (tie): The Gastonian Kehoe House
NEW HOTEL (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)
Thompson Savannah 201 Port St.; 912.790.1234 hyatt.com/hotel/georgia/ thompson-savannah/savth (No runner-up)
TOUR COMPANY
Old Savannah Tours 250 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.234.8128 oldsavannahtours.com Runner-up: Old Town Trolley of Savannah
TOUR GUIDE
Dan Leger, Savannah Dan Tours & Entertainment 912.398.3777 savannahdan.com (No runner-up)
Have an idea for a new category we should consider for 2023? We want to hear from you! Send your suggestions to editor@savannahmagazine.com
IS FULL OF
While known around the world as John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Savannahians have shortened our references to “Midnight” or simply “The Book.” However, that doesn’t mean we won’t discuss the captivating story (which spent more than 200 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List) at length — even 40 years after Jim Williams was first tried for murder. (He was ultimately acquitted). Case in point: Savannah native Dep Kirkland, who served as the chief assistant district attorney at the time of the murder and recently published his own account of the trials.
Dating back to 1846, this scenic cemetery is best known as the final resting place for famous Savannahians like the music industry legend Johnny Mercer and the original home of the Bird Girl statue, featured on the cover of The Book.
This refers to three educational entities in one, including Telfair Academy of Museums and Sciences (the oldest public art museum in the South), the Jepson Center and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Mary Telfair — daughter of former Georgia Governor Edward Telfair and the founder of the Mary Telfair Hospital for Women (now a part of St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital), among other impressive accomplishments — left her home, art collections and the remainder of her money to establish the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences after she died in 1875. Today, the Bird Girl statue is on display at the Telfair.
The strikingly modern building, opened in 2006, is named for Bob and Alice Jepson who adopted Savannah as their hometown in 1989 and have generously donated not only to the arts, but also to various philanthropic and economic efforts.
The descendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved and brought to the lower Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia to work on the coastal rice, Sea Island cotton and indigo plantations. Because they were isolated on coastal plantations, sea and barrier islands, they were able to retain many of their indigenous African traditions — which are reflected in their foodways, arts and crafts and spiritual traditions. They also created a new language, Gullah, a creole language spoken nowhere else in the world.
Are you new to the 912? Use this cheat sheet to help you navigate the city's favorite people, places and things.Written by SAVANNAH MAGAZINE STAFF with institutional insight from Savannah native and award-winning journalist POLLY POWERS STRAMM
Not to be confused with Globe Shoe Company, Savannah’s iconic globe is a 60-foot diameter steel sphere painted to look like planet Earth. Sitting near the corner of White Bluff Road and DeRenne Avenue since the 1950s and counting, the globe has a storied legacy that includes Santa Claus, Girl Scouts and, soon, a Parker’s convenience store, kitchen and gas station, plus a Chickfil-A and a Starbucks.
Savannahians past and present have always seen fit to raise their collective spirits through a boozy batch of this punch. The history behind the concoction is a bit hazy, but one indisputable fact is that this drink is wickedly strong, so enjoy it wisely.
You may already know the acronym for Savannah College of Art and Design, but do you know how SCAD came to be? In 1978, the school was founded here and later expanded to additional campuses in Atlanta and Lacoste, France. To learn more, stop by SCADstory — an immersive 4D experience that brings Wallace’s journey to life.
Ask for one of these cups at the bar to take your drink along with you, as long as you are within the confines of the Historic District boundaries (River Street to Jones Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to East Broad Street).
North of Gaston Street. The Garden Club of Savannah hosts its Annual NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens every April, unlocking the garden gates of selected private gardens and historic gardens for self-guided exploration.
One of the city’s oldest and most prominent east-west corridors (and routes to Tybee Island), this road is lined with hundreds of palm trees. The first trees were planted in the early 20th century as a military memorial in honor of those who died in World War I. The road, originally named Estill Avenue, also distinguishes the end of the Starland District to its north and Midtown to its south.
In 1999, two SCAD grads with degrees in historic preservation embarked on an adventure to revitalize the old Starland Dairy. Today, the funky and fun area is home to beloved independent businesses including Cheryl Day’s famed Back in the Day Bakery, Pizzeria Vittoria and Graveface Records & Curiosities — to name just a few.
Made with crusty French bread, baked chicken, Romaine lettuce, tomato, Zunzi’s sauce and dressing, this popular sandwich can be found at the South Africaninspired eatery known as Zunzi’s.
Located next to Zunzibar on Drayton Street is Parker’s Market, a.k.a. Fancy’s Parker’s. While you can still fill your gas tank, just about everything else is unexpected for a convenience store — from imported cheeses to fine wines, and fresh-cut flowers to craft beers — and it’s open 24 hours/7 days a week.
Encompassing neighborhoods of Ardsley Park, Chatham Crescent and Parkside, this picturesque part of town attracts families and young professionals with its early 20th-century craftsmanship and oak-lined avenues. (For more info on surrounding neighborhoods, check out Visit Savannah’s Relocation Guide at savannahchamber.com/relocation.)
The appropriate greeting when you pass someone wearing Savannah Bananas gear. After all, there is no place else quite like Savannah, and there is no baseball team quite like the Bananas. Catch a home game at the Historic Grayson Stadium on Victory Drive.
This title proudly belongs to Sweet Potatoes Kitchen following a visit from Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.”
That would be none other than Forsyth Park, a beautiful 30-acre park named for Georgia’s 33rd governor and the site of the city’s most famous fountain. There’s always something happening here, such as the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, a picnic, a pick-up soccer game, an outdoor concert, a birthday party, a marriage proposal or a wedding ceremony.
The city’s smallest craft brewery, Two Tides is housed in a building dating back to 1910 that originally served as the manager’s residence for the adjacent Starland Dairy, which supplied milk to neighboring residents well through the 1980s.
This could be a reference to the legendary pirate or the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge — one of Georgia’s barrier islands, which protects the coastline and habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including summertime nesting sea turtles and year-round shorebird activity.
This community park is a local hotspot for recreation, with available activities ranging from small boat races to pickleball to street hockey to basketball. The Truman Linear Parkway Trail also begins here.
A great day in the 912 often ends with Savannah’s favorite ice cream, owned by local native and Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold.
Download on your phone right now (if you haven’t already). This app is the fastest way to pay for parking Downtown — and add more time if you’re not ready to get back in the car just yet.
Savannah’s answer to UberEats and Doordash, this mobile app allows you to place orders for pick up or delivery from favorites like Green Truck Pub, Sentient Bean, Sly’s Burger & Fries and many more.
Whether you’re heading out on the water for work or pleasure, checking the tide times (tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov) is an essential part of your regular routine.
In addition to the Starland shop, the Graveface family also includes a small independent label and the adjacent Graveface Arcade. In 2020, owner Ryan Graveface expanded his collection of weird wonders to the Graveface Museum of Oddities at Factors Walk (see page 116). Enter if you dare.
The folk artist whose ubiquitous work — bright colors and bold quotes from familiar faces — can be seen around the city, adorning walls, windows and fences alike with doses of inspiration.
Special thanks to Polly Powers Stramm for her input. For more fun vernacular, check out Stramm’s book, “Bless Your Heart & Mind Your Mama: Sassy, Sweet and Silly Southernisms” and a full list of our favorite local lingo at savannahmagazine.com.
What did we miss? Send submissions to editor@savannahmagazine.com for a chance to be featured.
Drawing upon the natural beauty and unique charm of the Coastal Georgia and South Car olina region, Southern Coastal Weddings offers an elevated and authentic view of the region’s wedding culture … ever after, circa now. Available at shopsavannahmagazine.com
SOUTHERNCOASTALWEDDINGS.COM
At Low Country Cancer Care, we’re transforming oncology to better meet the needs of those we care for and the communities we serve. Our approach to cancer care is to treat everyone like family. With compassionate care that centers around the patient, treatment is customized for the individual with support for patients and their families through every step of the cancer journey.
We deliver the most advanced and innovative treatments focused on each patient for the best possible experience – because each cancer journey is unique.
Proud to serve patients at our seven locations. Blu ton | Hinesville | Pooler | Savannah | Statesboro | Vidalia | Waycross
A big thank you to our patients who inspire us every day.Rohit Bishnoi, MD Haven Caldwell, DO Jennifer Yannucci, MD George Negrea, MD Sreekanth C. Reddy, MD
Cardiologist
Roy D. Flood, Jr. M.D., FACC (runner-up)
Critical Care Specialist/Intensivist
Nizar S. Eskandar, M.D., FACP, CMCM (winner)
Family Medicine/General Practitioner
Kristen A. Updegraff, M.D. (runner-up)
Foot & Ankle Physician
Craig K. Skalla, D.P.M. (runner-up)
General Surgeon
Jeffrey S. Mandel, M.D., FACS (winner)
Infectious Disease Specialist
Nenad Avramovski, M.D. (runner-up)
Doctor of Internal Medicine
Misal Patel, M.D. (runner-up)
Nephrologist
Nizar S. Eskandar, M.D., FACP, CMCM (winner) Nutritionist
Rebekah M. Laurance, RD (winner)
Optometrist
Edward D. Sammons, O.D. (runner-up)
Osteopathic Physician
Regina B. Dandy, D.O. (runner-up)
In the aftermath of the pandemic, new technolo and innovations are critical for helping today’s healthcare providers manage workloads, streamline communication and personalize treatment plans, ultimately delivering better outcomes. According to these Best of Doctors winners, the pursuit of improving patient care is endless.
Interviews by LILY AVERY
THE LIST WORKS: The Best of Savannah Doctors winners were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per person was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address were automatically disqualified. Savannah magazine does not control how individuals campaigned.
ROY D. MAYNARD JR., DDS Georgetown Family Dental BEST GENERAL DENTIST
THE OLD SAYING “a smile is worth a thousand words” takes on new meaning for Dr. Maynard with the use of dental technology that aids in diagnosing and designing the best smile for each patient. Digital Smile Designing (DSD) is a modern technique that analyzes the bone structure, shape proportions of the face, age, tooth size and more, generating an image of what kind of smile would best suit the patient.
“I get such a kick revealing someone’s side-by-side photos on the big screen,” says Dr. Maynard. “I take a photo of them smiling, then put it through the DSD computer program and watch their amazement as they see themselves. Seeing it is really the only way to imagine it as a reality.”
The DSD mock-up presents far more than a digital edit. It’s a visual representation of what the patient will look like in a matter of weeks — a result that is a huge advantage for both Dr. Maynard and the patient. As an added bonus, DSD is compatible with the other technology Dr. Maynard uses in his practice. From one design, he’s able to create multiple implants, bridges, dentures — or even a complete makeover with permanent implants.
Smile Design also refers to a best practice application that combines the art and science of dentistry — a systematic, organized
methodology to resolve both health and aesthetic issues. Typically, when there are aesthetic issues, there are also occlusal disease and alignment issues that need to be corrected before anything cosmetic should happen. The computer software and in-office labs are incredible tools, but to use them properly, Dr. Maynard says it’s important to make sure there is a good structural bone and gum that supports the teeth as well as stable occlusion.
“By the time a lot of patients see me for Smile Design, they often have had cosmetic work in the past that is failing, or worse, haven't gone to the dentist in a long time and have given up on ever getting results,” explains Dr. Maynard. “But being able to actually show people what they could look like makes them feel comfortable. It gives people hope.”
Overall, he says the software has become a real game changer in how he’s able to reimagine and reconstruct a patient’s smile.
“My favorite part is getting to see the look on their face when they see their new self,” adds Dr. Maynard. “Filling cavities, and treating gum disease is essential, but the cosmetic part is what gets
up in the morning. It’s the experience of changing lives! There’s nothing better than watching a patient look in the mirror, then look at the DSD image we started with and go, ‘Yeah, that’s me!’”
me
“There’s nothing better than watching a patient look in the mirror, then look at the Digital Smile Designing image we started with and go, ‘Yeah, that’s me!’”
“We are constantly rede ning exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology.
Truly state-of-the-art!”
- Mark N. Dye, DMD
- Mark N. Dye, DMD
“We are constantly redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology.
Truly state-of-the-art!”
- Mark N. Dye, DMD
Jack Eades, MD
Southern Allergy & Asthma 5223 Paulsen St. 912.303.9355
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 305, Pooler southernallergy.net
RUNNER-UP: Bruce Finkel, MD
Coastal Allergy & Asthma PC 505 Eisenhower Drive 912.354.6190; coastalallergy.net
John Solitario, MD Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave. 912.354.3510 memorialhealthdoctors.com
RUNNER-UP: Stephen L. Miller, MD Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave. 912.354.3510 memorialhealthdoctors.com
Susan Timna, Au.D. Audiology and Hearing Aid Services 803 E. 68th St. 912.600.1712
6 Skidaway Village Walk 912.598.0616 1000 Towne Center Blvd. #200, Pooler 912.351.3038 ahassavannah.com
RUNNER-UP: Rachel Crout-Goldsmith, Au.D. Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists
5356 Reynolds St., Suite 505 912.356.1515; gaentspecialists.com
Oliver Whipple, MD
Memorial Health Bariatrics 4700 Waters Ave., Bldg. 400 912.350.3438 memorialhealthdoctors.com
DERMATOLOGIST
NEW TECHNOLOGY CONSTANTLY comes and goes in the world of dermatology, but for Howington, the most important piece of technology for patient care in her practice remains the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
Essentially digitized versions of patients’ paper records, the system expedites how patients’ data is updated, making information more easily available to both patients and healthcare providers. Low Country Dermatology also uses its EMR system to automate clerical and clinical tasks.
“Documenting and storing patients’ data electronically means that information is never lost, and we can complete tasks for patients quickly,” explains Dr. Howington. “An EMR system ensures that records don’t get lost, helps us keep track of laboratory/pathology orders and allows us to send prescriptions electronically so pharmacies are able to get patients the medication they need quickly. These advancements enable us to give our patients the best experience and care.”
In addition, patients can communicate with
staff at Low Country Dermatology safely and securely using a patient portal via the EMR system. This saves time for both patients and staff, as additional workloads can sometimes be difficult to manage in between patient calls.
“We are also working on enabling an electronic check-in to limit the amount of time patients have to spend at the front desk,” says Dr. Howington. “We realize the need for more efficient, contactless check-in and want to accommodate this need.” The ability to check in remotely has been incredibly useful in accessing patient information prior to the appointment time — another step toward efficiency to better improve both the staff and patient experience.
“No one likes having to fill out pages and pages of paperwork at medical facilities, and utilizing a mobile/online platform has drastically reduced the amount of paperwork required,” adds Dr. Howington. “I see EMR systems continuing to fine-tune and advance their data integration. Clerical burdens and errors will continue to be reduced the greater and more efficient EMR systems become.”
“We realize the need for more efficient, contactless check-in and want to accommodate this need.”
RUNNER-UP: Robert J. Kelly, MD
Memorial Health Bariatrics 4700 Waters Ave., Bldg. 400 912.350.3438 memorialhealthdoctors.com
CARDIOLOGIST
Jennifer L. Yeh, MD
Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave. Bldg. 100, Suite 400 memorialhealthdoctors.com
RUNNER-UP: Roy D. Flood, MD SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 2 912.527.5300 southcoasthealth.com
Chadwick Stouffer, MD Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave. Bldg. 100, Suite 403 912.273.1150 memorialhealthdoctors.com
RUNNER-UP: Jeremy E. London, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler 11700 Mercy Blvd., Plaza D, Bldg. 1, Suite A 912.819.0500 sjchs.org
CHIROPRACTOR
Layton Truax, DC TruMove Chiropractic Wellness 325 Eisenhower Drive, Suite A 912.224.0080 trumovewellness.com
RUNNER-UP: Todd M. Titus, DC Titus Chiropractic & Sports Therapy 315 Commercial Drive, Suite C-5 912.355.3170 savannahsportschiro.com
CLINICAL REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST
James Glazier, CRNA
The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery 5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md
RUNNER-UP: Jayne Andrews, CRNA The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery 5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md
CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST/ INTENSIVIST
Nizar Eskandar, MD SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 1 912.527.5225 southcoasthealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Ryan Moody, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates 11700 Mercy Boulevard, Plaza D, Bldg. 5, Suite 5 912.927.6270; selung.com
DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH: COSMETIC DENTIST
Mark Dye, DMD
310 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com
RUNNER-UP: Ryan Reeves, DDS Beyond Exceptional Dentistry 1317 Abercorn St.; 912.234.8282 beyondexceptionaldentistry.com
DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH: DENTAL HYGIENIST
Isabel Jiran, RDH, Mark Dye, DMD 310 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com
RUNNER-UP Holly Colbert, RDH, Dental Harbor Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry 50 Meeting St., Suite B 912.480.0804 dentalharbor.com
DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH: GENERAL DENTIST
Roy D. Maynard, DDS Georgetown Family Dental 821 King George Blvd. 912.289.4409 georgetownfamilydental.com
RUNNER-UP: Matt Grill, DMD Coastal Dentistry 15 Lake St., Suite 100 912.598.8111 coastaldentistry.com
DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH: ORAL SURGEON
Alfred E. Pesto Jr., DDS Southeastern Oral Associates 4815 Paulsen St 912.352.2324 143 Canal St., Suite 300, Pooler 912.330.8801 seoralsurgery.com
RUNNER-UP: Michael C. Wilson, DMD Chatham Oral Surgery 501 Eisenhower Drive 912.354.1515 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 103, Pooler; 912.748.4365 613 Towne Park Drive W., Suite 301, Rincon; 912.295.5199 chathamoralsurgery.com
DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH: ORTHODONTIST
Mark Dusek, DDS Broderick, Dusek and DeLeon Orthodontics 500 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.7022
326 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.5900
119 Canal St., Unit 107, Pooler 912.988.1118 savannahorthodontics.com
RUNNER-UP: (TIE)
Thomas Broderick, DDS Broderick, Dusek and DeLeon Orthodontics 500 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.7022
326 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.5900
119 Canal St., Unit 107, Pooler 912.988.1118 savannahorthodontics.com
Christopher DeLeon, DMD Broderick, Dusek and DeLeon Orthodontics 500 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.7022
326 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.5900
119 Canal St., Unit 107, Pooler 912.988.1118 savannahorthodontics.com
Corinne Howington, MD Low Country Dermatology 6510 Waters Ave. 912.354.1018 lcderm.com
RUNNER-UP: Josepha B. DeVaro, MD Coastal Dermatology 400 Commercial Court 912.352.3535 coastaldermsav.com
David S. Oliver, MD Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat 322 Commercial Drive, Suite 2 912.355.2335 200 Blue Moon Crossing, Suite 103, Pooler 912.450.2336 coastal-ent.com
RUNNER-UP: Michael Zoller, MD ENT Associates of Savannah 5201 Frederick St. 912.351.3030; entsavannah.com
Sanjay Iyer, MD Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave.; 912.354.3510 memorialhealthdoctors.com
RUNNER-UP: John D. Rowlett, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler 5353 Reynolds St.; geamba.com
Ismary De Castro, MD Savannah Endocrinology 107 Southern Blvd., Suite 103 912.352.5900 savannahendocrinology.com
RUNNER-UP: James A. Stoever, MD The Endocrine Clinic 705 E. 70th St.; 912.354.7622
FOR DR. DE CASTRO, enhanced patient care doesn’t stop at telehealth’s virtual exam room. Continuous glucose monitoring devices, or CGM for short, have not only changed the way Dr. De Castro interacts with her patients but also enables her patients to visualize their current glucose values in real-time and reflect on their own diabetes self-care.
“For patients who have diabetes, in particular, this new technology has allowed us to streamline a lot of the information,” Dr. De Castro explains.
CGM devices automatically track blood glucose levels, or blood sugar, throughout the day. The device is small, discrete, easy to use and can be self-applied, typically to the skin in the arm or over the stomach. The sensor measures intestinal glucose levels every few minutes and then automatically transmits the information to a device-specific receiver, smartphone, smart watch or another smart device. Some monitors require the patient to visit their healthcare professional, either in-person or via telehealth,
while others allow patients to view in “real-time” how life impacts their blood sugar.
“The data captured by these monitors are typically stored in a cloud-based software that we can access for interpretation and statistical analysis. During my telehealth visit with the patient, I can share my screen, which is really neat, then I can ask questions and be able to point out patterns that we see,” adds Dr. De Castro. “The patients really love it because they get instant feedback.”
The latest CGM designs also boast the ability to alarm the patient if their blood sugar drops too low or spikes. The device can even alert friends, neighbors and loved ones. “This allows patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, a little more autonomy,” says Dr. De Castro. “They have more control over their life and can actively see how their choices affect their health. It’s phenomenal. I’m excited to see how these technologies continue to evolve. I’m excited for my patients.”
Yulianty D. Kusuma, MD, FACP, Internal Medicine of Savannah 6413 Waters Ave., #102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com
RUNNER-UP: Kristen A. Updegraff, MD, SouthCoast Health 9 Chatham Center S., Suite C 912.527.7211; southcoasthealth.com
Tassie Hargrove, BS, DC, ANA Holistic Wellness Center of Savannah 1 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd., Suite 203 912.235.2968 holisticwellnesssavannah.com
“They have more control over their life and can actively see how their choices affect their health.”
RUNNER-UP (TIE): John Hargrove, DC Holistic Health Center of Savannah 100 Commercial Court, Suite B 912.355.3185 hhcofsavannah.com
Rebecca Hart, ANP-BC, IFMCP Vitality Acupuncture 716 E 71st St.; 912.308.1103 vitalitysavannah.com
PODIATRIST/ FOOT SPECIALIST
Frederic Specter, DPM, PC Coastal Ankle & Foot, LLC 352 Commercial Drive 912.354.3668 fredericspecterdpm.com
RUNNER-UP: Brian Fallon, DPM Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC 5102 Paulsen St., Unit 3 912.777.4604
1000 Towne Center, Suite 305, Pooler 912. 283.6471 anklesandfeet.com
GASTROENTEROLOGIST (TIE)
Branden S. Hunter, MD
Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah PC 519 Stephenson Ave. 11706 Mercy Blvd., Plaza A, Bldg. 7 101 St. Joseph’s/ Candler Drive, Suite 310, Pooler 200 Interchange Drive, Richmond Hill And other regional locations 912.354.9447; gastrosav.com
Mark Murphy, MD
The Center for Digestive and Liver Health/ The Endoscopy Center 1139 Lexington Ave., Suite A 912.303.4200
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 701, Pooler 912.303.4200 savannahgi.com
WHILE COVID-19 DROVE many people to put their elective services on pause, the world of plastic surgery experienced an uptick in interest. According to a recent survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 11% of women surveyed indicated they are more interested in cosmetic plastic surgery or nonsurgical procedures now than before the pandemic, and that number increases to 24% among women who have already had surgery or a procedure.
At Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, Sapp has seen appointments for nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedures nearly double, likely due to a rise in remote work — and spending more time on video calls.
Telehealth has also made managing the increase of patients possible. “Utilizing virtual appointments has allowed us to seize the opportunity to provide care to the influx of patients,” says Sapp.
Similar to video communications like
BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER
FaceTime and Zoom, but with increased security measures and high-resolution video software, telehealth allows healthcare providers to have virtual consultations with patients.
At Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, increased access to this technology means a wider reach for the practice and, most important, a better experience for patients — both those locally and those traveling to receive care. Rather than travel extensively for multiple appointments prior to a procedure, patients can have virtual consultations from anywhere. Some can even have post-op appointments remotely — reducing what is typically a three in-person appointment system, at a minimum, to only one in-office visit.
To Sapp, this is the future of the industry, and she can’t wait. “I foresee the ability to fully analyze patients from the comfort of their own home without ever having to step foot in our office until their procedure,” she says.
“Utilizing virtual appointments has allowed us to seize the opportunity to provide care to the influx of patients.”PHOTO BY KATHERINE IVES PHOTOGRAPHY
• William L. Mansour, M.D. • Ansley S. Tharpe, M.D. • Gregory D. Borak, M.D.
• Branden S. Hunter, M.D. • Travis F. Wiggins, M.D. • Christen F. Standiford, ANP-BC
• Kristen Vasquez, PA-C • Sara L. Barrett, PA-C • Jordan T. Houston, PA-C • Stephen J. Lightfield, PA-C
RUNNER-UP: Gregory Borak, MD Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, PC 519 Stephenson Ave. 912.354.9447; gastrosav.com
GENERAL SURGEON
Jeffrey Mandel, MD SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 2 912.354.6303 southcoasthealth.com
RUNNER-UP: John Odom, MD Metro Surgical 5354 Reynolds St., Suite 202 912.826.4057 metrosurgicalpc.com
Andrew Tucker, MD St. Joseph's/ Candler Physician Network — OB/GYN 5354 Reynolds St., Suite 315 912.354.2634 mytelfairdoc.com
RUNNER-UP: Joseph Edwards, III, MD OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah, PC 600 E. 70th St. 912.355.7766 bestsavannahobgyn.com
OBSTETRICIAN/ GYNECOLOGIST
Andrew Tucker, MD St. Joseph's / Candler Physician Network — OB/GYN 5354 Reynolds St., Suite 315 912.354.2634 mytelfairdoc.com
RUNNER-UP: Joseph Edwards, III, MD OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah, PC 600 E. 70th St. 912.355.7766 bestsavannahobgyn.com
HAIR RESTORATION SURGEON/SPECIALIST
Timothy Minton, MD, FACS Minton MD Hair Restoration Center at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery 5356 Reynolds St., #510 912.644.0744; savannah facialplasticsurgery.com
RUNNER-UP: E. Ronald Finger, MD Finger and Associates Plastic Surgery Center 410 Mall Blvd., Suite E 912.354.4411 fingerandassociates.com
HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Coastal Care Partners 4 Skidaway Village Walk, Suite B 912.598.6312 coastalcarepartners.com
RUNNER-UP: Amedisys Home Health Care 17 Park of Commerce Blvd., Suite 100 912.233.9800 locations.amedisys.com/ga/savannah/ amedisys-home-health-care
HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDER
Alliance Home Medical 709 Stephenson Ave. 912.200.3346
RUNNER-UP (TIE): AeroCare 1000 Business Center Drive, Suite 30 912.438.4920; aerocareusa.com
Coastal Medical Equipment & Uniforms 1557 Pooler Pkwy., Suite 300, Pooler 912.559.2442 coastalmedanduniforms.com
HOSPICE CARE PROVIDER
Hospice Savannah 1352 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.2289 hospicesavannah.org
RUNNER-UP: GHC Hospice 7130 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 201 912.355.0000; ghchospice.com
Harry Collins, DO Savannah Age Management Medicine 200 Blue Moon Crossing, Suite 102, Pooler 912.925.6911 agemanagementmed.com
RUNNER UP: Joseph Edwards, III, MD OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah, PC 600 E. 70th St. 912.355.7766 bestsavannahobgyn.com
INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST
Melissa D. Wynn, MD Southern Surgical Providers, PC 7120 Hodgson Memorial Drive 912.352.4490
RUNNER-UP: Nenad Avramovski, MD SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 2 912.354.5543 southcoasthealth.com
Yulianty D. Kusuma, MD, FACP Internal Medicine of Savannah 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com
RUNNER-UP (TIE): Samuel D. McElroy, MD 4451 Paulsen St. 912.350.7500 memorialhealthdoctors.com
Misal Patel, MD SouthCoast Health 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Bldg. 1200, Pooler 912.748.2280; southcoasthealth.com
NEPHROLOGIST
Nizar Eskandar, MD SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 1 912.527.5225 southcoasthealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Rebecca Lee Sentman, MD Nephrology and Hypertension Medical Associates 1115 Lexington Ave. 912.354.4813 thekidneydocs.com
NEUROLOGIST
J. Michael Hemphill, MD Savannah Neurology Specialists 6602 Waters Ave. Suite C 912.354.7676 savannahneurology.com
RUNNER-UP: Katherine M. Moretz, MD Savannah Neurology Specialists 6602 Waters Ave. Suite C 912.354.7676 savannahneurology.com
Louis G. Horn IV, MD Neurological & Spine Institute 4 E. Jackson Blvd. 912.355.1010 neurologicalinstitute.com
RUNNER-UP: Kevin N. Ammar, MD Neurological & Spine Institute 4 E. Jackson Blvd. 912.355.1010 neurologicalinstitute.com
Heather May, RN
The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery 5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md
Brad Rawlings, MD
Michael Zoller, MD
Fred Daniels, MD
Michelle Yamada, PA-C
Stephen P. Rashleigh, MD, FACS
Kristen Thomas, PA-C
William Moretz, III, MD
RUNNER-UP: Jason Cook, LPN
Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery 5356 Reynolds St., #510 912.644.0744 savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com
Brianna Sapp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery 5356 Reynolds St., Suite 510 912.644.0744 savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com
RUNNER-UP: Caroline Turner, FNP-C Low Country Dermatology 6510 Waters Ave.; 912.354.1018 lcderm.com
Jessica Glover, MSN, FNP-C
Coastal Pediatrics 2 Wheeler St. 912.353.7722
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Bldg. 1000 B, Pooler mycoastalpediatrics.com
RUNNER-UP: Mallory Rutland, MSN, FNP-C Coastal Pediatrics 2 Wheeler St. 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Bldg. 1000 B, Pooler 912.353.7744 mycoastalpediatrics.com
Melanie L. Brainard, NP St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network
5354 Reynolds St., Suite 315 912.354.2634 sjch.org
RUNNER-UP: Catie Bell, FNP Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave., Suite 405 912.350.2700 memorialhealthdoctors.com
WHEN CONSIDERING THE plethora of technology available to plastic surgeons, one stands out among the rest to Dr. Horn: TouchMD. A visual consultation and imaging software used widely across the field of plastic surgery, TouchMD helps Dr. Horn to achieve patients’ desired results by giving them a more detailed picture of what procedures will look like, from start to finish.
“It allows us to take a patient's picture and basically set expectations,” explains Dr. Horn. Furthermore, the software even allows him to share videos of the procedure itself before patients ever go under the knife.
Although these advantages are valuable for facilitating clear communication, Dr. Horn finds the most beneficial feature to be the software’s ability to categorize pictures into a gallery for patients to see their total transformation. “It’s satisfying for both myself and for patients,” adds Dr. Horn. “They forget where they come from, but then you get to show them the beforeand-after pictures of themselves.”
For Dr. Horn, this is where he finds the most meaning in his work. “It’s a truly fulfilling experience that I look forward to each time,” he says.
W.
The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON: BREAST & BODY
“[TouchMD] allows us to take a patient’s picture and basically set expectations.”
Rebekah Laurance, RD SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 1 912.691.4100 southcoasthealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Elizabeth Carley, MS, RD Savannah VA Clinic 1170 Shawnee St. 912.920.0214
David Carson, MD, ExperCare 318 Mall Blvd., Suite 300B 912.358.1515 60 Exchange St., Suite B-7 Richmond Hill, 912.756.2273 818 Abercorn St., 912.800.0110 expercarehealth.com
(NO RUNNER-UP)
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Kristen VanVleck, MOT, OTR/L Pediatric Rehabilitation & Wellness 10 Mall Court, Suite B 912.351.4793 pediatricrehabwellness.com
RUNNER-UP: Bob Phillips, OTR/L, CHT Optim Healthcare 210 E. DeRenne Ave., 912.644.5300 101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Suite 140, Pooler, 912.748.5155 60 Exchange St., Suite B1, Richmond Hill, 912.999.2071 And other regional locations optimhealth.com
George Negrea, MD Low Country Cancer Care 4700 Waters Ave., Suite 201 912.692.2000 lcccsav.com
RUNNER-UP: Jennifer Yannucci, MD Low Country Cancer Care 4700 Waters Ave., Suite 201 912.692.2000 lcccsav.com
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Richard Schulze Jr., MD Schulze Eye & Surgery Center 728 E. 67th St. 912.352.3120 schulze-eye.com
RUNNER-UP: Mark K. Manocha, MD Georgia Eye Institute 4720 Waters Ave. 912.354.4800
1000 Towne Center, Unit 806, Pooler 912.450.3500 2429 US 17 S., Richmond Hill 912.756.6091 And other regional locations gaeyeinstitute.com
Erika Morrow, MS, OD Forsight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.483.6600 forsighteye.net
RUNNER-UP: Edward D. Sammons, O.D. SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 1 912.527.5200 southcoasthealth.com
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON: FOOT & ANKLE
John T. Prather, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.6615
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill, 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
RUNNER-UP: Craig Skalla, DPM SouthCoast Health 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 1 912.691.4100 southcoasthealth.com
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON: HAND & WRIST
Ronald H. Levit, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.3776
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
RUNNER-UP: Gregory Kolovich, MD Optim Healthcare 210 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.644.5300
101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Suite 140, Pooler 912.748.5155 60 Exchange St., Suite B1, Richmond Hill 912.999.2071
And other regional locations optimhealth.com
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON: HIP & KNEE
Charles Hope II, MD Optim Healthcare 210 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.644.5300
101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Suite 140, Pooler 912.748.5155
60 Exchange St., Suite B1, Richmond Hill 912.999.2071
And other regional locations optimhealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Chetan S. Deshpande, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.3776
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill 912.445.5904 And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON: SHOULDER & ELBOW
James W. Wilson Jr., MD Optim Healthcare 210 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.644.5300
101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Suite 140, Pooler 912.748.5155
60 Exchange St., Suite B1, Richmond Hill 912.999.2071
And other regional locations optimhealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Robert Dow Hoffman, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.3776
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
IN CONTEMPLATING THE evolution of healthcare technology over the years, Dr. Jenkins is most impressed with the advancements of internet portals in combination with digitized imaging during the exam process. Although the most recent advancements in robotic-assisted procedures are certainly helpful in overall patient care, Dr. Jenkins finds more value in how his patients are able to access and interact with their own care.
“The patient-related technology I find most useful and helpful is medical information available on the internet,” explains Dr. Jenkins. “This leads to proactive and preventative care the patient can initiate for musculoskeletal issues.”
OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAND’mitri Sofianos, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St.; 912.355.6615 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill; 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
RUNNER-UP: James G. Lindley, MD Neurological & Spine Institute 4 E. Jackson Blvd. 912.355.1010 neurologicalinstitute.com
Mark A. Jenkins, DO Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.6615
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
Although access to medical information via internet portals is not new to the healthcare scene, Dr. Jenkins notes that patients having the ability to look at their test results prior to an appointment, in combination with the quality of the tests themselves, can significantly impact the success of the exam. With the more accurate imaging now available through MRIs, X-rays and CT scans, patients and medical professionals are able to have a better understanding of their healthcare needs.
“All of these innovations improve the accuracy of information, speed up the process of information gathering and improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment plan,” adds Dr. Jenkins. “This all leads to better patient care.”
RUNNER-UP: Regina B. Dandy, DO SouthCoast Health 89 Interchange Drive, Richmond Hill 912.527.5301; southcoasthealth.com
Optim Orthopedics
Optim Healthcare 210 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.644.5300
101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Suite 140, Pooler; 912.748.5155 60 Exchange St., Suite B1, Richmond Hill; 912.999.2071 And other regional locations optimhealth.com
MARK A. JENKINS, DO Chatham Orthopaedic Associates BEST
“All of these innovations improve the accuracy of information, speed up the process of information gathering and improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment plan.”
RUNNER-UP:
Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.6615
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101 1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill, 912.445.5904 And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
PAIN MEDICINE/ MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Keith Kirby, MD Savannah Pain Management 8 Wheeler St. 912.352.4340 savannahpainmanagement.com
RUNNER-UP: Gregory Spellman, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.6615
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101
1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST
Evan Siegall, MD
Chatham Orthopaedic Associates 4425 Paulsen St. 912.355.6615
1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pooler 912.450.1101
1203 Gandy Dancer, Richmond Hill 912.445.5904
And other regional locations chathamorthopaedics.com
RUNNER-UP: Michael D. Poole, MD
Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists 5356 Reynolds St., Suite 505 912.356.1515 gaentspecialists.com
PEDIATRICIAN
Dudley Stone, MD Coastal Pediatrics 2 Wheeler St. 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Bldg. 1000 B 912.353.7744 mycoastalpediatrics.com
RUNNER-UP: Ben Spitalnick, MD Pediatric Associates of Savannah 4600 Waters Ave., Suite 100 912.355.2462 1001 Memorial Drive 912.898.9800 110 Medical Park Drive, Pooler 912.330.5010 pedsav.com
Anthony B. Royek, MD Memorial Health High-risk OB Care 4750 Waters Ave., Suite 302 912.350.5970 memorialhealthdoctors.com
RUNNER-UP: Keisha L. Reddick, MD Memorial Health High-risk OB Care 4750 Waters Ave., Suite 302 912.350.5989 memorialhealthdoctors.com
Village Walk Pharmacy 1 Skidaway Village Walk 912.598.7218 villagewalkpharmacy.com
RUNNER-UP: Lo Cost Pharmacy E. 69th St. 912.352.0375 locostpharmacy.com
Lisa Bettio, MSRPT, MS, MPH, CES, PES Bettio Physical Therapy and Sport Rehabilitation 8872 Ford Ave. Suite 206, Richmond Hill 912.312.2766
RUNNER-UP (TIE): Courtney Dralle, PT, DPT Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy 110 Pipemakers Cir., Suite 115, Pooler 912.988.1526 2453 US-17 Suite G, Richmond Hill 912.445.5612 chatterboxpeds.com
Ernest Ledesma, PT Ledesma Sports Medicine 7010 Hodgson Memorial Drive 912.401.0443 ledesmasportsmed.com
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Elizabeth Brennan, PA-C Low Country Dermatology 6510 Waters Ave. 912.354.1018 lcderm.com
RUNNER-UP: Angela Ring Scarboro, PA-C Internal Medicine of Savannah 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com
PLASTIC SURGEON: BREAST & BODY
Thomas W. Horn, MD
The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery 5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md
RUNNER-UP: Carl Pearl, MD Chatham Plastic Surgery 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com
PLASTIC SURGEON: FACE & NECK
Timothy Minton, MD, FACS Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery 5356 Reynolds St., #510 912.644.0744 savannahfacialplastic surgery.com
RUNNER-UP: Richard Greco, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery 5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md
PLASTIC SURGEON: RECONSTRUCTIVE
Richard Greco, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery 5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md
RUNNER-UP: Carl Pearl, MD Chatham Plastic Surgery 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com
PSYCHIATRIST (TIE):
Chad Brock, MD Shrink Savannah 1601 Abercorn St., Savannah 114 Canal St., Suite 301, Pooler 912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com
Kevin Winders, MD LifeStance Health 635 Stephenson Ave. 912.352.2921 mygbhp.com
RUNNER-UP: Lonnie T. Scarborough, MD 315 Commercial Drive, Suite C3 912.344.8523 lonniescarborough.com
PSYCHOLOGIST / PSYCHOTHERAPIST (TIE):
Bonnie Glenn, LPC Hope Counseling Center of Savannah 37 W. Fairmont Ave., Suite 201 912.661.2801 hopecounseling.center
Shauna Joye, LCSW Joye Psychology & Wellness
306 Commercial Drive 912.436.3736 joyepsychology.com
RUNNER-UP: Andrew McGahan, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Insightful Therapy Solutions 24 Commerce Place, Suite D 912.231.3576 insightfultherapysolutions.com
Ryan Moody, MD, FCCP
Southeast Lung & Critical Care Specialists 11700 Mercy Blvd., Plaza D, Bldg. 5 912.927.6270
101 St. Joseph’s/ Candler Drive Suite 310, Pooler 60 Exchange St. Suite B-7, Richmond Hill selung.com
RUNNER-UP: Gifford W. Lorenz, MD Southeast Lung & Critical Care Specialists 340 Hodgson Court, Suite 2 912.629.2290 11700 Mercy Blvd., Plaza D, Bldg. 5 912.927.6270
101 St. Joseph’s/ Candler Drive Suite 310, Pooler 60 Exchange St. Suite B-7, Richmond Hill selung.com
Jack Considine, MD Coastal Imaging 503 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.6255 coastalimaging.net
FOR DR. WILSON a successful outcome from shoulder surgery means a pain free shoulder with full functional range of motion.
As an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in shoulder problems and sports medicine, Dr. Wilson sees a lot of shoulder injuries — more than anyone in the region. Recovery from shoulder problems can be tough, but with advances made in the last decade, surgical and therapeutic treatments are yielding faster and more functional outcomes. This is because of more technological and biological conforming
implants for arthroscopy and arthroplasty. A top priority for Dr. Wilson is helping patients get back to the things that they enjoy doing in life whether sports, outdoor activities or just being able to accomplish daily tasks. Advances in both medical treatments and access to health care through improved technologies are doing just that.
“I am excited about where technology is leading us. Hopefully we can continue to make it a smooth, efficient and more economical process in the future.”
JAMES W. WILSON JR.,
SHOULDER & ELBOW
“I am excited about where technology is leading us. Hopefully we can continue to make it a smooth, efficient and more economical process in the future.”
I DECIDED TO GO TO MEDICAL SCHOOL: half way through my junior year in college, when I was a music major. It suddenly dawned on me that I would have to do something after I graduated! I had worked as a nurses’ aide at Memorial Health University Medical Center during high school, and I had always enjoyed science. My dad was a physician — a nephrologist, actually — so I knew a bit about the life. So I went for it and have never been sorry.
I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: Since medical school, I’ve been interested in kidney physiology and diseases as ell as high blood pressure, and anted to help people ith serious chronic medical issues. find the long-term relationships have ith my patients immensely re arding, emotionally and intellectually. ephrology is a great fit or me.
I LOVE IT WHEN MY PATIENTS SAY: “She’s my doctor!” I grew up in Savannah and am proud to help my community. MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX IS: to be at home with my family or at the beach.
SAVANNAH
1115 Lexington Ave Savannah, GA 31404 912-354-4813
BLUFFTON
16 Okatie Center Blvd Suite 100 Okatie, SC 29909 843-706-9955
BEAUFORT
16 Kemmerlin Lane Suite A Beaufort, SC 29907 843-524-2002
111 Colonial Way Ste 2 Jesup, GA 31545 912-588-1919
RINCON
604 Towne Park West Rincon, GA 31326 912-354-4813
BRUNSWICK
3025 Shrine Road Suite 450 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-264-6133
Offering a wide range of therapeutic services to children, adolescents, families and adults. Our mission is to provide hope instilling counseling and therapeutic services that encourages each individual to explore, develop and achieve their unique goals in a safe and supportive environment.
We are here to help.
Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC
310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com
From left: Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Kristi HofstadterDuke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; and Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care
OUR MISSION IS: to expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges.
are the best specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period.
We partner with families to improve behavior, facilitate learning, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. We offer both comprehensive psychological evaluations and evidence-based behavior therapy.
OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior. Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family.
Changing Behavior. Changing Lives.
WE’RE EXPERTS IN: child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles. Whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting challenging behavior, anxiety, social delays or learning di ficulties, e
WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: offering unmatched care for children and adolescents in the Lowcountry. We offer the best and most comprehensive evaluations and effective, evidence-based behavior therapy. There’s no rule book for raising a child, but we are the next best thing! Through knowledge, practice and partnership, we help you and your child be your very best.
• Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics “has changed our family’s lives and added so much more peace and joy to our days together! We are so much better equipped to handle our children’s changing behaviors and finally found the tools we need to better enjoy each other!”
ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: catch your child being good (i.e. quiet, calm, polite, etc.)! Adult attention, particularly parental attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good, appropriate behaviors to see them more often.
• “The most comprehensive testing as well as behavior/ psych therapy we’ve found! Amazing place!”
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 912-436-6789.
310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 • savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com
Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent herapist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist, and Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care
RUNNER-UP: Robert K. Myers Jr., MD Savannah Chatham Imaging 5354 Reynolds St., Suite 102 912.355.2116
Patrick Blohm, MD The Georgia Center for Reproductive Medicine 5354 Reynolds St., Suite 510 912.352.8588 gcrmsav.com (NO RUNNER-UP)
RHEUMATOLOGIST
Than Win, MD Wrightington Rheumatology 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 101 912.352.7960 wrheu.com
RUNNER-UP: Dean H. Stephens, MD Coastal Rheumatology Associates 5400 Waters Ave. 912.349.4227 coastalrheumatology.com
RHINOLOGIST (NASAL & SINUS)
Christopher Melroy, MD Georgia Nasal & Sinus Institute 4750 Waters Ave., Suite 112 912.355.1070 sinusinstitute.com
RUNNER-UP: David S. Oliver, MD Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat 322 Commercial Drive, Suite 2 912.355.2335 200 Blue Moon Crossing, Suite 103, Pooler 912.450-2336 coastal-ent.com
SLEEP SPECIALIST
James Daly III, MD, FCCP, FAASM
Southeast Sleep Disorders Center 340 Hodgson Court, Suite 3 912.352.9049 savannahsleep.com
RUNNER-UP: Carlton Kemp, MD Lung & Sleep Care at Memorial Health 4700 Waters Ave., Bldg. 100, Suite 507 912.350.4750 memorialhealthdoctors.com
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Brittany Tyler, MS, CCC-SLP Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy, LLC 110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115, Pooler 912.988.1526 chatterboxpeds.com
RUNNER-UP (TIE): Tory Candea, MS, CCC-SLP Savannah Square 1 Savannah Square Drive 912.927.7550 savannahsquareretirement.com
Cindy Green, M.Ed, CCC-SLP
Southland Therapy Services, Inc. 1000 Eisenhower Drive, Suite H 912.335.1650 southlandtherapy.com
Marc Bailey, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler 5354 Reynolds St., Suite102 912.819.0500 sjchs.org
RUNNER-UP: Jeremy London, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler 11700 Mercy Blvd., Plaza D, Bldg. 1, Suite A 912.819.0500 sjchs.org
URGENT/ IMMEDIATE CARE CLINIC
ExperCare 318 Mall Blvd., Suite 300B, Savannah 912.358.1515 60 Exchange St., Suite B-7, Richmond Hill 912.756.2273 818 Abercorn St. 912.800.0110 expercarehealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Urgent Care of Berwick/ Sandfly/Wilmington Island 5730 Ogeechee Road, #192 7360 Skidaway Road, Suite L2 212 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Suite A 912.201.1140 urgentcarefamily.com
Joseph T. Stubbs III, MD UROGYN Savannah 5356 Reynolds St., Suite 301 912.303.0891 urogynsavannah.com
RUNNER-UP: Barry Schlafstein, MD Progressive Gyn Center 5353 Reynolds St., Suite 201 912.355.5755 savannahgyn.com
Buffi G. Boyd, MD Urological Associates of Savannah, PC 230 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.790.4000 urologysavannah.com
RUNNER-UP: Ruth Mazo, MD Urological Associates of Savannah PC 230 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.790.4000 urologysavannah.com
VASCULAR SURGEON
Anthony J. Avino, MD
Savannah Vascular Institute 4750 Waters Ave., Suite 500 912.352.8346 savannahvascular.com
RUNNER-UP (TIE): E. Jerry Cohn Jr., MD Savannah Vascular Institute 4750 Waters Ave., Suite 500 912.352.8346 savannahvascular.com
J. Sheppard Mondy III, MD, RVT, FACS
Savannah Vascular Institute 4750 Waters Ave., Suite 500 912.352.8346 savannahvascular.com
WEIGHT-LOSS SPECIALIST
Robert J. Kelly, MD Memorial Health Bariatrics 4700 Waters Ave., Bldg. 400 912.350.3438 memorialhealthdoctors.com
RUNNER-UP: Steve Fabrizio, MD Premier Medical Weight Loss and Wellness 5859 Abercorn St., Suite 5 912.353.8188 goodbodydoctor.com
Have an idea for a new category we should consider? We want to hear from you! Send your suggestions to editor@savannahmagazine.com
With the new FIT Gym Sandfly opening this fall, Drew Edmonds — our reader-voted Best Personal Trainer — shares his perspective on personal training, plus a little motivation to finish out the year strong.
Written by SAVANNAH MAGAZINE // Photography by SARAH KOHUT PHOTOGRAPHY
MAINTAINING A FITNESS ROUTINE IN THE FALL is easier said than done. From busy back-to-school schedules to new seasons of binge-worthy TV shows and everything in between, there is no shortage of tempting reasons to skip a workout — and perhaps indulge instead in some Halloween candy or pumpkin-flavored everything.
With 30-plus years of experience in personal training, three gym concepts (Train Me 24/7, FIT Gym and Bootcamp FIT) and a new FIT Gym location opening soon in Sandfly, Drew Edmonds is accustomed to a normal ebb and flow in his clients’ enthusiasm for fitness – but he also has the proven strategies to help those clients reach their desired results.
So, there’s no need to wait until January to refocus. Here, Edmonds shares his winning philosophy for staying consistent.
“I utilize my 30 years of experience, along with my clients’ goals and health history, to create truly customized programs for each client. Some clients would also consider me an over-coacher. I strongly believe that technique should always trump intensity.”
“I offer complimentary consultations where the client and I discuss health history, goals, budget and schedule. Based on the needs of the individual, I direct them to the best plan for their specific requirements. Some clients will best benefit from either personal training, the gym or Bootcamp, but sometimes it is a combination of the three. The key is to find the right fit for the best result.”
“If your momentum and motivation tend to come in waves, just make sure they are small waves and not tsunamis. It is much easier to autocorrect small deviations in enthusiasm and workout intensity versus a start-and-stop workout mentality. Try to focus on the things you are doing well, and you can ride that momentum to so many more victories on your fitness journey!”
“Over the years, we have seen an explosion of new exercise equipment options, online learning resources and fitness applications that help track our clients’ nutrition and exercise habits. These tools allow us to see, in real time or through online reporting, the challenges and successes in the prescribed fitness plan. This information creates an even better environment for customizing routines that truly fit each client’s lifestyle leading to faster and more sustainable results.”
“We can now work with a client in person at one of our facilities or with live streaming resources from remote locations anywhere in the world. Our ability to help others has grown from a local brick-and-mortar location to a global online network.”
“The Sandfly location will be the next evolution of our existing fitness offerings. We will have multiple interactive, on-demand class options (Peloton and rowers), along with a large functional training space and physical therapy. As always, we will have our team of trainers in-house to provide customized fitness programs.”
“I am very interested in tracking how heart-rate training and interactive machines shape the new fitness landscape. These new innovations and scientific approaches to fitness are truly the wave of the future.”
New location at 7360 Skidaway Road, fitgymsandfly.com
“If your momentum and motivation tend to come in waves, just make sure they are small waves and not tsunamis. It is much easier to autocorrect small deviations in enthusiasm and workout intensity versus a start-and-stop workout mentality.”
— Drew Edmonds
AUG. 7
Held at the Jewish Education Alliance, the opening night celebration of the 2022 Savannah Voice Festival included a swing concert with select artists of Season 10’s lineup, followed up by a kick-off reception featuring a performance by the Elite Party Band.
The all-volunteer nonprofit organi ation mar ed its second anniversary with a formal affair at Savannah Station further helping to raise awareness and funds for those fighting the wars within to prevent suicide, once and for all
JUL. 11
Guests gathered at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos in honor of this significant milestone and all who have contributed to ma ing a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community
History aficionados oined shipwrec hunter Micah Eldred and New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan to celebrate the opening of Rising to the Surface A Summoning of Savannah s Titanic, a new e hibit with artifacts from the shipwrec of the SS Pulaski The e hibit is on display through December
IN 1943, EARLE CULVER felt an entrepreneurial pull to start his own business as his efforts in World War II were drawing to a close. At that time, Earle’s mother Willene had a problem: she needed her rugs cleaned, and there was no one in Savannah to do it.
Necessity being the mother of invention, Earle, his father, Walter, and another man, Raymond C. Gilreath, established Culver Rug Co. at 408 Bonaventure Road.
Today, 77 years later, Earle’s son Eddie Culver continues to run the business with his own son, Brian.
“People ask me all the time, ‘Why do you still work?’” says Culver. “Well, because I love to work, and I love people. But most of all, I love being with my son. I’ve been the son, and now I’m the father. So, it’s been a wonderful ride.”
Young Culver attended Savannah Country Day School. He had his first date with the love of his life, Robbie, in the eighth grade. He went on to Stetson University, where he received his bachelor’s degree and MBA and made lifelong friends among his Pi Kappa Phi brothers.
In 1968, Culver returned to Savannah and joined the family business. It wasn’t always idyllic: in April 1994, he received his biggest life lesson when a serial arsonist set fire to the original Culver Rug Co.
“I got a call around 8:30 p.m. that the business was on fire, and I really didn’t believe it. Then when I got to Bonaventure Road, I couldn’t get within blocks,” Culver recalls, his deep Southern accent emphatic. “Then I saw it, and the flames were reaching to the sky, 30 or 40 feet in the air.”
By some grace, the cleaning department did not burn. “I came at my regular time the next morning,” he says. “We got folding chairs and the phones transferred, and we never missed a beat.
For 13 months, we worked out of trailers and sold out of the Mall Boulevard location (Culver Rug’s showroom, founded in 1980). I knew I was never gonna give in. My father was still alive, and I couldn’t let him see everything he worked for burned up.”
It was overwhelming, especially given the 283 customers’ rugs that burned. Still, from putting the building back together to dealing with the insurance for each customer, Culver set manageable goals for himself each day and made it through.
Culver’s life has centered around family and service, both in and out of his business. He and Robbie recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and their children, Brian and Kristin, each have a daughter and son of their own.
His love of animals led Culver to the board of his favorite charity, the Humane Society. He has also served on Savannah’s Park and Tree Commission and held numerous roles, including president for both Rotary Club of Savannah and the local German Heritage Society. His alma mater, Savannah Country Day, bestowed their Alumni Service Award upon him in 2012 for his continued exceptional contributions. In addition, Culver was elected Outstanding Jaycee of Georgia and named one of five Outstanding Jaycees in America.
Culver’s proudest accomplishment, though, has been to serve as junior and senior warden at St. John’s Episcopal, the church he has attended since childhood. He was recently given the honorary title of Vestryman Emeritus.
“Savannah has been so good to me and my family,” he says. “I don’t have any hobbies. I find the greatest pleasure in being able to give back to the community.”
