Nov/Dec 2025 by Savannah Magazine

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

Make it Magical

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GIFT IDEAS Shop Local

Catering extraordinaire Susan Mason

Recipes for a

FESTIVE FEAST Sparkling

DÉCOR Holiday BITES &

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Taste

J A SON B . JA MES

CONTENTS

86 ON THE COVER Susan Mason, photographed at The Olde Pink House Photography and creative direction by Claire Barrett

THE CAVIAR DEALER Meet Jordan Peagler, owner of JFC Fine Foods, a luxury food purveyor who deals mostly in the elite and undeniably sexy world of caviar. Written by Allison Arbuthnot Sanders // Photography by Katherine Ives

HOLIDAY HAVEN History, comfort, and dazzling Christmas decor merge in this renovated Isle of Hope home. Written by Mary Cornetta // Photography by Kelli Boyd

NOSTALGIC NOEL Inspired by vintage cookbooks and childhood memories, we let the decades blur while creating a Christmas fantasy. Written by Kathryn Drury Wagner // Photography by Jason B. James Creative direction by Joshua E. White of Port Town Collective

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 210

Editor’s Letter The Afterword: Puppy’s First Christmas

BUZZ 20 23 29 35 41 45

35 Years in Ink New in 912 Calendar The Arts Old Savannah: A History Mystery Giving Back: Hooked on Kindness

STYLE 51 56 59 64 86 133

Stitched for the Spotlight Shopping: 5 Golden Things The Caviar Dealer At Home: Holiday Haven Nostalgic Noel A Holiday to Savor

TASTE 141 151 155

Good to Gather The Ritual of Drinking Santa-Approved Sips

BE WELL 159

Look Merry & Bright

SEEN 196 199 200 202 204

Chanukah at Forsyth Park Savannah Philharmonic Opening Weekend Seven Ladies Monument Dedication Beer, Guys, Cigars, Golf & Casino Savannah Voice Festival: “My Simple Wish” Savannah magazine September/October Launch Party

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 97 168 185

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

2025 Holiday Gift Guide Nonprofit Giving Guide Retirement Guide

DISCOVER THE COUNTRY DAY DIFFERENCE.

The Savannah Country Day School promises a transformative experience where students embrace a multitude of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our talented faculty combine the best in traditional and innovative education to help students reach their fullest potential while always treasuring each child’s energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. Learn more about why Niche.com ranked Savannah Country Day as the #1 Private School in Savannah by registering for a small-group open house event.

Discover The Country Day Difference at savcds.org/admissions.

The Savannah Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school, serving students from junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, in addition to its early childhood learning center for children ages six weeks to four years old.

EDITOR’S LETTER

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990

KATHERIN E IVES PHOTOG R A P HY

’TIS THE SEASON OF LIGHT: glowing bulbs on trees, candles on a menorah, flames on the yule log. And it’s the season for spending time with loved ones, partaking in years-long traditions, and forging new memories, too. If you’re looking for seasonal activities to create special moments with family and friends, check out our Calendar on page 29. It’s extra long this issue to accommodate all the winter happenings around town, from worthy charity gatherings and classics like “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” to fancy shopping opps and Southeastern favorites like Savannah Lighted Boat Parade. Writer Kiki Dy brings you a cornucopia of new local restaurants to try out in this season of getting together in “Good to Gather” on page 141. And polish the meal off with a cocktail or glass of wine at one of the festive bars profiled in Dy’s story “Santa-Approved Sips” on page 155. Now, if you want to instead cook at home for your loved ones, rest assured: We have an elegant yet attainable dinner menu planned for you by Savannah doyenne Susan Mason. This year, she is celebrating the 40th anniversary of her eponymous catering company, and she is as stylish and as delightful to work with as they come. It was a privilege to hold a photo shoot for the story on Mason — “A Holiday to Savor,” on page 133 — at The Olde Pink House. General manager Craig Jeffress and his whole team were so welcoming and gave us carte blanche to explore the circa 1771 mansion in hot pursuit of the best images. We wound up photographing in several spots around the building, and our whole crew was honored that we got to spend a day working in such a historic and intriguing place. Speaking of special places, associate editor Mary Cornetta takes us through the residence of Price and Joe Mingledorff. Their Isle of Hope home was originally built in 1864 and has been lovingly renovated. For the holidays, it has been festooned with the creative stylings of Barry Mason of Proper English Home Decor and Curated Designs. See the story on page 64 for

plenty of Christmas adornments. Even more decorating motivation will come over you — like visions of sugarplums — after you enjoy our color-saturated photo essay, “Nostalgic Noel,” on page 86. Josh White of Port Town Collective simply outdid himself, creating an ode to midcentury visions of Christmas. I love both history and mystery, so I was entranced by the work local writer Jessica Leigh Lebos has been doing researching a collection of statues that have ties to many aspects of Savannah’s past. In fact, she became so entrenched in the topic that she’s created a new podcast all about it. Read more in “A History Mystery” on page 41. This issue has so many celebrations, including our photo essay on “Chanukah at Forsyth Park” (page 196), a recap of our Savannah magazine 35th anniversary bash (page 204), and an ode to discovering the joys of our city a bit later in life (“The Real Fountain of Youth,” page 185). So here’s to a holiday season filled with cozy days, starry nights, and time spent with loved ones both near and far.

Kathryn Drury Wagner Editor in Chief

Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce, and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. To subscribe and save 70% off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049. For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com. Send pitches, ideas and feedback to editor@savannahmagazine. com. To advertise, download our media kit at savannahmagazine.com, email jane.townsend@savannah magazine.com or call 912.652.0294. 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202 Savannah, Georgia 31405; savannahmagazine.com

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Kathryn Drury Wagner Andrea Burg A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R Mary Cornetta C O P Y E D I T O R Zach Hayes C O N T R I B U T I N G D E S I G N E R Britt Scott

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

A publication of Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Savannah magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2025 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June, October and December for $25.99 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Periodical postage paid at Savannah, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 35059, Seattle, WA 98124-9783

BUZZ

35 Years in Ink

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

BUZZ

TO HONOR SAVANNAH MAGAZINE’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY, graphic recorder Inky Brittany (Brittany Curry) created a sweeping visual timeline that captured the city’s evolving culture alongside the publication’s rich history. From early archives to today’s trusted “Best of ” lists, Brittany blended nostalgia with bold imagery, using the Savannah River as a symbolic backdrop. At the launch party for the September/October issue, she brought the piece to life in real time, illustrating history amid the celebration. Read more about Inky Brittany and her process on page 207.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

Grateful for Our Community View My Listings: stacidonegan.com

2025

STACI DONEGAN Associate Broker, Seabolt Real Estate C: 912.247.2052 | O: 912.233.6609 24 East Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401 staci@stacidonegan.com | stacidonegan.com

S AVA N N A H

Taste

COU R TESY THE DOU G LA S

BUZZ

New in 912

The Douglas, a striking 16-room luxury boutique hotel, has opened at 14 E. Oglethorpe Ave. in a building erected in 1853 as a private residence. The hotel comes from Obstinate Hospitality, the team behind Charleston restaurants Wild Olive and The Obstinate Daughter, along with a collective of Lowcountry-based preservationists and designers. A second phase of The Douglas is underway next door at 18 E. Oglethorpe Ave., with work being done on six additional guest rooms and Lester’s, a full-service restaurant helmed by James Beard Award nominee Chef Jacques Larson that will serve lunch and dinner daily. That’s set to open in early 2026.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

BUZZ: NEW IN 912

New boutique alert! The Edit Plant Riverside District (400 W. River St.) offers a curated collection of vintage luxury from world-renowned fashion houses, such as Chanel handbags and Hermès scarves. You’ll also find pre-owned Swiss timepieces, as well as high-end fragrances and refined accessories.

Savannah Stocking Co.

Offering coffee drinks, ice cream, and pastries from Auspicious Baking Co., Sand Cat Coffee (602 First St., Suite A) has cut their opening ribbon on Tybee Island. It’s locally owned, has vegan-friendly options along with the other menu items, and — hallelujah — is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) has a new president and CEO, preservationist Collier Neeley. Neeley oversees operations at HSF sites on Columbia Square in Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, including the Davenport House Museum, the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, the Sheftall Building, and the Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center. Before joining HSF and relocating to Savannah, Neeley served as the executive director of Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, a nonprofit historic preservation organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Congratulations to Johno Morisano and Chef Mashama Bailey of The Grey. They have opened a sister restaurant in Paris called L’Arrêt by The Grey (36 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris, France), and we already know a few high-profile Savannahians who will be dining there. L’Arrêt aims to meld the best of American port city Southern lifestyle and cuisine with the spirit of a French bistro. Memorial Health is moving forward with its plan to build freestanding emergency rooms in Pooler and Richmond

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

COU R TESY SAVA N N A H STOCKIN G CO.

Meanwhile, Tybee Island staple The Sugar Shack has expanded with a new downtown Savannah location (230 W. Bay St.). Delight the little ones — or your inner child — with sweets such as truffles, ice cream, candy, baked goodies, and gift items.

Hill. Each facility will be staffed 24/7 by board-certified emergency physicians and nurses and will have full imaging and lab capabilities. The freestanding emergency rooms are expected to be operational in roughly 18 to 24 months from press time, planning and design permitting. Whether you crave sweet toppings like strawberries and chocolate or you prefer savory veg and cheese, Cafe Crepes Square (1504 Bull St.) has you covered with crepes served from late morning until 10 p.m. The restaurant also has coffee and mocktails. If you love the thrill of the hunt — a shopping treasure hunt, that is — you’ll be happy to hear Goodwill Southeast Georgia has opened The Vault: A Goodwill Boutique (800 Habersham St.). With curated fashions and home goods (still at affordable prices), the store is designed for a more elevated thrifting experience. It’s

the second such outlet for the organization, which found success with a similar boutique concept on St. Simons Island. A new service, Savannah Stocking Co., was created by mom, nurse, and holiday enthusiast Alex Bowles. She loves the magic and surprise of a well-stuffed stocking but knows that a lot of people (ahem, husbands!) may not have the time or skills to hunt down delights to put in stockings for Christmas morning. Shoppers take a quick quiz about their loved one on Savannah Stocking Co.’s website, pick a package based on budget (including deluxe options), and Bowles handles the rest, sending a personalized selection of stocking stuffers you can deploy. Bowles is sourcing from many small, locally owned businesses. Since it is the first year of her business, she is staying dedicated to women’s stockings for now but hopes to soon expand her offerings.

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2025. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2025

Ciarán McGuigan, founder and CEO of The Malin and a SCAD alum

Hospitality-driven workspace The Malin has opened its first Georgia location in Savannah (119 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), spanning 10,000 square feet across two stories. The Malin Savannah features seven private offices, 30 dedicated desks, three meeting rooms, 12 phone booths, and a library, offering infrastructure to support academic, business, and professional groups. Members will also have access to two kitchens as well as communal areas designed to foster conversation and collaboration. Additionally, The Malin Savannah will partner with local businesses including Origin Coffee, The Hale Tea Co., and Unforgettable Bakery, and it will host monthly wine hours with selections curated by Provisions.

clothing, furniture, housewares, and more, with all proceeds benefiting The Living Vine’s programs. The Living Vine is a maternity home that provides housing, meals, and life skills training for mothers and their children.

The new Georgetown location of Blessingdales (821 King George Blvd.) joins the current Blessingdales store, located at 6 Television Circle. The nonprofit thrift stores offer gently used

Coffee’s also brewing at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts. The Lucas Café & Pâtisserie will soon open in the theater’s lobby, offering sweet treats, sandwiches, salads, coffee, and specialty drinks.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Offering fresh-baked pastries, baguette sandwiches, cakes, and coffee drinks with tasty flavors like Cookie Butter Macchiato, Paris Baguette Bakery Café has opened its first location in Savannah (24 E. Broughton St.). The brand has 250 locations across 26 states and has been expanding into Georgia. This location is owned by Wei Zhu, who has made a name for himself with restaurants on Hilton Head Island.

Tide and Branch Psychiatry (37 W. Fairmont Ave., Suite 317) aims to address the paucity of mental health providers in Savannah. The founders are Paige Marnell, M.D., and Calysta Tilley, PA-C, CAQ-Psych. Marnell says, “So many people need help but cannot get it due to lack of private practice psychiatrists or difficulty finding someone who takes their insurance. We wanted to help fill in this gap.” The practice is now accepting new patients. At its Whitemarsh Island location, Auspicious Bakery Co.’s Bread & Butter (104 Bryan Woods Road) is blossoming past brunch into offering After Hours service on Friday nights until 8 p.m. So roll on in for beer, cocktails, and small plates such as focaccia or marinated olives and feta. Also, a word to the wise: Keep an eye on their social media, because special events like pasta dinners pop up, and we hate to miss a good meal opp!

COU R TESY THE MA LIN

BUZZ: NEW IN 912

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BUZZ: CALENDAR

NOV. 14

Retail shop Proper English will host its annual Holiday Soirée, with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a storewide sale to kick off the festive season, from 5–8 p.m. The event is open to the public, so bring a friend and browse the multiple fully decorated Christmas trees, ornaments, centerpieces, garlands, seasonal picks, and gift options.

Shop local at The Landings Art Association’s Holiday Market, where dozens of artists will showcase a variety of handcrafted gifts, including jewelry, paintings, woodworking, ceramics, and more, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the Palmetto Ballroom.

NOV. 7 The 25th Annual Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame will honor William (“Bill”) T. Daniel Jr., principal of Lassiter Investments and retired VP and general counsel of Vaden Automotive, alongside Benny H. Curl, chairman emeritus of Byrd Cookie Co., for their impact on Coastal Georgia’s civic and economic vitality. The black-tie gala, which will be held 6–9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, will feature a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and induction ceremony.

NOV. 7–8 The annual Pop Up Party returns to Cohen’s Retreat with live music, local vendors, and delicious food in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Stop by 5–9 p.m. Friday or 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday to kick off the season with Savannah style.

COU R TESY PROPER EN G LIS H

NOV. 6

Holiday Soirée at Proper English

NOV. 12

NOV. 13

Coastal Heritage Society will celebrate the grand opening of their first indoor expansion of Savannah Children’s Museum with the upcoming debut of “Numbers in Nature.” This addition marks a new chapter for the museum and will offer year-round educational enrichment for families across the region.

Offering a selection of culturally rich, adventurepacked, and inspirational movies, Mountainfilm on Tour – Savannah is returning. The festival will be held at Service Brewing Co. with food trucks and Service beer available for a 6 p.m. social hour, followed by a 7 p.m. showtime. Tickets are $25; veterans get in free.

Then join The Fancy Pheasant from 5–8 p.m. for Shopping, Sips, and Santa, an exclusive holiday party featuring local vendors like Anna Giles Art, Salacia Salts, Syd Nichole Fashion and Flowers, Lalka Beauty, Goldie Links, Morgan Rae Boutique, and more. Enjoy festive cocktails, live music, and a raffle while getting a head start on your holiday shopping and supporting a great cause. Tickets are $30 and benefit Tharros Place.

NOV. 13–14 Join the Women of St. John’s Church for two days of Southern hospitality at one of Savannah’s longest-running traditions, the St. John’s Holly Days Bazaar. Enjoy lunch at the historic GreenMeldrim House, shop local vendors and secondhand treasures, and bid on silent auction items — all while supporting local charities like P.A.C.K. and The Living Vine.

NOV. 15 Friends of Disabled Adults and Children will host its annual Run, Walk ‘n’ Roll fundraiser at Lake Mayer Park. The event honors veterans and raises funds to expand access to home medical equipment in our region. The family-friendly event will feature local food vendors, activities, and opportunities to support FODAC’s mission. Looking to add a unique and personal touch to the Thanksgiving table? Join John Davis Florist for a Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop. Bring your creativity and holiday cheer to create a beautiful piece for your tablescape. Admission is $135 and covers all supplies, including refreshments. The Savannah Southern Half Marathon will make its debut at 7 a.m. with participants winding from Forsyth Park through historic downtown Savannah, through Grayson Stadium, and finishing at Daffin Park.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

BUZZ: CALENDAR

NOV. 20– DEC. 31

The Fifth Avenue Club’s Holiday Market hosted by Hotel Bardo

Savannah’s Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District features a Europeanstyle outdoor market. Among Savannah’s merriest traditions, the Christmas Market offers live holiday music, seasonal food specials, and holiday market vendors along Savannah’s western waterfront.

The SEC Volleyball Tournament comes to Savannah — the first of a three-year run. The 15-match tournament, featuring top women’s collegiate teams, culminates with the championship at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Enmarket Arena.

NOV. 23 “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” brings its signature holiday magic to the Johnny Mercer Theatre. Expect stunning visuals, timeless classics, and fresh Christmas favorites in a performance that captures the spirit of the season.

NOV. 29, DEC. 7 & 15 Step into the season with the Fifth Avenue Club’s Holiday Market hosted by Hotel Bardo. Browse curated holiday gifts and pieces selected to bring the

A N DREW FRA ZIER

NOV. 21–25

Saks experience down south. Reserve your free ticket to attend. The event begins at 3 p.m. all three days.

NOV. 29 Enjoy a dazzling night of lights and holiday cheer on the Savannah River. The annual Savannah Lighted Boat Parade (7–9 p.m.) features more than 40 boats adorned with garland and twinkle lights.

DEC. 1–24 Hop on for Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour. Enjoy a two-hour ride featuring caroling, tales of holiday traditions, and winter cocktails.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

DEC. 2–24 “A Christmas Tradition” returns to the Savannah Theatre. This two-hour production is a familyfriendly way to count down to Christmas. Showtimes begin at 8 p.m. Standard and premium tickets are available.

DEC. 4 Head to Whitaker Street for the season’s can’t-miss shopping experience. The Downtown Design District Holiday Walk invites you to explore local boutiques with extended hours (5–8 p.m.), connect with the community, and savor complimentary holiday treats along the way.

For The Olde Pink House Holiday Celebration, the iconic mansion will be beautifully decorated and open for guests to explore all 13 dining rooms. Enjoy signature cuisine, classic beverages, and live music in the Grand Ballroom and Planters Tavern — all in support of the Habersham Pink House Scholarship Fund. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire will host its annual Wine & Fries event from 6–9 p.m. This festive evening at the House offers a delightful pairing of McDonald’s famous fries with a selection of wines, champagnes, and bourbons, complemented by a silent auction and the chance to win the “Wall of Wine.”

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BUZZ: CALENDAR

DEC. 5–6 In addition to festive shopping and dining experiences, the kickoff to Celebrate the Season in City Market offers familyfriendly activities, live entertainment, art displays, and beautifully decorated courtyards. All events are free and open to the public.

Spruce up your front door with the Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy. For $45 ($40 for Historic Savannah Foundation members), you’ll get a wreath and a variety of natural and decorative trimmings to choose from. The event runs from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Runners (and walkers), lace up your shoes and join the “South’s Toughest Bridge Run.” For the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run, cross the Talmadge Memorial Bridge one, two, or three times with the 5k, 10k, or the 15k “double pump.” All participants receive a medal, and creative costumes will be rewarded.

DEC. 6, 13, 20 Explore African culture and shop handmade art, clothing, and gifts from BIPOC vendors at the Savannah African Art Museum’s 5th Annual Kwanzaa Marketplace 11 a.m.–5 p.m. in the museum courtyard.

Celebrate the Season in City Market

DEC. 8

DEC. 12–13

DEC. 26–28

Get into the festive holiday spirit with the harmonies, choreography, and soul of “A Motown Christmas.” The show, which puts an R&B twist on Yuletide carols with classic tunes from stars like Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder, starts at 7 p.m. at Johnny Mercer Theatre.

Savannah’s Waterfront Dance and Musical Performances is a two-day event packed with lively performances and music. Events are free and open to the public. Then, enjoy the 33rd Annual Lighted Christmas Street Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 13. Starting on the west end of River Street at Plant Riverside District, the parade will feature floats, trolleys, walking groups, and more.

Step into the past with Christmas in Wartime Savannah: 1859–1866 and see how the holidays were celebrated in the city during the Civil War. With music, dancing, and ghost stories, this hour-long event at the Green-Meldrim House at Madison Square encapsulates all of Savannah’s Southern charm. Showtimes and prices vary.

DEC. 9 The Savannah VOICE Festival’s “Songs of Silver and Snow” promises an enchanting evening of festive music, holiday sweets, and fine wine at 6:30 p.m. in the historic Green-Meldrim House.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

DEC. 13 The Savannah Wine Cellar hosts its annual Holiday Showcase. From 4–6 p.m., guests can sample 20 wines from around the world and enjoy the Wine Cellar’s special holiday curation.

DEC. 31 The Savannah Waterfront is the place to be for New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a night of live music, dancing, special menus, and a fireworks show as you ring in 2026.

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BUZZ: ARTS

ART

“The Banquet,” held at Ology Gallery, is an annual offering of ceramics designed for the holiday table. This year’s theme, “Winter’s Feast,” promises to be enchanting. Guests will find an enticing array of handcrafted pieces, from elegant platters to whimsical serving bowls, all fully functional and with 100% food-safe glazes. Also on display, sculptural portrait reliefs by ceramic artist Kyle Brown capture the intricate details of characters from winter tales. The exhibit has an opening reception Nov. 22 and will be on view until Dec. 20.

Keeping the pulse on our area’s creative community

It’s the 40th Anniversary of The Beach Institute and King-Tisdell Cottage, a cornerstone of AfricanAmerican history, art, and culture in Savannah. The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation is entering a new era and has welcomed a new executive director, Darnise Martin, Ph.D., who is a nationally respected scholar, educator, and cultural leader. In honor of the 40th milestone, the group is holding a two-day celebration spotlighting Gullah-Geechee culture, local artistry, and jazz, including an evening event — Arts, Oysters & Jazz — on Nov. 14. Find tickets at givebutter.com/KTCF40.

Some of the pieces in 2024’s “The Banquet”

CO U R T ES Y OL OG Y G A LL ERY

Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center’s latest show, “Double Vision,” has an opening reception from 6–8 p.m. on Dec. 5. The exhibit celebrates the dual roles of artistorganizers, curators, and educators who not only create compelling work but also build and sustain spaces for others to shine, highlighting the personal artistic practices of those who help shape the cultural landscape of Savannah. The show runs through Jan. 24, 2026. It’s a busy season over at Johnny Mercer Theatre, which will present “Hadestown,” the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, on Nov. 11. On Nov. 22, comedian Aziz Ansari brings his “Hypothetical Tour” to town. The South Carolina Ballet performs the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 29. And if you love the classic boardgame, check out “Clue: Live on Stage,” which will have you wondering if it was indeed Mrs. Peacock in the study with the candlestick (Dec. 10).

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

BUZZ: ARTS

Unvarnished Theater Company presents its latest production, the one-act play “Body Awareness.” Written by Annie Baker, the comedy originally debuted offBroadway in 2008. “Body Awareness” is “very realistic and naturalistic and explores relationships,” says Jennefer Morris-Lough, Unvarnished Theater Company’s co-founder and managing director. The Savannah-based troupe was formed in 2019 by Morris-Lough and Meg Kelly Schroeder, with the premiere of Will Eno’s “The Realistic Joneses.” Since that sold-out debut, Unvarnished has emerged as a nonprofit theater company committed to creating challenging and unique work. The new production “falls under the umbrella of what we like to explore,” says Morris-Lough. “Plays that are a little off-center. Plays that ask questions and may not necessarily answer them.” The cast is largely made up of people connected with the Savannah College of Art and Design — professors, former professors, and a student — and the play is directed by Christopher Shaw, also a SCAD professor. Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 6–9 and Nov. 13–16 at Studio 39 (744 E. 39th St.).

ARTS Southeast presents “Off the Wall,” an annual exhibition of affordable small works by emerging and established ARTS Southeast supporters. It gives art lovers the opportunity to gift or collect works, including photography, ceramics, painting, printmaking, collage, and more, with subjects ranging from abstraction and play to introspection and the natural world. Art can be taken off the wall at the time of purchase, so the exhibit evolves over time. Originally a tradition established for holiday gifting, the show runs longer than ever this year and will be on display through Jan. 17. Note, though, that the gallery (2301 Bull St.) will be closed Dec. 13–Jan. 7, so be sure to pick up any holiday presents by Dec. 12.

“Flow,” by local artist (and Knack Studio founder) Kirby Waller

COU R TESY A R TS SOU THEA ST

Here’s One to Watch

Location Gallery (251 Bull St.) is another great venue to check out for holiday shopping. It opens a new exhibit, “6 x 6 by 20,” debuting 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14. The show features 20 artists who have each made six 6-by-6-inch works for a total of 120 gift-giving choices. And in the spirit of giving back, gallery profits from the show are donated to Safe Shelter.

Savannah Children’s Theatre (SCT) presents “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” on Dec. 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21 at Savannah State University’s Kennedy Fine Arts Building (3219 College St.). SCT has been fund-raising to purchase a permanent home, and at press time, it was close to meeting its goal to purchase the former Star Castle property on Mall Boulevard with the vision to transform it into a vibrant performing arts center for children and families. On Dec. 5 and 6, SCAD’s show-stopping “Holiday Spectacular” returns for another year of carols and good cheer at The Lucas Theatre. Join the SCAD Bee Sharps, the university’s elite performance ensemble, and Broadway special guest stars for an evening of holiday songs and festivities. Guests will enter a winter wonderland to enjoy old and new holiday favorites directed by Tony Awardnominated producer, actor, and SCAD artistic director of executive ensembles Mike Evariste. The 4th annual Tybee Post Music Fest on Tybee Island features three days of bands Nov. 7–9. The festival is a fundraiser for Tybee Post Theater (10 Van Horne Ave.), and each day kicks off with a two-hour lawn party in front of the theater with a food truck, games, and music before the main musical acts perform inside the theater. This year’s bands include Detroit soul legends Chairmen of the Board (Nov. 7); Futurebirds, a rock band that hails from Athens (Nov. 8); and on Nov. 9, Sounds of Georgia, a revue that features music from around the state, including tunes by Little Richard, Travis Tritt, and R.E.M. Looking for an excuse for a weekend away? The EMMA Concert Association announced its 47th season of music and dance, with all events taking place at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. It includes The Gainesville Orchestra Holiday Pops (Dec. 16); Neil Berg’s “The 70s: Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll” (Jan. 17); South Carolina Ballet’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Jan. 24); The Jacksonville Symphony performing “The Music of John Williams” (March 8); and on April 25, the Chicago Tap Theatre.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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A History Mystery A Savannah writer’s new podcast tracks an intriguing real-life art mystery through space and time. Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS Photography courtesy SAVANNAH SIDEWAYS

IN EARLY 2020, right at the beginning of lockdown, Savannah writer Jessica Leigh Lebos received an email from a friend. “It contained a news story about how the City of Savannah had voted to sell off some Roman statuary,” says Lebos, who among her other endeavors pens a Substack called “Savannah Sideways” and has authored a book of the same title. Her friend had written, simply, “You should look into this.” It was just a brief clip, but Lebos’ reporter senses began tingling. Over the past five years, Lebos dove down enough rabbit holes to make even Alice dizzy, and what she found was an incredible story of a Gilded Age robber baron so full of intrigue, twists, and turns that she decided to create a 10-episode podcast: Season 1 of the “Savannah Sideways” audio story. “The statues themselves have led to so many different aspects, not just of history, but of society and culture,” says Lebos. “How did people become that wealthy in those times? There’s an exploration of that and all these different touch points — everything from soybeans to Casimir Pulaski to Sapelo Island to James Brown.” While the podcast explores all the way back to Greenwich Plantation in the 1700s, the story of how the ancient

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

BUZZ: OLD SAVANNAH

Jessica Leigh Lebos

Roman statuary (a group of statues regarded collectively) came to Savannah began in the late 1800s with a Canadian businessman named Spencer Proudfoot Shotter. Shotter, who ran in social circles with the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Carnegies, had made his fortune in the pine forests of Georgia by producing turpentine (important in shipbuilding, as it helped make ships watertight and preserved their hemp rigging) out of pine sap. He established the American Naval Stores Co., based in Savannah. With the hundreds of jobs he provided, Savannah was able to rise from its post-Civil War depression and cement its role as a major port city. In 1898, Shotter built Greenwich Place along a bend in the Wilmington River, accessed by a mile-long, tree-lined driveway to the left of the entrance of Bonaventure Cemetery. The opulent, three-story, 40-room Beaux-Arts mansion was referred to as “Savannah’s Biltmore” and became known as one of the most spectacular and luxurious Gilded Age mansions in the South. It had extensive English gardens, double colonnades, and 28 columns (each more than 20 feet tall and measuring 28 inches in diameter), and it was filled with priceless art. Eleven years later, in 1909, Shotter was jailed after an antitrust lawsuit, though the judgment against him was later reversed. This did not stop him from traveling to Rome in 1912. He returned to Savannah that July — along with several pieces of marble statuary. The incredible collection included two 7-foot-long sphinxes from 300 B.C.E.; statues of Janus, the Roman god of transitions, beginnings, and endings; herms (ancient Greek and Roman sculptures that consisted of a head and sometimes a torso atop a stone pillar) believed to be from Pompeii; and Roman portrait busts dating from around the first to third century B.C.E. A few years later, Shotter had to liquidate his assets in order to pay his lawyers. Greenwich Place, along with its indoor and outdoor art collections, was sold to Dr. Henry Norton Torrey, a brain surgeon from Detroit. The Torrey family made great use of

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

their splendid home, hosting balls and even inviting Hollywood to use it for movie sets. In the 1920s film “Stolen Moments,” we see stars Rudolph Valentino and Marguerite Namara moving among the statuary in the garden. That family’s stay lasted just six years, because at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 27, 1923, an electrical fire began in the home’s second-floor sewing room. The magnificent estate burned to the ground, the art deco fountain now the only marker of where it once stood. The Torreys made it out safely and lived aboard their 100-foot yacht until they received the insurance settlement, which they used to buy Ossabaw Island. (As Lebos explores further in the podcast, “If you had any kind of money at the time, you bought a barrier island off the coast of Georgia.”) The family’s 10-year-old daughter, Eleanor “Sandy” Torrey-West, would later transform the island into the artists’ retreat and ecological sanctuary that it is today. And what became of the statuary? In 1937, the City of Savannah purchased the ruins of Greenwich Place for $75,000 in order to expand Bonaventure Cemetery. The statues (minus the sphinxes, which were nowhere to be found — a mystery Lebos follows to its end in the podcast) were boxed up and kept in a cemetery warehouse until 1965, when the city turned the collection over to the Telfair Academy. Some of the more well-kept pieces, including a bust of the Roman Emperor Trajan and two Janus statues from the first century B.C.E, have become part of the museum’s rotating exhibits. But lack of space forced the Telfair to return nine pieces to the city in 1988. Aaron Appraisal Services in Atlanta calculated the replacement values of the statuary at $395,000 in 2012, and in 2020, with the lack of revenue associated with the pandemic, the city voted to sell the rare pieces ( just those in storage — not those at the Telfair). Where will they end up? It remains a mystery … one Lebos is hoping will be wrapped up by Episode 10. Tune in to episodes of the “Savannah Sideways” podcast to follow along with Lebos’ quest.

J A DE MC C U L LY

The art deco fountain of Greenwich Place is now part of Bonaventure Cemetery.

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BUZZ: GIVING BACK

Hooked on Kindness This Wilmington Island resident makes sure kids in need stay warm in cold weather. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER Photographed by TOM SANDERS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

BUZZ: GIVING BACK

ONE THOUSAND is a nice round number. And for Georgia Welcome, it’s her goal. As of December 2024, she had made and donated a total of 770 hats and winter headbands to the Canady’s Coats for Kids campaign. In 2025, she’s already created 215 more, aiming to hit the 230 mark by this December for a grand total of 1,000 donated toppers. “It’s crocheting,” she corrects me when I ask her about knitting. She jokes, “Knitting takes two needles, and I’m not coordinated enough.” A mother of two daughters and a grandmother to one, Welcome is retired from the Air Force and has lived on Wilmington Island for seven years. She first picked up a crochet hook at age 12. “I grew up in Nebraska, and the winters were brutal,” she says. A cozy indoor activity like crocheting was just the ticket to help pass the wind-whipped, snowy months. Decades later, she was feeling restless during the early days of the pandemic and happened to see a commercial about Canady’s Coats for Kids, a campaign run annually by Canady’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, now in its sixth year. The company partners with the United Way of the Coastal Empire to collect donations of new, unused coats for children from infancy to age 17. The United Way then distributes the coats to children in need in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties. Welcome was inspired to help, so she found a crochet hat pattern and started crafting. Next thing she knew, she had 100 hats. Now, if that sounds easy, it is not. It takes her about three hours to make a hat. She works while watching TV, pleasantly keeping her hands busy. That’s roughly 2,955 hours spent crocheting on this project so far. “We’re so grateful for Mrs. Welcome and all her hard work,” says Courtney Carpenter, Canady’s office manager. Carpenter notes that Welcome’s work inspired a Florida-based family to make hats, too, and they donated 50 handmade hats last year. “Mrs. Welcome would love to receive donations of any new, unused yarn,” she adds. This year’s Canady’s Coats for Kids campaign kicks off Dec. 1. In addition to United Way of the Coastal Empire’s

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

“Everyone needs at least a coat and a hat. No one should go without.” — Georgia Welcome

Yarning for More? Here are a few local options for crochet, knitting, and other fiber-art enthusiasts: Unwind Yarn and Gifts (7710 Waters Ave.) carries a variety of yarn brands, offers classes, and is devoted to helping foster the fiber arts community.

collection sites, Belk at Oglethorpe Mall, and WTOC have also partnered with the campaign and will collect coats at their locations. For more information, visit canadys.com. Savannah’s winters are milder than those in Nebraska, true. But Welcome says, “our winter may be only two to three months, but still, kids outside playing or being at school and needing to go out for recess, they need to keep warm. Everyone needs at least a coat and a hat. No one should go without.”

Owned by Diane Parham, Diane’s Knitting Studio (in City Market; 308 W. Saint Julian St., upper level studio 105) features classes and supplies, and it also offers work by Parham for sale. The Frayed Knot (125 East Broad St.) has workshops, classes, a variety of supplies — from kits to books and patterns — and more.

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LIGHT Join us for Hospice Savannah's 34th Annual TREE of LIGHT Ceremony honoring the memory of your loved ones this holiday season. Your gift helps provide Full Circle's bereavement services to our community at no charge. To have your loved one’s name published in the program, your donation must be made by November 14. Scan the QR Code to donate or call 912.629.1055.

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STYLE From left: Glenn Close’s wardrobe pieces from “Fatal Attraction,” “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” and “Dangerous Liaisons.”

Stitched for the Spotlight Telfair Museums unveils an exciting exhibition that blends Hollywood glamour, artistry, and Savannah’s own cinematic spirit. Written by MARY CORNET TA Photography by ANNA POWELL DENTON + SHANTI KNIGHT // Courtesy INDIANA UNIVERSIT Y’S ESKENAZI MUSEUM OF ART

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

STYLE

WHEN SAVANNAH RESIDENTS and visitors step into the Jepson Center this fall, they’ll be transported onto the silver screen. Not through film clips or behindthe-scenes photos, but through the very costumes worn by one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. “The Art of the Character: Highlights from the Glenn Close Costume Collection” runs through Feb. 15, 2026, and offers an unprecedented look at the craftsmanship and textile storytelling that bring film characters to life. For Savannah, a storied filming destination, the exhibition feels right at home. The Hostess City has welcomed countless productions, from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and “Forrest Gump” to, more recently, Netflix’s “Sweet Magnolias.” With its blend of cinematic history, Southern charm, and creative energy, Savannah is the perfect stage for Close’s dazzling wardrobe collection. These costumes were first exhibited at the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University (IU), where Telfair Museums’ executive director and CEO, David Brenneman, had previously served as director. It was his idea to ask IU to lend a selection to Telfair, as he knew it would also draw the attention and admiration of art enthusiasts here in Savannah. “They’re really quite amazing custom-made pieces,” Brenneman says. “It’s the reason she collected them in the first place, because they’re works of art in and of themselves.” Close has long understood the power of costume to shape a character. “What a character wears has everything to do with who that character is,” Close said in a 2017 speech to IU students and faculty. This philosophy inspired her to begin preserving her costumes in the early 1980s, rather than see them sold or destroyed. Over time, her efforts grew into an archive of more than 800 ensembles, including jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Now, more than 50 of these ensembles are on view in Savannah, representing the work of acclaimed designers such as Anthony Powell (“101 Dalmatians”), Ann Roth (“The Stepford Wives”), and James Acheson (“Dangerous Liaisons”). From elaborate period gowns to iconic villainous looks, the exhibition showcases not only

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

From top: Wardrobe pieces from “Reversal of Fortune,” “Albert Nobbs,” “The Stepford Wives,” and “The Lion in Winter.”

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Close’s career but also the incredible skill of the designers who brought these characters to life. For Dr. Elyse Gerstenecker, Telfair’s curator of Decorative Arts, the exhibit offers a fresh way to connect audiences with the museum’s mission. “It is so exciting to have this unique entry point for Telfair Museums’ visitors to engage with textiles, craftsmanship, and — with some films — interpretations of history,” she says. She encourages visitors to slow down and take in the details: the beading, the embroidery, even the subtle “mending” stitches on the costumes from “Sarah, Plain and Tall.” “I think visitors will be surprised at how deeply these costume designers think about these characters and some of the major differences between how the costumes appear in person versus on screen,” Gerstenecker adds. With Glenn Close’s name attached, the exhibit promises to attract more than just art aficionados. Movie buffs and fashion lovers alike will find plenty to marvel at, whether it’s Cruella de Vil’s unforgettable spotted ensemble or the refined Rococo dress donned by Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil. Close’s decision to preserve her costumes was not only an act of personal reflection but also a gift to future generations. “I benefited immeasurably from the hours spent in fitting rooms, at the center of collaborations between those who designed and those who built or bought,” she explained in her 2017 speech. “I have witnessed great artists at work and wanted to preserve their creations for others to learn from and admire.” Gerstenecker admires Close’s foresight in collecting and preserving her costumes: “I certainly hope her work inspires other actors to follow her lead of preservation and collaboration.” To complement the exhibit, Telfair Museums has scheduled a series of programs designed to delight audiences of all ages. Film screenings promise to bring the costumes to life on screen, including a holiday matinee of “101 Dalmatians” on Dec. 27 and a special showing of “Fatal Attraction” on Friday the 13th in February 2026. Talks, tours, and other

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Ensemble from “Dangerous Liaisons”

themed events will be held throughout the exhibition’s run to further enrich the experience. Details and schedules can be found at telfair.org. Gerstenecker hopes those who come for Close’s costumes will also explore Telfair’s other offerings. Film buffs might be excited to see still media in “A Decade of Collecting Photography: 2015–2025,” on view at the Jepson Center through Jan. 4, she said. Visitors who are intrigued by the craftsmanship of Close’s costumes and accessories might also enjoy “Craft Along the Coast,” on view at the Telfair Academy.

On Nov. 14 at noon, the Telfair will host a Lunch & Learn Gallery Talk with Mignon Charvet, noted costumer, illustrator, and textile artist. Charvet created the paper wigs used in Telfair’s presentation of the “Art of the Character” exhibition and assisted with the preparation of costumes. Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited.

STYLE: SHOPPING

Golden Things

Warm, metallic tones inspired this holiday list.

Make a statement during soirée season with Emily McCarthy’s Evie top, shown here in gold vegan leather. The top sports a mandarin-style collar, padded shoulders, cap sleeves, and a flattering elastic hem, creating a sleek, waist-defining silhouette. Monica Rich Kosann was a photographer for two decades before turning to jewelry. Her brand has become known for creating modern heirlooms, like this “Shoot For the Moon” medallion with black and white diamonds (bottom left). It’s perfect for layering. Find the brand locally at Perry Lane Hotel. Bark the herald angels sing … Asher + Rye’s Evergreen Dog Collar comes in a variety of sizes to fit various breeds and is sure to add a little class and sophistication to any pooch. Permanent jewelry continues to grow in popularity. It’s a meaningful and personal gif for your spouse, bestie, mom, or daughter. Goldie Links Savannah offers anklets, bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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The Caviar Dealer Meet Jordan Peagler, owner of JFC Fine Foods, a luxury food purveyor who deals mostly in the elite and undeniably sexy world of caviar. Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS // Photography by K ATHERINE IVES

HAVING EARNED HERSELF THE CHEEKY NICKNAME of “The Caviar Dealer,” Savannah native Jordan Peagler sells caviar and related accoutrements to stores, restaurants, and private chefs. She also works through event partnerships, bringing the luxurious delicacy to a wide range of special occasions, from music festivals to intimate private events. But her real passion isn’t in the eating; it’s in the educating. Here, Peagler shares how she landed in this exclusive business and her favorite ways to — as she says — “elevate your vices.”

On Her Passion for Roe

My career began in the music and film industry, but I quickly realized that what I truly loved was food and hospitality. That passion took me to sea, where I worked as a superyacht chef. From there, I transitioned into luxury food provisioning. Along the way, I became obsessed with sourcing ingredients that weren’t just exceptional, but also responsibly produced. Caviar, in particular, captivated me. I appreciated caviar, but I was raised on Isle of Hope, where I knew blue crab,

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

STYLE: ENTER TAINING

shrimp, oysters, and “redneck caviar,” better known as boiled peanuts. Let’s just say I entered this industry with a GED in sturgeon and came out with a doctorate. What began as “sell, sell, sell” shifted once I discovered the dark side of the industry — the lack of transparency, sustainability, and education. That’s what fueled my devotion to doing things differently.

On Her Nickname

The nickname actually started with my best friend, Annie. I was in Aspen on my inaugural “caviar ski tour.” Annie introduced me to a restaurateur friend, and she casually called me her caviar dealer, and it stuck; it’s come to define my brand. In caviar, everyone seems to have “a guy” or “a deal,” but so much of what’s out there is unregulated, unsustainable, or just plain bad, similar to the way counterfeit handbags flood the market. If I’m going to be “The Caviar Dealer,” then I’m going to be the dealer of the best while educating people on what true luxury caviar really is.

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E .C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

On How Caviar Became Synonymous with Luxury

Caviar started as a humble food in Persia but eventually became the delicacy of tsars, European royalty, and British aristocracy. By the 19th century, it was firmly established as “the king’s food,” and during America’s Gilded Age, it flowed through New York hotels and champagne bars, cementing its role as a marker of wealth and indulgence. As for the price, it comes down to rarity and responsibility. Sturgeon take years to mature, and many species are now endangered from centuries of overfishing and habitat loss. Almost all legal caviar today comes from aquaculture. But finding farms that are truly sustainable is more of a feat. It can take nearly a decade of patience, care, and expertise before roe is ready, and the malossol method of preparation requires incredible precision to preserve its purity and taste. (The malossol method is a traditional caviar curing technique that uses a low salt content to preserve the roe while enhancing its natural flavors and textures.)

On Elevating Vices Like Wine, Fashion, and Caviar

I don’t see “vice” as a flaw. To me, it’s the things we allow ourselves to savor, those luxuries that make life feel a little more elevated. Caviar is certainly a vice in that sense: rare, indulgent, not something most people eat every day. But it’s also brimming with omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals.

On the Caviar “Bump”

Merchants in the 1800s would taste caviar off the back of their hand (a “bump”) to bring the roe to its ideal temperature and judge its quality. Royalty and aristocracy adopted the ritual during the Russian Empire’s golden age of caviar production, turning it into a refined tradition. There’s science behind it; when caviar warms ever so slightly against the skin, the pearls release their full aroma and flavor. It prevents oxidation, too, since traditional silver spoons could react with the salt and alter the taste. That’s why mother-of-pearl, horn, or bone spoons became the classic tools of choice.

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STYLE: ENTER TAINING

How to Best Enjoy Caviar

Traditionally, caviar is paired with blinis, toast points, crème fraîche, hard-boiled eggs (yolks and whites separated), minced shallots or red onion, and chives. Personally, I prefer to use my homemade potato chips or latkes; they give the perfect crunch without competing with the caviar. For me, the bump will always be my favorite. It’s playful, it’s intimate, and it strips away the distractions so the caviar can shine exactly as it should.

On Types of Caviar

True caviar only comes from sturgeon. Salmon, trout, or paddlefish roe might be delicious, but that’s costume jewelry. The real gems will always be sturgeon. There are many types, and the differences all come down to the species of sturgeon. Each one has its own look, flavor, and price tag.

On Why Sustainability Matters

Sturgeon are some of the oldest fish on the planet and sadly some of the most endangered because of overfishing, poaching, and habitat loss. While nearly all legal caviar today comes from farms, not every farm operates sustainably. Unsustainable practices like pulling broodstock from the wild, cutting corners on water quality, or mislabeling species put pressure on these fish and undermine the industry. At JFC, we primarily source from farms using the no-kill harvest — or “milking” — method. With this process, the roe is gently milked from the fish directly into the tin or jar and sealed, so it’s never exposed to air until the customer opens it. By contrast, traditional kill harvest caviar is first packed into large tins and later opened and repacked into smaller jars or tins for sale. That extra step exposes the eggs to oxygen, which dramatically shortens the shelf life. The difference is huge: no-kill caviar has a fourmonth shelf life unopened and seven to 10 days once opened, compared to four to six weeks unopened and just one to two days once opened for traditional caviar. For someone new to caviar, that makes it a lot less intimidating to invest in a jar. For me, that’s what sustainability looks like — not just protecting the future of these incredible fish, but also creating a product that’s fresher and more accessible. Caviar should be indulgent, yes, but also responsible, traceable, and unforgettable.

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E .C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

“I don’t see ‘vice’ as a flaw. To me, it’s the things we allow ourselves to savor, those luxuries that make life feel a little more elevated.” — Jordan Peagler

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Holiday Haven History, comfort, and dazzling Christmas decor merge in this renovated Isle of Hope home. Written by MARY CORNETTA // Photography by KELLI BOYD

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

STYLE: AT HOME

WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS of the Skidaway River, Joe and Price Mingledorff’s home feels both historically rich and uniquely of-the-moment. Originally built in 1864 and extensively renovated in the 1920s, the residence reflects the couple’s love of old architecture, life on the water, and welcoming spaces that invite both family and friends to gather. And at Christmastime, thanks to Savannah-based decorator Barry Mason of Proper English, the space transforms into a jolly holiday hub where tradition and creativity take center stage. The home wasn’t even on the market when Price first noticed the property. “We are big boating people — my husband definitely wanted to live on the water — and I like old houses, so we married the two,” she says. This property fit the bill, so she took the initiative. “I wrote the owner a letter to see if she would sell it, and she wrote me back!” That began a three-year-long renovation and newbuild addition project (including a kitchen, great room,

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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“Price’s Parlor,” the family’s nickname for this space, is drenched in a glossy blue paint color by Benjamin Moore and adorned with feminine accents, similar to the adjacent dining room.

mudroom, laundry room, scullery, and breakfast nook) that restored the home’s beauty while giving the family everything on their wish list. Price, originally from High Point, North Carolina, was introduced to Joe through a relative in Atlanta. The couple later moved to Ardsley Park and then The Landings before settling into their Isle of Hope home with their three daughters. Joe works with Mingledorff’s Inc., a family business based in Atlanta that sells HVAC equipment. But their roots and lifestyle are firmly anchored in Savannah, where Joe’s family has long resided. Taking on a house that was more than 150 years old came with challenges. “We had to renovate, as there was a lot of damage,” Price explains. “The more we started taking it apart, the more damage we found.” Termites were detected, a 5-inch difference in flooring was discovered from one side of the house to the other, and — just as worrisome — there was not a single closet in the house. “I said, ‘That is just not going to work with three girls and me!’” Price jokes.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

STYLE: AT HOME

Wherever possible, they preserved the past. “This is all the original flooring that we put back,” she says, referring to the front of the home. Their goal was to honor the earlier iterations of the house while making it livable for a modern family. “We wanted to make sure we paid tribute to the neighborhood and history,” Price says. “We took it and elevated it.” Lifestyle was also key. “We like to entertain, and we have three kids, so we wanted it to be comfortable. We didn’t want people to walk in and feel like they were in a museum. I wanted it to feel lived in but still beautiful.” Price’s affinity for artwork gives the house a distinctive personality. “I love art, and that was something I did completely on my own,” she says. Her philosophy is to blend styles. “I like to [combine] old and new. There are the very traditional portraits of my kids, and then I mix them with funky art. I like to create a little interest.” In the den hangs a piece by Savannah-based artist Shea Slemmer, which Price purchased about 15 years ago — her first investment painting. The pink-and-yellow floral Gracie wallpaper in the dining room set the tone for the entire house. “The wallpaper was the first decision I made,” Price says. “I knew I wanted hand-painted wallpaper, and we took it and designed the whole house around it.”

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

STYLE: AT HOME

Some pieces are deeply personal. In the parlor — which the family affectionately refers to as “Price’s Parlor” — hangs a framed photo of her mother’s wedding dress that Price repurposed for her own rehearsal dinner. On nearby built-in bookshelves, a trio of angel statues remains on display yearround. “My grandmother took my mom’s debutante dress and had it made into three angels, and my mom gave them to me,” says Price. “They are very special to me.” All of this history comes alive during the holiday season. Price’s childhood memories of her mother’s exuberant Christmas trees still inspire her today. “My mom’s house is like Christmas exploded, and her trees are always wild,” she says. “So I grew up with that, and I wanted to keep the tradition.” While the kids like to tease her by calling the trees “crazy,” she said they look forward to them every year. To help crank the “craziness” up a notch last year, the Mingledorffs hired Barry Mason of Proper English in Savannah. “He’s so creative and a true artist,” says Price. “I thought I could do it, and then he [took] it to the next level.” The only parameters she provided were the rooms she wanted to have Christmas trees in and the overall aesthetic she was looking for, and he ran with it. The result? Three extravagantly decorated trees that exceeded the family’s expectations. The den featured a pampas-grass tree with natural textures that blended in with its organic aesthetic. The great room held a nostalgic red-themed tree adorned with Christopher Radko ornaments and under which lay the girls’ presents on Christmas morning. “My kids like to pick the ornaments out, and so this is really their tree,” says Price. In the dining room, a glamorous, feminine tree was embellished with pearls and palms to echo the soft charm of the space.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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STYLE: AT HOME

“We like to entertain, and we have three kids, so we wanted it to be comfortable. We didn’t want people to walk in and feel like they were in a museum. I wanted it to feel lived in but still beautiful.” — PRICE MINGLEDORFF

Mason says he enjoyed the chance to highlight each room’s personality through its tree. He “loved the masculine and natural elements of the tree in the men’s den,” while the dining room tree allowed him to play with “a more delicate use of ribbons and pearls.” In the family room, he leaned into tradition, mixing the girls’ favorite ornaments with Price’s collection of Christopher Radko pieces, along with embroidered ribbon from his shop. “Each design felt right for the particular room in which it was housed,” he says. Mason describes his process as intuitive and collaborative, noting that his designs “come together organically.” He doesn’t begin with a rigid plan, nor does he replicate past work, which he believes keeps each project feeling more authentic. Most of the decor for the Mingledorff home came from his shop, though the Mingledorffs provided the trees. In addition to festooning the trees, Mason sprinkled holiday cheer in other areas, such as the evergreen and berry garland on the mantel in the parlor, the dining room table centerpiece featuring Simon Pearce glass trees, and the Annalee Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus dolls in front of the great room’s fireplace. Festive florals adorned the bar, arranged in the silver cups of Joe’s father’s Savannah Yacht Club sailing trophies, alongside his grandmother’s horse awards.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Working with the Mingledorffs was a joy for Mason. “When you are able to combine a curated Christmas for a home with classic architecture and incredible views, both inside and out, it’s a definite recipe for success, and this project was just that,” he says. For Price, holiday traditions are about family. Although Mason decorated the three trees himself, the whimsical gingerbread house display in the butler’s pantry is a project she and the girls tackled together. They have also made a ritual out of ornament shopping, with each child

picking pieces for the trees. As for when the decor goes up and comes down? “I like it done by Dec. 1 so we can enjoy it for the month,” Price says. But come Dec. 26 — or shortly thereafter — it’s all packed up and stored neatly on the home’s third floor. It’s the blend of elegance and lived-in joy that defines the Mingledorff home — whether it’s a pool party in July or Christmas morning with wrapping paper strewn across the great room. As Price puts it, “We built this home thinking about when our kids grow up and have kids and having a space for all of them.”

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E N G E L & VÖ L K E R S S AVA N N A H 1650 East Victory Drive | Savannah | GA 31404 +1 912-238-0874 savannah.evrealestate.com ©2025 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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STYLE: AT HOME

DETAILS Neighborhood: Isle of Hope Year built: 1864 (original house) Year purchased: 2018 Timeline of renovation/ construction: 2020-2023 Number of bedrooms: 5 Number of bathrooms: 7 Square footage: 7,000 Architect: Norman D. Askins Interior designer: Webb Marsteller Builder/contractor: Esposito Construction/ Reddin Construction Landscape: Wallace Milling Kitchen design: Norman D. Askins, Distinctive Granite and Marble Bathroom design: Norman D. Askins, Low Country Shelving and Glass (shower doors) Furniture: Highland House Furniture Paint: Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge Tile/ﬂooring: Ziel’s Antique Flooring Lighting: Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Visual Comfort & Co.

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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Nostalgic

Noel

Inspired by vintage cookbooks and childhood memories, we let the decades blur while creating this Christmas fantasy. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER Photography by JASON B. JAMES Creative direction by JOSHUA E. WHITE/PORT TOWN COLLECTIVE

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Joshua E. White is the CEO and chief curator of Port Town Collective, a wedding, event production, and design firm. He tapped into Port Town Collective’s vast inventory of vintage tableware — and his legendary creativity — to get this highly layered look. An enormous, vintage mirror set against the wall at right makes the dining room appear more spacious. The moody vibes from the wall color are offset by a vibrant acrylic painting, “Don’t Fence Me In,” by local artist Kipper Millsap (borrowed from shopSCAD). The gleaming chandelier is a vintage find that White cleaned, rewired, and painted.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

Breakfast in Bed White’s Victory Heights home, originally a 1930’s bungalow jauntily expanded in the 1970s, served as the backdrop for the photoshoot. The faux red roses on the tree scream “First Lady Nancy Reagan!” (Fittingly, there’s actually a variety of rose named after her that has a mild tea fragrance.)

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Down the Chimney A sooty footprint is proof positive Santa Claus visited last night, as is the overturned Christmas tree motif drinking glass from Emily McCarthy.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

A mini village wraps around under the tree; it belonged to White’s grandmother, who was a florist. She used it in her seasonal window display.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

The Present Moment Santa brought goodies from The Magical World of Toys, Ugg boots from HalfMoon Outfitters, a Diptyque candle from Blue Mercury, and pearls from The Island Pearl by Leighton Reeves. The rocking horse was a Facebook Marketplace score.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

Dinner Is Served The saturated, detail-rich photography found in midcentury Better Homes and Gardens cookbooks provided inspiration for this photoshoot — and especially for this Christmas dinner.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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200 E. Saint Julian St. Savannah, GA 31401

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455 Sea Island Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Golden Years White set the dining table with a lavish style, including gold-rimmed wine glasses (from Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques), a sterling silver ice bucket (from Seventh Heaven Antiques), and 1970s brass crane statuettes. He crafted topiaries with Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a brand that launched in Italy in 1979.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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2 0 2 5 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

INDEX 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery ................................................. 98 American Traditions Vocal Collection .............................. 195 Asher + Rye .............................................................. 100–101 BEETTAN .......................................................................... 124 Bellamy Murphy ............................................................... 104 City Market ...................................................................... 112 Cohen’s Retreat ................................................................ 125 Courtyard Lifestyle ........................................................... 117 Downtown Design District Holiday Walk ........................ 109 The Fancy Pheasant ......................................................... 131 ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear ........................... 111 Gaston Crue Interiors ...................................................... 121 Goldie Links ..................................................................... 128 The Hale Tea Company .................................................... 130 Harper Boutique .............................................................. 120 Herb Creek Landscape Supply ........................................ 111 The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place ............. 132 Jones & Bull ..................................................................... 108 J. Parker Ladies ................................................................. 103 J. Parker Ltd. .................................................................... 103 Le Macaron French Pastries Savannah ............................ 108 Low Country Dermatology and Aesthetics ..................... 123 Madison & 5th .................................................................. 120 Marsh & Co. ..................................................................... 129 Midge Clothing & Goods ................................................. 117 Morgan Rae Boutique ...................................................... 102 Poseidon Spa ................................................................... 115 Proper English .................................................................. 112

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Punch and Judy ................................................................ 107 Red Clover Boutique ........................................................ 123 River Street Sweets ............................................................ 99 Sandfly Flower Shop ........................................................ 116 Satchel .............................................................................. 105 The Savannah Cheese Straw Company ........................... 116 Savannah Coffee Roasters ............................................... 113 Savannah Dental .............................................................. 107 Savannah Family Eyecare ................................................. 119 Savannah Magazine ................................................. 131, 132 Savannah Needlepoint ..................................................... 130 Savannah Wine Cellar ...................................................... 131 Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric & More .................................. 130 Southern Crafted ............................................................. 127

301B W. Broughton St., Upstairs | 912.658.4259 morganraeboutique.com | shopmorganrae

Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques .................................... 125 Telfair Museums ............................................................... 119 Terra Cotta ....................................................................... 115 Truckin’ Happy Hat Co. .................................................... 129

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BROUGHTON STREET | PLANT RIVERSIDE | TWELVE OAKS | BLUFFTON

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10. One Fish Two Fish: Hammiit Kyle handbag; onefishstore.com; 912.447.4600 11. Madame Chrysanthemum: Assorted Christmas ornaments; madamechrysanthemum.com; 912.238.3355 12. Jones & Bull: Vintage 1960s inlaid marquetry music box game table with hand-carved chess pieces; jonesandbull.com; 912.228.8851 13. Mercer Williams Carriage House Shop: Green lacquered bar table; mercerhouse.com; 912.236.6352 14. Custard: Betsy & Iya Fremont Bridge brass cuff bracelet; custardboutique.com; 912. 232.4733 15. Madison and 5th: Chanel Boy handbag in rabbit fur; shopmadisonand5th.com; 917.680.5964 16. Leopold’s: Super-premium pints; leopoldsicecream.com; 912.234.4442 17. Savannah Coffee Roasters: Signature assorted gift basket; savannahcoffee.com; 912.352.2994 18. Le Macaron French Pastries: True French macarons; lemacaron-us.com/savannah; 912.712.5094

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Bringing

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19. River Street Sweets: Chocolate gift box tower; riverstreetsweets.com; 912.233.6220 20. Savannah Bee Co.: Honey for Coffee; savannahbee.com; 800.955.5080 21. Spa Bleu: Gift cards; spableu-sav.com; 912.236.1490 22. Savannah Family Eyecare: Chiara II Red Gloss Pearls glasses; savannahfamilyeyecare.com; 912.235.2798 23. Telfair Museums: Signed copies of “The Art of the Character”; telfair.org; 912.790.8800 24. Midge: Ziggy sweatshirt by Perfect White Tee; shopmidge.com; 912.790.9117 25. Brims on the Bluff: The Osprey wool/fur blend hat; brimsonthebluff.com; 843.949.8126 26. Low Country Dermatology: Colorscience Sunforgettable sunscreen bundle; lcderm.com; 912.354.1018 27. J. Parker Ladies: Sancia Akela tote; jparkerltd.com; 912.349.1062

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terracottasavannah.com

SPA SERENITY ALONG SAVANNAH’S RIVERFRONT INSIDE THE JW MARRIOTT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

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SANDFLY FLOWER SHOP

402 W Broughton Street tel. or text 912.790.9117 social @shopmidge Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm Sunday 12pm to 5pm

Savannah’s most beautiful store, featuring thoughtfully curated items sure to delight everyone on your list!

406 W. Jones Street #A | Savannah, GA 31401 912.421.9070 | COURTYARDLIFESTYLE.COM

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28. Glow Med Spa: Gift certificates for facials, Botox, and more; glowsavannah.com; 912.303.9611 29. Harper: Leather bee bags; harpersavannah.com; 912.235.5172 30. Goldie Links Savannah: Bespoke handcrafted jewelry; goldielinkssav.com; 704.512.1550 31. Savannah Wine Cellar: Gamet Rive Gauche brut champagne; savannahwinecellar.com; 912.355.9463 32. Courtyard Lifestyle: Wood hand-painted and decoupaged wastepaper basket; courtyardlifestyle.com; 912.421.9070 33. Savannah Needlepoint: Canvases and threads; savannahneedlepoint.com; 912.663.3888 34. 13 Secrets: 18-karat gold bracelet with pear-shaped diamonds set in platinum prongs; 13secrets.com; 912.484.0985 35. Truckin Happy Hat Co.: Savannah skyline hat; shoptruckinhappy.com; 912.412.4045 36. Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques: Seasoning blends and holiday napkins; tapleysmercantile.com; 912.335.2610

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DR. CAROLINE FREEMAN

513 E . O G L E T H O R P E AV E . , S U I T E F

912 . 235. 2798

S A V A N N A H F A M I LY E Y E C A R E . C O M

118 Bull St. | Savannah, GA 31401 | 912 . 235 . 5172 Monday - Saturday 10:30am to 6pm | Sunday 12-4pm F O L L O W U S @ H A R P E R B O U T I Q U E | H A R P E R S AVA N N A H . C O M

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412 WHITAK ER STR EET | SAVANNAH, GA 31401 912.777.4723 | GASTONCRUE.COM | @GASTONCRUEINTER IORS

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37. Southern Crafted: Leather double-barrel bottle tote; southern-crafted.com; 510.350.6401 38. shopSCAD: “André Leon Talley: Style is Forever”; shopSCAD.com, rizzolibookstore.com; 912.525.5810 39. The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place: Mahjong tiles by Sunset; thehorseshoecrab.com; 912.920.2404 40. Terra Cotta: Sergio Tomani bootie; terracottasavannah.com; 912.236.6150 41. Levy Jewelers: Roberto Coin jewelry; levyjewelers.com; 912.233.1163 42. The Nested Fig Home: Burl Haven box; thenestedfighomesavannah.com; 864.414.7457 43. Perc Coffee: Limited edition holiday gift box; perccoffee.com 44. Morgan Rae Boutique: Rivalry Runway University of Georgia campus classic skyline denim jacket; morganraeboutique.com; 912.658.4259 45. Punch and Judy: Jelly Cat books and plush toys; punchandjudysavannah.com; 912.625.0906

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may your skin be merry & bright

$100

PURCHASE A

$300

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RECEIVE A

12 DAYS OF GIFT CARDS – DECEMBER 1 - 12

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D O N ’ T F O R G E T A B O U T O U R E L E V E N T H A N N U A L P O P U P PA RT Y AT C O H E N ’ S R E T R E AT ! Please join us Friday, November 7th from 5-9pm and Saturday, November 8th from 10am-3pm for shopping, live music, food, drinks and a great day of family fun!

5 7 1 5 S K I D A W AY R D . | S A V A N N A H , G A 3 1 4 0 6 | 9 1 2 . 3 5 5 . 3 3 3 6 | C O H E N S R E T R E AT. C O M

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46. Sandfly Flower Shop: Plants, flowers, containers, and holiday decor; sandflyflowershop.com; 912.604.6852 47. Red Clover Boutique: Checkmate colorblock sweater vest; shopredclover.com; 912.236.4053 48. Proper English: Customizable swivel glider chairs; 912.235.0141 49. The Hale Tea Co.: Savannah on My Mind gift set; haletea.com 50. Savannah Dental: Revision Skincare lip replenisher; savannah.dental; 912.355.8821 51. American Traditions Competition: Tickets to the 2026 competition; atcsavannah.org; 803.702.0305 52. shopSCAD: Paige Russell pocket square; shopSCAD.com; 912.525.5180 53. Britt’s Funky Stitch: Customizable gemstone necklaces and charms; brittsfunkystitch.com; 912.306.0706 54. ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear: Eyeglasses by Theo; forsighteye.net; 912.483.6600

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SOUTHERN CRAFTED

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A Holiday to Savor Renowned caterer and bon vivant Susan Mason shares recipes for the holiday season. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER // Photography & Creative Direction by CL AIRE BARRET T

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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SUSAN MASON SWEEPS into the Habersham Ballroom of The Olde Pink House wearing a flowing, emerald skirt, a beautifully tailored cream top, and her signature ropes of pearls, looking every inch the former model she is. While she is known around town for her enviable fashion sense, Mason is, of course, more than a style icon. This year, the company she started, Susan Mason Catering, celebrates 40 years of defining Savannah’s tastes — literally. She and her team have catered thousands of weddings, cocktail parties, corporate events, and other celebrations, serving up a signature blend of Southern and French-influenced cuisine. Mason’s relationship with The Olde Pink House runs deep. “One of my best friends [Donna Moeckel] owns the restaurant, and I have been going there for years,” she says. “I call it my office because I’m there so often.” Her daughter was married there, she celebrates all her birthdays there, and she’s close to the staff, attending their weddings and baby showers. “They even have a dish named for me — it’s a pasta dish with shrimp and tomatoes. It’s just a very special place to me.”

Location: THE OLDE PINK HOUSE (SPECIAL THANKS TO CRAIG JEFFRESS) Florals: SEBRELL SMITH, OF SEBRELL SMITH DESIGNER EVENTS AND SANDFLY FLOWER SHOP Recipes: COURTESY SUSAN MASON CATERING Hair and makeup: GENEVIEVE ROUTON 134

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

H O L I D AY R E C I P E S

it’s important to go out into the crowd Growing up in small-town Alabama, and look like you’ve got it, and that gives Mason was not a born epicure. “I ate whoever your client is confidence.” nothing but peanut butter and jelly “... it’s important to Her most-requested dishes today sandwiches,” she says. She started her go out into the crowd are still her classics: crab cakes, tomato business in 1985 when she had little money sandwiches, Parmesan cheese rounds, to her name and was in need of a fresh and look like you’ve got it ...” fried oysters. “My friend asked me, ‘Why start after her marriage ended. “I just think — SUSAN MASON do you do the same thing?’ and I said, you do whatever you have to do to survive. ‘Greg, because that is what people want.’” I really didn’t learn to cook until I had this Mason has a glamorous and agebusiness and had to earn a living.” Luckily, defying style. “I am stopped every day of my life with people she came from a long line of excellent Southern cooks, including saying, ‘Wow, I love what you have on,’” she says. “I do think style her mother and grandmother. She catered her first party, and, she is innate — that I just have an eye. I don’t spend a lot on clothes, says, “The phone started ringing. I was lucky.” but I do love to shop and have a love of clothes. My daddy, who had Since then, she’s gained loyal clients and staff, many of whom no money, had great style. He would wear white suits and spats. He have worked with her for decades, as well as national acclaim. was the best dresser in Dothan, Alabama. I think I got it from him.” She’s rubbed elbows with Paul Newman, who sent her a copy When we met up with Mason, she was about to turn 85 and was of “Cool Hand Luke”; Tom Hanks, who was “fabulous,” and headed to Paris to celebrate. She credits her vigor and longevity to Rita Wilson (“adorable”); Diane von Furstenberg, who wanted good genes, hard work, lots of social engagements, and plenty of Cornish hens served; and many other celebs. “It’s been a great wine. Still, it’s hard to believe, she says, how fast the decades go by. run,” says Mason. “I think about retiring, but I’m really not ready.” In addition to cooking, she also she learned to appear calm, no Let’s hope she never is. matter what. “Believe me, in 40 years I’ve had some disasters. But

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

135

THE APPETIZER

Mother’s Oysters Rockefeller SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS: •

3 dozen oysters, shucked

•

10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach

•

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

•

¼ teaspoon lemon juice

•

6 drops Tabasco

•

1 tablespoon minced fresh onion

•

Salt and pepper

•

½ cup bread crumbs

•

½ cup butter, melted

•

Grated Parmesan cheese

•

Cooked and crumbled bacon

Place oysters in the bottom of buttered baking dish. Cook spinach and drain well. Add parsley, lemon juice, Tabasco, onion, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and butter. Spread spinach mixture over the oysters. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake oysters at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, until bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Serve oysters on a tray covered with a bed of rock salt.

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H O L I D AY R E C I P E S

THE SALAD

Tomato-Avocado Ribbon Salad SERVES 6

AVOCADO LAYER: •

1 envelope unﬂavored gelatin

•

3 tablespoons lemon juice

•

½ cup water, divided

•

1½ cups sieved avocado

•

1 teaspoon salt

•

5 drops Tabasco

A few drops of green food coloring

Soften gelatin in ¼ cup cold water. Add ¼ cup boiling water to dissolve. Add salt, lemon juice, and Tabasco. Cook until thickened. Add avocado and food coloring. Pour into a 9-by-5-inch pan and chill until almost ﬁrm.

CHEESE LAYER: •

2 teaspoons unﬂavored gelatin

•

½ cup cold water

•

4 3-ounce packages of cream cheese

¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

•

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons chopped green onion tops

•

1 teaspoon salt

•23

cup mayonnaise

Soften gelatin in cold water, then place in double boiler over already boiling water to dissolve. Beat together cheese and milk. Stir in other ingredients. Stir in gelatin. Pour over the avocado layer and chill until almost ﬁrm.

“This is a beautiful salad and very impressive to serve. This recipe is easy to put together but does take quite a bit of time.” — SUSAN MASON

TOMATO LAYER: •

3 cups tomato juice

•

1 small bay leaf

•

1 stalk celery, chopped

•

1 teaspoon salt

•

1 small onion, sliced

•18

teaspoon pepper

•

2 lemon slices

•2

cup cold tomato juice

•

2 envelopes unﬂavored gelatin

•

¼ cup vinegar

Combine 3 cups tomato juice, celery, onion, lemon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered, 10 minutes; strain. Sprinkle gelatin over cold tomato juice and vinegar to soften; stir in hot mixture until dissolved. Pour over cheese layer and chill until set. To serve, unmold on platter. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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THE ENTRÉE

Cherry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS: •

1½ cups cherries (fresh or frozen, then thawed) halved and pitted

•

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

•

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

•

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

•

1 tablespoon honey

•

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, plus a few sprigs for garnish

•

1 teaspoon kosher salt

•

½ teaspoon black pepper

•

2 garlic cloves, peeled

•

2 pork tenderloins, about 1 pound each

Combine all ingredients except pork in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend mixture until smooth and pureed, about 45 seconds. This will make about 1½ cups. Reserve ½ cup of marinade for basting and another ½ cup to pass separately when serving. Trim pork tenderloins of any excess fat or silver skin. Place pork in a resealable plastic bag. Pour remaining ½ cup of marinade over the tenderloins. Seal bag and make sure all the meat is coated. Marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature or chill up to 48 hours. Remove pork from the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before grilling or roasting. Prepare grill on medium-high heat. Remove the tenderloins from the bag and place in the center of the grill. Discard bag with marinade. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 4 to 5 minutes, until the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees using an instant-read thermometer. Let pork rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cherries. Serve with reserved marinade. 138

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“Grilled or roasted juicy marinated pork tenderloin is bathed in a sweet and tangy cherry balsamic marinade, which doubles as a delicious sauce.” — SUSAN MASON

“This cake says special occasion like no other dessert. Donna, my fabulous cook, takes orders for this especially at holiday time, and I can hardly keep enough red food coloring in the shop.”

THE DESSERT

Red Velvet Cake SERVES 12: MAKES ONE - A , 9- C CA

— SUSAN MASON

INGREDIENTS: •

1 teaspoon white vinegar

•

1 teaspoon baking soda

•

1 cup buttermilk

•

cups self-rising ﬂour, plus extra for the cake pan

•

1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

•

½ teaspoon salt

•

cups vegetable oil, plus extra for the cake pan

•

1½ cups sugar

•

2 large eggs

•

2 tablespoons red food coloring

•

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

•

Cream cheese frosting (see below)

•

1 cup pecan halves

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. n a medium-si e mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, baking soda, and buttermilk. n a second medium-size mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, and salt. rease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Tap out any excess flour. n a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, sugar, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes, until thickened. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the egg mixture, beating for at least 2 to 3 minutes after each addition. When all the

ingredients have been added to the bowl, beat another 3 to 4 minutes on high speed. Mix in the red food coloring and vanilla until smooth. Divide the batter equally between the two cake pans and bake on center rack until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool 5 to minutes in the pan. Turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting. rost the top of the ﬁrst round about inch thick with frosting, avoiding the edges by about ½

inch. Put the second round on top and press slightly to line up with the ﬁrst round. rost the sides then the top. Decorate with pecan halves, if desired. CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 16-ounce box confectioner’s sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place all ingredients except pecans in a medium-size mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until completely combined and smooth. Add pecan pieces and mix until just combined. If made one day ahead of time, the frosting can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated; it should be brought to room temperature before frosting the cake. Variation: walnut pieces instead of pecans

cup pecan pieces, chopped NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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l ave n d e rs ava n n a h .co m

FIESTA DE LUCES: * A HOLIDAY NIGHT ON THE RIVER * Saturday, November 29, 2025 Featuring a Spanish-inspired holiday feast from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. and panoramic views of

Savannah’s Lighted Boat Parade from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Scan to book your reservation! LOCATED ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF THE 601 E RIVER ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31401

Lavender is available for booking private events. Please email savsales@northpointhospitality.com for more information.

Amber Capps thelongweekenderblog@gmail.com

S AVA N N A H

Taste

TA S T E

Good to Gather Hosting out-of-towners this holiday season? Take them for a festive fête at a fresh locale. Written by KIKI DY

Belle Alolong at her new restaurant, Silk Route

Photo by ANGEL A HOPPER-LEE

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Silk Route

TASTE

The Hostess City has always known how to set a table and celebrate a holiday. But lately, Savannah’s dining scene’s creativity and cachet is expanding at a pace that would put Dasher and Dancer to shame. Whether you’re a local entertaining loved ones or a visitor searching for trendy eats and inimitable atmospheres, here are a few new entrants from celebrated Savannah teams where you can impress and indulge.

SILK ROUTE BELLE ALOLONG’S new multicultural offering opened to a zealous reception from in-the-know foodies this summer. One-part restaurant, one-part lounge, Silk Route’s lush design will make you forget you’re in the same 2-mile radius as your endocrinologist or accountant. The menu melds and meanders after its eponymous trade route, meaning even regulars can expect surprise and satisfaction. Braised lamb, whole (head-on) branzino, Bukhara kebab, and salted egg prawns are subject to the whims and epiphanies of the chefs. Wines by the glass from Armenia, Lebanon, and Slovenia add to the adventure. Alolong and staff tease what may appear on the menu for winter, including Alolong’s homestyle winter favorite, palabok: a Filipino stirfry noodle with shrimp paste. Like the holiday season, bringing Silk Route to life has been “equal parts chaos and magic,” says Alolong, whose other restaurant is The Narra Tree. She’s enjoyed the journey, “from sketching out arches and bar designs on paper and building it by hand,” she says, “to finally seeing guests gathered around a table sharing mezze, hearing live music, and feeling that energy I always imagined.” WHOM TO BRING: your worldly confidant

or your rogue scion

LUCIA PASTA BAR STARLAND DAIRY gets long-sought-and-salivated-after new life with Lucia Pasta Bar by Chef Kyle Jacovino (Vittoria Pizza, The Florence). Locals have been waiting years for the old Starland Dairy to find its second act, and now they’ll have to wait for a table — yes, it’s already that buzzy and busy. The courtyard creatively utilizes signs of its prior disuse. The design team worked around the graffiti and urban-chic ambiance to make that negroni-as-youwait a delight unto itself. Jacovino keeps it unfussy but upmarket. The 15-seat bar feels as though it could be in any world-class city, and the food only cements that sentiment. Open your ears for a friendly eavesdrop, and you’ll likely overhear more than one guest revealing that this is their second squid-ink bucatini or campanelle arrabbiata this week. Soon, patrons to the pasta bar will be able to eliminate pasta-decision paralysis with a new offering. Jacovino explains that the program launches in November and features a menu design inspired by those found in dim sum restaurants. “Guests will be able to check how many [pastas] they want to try from the list,” he says. WHOM TO BRING: your out-of-town paramour or your mischievous second cousin

Left photo by ANGEL A HOPPER-LEE // Top photo courtesy ADAM DRUMMOND, A101 ARCHITECTURE

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LIT TLE JAMES NEIGHBORING THE GREY and The Malin, The Ann Savannah has become a commendable, around-the-clock rallying point. Little James, named for city founder Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, offers espresso service, cocktails, and a guiltless but gratifying Mediterranean menu (think anchovy toast, a stacked eggplant sandwich, Greek salad, and more). As the day unfolds, Little James transitions into a lively dining destination that doesn’t kick merry revelers out prematurely. Guests can linger over a matchatini, the James Old Fashioned (which includes the avantgarde addition of rhubarb), and other nightcaps. If you need an impetus to treat yourself during the daylight this holiday season, their “Wine Happy Hour” from 12–2 p.m. during the week will send you back out into the afternoon with the right buzz. If you feel tempted, return for their jam sessions featuring different local musicians on the first and third Fridays of each month from 5–8 p.m. “We are so excited to open the doors to Little James,” says Chef Ryan Alpaugh. “The restaurant is dedicated to making guests and locals feel right at home. We’re here to help you savor every moment.” WHOM TO BRING: your favorite coworker, your corporate-chic college friends, or that nemesis you’re trying to impress

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Photography courtesy THE ANN SAVANNAH, APARTMENTS BY MARRIOT T BONVOY

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VER ATINA WIFE-AND-HUSBAND TEAM Alicia Farrell and James Ciminillo became Savannah’s pasta pundits with the opening of Veratina earlier this year. The couple first came to culinary acclaim with Coop De Ville in Pittsburgh where Ciminillo was part owner and chef de cuisine; Farrell is a former attorney who is now at Veratina daily. “Veratina has been a long-held dream,” shares Farrell. Since transforming 606 Abercorn St. (previously a restaurant called The Haunt) into a sunlit, white-and-sagehued trattoria, Ciminillo makes and serves Savannah’s most underutilized pasta shapes (quiz your guests to describe mafaldine or strozzapreti) in-house. The two alfresco areas, albeit small, are delightful options for savoring specialty cocktails by 2024 Torres Brandy Zero Challenge National Final winner Loni Lewis, such as the Mr. Meletti (bourbon, Meletti amaro, and fig and vanilla shrub) or the Cumulous (gin, marsala, lemon, demerara, and foaming bitters). If your guests are delighted, bribe them back next holiday season with the promise of the Coop De Ville coming to Eastern Wharf. WHOM TO BRING: your extended family, your gal pals, or yourself (for a moment of peace) Veratina

BREAD & BUT TER

The bar at Veratina

SEE A CROISSANT IN THE WILD? It’s most likely by Auspicious Baking Co. In fact, many restaurants sitting alongside Bread & Butter in this story roundup proudly serve Auspicious’ eatables (Little James, Sunday Sunday). The small bakery born from a GoFundMe has become synonymous with pastries throughout Savannah, and now, their long-awaited sit-down overdelivers on its simple promise. Bread & Butter sits waterside on Whitemarsh Island, and, indeed, one can make a meal out of bread and butter. If you’re feeling festive, an alfresco French toast or shakshuka croissant are sure to satisfy even the most discerning bruncher. Pillowy brioche, laminated croissants, and crusty sourdough travel just as well to your table as they do to your own kitchen counter. However, the breezy waterside backdrop makes a case for lingering and fa-la-la-ing a little. Bread & Butter is the affordable, low-stakes, highly satisfying meal your out-of-towners won’t forget soon. WHOM TO BRING: picky eaters, Lowcountry newcomers, or anyone uninitiated into the culte de Auspicious

Photography courtesy STEVE VILNIT/SV IMAGES

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SUNDAY SUNDAY THE BUILDING AT 116 WHITAKER STREET has had many past-lives: it’s been a tailor’s, most recently New Realm Brewing, and now the city’s first French-Vietnamese restaurant. Rhino Hospitality Group’s (Madame Butterfly, The Vault, Flock to The Wok) latest outpost, Sunday Sunday, has an ethos much like the city itself — a nod to and a reimagining of the contributions of generations past. Cross-cultural chemistry and community are the names of the game. Owner Ele Tran’s grandmother’s bánh xèo crepes sit alongside saluted Southern standards such as shrimp and grits and lemon pancakes. This is a place to celebrate family and all the flavors and recipes that come along with that. Expect checkerboard floors, wooden bistro chairs, exposed brick, and a prime trilevel Historic District location that positions you for window shopping, barhopping, or an arm-in-arm afternoon stroll. WHO TO BRING: your quasi-contentious mother-in-law or

your classy cohort from college

Sunday Sunday

Sixby

SIXBY TUCKED INTO THOMAS SQUARE next to Lone Wolf Lounge and across from Switchyards, Natasha Gaskill’s breakfast nook and breadquarters only gets better every month. The cafe now has indoor seating, a sandwiches-in-fellowship program that rotates a new menu item by a lauded regional chef every six weeks (in November, it’s Dano Heinze from Vern’s in Charleston), and wine dinners with more frequency and fanfare. It’s become quite the destination. “We get a lot of lunching ladies from Ardsley who come, sit outside, and chat over wine. We definitely attract the hip grandmother sect,” says Gaskill, who used to serve as executive pastry chef at The Grey. On the third Friday of every month, Tyler Kenny (previous chef de cuisine at Flora and Fauna) will spearhead a three-course spread accompanied by wine pairings. Guests can enjoy the bounty at a communal table, beneath twinkling lights and Spanish moss tendrils. Sixby’s holiday market will also return with all the mulled wine, spiked coffee, artisanal vendors, and enchantment as last year. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving but not much of a baker, you can order classic pies, dinner rolls, and more from the first week of November through Nov. 21. WHOM TO BRING: your childhood co-conspirators, your hip grandmother, or someone else’s

hip grandmother

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Bottom photography courtesy ROBIN ELISE PHOTOGRAPHY // Top photography courtesy SUNDAY SUNDAY

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THE L AUNDRY DINER THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of nostalgic nods, kitsch, and culinary comforts at Liz and James Massey’s (also of Two Tides, Smol Bar, and Float Coffee) all-day diner named for the building’s previous life as Rogers Laundry. While the old laundromat on the corner of Paulsen and Anderson pressed collars and linen, the building now presses patty melts and waffles. Downstairs, the ambiance is classic diner-debonair with hunter-green barstools, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen line where guests can watch the team work their way through a shift with verve and humor. Sip a matcha milkshake or boozy party punch as you anticipate your steak frites and eggs, shorty rib hash bowl, or — if you’re overstuffed — the best Caesar salad (and one of the only around with white anchovies). For your out-of-towners with dietary restrictions, the Caesar can accommodate all with just a couple of simple switches, chef Brian Fiasconaro says, noting, “Our dressing is completely vegan and gluten free.” Another point of pride for Fiasconaro: the new happy hour offerings, chiefly oysters. “It’s hard to get oysters for people who don’t want to go downtown,” Fiasconaro says. “On behalf of myself, Liz, and James, we’re just happy to be offering good food to a good neighborhood that definitely needed it.” WHOM TO BRING: that hip friend you met in a bar bathroom 10 years ago or your nieces and nephews

Photography courtesy THE L AUNDRY DINER

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FLOR A AND FAUNA IF THE WALLS OF FLOR A AND FAUNA could talk, they would say, “Thank goodness someone is still making Cheryl’s biscuit recipe.” From the FARM Bluffton family (Common Thread, Strange Bird), Flora and Fauna brings new life to the eclectic storefront that once housed Cheryl Day’s Back in the Day Bakery. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., cronuts and muffins stun alongside standouts like a shaved porchetta sandwich, a mushroom-preserve baguette, and a holidayhangover-healing cheeseburger. Yes, they still use Day’s biscuit recipe — and offer a wealth of toppings. After 5 p.m., their blind chef’s tasting menu for $55 is a superb option for those who would like to mitigate even more decision fatigue this holiday season. For those who prefer to control their own destiny, the restaurant recently rolled out an à la carte menu. “I love the artistry of the food from every FARM outpost. How detailed the chefs are and how much a labor of love every dish is really inspires me,” says AJ Grey, a midtown multi-hyphenate who works at both Flora and Fauna and Common Thread and fronts Savannah’s all-female grunge band, The Maxines. (Bonus: If you have guests who love live music, don’t miss The Maxines opening for Kylesa and Royal Thunder at District Live on Dec. 4). WHOM TO BRING: early-rising romantics or your eccentric auntie who loves estate sales

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Photography courtesy STEVE VILNIT/SV IMAGES

Book Your Holiday Parties & Private Events

TASTE: LIBATIONS

The Ritual of Drinking This winsome addition to Savannah’s bar scene makes the perfect backdrop for winter dining, plotting, and percolating. Written by KIKI DY // Photography courtesy JOE & VERA’S

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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IT’S 5 P.M. ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT. Joe & Vera’s is astir, and Tim Fitzgerald is impossible to wrangle. The ever-evasive owner of this sleek establishment on Broughton Street, he won’t share the intricacies of why his long-held dream, named after his grandparents, works so well. Answers to where he found the delightful antiques that fill out the restaurant, what makes the mouthfeel of the on-draft espresso martini so perfect, and why I was abandoned in the basement for 15 minutes are difficult to eek out. When questioned, Fitzgerald just smiles or spins crypticisms. “Cantankerous,” he quips when asked to describe himself. However, those who know him would hardly agree. Acolytes of Savannah’s service industry praise Fitzgerald as affable, idiosyncratic, and particular. “He has a gentle ear,” a barfly shares. A 20-year industry veteran, Fitzgerald has run the bartending gamut, working everywhere from rollicking dives to the three-Michelin-star institution Per Se in New York City.

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“I worked at a French bistro for a couple of years early in my career; that was kind of waterboarding,” he says wryly. “A rather immersive experience.” A visit to Joe & Vera’s is like sitting in Fitzgerald’s subconscious: lush, articulate, and a bit of a riddle. Curtis Mayweather’s “Move On Up” plays four times in the same hour but goes mostly unnoticed by guests as they catch up and court over cocktails. I sit in a stained-glass nook, savoring a Vinho Verde and petite oysters, served that night with “watermelon three ways and Aleppo.” Dishes arrive on antique china plates, served by the culinary team, a skilled assemblage including Brandon Preston (Two Tides) and Caleb McDonough (The Grey, Erica Davis Lowcountry). The compact but elegant menu ebbs with the seasons but has constants. Expect crudo, steak frites, smoked kingfish dip, and oysters with inventive rotating toppings. Fitzgerald handpicked Preston, McDonough, and the rest of the staff, explaining, “It’s such a small room,

The location of Joe & Vera’s, 23 W. Broughton St., has always been a bastion of beauty. It was once Brager-Gutman’s, a smart department store that in 1898 was selling 10-cent gingham dresses, $1 linen suits, 15-cent mosquito canopies, and, according to the Savannah Morning News at the time, “the handsomest selection of patterned hats and bonnets.”

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we have to be a unit; if something is slightly off, the element is out of balance.” The check arrives in an antique 1920s Lucky Strike cigarette tin, dappled by a patina of past mischief: It’s certainly been the centerpiece of a century of cigarettes and secrets shared. Finally, Fitzgerald is ready to share some of his. “I took elements from everywhere I’ve worked,” Fitzgerald says, and he means both physically and metaphysically. “That Deco sconce hanging in the hot tub [his shorthand for the elevated semiprivate dining area] was in The Silver Lining cocktail bar when I bartended there.” The color scheme — blues and hues of ochre and amber — was inspired by a hotel lobby in Cuba. Many furnishings came from Jere’s Antiques or Facebook Marketplace. The cabinetry is made up of antique hutches and china cabinets that Fitzgerald and the team modified to become wall-mounted storage. As for the drinkery’s namesakes? “I don’t know very much about them, but I do know they would drink anything you gave them,” says Fitzgerald. His grandfather Joe was an elevator technician in the Empire State Building, while grandmother Vera worked behind the counter at a pharmacy across the street. They died when Fitzgerald’s father, one of a quintet brood of scrappy, hardworking Irish Catholic kids, was only 5 years old.

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“The ritual of drinking is one of the oldest and most beautiful we have in humanity. I want this to be a space for everyone.” — Tim Fitzgerald, owner, Joe & Vera’s

Fitzgerald’s bar program is classic and sophisticated. Like Joe and Vera, most patrons will happily drink anything he gives them. He understands that delight is in the details: ice, glassware, the hands wrapped around the copper cocktail shaker mixing your tipple. “The ritual of drinking is one of the oldest and most beautiful we have in humanity,” he says. “I want this to be a space for everyone.” As Savannah enters her hospitality gold rush, it feels like Joe & Vera’s will be lucky enough to strike — and stay. “Joe and Vera died early but accomplished much in what they left behind,” says Fitzgerald. “I’d like to think they live on here.”

TASTE: LIBATIONS

FROM CHALET-CHIC to delightful Christmas kitsch, the Hostess City has no shortage of wonderland watering holes where you can sip a spiced coquito, glug a glögg with your girls, or sip a beer with seasonal flair. Here are nine bars where you can get your tinsel on.

SANTA-APPROVED SIPS These cozy and festive bars have all the festooning you need to wassail through the New Year.

JOIN THE NAUGHTY LIST AT THE VINYL ROOM

Written by KIKI DY

COU R TESY WATER WITCH TIKI B A R

Walking into The Vinyl Room is akin to stepping into a portal. Similar to the Dalíesque wax drip of the candlesticks atop the bar, The Drayton’s basement drinkery changes form with the seasons. This year, it’s a library with a dark secret, a salon for scorned lovers, and, for the end of the year, a mustering center for celebration. The Naughty List pop-up is back with all the innuendo you loved last year — sip from an upside down pineapple, peep Mrs. Claus’ rear-end, and see Santa from a new perspective.

The Yule Mule at The Vinyl Room

COU R T E S Y T HE DRAY T ON HO TE L

SIP FROM SANTA AT WATER WITCH Water Witch Tiki consultant Laine Olssom gives coquito credit where coquito credit is due. “I didn’t come up with the recipe — Miles Wilford did — but it’s our most proud offering.” The cocktail, which means “little coconut” in Spanish, is a creamy Christmas tipple from Puerto Rico — and one that Water Witch does particularly well. Starland’s centerpiece tiki bar has been serving its take on the rum-based, nutmeg-spiced sipper in a ceramic Santa for the past six years. The heft behind the hooch, which features three types of coconut milk, raisins, and spices, is immense. It takes six hours to make 2 gallons of the coquito base; the bar goes through almost 20 gallons in November and December, Olssom shares. Bonus: it’s completely vegan.

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JINGLE ALL THE WAYWARD It’s Christmas at The Wayward for more than just a few months of the year. Walk into Perry Lane’s street-level lobby bar in July and you may find Santa mounted atop a 1960s Ariel motorcycle with a fat cigar in his mouth and a 24-pack of beer on his back. Beneath St. Nick, you can peep head bartender David Hine slinging Pabst Blue Ribbons while wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. The liquor train (with bottles in its carriages) emerges in late November, when guests can once again sip Banana Bread Nog — “Like if tequila, banana bread, and eggnog had a baby,” Hine shares — while getting an upskirt shot of the canonical “A Christmas Story” leg lamp on the bar. It’s all festive and fair game at The Wayward.

Next door to The Paris Market, which houses what many consider Savannah’s finest winter window displays, a holiday dinner in Circa’s stained-glass wine cellar is a wintertime tradition as fine as any other. Although the ambiance requires no embellishment, Circa always adds tasteful touches like Christmas trees, wreaths, and seasonal tunes. At the bar, chocolate martinis with candy cane rims cap off festive date nights that started with French onion soup and Burgundy by candlelight.

FROSTY’S AT BAR JULIAN

C OU R T ES Y B AR J UL I A N

Frosty’s pop-up at Bar Julian

Starting Nov. 21, Frosty’s pop-up bar takes over Bar Julian atop the Thompson Savannah, where festive programming is as robust as the hot toddies. Holiday hits bingo, trivia, game nights, karaoke, and an ugly sweater soirée fill the convivial calendar. Back again are bouncy allusions to Whoville, Rudolph, and, of course, Frosty the Snowman, but “we’ll have a bit more of a Hollywood holiday supper club feel this year,” says Hazy Blanck, director of events. Round up your Dancer and Prancer for a Naughty Saint Nick (brown-butter-washed Angel’s Envy bourbon, Santa Teresa dark rum, nocino, banana bread oleo, and saline) and skyline views. Better yet, book an igloo.

HO HO HO AT THE HAWTHORNE MINIBAR Tyler Routley’s petite, gilded public house invokes festive charm year-round. As fall approaches, the gentlemen behind the bar don their lederhosen for Oktoberfest and come in character for Halloween. During the holiday season, they sport their white, monogrammed 1930s smoking jackets and megawatt grins while serving up mulled wine, house-made eggnog, and spiced cider. For the next round, request an obscure Christmas cocktail from the archives, and be prepared to be surprised.

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The Lost Square’s Alpine Village

YUCK IT UP IN A YURT AT THE LOST SQUARE Although a rare snow is possible on our cobbled streets (as we saw earlier this year), winter in Savannah can be more concept than concrete. Most every Savannahian likely has a memory of a Christmas outing spent in sandals and sunglasses. However, no matter the temperature, that enviable feeling of being an esteemed guest at a Swedish ski chalet can be achieved at The Lost Square’s Alpine Village. From Nov. 22 to Jan. 26, you can gather friends and family for dinner and drinks in a lush yurt strewn with twinkly lights.

POINSETTIAS AT SIX PENCE Long-loved Savannah staple Six Pence deserves all its flowers — especially the poinsettias at Christmastime. One of the coziest spots in the Historic District, the English pub’s charm only compounds during the holidays. Wreaths wrap the wooded dining room as sweatered locals take to the chairs and Christmas movies play on the tiny TV above the bar. There’s simply nothing quite like a tender pot roast and a pint underneath a tin coffered ceiling.

NO BAH HUMBUG AT 17HUNDRED90 With fireplaces, a prolific martini menu, and rumored phantoms, 17hundred90 is one of downtown’s most classic Christmas hangouts. Even Scrooge would approve of this tavern’s warmth, peppermint martinis, and the sound of Christmas melodies drifting from the dining room piano.

MICHA EL HRIZU K // COU R TESY THE LOST SQ U A R E

COZY UP AT CIRCA 1875

Shrimp Cocktail

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Look Merry & Bright Sparkle all season long with these noninvasive cosmetic procedures. Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SAUNDERS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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BE WELL

The countdown to the holidays is underway. This year, as you zoom around doing things for others, why not also treat yourself to a gift that goes beyond the box and bow by indulging in one of the many options for noninvasive cosmetic procedures available in Savannah? That way, you’ll head into the holidays looking and feeling your best. HYDR AFACIAL

P HO T OS CO U R T ES Y G LO W M E DI CA L S PA A ND B E AU T Y BOU T IQ UE

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Unlike traditional facials, the Hydrafacial uses a patented technology to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities, and infuse nourishing serums all in one session. The treatment is designed to improve overall skin health while addressing specific concerns like fine lines, uneven tone and texture, and enlarged pores, says Janie Futch, co-owner of Altera Aesthetix. “Because it’s noninvasive and customizable, many people make it a regular part of their skincare regimen,” she adds, noting that results can last up to a week or more, making it a favorite for both event prep and monthly skin maintenance. “It’s perfect for anyone who wants healthier, more radiant skin without downtime,” she says. “It’s gentle yet effective and works well for nearly all skin types and ages.”

SKINVIVE BY JUVÉDERM

BEFORE

AFTER

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Are you looking for a facial beauty boost but shy away from interventions like neurotoxins and fillers for fear of looking overdone? New to the industry, Skinvive is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable treatment designed to boost elasticity, hydration, and smoothness without plumping the face. “It’s skincare that you do as an injectable,” says Courtney Victor, owner of Glow Medical Spa and Beauty Boutique. Results, she says, present “about a month after you get it, and it lasts for six months. You’ll look as if you’ve had a facial every day.” It’s a great alternative to expensive creams and 12-step skincare routines, says Victor. “I used to say, ‘You treat yourself 60 times a month: every morning and every night when you do your skincare.’ But Skinvive is a nice little hack. You don’t have to wait a long time to see your skin transform, nor do you have to purchase a bunch of products. You’re taking care of your skin from within.”

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LIQUID FACELIFT If you’ve been dreaming of the overall refresh provided by a facelift but aren’t interested in the cost and recovery time of surgery, a liquid facelift may be just the solution. A liquid facelift uses strategically placed dermal filler to lift, recontour, and hydrate the face almost instantly. “While BEFORE AFTER it doesn’t replace a surgical facelift, it can tighten tissue, restore lost volume, and create a lifted, refreshed appearance,” says Dallas Sellars, owner of Tox Medspa. In a single session, Sellars can address sunken temples, cheeks, jawline, chin, marionette lines, and more, creating a natural, balanced look — no scalpel required. Results are visible immediately and can last up to two years for the upper half of the face and one year to 18 months on the lower half of the face. “If you are wanting to refresh your look, a liquid facelift can be a transformative part of your aesthetic journey,” says Sellars.

BBL THER APY + LIGHT FR ACTIONAL CO2 LASER PEEL At Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Timothy Minton’s favorite approach to a quick refresh is to combine two longstanding laser treatments: Broadband Light (BBL) Therapy and Light Fractional CO2 Laser Peel. “This combination is a super popular treatment that I’ve been doing for many, many years,” Minton says. “It’s tried and true.” BBL Therapy uses a laser to reverse the coloration changes that occur with sun exposure — like redness, sun spots, and pigmentation. The Light Fractional CO2 Laser Peel addresses textural changes, including pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles. Together, Minton says, “It reverses some of the sun damage and gives the skin a glow and a little tightening effect.” He also notes, “There is also permanent collagen stimulation that occurs [with the treatment], as well as a reversal of DNA changes and DNA damage that occur. It’s a nice way to keep the skin youthful at a molecular level in addition to a visual level,” explains Minton. Depending on their goals, patients typically receive between one and three 30-minute treatments, each requiring one to two days of downtime for pinkness to subside. While results are permanent, many patients repeat the procedure every winter to combat new sun damage.

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BEFORE

AFTER

VI PEEL The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that works by gently exfoliating the outermost layers of skin. It contains a blend of ingredients, including retinoic acid and trichloroacetic acid, that penetrate the skin to remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and boost collagen production. Usually done in a three- to five-treatment series, the VI Peel smooths skin texture, evens skin tone, reduces acne and scars, and brightens the complexion. “What’s so great about it is that it is suitable for all skin tones, including darker skin types that can be at risk for hyperpigmentation with certain peels,” says Kelly Rogers, owner of Inject Savannah. Rogers recommends beginning a VI Peel series two weeks to a month before any major event, noting that there is significant aftercare required. Visible improvements can be seen within a week and will continue to occur for several weeks as the treated skin heals. This treatment is not just for the face, notes Rogers. “We also offer body peels, including chest, arms, and legs,” she says. “We do a lot of lower legs, which is great after the summer to remove sun spots.”

P HOT OS C OU R T E SY I N J E C T SAVA N N A H

BE WELL

P HOT OS C OU R T E SY C HAT HA M P L A ST I C SU R G E RY

VIRTUE RF Virtue RF is a radiofrequency microneedling procedure used to treat sagging, laxity (signs of aging), and acne BEFORE scarring while improving the tone and texture of the skin. “The procedure consists of using needles to create microchannel punctures in the skin,” explains Michelle Turley, an aesthetician at Chatham Plastic Surgery. AFTER “That starts a cascade woundhealing process to regenerate new, healthy skin.” Meanwhile, the tips of the needles deliver radiofrequency energy, heating up the deeper layers of the skin. “This stimulates fibroblasts [cells that provide structural support for tissues] to produce new collagen and elastin,” says Turley, “improving skin firmness, elasticity, and texture.” Virtue RF is suitable for patients looking to treat aging skin or scarring without downtime or surgery. A typical treatment, including face and neck, takes about an hour. Treatments are done in a series of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart.

PH OT OS CO UR TE S Y S AV VY S KI N M EDICA L A ESTHETICS

PR X-T33 At Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics, owner Karen Bouchard’s current favorite noninvasive treatment is PRX-T33, an advanced biorevitalization peel that delivers the skin-renewing benefits of a chemical peel without the BEFORE telltale peeling or days of downtime. PRX-T33 uses a formulation that stimulates dermal regeneration beneath the surface, building collagen, smoothing texture, brightening and evening skin tone, and softening pigmentation. “Think of it as an inside-out treatment,” says Bouchard. AFTER “Patients leave with a luminous glow — no hiding at home for recovery.” To elevate the treatment, Bouchard recommends pairing it with a neurotoxin to address both surface quality and underlying movement for a refreshed, naturally youthful look. “The dual approach creates a radiant, lifted appearance that looks effortless,” says Bouchard. Ideal for the face, neck, décolletage, and even the hands, most patients notice visible improvement after a single 30-minute treatment, with a series of treatments delivering long-lasting firmness and brightness. Results last four to six months.

Happy Holidays!

SCOTT A. COHEN, DDS, PC SOMAN PATEL, DMD COSMETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY

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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication Title: Savannah Magazine. 2. Publication No. 1061-6748. 3. Filing Date: September 23, 2025. 4. Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $25.99. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, Chatham, GA 31405. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: Anita Hagin, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. Editor: Kathryn Drury Wagner, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. Managing Editor: none. 10. Owner: MCC Magazines, LLC, Wholly-owned subsidiary of QUESTO, INC., W.S. Morris III, W.S. Morris IV, J. Tyler Morris, Susie Morris Baker, THE MORRIS FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, MARITAL TRUST – Estate of Mary E. Morris. Addresses for all of the above corporations, individuals, trustees and partnership are: P.O. Box 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 13. Publication Title: Savannah Magazine. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Sept/Oct 2025. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: 15a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 12,333; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 12,500. 15b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. 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A SOUNDTRACK OF SERVICE AND SOUL Equinox Global Missions brings healing, hope, and joy through music. “FOR SOME OF THESE STUDENTS, this is the first live concert they’ve ever experienced.” That’s the sentiment teachers across Chatham County often share when Equinox Global Missions (EGM) brings its energetic educational music programs into schools. The tuba rumbles, the drums lay down a groove, and the horns burst into beloved brass band staples like “You Are My Sunshine” or “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Within moments, children are clapping, singing, and discovering the joy of live music, many for the first time.

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In another setting, an elderly resident at a Savannah assisted living facility reflected after a performance, “I had a memory for every song that was played.” The Equinox Global Missions team had just finished a spirited program of Sinatra, Elvis, and golden-age classics performed by the Equinox All-Stars. For seniors, the music doesn’t just entertain, it awakens treasured memories and revives connections to the past and present. Savannah entertainers Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson are best known for the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra and for

their dynamic friendship on and off stage. But what many people may not know is that the heartbeat of their daily grind is Equinox Global Missions. While they have filled concert halls from coast to coast and overseas with fiery hot big band shows, behind the glitz of the stage lies a deeper passion: using music to open doors of opportunity for service, healing, and hope. The seeds of EGM were planted in 2014, when Clay invited Jeremy on a volunteer trip to Chennai, India. The pair worked alongside a Christian organization serving some of the poorest and most

Photography courtesy of MADDEN DAVIS (top left) and CHRISTINE HALL (top right Images)

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

‘‘

E Q U I N O X

G L O B A L

M I S S I O N S

Music is a powerful tool that can break down doors of the heart and make space for real positive change.”

WHAT: The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, presented by Equinox Global Missions: “Make a Joyful Noise — Songs of Faith and Hope! WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 6 WHERE: Independent Presbyterian Church Savannah, 207 Bull St.

vulnerable communities in the region. There, they witnessed firsthand how compassion paired with creativity could transform lives. The experience lit a fire. Why not use their gifts and network of world-class musicians to serve those back home who are in need? Out of that vision, Equinox Global Missions was born. Ten years later, the nonprofit is thriving. In 2024 alone, EGM accomplished a remarkable range of outreach. Through its “Mentorship 2 Masterclass” program, they reached 11 local schools in Chatham County, and led seven weeks of music classes at the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club summer camp. EGM also led a professional development workshop for all Chatham County music

– Clay Johnson, co-founder, Equinox Global Missions

educators, offering encouragement and resources for local teachers. EGM’s “Thanks for the Memories” initiative brought joy to eight senior organizations across Georgia and South Carolina. From memory care facilities to assisted living and nursing homes, these concerts are designed to do more than entertain — they serve as therapy, helping residents reconnect with treasured experiences through music. Collaboration is another cornerstone of EGM’s approach. In 2024, the nonprofit partnered with Union Mission’s Raising Hope, Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Wine, Women & Shoes, The Habersham School, Savannah Children’s Theatre, America’s Second Harvest of the Coastal Empire, St. Vincent’s Academy, and The Front Porch’s Back to School Block Rock. By offering their services at no cost or at deeply reduced fees, Equinox amplified the impact of these organizations’ accomplishments while adding their own signature spicy dash of entertainment. For Jeremy and Clay, music has always been more than entertainment. It’s a tool that opens hearts and creates opportunities for growth. Research shows students who participate in music are more likely to graduate and perform well in other subjects. In elder care, music therapy is proven to soothe the mind and awaken memory. In the nonprofit world, music raises awareness, draws crowds, and

deepens generosity. “Music is a powerful tool that can break down doors of the heart and make space for real positive change,” Clay explains. The next season holds even greater opportunities. In early 2026, Equinox Global Missions will travel to Poland to perform at Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, a global celebration for differently abled people who may have missed out on a traditional prom. It’s a night of joy, dancing, and profound dignity, and The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will provide the soundtrack. Closer to home, Savannah audiences are invited to join EGM for a special evening of inspiration: Make a Joyful Noise — Songs of Faith and Hope, hosted at Independent Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 6. This uplifting concert will feature the extraordinary voices and musicians of the Equinox family in a program designed to uplift the soul. Children 17 and under are admitted free of charge. From classrooms to care homes, from black-tie galas to block parties, and from Savannah to the farthest reaches, Equinox Global Missions continues to weave music into the fabric of life. The result is more than a concert — it’s community, compassion, and connection set to a soundtrack of joy. EQUINOXGLOBALMISSIONS.ORG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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Giving

SPEC I A L A D V ERT I S I N G S EC T I ON

GUIDE

As the year draws to a close, help the organizations dedicated to assisting and enriching our community. Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) ...172 Brightside Child & Family Advocacy .............................178 Caretta Research Project ................176 Coastal Children's Advocacy Center ............................175

Old Savannah City Mission .... 170-171 PACK Savannah .............................174 Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire ....................169 Savannah Tree Foundation .............180

Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club......179

SEA Community Help Resource Center .............................181

Hospice Savannah ...........................181

Union Mission .................................173

Live Oak Public Library .................182

YMCA of Coastal Georgia .............177

LIVE OAK PUBLIC L I B R A R I E S F O U N D AT I O N 2002 BULL ST. | 912.652.3600 | LIVEOAKPL.ORG/FOUNDATION

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • DONATE: Your contribution keeps libraries welcoming, safe, and vibrant — providing free and accessible resources, spaces, and enriching experiences for all. Support the foundation’s work by making a gift at liveoakpl.org/foundation/support.

168

OUR MISSION

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We raise funds for Live Oak Public Libraries, one of Georgia’s largest library systems, to enrich the community through enhanced collections, services, and programs that foster growth, creativity, and discovery.

We engage donors, partners, and volunteers to support the library’s mission, enabling a wide range of free and accessible programs and services that strengthen literacy and lifelong learning. By promoting literacy, expanding access, and fostering community partnerships, we help create opportunities for everyone.

WHO WE ARE

We support initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge, which saw another year of record-breaking participation across Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties in 2025. Our goal is to help build a sustainable financial future for the library and generations of patrons.

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RONALD McDONALD HOUSE of the Coastal Empire

4 7 1 0 W AT E R S A V E . | 9 1 2 . 3 5 0 . 7 6 4 1 | R M H C C O A S TA L E M P I R E . O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Cook a meal, volunteer your time, or donate to help us serve more families better. • Donate gifts and items from our House Wishlist, which help keep our families comfortable every day.

OUR MISSION

At Ronald McDonald House, we believe that home is where the heart is. Our mission is simple but powerful: to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of critically ill children and their families. WHO WE ARE

We are caregivers, connectors, and champions for families facing the unimaginable, a critically ill or injured child. Our staff and volunteers share a common spirit of compassion, hospitality, and hope. We value dignity, respect, and the healing power of togetherness.

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W H AT W E D O

There’s a difference between someone who stops by and someone who stays. Visitors come with cards, balloons, and kind words. Family stays through every sleepless night, every hard decision, every missed paycheck. At Ronald McDonald House, we make it possible for families to stay close when their child needs them most. Our 13-bedroom house, family rooms, and hospitality cart provide more than just shelter — they provide rest, meals, transportation, laundry facilities, and a caring community. Families never face a hospital stay alone. Each year, we serve thousands of children and their loved ones, saving them more than a million dollars in lodging and meal costs while giving them something priceless: togetherness.

WHO WE HELP

We serve families from across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, offering a safe haven for parents and siblings who might otherwise have to sleep in hospital chairs or travel long distances. Many are far from home, under financial strain, and carrying the heavy burden of worry for their child D O N AT E

Your support provides more than a room. It provides hope.

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O L D S AVA N N A H CITY MISSION 2 4 1 4 B U L L S T.

B A R G A I N CE N TE R S • The Old Savannah City Mission’s Bargain Centers — at 2424 Bull St. and 1116 Mills B. Lane — play a vital role in funding the Mission’s life-changing ministries. Since all support is privately funded, every purchase and donation directly helps feed, clothe, and care for those in need. You can help by shopping at the centers or donating clothing, furniture, household items — even vehicles. Every contribution makes a lasting impact. Shop, donate, and change lives today.

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912.232.1979

O L D S AVA N N A H C I T Y M I S S I O N . O R G

OUR MISSION

OUR HISTORY

We are a Christian organization providing services for those who are suffering from homelessness in Savannah. We regard each individual as a person of worth and dignity. We aim to help free each one from the addictions and mental-health issues that led to their homelessness. We believe love and care can transform each person back to physical, mental, and spiritual health. We have seen that experiencing Jesus is the most vital life-changing relationship of all. Spiritual transformation can make all the difference from lost to found. We help equip them to participate in society. We encourage them to create constructive relationships of love and service to others. We foster reconciliation with family.

Old Savannah City Mission was founded in 1997 when Pastor Larry McDaniel visited the Los Angeles Mission – one of the largest Christian homeless service providers in the country. Inspired, he returned to Savannah with a vision to meet the needs of our community.

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W H AT W E D O

Old Savannah City Mission provides emergency services to those suffering from homelessness. Services include three meals each day, showers, clothing, and overnight lodging in a safe, clean environment. All services are free of charge. Most importantly, we provide rehabilitation services for men. Clean Start offers one G I V I N G

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month for men to decide if they are ready to make a one-year commitment to our life-changing program. In this residential program, they attend Clean Start classes, chapel services, group sessions, and vocational training. Fresh Start is a one-year program that reconstructs lives and helps to heal the devastation of addiction and homelessness. Through the Urban Training Institute, each man has the opportunity to become a student of life. It is designed to address their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Christian discipleship classes, individual sessions, vocational training, basic computer classes, high school equivalency courses, and curriculum are designed to help each student re-integrate into society. G I V I N G

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Life Start is an optional transitional six-month program to ease them back into society. Career Services trains and counsels during this period. We consider it a success when a person is reconnected to society with employment, a living wage, and housing. WOMEN’S RECOVERY AND R E S T O R AT I O N P R O G R A M

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE: To help fund our operations we also operate two Bargain Stores at 2424 Bull St. and 1116 Mills B. Lane. We accept donations of clothing and home goods for the stores. VOLUNTEER: We intentionally keep our overhead costs low. Volunteers are essential to our operation. Thousands come to help prepare and serve meals, assist with chapel services and provide other services.

We are currently raising $5 million to finance a facility for women and children centrally located in downtown Savannah. SCAN TO D O N AT E

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B LO O D C A N C E R UNITED 813.838.7474 | BLOODCANCERUNITED.ORG

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Visionaries of the Year campaign: Join our Leadership Committee, nominate a candidate, or become a candidate yourself. Email Ellie Feltner at ellie.feltner@ bloodcancerunited.org for more information. • Student Visionaries of the Year: Join our Leadership Committee, host a sponsorship meeting or make a donation to their teams. Email Sarah Tigue at sarah.tigue@ bloodcancerunited.org. • Light the Night: Create a team, join the walk, or celebrate with survivors. Email Katherine Welch at Katherine.Welch@ bloodcancerunited.org for more information.

WHO WE ARE

We are Blood Cancer United, and we believe everyone with blood cancer deserves a longer, better life. We are on a mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. How? We fund life-saving blood cancer research around the world, provide free information and support services for patients and their families, and are the voice for those seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. With your help, we have invested more than $1.9 billion in groundbreaking research supporting many of today’s most innovative approaches to treatment — helping those with blood cancer not only survive but also thrive.

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O U R I M PAC T

Since 1949, we’ve pioneered many of today’s most innovative approaches to blood cancer treatments. We work tirelessly to find cures and ensure patients can access the lifesaving treatments they need. When someone experiences the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, we provide hope, compassion, education, and support F O R M E R LY T H E L E U K E M I A A N D LY M P H O M A S O C I E T Y

Cancer United, we can now reach more people who need us — people affected by all 100+ types of blood cancer. Our mission is not changing. We will continue to be a global leader in blood cancer, including research, support, and advocacy. G E T I N V O LV E D

Take part in our fundraising campaigns to find community, make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, and create your connection to our mission.

Blood Cancer United is an evolution — not a new beginning — that will help us meet our bold goal: to enable patients with blood cancer to gain more than 1 million years of life by 2040. With the new name Blood

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UNION MISSION 1 2 0 F A H M S T.

912.238.2777

UNIONMISSION.ORG

M A K E A D I FFE R E N CE • Contribute online at unionmission.org. • Tour to learn more about our programs and services. • Volunteer by offering your time, skills, and compassion.

OUR MISSION

Partnering with people to end their homelessness. WHO WE ARE

Established in 1937, Union Mission breaks cycles of poverty and homelessness through housing programs and wrap-around services in and around Savannah. Housing is just the first step for Union Mission clients. We strive to help individuals maintain stability in healthy communities. Union Mission’s programs provide individualized, diverse, supportive services that promote long-term self-sufficiency. W H AT W E D O

Complex problems require holistic, thoughtful, and personalized solutions.

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Union Mission works to meet dynamic needs through a full spectrum of care for homeless individuals through compassionate relationships and strategic partnerships. In 2024, we helped more than 2,000 individuals, served 262,866 meals, and provided 185,295 nights of housing. Through these services, 544 men, women, and children transitioned to safe, stable housing. WHOM WE HELP

Homelessness is typically the culmination of many challenges in one individual’s life: income loss, health challenges, lack of relational support, and more. In addition to homelessness, most clients have experienced multiple traumatic events, including violence, the death of loved ones, significant injury, foster care, and job loss.

CO M M U N I T Y I M PAC T

Our impact is more than statistics. It represents hope, dignity, and the possibility of a brighter future. Each number reflects personal transformation. In 2024, 90% of clients achieved personal goals, and 60% connected with mental health services. The stability and support offered in our program helped 80% improve mental health, 95% remain on critical medication, 72% increase income, and 81% obtain stable housing. Our metrics reflect the dedication of our staff and the steadfast resilience of our clients.

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PA C K (PEOPLE OF ACTION CARING FOR KIDS) 4 MALL TERRACE

PA C K S AVA N N A H . C O M

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Volunteers are the heart of PACK. Since we do not have paid staff members, volunteers do everything from packing the food bags to making personal notes for each bag of food. Volunteers of all ages and ability levels come together each week to make a huge impact on our community. People can help by donating ($200 will feed a local child each Friday for one year), volunteering (packing bags, making cards) or purchasing an item from our Amazon list.

OUR MISSION

PACK exists to meet the physical needs (food, clothing, toiletries) of local children in need and to inspire children and families to serve our community. WHO WE ARE

PACK started as a kitchen table project to teach my three young sons about helping others. In 2024, 20,000 volunteers came to support our mission. We continue to be 100% volunteer-run so all monies donated can be used to buy food and help as many children as we can. W H AT W E D O

• Twelve years ago, the PACK Feeding program began with our family helping one classroom of children. Today, PACK 174

provides weekend food bags to 5,600 children at 42 schools and community centers. The children who receive our bags eat free or reduced-price lunches at school during the week but suffer from food insecurity on weekends. • PACK Cottage program provides approximately 175 emergency duffle bags filled with new clothing, toiletries and toys to local children in crisis each month. Emergency workers can access duffel bags and food for children 24/7. • PACK Boutique currently serves 100 children in foster or Court Appointed Special Advocates care. Children shop for new clothing, shoes and toys every three months until they are 18. Each child has a “personal shopper” (mentor) to walk through life with them.

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• PACK Christmas Angel program provides gifts and necessities to around 1,600 vulnerable children each year. WHO WE HELP

The children we serve through all of our programs are local children in crisis or financial need. Children are referred by school counselors, social workers, CASA, local shelters, the Department of Family and Children’s Services and the fire and police departments.

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C O A S TA L C H I L D R E N ' S ADVOCACY CENTER P. O . B O X

9 9 2 6 | S AV A N N A H , 3 1 4 1 2 | 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 4 0 1 | C C A C - S AV A N N A H . O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP Every child is given a toy and a book of their choice when they come to our agency for services, so volunteers are welcome to support CCAC by doing small book and toy collections. We also maintain a supply list of items such as art therapy supplies, grocery store gift cards, and bus tickets that donors can give to directly support children as they heal.

OUR MISSION

Coastal Children’s Advocacy Center unites public, private, and community resources to provide each child who has suffered abuse with justice, hope, and healing. WHO WE ARE

CCAC is a children’s advocacy center that provides care to children who have been physically or sexually abused or who have witnessed a violent crime. We provide free investigative and therapeutic services to those who have been victimized. Our staff is highly trained, compassionate, and deeply committed to the children and families we serve.

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Our focus is to reduce the trauma of children who have been victimized by providing free services to those children and their families. These services include counseling, court accompaniment, and therapy. We see many signs of healing and growth in these children—for example, when they learn boundary skills, are able to sleep better, and improve their self-esteem. WHO WE HELP

CCAC works with children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have reported that they have been physically and/or sexually abused. We also work with young adults who have learning delays, up to age 25. CCAC serves children of all backgrounds and provides services free of charge, regardless of economic status.

D O N AT E

Your financial support helps CCAC keep our therapeutic and investigative services 100% free for the families we assist. Donations also help CCAC to supply prevention education materials for everyone who visits our agency as well as assist victims with transportation to therapy, school, and/or work. CCAC also hosts several annual events including a summer golf tournament fundraiser, “Stand up. Speak Out. Conference,” and a holiday toy drive. We are always looking for donors and community partners to support these impactful events.

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C A R E T TA RESEARCH PROJECT P. O . B O X 9 8 4 1 | 9 1 2 . 7 0 4 . 9 3 2 3 | C A R E T TA R E S E A R C H P R O J E C T. O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Work alongside biologists in the summer and get handson experience protecting sea turtles. • Volunteer as a boat captain transporting volunteers, gear and supplies. • Make an individual donation or corporate matching gift. • Shop the CRP store. • Sponsor or attend our Annual Sea Turtle Celebration.

OUR MISSION

To ensure the long-term protection and full recovery of the Northwest Atlantic loggerhead population and the ecological role that it plays through research, conservation and public education. OUR NAME

The scientific name of the loggerhead sea turtle is Caretta caretta. W H AT W E D O

The Caretta Research Project is a hands-on research, conservation and education program that protects the threatened loggerhead sea turtles that nest on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge with the help of volunteers from all over the world. Our goals are to learn more about population trends and reproductive biology of 176

loggerheads; to increase the survival of eggs and hatchlings; and to educate and involve the public in sea turtle conservation efforts. Volunteers work beside biologists for a full week, becoming advocates for sea turtle conservation in their own communities and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting these threatened species. WHY SEA TURTLES?

These ancient creatures are important indicators of the health of our oceans. Sea turtles play unique and critical ecological roles in sustaining the health of marine ecosystems. If we succeed in protecting sea turtles into the future, then we will have committed to preserving life on earth and maintaining the health and sustainability of our planet. Our goal of protecting sea turtles and their habitats ultimately protects

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the complex, interconnected world on which human societies depend. D O N AT E

Know that 100% of all donations go directly into supporting our sea turtle conservation efforts on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO

• Always use red lights on the beach at night in the summer so as not to disorient sea turtles. • Please pick up trash to help keep our beaches and oceans clean.

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YMCA OF C O A S TA L G E O R G I A 6 4 0 0 H A B E R S H A M S T.

912.354.5480

Y M C A O F C O A S TA L G A . O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Community members can help by becoming YMCA members, volunteering for programs including youth sports, the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest, or joining our board to shape the Y’s future. Volunteers make a direct impact on the lives of local youth, families, and seniors.

OUR MISSION

W H AT W E D O

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. WHO WE ARE

As one of the oldest and largest nonprofits in the Southeast, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia has been serving our region for almost two centuries. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our staff shares a commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and service to others.

We provide services that strengthen ourcommunity, including early learning, YBASE before-and-after-school care, youth sports, and literacy through Y Readers. Our programs are designed to uplift our community, no matter their background, and to help Savannah thrive. WHO WE HELP

We serve people of all ages and backgrounds across Bulloch, Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, McIntosh, and Glynn counties. We ensure that everyone, regardless of financial ability, can access our programs and services.

D O N AT E

Donations help fund income-based assistance for families in need, ensuring that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. Your contributions also support community programs like LIVESTRONG, A Place to Dream, and literacy initiatives. Additional donations, such as sports equipment or books for our reading programs, are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Every dollar invested directly impacts families in our region.

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BRIGHTSIDE CHILD AND FAMILY ADVOCACY

BRIGHTSIDE CHILD & FA M I LY A DVO C AC Y I N C . 7 6 1 W H E AT O N S T. | 9 1 2 . 4 4 7 . 8 9 0 8 | B R I G H T S I D E A D V O C A C Y. O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Your donation powers advocacy in court, support at home, and hope for what’s next. • Become a monthly donor, sponsor a child for the holidays, invite us to speak, sponsor an event, or use employer matching. • Through Georgia’s Fostering Success Act, you can redirect a portion of your state taxes to support youth aging out of foster care, often at no extra cost. Ask us how.

OUR MISSION

W H AT W E D O

WHOM WE HELP

Brightside Child & Family Advocacy provides services to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening and supporting healthy family relationships. Our goal is to help children and families heal, thrive, and build brighter futures.

Through our CASA program, we train and support volunteers to advocate for children navigating the foster care system. By amplifying a child’s voice in court, CASA volunteers help reduce the length of time in care, increase access to vital services, and improve chances of reunification or adoption. As an organization, Brightside also operates Bright House (supervised visitation and family support) and Brighter Futures (youth aging-out support). Together, these programs create a continuum of care, from the moment a child enters foster care to the time they transition into independence.

We serve children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Chatham County. Most are separated from siblings, friends, schools, and everything familiar. They may live in foster homes, group homes, or with relatives while their parents work toward reunification. These children range from newborns to teens, and many face compounded challenges of poverty, instability, and trauma. You can be the one consistent, caring advocate whose only job is to stand for their best interests.

WHO WE ARE

Brightside is a nonprofit rooted in hope, resilience, and the belief that every child deserves a safe, permanent, and loving home. Our staff and volunteers share a commitment to compassion, integrity, and equity. We are traumainformed, youth-centered, and fiercely focused on ensuring no child in foster care ever feels invisible or unheard.

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FRANK CALLEN B OYS & G I R L S C LU B 5 1 0 E . C H A R LT O N S T.

912.233.2939

F C B G C S A V. O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • Volunteer: Run a workshop on career development, public speaking, financial literacy, or life skills; coach a team; or help the kids improve their literacy and writing skills. Let us know how you would like to share your time and talents to make an impact. • Donate: Help us make our Club Kids “Future Ready.” Your gift to our Technology Fund provides the tools they need for academic success and career readiness.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

We enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

To provide a world-class club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

WHO WE ARE

For more than a century, the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club has served the youth of Savannah and their families by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and develop. Founded in 1917 and the first chartered Boys & Girls Club in Georgia, we offer an array of educational, recreational, and social activities during after-school hours and throughout the summer.

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they need to make smart choices and grow as leaders in their communities. At Frank Callen, kids don’t just have a safe place — they have a launchpad. WHOM WE HELP

W H AT W E D O

We show up every day to spark curiosity, build confidence, and fuel dreams. Each child receives a nutritious snack and meal, and gains access to enriching programs that focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering positive relationships, and building strong character. Our programming provides youth with the tools and support

Every weekday, we serve local youth by providing nourishment, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. We also provide vital support for parents, helping them balance work schedules and offering them peace of mind that their children are safe, nurtured, and engaged.

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S AVA N N A H T R E E F O U N D AT I O N 3 0 3 M A R T I N L U T H E R K I N G J R . B LV D . | 9 1 2 . 2 3 3 . T R E E | S AVA N N A H T R E E . O R G

H OW YO U C A N H E LP • DONATE OR VOLUNTEER. Volunteering with Savannah Tree Foundation is a fun and fulfilling way to learn about Chatham County’s urban forest and to give back to our community. Volunteers are crucial to our ability to plant and maintain trees. From November to March, join us at a tree planting event to help us grow the future!

OUR MISSION

W H AT W E D O

COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT

Savannah Tree Foundation protects and grows Chatham County’s urban forest through tree planting, community engagement and advocacy. Trees are one of Chatham County’s most treasured natural resources. Beyond their beauty, trees’ community impacts are expansive, ranging from economic benefits to health improvements to climate-change resilience.

Founded in 1982, Savannah Tree Foundation has planted more than 6,000 trees throughout Chatham County — and more that 350 since hurricane Helene last fall. We have the ambitious goal of planting and giving away 4,000 trees in 2025 and 2026 and planting another 5,000 by 2030. These trees will grow our urban forest and create a safer, healthier, and more resilient community.

Teaching our community about trees and how to care for them is an essential part of the work we do. Check out our Tree Care page online and be sure to look at our calendar for upcoming events.

WHO ARE WE

Savannah Tree Foundation seeks to inspire and educate our community to create and sustain a healthy urban forest. We put our environment and community at the heart of everything we do. For us, trees are a multipurpose tool in creating a better Savannah. 180

WHO WE HELP

D O N AT E

Donations support educational and training opportunities, volunteer events, and seasonal tree plantings. For every dollar invested in trees, our community gains more than $2 in benefits. Grow a greener future!

Savannah Tree Foundation serves all municipalities in Chatham County as well as Unincorporated Chatham. Our efforts to protect and grow our urban forest benefit everyone who lives, works, and plays in our community.

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H O S P I C E S AVA N N A H , INC. 1352 EISENHOWER DRIVE | 912.629.1055 | HOSPICESAVANNAH.ORG OUR MISSION

Founded by our community, we help people live!

G E T I N VO LV E D • Honor or remember loved ones at our annual Tree of Light Memorial Gathering on December 7. Go to hospicesavannah.org/give-2/tree-light/ for more information. • Give a year-end gift to support our grief support programs and services. Call our Foundation at 912.629.1027 or visit hospicesavannah.org/give.

W H AT W E D O

Hospice Savannah is the oldest legacy, not-for-profit hospice in the area and has been helping families in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties for more than 45 years.

Hospice Savannah also helps those with serious progressive illness through the Steward Center for Palliative Care, helps the bereaved through Full Circle Grief & Loss Center and supports family caregivers through the Edel Caregiver Institute. For more information, please contact: Hospice Savannah at 912.355.2289.

A designated agency of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, it is the only hospice to be voluntarily accredited by, and hold the Gold Seal of Approval from, The Joint Commission.

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LIVE OAK PUBLIC L I B R A R I E S F O U N D AT I O N 2002 BULL ST. | 912.652.3600 | LIVEOAKPL.ORG/FOUNDATION

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Uniting & Uplifting Georgia

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Innovative Education | 21 Radio Stations | & Digital Divisions

GPB provides over 35,000 hours of non-commercial programming each year

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including A Fork in the Road,

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Georgia Outdoors, View Finders, Football Fridays in Georgia, Peach Jam and in-depth news reporting on issues impacting citizens across the state.

For more information visit us at GPB.org

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Drawing upon the natural beauty and unique charm of the Coastal Georgia and South Car Carolina region, Southern Coastal Weddings offers an elevated and authentic view of the region’s wedding culture … ever after, circa now. Available at shopsavannahmagazine.com

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RETIREMENT

The Real Fountain of Youth Written and illustrated by JJ HUBAL

SPANISH EXPLORER Ponce de Leon had it all wrong. In 1513, he started on a quest to find magical waters that would keep him young forever. Sadly, his misguided advisors sent him to Florida, and he returned home thirsty and even older than when he left. With all due respect to Floridians, the Fountain of Youth is located in Georgia — or more precisely, in Savannah. My experience as a recently transplanted retiree has shown me that the youth-infusing effects of the Hostess City are found not only in the fountains scattered around the squares in the Historic District, but also imbued within every live oak, handmade brick, and blast of a cargo ship’s horn. In other words, the revitalizing power of Savannah is available everywhere, to anyone who sets foot on one of its quirky cobblestone walkways. Mine was a classic story of love at first sight, an experience echoed by dozens of new residents who will tell anyone who asks, “I visited Savannah, fell in love, and moved here permanently.” I’m one of them. The motivation for the move came to me while I was wrapped in a down comforter and sitting with my husband in our home on the frozen tundra of the northernmost part of the Midwest during a particularly brutal January ice storm. And it wasn’t only the weather. Over the previous few years, we’d been hit with an avalanche of loss and disappointment. A dwindling number of family and friends, the end of careers, and a smattering of health issues had sapped our usually positive energy and changed our can-do spirit into a shivering, cynical lump. Now in our 70s, we were burned out, discouraged, and getting older by the minute. Even my eternally optimistic, upbeat husband was feeling the need for

change. But where would we go? Savannah. It was a city that had caught our interest during a brief stay years before, but at that time, we weren’t able to give it the attention it deserved. We made a decision to head back for a closer look. For this visit, instead of booking a room in a hotel, we rented a tiny garden apartment in the middle of town. Unlike staying in a hotel as we had before, the rental allowed us to do ordinary things like laundry and grocery shopping. We discovered places to buy locally roasted coffee beans. Our daily explorations made it clear that other essential businesses — banks, drug stores, a library, a thrift shop, and churches of every sort — were only a short walk away. It started to dawn on us that Savannah was more than an eighteenth-century pretty face who was fun to date, but rather, it was a place we might be able to make a long-term commitment to. Slowly and delightfully, the idea of moving here sank into our heads. We could actually do this. We could live here. Six months later, we packed up our belongings (minus our snow shovels) and crossed the country. Turns out, we weren’t the only ones making a decision to move here at an older age. In 2022, Forbes named Savannah one of the best places to retire, which makes

sense considering nearly one-third of the population is over the age of 50. In my mind that makes Savannah a NORC. A “Naturally Occurring Retirement Community” is like the family farm or a neighborhood where everybody has known everybody else for generations. While those days are mostly gone, the need for connection and community as we age lives on, and research tells us it’s a key ingredient to maintaining good health and well-being. That’s why I think of Savannah as my personal NORC. In my case, the “R” isn’t for “Retirement” — it’s for “Rejuvenation.” In the three years since moving here, both my husband and I have found a lively assortment of new friends and welcoming groups made up of long-time Savannahians and transplants from all over the world. Savannah has delivered a sense of friendship, belonging, and purpose beyond our wildest dreams. Every day, I walk through the squares that Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe so carefully set up all over the city, some of which have a fountain smack dab in the middle. It’s then that I like to take a moment, dip my hand in the water, and gratefully reflect that even though I’ll soon celebrate my 79th birthday, this is the youngest I’ve been in years.

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A d A dit m io en na iti l F es e e

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INDEPENDENT / ASSISTED / MEMORY CARE*

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RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES S AVA N N A H / A R O U N D C H AT H A M C O U N T Y, G E O R G I A Amber Grove @ Savannah Seasons 249 Holland Drive 912.925.3445 ambergroveseniorliving.com/savannah

Buckingham South 5450 Abercorn St. 912.355.5550 buckinghamsouth.com

Harmony at Savannah 9136 Old Montgomery Road 912.244.9880 harmonyatsavannah.com

—

34 (senior living and memory care)

$4,050-$4,550 (inclusive)

3, plus snacks

$2,000

Respite care, beauty/barber shop

—

$3,250 and up

All

$750

Levels of care, pet fee, beauty salon

65, 35 (memory care)

$3,265 and up (indep.), $4,250 and up (assisted), $5,450 and up (memory care)

1 (indep.), 3 (other levels)

$3,500

Landline phone, premium cable, high-speed Internet, beauty salon

$4,000 - $6,000

$3,000

Streaming services, beauty salon, massage, pet fee, landline

Legacy at Savannah Quarters 101 Shepherd Way, Pooler 844.876.6537 atlasseniorliving.com/legacy-savannah-quarters

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70 (assisted), 34 (memory care)

Magnolia Manor on the Coast 141 Timber Trail, Richmond Hill 912.756.4300 magnoliamanor.com

$2,570-$3,360 (indep.); $4,825-$5,645 (assisted)

1 (indep.), all (assisted)

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Beauty salon

182

21 assisted living; 23 skilled nursing beds

$4,196-$6,805 (additional person $1,097)

Flexible dining allowance

$321,248-$758,522 (additional person $23,280)

à la carte services, beauty salon, dog walking

$2,000

Levels of care, medication administration, beauty/barber shop, landline phone, pet deposit

$2,000

Levels of care, salon, free cable, laundry, pet-friendly, theater, free wiﬁ

The Marshes of Skidaway Island 95 Skidaway Island Park Road 912.598.5030 marshesofskidaway.org

Oaks at Habersham 5200 Habersham St. 912.493.7826 assistedliving-habersham.com

Oaks at Pooler 125 Southern Junction Blvd., #800, Pooler 912.348.2360 oaksseniorliving.com

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68, 48 (assisted), 20 (memory care)

57, 29 (memory care)

$2,800 and up (assisted), $4,350 and up (memory care)

$3,225 and up

*Not an exhaustive list of all retirement and 55+ community options in the region. **Latest available figures

All

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RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES • continued

S AVA N N A H / A R O U N D C H AT H A M C O U N T Y, G E O R G I A

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52, 23 (memory care)

$2,500 and up

All

$2,000

Beauty/barber shop, cable, pet deposit, levels of care, medication administration

119

—

$2,100–$3,350 (cable and Internet included)

All

$2,000

Beauty salon, covered parking available, à la carte health services

110

$2,590–$3,690 (indep.), $2,990–$4,200 (assisted)

All

$2,500

Pet deposit ($500), beauty salon

136

34, 36 (memory care)

$1,520 and up (indep.), $3,970 and up (assisted), $4,030 (memory care)

Up to 3

$1,250

Beauty/barber shop, pet deposit

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36 (memory care only)

$4,200

All

None

Call for info.

Station Exchange Senior Care 3205 TSX Grand Central, Richmond Hill 912.445.2425 georgialivingseniorcare.com

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32 (18 memory care)

$4,450–$6,000; levels of care $200-$1,500

$1,500

Beauty shop, guest meals, transportation

Summer Breeze 351 Wilmington Island Road 912.898.8880 summerbreezeseniorliving.com

39, 12 (memory care)

$3,300 and up

All

$1,200

Beauty/barber shop, pet deposit ($500)

Sunabella at Savannah 11310 White Bluff Road 912.925.3494 sunabellaatsavannah.com

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36 (memory care only)

$3,495 shared; $3,995 single

All

$1,500

Phone, salon

$2,800 and up (cable, Internet, and laundry included)

3 full meals

$1,000

Levels of care, beauty salon

34, 12 (memory care)

$3,800 and up (indep.), $4,850 and up (assisted), $6,250 and up (memory care)

2 (indep.), 3 (assisted and memory)

$5,000

Phone, salon (hair, nails, massage therapy), priority parking, golf cart parking, pet deposit, additional storage, wine bar, lockers

Oaks at Savannah 7410 Skidaway Road 912.354.6185 oaksseniorliving.com

River’s Edge 6206 Waters Ave., 912.354.6146 riversedge.barclayhouseseniorliving.com Savannah Square 1 Savannah Square Drive, 912.927.7550 savannahsquareretirement.com

The Social at Savannah 1 Peachtree Drive 912.927.0500 thesocialsl.com/savannah Spanish Oaks Retreat 5 hiteﬁeld Ave., 9 .5 spanishoakshospice.com

. 9 5

Sunabella Senior Living 231 W. Montgomery Cross Road 912.925.8853 sunabellaseniorliving.com

Thrive on Skidaway 5 Lake St. 912.295.4220 thriveonskidaway.com

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*Not an exhaustive list of all retirement and 55+ community options in the region. **Latest available figures

• continued iti en ona i i lF e e

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BE AUFOR T AN D JA SPER COUNTIE S, SOUTH C AROLINA The Addison of Sonida Bluffton 8 Hampton Lake Drive, Bluffton 843.757.3111 addisonofsonida.com/community/ the-addison-of-bluffton/

42 Assisted Living, 28 Memory Care

$2,500

Levels of care, respite care

$3,500

Optional levels of care ($725–$1,590), beauty salon, pet deposit ($300)

The Bayshore on Hilton Head Island 421 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island 843.342.2222 bayshorehiltonhead.com

$4,300 –$6,800

2 (ind.), 3 (assisted)

n er el enior i ing 567 Okatie Highway, Ridgeland 843.645.4000 canterﬁeldseniorliving.com

Call for info

The Cypress of Hilton Head 20 Ladyslipper Lane, Hilton Head Island 843.689.7000 cypressofhiltonhead.com

Call for info

r or o e e or re 48 N. Main St., Hilton Head Island 843.342.7122 harborcovememorycare.com

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32 (memory care)

$3,195–$3,795

$2,600

Call for info

oli n igo ine 110 Gardner Drive, Hilton Head Island 854.842.3616 holidayseniorliving.com

120

—

$2,469 and up (cable included)

Call for info

Cottages, à la carte health services, pet deposit, beauty/barber salon

l n o e il on e 15 Main St., Hilton Head Island 843.342.6565 islandcoveathiltonhead.com

24+

$2,540–$3,890 (independent)

$1,500

Call for info

i er n ing 60 Oak Forest Road, Bluffton 843.815.2338 mayriverlanding.com

Call for info

Coming in 2026

$2,300–$3,800 independent; additional person $1,100; $4,300-$5,200 memory care

Call for info

$2,500

Call for info

ie ine e ire en o ni 142 Okatie Center Blvd. N., Okatie 843.705.3636 rlcommunities.com

128

Call for info

No buy-in

Call for info

T e l e o i e i ing n e or re o l on 3035 Okatie Highway, Okatie 843.707.9400; thepalmettosbluffton.com

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33 (assisted), 22 (memory care)

$3,547–$4,653

$1,500

Call for info

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*Not an exhaustive list of all retirement and 55+ community options in the region. **Latest available figures

To do list: Bring your A game. Isn’t it time you replaced chores with fun? With maintenance-free living at The Marshes, you can enjoy the to do list of your dreams all day long. Bocce. Swimming. Beautiful walking trails. Fine dining— we’ve got it all. To schedule a visit, go to marshesofskidaway.org or call 866.905.4446.

A d A dit m io en na iti l F es e e

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RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES • continued

BE AUFOR T AN D JA SPER COUNTIE S, SOUTH C AROLINA

43, 20 (memory care)

$3,200–$3,900 assisted, $3,900 memory care (companion), $4,600 private, all-inclusive

$1,600

Levels of care, pet deposit, beauty salon

Call for info

206

33 (skilled nursing beds)

$1,860–$3,600

1, option for 2

Call for info

—

Call for info

45 assisted living; 65 skilled nursing

Call for info

The Pines at Bluffton 800 Fording Island Road, Bluffton 843.548.0147 pinesbluffton.com

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Pines of Hilton Head 35 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island 843.342.5599 pineshiltonhead.com

Call for info

The Seabrook of Hilton Head 300 Woodhaven Drive, Hilton Head Island 843.842.3747 theseabrook.com Sprenger Health Care Bluffton 60 Okatie Village Drive 843.548.2500 sprengerhealthcare.com/location/bluffton

BUCKINGHAM SOUTH 5450 ABERCORN S T. 912.355.5550 | BUCK INGHAMSOUTH.COM

ABOUT US

Locally owned and operated, Buckingham South is Savannah’s premier assisted living community and the only one of its kind to achieve a 100% inspection rating from the state of Georgia. With a focus on highly personalized quality health care and social interaction, the traditional values of Buckingham South are founded on more than 45 years of senior healthcare experience. LIVING OPTIONS

Maggie and Bill Briggs 192

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E .C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Buckingham South is a licensed, assisted living community offering a warm, elegant and

secure environment tailored to meet residents’ needs, with the highest standards of medical care from nursing and support staff. Around-the-clock caregivers and registered nurses provide regular health screenings and medication administration. Residents can select from seven floor plans, each with 24-hour emergency call system, kitchen, daily housekeeping, laundry service and a variety of activities. Transportation for medical visits, social events and shopping is provided. Buckingham South is near two major hospitals and a beautiful shopping center.

A d A dit m io en na iti l F es e e

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o Fe n t h e* ly *

INDEPENDENT / ASSISTED / MEMORY CARE*

Ye a O rs i pe n ra ti In de on U p ni en ts d en t A ss Li iste vi d ng U ni ts

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES • continued

BE AUFOR T AN D JA SPER COUNTIE S, SOUTH C AROLINA TidePointe, a Vi Community idePointe ay, ilton ead sland 843.341.7400; viliving.com

Village Cove Assisted Living ain St., ilton ead sland 43. 9.9 43; villagecoveassistedliving.com

Vineyard Bluffton Assisted Living and Memory Care 5 Cassidy rive, Bluffton 43. 5 .4 ; vineyardbluffton.com 5 5 + AC T I V E A D U LT C O M M U N I T I E S * Del Webb Heartwood in Savannah 830 Wood Haven Drive Richmond Hill, Georgia 912.244.8848, delwebb.com

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203 (ind.), 4 assisted , 5 skilled nursing

$2,632–$4,277 single , $3,975–$5,620 couple

1, option for

eal estate purchase or real estate buy-in

ees for services

—

4, 5 and up

$2,500

Call for info

—

4 asst. , 3 memory care)

anges, call 843.612.0700 for info

Call for info

Call 43. . for info

The Fairways at Savannah Quarters ingﬁsher Circle, Pooler, eorgia 912.302.3659

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head 35 atitude Blvd., ardeeville, South Carolina 44.5 3.4 5, latitudemargaritaville.com

The Haven at New Riverside by Del Webb 3 histlers alk, Bluffton, South Carolina .93 . 4 3, thehavennow.com

Sun City Hilton Head by Del Webb 4 awnwood Court, Bluffton, South Carolina 843.203.0360, delwebb.com

THE SOCIAL AT S AVA N NA H 1 PE ACHTREE DRIVE | 912.927.050 0 THESOCIAL SL .COM/SAVANNAH

OUR MISSION

To provide purpose, joy, and connection every day, so residents feel supported and truly at home. AMENITIES & SERVICES

Enjoy chef-prepared meals, a library, fitness center, salon, courtyards, and bistro dining. Social, cultural, spiritual, and recreational programs keep life vibrant — from fitness classes and continuing education to holiday celebrations and happy hours. With concierge services, transportation, housekeeping, and on-site Powerback Rehab

therapy, residents can focus on what matters most. LIVING OPTIONS

• Independent Living: Maintenance-free living, 24/7 concierge, and social clubs • Assisted Living (The Springs): Personalized support, private patios, and a beautiful courtyard, with round-the-clock licensed nurses and a wellness program • Memory Care (The Arbors): A secure, small-house model with private rooms, compassionate trained staff, and enriching daily engagement in a safe environment NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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CHANUKAH at Forsyth Park Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER // Photography by MALCOLM TULLY

Each year, the community-wide celebration of Chanukah at Forsyth Park brings entertainment, activities, and joy to Savannah. These images capture the holiday fun from last year’s event, held on Dec. 29. The festivities were presented by Chabad of Savannah, the Savannah Jewish Federation, and the City of Savannah, with support from sponsors such as Levy Jewelers and the Schachter Law Firm. Don’t miss out on the fun for this year’s event! It will take place 3–6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in Forsyth Park. The celebration will be free, open to all, and there will be comprehensive security measures in place.

Participants enjoyed tasty seasonal treats such as donuts and latkes while kids played games, had their faces painted, and made holiday crafts. There was also live music and a Chanukah market to browse.

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A giant menorah was lit as part of the Chanukah at Forsyth Park gathering.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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S AVA N N A H

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Opening Weekend Photography by JOHN ALEX ANDER for SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC

Music enthusiasts gathered on Sept. 13 for the opening weekend of the 2025–26 Savannah Philharmonic season. This season kicked off at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts with “American Classics” under the direction of conductor Keitaro Harada.

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Seven Ladies Monument A special dedication ceremony was held Sept. 20 in Columbia Square to honor the seven preservationists who saved the Davenport House and founded the Historic Savannah Foundation. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson delivered remarks before the new Seven Ladies Monument, featuring two bronze plaques and portraits of the women, was unveiled. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

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Beer, Guys, Cigars, Golf & Casino The nonprofit hosted its two-day annual fundraiser at The Club at Savannah Harbor. The Vegas-in-Savannahthemed event featured casino games and Sunday Night Football. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, gourmet food, and cigars during the Sunday evening portion of the event. Monday morning featured the tee-off at the Mike Cashwell Golf Classic, followed by an online silent auction in the afternoon. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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My Simple Wish Renowned composer David Friedman, famed conductor and arranger of many Disney scores, presented VOICE Festival artists in a special concert celebrating his career in music. “My Simple Wish,” which took place Aug. 9 at Asbury Memorial Church, included some family-favorite Disney songs as well as a postshow meet-and-greet. The program was part of the Savannah VOICE Festival’s 13th season, titled “Once Upon a Time.” Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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September/October Launch Party In celebration of the magazine’s 35th anniversary and the debut of its largest issue to date, Savannah magazine played host to a dazzling soirée at Plant Riverside District’s Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck. The fashionable crowd — decked in 1930s attire — enjoyed live tunes from Equinox Jazz Quartet and jazz duo Oil n Whisky. Partygoers also watched as artist and graphic recorder Inky Brittany captured the magazine’s 35-year history with live art. The evening flowed with signature cocktails, an abundance of confections, and the unmistakable spirit of a city that knows how to celebrate in style. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN and THE HULLS

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SPECIAL THANKS

T O T H O S E W H O MA DE OU R S EPT EMB ER / OCT OB E R ” B E S T O F S AVA N N A H” IS S U E CELEB R AT ION POS S IBLE

Alex Neumann Photography All About You Entertainment Amber Capps – The Long Weekender Baker’s Pride Bakery Byrd Cookie Co. Chrislynn’s Confections Curated Events Daisy Bakes Deesaxplayer Equinox Entertainment EventWorks Gigi’s Cupcakes Hale Tea Co.

The Hulls Inky Brittany John Davis Florist JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Le Macaron McCoy’s Event Professionals Oil n Whisky Origin Coffee Bar River Street Sweets Savannah Square Pops Stardust Pixxies Swanson Signature Events

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IN ACTION Watch InkyBrittany illustrate 35 years of Savannah magazine during the recent September/ October “Best of Savannah” issue launch party.

DRAWING CONNECTIONS InkyBrittany Is Changing How People Listen, Learn, and Lead GRAPHIC RECORDER AND FACILITATOR BRITTANY CURRY, or “InkyBrittany” as she’s known, has been redefining how we see and experience conversations for more than a decade. With a marker in hand or an iPad at the ready, she captures ideas in real-time, transforming them into vibrant visual stories — an artifact to help reflect on what’s transpired, invite feedback, and memorialize what matters. “One of the challenges I face is framing what many people see as ‘art’ in a different way,” says Curry. “It’s not about art, it’s about making organizational communication more efficient, transparent, and democratic.” Curry’s unique ability to illustrate events by hand has attracted clients such as Microsoft, Keurig Dr. Pepper, and the Georgia Department of Education. Most recently, she attended and recorded Savannah magazine’s annual Best of Savannah party. She began as she always does: with research, diving into 35 years of the

magazine’s history, talking with team members (in this case, those who have worked at the magazine, collectively, for decades), and understanding the goals of the gathering. After research, Curry begins to sketch — sometimes on paper, sometimes digitally — mapping out the flow of ideas. Once the event begins, she draws in real time, blending text and imagery to capture the moment. In 2023, Curry took the TEDxSavannah stage with a talk titled “Drawing Connections,” reflecting on how illustration can elevate unheard voices and foster inclusive communication. It was a fitting spotlight for someone whose mission is to turn complexity into clarity through creativity. Because whether on a wall or sketched on-screen, Curry’s graphics aren’t just beautiful — they’re intentional. In a world overloaded with information, she offers a rare skill: simplifying the complex and making meaning visible.

‘‘

It’s not about art, it’s about making organizational communication more efficient, transparent, and democratic.” — BRITTANY CURRY

INKYBRITTANY.COM

2 0 7 S A V A Ncourtesy N A H M AofG ANDREA AZINE.CO M / / (TOP 3 5 Y LEFT) E A R S AND THE HULLS Photography BURG Photography (TOP AND courtesy BOTTOM of ANDREA RIGHT) BURG (TOP LEFT) AND THE HULLS (TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT)

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the A FT ERW O RD

Puppy’s First Christmas Written by ANDREA GOTO

OUR RECENTLY ADOPTED RESCUE is failing puppy school. Sitting in class, flanked by two perfectly poised purebreds staring in judgment, my “Bean” is losing her little mind. She’s completely out of control: lunging, barking, jumping. Her back end spirals one way while her front goes in the other, defying both physics and canine anatomy. The trainer is not impressed by what I consider to be a pretty exceptional scene. “You need to make her stop,” she deadpans. I don’t disagree. In fact, I nod, but do nothing. “I don’t think we’ve gone over ‘stop doing that’ yet,” I offer. I’m not trying to be rude, but it feels like she’s asking me to quell a volcano with a garden hose. The trainer quickly reaches into a cupboard, pulls out a spray can, and holds it behind her back, hiding it from me or my dog, I’m not sure. “Do I have permission to correct your dog?” she asks firmly. I don’t know what’s in that can, but it doesn’t feel like “no” is an option. “Yes?” I reply meekly. To my relief, the trainer aims the can against the wall and dispatches a strong pfffft! of air, startling Bean into submission. “Yeah, you just got a can of doggie whoop-ass,” I whisper to my dog. “She’ll always be very high energy,” the trainer later says as we part. I hear the subtext: “Good luck, lady.” But I don’t need luck; I need a plan. And a can of whoop-ass for the road. Because I’m fully aware of what lies ahead: the holidays. And I have no idea how I’ll rein in my pup, how I’ll diffuse the volcano. It’s simply not fair to be a dog during the holidays. I freak when Bean brings in a pine cone from the backyard and disembowels it, scale by scale. But when I drag in an entire tree, leaving 10,000 needles in my path, everyone cheers. Then we adorn the tree with hundreds of balls — similar to the ones Bean fetches, except these bad boys sparkle. And shatter. The nonbreakable ornaments are equally as tempting: a knit snowman, a felted avocado with a Santa hat, and — for Christmassake — bells. Eventually, there will be presents under the tree, artfully wrapped and ribboned. Some will be for Bean — whose nose renders wrapping pointless, but tradition runs strong. On Christmas morning, I’ll bestow her with gifts and enthusiastically encourage her to disembowel them. But first, she must learn to wait until Christmas, and even then, to open only the ones labeled “To: Bean.” Given that my dog can’t read or even wait the five seconds it takes me to scoop her food, these holiday expectations are absurd. Just

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“She’ll always be very high energy,” the trainer later says as we part. I hear the subtext: “Good luck, lady.” But I don’t need luck; I need a plan. And a can of whoop-ass for the road. Because I’m fully aware of what lies ahead: the holidays. imagine having everything that brings you joy in front of you — your children, Netflix, pie — and being told to look but not touch. To flip it on but not watch. To smell but not eat. At best, we’re setting our furry friends up for failure. At worst, we can just kiss our heirloom ornaments goodbye and keep the number for the emergency vet service handy. I know that, eventually, my pup, much like my now adult child, will somehow learn the “rules of holiday engagement,” as arbitrary as they may seem right now. But we aren’t there yet. As I see it, I have three options for success: no decorations at all, a baby gate as long and tall as the Great Wall of China, or a can of whoop-ass so big that it would shut down Santa’s workshop with one blast. I think I’ll opt for the path of least resistance and tap out of the holiday expectations, decorations, and my ad nauseam “No!” and instead tap into the reality. Because, in the words of Tiny Tim: “God bless us, everyone one.” Including — especially — Bean.

Illustration by RAY GOTO

DENNIS BAXTER - BLOOMINGDALE, GA Having dedicated most of his life to public service, Dennis is also a skilled woodworker and guitar builder. After developing some digestive issues, a colonoscopy performed at St. Joseph’s/Candler revealed colorectal cancer.

“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE TO PRACTICE AT ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER.” Dr. Mark Blankenship - Colon & Rectal Surgeon

He quickly began six weeks of chemotherapy at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. Afterward, Dr. Mark Blankenship removed the tumor using the robotic da Vinci Surgical System. The procedure required an ileostomy, which Dennis feared he’d have to permanently live with. Seven months later, Dr. Blankenship successfully reversed the ileostomy. And while the lifesaving technology was a major part of the treatment, Dr. Blankenship feels the entire staff was instrumental in Dennis’ successful recovery, which is another reason he chooses to practice at St. Joseph’s/Candler.

SJCHS.ORG CANCERPAVILION.COM

EIZA GONZÁLEZ

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