New Year's Up the Cup and Fireworks

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. But New Year's Eve? What could be better! From the River Street website: "Celebrate the end of the year with our 2nd Annual Up the Cup Countdown sponsored by Wet Willie’s Savannah! The celebration will take place on Rousakis Riverfront Plaza from 8pm-1am on Wednesday, December 31. Don’t miss out live music and our non-traditional “ball drop” with a Savannah twist! Countdown the final seconds of 2014 as we raise our six foot to-go cup to the New Year! The “Up the Cup” countdown will start right before midnight followed by a firework display to officially ring in 2015!

2015 Georgia History Festival’s Kickoff at the Capitol

The Georgia Historical Society invites you to join us as we kick off the Georgia History Festival in the south wing of the Capitol on February 2nd, 2015, at 11 a.m. We will have a short ceremony with greetings from dignitaries and a James Edward Oglethorpe interpreter. Students are invited to follow a long tradition of commemorating the founding of the colony by wearing colonial costumes.

Georgia Historical Society in Savannah: A Fascinating Visit

The long-term exhibit, “Revolutionary Georgia, 1765-1787: Treasures from the Collections of the Georgia Historical Society,” is currently on display in Hodgson Hall.  The exhibit features a sampling of artifacts, documents, maps, and portraits from the Society’s rich collection of early Georgia materials.  Highlights include the dueling pistols used by Button Gwinnett and Lachlan McIntosh, the grapeshot that mortally wounded Count Casimir Pulaski during the Siege of Savannah, the minutes of the Revolutionary Council of Safety, Abraham Baldwin’s draft copy of the U.S. Constitution, and a sword presented to the City of Savannah by the Marquis de Lafayette.

Port City: The Savannah Riverfront through Artists’ Eyes

Since the founding of Savannah in 1733, artists have gravitated toward the city’s waterfront. Drawn from local collections, the Library of Congress, and Telfair Museums’ collection, Port City tells the story of the Savannah riverfront as depicted by artists in prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs from the 1730s to the present. Artists have captured the vibrancy of life on this working river, from important historical events to daily life in Georgia’s port city. The exhibition begins with the best-known early image of Savannah, a 1734 engraving that shows General James Oglethorpe’s famous plan for the city taking shape on the bluff above the river. Moving on, the viewer glimpses Civil War river activity in drawings by William Waud and photographs by George N. Barnard. Eliot Clark’s moody, nocturnal paintings of River Street capture the industrial waterfront of the early twentieth century.

Ray Ellis: Low Country Stunning

When celebrated artist Ray Ellis passed away last year at the age of 92, he left behind a legacy of artistic achievement that spanned nearly eight decades. Beloved for his iconic images of Martha’s Vineyard and the Lowcountry of Georgia and South Carolina, Ellis combined his grounding in art history with his personal sensitivity to landscape and marine scenes. Telfair Museums celebrates the life and career of this accomplished artist through this presentation of the four fine examples of his work found in the museum’s permanent collection.

Glass House at the Jepson Center

Therman Statom uses plate glass, paint and objects to make art that often connects to history and to specific places. In his glass house construction for the Jepson Center, Statom uses images related to Savannah and to the collection of Telfair Museums. In the house you will see images of people and places from Savannah’s history, including Native American leader Tomochichi, slave cabins at the Hermitage plantation, turpentine barrels at the city’s port, a Grecian couch from the Telfair Academy, and a doorway shaped like the famous “bird girl” sculpture. Look also for the many different ways that the artist uses glass in this work: plate glass boxes, a blown glass vase, an etched glass panel, pulled and twisted glass, even broken glass.

Scupture Terrace at the Jepson

The Sculpture Terrace and Third Floor hallway of the Jepson Center present a selection of 20th century sculptures in a variety of mediums. In addition to the artwork, the terrace also offers a view over the trees in Telfair Square, allowing visitors to see several Savannah landmarks, including the iconic gold dome of City Hall.

Mansion to Museum: Mary Telfair's Vision

Mansion to Museum highlights the incredible story of the transformation of the Telfair Academy site from a home to an “Academy of Arts and Sciences.” The exhibit introduces visitors to Mary Telfair and the Telfair family, founding museum director Carl Brandt, the enslaved family who worked at the house, architects William Jay and Detlef Lienau, early artistic advisor Gari Melchers and others.

Savannah Collects: An Intimate View

Telfair Museums has teamed up with local collectors in the greater Savannah area to present Savannah Collects, an exhibit of beloved treasures housed throughout the community. From eighteenth- and nineteenth-century silver, furniture, paintings, and prints to modern and contemporary art, Savannah Collects will give members and visitors a chance to see the kind of art their neighbors live with. Objects range from a small 18th-century tea caddy made by the English female silversmith Elizabeth Godfrey to whimsical objects, such as a former environmental section of art from the property of famed Georgia self-taught artist Howard Finster. Also on display is a bright orange, bulbous sculpture by contemporary artist Roxy Paine. While exploring a glimpse into hidden Savannah, visitors will enjoy pondering the concept of collecting art and may feel inspired to start or build their own holdings!

Deep River: An Homage to African American History

Artist Whitfield Lovell is internationally renowned for this thought-provoking portraits and signature tableaux. In the exhibition, Lovell utilizes sculpture, video, drawing, sound, and music to create an environment that fully engages the viewer’s senses and emotions. His art pays tribute to the lives of anonymous African Americans and is universal in its discussion and exploration of passage, memory, and the search for freedom. The multi-media “Deep River” installation converts a 2,500-square-foot gallery into a unique environment, which the viewer enters and experiences as a personal journey. The darkened space, which Lovell designed specifically for the Jepson Center, surrounds the viewer with projected images of a flowing river, as the sounds of chirping birds and the river’s rushing currents fill the air. The center of the gallery contains a massive mound of dirt, strewn with everyday objects seemingly abandoned by past inhabitants of the space.

Southern Romanticism at the Telfair

Spanning the years 1810-1896, this exhibition examines the core concepts of the romantic movement as it unfolded in fine art of the American South. Having originated in European literature and art, romanticism found its way to America. The works in this exhibition are drawn from the Johnson Collection, founded by George Dean Johnson, Jr. and Susan (Susu) Phifer Johnson of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Johnsons are passionate philanthropists committed to enhancing the educational environment and cultural vibrancy of their hometown, state and region. Their collection encompasses more than eight hundred objects that span the centuries and chronicle the cultural evolution of the American South.

Historic Holiday Savannah: Christmas 1886

Step back in time at the Juliette Low Birthplace, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Explore customs during the Victorian era. The table is set for Christmas dinner, the stockings are ready in Mama’s bedroom, and the vintage "Game of Merry Christmas" is out. Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, National Historic Landmark Corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue in historic downtown Savannah.

Tim Lee at Synchronicity Theater

Scientist turned comedian Tim Lee is taking the stage at the Synchronicity Theater Jan 16th, 8pm. Tim crafts the funniest slide show you'll ever see, making standard deviation roll you in the aisles.  Doors open at 7:30p.

Beer-braised Mussels at Murphys

Murphy's does seafood right with their mussels. Beer braised with pine street bacon, fingerling potatoes, and smoked orange.  It's perfect.  Have Murphy's famous mango chicken salad as an entree and pair with some pinot noir. A wonderful way to close out the night.

Learn West African Drumming

Did you know that Atlanta is home to some masters of west African drumming? These are folks who spent years and years in that part of the world, learning the craft. And, they've brought it back to Atlanta, and wanna teach it! How. Lucky. Are. We?! I've been to one of their performances. Primal and raw and soulful and energy and love. They remind you that you have a soul, and it wants to move. So, learn to play the drums today. The classes are kid friendly. So, grab your favorite son, daughter, niece, nephew, whatever, and head on over! It's held by DrumRise. Times are usually around 7-8p. Location changes some times. Currently it's at a private residence in Decatur. It's best to check the website when you plan. Note that you have to sign up at drumrise.net/classes, and that you have to let them know you are doing a drop-in class and that you need them to bring you a drum. ($20 per person for drop in. $75 for 5 classes).

Roasted Red Pepper Omelette: Cook at Home

Sometimes, breakfast should start out with a key ingredient.  Today, it's roasted red peppers.  I picked some up the other day at the Kroger cold bar wondering what I would do with them.  Well, Here's what you do.  Julienne them, and add them to a shrimp and chipotle jack omelet.  Oh yeah!

Make the omelet Julia Child style, as we always recommend.  For the omelet stuffing, wash about 1/2 pound of pelt, deveined shrimp in lemon and sauté in butter and olive oil in a hot saucier.  Add diced white onion, italian seasoning, salt and pepper.  After about 5 minutes, add about 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and bring cream to a boil.  Then, add about 1/2 cup of chipotle jack cheese diced into 1/2 inch cubes and the julienned peppers.  When the cheese has melted, add to the center of an omelet and serve hot.  Yum!  $10 for ingredients.

Salumi, creton and elberton blue at Abattoir

This west midtown gastropub puts out a great selection of cheese, locally sourced small plates, and tasty entrees focused on sublime meats. Sit at the bar. It's a square, cast concrete affair. Very minimalist, very cool. Try the salumi, cremont and elberton blue for cheese. The pig ears are awesome, as well as the figs. I often like to stick with small pates at Abattoir, but if you venture into entree territory, try the lamb or the shrimp and grits. Both amazing. ($40 per person).

Wasabi and Panko crusted Tuna at The Palm

Lunch at the Palm! Few do it better than the Palm. Legendary across the country, the Palm does the best shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, and they have a not too shabby filet to boot. Settle into one of their booths, order a glass a prosecco and the shrimp cocktail. Follow it up with the wasabi and panko crusted ahi tuna steak. So good! $40 per person.

Bailey's Chocolate Icecream Cone at Morelli's

Widely agreed the best ice cream in Atlanta, have a Bailey's chocolate cone or one of the 200 other flavors at this decidedly Italian ice cream extravaganza.

Manchego Mac & Cheese at the Iberian Pig

Iberian Pig for dinner? I think so. It hustles.  It bustles.  It's got amazing cocktails, and wonderful tapas. On the meaning of their name, IP says:

"The Black-footed Iberian Pigs that roam Spain create some of the most sought after cured meat in the world, Jamon Iberico. Only recently imported into the United States, we are one of the select few restaurants in the country that serves the acorn fed Iberico ham from Spain. To preserve the integrity of Jamon Iberico, we slice the ham in view of our guests on a imported mechanical proscuitto slicer from Italy. Served with toasted ciabatta and espresso aioli, this item is truly a signature of the restaurant."

Start out with an Iberian Old Fashioned.  Then a small plate.  I love, love, love the manchego mac & cheese.  Also try out the cabrito carbonara.  So, so good.  Be adventuresome, and give it a try.   ($40 per person).

The Old Fashioned starts dinner at the Iberian Pig

 Iberian Pig for dinner?  I think so.  It hustles.  It bustles.  It's got amazing cocktails, and wonderful tapas. On the meaning of their name, IP says:

"The Black-footed Iberian Pigs that roam Spain create some of the most sought after cured meat in the world, Jamon Iberico. Only recently imported into the United States, we are one of the select few restaurants in the country that serves the acorn fed Iberico ham from Spain. To preserve the integrity of Jamon Iberico, we slice the ham in view of our guests on a imported mechanical proscuitto slicer from Italy. Served with toasted ciabatta and espresso aioli, this item is truly a signature of the restaurant."

Start out with an Iberian Old Fashioned.  Then a small plate.  I love, love, love the manchego mac & cheese.  Also try out the cabrito carbonara.  So, so good.  Be adventuresome, and give it a try.   ($40 per person).

Cabrito Carbonara at the Iberian Pig

 Iberian Pig for dinner?  I think so.  It hustles.  It bustles.  It's got amazing cocktails, and wonderful tapas. On the meaning of their name, IP says:

"The Black-footed Iberian Pigs that roam Spain create some of the most sought after cured meat in the world, Jamon Iberico. Only recently imported into the United States, we are one of the select few restaurants in the country that serves the acorn fed Iberico ham from Spain. To preserve the integrity of Jamon Iberico, we slice the ham in view of our guests on a imported mechanical proscuitto slicer from Italy. Served with toasted ciabatta and espresso aioli, this item is truly a signature of the restaurant."

Start out with an Iberian Old Fashioned.  Then a small plate.  I love, love, love the manchego mac & cheese.  Also try out the cabrito carbonara.  So, so good.  Be adventuresome, and give it a try.   ($40 per person).

Quiche and Grits at Sun in My Belly

Picasso said sun in my belly is what made him create.  One thing's for sure.  Sun in my belly on College Ave will make your belly happy.  Order the Quiche and Grits.  Sit back, and take the morning slow. ($15 per person)

Berry Bowl at Sun in My Belly

Picasso said sun in my belly is what made him create.  One thing's for sure.  Sun in my belly on College Ave will make your belly happy.  Order a bowl of berries and toast for a light breakfast to get you going.  It's all good.  ($15 per person)

Margaret Mitchell House

Author of Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell is a celebrated daughter of Atlanta.  The house on 10th and Peachtree Streets, where Mitchell lived in an apartment while she wrote her famous tome,   is now a museum run by the Atlanta History Center.  From their site:

"Operated by the Atlanta History Center, the Margaret Mitchell House features guided tours of the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone With the Wind, a Gone With the Wind movie exhibition, an exhibition showcasing the life and times of one of America’s most famous authors, and the Margaret Mitchell gift shop."

Tickets are $13 for general admission, $22 for two.

Organic steel cut oatmeal at Empire State South

Time to get healthy. Organic steel cut oatmeal will get you on the way. Of course, honey might not help. But it's organic, and just use a little. A perfect solution. Have it with a hot cup of Irish breakfast tea with milk and sugar. Now you're ready for the day.

Georgia Aquarium

Whether you're into whale sharks, Beluga whales, dolphins shows, or cotton candy, the Georgia Aquarium has it all.  Breaking all kinds of records for rarity of species and size of tanks, it's a wonder to behold the huge tank that is home to Atlanta's pampered whale shark population.  Check it out!  Tickets are usually around $30-40.   There are tons of discounts and packages you can explore.  The main aquarium is open every day with varied hours.  Most of the time it's 10-5 on weekdays and 9-6 on weekends.  Extended hours in the winter months.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Always a great visit, the Fernbank offers a variety of exhibits, IMAX documentaries, a great outdoor cafe, and so much more.

December First Friday Fireworks on River Street

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. It's a great experience for adults and kids alike, and River Street is a fantastic venue for a good dinner, an evening stroll through the First Friday activities, and the best free light show around! The fabulous display starts at 9:00pm on Friday.

Christmas on the River

The winter holiday festivities get off to a great start with a lovely Christmas market and festival, highlighted by the exceptional arts and crafts, live music and other local entertainment, and delicious dishes served up at River Street restaurants. You'll find it all - a parade, fireworks, and a visit from St. Nick. From the River Street website: "Don’t miss Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade starting West River Street at 5:30pm, traveling throughout downtown and ending at Ellis Square. Weekend festivities will kick-off on Friday, December 5 from 4-10p.m. and continue on Saturday, December 6 from 10a.m.-10p.m."

November First Friday Fireworks on River Street

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. It's a great experience for adults and kids alike, and River Street is a fantastic venue for a good dinner, an evening stroll through the First Friday activities, and the best free light show around! The fabulous display starts at 9:00pm on Friday.

A Little Country under the Harvest Moon

Harvest Fest in Savannah on River Street plays host to a craft beer tasting heaven accompanied by the community country music festival. Enjoy the stroll along the nine blocks of arts and crafts, restaurants, pubs, and live music. Kicking off on Friday afternoon, followed by Savannah's famous First Friday Fireworks at 9:00pm, this event promises to be a pint - or even a keg - of fun!

Crawl-O-Ween on River Street

If you ever had any doubt that Savannah was a great place for pub crawling, let us put your concerns to rest. From the River Street website: "Ditch the candy and Trick-or-Treat for drink specials on River Street at the 2nd Annual CRAWL-O-WEEN! This Halloween pub crawl will feature select bars & restaurants on River Street. Crawl along the cobblestones at your own pace while enjoying drink specials along the way." This night of adult fun demands either a local hotel you can walk to, a taxi, or a designated driver. Once that's in place, bottom's up on Halloween night!

October First Friday Fireworks on River Street

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. It's a great experience for adults and kids alike, and River Street is a fantastic venue for a good dinner, an evening stroll through the First Friday activities, and the best free light show around! The fabulous display starts at 9:00pm on Friday.

Oktoberfest on River Street

The Savannah Waterfront Association astounds us with their amazing calendar of events on River Street, and Oktoberfest is no exception to the high quality we have come to expect. From their website: "It’s a Wiener Dog Racing, Bratwurst Tasting, Oomph Dancing celebration at the 31st Annual Oktoberfest on Historic River Street!  Enjoy a bit of Germany…Savannah style with a beer garden offering a variety of beers, food booths featuring German cuisine, and of course the famous Wiener Dog Races hosted by Savannah Morning News! There will be regional arts & crafts exhibitors, live entertainment on the Arbor Stage, and all weekend long!" How could you miss it?

September First Friday Fireworks on River Street

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. It's a great experience for adults and kids alike, and River Street is a fantastic venue for a good dinner, an evening stroll through the First Friday activities, and the best free light show around! The fabulous display starts at 9:00pm on Friday.

Makin' Bacon in Savannah

If there weren't already enough reasons to LOVE Savannah, they've given us another one. Perhaps the best one, actually: BACON FEST!!!! Get your bacon on at River Street September 5-6, 2014. You'll find the amazing festival flavor of artists, artisans, and live music, AND you will also be thrilled by the bacon creations on the menus at the Riverfront restaurants. We just want to know why this only happens once each year!

Mamma Mia at The Fabulous Fox Theater

Sep 24-28, 2014, the Fox is putting on Mamma Mia, that famous and fun musical that celebrates the music of Abba. Go have a blast!

The Famously Simple Expense App

Check out the Famously Simple Expense App.  Just take photos of your receipts as you get them and store them in the app.  The app keeps track of each expense, totals them up, and sends you an e-mail when you're done with your trip with all receipts attached.  It makes it so much easier to do your expense report.  Check out more details at FamouslySimple.com.

Guardians of the Galaxy

One time, a raccoon came through our cat door.  He was big and round - presumably from eating cat food all around the neighborhood.  He protested severely as we asked him to leave.  But he was so big and round, that he couldn't manage the expected hysterics of human-raccoon interaction.  Rather, he kept it all inside, and just gave us glances of disdain.  Up till a few months ago, I'd lament the fact that his raccoon-ness prevented him from being an actor, because he'd have made a darn good one.  But, no more!  The dawn of raccoon acting has arrived!

And, oh boy, does Guardians of the Galaxy bring it.  The story of rebel-without-a-cosmos Peter Quill, who has a bounty on his head, GotG brings together Peter with a crew of unlikely heroes to save the galaxy.  My kids came back from the opening showing proclaiming it the best movie they've ever seen.  That's high praise.  Go check it out!

The Giver

Jeff Bridges is The Giver, Lois Lowry's best selling story of a dystopian world where a community has chosen to imbue all their memory within one man.  Brendon Thwaite plays a reluctant Jonas, destined to receive the memory.  An arresting story on paper, the film is getting decidedly poor to mixed reviews.  Go find out for yourself.  In theaters now.

2014 PA Baconfest at Centre Square, Easton PA, November 8-9

They really dig their bacon in PA.  And, this event is the biggest of them all in the great state.  Two days of bacon madness, they call it.  Go find out why!

2014 Southwest Bacon Fest at Albuquerque, NM, October 18

Enjoy the great smells of bacon in the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.  Over 25 culinary vendors featuring unique bacon treats, live music & entertainment. Enjoy local breweries, a bacon eating contest, bacon film screenings, bacon photography, bacon art and bacon poetry contests. There will be a family fun area with piggy back races, games & activities.

2014 Ozarks Baconfest at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO, October 11.

It's a salute to bacon, or so they say.  We think you should go and verify!  The Ozarks Baconfest is in Spingfield, MO at the Ozark Empire Fairground this year on October 11.  Go sample the many luxurious bacon dishes, and of course enter the bacon eating competition.  See how much you can get down in 2 minutes.

Bacon Bash Texas At Horny Toads in Cranfills Gap, TX October 18, 2014

Known far and wide for its big green sign and line of hogs outside, the Horny Toad is where you'll find the Bacon Bash Texas this year.  They’ll kick off this shindig at 4:00 pm with local bands, insane amounts of ice cold beer, and bacon as far as the eye can see. With other outlandish entertainment on the agenda, this event really is the whole hog!

Michael McDonald and Toto at The Fabulous Fox Theater

Michael McDonald and the fellas from Toto are old friends, and this summer they are celebrating their friendship and taking us along for the ride. Check it out at the Fox Friday August 26, 2014.

August First Friday Fireworks on River Street

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. It's a great experience for adults and kids alike, and River Street is a fantastic venue for a good dinner, an evening stroll through the First Friday activities, and the best free light show around! The fabulous display starts at 9:00pm on Friday.

2014 Kansas City Baconfest at Union Station in Kansas City, August 23.

Arguably one of the best in the country, the Kansas City Baconfest has equally legendary bacon eating contests and recipe competitions.  Strap on a bacon nose and dive in to see if you can compete!  It's on Union Station in Kansas City this year on August 23, 2014.  Proceeds go to a Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City.

Central City Bacon Tour at Main Street, Central City, CO, August 16, 2014

There's no place quite like Central City, CO.  And on the bacon tour, it's even more special.  Cause there's bacon!  Family friendly.  A big hog (Harley Davidson) display.  And, of course, lots and lots of bacon.  It's all happening on Main Street from noon to 7 on August 16.

Fourth of July Fireworks on River Street

My friends, fireworks + body of water = double the show! HWYD loves that Savannah has fireworks every month. It's a great experience for adults and kids alike, and River Street is a fantastic venue for a good dinner, an evening stroll through the First Friday activities, and the best free light show around! The fabulous display starts at 9:00pm on Friday.