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.