Clockwise from top left: Train Me 24/7’s Drew Edmonds (Best Personal Trainer), Bleubelle’s Heather Burge (Best Bridal), Tailsspin’s Jusak Yang Bernhard (Best Pet Supplies), The Grey’s Mashama Bailey (Best Chef) and Savannah Morning News’ Tom Barton (Best Columnist)

140 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM THE BEST OF SAVANNAH

One decade and six years ago, the editors of this magazine brought forth the Best of Savannah™ poll, designed to ask you, discerning readers, your favorites in food and fêtes, shops and services, people and places. Once again, you have cast your ballots—and given your fellow Savannahians a list they can truly trust.

The votes are in, and the winners of Best of Savannah™ 2016 are …

By the readers of Savannah magazine Written by Alvieann Chandler and Sarah Taylor Asquith PHOTOGRAPHY BY IZZY HUDGINS

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How often does a friend or guest ask you for a restaurant recommendation or where to meet for BEST NEW RESTAURANT a drink? Now you’ll be ever-ready with an answer, Cotton and Rye thanks to Savannah magazine’s readers.

APPETIZERS BAKERY Brian and Julie Curry brought the You’ll probably wait in line at Back small-plate trend to Savannah 13 in the Day Bakery, but as you know, years ago with Jazz’d Tapas Bar, it’s worth it. Owner-chefs Cheryl and today, it’s still the dish for and Griff Day whip up an irresist- locals and visitors alike. The main ible selection of sweets (cupcakes, attraction: Their something-for-ev- pudding, pies!) and savories eryone menu of 30-plus tapas, (biscuits, grilled cheese!). Even their from truffle fries to beef salads—topped with dried fruit brisket tacos. jazzdtapasbar.com and spiced nuts—are scrumptious. Runner-up: Tybee Island Social Club backinthedaybakery.com Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Bakery ASIAN FUSION

Right off Route 80 on Wilmington BARBECUE IZZY HUDGINS Island, Ele Fine Fusion serves The trophies along the wall don’t some of the finest Asian food lie, nor does the name. Wiley’s BEER LIST BRUNCH Hop heads of the world, unite … There’s something about making around (think: dumplings, noodles, Championship BBQ is a crowd and answer some trivia questions pancakes at your own “griddle curry, sushi). Owners Ele and Sean favorite, where those-in-the-know while you’re at it! This tavern’s table” that’s so much more fun Tran pride themselves on authentic gobble up caramelized burnt ends name, World of Beer, speaks to than making them at home—just cuisine, as well as an upscale, and St. Louis-cut ribs—slathered in the breadth and depth of its brew- ask a three-year-old. Hence the elegant atmosphere. their famous “Better Than Sex BBQ based menu, but the live music, lure of Funky Brunch Café, which elesavannah.com Sauce.” We’ll let you be the judge mind games and craft cocktails serves plenty of non-DIY brunch Runner-up: Tangerine Fusion and on the latter. keep Savannahians walking options, too. Bonus points for the Sushi Bar wileyschampionshipbbq.com through the door. worldofbeer.com hopscotch outside. Runner-up: Sandfly BBQ Runner-up: The Public Kitchen and Bar thefunkybrunchcafe.com Runner-up: The Collins Quarter BREAKFAST BUSINESS LUNCH THE VOTING PROCESS With as many “skillet break- It’s named after the trendy New Ethics: Reader votes—and only reader votes—determine a Best of fasts” that J. Christopher’s York City neighborhood, but Soho Savannah™ winner. As with all of our editorial, there is no pay to play. Period. serves daily, it’s a wonder that South Café has a certain charm owners Jay McCann and Chris that’s all Savannah. Its rustic- Tradition: As part of the area’s largest news organization, we strictly limit our role to tallying and reporting results. Brogdon have enough cast-iron chic décor and comforting menu pans to go around. But that’s just (tomato basil bisque, fried goat Procedure: We only accept one ballot per person. Duplicate ballots, and one of the restaurant’s draws— cheese salad, pot roast) make those without verifiable names and addresses are automatically disqualified. customers also love the Blueberry even a lunch with your new boss a Crunchcakes and omelets the size relaxing experience. Disclaimer: We can’t control how individuals campaign for Best of Savannah™; we can only control how accurately the votes are tabulated. of your head. jchristophers.com sohosouthcafe.com Runner-up: Clary’s Café Runner-up: Vic’s on the River

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CARIBBEAN CUPCAKES Jamaican food in Savannah? It’s More than 30 kinds of cupcakes? BEST DESSERTS true, mon. Donavon Smith, who Believe it. With flavors like Lulu’s Chocolate Bar hails from Westmoreland, Jamaica, chocolate chip cookie dough and opened Sweet Spice Restaurant in root beer float, the assortment 2011 and continues to greet diners, at Gigi’s Cupcakes is vast—and now at two locations, with jerk delicious. Bethany Shantz opened chicken, beef stew, fried plantains the franchise here in 2011 and has and, as he should, a Bob Marley been sweetening up Savannah ever Burrito. sweetspicesavannah.net since. gigiscupcakesusa.com Runner-up: Best Caribbean Cuisine Runner-up: Wicked Cakes

CHINESE CURRY Opened by Taiwanese Ele and Sean Tran are nicknamed Savannahian Simon Chi more than Savannah’s “first family of Asian 20 years ago, Wang’s II is a family cuisine” for good reason. The King tradition for dine-in and delivery. and I, one of their seven restau- Popular dishes include the Walnut rants, is crowned a local favorite Chicken and Sliced Beef with year after year. With five mouth- Broccoli, while, for some, Chi’s watering Thai curry dishes on its Moo Goo Gai Pan is a throwback to extensive menu, the restaurant is a suburban takeout of yore. Midtown mecca. Runner-up: Yummy House kingandisavannah.com Runner-up: Taste of India COCKTAILS Should there ever be a category for DATE NIGHT Best Place to Make a Scene, Rocks At once luxurious and cozy, the on the Roof atop the Bohemian historical Olde Pink House is an Hotel fits the bill—that sweeping ideal setting for lovebirds. Dine in vista of the river and bridge is the the main restaurant, outside on ideal backdrop for a girls’ night out, the terrace or in the cellar tavern, after-theater drinks and pre-dinner where, at the latter, the piano bar libations. is the stuff of memories. As for the bohemianhotelsavannah.com hearty chicken pot pie? It tastes Runner-up: Jen’s and Friends best shared. plantersinnsavannah. com/the-olde-pink-house CRAFT BREWERY Runner-up: Circa 1875 The crew at Southbound Brewing Co. is crafting more than brews; DESSERTS they are creating community in For those who adhere to that old their outpost on Fahm Street, from saw, “life is short; eat dessert hosting monthly hot yoga-hops first,” look no further thanLulu’s mash-ups to pre-concert parties Chocolate Bar. The city’s collective with cornhole competitions. sweet tooth finds deep satisfac- southboundbrewingco.com tion from such offerings as brown Runner-up: Service Brewing Co. sugar shortbread dipped in a dark TERESA EARNEST

144 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM DINING & NIGHTLIFE chocolate fondue, triple-chocolate mousse towers and a strawberry suspension cake. BEST LATTE luluschocolatebar.com Foxy Loxy Café Runner-up: Baker’s Pride

FINE DINING A burst pipe left this basement enclave a bit swampy, but diners are game once again for Stephen McLain’s wildly inventive menu at Alligator Soul. Rebuilt, the new space exudes the inviting warmth of the old but has a reinvigorated sense of purpose. alligatorsoul.com Runner-up: The Olde Pink House

FRENCH FRIES How do you like your fries? For Green Truck Neighborhood Pub aficionados, the answer is simple yet specific: skin-on, lightly salted, soft in the middle while crunchy on the ends, and best dipped in house-made ketchup and washed down with a local draft beer. greentruckpub.com Runner-up: Burgers and Fries IZZY HUDGINS

FRIED CHICKEN yogurt. That’s what La’ Berry with dishes that include escargots, bacon, tomato and onion. Unless you know someone who Frozen Yogurt is all about, along steak frites and roasted chicken. greentruckpub.com knows someone who knows with 10 rotating daily flavors and Just add a bottle (or two) of Runner-up: B and D Burgers someone in the kitchen, you’re toppings galore, from healthy fruit Bordeaux. circa1875.com going to wait in line. And after 70 and granola to the much-more-fun Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar HAPPY HOUR years in business, that’s become mini donuts and Nerds candy. It’s been more than 20 years since part of the fascination with Mrs. laberryfrozenyogurt.com Julia Roberts stood outside that big Wilkes’ Dining Room. Another Runner-up: Lovin’ Spoons At Green Truck Neighborhood paned window in her nightgown, fascination? That succulent, Pub, Josh and Whitney Yates catching a cattin’ around Dennis perfectly seasoned, fried just-so GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT make sure their beef is grass-fed, Quaid in the act—but it’s clear chicken. mrswilkes.com A dinner at Circa 1875 is unique, all natural, hormone free and Savannahians find theSix Pence Runner-up: Sisters of the New South classy and fun—just like your girl- locally sourced. They also make Pub still “something to talk about.” friends. Owners Donald Lubowicki sure their burgers are delicious. sixpencepub.com FROZEN YOGURT and Jeffery Downey go out of their Enter 10 different kinds, including Runner-up: Churchill’s Pub For frozen yogurt lovers, the way to make their cuisine thor- the Trailer Park, a house favorite pay-by-the-ounce concept is oughly French yet unpretentious, topped with pimento cheese, the best thing since, well, frozen

146 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM THE BEST COURTESY OF VISIT SAVANNAH Our better angels defy categories. So, we went to the people and asked OF US them to describe our city’s finest attributes.Compiled by Amy Paige Condon and Sarah Taylor Asquith

George Dawes Green, novelist, raconteur to get rich or get famous or get lucky, so many arrive at the park with the fountain in view. I often and founder of The Moth sad drunks falling on their faces at 2 a.m. in tell visitors that they must take this walk, and also “Savannah’s stories: I think we owe them to Forsyth Park, so much scandal, so many unlikely to stop and notice the details in the architecture James Edward Oglethorpe, to his brilliance and visionaries creating empires (I’m thinking of that would be missed while driving: the musicians sense of adventure, to the gregariousness and you, Paula Deen, and you, Juliette Gordon Low, playing in the squares, the shop owners working kindness of the man, and to his plan for the city, and you, Big Boi, and you, Flannery O’Connor, on their craft, the students hurrying to their next which strikes me as a big self-portrait of his soul. and you, James Alan McPherson, and you Eli stop, dog owners taking their furry friends out for a The ubiquitous open squares where everyone must Whitney, and you, Paula Wallace, and on and on). walk—that’s where you find the spirit of Savannah. rub shoulders: nabobs and paupers, Whigs and The stories still pulse out of here, just as they did In the quirky details and the chance encounters Federalists and Black Lives Matter activists, sailors on the nights 300 years ago when Oglethorpe as you take the time to explore and let the city from far ports and their local assignations, duelists would slip past the town palisade to join his lover surprise you.” and shipwreck survivors and rumrunners and the Mary Musgrove in Tomochichi’s tent for evenings homeless congregation of Wright Square with their of rum and tales and passion (I may be embroi- Tony Parrish, owner, Parrish Auto Repair Inc. 12-packs of Icehouse that they just picked up in the dering a bit, which is the point).” “For me, the most beautiful and tranquil area Pal Superette 7-to-11 on Drayton Street. is the bluff in Isle of Hope. My father passed It’s true that Oglethorpe’s design was much Megan White, marketing projects manager, away in 1995 after battling cancer, and every disfigured by, first, the black-hearted Thomas Visit Savannah weekend my family from out of town would Stephens, who snuck slavery into the colony, “If I were new to Savannah, the best place for gather to be with him. But on Sundays, after and later by the civil policies of the twentieth me to get a sense of its spirit would be along one everyone left, he and I would go for a drive. We century, which chased out commercial establish- of my favorite streets, Bull Street. A stroll from the would reminisce and have time together, and ments and dramatically reduced the downtown river to Forsyth Park, through the squares, is just invariably, we would end up driving down the population—turning many of our squares the perfect way to get to know Savannah—from bluff—the beautiful Skidaway River and salt into lifeless memorial gardens. Nevertheless, the beautiful trees and monuments to the coffee marsh, the majestic live oaks, the antebellum Oglethorpe’s spirit still pervades everywhere. shops and restaurants along the way. You’ll see homes and a serenity that is unmatched. Those This city is still a beautiful loony menagerie. No trolleys and horses, pedicabs and walking tours, Sunday drives with the best friend I will ever have place in the country has such delicious gossip. shopping and maybe a movie being filmed! Just is a memory I will carry forever.” So many unbalanced passionate people straining before making it to the park, you cross over one against the bonds of propriety, trying desperately of our most beautiful streets, Jones, and then you (Continued on page 154)

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ICE CREAM LATE-NIGHT SPOT The first words often spoken by Overlooking the bustling City BEST PUB tourists? “Leopold’s Ice Cream.” Market from two spacious balco- Moon River Brewing Co. The historic parlor on Broughton nies, the Tree House is the last Street is a sensation—with a line stop of the night for folks wanting out the door to prove it. But one to sidle up to the bar for an expert lick of the mint chocolate chip (or cocktail, or those ready to kick up lemon custard or chocolate rasp- their heels and dance to the music. berry swirl) and that wait becomes treehousesavannah.com a distant memory. Runner-up: Congress Street Social leopoldsicecream.com Club Runner-up: LATTE ITALIAN Using beans from local roaster Joyce Shanks brings her Italian Perc and the ideal amount of grandmother’s cooking style to steamed milk (read: not too much), Bella’s Italian Café, where local Foxy Loxy Café knows how to families take the whole gang for get a latte right. Owner Jennifer traditional antipasto, Manicotti Jenkins has been perfecting the and chicken parmesan. Parents art for years, and her Horchata are especially fond of the “kids latte (Mexican sweetened milk eat free” deal on Sundays through and espresso) is also a fan favorite. Thursdays. bellascafe.com foxyloxycafe.com Runner-up: Corleone’s Runner-up: The Coffee Fox

KARAOKE LIVE MUSIC/ The Rail Pub is haunted by spirits ENTERTAINMENT both real and libationist, which Baroness, Kylesa, Black Tusk, explains why so many revelers at Cusses … just a few of the band this venerated watering hole bran- names that launched from the dish a mic to sing for their sippers. stage of The Jinx, Susanne The later the hour, the louder the Warnkros’ Congress Street mecca howl. therailpub.com for musicians and their fans. From Runner-up: McDonough’s the Tuesday hip-hop night to the Restaurant and Lounge standing Saturday happy hour for Damon and the Shitkickers, live KID-FRIENDLY DINING music has a forever home. With miniature-sized pizzas and a On Facebook movie room just for kids, it’s hard Runner-up: Wild Wing Café to say if parents or their children are bigger fans of Basil’s Pizza and Deli. basilsonline.com Runner-up: Spanky’s Pizza Galley and Saloon

IZZY HUDGINS

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MARGARITA cottonandrye.com SALAD town, but we’re here to talk about The name alone is the first clue Runner-up: The Vault Kitchen + Remember when Elaine Benes was their seafood. Oysters range from that the margaritas at Tequila’s Market obsessed with the “biiiiig salad” on the half-shell to Rockefeller, Town Mexican Restaurant on Seinfeld? That seems to be the the Po-boys from crispy shrimp might be legit. Then, one slurp of ORGANIC MEAL inspiration behind the 10 salads to catfish and the fresh catches any of their eight potent flavors The phrase “farm to table” gets at Kayak Kafé, each one of them from a Low Country Boil to seared (Jalapeno! Peach! Mango!) and the incorrectly used a lot these days, piled high with all sorts of fixings. grouper with Hoppin’ John. verdict is in. Another round, por but the folks at Cha Bella aren’t eatkayak.com sorrycharliessavannah.com favor. tequilastown.com messing around. They work with Runner-up: The Starland Café Runner-up: The Crab Shack Runner-up: Jalapenos local farmers and fishermen to obtain organic produce, cheese, SMOOTHIE MEXICAN meat and seafood, refusing to It is a rite of passage for all new is the Baskin Every single day. That’s how often travel more than a day’s drive for arrivals to make their way to York Robbins of smoothies with too many of us crave the table-side anything else. cha-bella.com and Drayton for Zunzi’s mammoth many flavors to count. It’s best to guacamole and street-style Runner-up: Kayak Kafé Conquistador—a sandwich so epic first pick your category (fitness tacos at Tequila’s Town Mexican it took one of the top three honors blends, slim blends, wellness Restaurant. Especially after OUTDOOR DINING in the Travel Channel’s quest for blends) and go from there: vanilla, inhaling a couple of their margar- If a bustling City Market scene the best American sandwich. One chocolate, watermelon, pineapple, itas (see above). tequilastown.com over a plate of wings is your jam, bite and you know, it’s well worth carrot, kale, acai and so on. And Runner-up: Jalapenos then Wild Wing Café is the place the wait in line. zunzis.com don’t forget the protein powder. to be. Its outdoor terrace features Runner-up: The Starland Café smoothieking.com NEW BAR large TVs programmed to the Runner-up: Beetnix Superfoods and (less than a year old) latest game, while the more chill SEAFOOD Juice Bar Pinkie Masters’ PBR sign didn’t patio tables are an ideal spot to Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar might stay dim for long when its doors catch the nightly live music. have the coolest neon sign in closed after 60 years. One of wildwingcafe.com the city’s top bartenders, Matt Runner-up: The Wyld Dock Bar Garappolo, hung out a refurbished shingle—The Original—and PIZZA BEST TAKE-OUT cleaned out the fusty corner dive, Vinnie Van GoGo’s claim to fame Zunzi’s freshening the drink menu with is their New York style pizza, with small batch cocktails. a thin crust, fresh cheese and theoriginalsavannah.com traditional marinara and pesto Runner up: Castaways sauces. It’s a no-frills, cash-only joint, and that’s just how the locals NEW RESTAURANT like it. vinnievangogo.com (less than a year old) Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom Zach Schultz and pals Brandon and Kimberly Whitehead have trans- PUB formed the former site of cheese- One part craft brewery, another and-wine shop Form into Cotton part gourmet gastropub, Moon and Rye, a delightful neighborhood River Brewing Co. serves up both bistro with hearty fare, including a spirited historic ambience and stupendous cheese plate replete cheerful patio dining. with fresh-baked rye crostinis and wordpress.moonriverbrewing.com handmade salumi. Runner-up: Churchill’s Pub JOLENE ESPOSITO

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SOUL FOOD and served on a sizzling platter. TRIVIA/GAME NIGHT VEGETARIAN They don’t call it “soul food” for ruthschris.com To win at the Mellow Mushroom Kayak Kafé proves that healthy nothing as the stick-to-your-bones Runner-up: Toni Steakhouse trivia night, you’ll need a strategy. eating, especially sans meat, can cuisine at Sweet Potatoes soothes First, build your team by gath- be filling, satisfying and mighty your soul. Highlights include the SUSHI ering friends with expertise in tasty. Do yourself a solid and order meatloaf, fried catfish and chicken With 58 different rolls and Nigiri science, sports, geography, film the hummus. eatkayak.com gumbo, not to mention the much- and Sashimi for everyone, Ta Ca and theater, and pop culture. Runner-up: Cha Bella praised banana pudding. knows its way around sushi. Top Then, come up with a clever name. On Facebook picks include the spicy tempu- There’s nothing trivial about this Runner-up: Sisters of the New South ra-shrimp Crunch roll and the pursuit. mellowmushroom.com tuna and scallop Taca roll. Not Runner-up: Molly McGuire’s (Continued on page 155) SOUTHERN into seafood? Try the Cowboy roll More than 70 years later, Mrs. with spicy beef, cream cheese and Wilkes’ Dining Room is run by her asparagus. tacasushi.com great-grandson, Ryon Thompson. Runner-up: Sushi Zen BEST VEGETARIAN He keeps the dream alive with her Kayak Kafe Southern staples (fried chicken, TACOS meat loaf, macaroni and cheese, There are eight different kinds black-eyed peas, candied yams of street-style tacos at Tequila’s and on and on), served up fami- Town Mexican Restaurant, and, ly-style at tables with strangers chances are, you’ll want to order who will be your friends before the every single one. A reader favorite meal’s over. mrswilkes.com is the Carnitas (shredded pork, Runner-up: Sisters of the New South grilled onion, radishes) but the Rajas (roasted poblano, avocado, SPORTS BAR queso fresco) could turn even a When asked how many TVs are carnivore green. tequilastown.com inside Coach’s Corner, a hostess Runner-up: La Nopalera Mexican replies, “Ummm, seventy-ish?” Restaurant Clearly, there’s not a bad seat in the house, but it’s not all about TAKE-OUT spectating—pool tables, shuf- By the time you walk across down- fleboard, darts and video games town to Zunzi’s corner spot, you’ll are also in full effect, along with have worked up a serious appetite, a sports-themed menu. Hector and that’s a good thing. Portions Macho Camacho’s Nachos, are plentiful, and the secret sauce anyone? coachs.net is the secret sauce. zunzis.com Runner-up: Wild Wing Café Runner-up: Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant STEAK The legendary Louisiana-born THAI Ruth’s Chris Steak House stays Getting to know The King and I on top year after year because it’s leads to Double Delight, Drunken never strayed from its award-win- Noodles and Prawn Panang. You’re ning formula: seared prime beef welcome. kingandisavannah.com topped with butter and parsley Runner-up: Chiriya’s Thai Cuisine JASON B. JAMES

152 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM NATURAL CARRIE L. KELLOGG BEAUTY Our colorful characters encompass lush surroundings, where blossoms burst all year long and otherworldly light shimmers off waters that keep our secrets.

Jamie Burghardt, horticulture coordinator, morning at Bonaventure about five years ago. It Elizabeth McDonald, interior designer, UGA Extension was really foggy and everything seemed extra Design House “I always tell people to visit Savannah quiet—I felt like there was more out there than “My inspiration comes from never, ever between St. Patrick’s Day and Easter—that’s the just me, but it was more calming than scary. I getting tired of driving over the Moon River. height of spring when all the trees are leafing. shot my favorite photo that day. I call it ‘Beyond The moment I hit that bridge and see the marsh It’s the real magical time. You get the tail end the Fog.’” (photo, above) grass and water, I am calm. It reminds of Pat of the magnolias; you see redbuds, fringe trees Conroy’s books—of mysterious, far-away places. and azaleas. A different shrub or tree is in bloom Captain Gary “Gator” Hill, co-owner, My design inspiration comes from that place. I every month of the year here—we have witch G and W Excursions am transported to the West Indies with flowing hazel in December, star magnolias in January. “Being out on the water here in Savannah fabrics and carved chairs. I am also inspired by One thing that sets us apart is the blending of is a changing wonderland of sights, sounds and the native Savannahians. They are ecclectic and cooler temperate gardens with the warming smells. Witnessing the awesome power of nature free-spirited and are willing to take chances.” subtropical scene. We can grow palms, cycads, as storms roll in, watching water spouts form and citrus trees and both evergreen and deciduous dance, the smell of the salts as the tides return, Charles Russo, owner, Russo’s Seafood trees. When people see a magnolia next to a palm the bait fish as they rush back to the safety of “Wild Georgia Shrimp tastes so sweet next to a kumquat next to a live oak, they really the spartina grasses. There’s nothing like a boat because of the quality and species of shrimp we get thrown for a loop—it blows their minds!” ride at slack tide, watching the sun rise. It’s truly have in our local waters. Here, we have shrimp some of the most drama I’ve seen anywhere on that are caught in one-day boats. So the fresh- Carrie L. Kellogg, landscape photographer the planet. And the marsh has an aroma all its ness is paramount compared to those shrimpers “I know everyone talks about the golden own—I laugh when I see newcomers wrinkle that may go out into the Gulf and may not return hour here, but I’m more about the soft morning their nose when they get their first whiff of the for a week.” light. I try to get up right as the sun rises and be low tide. No other place in the world has so much positioned as it comes through the trees and packed into so little a space, sometimes five (Continued on page 162) the moss. It’s enchanting, spooky and magical. micro ecosystems lying within a stone’s throw of Several of my pieces are of just the light coming one another.” down through the trees. I’ll never forget one

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(Continued from page 152) time. ajsdocksidetybee.com Runner-up: The Wyld Dock Bar BEST TRIVIA/GAME NIGHT VIETNAMESE Mellow Mushroom Ele and Sean’s Flying Monk WINE LIST Noodle Bar gave Savannah a In keeping with its unassuming ramen game. Their White Elephant French bistro fare and atmosphere, is one gift you’ll never want to give Circa 1875 stocks the cellar with away. flywiththemonk.com coveted vintages as well affordable Runner-up: Saigon Bistro luxuries from the motherland. circa1875.com WATERFRONT DINING Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th Whether you come by bike, boat or foot, you may toast the buttery sunset on Tybee’s Back River from AJ’s Dockside Restaurant—just make sure you have the proper accouterments: ice cold beer, a pound of peel ‘n’ eats and plenty of (Continued on page 156)

BEAU KESTER

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Never be caught flat-footed in fashion or business. ASSISTED LIVING/ AUTO REPAIR This slate of skilled providers comes with the RETIREMENT Whether road tripping or doing COMMUNITIES the daily commute, the certified endorsement of our trusted advisers. After a lifetime of hard work and technicians at Savannah Tire, hard play, local retirees find the Brake and Allignment Centers AD AGENCY magical emporium of housewares, Savannah Square community a make sure your wheels are safe Lifting a company’s online fashion, ephemera and oddities fine place to call home. fivestarse- and sound. A Savannah go-to since presence is just one of the many that, for good reason, attract niorliving.com/communities/ga/ 1951, they now have nine locations top-notch services offered by creative and curious types alike. savannah/savannah-square across town. savannahtire.com Boost by Design. They also wsantiquemall.wix.com/wsam Runner-up: Buckingham South Runner-up: RPM Autoworx provide web design and develop- Runner-up: Jere’s Antiques ment, search engine optimization AUDIO/VIDEO/ BABY GEAR/CHILDREN’S and traditional print media. In a ART GALLERY LIGHTING PRODUCTION CLOTHING nutshell: The agency helps small Edgy and eccentric art is the Lights, camera, action! With more With Punch & Judy, the Karpf companies realize big ideas. name of the game at A.T. Hun Art than 30 years of experience, Stage family has been a one-stop shop boostbydesign.com Gallery, whose international and Front has the skills and equipment for families for 70 years. The store Runner-up: Robertson & Markowitz local artists create nontraditional to pull off special events, perfor- recently underwent an extensive Advertising and Public Relations pieces sure to dazzle any room in mances and presentations without remodel and will soon be ready for your home or business. athun.com a hitch. sfps.net a new generation of tiny humans. ANTIQUES AND Runners-up (tie): Friedman’s Runner-up: Advanced A/V Rentals punchandjudysavannah.com COLLECTIBLES Framing, Ray Ellis Gallery and Roots Runner-up: Sara Jane Children’s A first-time winner in this category, Up Gallery Boutique Wright Square Antique Mall is a

BEST CANDY SHOP River Street Sweets

IZZY HUDGINS

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BANK/FINANCIAL CANDY SHOP INSTITUTION Pralines and taffy and fudge, As Mark Twain once said, “There oh my! With two locations in BEST HAIR SALON are two times in a man’s life when Savannah (and many more across B Street Salon he should not speculate: When he the South), River Street Sweets is can’t afford it, and when he can.” quite the sugar lover’s destination, With 10 locations in the Savannah where many of the confections are area, Bank of America helps made from scratch before your customers alleviate that financial eyes. riverstreetsweets.com guessing game. bankofamerica.com Runner-up: Savannah’s Candy Runner-up: Wells Fargo Bank Kitchen

BIKES CHILDCARE/DAYCARE Keeping bicycles spinning for 10 What started in Maggie Smith’s years now, Quality Bike Shop gets dining room in 1982 has grown into your ride in top shape. And they a private, nonprofit preschool for have a vast selection of new styles children 18 months to four years. and gear at the ready if your bike With half- and full-day programs, decides to call it quits. Maggie’s Morning School oper- qualitybikeshop.com ates under a mission to “provide Runner-up: Bicycle Link a developmentally appropriate, quality learning experience for a BOUTIQUE HOTEL diverse student body.” (less than 100 rooms) maggiesmorningschool.org Eclectic yet modern, the Bohemian Runner-up: The Sanctuary Child Hotel is not just for tourists. With Learning Center its serene river view and two chic restaurants, Savannahians have CONVENIENCE STORE been known to check into the hotel Two words: chewy ice. That alone for a staycation or two. is a draw but Parker’s also sells bohemianhotelsavannah.com the requisite necessities. Since Runner-up: Cotton Sail Hotel opening his first store in 1976, Greg Parker has grown his operation to BRIDAL 44 locations across Georgia and From traditional to trendy, sexy to South Carolina. parkersav.com subdued, the dresses and acces- Runner-up: Enmarket sories at Bleubelle meet many a bride’s and bridesmaid’s needs. DAY SPA Owner Heather Burge and her “True bleu southern comfort” is team of stylists are knowledgeable what Spa Bleu sets out to provide. yet unassuming, alleviating the Services include massage therapy, stress of saying yes to the dress. facials, waxing, makeup, spray tans bleubelle.com and special packages for bridal Runner-up: Ivory and Beau Bridal parties, couples and mamas-to-be. Boutique spableu-sav.com Runner-up: Milan Day Spa IZZY HUDGINS

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BEST JEWLERY Levy Jewelers IZZY HUDGINS

rooms are fun and welcoming. Just FLORIST produce and meats to bread and DRY CLEANER think: fuchsia treadmills! John Davis’ love for flowers began to gourmet, home-prepared Owned by local resident David planetfitness.com as a Savannah child, cutting roses meals. forsythfarmersmarket.com Reeves and his daughter Morgan Runner-up: YMCA of Coastal in his mother’s garden. He went on Runner-up: Davis Produce McGhie, David’s Dry Cleaners Georgia to open his own shop, John Davis strives to be this city’s most Florist, where he and his team HAIR SALON modern dry cleaner by utilizing FASHION VALUE create stunning arrangements on A Savannah native, Monica state-of-the-art equipment and Shopping for cute, affordable small and large scales—including McMasters has led beauty teams focusing on eco-conscious prac- clothes has long been a hobby of his own recent wedding! in Atlanta, New York, Boston and tices and products. best friends Leah Lancaster Riffle johndavisflorist.com San Diego. In 1997, she opened davidsdrycleaners.com and Thu Tran, so it only makes Runner-up: Kiwi Fleur B Street Salon, a full-service Runner-up: Curry Dry Cleaners sense that they’d open a store company devoted to all things hair together. That was nine years ago, FRESH/ORGANIC and makeup, with a big business in EXERCISE FACILITY and Red Clover continues to meet PRODUCE weddings and editorial. The folks at Planet Fitness the sartorial needs of Savannah’s Every Saturday, more than 1,000 bstreetsalon.com promise you won’t feel “gymtim- coolest chicks. shopredclover.com people pay a visit to the Forsyth Runner-up: Colorboxx Salon idated” when working out with Runner-up: Fab’rik Savannah Farmers’ Market, where 30-odd them. Their trainers and instruc- vendors are ready and waiting tors practice a no-judgment policy, with the freshest of the fresh, from (Continued on page 164) while the classes and equipment

160 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM HELPING COURTESY OF THE DEEP CENTER HANDS Our friends and neighbors are some of the most charitable people in the country, and many of them work every day to make our community stronger, healthier and whole.

Keith Miller, programs manager, Deep Ariana Berksteiner, executive director, filled the whole back of his pickup with stacks of “A powerful experience that still sticks with Emmaus House canned food—tuna fish, peanut butter, everything me was during a workshop in Block by Block, “Our Chef Freda feeds our souls. No matter he could think of. That’s just one example of how our yearlong program where students work who you are, she’ll give you the same hug and the Savannah steps up and takes action.” to discover their voices as writers, while also same smile. She’s been with us for more than 15 unearthing the untold stories of a particular years and everyone calls her Auntie Freda. She Doll Miller, long-time volunteer and area in Savannah—in this case, the West Side. calls our regulars “niece” or “nephew,” but she former board member, Humane Society for During this particular workshop, there was an also knows everybody’s name. If someone finds Greater Savannah unspoken tension in the air due to recent news out she won’t be here cooking one day, they’ll tell “I grew up in the country, on the outskirts of about police brutality and shootings of unarmed all their friends and our numbers will go down a very small New York town in the Adirondacks. black men. We gathered the students, got in a from something like 250 people to 75 people. I had a dog, a small German Shepherd named circle and started with a writing exercise that She has such an amazing love for our community, Dutchess. I was an only girl with four brothers so allowed them to get their feelings out on paper. yet she doesn’t want attention or accolades or Dutchess was the closest thing I had to a sister. I Afterwards, we encouraged them to share their photos. That’s OK, because I’ll sing her praises all loved her in a way that only a small child can love. thoughts, concerns, fears and solutions. It was day long.” Fast-forward 50 years. I was being interviewed a tough, emotional workshop, but one that was by a local TV station about a 60-mile run to extremely important for not only our youth but Mary Jane Crouch, executive director, raise money to build a low-cost spay and neuter the educators in the room. Using the power of Second Harvest clinic at our Humane Society. The director of our ‘why,’ we were able to walk through the trenches “When there’s a need, our community hears shelter joined the interview and brought along a of a difficult and heartbreaking discussion in a about it and rallies. We have a giant freezer that small German Shepherd mix. Overwhelmed with way that was not only empowering and uplifting, holds about six tractor-trailer loads of food, and memories, I took the little dog home with me. I but proved that we value their perspectives as a few years ago its roof collapsed and we lost named her Dutchess, and she ran the 60th mile future leaders.” (photo, above) almost all of the food. The day it happened, a man of that run with me. Right now, she’s curled up called me and told me he heard the news and in my lap and just looked up and licked my face. wanted to come by and drop off some proteins. Love is love.” You know what he did? He went to Sam’s Club and (Continued on page 170)

162 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM BEST OF US HELPING HANDS STRONG BONDS (Continued from page 147) (Continued from page 162) (Continued from page 177)

Andy Lynch, Lynch Associates Architects, Dr. James McNaughton, DDS, owner, The Rev. Ben Gosden, Historic Trinity PC Family Dental Services of Savannah United Methodist Church “The mixed-use redevelopment of Ellis “My wife and I moved from Los Angeles to “Savannah is a historic and beautiful town. Square and surrounding buildings was an Savannah in 1972. I worked as a dentist at Model There’s so much to appreciate about living here, incredibly complex undertaking with a lot of Cities, a medical clinic down on Duffy Street that but we aren’t without our faults. For example, moving parts that involved the coordination of helped out people in dire straits. A few years while our past is to be celebrated, we can’t live in multiple architects and engineering firms, land later, I opened my practice on Broughton, and I’ve the past. Progress needs to be a way of life here. planners, contractors, consultants, developers been here for 40 years now. I bought the building Progress happens as we foster creativity through and city departments. It was a little more edgy for $30,000. It was a hair salon and before that, partnerships across lines that tend to divide us. for Savannah at the time, and was more typical of an old movie theater. There wasn’t much around Savannah has a rich bank of creativity and we a project done in a larger city. I think the project back then, just a used furniture shop and several need to continue to find ways to make with- made Savannah more current and cosmopol- vacant buildings on our block. The only place to drawals from that bank because our diversity and itan, and was a good mix of new infill buildings eat was a on the corner of Drayton and creativity only make us richer as a community. working in concert with existing historic buildings there was a really good restaurant inside Levy’s As we address our problems with creativity, we that were preserved and adaptively used in order department store, where SCAD’s Jen Library is need to do so with compassion and generosity as to keep the character of that area.” now. I opened my business because I saw a need we seek to put others first. All of the resources, for low-priced dental services. I still keep my fees wealth and ideas we could ever need are already low and I see emergency walk-in patients, prob- here. We just need to bring them together as we ably a dozen a day. I pull a lot of teeth. But now seek to elevate everyone in our beautiful city.” I’m ready for some leisure time—I just turned 70. I’d like to get another dentist to take over for me. I’m concerned about all the people who come in here; I don’t want our doors to close.”

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(Continued from page 160) HOTEL INDEPENDENT collection of jewelry, watches, (more than 100 rooms) BOOKSTORE crystal and collectables, along HANDBAGS Located just across the Savannah Stepping inside E. Shaver with quality repairs and appraisals. SCAD grad Elizabeth Seeger built River, The Westin Savannah Booksellers is like stepping into levyjewelers.com her Satchel brand in 2006 and has Harbor Golf Resort & Spa is mere another time, where seven quaint Runner-up: Harkleroad Diamonds been making custom bags and leather minutes from River Street (by car rooms are stacked with books old and Fine Jewelry goods since. All are made inside her or ferry), yet has a way of making and new. The shop specializes in boutique/workshop, where sewing you feel like you’re away from it all. local and regional topics, and has LIQUOR machines hum as you shop. Buy off Maybe it’s the pool, where fruity many tomes devoted to the Civil You name it, Habersham Beverage the shelves, or design your own by cocktails are delivered right to your War. eshaverbooks.com has it. Selling wine, beer and booze choosing from dozens of shapes, lounge chair. westinsavannah.com Runner-up: The Book Lady for more than 30 years, the locally materials and linings. shopsatchel.com Runner-up: The Brice, a Kimpton Bookstore owned, two-location superstore Runner-up: Terra Cotta Hotel boasts aisle upon aisle of reason- INN/BED AND ably priced libations—and a very BREAKFAST friendly staff to boot. habersham- Set inside an exquisite historic beverage.com BEST MADE-IN-SAVANNAH PRODUCT mansion, circa 1838, the Runner-up: Johnnie Ganems Package Savannah Bee Company Ballastone Inn is a five-star prop- & Wine Shop erty that prides itself on the most luxurious amenities. There are MADE-IN-SAVANNAH fireplaces in many of the 16 suites, PRODUCT plus 800-threadcount sheets, Savannah’s resident beekeeper gourmet breakfasts and compli- Ted Dennard turned his child- mentary afternoon tea, port and hood hobby into quite an enter- sherry. ballastone.com prise. With seven stores across Runner-up: The Gastonian the South (two in this city) and countless points of sale, Savannah INSURANCE COMPANY Bee Company carries honey (Auto, Life, etc.) aplenty, from healing creams to Apparently, the proof is in candles to mead, an alcoholic drink their famous jingle. State Farm of fermented honey and water. Insurance was voted readers’ savannahbee.com go-to insurance agency, showing Runner-up: Nourish Natural Bath that they do their best to treat Products customers “like a good neighbor…” statefarm.com MANICURES/PEDICURES Runner-up: Allstate Insurance Most people visit a nail salon with hopes of finding relaxation, sani- JEWELRY tation and a skillful staff. The two Owned and operated by Crystal Nails locations have that in Savannah’s Levy family since 1900, spades. Customers also appreciate Levy Jewelers is one of this city’s the quality OPI and Essie polishes. oldest friends. Company president crystalnailssavannah.com Lowell Kronowitz is carrying on Runner-up: La Bella Nails his great-grandfather’s tradition by offering the city an exquisite BEAU KESTER

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MEDICAL SPA and, wait for it, blueberry facials. REAL ESTATE COMPANY SHOES Whether you want to turn back topdogspa.com Founded more than 35 years Try this on for size. Globe Shoe the clock or just look a bit fresher, Runner-up: The Savannah Groom ago by Celia and J. Laurence Co. has been selling footwear to Glow Medical Spa and Beauty Room Dunn, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s Savannah residents since 1892. Boutique provides non-surgical International Realty knows a Siblings Amy and John Sussman cosmetic procedures including PET SITTER thing or two about selling beautiful now run the business (their grand- chemical peels, laser treatments, Kennel boarding can be a stressful homes. With offices in Savannah father bought it in the 1940s), Botox and fillers, in addition to time for both pet and owner. and Bluffton, South Carolina, carrying men’s and women’s facials, massages, spray tans and Savannah Pet Sitters LLC alle- they’re all about location, location, brands from Birkenstock and Ecco waxing. Hello, new you. viates that anxiety by arranging location. celiadunnsir.com to Stuart Weitzman and Allen glowsavannah.com to have your animal cared for in Runner-up: Keller Williams Realty Edmonds. On Facebook Runner-up: Genesis Medical Spa of your own home, with personalized Runner-up: Copper Penny Shooz Savannah services based on pet (and owner) SEAFOOD MARKET needs. savannahpet.com Opened in 1946 by Charles J. SPECIALTY/GOURMET MEN’S CLOTHING Runner-up: Blissful Buddha Pet Russo Sr. and his wife Antoinette, FOODS With made-to-measure suiting and Services Russo’s Seafood is now run by Since moving downtown from The a quality assortment of business their son Charles Jr. On the corner Landings last year, Smith Brothers and casual clothes, John B. Rourke PET SUPPLIES of Abercorn and 40th streets since Butcher Shop has connected Gentlemen’s Clothiers has been TailsSpin specializes in healthy 1970, the market is a Savannah with a whole new clientele—just keeping Savannah dapper since and organic animal foods, but it’s landmark, offering just-caught what owners Robert and Brenda 1949. Its current owners, Alan so much more than a pet store. seafood at affordable prices. Anderson were hoping for. The Tanenbaum and Patti Hendricks, Since opening the company in russoseafood.com shop is a butcher, but it’s also a possess a special sartorial knowl- 2007, Jusak Bernhard and Jeffrey Runner-up: Scuba Steve’s Seafood go-to for gourmet cheese, wine edge that’s hard to come by in this Manley have worked with the and delicious . day and age. johnbrourke.com Savannah community to raise smithbrothersbutchershop.com Runner-up: J Parker Ltd. funds for pet rescues and provide Runner-up: Verdant Kitchen low-cost vaccine clinics at their NEW CARS three locations. tailsspin.com J.C. Lewis Ford is as old as the Runner-up: Retail Retreat Dog 1912 Model T. It’s a completely Bakery and Boutique different world today, but the tried- and-true dealership continues to PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM give Savannah residents personal, Jennifer Abshire and her stellar honest customer care. jcmotor.com team at Abshire Public Relations Runner-up: Southern Motors Honda are experts at looking at the big picture through a communi- PET GROOMER ty-minded lens. For 16 years, the With three locations, plus a firm has worked with national and to-go mobile service, Top Dog local brands, creating and devel- Grooming Spa aims to keep pup oping media relations on every and kitty grooming as hassle- level. abshirepr.com free as possible. In addition to Runner-up: Neilie S. Dunn PR the requisite baths and trims, the BEST PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM company offers extras including Abshire Public Relations flea treatments, teeth brushing

COURTESY OF ABSHIRE PUBLIC RELATIONS

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generations of veterinarians. Today, they specialize in endo- BEST SPECIALTY/GOURMET FOODS scopic and laparoscopic proce- Smith Brothers Butcher Shop dures, as well as laser surgery and even acupuncture. casevet.com Runner-up: Stanley Lester (Landmark Veterinary Services)

VINTAGE CLOTHING/ CONSIGNMENT There are many vintage stores in Savannah, but readers voted Goodwill, and its four locations across the city, as the best place to nab stylish and practical clothes at affordable prices. goodwillsavannah.org Runner-up: The Future on Forsyth Vintage Clothing Store

WOMEN’S CLOTHING Leah Lancaster Riffle and Thu Tran opened Red Clover in 2007, so they’ve spent years getting to know their customer—and

JASON B. JAMES JASON understanding exactly what she likes to wear. That translates into where owner Debbie Lewis carries Savannah easygoing, on-trend pieces by SPORTS/OUTDOOR an incredible selection of stationary, USED CARS affordable emerging designers. WEAR cards, journals and gifts, and also For the fourth year in a row, shopredclover.com They have the tents, kayaks and provides in-house customization. Southern Motors Honda has Runner-up: Terra Cotta climbing gear for hard-core adven- lapaperiesavannah.com been voted the place to go when turers, along with the clothes, Runner-up: Emily McCarthy Shoppe on the market for a used car. The YOGA/PILATES STUDIO shoes and accouterments for a dealership was established in 1929, A healthy lifestyle is achieved by cute walk in the park. Half-Moon TOUR COMPANY so that’s a whole lot of car-selling exercising the body and the mind— Outfitters has become a fixture It’s hard to keep track of all the experience. that’s the premise of Savannah on Broughton Street, carrying trolleys rolling through town, but southernmotorshonda.net Power Yoga. Opened in 2011, the hundreds of brands, including Old Savannah Tours has been Runner-up: J.C. Lewis Ford studio practices Baptiste Yoga, a North Face, Patagonia, Vans and at it since 1979. They offer seven method that focuses on physical Carhartt. halfmoonoutfitters.com different tours, as well as private VETERINARIAN yoga, meditation and self-inquiry. Runner-up: Fleet Feet Sports excursions. The locally owned For Carla Case-McCorvey, pets Most classes are heated to 90 Savannah company strives to hire guides really are family. In 1909, her degrees so prepare to sweat it out. who were raised in Savannah, great-grandfather opened Case savannahpoweryoga.com STATIONERY and residents get to ride for free. Veterinary Hospital, making it, Runner-up: Savannah Yoga Barre The art of the handwritten note is oldsavannahtours.com according to the Cases, the only alive and beautiful at La Paperie, Runner-up: Old Town Trolley Tours one in the world with four direct

168 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM CREATIVE GEOFF L. JOHNSON SPARK There must be something in the air, because our city is home to hundreds of working artists—designers, dancers, painters, sculptors, singers and songwriters, among them.

Nikko Raptoulis, singer-songwriter around a single mic. The church is acoustically emerging local and regional artists while continually “Writing music in Savannah can vary pure and doesn’t need much in the way of produc- acquiring works by more established local artists wildly depending on what you’re aiming for. tion. Instruments and voices are just as they were including Katherine Sandoz, Tobia Makover, Betsy For watching locals interact, Forsyth is the meant to sound—naturally amplified. Whether Cain, Marcus Kenney, Troy Wandzel, Will Penny, spot. To see tourists and how they maneuver it’s classical music at Savannah Music Festival or Liz Winnel and Michael Porten.” the city, either Ellis Square or along the river. one of our rock shows at Savannah Stopover or a If I want quiet, I’ll walk to an isolated square. one-mic Sanctuary show, this is my favorite place Jenny Woodruff, education director, To be inspired by something peaceful, I drag to really listen to music in Savannah.” Savannah Music Festival my notebook out to Tybee. I have a song titled “If Savannah had a theme song, I’d pick ‘Blue ‘If Not for You’ that I wrote after meeting a Chad Darnell, award-winning screenwriter, Motel Room’ by Joni Mitchell (from Hejira). It homeless couple in Forsyth. The girl didn’t producer, actor, director and casting evokes a dreamy, rainy, melancholy summer speak much; the guy did most of the talking. I director Savannah evening perfectly—probably because distinctly remember him saying ‘If not for her’ “After living in Los Angeles for 16 years, I’m she wrote it in Savannah.” a good number of times to explain why he was so happy to be able to walk everywhere! I love still alive. So I used it. I wrote my song ‘City of that my gym, my favorite restaurants and coffee Tobia Makover, fine art photographer and Ghosts’ on a long walk, stopping at random shops are just blocks away from my new home. mixed-media artist different places to try and see the city from a And even when I don’t want to walk, I can hop on “Savannah’s creative community is incredibly different angle. I wrote the opening line right my little Ruckus and be anywhere in minutes.” supportive. I’ve been a part of it for more than outside the gates of Colonial Cemetery: ‘I live in 20 years and can firmly say that the artists and a City of Ghosts, where the dead still hold more Lori Judge, owner, Judge Realty, and avid art lovers are like family to me. They’ve seen my sway than the living.’” (photo, above) art collector transition from student to professional to wife, “Savannah boasts such a diverse mix of mother and artist. Some members have been Kayne Lanahan, founder and CEO, artists and creatives that work in a wide variety of subjects in my work, while others have become Savannah Stopover Music Festival mediums. Because of this, a collector enjoys the permanent collectors. One of the best parts “I love the concerts at Trinity United challenge of curating, growing and editing his or her about living in a creative community is how they Methodist Church on Telfair Square. Their Trinity collection’s character. The base of Judge Realty’s infuse themselves seamlessly into your life—and Sanctuary Concerts are always must-attend permanent collection balances new works from sometimes, even your work.” events highlighting primarily local talent, often (Continued on page 222)

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Looking for makers of music, mussels (muscles) or ACTIVIST own personal favorite is a Fernet merriment? Our savvy readers are in the know with Working with the Chatham- Branca. paccisavannah.com Savannah Citizen Advocacy for Runner-up: Samantha Hutcheson, the people and organizations you need to meet. 30 years, executive director Buffalo Wild Wings, Pooler Tom Kohler is one of this city’s strongest voices. A Savannah CATERER native, he has assisted people with Joshua Thomas surprises clients COLUMNIST/BLOGGER disabilities since he was 15, and is by going beyond their expec- Tom Barton also a big believer in “authenticity, tations with his unique cuisine, accessibility and sustainability.” self-described as a “very classical savannahcitizenadvocacy.org French technique, mixed with a Runner-up: The Stone Stairs of Death Lowcountry approach.” That’s just one reason why his JThomas ARTIST Catering and Events is this city’s You can’t miss the work of Scott resident catering company. Stanton, aka Panhandle Slim. He’s jthomascateringsavannah.com represented by Roots Up Gallery, Runner-up: Susan Mason Catering yet his bright, tongue-in-cheek art, often with political messages, is CHARITY EVENT most prominent on walls outside of Splendid food and cocktails, silent coffee shops, bars and abandoned and live auctions and world-class buildings throughout the city (for art makes the Telfair Ball and more, see page 38). Bash one of the most anticipated rootsupgallery.com parties on the social calendar. Runner-up: Lori Keith Robinson The charity event is the Telfair Museum’s most important fund- BAND raiser, with proceeds benefiting For the past five years, the exhibitions, educational programs Accomplices Band has been and acquisitions. telfair.org putting a big smile on the face of Runner-up: Next Generation’s BBQ, Savannah. The four-piece folk/ Brews and Bluegrass rock/string band (Matt Eckstine, Colleen Heine, Zach Smith and Stan CHEF Ray) plays all over town, and locals It’s fitting that The Grey sits in love to catch them at the annual an old Greyhound bus terminal, Homegrown Holiday Hoedown. because the dishes created theaccomplicesband.com by executive chef and partner Runner-up: Velvet Caravan Mashama Bailey take you to another place. She’s been a local BARTENDER hero since the restaurant opened Sidney Lance has been behind the in 2014, bringing her own flavor to Pacci bar since it opened in 2014, the traditional cooking she learned whipping up craft cocktails with from her Georgian grandmother. fresh ingredients and entertaining thegreyrestaurant.com customers. He’s a big fan of smoky Runner-up: Chris Nelson, Five Oaks Taproom at Hotel Indigo

IZZY HUDGINS drinks made with Mezcal, and his

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COFFEEHOUSE joyful parties. The southwest corner of savannahmusicfestival.org Runner-up: Savannah Stopover BEST GROUP TO VOLUNTEER FOR Broughton and Whitaker feels Humane Society for Greater Savannah extra busy and that’s due, Music Festival predominantly, to the crowds that congregate at The Coffee Fox, GROUP TO where owner Jennifer Jenkins is VOLUNTEER FOR proving to be the barista Betty of Bettering the lives of animals Savannah. thecoffeefox.com (and people!) including dogs, Runner-up: Foxy Loxy Café cats and even guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets, the Humane Society COLUMNIST/BLOGGER for Greater Savannah cares for Tom Barton wields words thousands of animals. Annual with both compassion and fundraising and awareness events straight-forward common sense. include a Pup Crawl (Oct. 6) and As the Savannah Morning News’ a Dog Lovers’ Walk (Nov. 12). conscience, he’s not afraid to humanesocietysav.org question conventional wisdom or Runner-up: One Love Animal Rescue turn toward the personal to make a point. That’s why readers consis- LAWYER tently turn to his editorial page— Savannah native David Eichholz, and return him to this coveted managing partner of the Eichholz spot. savannahnow.com Law Firm, is dedicated to serving Runner-up: Bill Dawers the community with a primary focus on personal injury litigation, COMPANY TO WORK FOR fighting for those who have been When it comes to aerospace hurt through no fault of their own. and jet aviation, Gulfstream thejusticelawyer.com Aerospace Corporation shoots for Runner-up: Danny Falligant/Bouhan the stars. Clearly, the same can be Falligant LLP said for its corporate environment, which tops our list of best places to MASSAGE THERAPIST

work. gulfstream.com Whether post-operative pain or ANGELA HOPPER Runner-up: Southern Motors Honda it’s just been one of those days, Savannahians turn to Hope Lyon, MUSEUM/HOUSE PARTY/EVENT PLANNER FESTIVAL LMT, MMP, and her Ahh, There’s MUSEUM For the fifth year in a row,Sebrell For two weeks every spring, city Hope services. With 20-plus years It’s easy to while the day away at Smith Designer Events has been parks, squares, bars and concert of experience, Lyon specializes in any of Telfair Museums’ stunning named Savannah’s go-to event halls overflow with some of the lymphatic drainage therapy, hot spaces. The Telfair Academy and planner. Indeed, Sebrell knows how best live music in the country stone sinus treatments and Electro the Owens-Thomas House are to throw a party, from destination (Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Therapeutic Point Stimulation. incredible pieces of history, while weddings (her bread and butter) Bela Fleck, Emmylou Harris, Derek hopelyonmassage.com the Jepson Center is a modern to grand bashes and small-scale Trucks, to name a few), making Runner-up: Trina Pinkney, Balancing masterpiece devoted to contempo- celebrations. sebrellsmith.com the Savannah Music Festival Touch Therapeutic Massage rary art. telfair.org Runner-up: Posh Petals and Pearls Georgia’s largest musical arts Runner-up: The Mercer Williams event—and one of the year’s most House Museum

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PERSONAL TRAINER for knowledge, a commitment to Drew Edmonds has been a personal integrity and a deepened personal trainer since his days social consciousness.” SEAMSTRESS at Georgia Southern University, saintschool.com Cate Lyon where he met his wife and busi- Runner-up: Hancock Day School ness partner Shazi (also a trainer). Today, their five Train Me 24/7 PUBLIC GOLF COURSE studios help Savannah get and stay Designed by Donald Ross in 1926, in shape with boot camps, nutrition the Bacon Park Golf Course has coaching and in-gym and at-home been a favorite public course training sessions. trainme247.com ever since. Owned by the City of Runner-up: Gail Ewaldsen, Islands Savannah, the 71 Par course, with YMCA more than 6,400 yards, offers affordable daily rates starting at $14 PHOTOGRAPHER for nine holes. baconparkgolf.com Wife-and-husband team Jade Runner-up: The Westin Savannah and Matthew McCully of Jade Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and Matthew Take Pictures do whatever it takes to capture those PUBLIC PARK/GARDEN unscripted moments. They have Set on 30 acres of land, Forsyth fun with their subjects and get to Park is Savannah’s own little know them on a personal level— Central Park. Its great lawn is the the proof is in their photos. site of many a picnic, soccer game jadeandmatthew.com and concert, while the playground Runner-up: Christine Hall is considered the city’s best. The Photography fountain is an oft-photographed landmark and the Fragrant Garden PRIVATE GOLF COURSE is an oasis of scent and serenity. Founded in 1794, the Savannah Golf visithistoricsavannah.com/ Club is said to be the oldest golf club forsyth-park in America. The private, member- Runner-up: Lake Mayer owned club features a challenging Par 72 6,481-yard course, as well as PUBLIC SCHOOL a gorgeous pool, eight tennis courts An award-winning performing and two restaurants. and visual arts school, the thesavannahgolfclub.com Savannah Arts Academy was Runner-up: The Landings Club granted charter school status in 1998. Acceptance is based on an PRIVATE SCHOOL academic screening and audi- Where does your child go to tion, with students (grades 9-12) school? It’s a popular question choosing from majors that include in Savannah, and “St. Andrews” communication arts, dance, music is often the answer. The educa- (band, orchestra, piano and vocal), tional approach of St. Andrew’s theatre and visual arts. sccpss.com School (pre-K-12th grade) involves Runner-up: May Howard Elementary nurturing students with “a passion School CHRISTINE HALL

176 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM STRONG COURTESY OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE BONDS Any Savannahian worth his or her salt knows that you can’t take care of business without building friendships across all corners of the community.

Angela Beasley, owner, The Puppet People I work on my banter, sharing personal stories that Irish blood. If you choose to be part of the parade, “When you’re a performer, you really learn reflect certain songs that I sing, and I always make you can say that you played an important role in to read a city and see how the community mixes. sure I’m myself on stage. In the end, connecting generating something special for Savannah. The And let me tell you, Savannah mixes. We’ve got the with your audience develops a deeper relationship.” parade may do more for the city and local busi- blue collar with the society with the military with nesses than what some politicians can accomplish.” the students. I think we all mix so well together Lowell Kronowitz, president, Levy Jewelers because of our parks, squares and festivals—we “Savannah is a wonderful place to have Danny Britt, head football coach and athletic have more gathering places than most cities. We’re grown up and to do business. I have fond child- director, Benedictine Military School like a river of humans and we all flow together. hood memories of a festival known as Night in “I’ll never forget when we won the AA GHSA You’ve got to feel it to believe it.” (photo, above) Old Savannah, when myriad communities set up state championship game in 2014—it was the booths encircling Johnson Square. It seemed like first time Benedictine won a state championship Cecilia Tran Arango, marketing manager, the entire citizenry came out that weekend to in, at that time, its 111-year history. The game Thomas and Hutton, and cabaret singer sample the foods, drinks and wares sold by the was against Greater Atlanta Christian, a team “I find the best ways to connect with an audi- city’s Greeks, Jews, Irish, Germans and African we’d played earlier in the season and lost to. ence in Savannah are to just be genuine and know Americans. It’s easy to say that Savannah came The championship game was held in Atlanta’s your audience’s ‘why.’ It’s about understanding together and built up this community around our Georgia Dome, and we got to play in front of a what inspires them, recognizing their likes and stomachs—I wish the festival would return!” huge crowd, there were an estimated 10,000 dislikes, and finding out what’s truly important Benedictine supporters there. Our guys played a to them. Once you understand what motivates John Fogarty, committee member, truly flawless game, with the exception of a few them, you can find your commonalities and begin St. Patrick’s Day Parade turnovers early on. Wide receiver Brad Stewart to craft your message and/or your art around it. “As an Irishman in Savannah, being a part of a started the game off on fire, making a tremen- In my marketing world, I’m always focused on the smaller community than what you already belong dous catch for a touchdown. We won 45-21. integrity of the key message and ensuring there’s to is always comforting and can be supportive at We took over downtown Atlanta that night, a personal touch when creating a marketing times when needed. And history—everyone likes carrying our trophy all around. Stewart ended campaign (whether internal or external) that will hearing about where they came from. It is not up signing with Georgia Tech. Stevie Powers, our best grasp its intended audience. It’s the same uncommon to hear, “Which Fogarty do you belong quarterback, signed a baseball scholarship with when I’m on stage. I want my audience to know the to ... oh really? Let me tell you a story about your Southern Miss. And Joseph Holguin and Chance real me and not see me as just another performer. grandfather ...” Plus, it’s just cool to say you have Jackson both signed with Stetson University.” (Continued on page 222)

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RADIO STATION SUMMER CAMP BEST TOUR GUIDE Long live the radio! Whether you’re A childhood isn’t complete without Savannah Dan tuning in to listen to today’s most summer camp, and the YMCA of popular songs or the hilarious Kidd Coastal Georgia is a favorite for Kraddick Morning Show, 97.3 Kiss kids aged 5 to 13, not to mention FM is alive and well in Savannah’s their parents. Traditional camps cars. 973kissfm.com include the requisite games, songs, Runner-up: 105.3 Quality Rock FM skits and arts and crafts, while specialty camps specialize in SEAMSTRESS surfing, culinary and even Legos. Cate Lyon has designed evening ymcaofcoastalga.org gowns for Harrods of London Runner-up: Independent and dazzling creations for the Presbyterian Church Day Camp at Victoria’s Secret runway shows. Point Pleasant In 2001, Lyon moved to Savannah and opened her studio, where her TELEVISION specialty is custom gowns and PERSONALITY dresses for weddings and special Former Coastal Sunrise anchor occasions. catelyon.com for WSAV NBC, Dave Kartunen Runner-up: Alterations and Designs earned high ratings, an Emmy by Vera and quite the fan following in Savannah. wsav.com SPECIAL EVENT FACILITY Runner-up: Jody Chapin, WTOC Built in 1902 as a horse stable, the Savannah Station is now the site of TOUR GUIDE weddings and parties galore. With No matter the temperature, you gorgeous historical details and can count on Savannah Dan to 12,000 square feet of event space, wear a seersucker suit, bowtie and it’s a popular pick for locals and Panama hat. His look—as well as visitors alike. savannahstation.com his bold personality—is unmistak- Runner-up: Charles H. Morris Center able as he guides visitors through the city’s streets and squares. SPORTING EVENT savannahdan.com Every January, hockey teams from Runner-up: “Hollywood” with Old University of Georgia, Georgia Savannah Tours Tech, University of Florida and Florida State duke it out at the TELEVISION STATION annual Savannah Tire Hockey Whether readers are checking the Classic, aka the “rumble in the weather, the traffic, the scores or rink.” A Georgia school hasn’t the daily news, they voted local taken home the Thrasher Cup station WTOC as their favorite since 2012—will 2017 be our year? choice. wtoc.com savannahhockeyclassic.com Runner-up: WSAV Runner-up: Savannah Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon COURTESY OF VISIT SAVANNAH

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