September/October 2025 by Savannah Magazine

“

THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE TO PRACTICE AT ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER.”

Dr. Areli Saucedo Baza - OB/GYN

SARAH LUM - POOLER, GA

During the second trimester of her pregnancy, Sarah began experiencing extreme fatigue and dizziness, affecting her ability to do her job or interact with her three year-old toddler. A visit with her OB/GYN, Dr. Saucedo Baza at St. Joseph’s/Candler, revealed dangerously low blood pressure. Dr. Saucedo Baza provided some dietary suggestions and referred Sarah to a St. Joseph’s/Candler cardiologist, who found no serious underlying issue. The team continued to closely monitor Sarah as her condition improved. However, at birth, respiratory complications required her newborn son to spend five days in the hospital’s NICU. Having this specialized nursery and a broad team that provides lifesaving care throughout the entire pregnancy are major reasons Dr. Saucedo Baza chooses to practice at St. Joseph’s/Candler.

88 ON THE COVER

Ukiyo Izakaya and Ramen Bar’s sushi chef Dylan Allen and front-ofhouse manager Stephanie Forbes celebrate being part of our Best of Savannah issue.

88 AT HOME: ECLECTIC MASTERY

In her Ardsley Park home, fashion designer Rose Marie Woulfe seamlessly stitches together timeless elegance, worldly glamour, and cheeky whimsy.

Written by Kathryn Drury Wagner // Photography by Claire Barrett

128 BEST OF SAVANNAH

The votes are in. Discover the people, places, and provisions that our readers ﬁnd the best

Written by Mary Cornetta, Kiki Dy, Amy Faeskorn, and Kathryn Drury Wagner

225 BEST OF DOCTORS

Combining empathetic care, deep knowledge, and the latest techniques and technologies, these winners and runners-up go above and beyond for their patients.

Written by Ethan Mathews // Photography by Angela Hopper-Lee

Photography by Peter Colin Murray

Creative direction by Alexi Drago

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.

“YOU’RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT,” Roy Scheider says as the character of police chief Martin Brody in “Jaws.” Similarly, for this year’s Best of Savannah reader poll content, we needed a bigger boat — er, magazine. That’s right, this 312-page issue is the largest issue of Savannah ever.

To do Best of Savannah justice, we needed more pages, more interviews, more glossy photos, more donuts, more noodles, more freelance writers, more help from business leaders ... and it turned out beautifully. The Best of Savannah edition is ultimately a guide to the very best the city has to offer, and we hope you will not only enjoy the magazine but will also hold onto it for months to come, using it as a reference to guide you, whether you are craving fried chicken or are in search of formal wear, a flight school, or a florist.

It’s an expansive list, and we truly appreciate all the readers who weighed in with their votes and recommendations. As so many of the businesses expressed, these accolades from the community represent the highest laurels. See “Best of Savannah,” starting on page 128.

In addition to the Best of Savannah, there’s so much else to read in this issue, including our Q&A with Billy Sorochak, head of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, who shares why watching cargo ships can be a deeply restorative process (“The Gentleman in Red,” page 57). We check in with Levy Jewelers on the occasion of the business’s 125th anniversary

(“A Savannah Jewel,” page 83). And we share how Savannah Children’s Theatre rose above a very challenging situation after January snow and ice damaged its building. It’s back to thriving, with help from the community (“The Show Must Go On,” page 65).

We also devoted five pages to the local art scene, as there’s so much happening this fall in local galleries, museums, and theaters.

And speaking of arts, don’t miss “Eclectic Mastery,” on page 88. We were honored to explore the incredible Ardsley Park home of fashion designer Rose Marie Woulfe and her husband, Louis. Rose Marie has a knack for sophisticated, charming creations.

Lastly, this issue also contains another readervoted poll, Best of Doctors. Starting on page 225, you’ll find profiles of some of the winners and runners-up, as well as comprehensive lists of topnotch medical professionals, from rheumatologists to nephrologists to sleep specialists and beyond. Again, a “keeper” resource that will serve you well in the months to come.

So, here’s to your good health, and may you enjoy exploring all the best that Savannah has to offer.

Kathryn Drury Wagner Editor in Chief

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.

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In our July/August 2025 story “Bites by Boat,” we should have emphasized that Savannah Bend Marina is privately owned and not available for patrons dining at Desposito’s Seafood. Scan the code for more on the best places to dock and dine in Savannah.

Dallas Sellars (Owner, Left) with Husband Brad Sellars.

Dr. Nicole Cohen (Medical Director, Right) with Husband Jonathan Davis.

Photo by Chris Hayes

THE POWER OF PERSONAL ATTENTION WORKING

PUBLISHER

Anita Hagin

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kathryn Drury Wagner

DIGITAL & DESIGN DIRECTOR Andrea Burg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Cornetta

COPY EDITOR Zach Hayes

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Britt Scott

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Jane Townsend

ADVERTISING MANAGER Jill Strauss

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Lane Pelliccione

Shelby Tippett, Branch Ofﬁce Administrator

Trisha Boyett, Financial Advisor

We focus on helping you achieve what’s most important to you. Investing is about more than just creating wealth. It’s about making your money work for you to live life on your terms. That’s why I’ll build personal connections with you throughout our partnership. And that’s how we’ll create a plan for success based on your unique needs.

Ofﬁce of Trisha Boyett, Financial Advisor 6600 Abercorn Street, Suite 203 Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 352-0411 | edwardjones.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Corinne Karmiel & Kasey Huggins

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Holly Todd

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelly Thompson

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melanie Schmermund

EXECUTIVE

PRESIDENT Tina Battock

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & OPERATIONS Scott Ferguson

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION Sherry Brown

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks

CIRCULATION BUSINESS MANAGER Michelle Rowe

MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS

CHAIRMAN

William S. Morris III

CEO

Craig S. Mitchell

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 37131, Boone, IA 50037-2131

DifferenceatSavannah Classical A c ademy

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY PRE-K PROGRAM AND K-12 CHARTER SCHOOL

Savannah Classical Academy (SCA), established in 2013 invites families who value a highquality, tuition-free public education to explore a school where academic excellence, strong character, and opportunity define the student experience from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Academic Excellence: Rigorous classical curriculum focused on critical thinking, reading, writing, and mathematics.

Travel for All Grades: From local explorations to international adventures, students expand their horizons through rich travel opportunities— including travel abroad.

Competitive Athletics: We offer a robust athletics program that promotes teamwork, discipline, and school pride.

Clubs & Activities: Whether it’s drama, debate, robotics, or art—SCA p rovides a variety of programs to engage every learner.

Civic Responsibly and Character Development: Our teachers and staff foster a supportive cohesive environment rooted in our eight core virtues and House System.

Savannah Classical Academy – Where character meets excellence. We are not just a school. We are a mission.

of families who have chosen SCA as the

educational path for their children.

TYBEE ISLAND

VICTORIAN

Simply Our Best

Our first Best of Savannah reader poll appeared in our July/August 2001 issue. Some categories remain the same today, such as Best Business Lunch (won that first time by Café at Main). Others are no longer in rotation, like Best Corporate Citizen (the inaugural winner was Arnold Tenenbaum of Chatham Steel). But no matter how many decades pass by, our Best of Savannah remains both a reader — and staff — favorite.

WHY IS EVERYONE MOVING TO SAVANNAH?

Forget the porch swings and sweet tea clichés. Savannah’s newest homebuyers are after something else entirely.

SAVANNAH’S NOT JUST TRENDING on travel blogs anymore. It’s topping Zillow wishlists, blowing up Instagram and TikTok with historic home tours, and filling inboxes with property alerts. Travel + Leisure has ranked Savannah among the top five cities in the U.S., and Southern Living named it runner-up for Best Southern City. A decade ago, it was mostly retirees chasing mild winters and charming squares. Now it’s creatives from Brooklyn, techies from Austin, and families from Atlanta who want out of the grind but aren’t ready for full-on suburban or rural life. At Savannah Fine Homes, we’re noticing that reasonable

pricing, lower taxes and insurance rates, and a slower, more accessible way of life are some of the main draws to the Savannah real estate market.

Devorah Shaw of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group has watched the shift firsthand, noting that “Almost all the clients whom I’m receiving from Ruben (Ramos with Savannah Fine Homes of Daniel Ravenel Sothebys International Realty) are clients moving from out of state. The affordability in Savannah compared to other cities nearby like Charleston and Atlanta is still night and day.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic,

buyers from all over the world have relocated here, many of them remote workers or young families rethinking their priorities. What they’re looking for might surprise you. It’s not necessarily a historic fixer-upper on a square, a beach house, or a mansion. Their focus is convenience, flexibility, and a lower cost of living. It’s a home that works for them, not one that becomes another full time job.

Although everyone still loves a gorgeous view of live oak trees, they care more about uncompromised living: a home office that doesn’t double as a closet, an actual yard for their pets, and a location

that lets them grab coffee, groceries, or a cocktail without sitting in traffic. The historic homes and cobblestone streets are part of the charm that brings people to Savannah, but they’re just the opening act. People create a home here for Savannah’s offbeat and quietly creative spirit. Even if the houses get smart fridges and openconcept kitchens, that cultural current is baked into the overall landscape of the city. Yes, Savannah is changing. Restaurants turn over. Bars get trendier. Even last year’s “hidden gems” are on TikTok now. But that’s not a bad thing. No matter your new neighbors’ lifestyle, they aren’t here to erase the city’s past, they just want to be included. Most of the new businesses being opened are attempting to fit into the existing neighborhood and create a welcoming

environment for the inhabitants. Offering unique cultural styles of food and a leisurely experience seems to be all the rage for this new-coming Southern crowd. And through it all, Savannah’s eccentric, creative, coastal soul remains the thing no one’s trying to “fix.” It’s what makes the move worth it.

Forget what you heard five years ago. The Savannah market isn’t just a sleepy Southern secret anymore. Savannah’s identity has never stayed in one place for long. It reinvents itself every generation, every boom and bust, every new wave of people who decide to plant roots here. The difference now? This chapter is being written by people who want ease, function, and connection in a city that’s always had a little magic, a little edge, and a whole lot of character.

RUBEN RAMOS ASSOCIATE BROKER

SAVANNAH FINE HOMES TEAM LEAD

DANIEL RAVENEL SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL

New in 912

Spartina 449 has introduced a new line of apparel, Mercer House, inspired by the company owner’s historic home. The Mercer House line is colorful, featuring flattering silhouettes and high-quality, natural fabrics to ensure longer-lasting clothing. You’ll find plenty of layers, statement pieces, and wardrobe staples.

PHOTO COURTESY SPARTINA 449

Offering ample parking, accessible restrooms, an indoor seating area, and an on-site store, Freedom Boat Club’s newest location (2812 River Drive) is a welcome addition to Thunderbolt. Whether members want to cruise, fish, or enjoy water sports, they can choose from a versatile fleet featuring Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, and Lowe vessels.

Neighborhood work club Switchyards (217 E. 41st St.) has debuted. The vibe is one part local coffee shop, one part college library, and one part stylish boutique hotel lobby, making it an ideal place to be productive.

Take the cannoli. The Starland District will soon have a hot new restaurant once Lucia Pasta Bar officially opens. Tucked inside the Starland Dairy, the restaurant is the latest from chef/owner Kyle Jacovino (Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana). The dining room features a swanky Art Deco style, and the menu includes handmade pastas, Neapolitan pizza, and Negronis on draft — paired with a 100% Italian-focused wine list.

Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) has a fundraising campaign in support of the nonprofit organization’s new STEAM Center, scheduled to open in late 2025. This indoor expansion of

Savannah Children’s Museum will enable CHS to showcase the innovative STEAM exhibition, “Numbers in Nature.” Visit the CHS website to donate.

ChefSpace Savannah (811 E. 66th St.), a state-of-the-art, short-term-use commercial kitchen, is a new resource for food entrepreneurs in the Coastal Empire. The facility offers a fully-equipped and compliant kitchen space, designed to assist clients in taking their businesses to the next level. It’s stocked with essential tools, too, accommodating food-based businesses such as caterers, meal prep services, product development, and food production.

Fans of Hannah E.’s effortlessly cool, curated offerings of stylish clothing and accessories at her 411 Whitaker St. location can now pop by her new home-goods store, At Home with Hannah E. (413 Whitaker St.).

The perfect place to find an unusual gift, score a great deal on home decor items, or simply unwind and explore, Vendors on Victory has settled into its new location (1711 E. Victory Drive). Don’t worry — it still has that wide offering of local vendor booths with antique and vintage items.

Congratulations to One Love Animal Rescue ( Runner-up, Best Animal Rescue), which recently received a grant from Petco Love. The grant supports the work of the Savannah-based nonprofit, which helps abandoned, neglected, abused, and unwanted pets connect with permanent homes. Using a foster-home-based model, One Love has grown to include more than 400 volunteers and has saved the lives of more than 10,000 animals.

A STEAM Center similar to the one planned for Coastal Heritage Society’s expanded Savannah Children’s Museum

ChefSpace Savannah

THE GOOD LIFE WON’T WAIT

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Trade your alarm clock for steel drums and a long commute for a leisurely stroll. At Latitude Margaritaville, every day is a vacation where “wasting away” means soaking up the sun and every moment revolves around fun.

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SCAN TO VIEW HOMES

If you notice an upbeat, lime-themed area in Byrd Cookie Co.’s ﬂagship store, here’s why: Byrd Cookie Co. ( Winner, Best Cookies) acquired Kermit’s Key Lime Pie, a 32-year-old brand known for its key lime pies. Kermit’s also has other goodies, like the Pie Bar — a slice of pie on a stick, dipped in dark chocolate. The purchase of the company included a commercial facility in DeLand, Florida, and several retail stores in Key West.

Oﬀering authentic African cuisine, Okey Tropical Cafe (7084 Hodgson Memorial Drive) has been doing a soft launch. The menu features traditional, comforting classics such as egusi soup (a thick soup made with ground melon seeds, vegetables, and meat) and jollof rice (tomato-infused rice).

Polish that off with dessert at nearby Bloom Cookie (7088 Hodgson Memorial Drive), which has opened a brick and mortar. Tempting flavors abound, including rose pistachio and pecan praline.

With made-to-order as well as set menu concepts, Chopt Creative Salad Co. (5525 Abercorn St., Suite 150) has healthy wraps, salads, and bowls. The sit-down area is stylish and lively, and to-go options are available, too. This is the perfect spot to go with a group, as everyone can get exactly what they are in the mood for.

Fans of Venezuelan cafe Troupial, which closed its Starland District location in late 2023, will be happy to know owner Majo Laprea Rodriguez has a new spot, On the Fly by Troupial (817 E. 70th St.). On the Fly has a takeout format; customers can order their favorites — like pastelitos, golfeado, fresh fruit juices, and specialty coﬀees — at the window and be on their way, although there is some outdoor seating available. On the Fly is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Kermit’s Key Lime Pie at Byrd Cookie Co.

On the Fly by Troupial owner Majo Laprea Rodriguez, right, and associate Nico Moscosa, who painted the mural on the wall behind them COURTESY

The word “fiduciary” goes to the heart of what we do and how we do it. We are a team of highly skilled professionals with deep expertise in the fields of finance, business, accounting, and law. We have passion for what we do and discipline in how we do it. Our allegiance flows in one direction: to the needs and best interests of each client. It’s in our name and it’s what we do.

Oﬀering compassionate, at-home euthanasia care for beloved pets, CodaPet has launched in Savannah and surrounding areas. The team of mobile veterinarians oﬀers a peaceful, painless transition for pets, giving pet owners some comfort during a challenging time. The company also can assist with aftercare.

The Davenport House, birthplace of the Historic Savannah Foundation, is undergoing a major restoration of its exterior. The project will include work on the 1820-built home’s brick masonry, iron work, windows, and rear porch. It is expected to be completed in December, just in time for the holidays.

Meanwhile, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia has a new leader with CEO Krystal Crawford. She will oversee council operations across 122 counties in Georgia, plus three counties in South Carolina and Alabama.

Originally started in 1985 in Alabama, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q has spread across the South and recently opened a location in Savannah at 7822 Abercorn St. It oﬀers

dine-in, drive-thru, take-out, and catering options, and a menu laden with barbecue classics, such as pulled pork, brisket, catﬁsh, mac-n-cheese, coleslaw, and more.

New on Whitaker Street, Sunday Sunday is a delightful option from Rhino

Reading La Vida Local

Originally from England, renowned watercolorist Michael Chaplin has lived in and had a studio in Savannah for many years now. His work is featured in public and private collections, including Bankside Gallery in London, and he has collaborated on many occasions with the Tate. He’s also a proliﬁc writer, and his new novel, “The Cradle Plank Affair,” has just launched. The thriller spans multiple continents and generations, taking readers through encounters where ancient traditions, wartime atrocities, and cutting-edge neuroscience collide.

Hospitality Group (the folks behind multiple local favorites, including Little Duck Diner and Flying Monk Noodle Bar). Located at 116 Whitaker St., Sunday Sunday is inspired by the idea of gathering on a Sunday for brunch or dinner. The menu is Vietnamese-French-American.

Author Antwan Eady grew up in Garnett, South Carolina, and has been making a name for himself with his lyrical, heartwarming books. His latest — and his third picture book — is “The Gathering Table.” It draws on his Gullah-Geechee culture and family traditions, and was inspired by his personal experiences growing up in the rural South. It invites young readers and their caregivers and educators to explore moments and memories that take place around the family table.

genesisofhiltonhead.com

THE FACES BEHIND THE FACES

Inside the Culture of Trust at Park Aesthetics

SAVANNAH HAS A CERTAIN WAY ABOUT HER. Spanish moss draped like couture fringe, pastel facades, and that syrupy sense of history that makes everyone move just a beat slower. But inside Park Aesthetics, the pace feels decidedly modern. Park Aesthetics is

where Savannah’s most trusted faces go — to the women who are shaping not just cheekbones, but also an entirely new conversation about confidence.

Park isn’t your grandmother’s parlor of perfection (though honestly she’d love it here). It’s warm without being precious,

polished without that clinical chill. There’s a candle burning that smells like you wish your life smelled, and a playlist that whispers, “You’re in good hands.” Because you are.

This is a practice built on one guiding principle: trust.

From the moment I walked in, the environmentwascalming,clean,and welcoming.Thefrontdeskstaff greetedmewarmlyandmadethe check-inprocessseamless. MyappointmentwithRaganwas greatasitalwaysis.

IhighlyrecommendParkAesthetics toanyonelookingforresultsdriventreatmentsinasoothing, supportiveenvironment.

‘‘ ‘‘

- Tracie M.

Trust that Ragan Gaskin, the visionary behind Park, knows exactly how to turn 12 syringes into a face that looks like yours — only rested, sculpted, and mysteriously symmetrical. Trust that Erin Hutcheson, equal parts scientist and artist, will explain why your midface needs a little love without making you feel like a science project.

That trust is why Park has grown with purpose, not pressure. For the entire first year, the team offered only injectables, committed to mastering one craft before adding another. Skincare came next, handpicked for those who want more than a glow — they want longevity. And this year, lasers joined the menu, with technologies selected for the realities of

life in the South: long summers, endless sunshine, and the desire for results that feel as natural as they look. Every service here is earned, never rushed.

It’s clear Savannah was ready. In just two short years, Park has become the name everyone is whispering. It’s proof that this city had been waiting for a standard of care, honesty, and artistry that feels as considered as it does confident. Here, there’s no hard sell. Just honest conversations, expert hands, and results that feel like you. The language isn’t “erase” or “fix.” It’s “enhance,” “balance” and “bring forward what’s already there.” They’re not trying to give you someone else’s face. They’re giving you back your own, the version you feel best in.

‘‘

I’ve had tox treatments and have never had an experiencelikethis! You can tell Erin was an artist,andmyfacewas the canvas.

I trusted her immediatelyandwentwithher entire recommendation for tox and filler. She took so much time, she checked in about the discomfort, and shewasgentle.Simply perfection.

‘‘

- Erika M.

That’s the culture of Park Aesthetics. In a world obsessed with filters and fast fixes, they’ve built something radical: a space where beauty is thoughtful, personal, and deeply human.

And maybe that’s the real magic — not just the results (though, trust they’re good), but the way you leave feeling like the most considered version of yourself.

In a town that loves its secrets, this might be Savannah’s best one yet. PARK

Constitution Day and view one of only a few remaining original draft copies of the U.S. Constitution. The copy on display belonged to Abraham Baldwin, one of Georgia’s signers of the Constitution of 1787, and includes his handwritten margin notes. This and other unique objects and documents highlighting Georgia’s role in America’s evolution will be on display 9 a.m.–5 p.m. during this free public event.

SEPT. 5–7

Take in a weekend of new, never-before-produced musicals performed live during the inaugural Savannah Musical Theatre Festival. The event promises bold voices and stripped-down storytelling in four shows at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center. Each show will be presented in a fully sung, concert-style reading, allowing audiences a rare glimpse into the creative process.

SEPT. 6

Enjoy live music by Deas Guyz, shop incredible brands, savor local food, and support black entrepreneurs

at the third annual Roots & Rivers Festival 2-8 p.m. at Oyster Factory Park in Bluﬀton, South Carolina.

SEPT. 13

Savannah Philharmonic’s 2025–2026 Season

Opening Weekend features violinist JoAnna Farrer and includes Beach’s “Bal Masqué,” Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite.”

SEPT. 17

Visit the Georgia Historical Society Research Center on Whitaker Street for

SEPT.

Enjoy savory shrimp dishes prepared by Hilton Head and Bluﬀton chefs at the Hilton Head Shrimp Festival. This familyfriendly event also features craft beers from more than 16 breweries, an array of goods from local vendors, and live music on the lawn adjacent to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort.

SEPT. 26

Successful boudoir photographer turned comedian Matt Mathews is stopping by the Johnny Mercer Theatre on his “Boujee On A Budget” tour. Mathews is known for his relatable situational humor on a variety of topics, including his daily life of living on a farm. The comedian also brings his popular social media videos, “Confessions with Matt,” to the stage, where he reacts to audience members who tell their darkest secrets.

SEPT. 27

Alternative folk-rock band The Lumineers make a stop at Enmarket Arena. The Denver band known for its 2012 breakout hit “Ho Hey” released their ﬁfth album, “Automatic,” in February.

OCT. 9

Everard Auction and Appraisals’ fall auction unveils on Oct. 9. The auction reception is 5–7 p.m. Oct. 21, and a Ladies Night takes place 5–7 p.m. Oct. 22. The three-day online auction itself starts each day at 10 a.m, Oct. 28–30.

OCT. 9–11

Opa! The 74th annual Greek Festival returns to the Hellenic Center on Anderson Street. Sponsored by St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, the three-day event (held 11 a.m.–9 p.m. each day) features authentic homemade Greek foods and pastries, dancing, and a marketplace.

OCT. 11

Donate some new or gently used books and pick up a few new ones 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Book Drive and Local Author Fair in Johnson Square. Free and open to the public, the third annual event highlights Savannah authors, many of whom will be on hand to sign copies of their books. Donated books go to community literacy activities in Savannah.

Violinist JoAnna Farrer will perform with the Savannah Philharmonic and conductor Keitaro Harada.

OCT. 11

Help raise awareness about blindness and vision loss at the Walk a Mile in My Shoes event beginning at 10 a.m. at Lake Mayer Park. Hosted by the Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision in celebration of National White Cane Safety Day, proceeds from the walk directly support services that promote independence and improved quality of life for those throughout Southeast Georgia who are blind or visually impaired.

OCT. 11–19

Head over to Old Town Bluffton for its annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. The weeklong event showcases locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine, and the area’s rich history and culture, along with great music, entertainment, and art. The celebration culminates with a juried fine art show and Street Fest on Oct. 18–19.

OCT. 17

The Flannery O’Connor Peacock Party is back and swankier than ever. Held at Regina Coeli Hall at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the event benefits the restoration, outreach, education, and scholarly work of the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and an exclusive PeaCocktail.

OCT. 19

World Ballet Company brings its visually stunning rendition of “Cinderella” to Johnny Mercer Theatre. The production includes a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, richly detailed handcrafted sets, and moving choreography by Marina Kesler.

OCT. 24–25

Get into the Halloween spirit with Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at The DeSoto Savannah. Halloween-inspired music performed by Listeso String Quartet will include hits such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and theme music from “The Exorcist,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Psycho.”

OCT. 25

Celebrate and support historic preservation at the Historic Savannah Foundation’s Annual Gala at Hotel Bardo. The black-tie event includes cocktails, dinner, live music, and dancing. The gala serves as HSF’s main fundraiser and supports the nonprofit organization’s preservation, education, and advocacy programs.

Foster inclusivity and unity at the Savannah Pride Festival. Hosted by Savannah Pride Center, the event will take place

noon–11 p.m. in Forsyth Park and will include parades, performances, and the Pride Market with vendor booths. The event theme this year is “Illuminate” and will feature a neon glow party with DJ Nebula Beatz.

OCT. 25–NOV. 1

Join filmmakers and fellow cinephiles for the SCAD Savannah Film Festival ( Runner-up, Best Festival). Enjoy major studio releases and independent films prior to their theatrical debuts; meet legendary directors, artisans, and stars at talks, panels, and workshops; and make careerdefining connections with industry insiders.

OCT. 26

Coming to the Tybee Post

Theater at 4 p.m., Jeff Allen’s “The Human Condition” tour blends his signature standup comedy with a heartfelt message. Allen’s rapid-fire, clean comedy covers everything from marriage to family life, showcasing the same wit that has earned him nearly a billion views on Dry Bar Comedy. He’s also performed at top festivals like Just For Laughs in Montreal and HBO’s Aspen Comedy Arts Festival.

NOV. 1

The Books In Savannah Author Signing Event , held at the Embassy Suites, is a multi-author gathering with writers selling and signing copies of their novels, book giveaways, and more. General admission is free; VIP tickets are available for purchase.

Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum

Sept.6,2-8 pm

THE ROOTS & RIVERS FESTIVAL

BLUFFTON’S SIGNATURE CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, CREATIVITY, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! Enjoy live music by Deas Guyz, shop incredible brands, savor local food, and experience art, heritage, kids zone, family fun and vibes that flow deep. Get your tickets now!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH FROM 2-8 PM

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SEPT. 14–15: Get ready for a night of fun followed by a round of golf at The Club at Savannah Harbor during the annual Beer, Guys, Cigars, Golf & Casino fundraiser. Hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire ( Winner, Best Group to Volunteer For), guests will sample cigars, play casino games, watch football on the big screen, and taste-test a variety of beers, bourbons, wines, and cocktails on Sunday night before teeing off 10 a.m. Monday for the Ronald Open Golf Tournament.

SEPT. 19–21: Savannah Jazz Festival brings 15 free shows to Forsyth Park, kicking off at 6 p.m. Friday with the Eric Culberson Band. Other acts include Spyro Gyra, LPT, and Anat Cohen. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food, beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Nickel & Oak Lounge Patron’s Tent tickets include covered seating, two drink tickets, and allyou-can-eat light appetizers.

OCT. 25: Peruse work by some of the area’s best artists — including Bellamy Murphy ( Winner, Best Artist) and Anna Guiles Jeffries ( Runner-up, Best Artist) — at the free, family-friendly Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival. Grab a bite from the many food trucks, and enjoy some live music. The festival opens at 10 a.m. Vendors close down at 5 p.m., and music goes until 8 p.m.

OCT. 31: Start your engines! The Grand Motoring Film Festival takes place Oct. 31 during the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival (Oct. 29–Nov. 2), with expanded programming. Now in its ninth year, the Grand Motoring Film Festival celebrates automotive culture through film, featuring vintage and contemporary short films, documentaries, and feature-length productions. The evening attracts car lovers, filmmakers, and collectors from across the country.

Grand Motoring Film Festival

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‘Our streets, our artists, our story’

THE LEARNING CENTER OF SENIOR CITIZENS INC . (3025 Bull St.) will debut a new group art exhibit this fall: “Savannah Streets.” Featuring four local artists working in photography, watercolor, collage, acrylic, printmaking, and cast forms, the exhibit explores the beauty and complexity of Savannah’s streetscapes.

“This show reveals the city through four very personal lenses,” said Lou Storey, contributing artist and curator. “It’s about movement, memory, and the stories found in every corner.”

“We’ve never done a group show like this,” said Roger Smith, director of The Learning Center. “It’s bold, local, and all about Savannah

— our streets, our artists, our story.”

Participating artists include Storey, Ed Pyrch, Kristen Medford, and Savannah magazine graphic designer Kelly Thompson.

The exhibit opens with two free receptions and artist talks, at noon and 6 p.m. Sept. 19. Registration is required.

There will be a free “Writers and Poets Respond” event at 1 p.m. Dec. 12 and a series of four themed lectures at noon on Fridays, Oct. 10–31. Lectures are ticketed.

Go to seniorcitizensinc.org/the-learningcenter for reception registration, lecture tickets, and more info.

The exhibition is on view through Jan. 2, 2026.

ART

Keeping the pulse on our area’s creative community

Savannah Music Festival (SMF) has appointed Sinisa Ciric as its new executive director. A distinguished violinist, seasoned orchestra leader, and passionate educator, Ciric brings three decades of artistic and executive experience to one of the South’s most celebrated music festivals. As executive director, Ciric will work closely with the SMF board and staﬀ to advance the festival’s mission: to be a world-class celebration of the musical arts, creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. Ciric assumes this role after a 15-year tenure with the Savannah Philharmonic, where he most recently served as general manager and previously held key artistic and leadership positions, including concertmaster and director of artistic operations.

“King of Gaston” by Kelly Thompson

“Cathedral Sunrise” by Ed Pyrch

“A View of Monterey Square” by Kristen Medford

“Urban Medallion Series – The Ann” by Lou Storey

In conjunction with First Fridays in Starland, ARTS Southeast ( Winner, Best Art Gallery) will host its October Sulfur Street Fair 5–9 p.m. Oct. 3 at its 39th Street exhibition and studio spaces. It also will release Vol. 4 No. 2 of IMPACT Arts + Culture Magazine as well as host a closing reception for “Living on the Edge,” a solo exhibition by Savannah-based photographer Teake Zuidema. “Off the Wall,” an annual exhibition by ARTS Southeast’s community of Artist Supporters, will take place in the Supporter Gallery. Melinda Borysevicz, the August–September ON::View artist in residence, will present her project finale.

An exciting solo exhibition at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum showcases nauticalinspired mixed-media work, limited-edition prints and a site-specific installation by Rob Strati. “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky” opens with a reception Sept. 25 and runs through April 12, 2026. In addition, the museum will host “Art, Conversation & Creative Play: An Evening with Rob Strati” on Sept. 26, and a free Family Day on Oct. 26.

Anna Giles Jeffries ( Runner-up, Best Artist) will be at the Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 25. The recently married artist and Savannah native specializes in commissioned art and live event painting. Coastal and Savannah scenes depicted with “loud colors and bold brushstrokes” are a common theme in her work. She will be hosting a pre-show 4:30–8 p.m. Oct. 22 at her home (710 E. 60th St.) with wine, live music, and hors d’oeuvres. The public is welcome to attend.

WHERE HOLLYWOOD MEETS THE HOSTESS CITY

SCAD festival is star-powered stop on the road to the Oscars.

EVERY FALL, SAVANNAH’S HISTORIC STREETS BECOME a dazzling stage for the magic of cinema, as the SCAD Savannah Film Festival — the largest university-run film festival in the world — returns to celebrate storytelling at its finest. Now approaching its 28th edition, the festival has become an internationally acclaimed event and a premier stop on the road to the Academy Awards. Although the full lineup for the 2025 festival will be revealed on October 3, well after this issue goes to print, the unprecedented success of the 2024 festival offers an exciting preview of what to expect this October.

In 2024, the festival screened a remarkable 23 Oscar-nominated films, including “Emilia Peréz,” “Anora,” and “The Brutalist,” months before the official Academy nominations. Notably, seven of the 10 Best Picture nominees had their early Savannah debut, and more than two dozen honorees, panelists, and guests, including stars Mikey Madison (“Anora”), Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), and Zoe Saldana (“Emilia Peréz”), went on to win Oscars! This historic track record of spotlighting future Academy Award contenders firmly cements SCAD Savannah Film Festival as a key destination for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

reflects on the festival’s unique appeal: “The most rewarding part of my role is inspiring our passionate community of film lovers, as well as SCAD’s talented students and alumni, by bringing some of the brightest, most celebrated artisans and industry leaders to Savannah.” She adds, “Sitting in one of our beautifully preserved theaters — surrounded by friends, fellow film enthusiasts, and eager students — is magical. It’s a shared experience where stories come alive and remind us all of cinema’s power to connect, inspire, and create lasting memories.”

Festival Director Christina Routhier

Kevin Costner poses in front of the marquee ahead of a screening of "Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1" and the Legend of Cinema Award presentation during the 27th SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

Sitting in one of our beautifully preserved theaters — surrounded by friends, fellow film enthusiasts, and eager students — is magical.”

— CHRISTINA ROUTHIER, SCAD

Director

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival unfolds across several of Savannah’s most beloved cultural venues, including the historic Trustees Theater and the Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Both theaters feature cutting-edge 4K digital projection paired with Dolby Digital surround sound, offering an unmatched viewing experience that brings every film’s artistry to life in stunning detail. These venues, steeped in history and renovated with modern technology, provide the perfect backdrop for the festival’s blend of glamour and intimacy.

For locals and visitors alike, attending the festival is effortless and enjoyable. Most screenings and events take place within walking distance along Savannah’s vibrant Broughton Street corridor. Each evening, Broughton Street’s red carpet welcomes festival honorees and stars and offers the public an exciting chance to see celebrities like Kevin Costner, Amy Adams, Demi Moore, and Colman Domingo up close in a lively, festive

atmosphere. This accessibility makes it easy for Savannah residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the festival’s glamour, whether it’s catching a world premiere, attending a panel, or simply enjoying the buzz of Hollywood arriving in their own backyard.

This year festival attendees can anticipate a diverse and compelling slate of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and animations. Beyond screenings, the festival offers an array of illuminating panels and workshops, ranging from “The Hollywood Reporter’s Docs to Watch” to “Variety’s 10 Artisans to Watch,” that give audiences rare access to insider knowledge and inspiring conversations with leading filmmakers, actors, and craftspeople.

The festival also creates invaluable opportunities for SCAD students, who mingle with celebrated industry professionals, attend masterclasses, and gain firsthand insight into the evolving world of filmmaking. This exchange between emerging talent and established

artists is a hallmark of the festival, making it a dynamic incubator for the next generation of creative voices.

What truly sets the SCAD Savannah Film Festival apart is its blend of Hollywood prestige and Savannah’s signature Southern charm. Routhier emphasizes, “Our unique setting — a city known for its breathtaking beauty and rich history — combined with the warmth and enthusiasm of our audiences creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Independent filmmakers and Hollywood elites alike are welcomed with a hospitality that defines this festival experience.”

It’s this special combination of artistry, community, and cultural celebration that elevates the festival beyond a mere series of screenings. It becomes a living celebration of storytelling.

The festival’s unparalleled legacy of championing Oscar contenders and celebrating cinematic artistry assures one thing — Savannah will once again be the place to experience the future of film.

SATURDAY TO SATURDAY, OCT. 25 – NOV. 1.

DETAILS : TO VIEW THE 2025 SCAD SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR PASSES VISIT SCAD.EDU/FILMFEST

SCAD SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL

SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL

Film Festival

Demi Moore speaks onstage at the Icon Award Presentation during the 27th SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force recently acquired a unique collection of artwork by Cpl. Anthony Starcer, renowned for his World War II “nose art,” which refers to the decorative paintings or designs applied to the fuselage of an aircraft. Starcer was a gifted portrait artist and, during his service, painted nose art on nearly 130 B-17 bombers. The museum’s collection includes 13 original oil-on-canvas paintings showcasing the vibrant and iconic nose art Starcer created for aircraft, as well as 13 pencil portraits of prominent Allied military and political leaders. The art will be preserved as part of the museum’s permanent collection.

“Working Titles” by Peter E. Roberts opens Oct. 10 at Location Gallery (251 Bull St.) with a reception 6–8 p.m. “Working Titles” explores what happens when the performers of the sideshow, midway, and circus matriculate back into society. From the bearded lady and the strongman to the conjoined twins, tightrope walkers, and more, this collection of 18 paper-cut assemblages depicts the characters in their newfound glory in circus-poster style. Each piece is accompanied by a four-stanza poem that depicts their journeys rich with innate talents and learned skill sets. The poems and artwork will be compiled into a book titled “Working Titles: Tales After the Midway, Sideshow and Big Top.” Roberts is curator at Location Gallery.

James Benjamin Franklin’s “Visitor” is on view through Sept. 27 at Laney Contemporary ( Runner-up, Best Art Gallery). A solo exhibition by Atlanta-based artist Tori Tinsley will open in October at the gallery (1810 Mills B. Lane Blvd.).

Gallery 2424 (2424 Drayton St.) will be hosting two solo shows this fall. “Disappearer” will feature new works on canvas and Yupo (a synthetic paper made from 100% polypropylene) by Savannah-based artist, curator, and editor Jon Witzky and will be on display Sept. 5–27. Following that will be “Angst Ink Wood,” which will be on display Oct. 3–26. This exhibition features 26 works by Ted Walke, an artist based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and will explore his distinct style selfdescribed as “idiosyncratic lapses of reason on wood panels.”

Local band Street Clothes just released its fourth album, “Hostile Architecture.” It’s their take on the future of the workplace, the AI boom, and what the world looks like for young people coming of age in this new American landscape — all set to conceptual dance pop grooves. “HA is the spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down,” says Street Clothes singer/ songwriter Andy Sutphen. The band will be playing at El Rocko Lounge Nov. 7 with Nicholas Mallis.

An opening reception will take place 6–9 p.m. Oct. 4 at Cleo the Project Space (915 B Montgomery St.) for a two-person exhibition featuring new works by Alex Adkinson and Camille Wong, developed in response to a joint research trip to Savannah in May. Through video, sculpture, and mixed media, both artists examine the layered complexities of economy, urban planning, and the evolving identity of Savannah. The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 14.

“Fidelity Ablation” steel sculpture by Alex Adkinson

You Say Tomato

STREET ARTIST PHIL MUSEN opened Cute Tomatoes Gallery (218 E. 41st St.) in the Starland District with the goal of highlighting Savannah’s concept-based visual artists. “I started the gallery because I need a place to show my work, and I also want to create a space that [has] strong cohesive shows that people can see in person,” Musen says. “I think it’s important to have this opportunity for expression in a community.”

While the gallery doesn’t have regular operating hours just yet, Musen says a new exhibition will open the ﬁrst Friday of every month, and that’s a good time to stop in. The gallery will host an exhibition of work by Olivia Tiberio in September and a solo show by Musen in October.

Musen says the gallery “is a fun and challenging experience where I’ve had to learn something new every week.” Eventually, he would like to see it become a retail space as well, where he can sell his own work and the work of other local artists.

“I’ve been a street artist for a while now, and I have [often] fantasized about not getting rained on or having my easel blown over in the wind,” Musen says. “I made my name as ‘Cute Tomatoes’ painting cats in Forsyth Park. That sentiment is where the name of the gallery comes from. I want to show where I have come from as an artist.”

Much of Musen’s work centers around cats partaking in human activities, such as eating at restaurants, playing pool, or picnicking in Forsyth Park. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Musen earned his bachelor’s degree in painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

READERS’ FAVORITE

Congratulations to Caitlin Webb, whose photo “Step Lightly” was voted Reader’s Choice winner in the 2025 “So Savannah” Photo Contest. Webb’s image also earned Editor’s Pick in the Professional Category. Winners were featured in our July/August 2025 issue and online. Scan the QR code to see them all. PHOTO CONTEST

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The Gentleman in Red

Billy Sorochak, CEO and executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, has ener , vision, and a sharp personal style.

Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER //

WINNER, BEST CHARITY EVENT/FUNDRAISER WINE, WOMEN & SHOES, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE

WINNER, BEST GROUP TO VOLUNTEER FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE

Photo by KATIE MCGEE PHOTOGRAPHY

HIGH OCTANE, WITH HEART: That’s how one can describe Billy Sorochak. He’s easy to spot, bounding around in a bright red jacket, and impossible to resist — you’ll soon be volunteering your time, whipping out your checkbook, or both to support the amazing work the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Coastal Empire does to help families with critically ill or injured children.

Sorochak, the CEO and executive director for RMHC of the Coastal Empire, is a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut. A former aerospace sales engineer, he pivoted to a mission-driven career and now has three decades of experience in the nonproﬁt world, including time with the Girl Scouts of the Old 96 Council, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Susan G. Komen. He’s been with RMHC since 2002, spending 14 of those years leading the organization in Savannah.

The group has a profound impact on our area. In 2024 alone, the Ronald McDonald House, its two Family Rooms (a “haven in the hospital” for families with children receiving treatment at St. Joseph’s/ Candler Hospital and at the Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah), and its hospitality cart program helped nearly 5,000 families.

As a family man himself, he understands the kind of support that can come from loved ones, such as his wife, Angel, and their three grown children.

Here, Sorochak shares a few of his Savannah haunts — and how he fuels his mission, ﬁlling his cup so he can continue to serve others.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN SAVANNAH.

There’s something strangely therapeutic about standing on the edge of the Savannah River and watching those massive cargo ships glide by — they are like ﬂoating skyscrapers with their own quiet rhythm. For me, it’s part awe, part reﬂection. These ships are carrying the weight of the world, literally, and yet they move with such calm, like they know exactly where they’re headed. Maybe it’s because I used to work in aerospace, so I’ve always been fascinated by big machines that move with precision. But I also think it’s because watching them reminds me that everything and everyone is on a journey. Some are hauling heavy loads, some are coasting light, but all of them are going somewhere with purpose.

Plus, let’s be honest, it’s hard not to feel like a kid again when one of those giant vessels comes into view. I’ll stop mid-conversation to watch, every time. It’s my version of slowing down and reconnecting with the bigger picture.

Sorochak, daughter Addison, wife, Angel, and Janet Kolbush, RMHC of the Coastal Empire’s development and events director

Sorochak snaps a selﬁe before crowning the King of Sole at the 2024 Wine, Women & Shoes.

YOU ARE KNOWN FOR BEING VERY STYLISH. WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL PLACES TO SHOP?

When it comes to style, I’ve got two nonnegotiables: a sharp haircut and a wardrobe that works as hard as I do. First, Olivia Reynolds, owner of Olive Branch Barber Co. She’s an absolute legend. Every time I leave her chair, I feel ready to run a board meeting, a fundraiser, or the red carpet … maybe all three.

Now, let’s talk clothes. Dillard’s is my go-to. Not just because they keep me looking sharp (and they do), but because they’re true-blue supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Suade Anderson and Matt Franklin treat me like family — they know my schedule is crazy, they know my heart’s in the mission, and they make sure I’m dressed to represent it all with style and intention. Whether it’s [the fundraiser] Wine, Women & Shoes or a golf event, they’ve got me covered, literally.

That said, sometimes you’ve got to venture into the wild world of the Internet to ﬁnd those bold, unique pieces you can’t get anywhere else. I like mixing timeless with a twist, something that says CEO but also says, “This guy’s got personality.” And yes, red is absolutely my power color. It’s in our RMHC DNA, and you’ll almost always ﬁnd it on

me, whether it’s jewelry, a pair of kicks, or a jacket that walks into the room before I do. Oh, and let’s not forget the sneakers. I always rock sneakers. They’re my go-to for my feet, whether I’m working the room or walking the halls of the [Ronald McDonald] House. Comfort is king, and thankfully, you can be comfy and cool at the same time. My collection might be getting a little out of hand, but hey, I call it professional development.

IF SOMEONE WAS COMING TO VISIT YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER MUST-SEES?

Savannah’s got this slow Southern magic that just wraps around you the moment you arrive — but if someone’s coming to visit me, we’re not doing just the brochure basics. We’re doing my Savannah.

First stop? A walk down Jones Street. Hands down, one of the most beautiful streets in America. You can feel the history in every brick and every moss-draped oak. From there, we’re grabbing a bite, probably at Vic’s on The River (site of my ﬁrst date with Angel!), Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar, or, if we’re feeling casual, french fries at the downtown McDonald’s with the world’s only walk-up drive-thru. And I’m deﬁnitely sending them to Java Burrito Co. for an espresso milkshake — trust me, life-changing.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RECHARGE YOURSELF PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY IN ORDER TO DO THE WORK YOU DO?

I’ll take them to Forsyth Park, of course, but then I’ll sneak them oﬀ the beaten path. Maybe a little shop-hopping in the Starland District or a walk along the riverfront to watch the cargo ships (you know how I feel about those). And if there’s a ghost tour involved, I’m in.

Without a doubt, we’re ending the night at Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar It’s loud, it’s a little wild, and it’s 100% fun. The energy, the music, the crowd singing their hearts out — it’s like therapy, but with more bourbon and Billy Joel.

I also tell people to slow down. Don’t try to rush Savannah. Sit outside with a cocktail, listen to the crickets, and just be. That’s when this city really works its charm. And hey, if they’re lucky, I’ll hand them a red RMHC apron and put them to work. Because serving families in this city — that’s the best way to see the heart of it.

Truth is, this work is equal parts beautiful and emotional. We’re walking alongside families during the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and while it’s deeply meaningful, it’s also emotionally heavy. So recharging isn’t optional — it’s survival. Physically, my go-to is golf. Always has been. When things get rough, I’ll hit balls until my hands practically bleed. There’s something about that rhythm and focus that resets my brain. It’s cheaper than therapy — well, kind of. And when I’m not golﬁng, I’m glued to sports. Football, basketball, golf, curling … if it’s competitive, I’m watching. And let’s be clear, I bleed Husky blue. UConn basketball is a religion in my house (18 national basketball titles and counting — just saying).

Now, if we’re talking guilty pleasures, movies are a huge love of mine. But when I really need to check out mentally, I unapologetically head straight for Bravo. “Southern Charm,” “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” and “Below Deck” are my go-to escapes. And don’t even try to reach me during Shark Week on Discovery. Emotionally, my foundation is my family. My wife, Angel, and our kids are my lifeline. A dinner at home, a spontaneous laugh, or just time together doing nothing — that’s what ﬁlls my tank. And, of course … coﬀee. Gallons of it. Let’s not pretend I’m doing all this on herbal tea and hope.

Sorochak and Willow, the local Ronald McDonald House comfort dog

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The Show Must Go On

With support from the community, the leadership at Savannah Children’s Theatre is carefully guiding the organization through a challenging time.

Written by LEANNA WOODWARD // Photography courtesy SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S THEATRE

WHEN A WINTER STORM blanketed Savannah with snow and ice this past January, it brought more than just an out-of-character chill to our coastal town — it dealt a devastating blow to one of the city’s most cherished institutions. The Savannah Children’s Theatre (SCT), which had called its Victory Drive location home for 20 years, sustained extensive damage to its roof, stage, lobby, and costume shop, causing all production to come to a screeching halt.

“We were getting ready to perform ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ when the storm hit,” says Jenn Doubleday, assistant artistic director for SCT ( Runner-up, Best Theater Company). “We actually loved the idea of blaming the whole weather event on the White Witch. But in reality, the snow damaged the aging roof, causing irreparable harm.”

Despite the setback, SCT refused to lower the curtain. In the months since, the nonprofit has continued its mission to inspire, educate, and entertain — relocating camps, classes, and field trips to other venues across Chatham County, all while continuing to serve more than 14,000 students after the storm.

Without a permanent facility, SCT has also faced new challenges and expenses, including truck rentals, storage units, portable lighting, sound equipment, and much more.

“Surprise moving expenses were not in this year’s budget,” Doubleday says. “But the true cost has been the emotional weight carried by our staff, teachers, and volunteers. They are juggling creative work in multiple venues across the city, often teaching in three or four places a day.”

Thankfully, SCT has not had to face those challenges alone. Kelie Miley, founder and artistic director of SCT, credits the organization’s resiliency during these difficult times to the passion and adaptability of its team.

“My favorite moment was when the principal of Rambam Day School said, ‘Whatever the question, the answer is yes.’ It was so beautiful to be reminded that SCT is beloved by such a diverse and welcoming community.”

— Jenn Doubleday, assistant artistic director for Savannah Children’s Theatre

Volunteers salvaged thousands of costumes.

Roof damage wreaked havoc on SCT’s costume shop.

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“Our people are what make the Savannah Children’s Theatre what it is,” says Miley. “Every day, everyone who works for us, supports us, and volunteers for us, they inspire me.” Miley also expressed deep gratitude for the nonproﬁt’s board and board president LeeAnn Kole, who “has always been a pillar of support but has gone above and beyond during our time of need, as has our entire amazing board.”

That spirit of service extended beyond SCT’s ranks as well, and the outpouring of support from local organizations was unhesitant and ardent. Savannah Theatre, the Jewish Educational Alliance, Relentless Church, Savannah Cirque, Savannah State University, PERC Coffee, Asbury Memorial Church, and other local businesses all reached out to offer help with field trips, classes, rehearsals, and performances, according to Doubleday. “My favorite moment was when the principal of Rambam Day School said, ‘Whatever the question, the answer is yes.’ It was so beautiful to be reminded that SCT is beloved by such a diverse and welcoming community.”

Students joined in, too, lending their own hands and hearts. Soon after the snow melted, young people were setting up neighborhood lemonade stands and bake sales, selﬂessly donating their proceeds to the SCT Emergency Fund. For many students, says Doubleday, “SCT is their ﬁrst introduction to the performing arts. For some, it becomes the spark for a lifelong passion, a career, or a home away from home. When that theater home was made uninhabitable by the storm, we all grieved and felt this tremendous sense of loss.”

But hope is on the horizon. Though SCT can’t yet announce the address, at the time of publication it was close to securing a new permanent location, an accessible performing arts center that will serve families and schools throughout the county. Until then, SCT is keeping busy, with classes, camps, and auditions for upcoming productions like “A Christmas Carol” and “Mary Poppins.”

SCT is encouraging the public to help in whatever way they can. “We would love for people to donate to the SCT Emergency Fund, which provides for moving vans, supplies, and portable equipment,” says Doubleday. “And we’re always looking for sponsors for our upcoming season.”

Attending a performance is another great way to show support. “We absolutely want everyone to come see our shows,” Doubleday adds. “Just make sure to double-check the location ﬁrst!”

Doubleday notes that theater is important not only to the community, but also to those who have found a home on the stage. “We remind the kids all the time that theater is a verb as well as a noun, and that we can continue creating theater no matter where we are. But with the community’s help, we can create a new home for the next generation of young artists.”

“Hadestown: Teen Edition”

“Moana 2”

HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL

INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR?

Admission Previews: September 24th, October 15th, November 19th at 9:00 AM. Applications for prospective students will be available online in September. Have

Savannah Chic

We asked some of our Best of Savannah shopping category winners to pick out some of their own favorite styles.

Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

J. Parker Ltd. ( Winner, Best Men’s Clothing) and J. Parker Ladies ( Runner-up, Best Women’s Clothing) are go-tos for impeccable style. J. Parker also nabbed Runner-up, Best Sports/Outdoorwear. Here, longtime customers Cindy Robinett and David Paddison, business partners at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard Savannah, serve as models. Cindy is wearing a dress by Dizzy-Lizzie. David is wearing pants by Brax, a sportcoat by Jack Victor, a shirt by David Donahue, a pocket square by Robert Jennings, and a bag by Martin Dingman.

SAVANNAH

20 W. Broughton St. 300 W. River St. 5500 Abercorn St.

BLUFFTON, SC 69 Calhoun St. jparkerltd.com

PHOTO COURTESY J. PARKER LTD.

Emily McCarthy ( Winner, Best Clothing Designer) features this Hampton Mini in navy (right). Crafted from their signature lightweight vegan leather, renowned for its soft and delicate feel, this dress is a dream to wear — seamlessly transitioning from day to night. One of their best-selling styles, the Hampton Mini is available in multiple fabrics and colors to suit every season and occasion. 2237 E. Victory Dr., emilymccarthy.com

The Sorrento top (below) has been a best-selling item both in-store and online for Red Clover ( Winner, Best Affordable Fashion). The winsome design features an embroidered, vine-like motif. 244 Bull St., shopredclover.com

Outfitters ( Winner, Best Sportswear) is featuring the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie II in bright lavender. It’s the newer version of the best-selling Bamboo Shade Hoodie, beloved for being super soft, comfortable, cooling, and durable. 15 E. Broughton St., halfmoonoutfitters.com

Half-Moon

Sturdy, supple, beautifully constructed, it’s hard to go wrong with a Satchel bag. The brand ( Winner, Best Handbags) helmed by Elizabeth Seeger, continues to evolve, with both made-to-order and ready-to-buy bags made in Savannah. Shown at right, the three-toned India Passthrough bag in platinum metallic with titanium glaze stripes and an Artic Allure center. 4 E. Liberty St., shopsatchel.com

Chloe Binetti, owner of Madison & 5th, ( Winner, Best Consignment Clothing and Runner-up, Best Handbags), specializes in sourcing luxury resale, like these envy-worthy bags. Below: Celine Victoire Medium Bag. Bottom: Fendi Fish Eye Peekaboo Tote. 412 Whitaker St., madisonand5th.myshopify.com

W. Liberty St., labelsonliberty.com

Turn heads this fall with the bold elegance of this red Gucci Sylvia Bag — your statement piece awaits. It’s from Labels On Liberty ( Runner-up, Best Consignment Clothing). 107

Fashion designer and entrepreneur

Emily Bargeron is known as a local tastemaker. She’s also owner of East + Up ( Runner-up, Best Vintage Clothing) among other ventures.

Right: pistachio and tan hand-tooled Western style boots with contrast stitching. Far right: oversized camo ﬁeld jacket. 6 E Liberty St. (parlor level), eastandupvintage. com

Globe Shoe Co. ( Winner, Best Shoes) carries Robert Zur’s lifestyle collection for both men and women. The brand represents a culmination of decades of experience in design and true glove leather. Speaking of decades, Globe Shoe Co. has been selling shoes in Savannah since 1892. 17 E. Broughton St.

A Savannah Jewel

Honoring generations of timeless craftsmanship and resilience, Levy Jewelers turns 125 this year.

Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON FOR JEWELRY to be passed from one generation to the next. But the entire jewelry store? Well, that’s what Levy Jewelers ( Winner, Best Fine Jewelry) has done for the last 125 years. Over four generations of family ownership, the Levy family has grown their business into a local treasure.

While the store is today a well-known stop along Broughton Street, the story of Levy Jewelers starts far across the ocean. Around 1899, in the face of rampant political and religious persecution, Aaron Malitz Levy left the area now known as Brest, Belarus.

Following in the footsteps of another émigré from his village, Aaron decided to make the journey to Savannah to put down new roots. He arrived with nothing, not even his family (they would

arrive later). But Aaron had an entrepreneurial spirit. He was a watchmaker by trade, and in 1900, he opened his one-man shop in the Ellis Square area.

“Do you know about B&D Burgers [on West Congress Street]?” asks Lowell Kronowitz, Aaron’s great-grandson and the current owner of Levy Jewelers. “There’s a big open space next to them where they show movies and TV on the wall — that space was my greatgrandfather’s little shop.”

Kronowitz explains that, initially, the business was more like a general store. “My understanding is, we sold nearly anything at that point.”

How did this small business evolve into the impressive jewelry

store that now inhabits the entire corner of East Broughton and Bull streets, plus an Oglethorpe Mall location?

Jack, the youngest son of Aaron Levy, took over the family business in 1928, along with two of his sisters. It was Jack who began expanding beyond watches into diamonds and other types of jewelry. Levy Jewelers began to slowly grow, and by 1935, the family was able to purchase the property at 101 Broughton St., where they built what would become their ﬂagship store for many years.

Levy Jewelers was ahead of its time in more ways than one. It was one of the first stores in Savannah to have air conditioning. It was also one of the first in the area to offer credit to the Black community in what was still a segregated South.

The company also experimented. It was Savannah’s original Samsonite and American Tourister luggage dealer and sold G.E. appliances. They were even the exclusive Polaroid camera franchise in the area, for a time. But under the direction of the next Aaron Malitz Levy (son of Jack and named for his grandfather), who, along with his wife, Dayle, came on board in the early 1960s, the company began to reﬁne its focus solely to ﬁne jewelry and watches. By the early 2000s, that second Aaron Levy was ready to pass on the family business, but he had no takers. Then, he had a fortuitous lunch with Lowell Kronowitz, the son of his cousin Bailee Tenenbaum.

(Her mother was Rosaline Levy, sister of Jack and daughter of the ﬁrst Aaron.)

Aaron shared with Kronowitz that he had almost sold Levy Jewelers to an outside party. But he was heartsick at the thought of new owners coming in and possibly ﬁring the staﬀ, many of whom had been with the company since the 1970s.

Kronowitz, a native Savannahian, had been working on Wall Street in New York City. But after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, he felt uneasy raising his family in New York and wanted to move them all back to Savannah. And so it was agreed: Kronowitz would buy Levy Jewelers, as long as Aaron and Dayle would stay on for ﬁve more years to teach him all the facets of the business.

Under Kronowitz, Levy Jewelers moved to its current location at 2 Broughton St., where they’ve continued to provide Savannah with reﬁned elegance and their trademark excellent customer service while selling both new and estate jewelry.

make sure the family business is around for a ﬁfth generation. Like his predecessors, Kronowitz considers all Levy Jewelers employees family.

“It’s a testament,” Kronowitz says, referring to both the longevity of their employees’ tenure as well as their work serving multiple generations of customers.

Kronowitz notes that there are several businesses in downtown Savannah that have reached or surpassed the 100-year mark.

“Savannah has always supported Savannah,” he says. But he emphasizes the need to keep supporting downtown. “If we want these wonderful businesses to survive into Savannah’s future, we have to keep going downtown, walking in, and continuing to support them.”

There have been challenges — they’ve experienced the same issue as most brick-and-mortar stores in recent years. Kronowitz also notes the eﬀects the Broughton Street renovation, downtown construction boom, and lack of parking have had on local Savannah businesses.

“It’s not easy, but we have 40 families who make their living through Levy Jewelers,” he says of his eﬀorts to

Levy Jewelers gift boxes over the years

MIKE SCHALK

Lowell Kronowitz, fourth generation and current owner

Jack and Miriam Levy

Eclectic Mastery

In her Ardsley Park home, a fashion designer seamlessly stitched together timeless elegance, worldly glamour, and cheeky whimsy.

Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER // Photography

by CLAIRE BARRETT

The graphic of Queen Elizabeth, left, originally hung in a New York City nightclub. The light fixture is from Visual Comfort & Co. and the painting, “Dreaming into the Looking Glass,” below, is by homeowner Rose Marie Woulfe.

NEW YORK CITY HAS ITS CHARMS — and a kind of tractor-beam hold on its residents — but after decades of living and working there, Rose Marie Woulfe and her husband, Louis, slipped out of the metropolis, drawn instead to Savannah.

Enchanted by the warmer climate and distinct character of the Hostess City, the couple moved here in 2015, settling into a home in the Ardsley Park area. In 2018, they purchased their current home — a stately brick Colonial Revival originally constructed in 1928. It was so close to their previous home that Louis wheeled their barbecue grill right down Abercorn to its new location.

Renovations, done by Alchemy Restoration, took about a year. “We had sheetrock in our hair, but it was worth it,” says Rose Marie. But many details of the home, such as the unique iron balcony on the porch with its graceful sea oats motif, were lovingly left in place. The balcony was created by Ivan Bailey (1945–2013), a Savannah-based blacksmith considered one of America’s ﬁnest.

A chandelier made of Italian Murano pale-pink glass dates to the 1970s, while the octagon mahogany table was designed as a prototype for the Atlanta Furniture Design Expo in the 1960s.

Rose Marie says she views the home as a canvas, “styled like a garment made to be lived in, with layers of creativity, intention, and heart.”

At first, Rose Marie felt a bit intimidated to tackle the interior design for the home’s 5,220-squarefoot space. After all, their entire New York City apartment would just about fit into the home’s kitchen area. “I thought, there’s no way I’m going to be able to decorate this well; it’s bigger than I’ve ever done before,” says Rose Marie.

But truly fashionable people are born, not made. Rose Marie possesses that magic mix of sartorial skills and savoir-faire. She was clearly up to the task.

She is a designer and artist who has always been motivated by beauty and elegance, whether inspiration comes from a vibrant camellia or a deep dive into fashion history. She has a degree in fashion design from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and previously had an eponymous ready-to-wear label that was sold in more than 250 stores across the country, including fashion meccas such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

Rose

Marie’s studio, where she designs, paints, and runs her business

“My 25-plus years of experience as a fashion designer is probably why I could create this home, therefore I am grateful,” says Rose Marie. She and Louis have cultivated their home in a way that is meticulous, yet joyful, with sinuous antiques happily residing alongside newer cosmopolitan showstoppers.

“We buy things we love and then she ﬁgures out where to put them,” says Louis. “She breathes life into the place. So it’s her and the way she designs the house — that’s what makes it our home.”

Rose Marie says she views the home as a canvas, “styled like a garment made to be lived in, with layers of creativity, intention, and heart.” Each room delights the eye with vignettes and the stories that inspired them, she says. The process is organic. “I’ll get one piece and then it relates to something else, so I never have a plan. I have a feeling.”

Her legendary table settings are one example of her design savvy — layered, seasonal, and with that certain je ne sais quoi. “There is a quiet joy in creating a tablescape,” Rose Marie reﬂects. “It’s a creative and artful invitation for loved ones to gather, pause, and share a meal.”

The dressing room, top, and the sunroom, below, which features wallpaper titled “Aerial Garden” by Anna French.

Next to the dining room, the west wing of the home was formerly a porte-cochère, later renovated to become an indoor space. It now serves as Rose Marie’s studio/office. About five years ago, she began seriously exploring oil painting as a creative outlet. She has already exhibited in six group shows — including at Location Gallery on Bull Street — and has sold several pieces.

From the front rooms of the home, one can see across to Kavanaugh Park and another work of art by Rose Marie. She designed the fountain there, crafted in collaboration with Robinson Iron and dedicated in 2024. Called “The Garden Keeper,” the cast-iron sculpture honors the late Mary Robinson Myrick, who founded the Ardsley Park Chatham Crescent Garden Club in 1973. Rose Marie, also a member of the garden club and part of the committee that brought the fountain project to fruition, designed a concept featuring an evocative,

graceful female figure who was inspired in part by Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers.

Another nod to feminine power can be seen in the home’s living room, home to a gold-toned caryatid — a sculpted female form that served as a support in Greek architecture. It is a replica of one from a restaurant in Paris and was a gift from Louis to Rose Marie. An Art Nouveau mirror, dating from the 1890s, was originally in a brownstone in New York City, while the coffee table was formerly a dining table and was cut down to size. The crystal orb chandelier is accented by a ceiling medallion that was installed by the homeowners.

Upstairs, renovations included creating an en suite bathroom for the primary bedroom area. The resulting primary suite is the very definition of serene glamour, with crystal Ralph Lauren lamps and a Restoration Hardware bed upholstered in lush velvet.

The “Josephine” bedroom features Rose Marie’s collection of miniature paintings.

217 John Wesley Way | Savannah

Thoughtfully designed living spaces with five bedrooms, four full baths, and one half bath in stunning Emerald Pointe. Open-concept first floor layout is perfect for entertaining family and friends. Modern aesthetic, understated and high-end throughout.

Another room, originally a separate bedroom, has been incorporated into the primary suite as a dressing room area and large closet.

The upstairs also includes two beautiful guest rooms, each with their own theme and decor — ideal for when Louis’s grown daughter and son come to visit from Los Angeles.

In the more masculine “Venice Room,” a framed map above the antique daybed depicts a 17th century drawing of the eponymous City of Canals. “It was a wedding gift from a family member,” says Rose Marie. “Some of my husband’s family is from that part of Italy.” The painting to the right of the map is an oil on canvas board titled “Beatrice.” Created by artist Emanuel Romano in 1938, the painting was acquired originally from the artist’s estate in New York.

The feminine “Josephine Room” has a curvy, elegant bed befitting an empress, and over it, a handmade Italian porcelain chandelier. One wall showcases Rose Marie’s collection of painted

ABOVE: The “Venice Room” features this cozy reading area in addition to a bed (not shown).

LEFT: The couple’s primary bedroom is the epitome of quiet elegance.

“When I was younger, I always wanted an older home to put together, but I don’t think I could wish this good.”

— Rose Marie Woulfe

miniatures, many of which were discovered at the 26th Street Flea Market in New York City.

“I’ve always wanted a house where our family and friends can come and celebrate,” Louis reflects. “It’s a pleasure because we have the space.” The couple now happily entertain large groups, such as for a recent book launch party, a neighbor’s wedding, or a garden club gathering.

Despite having plenty of room, during every party, Louis reports, “people always wind up in the kitchen.”

It’s no wonder, as the room features artwork such as the intriguing “The Dutch Masters” by Kristen Thiele, featuring dancers that seem to have emerged from a dream that was cast by Edward Hopper and Edgar Degas. (And who says you can’t have dancers in the kitchen?)

The vibrant camellia painting is by local artist Bellamy Murphy. The backsplash features handmade Walker Zanger tiles, which the

world.

The powder room wallpaper, made by design company Trove in New York, features historic queens from around the

MAKE ROOM FOR HOLIDAY MAGIC.

This holiday season, make your home shine for every guest. From dining rooms designed to impress to guest bedrooms made for comfort, Savannah Blinds brings style, function, and expertise to every window.

Our design consultations and professional installation make prepping for the holidays stress-free so you can focus on what really matters.

couple personally picked out during a visit to the company’s artisanal production site in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Above the counters, globe light fixtures by Visual Comfort & Co. feature architectural mercury glass and aged iron frames.

Stepping outside the kitchen onto the back porch, one encounters a fantasy yard, complete with a pool, a fountain, spacious outdoor kitchen and seating areas, and a cottage. The cottage, originally designed as a garage, has been used for many purposes over the decades. Louis and Rose Marie use it as a pool house, yoga studio, and art space. The yard itself has been a labor of love, transformed via plantings, garden beds, irrigation, and lighting, creating a true oasis.

As much as they enjoy the home, the couple also feels they are custodians of this historic property, respecting those who have come before, and those who will come after them, as inhabitants.

“When I was younger, I always wanted an older home to decorate, but I don’t think I could have wished this good.” says Rose Marie. “I feel honored and grateful to be part of this historic home’s lineage.”

The view toward Kavanaugh Park and the fountain that was designed by Rose Marie.

Harlow the poodle, named after another beautifully coiffed bombshell, actress Jean Harlow, strikes a pose with Rose Marie and Louis.

The sea oats motif ironwork above the home’s front door was created by the late Ivan Bailey, a Savannah-based blacksmith.

FALL SOUTHERN ESTATES INCLUDING JEWELRY AND FASHION

PUBLIC EXHIBITION:

October 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 10-5 or by appointment

LIVE ONLINE AUCTION: October 9th-30th

View, Register and Bid at Everard.com CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

EVERARD

AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS

Frederick S. Church, (American, 1842-1924), The Gleaners, Oil on Canvas, 22 1/2 in. x 42 1/2 in.

2436 WATERS AVE. SAVANNAH, GA 31404

912.231.1376 | GAL #AU004095 EVERARD.COM

DETAILS

Neighborhood: Ardsley Park

Year built: 1928, for David T. Furse and his family

Year purchased: 2018

Number of bedrooms: 4

Number of bathrooms: 3.5

Square footage: 5,220

Renovation timeline: 1 year

Contractor: Alchemy Restoration

Interior designer: Homeowner

Kitchen appliances: Thermador, Sub-Zero, Dacor, KitchenAid

Furniture/Accessories: ABC Carpet & Home, Arcanum, Arhaus, Bernhardt, Chelsea House, Clutter, Coastal Chic, Courtyard by Chuck Chewning, East Broad Street Interiors, Everard Auctions and Appraisals, Jere’s Antiques, John Richardson, Jones & Bull, Mercer House Carriage Shop, Michael Aram, Neiman Marcus, Proper English, Restoration Hardware, Seventh Heaven Antiques, Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques, Theodore Alexander

Paint: Farrow & Ball, Fine Paints of Europe, Benjamin Moore

Wallpaper: Gracie, Trove, Fine & Dandy Co., Anna French Foyer ceiling: Hand-painted by Julia McGahee

Tile/ﬂooring: Garden State Tile, Walker Zenger

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co., Restoration Hardware, 1970s pink Murano glass chandelier purchased at auction, Ralph Lauren Home, Kelly Wearstler

Art: Camellia painting by Bellamy Murphy, etching by Michael Chaplin, sculpture by June Ray Chaplin, “The Dutch Masters” by Kristen Thiele, “Three Grapefruit” by Beth Logan, “Infantas Ball” by Stephanie Josephs, papercut artworks by Peter Roberts, female drawing by Leonor Fini, “Bouquet of Flowers” by Martin Kainz, numerous oil paintings by homeowner

Landscape design: Homeowner

Hardscape design: Paul Daniels Design

Outdoor furniture: Patio furniture from Broad Street Interiors

Outdoor kitchen: Southern Summer Kitchens, Bull Outdoor Products

Outdoor lighting: Anderson Outdoors Landscape Lighting

Hermès Kelly, Calf Leather Handbag

TASTE

Tastes Like Home

Catching up with Erica and Dwight Davis of Erica Davis Lowcountry

Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS // Photography by TOM SANDERS

ERICA DAVIS is no stranger to the Savannah food scene. With deep roots in both the city and its seafood (Erica’s grandparents opened Savannah landmark Russo’s Seafood 79 years ago), Erica began her catering business 20 years ago on regional staples like Lowcountry boils and oyster roasts, using recipes and techniques taught to her by her father. Though she moved around a bit, catering in Charlotte and Charleston, Erica eventually returned home with her husband, fellow Savannah native Dwight Davis. Together, they’ve grown their business into a successful restaurant and catering operation that won in three categories in this year’s Best of Savannah reader survey: Winner, Best Seafood; Winner, Best Date Night; and Runner-up, Best Caterer (tied). And they are still growing, now offering both delivery and pick-up catering options from their new catering kitchen around the corner from the restaurant on East Victory Drive. They also have their eyes set on a possible restaurant expansion in the next year or two.

Here, Erica and Dwight talk about what Lowcountry cuisine means to them, why Savannah will always be home, and how it feels to be recognized for doing what they love.

On authentic local Lowcountry cuisine ...

Erica: My family still owns the seafood market on 40th and Abercorn. As kids, we were out in the boats, we were fishing, we worked in the market. We knew all about the seafood and what was

fresh and local, and that’s what we aspire to serve our guests every day: fresh and local. Our Georgia shrimp come directly from the fishermen. We get our stone-ground grits from Freeman’s Mill [in Statesboro].

Dwight: We like to put things on the menu that remind us of growing up. When I was a kid, I used to go with my grandparents

Wassaw redfish fillets and garlic beurre blanc over stoneground grits

to the farm, and my grandmother would send me out into the butter bean patch and say, ‘Hey, ﬁll up this 5-gallon bucket.’ And I’d come back, and the three of us would sit there on the porch drinking Cokes and eating peanuts and shelling butter beans. When we start putting fresh peas and beans on the menu, it reminds me of my mom and my grandmother. So we’ll get with Sherry over at Davis Produce, and she’ll go to the farmers and get zipper peas or white acre peas for us. A lot of the recipes that we are using are recipes that are local to Savannah, like the red rice. That recipe has been passed around all over the city. The one that we are using in the restaurant is based on what Erica’s dad did, and we made some changes to suit our palate in the restaurant.

On why Savannah will always be home ...

Dwight: When you come home [to the Islands] from Savannah, you come across the bridges and you see the salt marsh and kind of just take a deep breath and let it go. That’s one of my favorite things about living here.

Erica: I used to be a corporate flight attendant for 18 years. I’ve flown around to so many places, but Savannah is completely different from any other place. Now, I enjoy being able to do the things that we grew up doing and have our three kids do the same, like going out on the boat, going fishing and crabbing, and going to the beach.

On appearing in three of the Best of Savannah categories..

Erica: The catering is my baby, so I like to be recognized for that for sure. Many years of hard work in that one. We’ve won Best Caterer four years in a row now, so it’s nice to keep that going. And Best Seafood means a lot because there are so many other seafood restaurants in town.

Dwight: We are always trying to evolve a little bit. We’re looking to start offering a lot more grilled fish, which is something that our customers have been asking for, so to me, the seafood award is probably the thing that I relish the most. A lot of what we’ve been able to achieve has been with [the help of] our staff over the years. We wouldn’t have been able to do it all by ourselves without their input. We have people that have been working with us for 10 years now, and they’re important parts of the team. We’ve been very lucky.

Erica Davis’s Crab Cakes

1 pound lump blue crab meat, picked through for shells

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup brunoise (small dice cut) green bell peppers

1/2 cup brunoise celery

1 cup brunoise onion

1 egg, beaten

1 Tb. yellow mustard

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp. salt

Saute trinity (in Louisiana cuisine, “trinity” is onions, celery, and bell peppers) in oil until translucent. Set aside and let cool. Combine egg and mustard; mix thoroughly, then fold in the crab and breadcrumbs.

Add sautéed trinity to crab mixture and mix well.

Separate the mixture into 4-ounce portions. Use a greased pastry ring to press the portions into crab cakes.

Cook the crab cakes over medium-high heat on a well oiled cast-iron or nonstick pan until brown, ﬂip and brown both sides.

Let cool for a few minutes before plating.

Uniting & Uplifting Georgia

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Producing Georgia-focused programs including A Fork in the Road, Georgia Outdoors, View Finders, Football Fridays in Georgia, Peach Jam and in-depth news reporting on issues impacting citizens across the state.

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The votes are in. Discover the people, places, and provisions that our readers ﬁnd the best.

the best of SAVANNAH

Written by MARY CORNETTA, KIKI DY, AMY FAESKORN, and KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Ukiyo Izakaya and Ramen Bar Runner-up, Best Japanese

SAVANNAH 2025

HOW IT WORKS

The Best of Savannah winners were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per person was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a veriﬁable name and address were automatically disqualiﬁed. Savannah magazine does not control how individuals campaigned.

PHOTO BY PETER COLIN

EATS

Ukiyo Izakaya and Ramen Bar

Ukiyo Izakaya and Ramen Bar Runner-up, Best Japanese

Dreams from Table 100

ANTHONY DEBRECENY, of Southern Cross Hospitality, ( Runner-up, Best Restaurateur) prefers to let his staﬀ have the glory. The enigmatic Australian restaurateur has lived many lives and earned his many successes, all of them underpinned by adventure and verve. However, he would prefer to have his people be in the pictures and answer the questions rather than talk about himself.

When the polyglot, former importer/exporter, and current Southern Cross Hospitality kingpin moved to Savannah, he saw an opportunity to elevate brunch. With the opening of The Collins Quarter on Bull Street in 2014, Savannah got specialty coﬀee and, yes, avocado toast. “We didn’t have a brunch scene when he came to Savannah,” recounts Stephanie Forbes, front-of-house manager of Ukiyo Izakaya and Ramen Bar. She’s been with the company from the start. “He completely changed the landscape.”

The eatery quickly became a mustering center, attracting many midday regulars and tasteful out-of-towners. Debreceny hunkered down to work at table 100, Forbes says. “Collins Quarter came to be because Anthony listened to the community — what they wanted and what they thought that place could be for Savannah.” This year, Collins Quarter was named Winner, Best Brunch; Winner, Best Breakfast; Runner-up, Best Outdoor Dining (Non-Waterfront); and Runner-up, Best Business Lunch.

The dreams Debreceny honed at table 100 eventually became Southern Cross’s ﬁve other well-loved tentacles (with one more on the way), including Ukiyo Izakaya and Ramen Bar ( Runner-up, Best Japanese) and Doki Doki ( Runner-up, Best Ice Cream). The company also encompasses The Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park, The Fitzroy, and The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen.

Debreceny draws from his extensive travels and the possibilities of Savannah, which inspired him and many of his hand-picked personnel, such as Michael Hanlon, Ukiyo’s chef, to establish roots in the Hostess City. “Every day is a new challenge, and that’s what I like,” Hanlon says, before getting behind the open-concept kitchen and prepping for a busy Thursday night serving ramen, raw ﬁsh, and artful izakaya dishes.

Ukiyo was always in the pipeline. Debreceny lived in Japan for 18 years. “He speaks the language and fell in love with the cuisine,” says Marley Davis, Southern Cross’s marketing manager.

Ukiyo isn’t the group’s only Japanese oﬀshoot. Doki Doki’s name is lifted from Nihongo; “It’s Japanese for the sound of a heart ﬂuttering with excitement,” Davis says, “like it would when you’re about to get ice cream.”

Debreceny draws from his extensive travels and the possibilities of Savannah, which inspired him and many of his hand-picked personnel ...

Davis, Forbes, and Henlon all experience doki doki when discussing Southern Cross’s upcoming Mediterranean tapas spot, Fish Bar. Murmurs about the new venture have been circulating for a couple of years. Now, an opening is in sight. “We will be open in fall of 2026,” Forbes aﬃrms.

“There will be a huge custom-made Demant grill,” Hanlon adds. (Grills by Demant is a commercial grill fabricator located in Atlanta.)

What’s next after Fish Bar? Even those closest to Debreceny’s creative process can never predict what welcome surprise he’ll pitch, but they do know he’s always percolating and plotting.

“Anthony’s sometimes at the oﬃce seven days a week,” Forbes says. “He’s a true visionary.” — KIKI DY

PHOTOS BY PETER COLIN MURRAY / CREATIVE DIRECTION BY ALEXI DRAGO

From left: Dylan Allen, sushi chef at Ukiyo, Michael Pfab, executive chef at The Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park; Stephanie Forbes, front-of-house manager at Ukiyo.

APPETIZERS

Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com

Runner-up: Repeal 33 repeal33savannah.com

BAGEL

Big Bon Bodega bigbonfamily.com

Runner-up: Spread Bagelry spreadbagelry.com/location/ savannah

BARBECUE

Sandﬂy Barbecue sandﬂybbq.com

Runner-up: Wiley’s Championship BBQ wileyschampionshipbbq.com

BREAKFAST

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

Runner-up: Clary’s Cafe claryscafe.com

BRUNCH

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

Runner-up: Tortuga’s Island Grille tortugasislandgrille.com

BURGER

Green Truck Neighborhood Pub greentruckpub.com

Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor crystalbeerparlor.com

BUSINESS LUNCH

The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com

Runner-up:

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

The App Store

IF A DAY WITHOUT WINE is a day without sunshine, a meal without appetizers is, likewise, a dud. And at Ardsley Station ( Winner, Best Appetizers), diners tend to get quite attached to their favorites.

Ardsley Station

Winner, Best Appetizers

Runner-up, Best Date Night

Runner-up, Best Nonalcoholic Menu

Ardsley Station’s owner, Tyler Kopkas, has been savoring the shrimp elote appetizer, for example. It’s a spin on Mexican street corn that features shrimp, lardons, cilantro vinaigrette, red pepper aioli, and cotija cheese. “It’s been such a hit that we may have a hard time taking it oﬀ the menu this fall,” he admits.

The restaurant’s Southern classics are equally hard to quit. “The pimento cheese bruschetta (bottom photo) is by far our most popular shareable appetizer,” says Kopkas. It’s made in-house and with a twist — it features sharp white cheddar instead of the traditional yellow (gasp!). The deviled eggs, another popular appetizer (top photo), have also been featured on the menu since the restaurant opened in April 2021.

“We elevate them with a unique blend that includes hot honey, stone-ground mustard, and a few other flavorful touches that make them truly stand out,” says Kopkas. One more reason to visit: Sips at the Station events, held every third Tuesday of the month, benefit local nonprofits and have raised nearly $100,000 for good causes.

Ardsley Station also was named Runner-up, Best Date Night and Runner-up, Best Nonalcoholic Menu. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Finches Sandwiches and Sundries

Winner, Best Sandwiches

On a Roll

WITH A ROTATING menu and more than 200 sandwich types served to date, you might find it hard to pick a favorite at Finches Sandwiches and Sundries. The Thunderbolt spot again took the winning title of Best Sandwiches this year. But, according to co-owner Rebecca Gawley, customers can’t get enough of The Rich Girl, a buttery shrimp salad creation that often sells out.

As far as staff favorites go? Gawley loves a classic grilled cheese, but says she and co-owner Jamie Pieta often split the Spicy BLT (jalapeño bacon, lettuce, tomato, Sriracha mayo on ciabatta) and the Hidden Valley Girl, sporting buttermilk ranch grilled chicken.

Finches has expanded beyond sandwiches, too, with the addition of a full cocktail bar, and on some days, happy hour and extended evening kitchen hours, making it the perfect timing for their exciting fall events. “We’re offering free guided tours of Bonaventure Cemetery that include a kick-off cocktail from our bar and spooky stories told by our barkeep,” says Gawley. Plus, a live music series will launch in the near future.

And if you’re planning an event, Finches has “officially entered the catering chat,” per Gawley. From corporate lunches to bachelorette brunches, their catering services bring the flavor wherever needed, including on the water via Joyride Boat Club (mimosas included).

CATERER

Coastal Kitchen Catering thecoastalkitchen.net

Runner-up: (TIE) Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

Thrive Catering cateringbythrive.com

CHEAP EATS

Kay’s Pizza kays-pizza.shop

Runner-up: Sly’s Sliders and Fries slysslidersandfries.com

CHEF

Mashama Bailey, The Grey thegreyrestaurant.com

Runner-up: Kirk Blaine, Castaways and Chef Kirk Blaine Catering chefkirkblaine.com

CHINESE E-TANG etangfood.com

Runner-up: Flock to the Wok flocktothewok.com

FARM BAG/BOX DELIVERY

Local Farmbag localfarmbag.com

Runner-up: Billy’s Botanicals billysbotanicals.com

FINE DINING

1540 Room 1540savannah.com

Runner-up: Common Thread commonthreadsavannah.com

FOOD TRUCK

Beauregard’s Chariot bowtiebarbecueco.com/savannahbowtie-barbecue-co-food-truck

MARY CORNETTA

It’s clear that community support, as well as a whole lot of hustle, keeps the Finches team flying high. “There aren’t a lot of encouraging moments in small business ownership,” Gawley reflects, “but we keep showing up and showing off thanks to accolades like [Best of Savannah].” After all, she notes, “A lot of love goes into our sandwiches.” —

Runner-up: Slow Fire BBQ slowfirebbq.com

Refresh Nutrition Winner, Best Juice/Smoothies

SMOOTH(IE) OPERATOR

FAMILY-RUN REFRESH NUTRITION is new to the Best of list this year, winning Best Juice/Smoothies. With ﬂavors like Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and Cosmic Brownie, it’s hard to choose a smoothie to start with. But all their shakes are quick and healthy options, says owner Julie Duran, “made with 24 grams of protein and low in sugar and carbohydrates while still providing balanced nutrition with over 21 nutrients and vitamins.” In addition to smoothies, Refresh has other boosted goodies like protein lattes.

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Flora and Fauna

Winner, Best New Restaurant

The Good Neighbor

SINCE DEBUTING IN MAY 2024, Flora and Fauna has been quietly gaining traction in the Starland District, earning a reputation for relaxed vibes and beautifully executed cuisine. But the cat is out of the bag about this neighborhood gem, with Savannah magazine readers naming it Winner, Best New Restaurant.

The restaurant is part of FARM Hospitality Group, which includes FARM Bluﬀton, Common Thread, and Strange Bird, along with the Rootstock Community Foundation, a nonproﬁt dedicated to supporting the mental health of those who work in the restaurant industry.

Flora and Fauna inhabits the building that had housed Back in the Day Bakery and legendary scratch baker Cheryl Day — and those are not easy baking mitts to ﬁll.

“From the beginning, we wanted the restaurant to serve as a place for locals and tourists to come and enjoy coﬀee, pastries, biscuits, sandwiches, etc., during the day,” says Brandon Carter, chef/partner of FARM Hospitality Group. “I think that part of the plan has been successful and we have become that daytime gathering place for the neighborhood.”

Flora and Fauna also offers evening dining options. “Our original vision for dinner time was a supper club that offered a three course pre-fixe that offered a more approachable price point than our other restaurants,” says Carter. “We’ve had to pivot a little here. We still offer the three-course menu, which is the bestkept secret in Savannah, but we have added à la carte options as well so it’s not quite as much of a commitment if you’re just looking for a light dinner.”

So, what to order?

“All of the pastries that Annie [Flora and Fauna’s executive chef, Annie Coleman] and team put out have been bangers,” says Carter. “People love the nostalgia and story behind Cheryl’s Biscuit; the turkey BLT might be the best bite of food in Savannah right now (or so I’m told); the tomato pie is back by popular demand; all of our coﬀee drinks; the cocktails at night are out of this world; the chicken schnitzel at night is one of my favorites; the île ﬂottante has gotten rave reviews; any of the crudos; and the steak frites is so delicious and comforting …” To sum it up, you should plan to arrive hungry.

And keep an eye on the restaurant’s social media; Carter reports the group has been kicking around the idea of doing a late-night pizza pop-up, so stay tuned on when that will drop. —

KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Aaron M. Tillinger

Proud selection by the readers of Savannah Magazine

Thank you Savannah!

Aaron M. Tillinger

Senior Financial Advisor

200 Stephenson Ave Ste 301 Savannah, GA 31405

Direct: (912) 921-3413

Aaron.Tillinger@wellsfargoadvisors.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/aaron. tillinger

FRESH/ORGANIC GROCERY STORE

Brighter Day Natural Foods Market brighterdayfoods.com

Runner-up: Whole Foods Market wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/ savannah

FRIED CHICKEN

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room mrswilkes.com

Runner-up: Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com

FRIES

Circa 1875 circa1875.com

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2024 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. PM-01022026-6521648.1.2

JAPANESE

Kakki clover.com/online-ordering/ kakki-savannah

Runner-up: Ukiyo ukiyosavannah.com

JUICE/SMOOTHIES

Refresh Nutrition @refreshnutrition

Runner-up: Brighter Day Natural Foods Market brighterdayfoods.com

LATE-NIGHT FOOD

Kay’s Pizza kays-pizza.shop

Runner-up: Green Truck Neighborhood Pub greentruckpub.com

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

The Public Kitchen & Bar thepublickitchen.com

Runner-up: Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

HOSPITALITY GROUP

Live Oak Restaurant Group liveoakrestaurants.com

Runner-up: The Kessler Collection kesslercollection.com

INDIAN

NaaN on Broughton naanbroughton.com

Runner-up: Pakwan Indian Cuisine pakwanus.com

ITALIAN

Bella Napoli Italian Bistro bellanapolibistro.com

Runner-up: Bella’s Italian Cafe bellascafe.com

Runner-up: Fancy Parker’s Urban Gourmet parkerskitchen.com/fancyparkers-urban-gourmet

MEDITERRANEAN

Shuk Savannah shuksavannah.com

Runner-up: Troy Mediterranean Cuisine troymediterraneancuisine.com

MEXICAN

Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com

Runner-up: Bull Street Taco bullstreettaco.com

NEW RESTAURANT (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)

Flora and Fauna florafaunasav.com

Runner-up: Veratina veratinasav.com

OUTDOOR DINING (NON-WATERFRONT)

Flying Fish Bar & Grill flyingfishsavannah.com

Runner-up: The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

OYSTERS

Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com

Runner-up: Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar sorrycharlies.com

PIZZA

Vinnie Van Go-Go’s vinnievangogo.com

Runner-up: Squirrel’s Pizza squirrelspizza.com

PRODUCE MARKET

Davis Produce davisproduce.com

Runner-up: Forsyth Farmers’ Market forsythfarmersmarket.com

RESTAURATEUR

Ansley Williams, Live Oak Restaurant Group liveoakrestaurants.com

Runner-up: Anthony Debreceny, Southern Cross Hospitality southerncrosshospitalitysav.com

SALAD

Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

Runner-up: The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com

SANDWICHES

Finches Sandwiches & Sundries finchessandwiches.com

Runner-up: Rocky’s NY Deli & Italian Catering rockysofsavannah.com

SEAFOOD

Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

Runner-up: Desposito’s Seafood despositosseafood.com

Brochu’s Family Tradition

Winner, Best Oysters

Runner-up, Best Fried Chicken

SHELL GAME

IN SAVANNAH’S FOOD CULTURE, oysters are practically a religion. The local mollusk deity is properly worshipped at Brochu’s Family Tradition, which won Best Oysters in our Best of Savannah reader poll. Whether you prefer raw or cooked, classic or avant-garde, there’s a preparation here for you.

“We’re incredibly proud of the oyster program at Brochu’s, which now features 15 unique options,” says chef/owner Andrew Brochu. “We work with exceptional farmers in the region and enjoy the creative process of pairing oysters with various flavor profiles.” He notes that oyster options now include garlic habanero (raw), Cajun shrimp boil (steamed), and French onion (roasted) options.

The restaurant also was named Runner-up, Best Fried Chicken. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

PHOTO BY JOHN PARK

SEAFOOD MARKET

Russo’s Seafood

Runner-up: Bobo Seafood Market bobo-seafood-market.resmenu.com

SHRIMP AND GRITS

The Olde Pink House theoldepinkhouse restaurant.com

Runner-up: Vic’s On The River vicsontheriver.com

SOUTHERN

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room mrswilkes.com

Runner-up: The Olde Pink House theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com

SPECIALTY/ GOURMET

FOOD STORE

Provisions provisions-sav.com

Runner-up: Brighter Day Natural Foods Market brighterdayfoods.com

STEAK

The Steakhouse on Whitemarsh Island thesteakhouse whitemarsh.com

Runner-up: Ruth’s Chris Steak House ruthschrisphg.com/savannah

SUSHI

Sushi Hana sushihanasavannah.com

Runner-up: The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com

TACOS

Bull Street Taco bullstreettaco.com

Runner-up: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com

THAI

PJ’s Thai facebook.com/pjsthai

Runner-up: Chiriya’s Thai Cuisine chiriyasthaicuisine.com

VEGAN

Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

Runner-up: Shuk Savannah shuksavannah.com

VEGETARIAN

Shuk Savannah shuksavannah.com

Runner-up: Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

VIETNAMESE

Flying Monk Noodle Bar flywiththemonk.com

Runner-up: Saigon Bistro facebook.com/ saigonbistrosavannah

WATERFRONT DINING

The Wyld thewylddockbar.com

Runner-up: Vic’s On The River vicsontheriver.com

WINGS

Coach’s Corner coachs.net

Runner-up: 520 Wings 520wings.com

BARS & BOOZE

Repeal 33

Cocktails

The Best of Times

REPEAL 33 trades pretense for play. Although it swept ﬁve Best of Savannah categories this year — Winner, Best Bartender; Winner, Best Signature Cocktails; Winner, Best Nonalcoholic Menu; Runner-up, Best Happy Hour; and Runner-up Best Appetizers — it’s the modest and mischievous disposition of the staﬀ that gives the drinkery its rebellious charm.

Take Charlie Pitts, Best Bartender laureate and a 10-year industry veteran, as proof.

“Repeal is where I learned to be a ‘fancy’ bartender,” says Pitts, whose favorite fancy pairing is high-proof Old Fashioneds and fun factoids. “There’s a story behind every classic cocktail,” she beams, describing the pleasure and joy of various liquors coming together to make something you want to sip again and again.

It’s an apt metaphor for Repeal 33’s staﬀ, as well — personalities from all walks of life who meshed together with surprising harmony; the restaurant has an astonishing retention rate in the sometimes transient Savannah. “We’re always having so much fun,” Pitts says. Her colleague, Rhett Greene, for example, is in love with disco right now, Pitts says, “and is making it everybody else’s problem.”

“What’s the word for toxic positivity that isn’t toxic?” Greene, who works as a server, asks me. We pause. “Positivity?” I venture. “Well,” says Greene, “that’s what Charlie has.”

Where does she get it? “Maybe disco,” Greene laughs.

Greg Garrison, executive chef and owner, originally opened the eatery with the name Prohibition, changing the name in 2020. Garrison recruited chef de cuisine Anthony Smith from Day One. “We clicked instantly — sharing the same approaches to leadership, structure, and kitchen culture,” says Smith.

Charlie Pitts of Repeal 33 Winner, Best Bartender

“I usually only stay at one spot for three to five years,” he adds. “Over time, you become complacent and tend to be lazy.” Repeal 33 doesn’t give Smith that option. As soon as new dishes hit the service line, the team is working on the next concept. The creative and technical heft required to execute eight menus a year, every year, is immense and couldn’t happen without chef-on-chef collaboration and some input from the front-of-house staff, too.

“The lobster tortellini exemplifies this,” Garrison says before sharing the tale of how “the prettiest dish on the menu,” as Pitts puts it, came to be. “We had the idea to add Thai red curry to the sauce. Tony thought it was great. I was like, ‘What if we doubled it?’” The duo doubled the curry until they reached the right threshold, then they added butter and crispy shallots and presented it to the staff to taste-test. The response? Profanity and praise.

“There’s a story behind every classic cocktail.”

— Charlie Pitts, Winner, Best Bartender

“Pushing the limits and seeing how we can become better every day is what keeps me here,” says Smith.

“The spark of Repeal 33 relies on no one person,” Greene notes. This was the ethos Garrison opened the establishment with and continues to lean into as the restaurant gains tenure. “The whole point of learning together and growing together is to collaborate,” Garrison says.

Behind the bar, that’s represented by the laughter the staff shares with each other and their patrons (while also making the best spicy prickly pear margarita you’ve ever had). “There’s googly eyes and goofiness everywhere,” Pitts shares. “That’s why I love working here.” — KIKI DY

PINK PONY CLUB

Repeal 33 shared this tasty, simple cocktail to tide you over until your next visit.

Ingredients

• 1.75 oz. gin

• .75 oz. lemon juice

• .75 oz. raspberry simple syrup

• .5 oz. orgeat (almond syrup)

• 1 oz. egg white

• Angostura bitters for garnish

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker without ice, add all ingredients, except the Angostura bitters, and shake vigorously. Once well shaken, fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with Angostura bitters. For a fun touch, dot the Angostura bitters onto foam, then drag a toothpick through them to make heart shapes.

Life Uncorked

IF YOU WEREN’T in the know, you might park at Twelve Oaks Shopping Center en route to Publix, Sephora, or J. Parker Ltd. and not realize a stone-walled wine grotto also awaits. That’s the essence of Savannah Wine Cellar — a worldly surprise in an unassuming place. “We’ve been there for 14 years, and people still will walk in and say, ‘I didn’t know this place was here,’” says owner Bridget Patrick Michalski.

Savannah Wine Cellar has an interior that’s sophisticated and lush — the kind of ambiance that tempts you to swirl a glass of Gamay and spout oﬀ adjectives like “angular,” “earthy,” or “full-bodied.” But Michalski doesn’t make such a display necessary. “Wine can be intimidating; we like to take away that intimidation factor and make it fun,” she says.

“I didn’t grow up in a wine family,” Michalski is unafraid to confess. “My parents used to drink boxed Franzia.” Far from Franzia, Michalski’s spin on Savannah Wine Cellar — which she purchased from the original owners in 2016 — overﬂows with roughly 350 bottles from around the world, many of which

shoppers can enjoy a taste of and a tale about before making a purchase. “We have 32 wines to taste every day,” Michalski says. The “usual suspects,” her term for what’s always in rotation, include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more, but can span as far as Škrlet from Croatia or Slovenian Šipon.

“I believe there are no right or wrong answers for what you like,” she says.

Michalski and her husband, Nick, a ﬁghter pilot, didn’t have a meet-cute over wine; they met when she processed his mortgage in 2005. Later, as many couples do, they made their way to Savannah by serendipitous assignment. Nick was stationed here, and of all the locales they lived in — Aviano, Italy, and Richmond, Virginia, to name but a few — the Michalskis agreed Savannah was a taste they wanted to keep savoring. “It was the one place we both fell in love with and agreed on,” she says.

Savannah Wine Cellar has happy hour 5–7 p.m. Monday–Friday, when wine tastings are half oﬀ. Hand-poured wine tastings are 4–6 p.m. Saturdays. And don’t miss the annual Gamay party in November. — KIKI DY

BARTENDER

Charlie Pitts, Repeal 33 repeal33savannah.com

Runner-up: Alex Scott, District Smokehouse plantriverside.com/ restaurants-bars/ district-smokehouse

BEER LIST

World of Beer worldofbeer.com/savannah

Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor crystalbeerparlor.com

BREWERY

Service Brewing Co. servicebrewing.com

Runner-up: Two Tides Brewing Co. twotidesbrewing.com

DIVE BAR

The Original Pinkie Masters theoriginalpinkies.com

Runner-up: Ellie’s Crow Bar & Grill crowbargrill.com

HAPPY HOUR

Sobremesa sobremesasav.com

Runner-up: Repeal 33 repeal33savannah.com

LIQUOR/ PACKAGE STORE

Habersham Beverage habershambeverage.com

Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem’s Wine & Package Shop johnnieganem.com

Savannah Wine Cellar Winner, Best Wine Shop

Savannah Wine Cellar owner

Bridget Patrick Michalski

Sobremesa

Winner, Best Happy Hour Winner, Best Wine Bar Winner, Best Wine List

Sobremesa excels at seasonal dishes, such as this crudo.

IS IT HAPPY HOUR YET?

SOBREMESA HAS BEEN GAINING quite the following, winning Best Happy Hour, Best Wine Bar, and Best Wine List. So, what would Sobremesa’s co-owner Jason Restivo order? “I love oysters!” he says happily. “We work with Tybee Island Oyster Co. and May River Oyster Co.” He adds that, while it’s not a happy hour offering all the time,“ a cold glass of great Champagne is always a treat.” We couldn’t agree more. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

NEW BAR (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)

Wexford – Savannah’s Irish Pub wexfordpub.com

Runner-up: The Whiskey @thewhiskysavannah

NIGHTCLUB

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge plantriverside.com/venues/ electric-moon

Runner-up: Club One clubone-online.com

NONALCOHOLIC MENU

Repeal 33 repeal33savannah.com

Runner-up: Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com

PUB

Wexford-Savannah’s Irish Pub wexfordpub.com

Runner-up: Six Pence Pub sixpencepub.com

ROOFTOP BAR

Bar Julian at Thompson Savannah barjulian.com

Runner-up: Peregrin at Perry Lane Hotel peregrinsavannah.com

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

Repeal 33 repeal33savannah.com

Runner-up: Artillery artillerybar.com

SPORTS BAR

Coach’s Corner coachs.net

Runner-up: Savannah Taphouse thesavtap.house

WINE BAR

Sobremesa sobremesasav.com

Runner-up: Late Air lateairwine.com

WINE LIST

Sobremesa sobremesasav.com

Runner-up: Late Air lateairwine.com

WINE SHOP

Savannah Wine Cellar savannahwinecellar.com

Runner-up:

Le Chai – galerie du vin lechai.com

Wexford – Savannah’s Irish Pub Winner, Best Pub Winner, Best New Bar

Pour Decisions

WINNER OF BESTNEW BAR (less than a year old) and Best Pub, Wexford – Savannah’s Irish Pub is spacious, lively, and positively slaying it with national coverage after being named one of USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year. But we can say we knew them “way back when.”

Many patrons visit the bar for a pint of Guinness, and in fact, Wexford goes through a whopping 10 to 15 kegs of Guinness beer a week. As for their personal drink order, each of Wexford’s three co-owners has a favorite. Jennifer Strickland, for example, goes with the Guinness Espresso Martini, which she calls “uniquely delicious!” Her brother, Tim Strickland, goes for Redbreast 21-year-old Irish Whiskey, while the third business partner, Chris Swanson, keeps it classic with a pint of, you guessed it, Guinness.

Speaking of Guinness, Wexford is about to be the only pub in Georgia to own a Guinness Ripple Machine. The device, which Wexford is rolling out in October, allows the bar to print personal images on the foam top of Guinness pints, making it ideal for special events.

Come winter, look for the Wexford Christmas Event in December that will feature one of the establishment’s regular Irish music performers, Carroll Brown, alongside other musicians to highlight Irish Christmas carols. We also hear the restaurant will host an early New Year’s Eve celebration like it did last year. Wexford will celebrate with a Shamrock Drop when the clock strikes midnight in Ireland (7 p.m. here on the East Coast). — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Sitting Pretty

WINNER OF BOTH the Best Medical Spa and Best Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedure Specialists categories, Park Aesthetics appeals not only to clients in Savannah, but far beyond the area.

“Patients travel from across the country to work with our team because of our reputation for delivering reﬁned, balanced results that never look overdone,” says Ragan Gaskin, lead injector and founder of Park Aesthetics. The most requested treatment is a full-face rejuvenation, she says, which is a comprehensive, customized approach that “considers facial proportions, symmetry, and aging patterns, rather than simply targeting isolated areas.”

She ﬁnds facial balancing with dermal ﬁller to be especially rewarding. “The medical precision required, combined with the artistry involved, makes it a standout,” says Gaskin. “Subtle shifts can change how someone carries themselves; it’s truly powerful.”

She notes that every patient at Park Aesthetics receives an in-depth treatment plan developed through collaborative input from the provider team.

Ever-evolving, Park Aesthetics continues its push toward excellence. “Let’s just say … something exciting may be in the works,” Gaskin shares. “We’re not ready to spill all the details just yet, but if you’ve ever been to a Park party or seen our results, you know we don’t do anything halfway.”

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

PHOTO BY PETER COLIN MURRAY

Brooke Turlington, Park Aesthetics’ clinic director, left, and Ragan Gaskin, founder and lead injector

ACUPUNCTURIST

Bauer Coslick, Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine vitalitysavannah.com

Runner-up: Eight Cranes Acupuncture & Counseling eca-c.com

BARBERSHOP

AV8 Barbers av8barbers.com

Runner-up: Christy’s Barber Styling

BODY BRONZING/ TANNING

BEETTAN beettan.com

Runner-up: Body Bronzing Savannah savannahspraytan.com

COLORIST

Nicholas Gorlesky, Chapel Hair chapelhairsavannah.com

Runner-up: Maria Vaughn, Shine Salon Savannah shinesalonsavannah.com

DAY SPA

Spa Bleu spableu-sav.com

Runner-up: Milan Day Spa milandayspa.com

ESTHETICIAN

Kathryn Taylor Day, The Corner Suite thecornersuite.com

Runner-up (TIE): Tiﬀany Smith, South Esthetics Skincare & Wellness southesthetics.com AND Jordan Walker, Walker Aesthetics walker-aesthetics.com

MIX AND MATCH

The Collective Savannah Winner, Best Pilates/Barre Studio Winner (tie), Best Personal Trainer – Cameron Scott Runner-up, Best Yoga Studio Runner-up, Best Spin/Cycle Studio

KIM WATSON, owner and founder of The Collective Savannah, jokes that asking her to choose a favorite class is “like asking me which of my 22 children is my favorite.”

For clients, she says the Tone class, the Sweat class, and the afternoon ride classes are the most popular right now. As for her personal choice, though, she likes to mix it up, taking ﬁve to six classes a week alternating between yoga, sculpting classes, Pilates, and spinning.

For The Collective, Watson feels lucky to have assembled some of the best talent in the area. Not only are the instructors talented and challenging, she says, “The feedback has been that everyone is welcoming, inclusive, non-judgmental, and fun. Working out should be fun!”

The Collective is undergoing a bit of a glow-up, too. “Our previous ride room is turning into two showers and changing rooms and a laundry room, including a hallway and door to the back parking lot so guests can enter through either the front or back door,” says Watson. The added space should be ready by late fall/early winter. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

From left: The Collective’s Jessica Collins, Abby Rowe, Kim Watson, and Olivia Rowe

Youthful Tresses

WINNER OF BEST HAIR SALON, 40 Volume Salon and Spa just celebrated 17 years in business last month. Owner Michelle Rouzer is excited about a new, exclusive hair service 40 Volume is oﬀering from Kerastase: the Chronologiste Treatment. “It’s a revitalizing experience that transforms your hair and scalp from the inside out,” Rouzer explains. “We start with a purifying scalp detox to sweep away buildup, followed by a nourishing cleanse, then the star of the show — the Chronologiste masque. Infused with abyssine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, it deeply hydrates, strengthens, and restores softness and shine.” The results, Rouzer says, is healthier, more radiant hair that is more resilient against stress, aging, and environmental damage.

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

40 Volume Salon and Spa Winner, Best Hair Salon

MORE PAMPERING TO TRY…

• Lenon Whitney, owner of Spa Bleu ( Winner, Best Day Spa), says the most requested service is the Essential Bleu Massage. “It’s a client favorite for a reason,” he says. “It’s tailored to your body’s needs and always leaves you feeling relaxed, renewed, and refreshed.” He also adds, “We’re kind of obsessed with our HydroFacial. It’s like a deep drink of water for your skin, with deeply effective, targeted treatments as well. You’ll walk out feeling like a million bucks — we promise.”

• Hydrafacials and Botox are the most popular services at Altera Aesthetix ( Runner-up, Best Medical Spa and Runner-up, Best Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedure Specialists). It also offers complimentary consultations. “We don’t believe in putting a price tag on patient education,” says marketing manager Delaney Gray. “We want them to feel comfortable and informed throughout their entire aesthetic journey without any added pressure or cost.”

• The Hub Savannah ( Winner, Best Spin/Cycle Studio) has a popular class called Hub Trio, says studio owner Melanie Bruno. It combines spinning, yoga, and strength training into a one-hour class. Her favorite class is Hot Pilates. Keep your eyes out this fall for a new class Bruno will be adding, and, she says, “We also will be celebrating our one-year anniversary in November, we will have a special event for that and some Halloween fun as well.”

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

PHOTO BY KATIE MCGEE

Salon manager Kelley Davis, left, and owner

Michelle Rouger

Influencing the Best of Savannah

GYM

YMCA of Coastal Georgia ymcaofcoastalga.org

Runner-up: FIT Gym ﬁtgymsavannah.com

HAIR REMOVAL

Southern Sugaring & Spa southernsugaring.com

Runner-up: Low Country Dermatology and Aesthetics lcderm.com

HAIR SALON

40 Volume Salon and Spa 40volume.com

Runner-up: Chapel Hair chapelhairsavannah.com

MANICURES/ PEDICURES

eMarie Boutique Nail Salon emariesavannah.com

Runner-up: Crystal Nails Salon savannahcrystalnails.com

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Cathy Thomas, Savannah Healing Arts massagebycathy.us

Runner-up: Kaitlyn Johnston, Peacefully Rooted peacefullyrooted.com

MEDICAL SPA

Park Aesthetics theparkaesthetics.com

Runner-up: Altera Aesthetix alteraaesthetix.com

NONSURGICAL COSMETIC PROCEDURE SPECIALISTS

Park Aesthetics theparkaesthetics.com

Runner-up: Altera Aesthetix alteraaesthetix.com

PERSONAL TRAINER (TIE)

Drew Edmonds, Train Me 24/7 trainme247.com AND Cameron Scott, The Collective Savannah thecollectivesavannah.com

Runner-up: Brooke Sapp, Blitz45 Fitness Savannah blitz45ﬁtnesssavannah.com

PILATES/BARRE STUDIO

The Collective Savannah thecollectivesavannah.com

Runner-up: Pure Barre purebarre.com/location/ savannah-ga

SPIN/CYCLE STUDIO

The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com

Runner-up: The Collective Savannah thecollectivesavannah.com

YOGA STUDIO

Savannah Power Yoga savannahpoweryoga.com

Runner-up: The Collective Savannah thecollectivesavannah.com

SWEETS & COFFEE

Steeped in Tradition

HALE TEA CO. has been crafting cup after cup of the good stuﬀ for an impressive 153 years. Megan Miller has managed to seamlessly blend the age-old tradition of sipping tea with modern-day trends since taking ownership in 2019. So, it’s no surprise that the beloved Savannah-based tea brand has once again been declared Winner, Best Tea. Miller’s innovative vision continues to keep the business fresh, and she’s eager to share some exciting new additions.

One of the changes involves a collaborative move with friends and fellow Savannah College of Art and Design alumni Matt and Elise Higgins of Origin Coﬀee Bar. Both companies will be conducting their wholesale operations from a shared 3,700-square-foot space on West Jones Street. Miller has opened a tasting room in part of that area for her current and future wholesale clients to experience her vast assortment of loose-leaf and boxed tea.

Another rapidly growing aspect of the business has been

the Hale Beauty Line, which launched in August of 2024 and is a clear testament to Miller’s ability to be in tune with the times. “It started because health is super important to me, but clean beauty is so big right now,” she says. “So, I started playing around with developing products because tea is not only beneﬁcial to drink, but it’s also good for your skin.”

Hale Tea Co. oﬀers a handful of beauty products, including tea-based bath soaks, a facial steam, and a clay mask. But in the coming months, Miller reveals that she and her staﬀ herbalist have been working on some new formulations that “smell delicious and make you feel good.” The expanding line will include white tea and matcha milk baths as well as an oil-based lip roller, all of which contain antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

With a fresh, new space and a growing product line, Miller is making it clear that the future of Hale Tea Co. is intentional, modern, and inclusive. “We’re more than tea, we’re a lifestyle and a community. — MARY

CORNETTA

Hale Tea Co. Winner, Best Tea

PHOTOS BY PETER COLIN MURRAY

From left, Matt and Elise Higgins, owners of Origin Coffee Bar, and Megan Miller, owner of Hale Tea Co.

Origin Coffee Bar Winner, Best Coffee Shop

BAKERY

Auspicious Baking Company auspiciousbakingco.com

Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com

CANDY SHOP

River Street Sweets riverstreetsweets.com

Runner-up: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen savannahcandy.com

CHOCOLATE

River Street Sweets riverstreetsweets.com

Runner-up: Chocolat by Adam Turoni chocolatat.com

COFFEE ROASTER

Savannah Coffee Roasters savannahcoffee.com

Runner-up: PERC Coﬀee perccoﬀee.com

COFFEE SHOP

Origin Coffee Bar origincoffee.bar

Runner-up: Friendship Coﬀee Company friendshipcoﬀeeco.com

Byrd Cookie Company byrdcookiecompany.com

Runner-up: Two Smart Cookies twosmartcookies.com

CUPCAKES

Gigi’s Cupcakes savannahgigis.com

Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com

CUSTOM CAKES

Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com

Runner-up: Wicked Cakes of Savannah wickedcakesofsavannah.com

Origin Coffee Bar Winner,

Roastmasters

AS ORIGIN COFFEE Bar celebrates its fifth anniversary — and winning this year’s Best Coffee Shop category — the in-demand Yamacraw Village coffee shop is entering an exciting new chapter. That includes tripling its roasting operations and continuing to deliver creative drinks while also providing the atmosphere that patrons have come to know and love. “We’re focusing on deepening the guest experience,” says Matt Higgins, who co-owns Origin Coffee Bar with his wife, Elise. “Our goal is to make Origin feel even more intentional and welcoming.”

One of the most notable developments is the shop’s expanded wholesale roasting space, which Origin now shares with longtime friend and fellow SCAD alum Megan Miller of Hale Tea Co. ( Winner, Best Tea).

“Splitting this location with Hale Tea has been such an energizing gift to us,” Higgins says. “We’ve known Megan for years, and being under the same roof has created this beautiful illustration of collaboration and camaraderie.”

That connection goes beyond logistics. Origin’s best seller is a cross-brand collab

called the Dubai Chocolate Matcha, made with Hale Tea Co.’s ceremonial grade matcha, pistachio, and a salted chocolate cold foam. It was supposed to be a seasonal special but instantly became a fan favorite, earning it a permanent spot on the menu. This isn’t the ﬁrst time the business owners have worked together, and with new ideas always percolating between the two teams, more Origin x Hale creations are sure to follow.

The momentum doesn’t stop in Savannah, however. On Aug. 1, Origin opened its doors in a new location in Hilton Head, marking its ﬁrst expansion outside Savannah. “We’ve had regulars who split their time between Savannah and the island, and it just made sense,” says Higgins. “When we found the right space, everything clicked, and it felt like a natural next step.”

Despite the growth, Origin hasn’t lost sight of what matters most. “Our coffee shops have become a space where stories unfold, friendships form, and community happens every single day,” Higgins reflects. “This all started with a mobile coffee cart and a dream — and it’s only getting better.”

— MARY CORNETTA

PHOTO BY PETER COLIN MURRAY

Best Coffee Shop

Dubai Chocolate Matcha

Icing on the Cake

THERE’S ALWAYS BEEN a bit of whimsy baked into Wicked Cakes ( Runner-up, Best Custom Cakes). The shop has been known for its colorful confections, and now, owner and chef Abby Longwater is inviting locals into the kitchen to discover the art of cake decorating as a creative outlet.

“This spring, we launched cake workshops, and they’ve quickly become a favorite in our baking calendar,” she says. Longwater and her team converted their oﬃce into a workspace where attendees can learn in an intimate and laid-back environment. “We wanted these workshops to be easy, approachable, and full of joy,” she explains.

Classes are limited to eight to ten people, allowing everyone to receive hands-on guidance from Longwater herself. If you have no prior experience with icing and piping, she assures you that it’s not necessary, as all the tools and tips will be provided. “These workshops aren’t just about learning to decorate — they’re about trying something new, making memories, and often, making new friends along the way,” Longwater says. “We’ve loved seeing so many sweet connections bloom over buttercream.”

Wicked Cakes hosts several workshops each month, often tailored to the seasons. Expect fall-, Halloween-, and Christmasthemed sessions, promising festive designs and plenty of frosting-fueled fun. Dates are posted at least four weeks in advance on their website, and classes tend to ﬁll up quickly, especially for limited-edition series like this summer’s Lambeth piping

workshops, inspired by vintage, ornate cake styles.

In addition to teaching, Wicked Cakes continues to create trend-forward designs for customers, such as the reimagined Italian wedding cake. While the cake is traditionally a mille-feuille (otherwise known as a Napoleon pastry), Longwater’s version substitutes the puﬀ pastry for decadent tiers of cake layered with buttercream and fresh fruit.

Whether you’re picking up a celebratory treat or rolling up your sleeves during a decorating workshop, Wicked Cakes will help whip up sweet memories.

— MARY CORNETTA

Wicked Cakes Runner-up, Best Custom Cakes

Baker’s Pride Bakery

Winner, Best Donuts

Winner, Best Custom Cakes Runner-up, Best Bakery Runner-up, Best Cupcakes

Hole in One

Q: What’s the one item in the bakery that sells out ﬁrst?

A: It goes back and forth between the regular glazed donuts and the fritters.

Q: How many donuts do you sell per day?

A: Around 3,000.

BAKER’S PRIDE BAKERY ( Winner, Best Donuts; Winner, Best Custom Cakes; Runner-up, Best Bakery; and Runner-up, Best Cupcakes) has been satisfying Savannah’s sweet tooth since 1982. The focus on high-quality ingredients, seasonal selections, and creative confections is what makes this family-owned business one of the most cherished in the city. One of its owners, Al Lang, shared some behindthe-scenes secrets that may surprise even the most faithful customers. — MARY CORNETTA

Q: What time of year is the busiest for the business?

A: Fall, from October to December.

Q: What time do the bakers arrive each morning?

A: We have nine bakers on staﬀ, plus a few employees who step in when needed. Depending on the day, two to three arrive at 11 p.m. to start making the donuts, while others arrive at

3 a.m. to begin on muﬃns, danishes, cookies, pies, cakes, and so on.

Q: Is there a speciﬁc song or playlist that gets played/pumps everyone up during the morning prep?

A: “Shots” by LMFAO featuring Lil Jon, but the censored version; we are a family bakery, after all!

Q: How many pounds of sugar are used weekly? And how many eggs do you go through in a typical week?

A: 1,400 pounds of sugar and 90 dozen eggs.

Q: What is your overall best-selling item?

A: Our glazed donuts and chocolate chewies.

River Street Sweets

Winner, Best Candy Shop Winner, Best Chocolate

New Treats and Old Traditions

WHEN YOU’VE BEEN A STAPLE in Savannah for over 50 years, it must be hard to shake things up, right? Well, according to Jennifer Strickland, who co-owns River Street Sweets ( Winner, Best Candy Shop and Winner, Best Chocolate) with her brother, Tim, they’re always striving to break the mold. If you’re a regular customer, you’ll notice several changes and additions in their shops starting this fall.

For one, they’re replacing chocolate bark products with chocolate bars in ﬂavors such as cookies ’n’ cream, almond, and pecan. And, in case you were wondering (hoping?), they will have deliciously decadent Dubai chocolate bars available. If you enjoy their bear claws or Rice Krispies treats, you will soon be able to ﬁnd bite-sized versions, allowing you to savor a small taste whenever you feel like it. Lastly, for those who love a salty-sweet combination, try the new pralines ’n’ cream popcorn drizzled with white chocolate.

While Jennifer and Tim have been working to debut these new products, they’ve also been preparing to help spread joy to those in the community. As part of a family tradition, they’re partnering again with the local chapter of Senior Citizens Inc. to ensure seniors

receive a box of treats this holiday season through their Meals on Wheels program.

“Food is deﬁnitely my love language,” says Jennifer. “So being able to share these treats with seniors is special.” This mission holds signiﬁcance for Jennifer, as it was close to her grandmother Georgia Nash’s heart. She was one of the founders of River Street Sweets and passed away in 2019. “This was a really important part of the holidays for her, and now it is for us,” Jennifer explains.

She invites customers to embrace the holiday spirit as well. Throughout December, a Toys for Tots drop-oﬀ box will be available at the River Street Sweets Habersham Village location. When picking up gifts for friends and family, consider leaving one for a child in need. After all, to Jennifer, Tim, and the River Street Sweets team, it’s all about community.

If you’re traveling out of town and want to take a piece of the Hostess City with you, Jennifer has some exciting news: a River Street Sweets kiosk is now available at the Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport. The only question is whether the treats will reach your destination or become your in-ﬂight snack.

— MARY CORNETTA

DOUGHNUTS

Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com

Runner-up: Auspicious Baking Company auspiciousbakingco.com

FROZEN TREATS

(OTHER THAN ICE CREAM)

Savannah Square Pops savannahsquarepops.com

Runner-up: Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard ritasice.com/location/ ritas-of-savannah-ga

ICE CREAM

Leopold’s Ice Cream leopoldsicecream.com

Runner-up: Doki Doki Ice Creamery dokidokiicecreamery.com

MACARONS

Le Macaron French Pastries lemacaron-us.com/ locations/savannah

Runner-up: Marché de Macarons marchedemacarons.com

TEA Hale Tea Co. haletea.com

Runner-up: The Spice & Tea Exchange spiceandtea.com/savannah

TEA ROOM

Gryphon scadgryphon.com

Runner-up: The Savannah Tea Room savannahtearoom.com

CULTURE & FUN

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra Winner, Best Band/Musician

PHOTO BY DAVID PARKS

Kings of Southern Swing

THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA has captured the hearts of fans and won the spotlight as this year’s Best Band/Musician. Founded by lifelong friends and Louisiana natives Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, the band has called Savannah home since 2005. After a trip to the Hostess City with his wife, Davis recalls, “I fell in love with the place and realized that there wasn’t anyone in town doing what we do.” Shortly after, both Davis and Johnson relocated with their families, and they have been creating harmony in the Lowcountry and beyond ever since.

Not only have they entertained concert goers for decades, they’ve redefined what a modern big band can be. Originally known for their jazz roots, Davis explains that they play a wide array of genres. “We do everything from Elvis to Johnny Cash to ’80s pop tunes to Texas swing to gospel to Louisiana standards.”

When most of the world slowed down during the pandemic, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra used the time to thrive creatively. “We were very resourceful,” Davis says. With all gigs canceled, the band launched a livestream series from the rooftop of Perry Lane Hotel and recorded three albums: “Charade,” “Victory,” and “Bridge.” More recently, their single, “Mardi Gras Mambo,” was recorded live at the Tybee Post Theater and was released earlier this summer.

The duo has also begun exploring dance-based events, such as the Gold 100 Dance Party, scheduled for Sept. 6 at District Live. The group has done two dance shows previously, Davis notes, and “they’ve been some of the most popular shows we’ve ever done.” Attendees are encouraged to dress up

according to the night’s theme and enjoy the live music while dancing on the venue’s open wooden floor. They hope to add more dance events to their calendar in the new year.

In the meantime, the band is bringing back their wildly popular Holiday Soirée on Dec. 14 at Plant Riverside District, this time celebrating the release of their first fulllength vinyl Christmas album. “This will be the first year we’ve had that out, not just CDs, but an actual record,” Davis explains.

The duo thrives on variety, whether they are performing at weddings, headlining private events, or touring in countries like Turkey, Greece, and Italy, from which they recently returned. The travel, Davis says, “keeps things interesting, and we’re constantly changing and evolving.”

Giving back to the community is equally important to both him and Johnson. They regularly perform at assisted living facilities, schools, and the YMCA, and have run their nonprofit organization since 2014. “The heart and soul of the Equinox Global Mission is that we use music to be a blessing to serve others,” says Davis.

For anyone hesitant to attend a live performance put on by The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, Davis shares his favorite audience feedback: “Several years ago, someone brought his wife to a show and said, ‘I don’t really like jazz, I don’t know anything about big band, but the show was awesome, it was hilarious, and I felt like I made two new best friends.’ So that organic moment that happened in the theater lobby became our mantra — people are going to laugh, they’re going to dance, and they’re going to love the music.”

— MARY CORNETTA

ART GALLERY

ARTS Southeast artssoutheast.org

Runner-up: Laney Contemporary laneycontemporary.com

ARTIST

Bellamy Murphy bellamyart.com

Runner-up: Anna Giles Jeffries agilesart.com

BAND/MUSICIAN

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra equinoxorchestra.com

Runner-up: Damon & The Shitkickers @damon_and_the_shitkickers

CHARITY EVENT/ FUNDRAISER

Wine, Women & Shoes, Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire rmhccoastalempire.org/ wine-women-shoes

Runner-up: Telfair Ball @telfairball

COMPANY TO WORK FOR

Stage Front sfps.net

Runner-up: The Kessler Collection kesslercollection.com

DATE NIGHT

Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

Runner-up: Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com

DIY STUDIO/CLASS/ WORKSHOP

Knack Studio knack.studio

Runner-up: Clayer & Co. clayerco.com

A Knack for Creativity

WHEN IT COMES to creative expression, Knack Studio is making it easier — and more fun — than ever for Savannahians to get hands-on. The Starland District art space was never designed to be “just a pottery studio,” according to owner Kirby Waller. Instead, her vision was to create a hub for aspiring artists to learn a craft that might be too complicated or equipment-heavy to master from home.

“By oﬀering small classes with step-by-step instruction, we make ‘scary’ projects more approachable,” says Waller. One of the most buzzed-about additions is the stained glass classes. While it may sound intimidating, Knack’s “Glass: Try It” class is designed to introduce students to the basics of soldering. Additionally, says Waller, “Now we’re expanding into multipart classes where you can learn pattern design, cutting, and grinding, too.”

Knack’s unique oﬀerings are clearly resonating with locals. The stained glass sessions are booking fast, and new series, such as Apero Hour — a monthly night of wine, charcuterie, and pottery glazing in partnership with Late Air — are gaining traction. Similarly, Waller notes that the “Lucky Charms” ceramic charm and bracelet workshops have become popular as well.

“Our little team has grown substantially to keep up with our classes, workshops, and private events,” Waller says. “We’re very

Knack Studio Winner, Best DIY Studio/

Class/Workshop

proud of what we’re doing.” In addition to hosting corporate events, such as a recent one for Gulfstream, Knack is gearing up to collaborate with local businesses, including Baby’s General Store, Service Brewing, and Origin Coﬀee Bar. If you’re looking for a venue to hold a birthday, team-building, or family event, Waller encourages you to reach out to the studio.

“We set out to redeﬁne what an art space could be — clean, approachable, and collaborative,” says Waller. “Savannah is subtly telling us we’re on the right track, and that’s really motivating.”

— MARY CORNETTA

Murphy Winner, Best Artist

NATURAL BEAUTY

FEW ARTISTS CAPTURE the color and spirit of Savannah’s coastal charm quite like Bellamy Murphy. A repeat winner of the Best Artist title, Murphy’s signature style has found its way onto the walls of homes and businesses, and even onto fabrics. Earlier this year, Murphy teamed up with local fashion designer Emily McCarthy once again to expand her talents beyond the canvas. The resulting collection features Murphy’s prints on both clothing and home accessories such as tablecloths and cocktail napkins. While she adores collaborating with McCarthy, Murphy is also amping up to release her own line. “I’ve been working on my own fabric and clothing designs and have lots of new designs ready to roll,” she says. Additionally, she shared that a book featuring her art may be in the works.

If you’ve popped into the new downtown restaurant Sunday Sunday, you’ve likely spotted one of Murphy’s recent installations. You can also shop for her work at the upcoming Isle of Hope Arts and Music Festival on Oct.. 25. “I’ll have over 100 paintings and a new print available at the festival,” she says, noting that she opens both her Compass Rose Cottage and its carriage house for the occasion.

Aside from the natural beauty of the Lowcountry coastline, Murphy is inspired by the love and support of the local community. “Savannah is like an extended family for me,” she says. “[People here] allow me to do my thing and appreciate it, and I never take that for granted.”

— MARY CORNETTA

Bellamy

PHOTO BY KATHRYN ANN WALLER

FESTIVAL

Savannah Music Festival savannahmusicfestival.org

Runner-up (TIE): Savannah Jazz Festival savannahjazz.org

SCAD Savannah Film Festival filmfest.scad.edu

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos savannahsmiles duelingpianos.com

Runner-up: Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar plantriverside.com/ myrtle-rose-rooftop-bar

GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)

The Landings Golf & Athletic Club thelandings.com/golf -and-athletic-club

Runner-up: The Savannah Golf Club thesavannahgolfclub.com

GROUP TO VOLUNTEER FOR

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire rmhccoastalempire.org

Runner-up: People of Action Caring for Kids (P.A.C.K.) packsavannah.com

GUYS’ NIGHT OUT

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge plantriverside.com/ electric-moon

Runner-up: Starland Yard starlandyard.com

HISTORIC SITE/ ATTRACTION

Wormsloe State

Historic Site gastateparks.org/wormsloe

Runner-up: Bonaventure Cemetery bonaventurehistorical.org

INFLUENCER

Amber Capps @the_longweekender

Runner-up: Samantha Culberson @samanthainsavannah

LIVE MUSIC

District Live at Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com/ district-live

Runner-up: Victory North victorynorthconcerts.com

MUSEUM

Telfair Museums telfair.org

Runner-up (TIE): SCAD Museum of Art scadmoa.org

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum shipsofthesea.org

RADIO STATION

WRHQ 105.3 FM Quality Rock wrhq.com

Runner-up: WAEV 97.3 KISSFM 973kissfm.iheart.com

THEATER COMPANY

The Historic Savannah Theatre savannahtheatre.com

Runner-up: Savannah Children’s Theatre savannahchildrenstheatre.org

Telfair Museums Winner, Best Museum

Telfair Ball

Runner-up, Best Charity Event/Fundraiser

State of the Art

AS THE TELFAIR Academy gears up to celebrate its 140th anniversary next year, there’s just as much excitement for the future as there is appreciation for the past. When David Brenneman stepped into his role as executive director and CEO of Telfair Museums one year ago, he aimed for Telfair to be the go-to cultural space for Savannahians and their guests. “We have an exciting fall planned, and we’re really ramping up our plans for 2026,” he says.

One of the most anticipated new exhibitions will take place at the Jepson Center. Running from Oct. 10 through Feb. 15, 2026, “The Art of the Character: Highlights from the Glenn Close Costume Collection” will allow museum-goers to get up close and personal with more than 50 pieces from the Hollywood star’s on-screen appearances, including films such as “101 Dalmatians,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and more.

You can catch several other notable exhibitions that will continue throughout the year there, as well — one of which can actually be observed without setting foot inside the Jepson Center. From the sidewalk on Barnard Street, window art installations by Georgia-based artists Lisa D. Watson and Dana Richardson are visible. The project, “Heroes and Hosts,” explores the delicate relationship between natural and man-made spaces, with the hope of bringing awareness to conservation efforts.

Brenneman also highlights the ongoing “Craft Along the Coast” installation, celebrating Savannah’s silversmith history; “In Reflection: Contemporary Art and Ourselves,” offering unique perspectives on art from 1945 until the present day; as well as the beloved “Before Midnight: Bonaventure and the Bird Girl.”

Locals and tourists alike can also look forward to a new dining experience, after the closure of Wildflower Cafe at the Jepson Center earlier this year. While Brenneman wasn’t ready to reveal the plan yet, he says that they are working toward a suitable solution.

The dining room on the second floor of the Telfair Academy is currently closed as the museum prepares to install a new collection in February 2026. Telfair Museums are also getting ready for the 19th annual PULSE Art and Technology Festival, which will take place at the Jepson Center in January.

Undoubtedly, Brenneman is dedicated to upholding the museum’s traditions while embracing change. “I think Telfair is a reason for our community to be proud,” he says. “I’m eager for the museum to be the place where people come back to over and over.” — MARY CORNETTA

Softwaves, Wonders, Brunate, Paul Green, Nero Giardini, 4CCCCEES, Candice Cooper, P448, Homers, L’Amour des Pieds, Cydwoq, Robert Zur, ON, VanEli, Pelle Moda, Sorel, Jeﬀrey Campbell, Silent D, Sam Edelman, Back 70, Ara, Birkenstock, Topo Mephisto, Allen Edmonds, Samuel Hubbard, Johnston & Murphy, MZ Wallace, Latico, Danielle Lehavi, Janis Savitt, Rebel Design

ank you for your continued support! VOTED BEST FLORIST FOR 16 CONSECUTIVE YEARS!

JOHN DAVIS

Jackie Davis, owner; Connie Ross, manager; and the amazing John Davis Florist team

SHOPPING

THE OWNERS OF RED CLOVER BOUTIQUE, Thu Tran-Litts, left, and Leah Rifﬂe, are lifelong friends. “Owning a business in Savannah means being part of a community rich in creativity, charm, and connection — and we’re grateful to keep sharing that story, 18 years and counting,” says Tran-Litts. Their boutique offers women’s clothing and accessories. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Red Clover Boutique Winner, Best Affordable Fashion

AFFORDABLE FASHION

Red Clover Boutique shopredclover.com

Runner-up: Morgan Rae Boutique morganraeboutique.com

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES

Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market pickerjoes.com

Runner-up: Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques tapleysmercantile.com

BIKES/BIKE REPAIR

Quality Bike Shop qualitybikeshop.com

Runner-up: Star Bike Shop facebook.com/starbikesav

BRIDAL/FORMAL WEAR

Ivory & Beau ivoryandbeau.com

Runner-up: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection whitemagnoliabridal.com/savannah

CARS (NEW)

Southern Motors Group southern-motors.com

Runner-up: Critz Auto Group critz.com

CARS (USED)

Southern Motors Group southern-motors.com

Runner-up: Critz Auto Group critz.com

CLOTHING DESIGNER

Emily McCarthy, Emily McCarthy emilymccarthy.com

Runner up: Emily Bargeron, Mamie Ruth, East & Up, and Mess Hall Truck Shop mamieruth.com; eastandupvintage.com; messhalltruckshop.com

Designing With Intention

CHAD CRAWFORD ( Winner, Best Jewelry Designer) keeps his ﬁngers on the pulse of what customers are looking for.

“Lately, I’ve noticed something refreshing in the world of ﬁne jewelry: people want meaning,” says Crawford, owner of 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery on River Street and 13 Secrets Maison on Forsyth Park and a third-generation jeweler and designer. “The trend isn’t just about sparkle, it’s about story.”

Located inside a lovingly restored, 1903-built mansion overlooking Forsyth Park, 13 Secrets Maison also oﬀers luxury watches, ﬁne jewelry, and in-house jewelry and watch repair services, in addition to Crawford’s custom designs.

Clients are moving toward pieces that feel deeply personal, Crawford reports, noting that the desire for “heirloom redesigns, hidden engravings, and custom work are at an all-time high. Whether it’s a necklace with a subtle symbol or a ring designed around a loved one, people are craving jewelry that captures an emotion.”

Crawford has also seen a rise in unique forms and organic lines, “pieces that feel less manufactured and more like wearable art. Gold is warmer, stones are less traditional, and asymmetry is no longer a ﬂaw — it’s a feature.”

After all, he says, the best jewelry is not simply worn, “it whispers. It says something about you without ever needing to explain. And right now, the most beautiful thing you can wear is a piece that tells your story — one only you can truly hear.” — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

13 Secrets Maison

13 Secrets Runner-up, Best Fine Jewelry

Chad Crawford of 13 Secrets Winner, Best Jewelry Designer

CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING

Madison & 5th instagram.com/ shopmadisonand5th

Runner-up: Labels on Liberty labelsonliberty.com

FINE JEWELRY

Levy Jewelers levyjewelers.com

Runner-up: 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery 13secret.com

GIFTS AND DÉCOR

The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place thehorseshoecrab.com

Runner-up: One Fish Two Fish oneﬁshstore.com

HANDBAGS

Satchel. shopsatchel.com

Runner-up: Madison & 5th instagram.com/ shopmadisonand5th

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

E. Shaver, Bookseller eshaverbooks.com

Runner-up: The Stacks Bookstore thestacksbookstore.com

JEWELRY DESIGNER

Chad Crawford, 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery and 13 Secrets Maison 13secret.com

Runner-up: Mary Liz Craft, M. Liz Jewelry mlizdesigns.com

MADE-IN-SAVANNAH PRODUCT

Honey by Savannah Bee Company savannahbee.com

Runner-up: Cheese straws by Savannah Cheese Straw Company thesavannahcheese strawcompany.com

MEN’S

CLOTHING

J. Parker Ltd. jparkerltd.com

Runner-up: Joseph’s Clothiers josephsclothier.com

NEW BUSINESS

Truckin’ Happy Hat Co. shoptruckinhappy.com

Runner-up: Britt’s Funky Stitch brittsfunkystitch.com

SHOES

Globe Shoe Company @globeshoecompany

Runner-up: Fleet Feet ﬂeetfeet.com/s/savannah

SPORTS/ OUTDOOR WEAR

Half-Moon Outﬁtters halfmoonoutﬁtters.com

Runner-up: J. Parker Ltd. jparkerltd.com

VINTAGE FASHION

House of Strut houseofstrut.com

Runner-up: East & Up Vintage eastandupvintage.com

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Morgan Rae Boutique morganraeboutique.com

Runner-up: J. Parker Ladies jparkerltd.com/collections/women-s

The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place

Winner, Best Gifts and Décor Winner, Best Embroidery Services

The Joy of Giving

ONE-STOP SHOP The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place took home wins for both Best Gifts and Décor and Best Embroidery Services. Inside, you’ll ﬁnd corporate and custom embroidery services, as well as gifts for every occasion, from weddings and graduations to birthdays and “just because.”

For fall, the shop has classic “frills and fancies” for back-to-school, including adorable apple-themed children’s clothing for the littles, and for college football fans, check out their game-day jewelry. Get a jump on holiday shopping with embroidered Christmas stockings or a backpack customized with a child’s name.

It’s also an excellent spot for picking up a host or hostess gift, such as the Montes Doggett bowl seen in the photo above. It brings a sophisticated simplicity to a tablescape. Montes Doggett ceramics are handmade in Peru, using a traditional process that can take up to 15 days. Each piece is molded by artisans out of ﬁne quality clay before being glazed and highﬁred for strength. Better still, the piece is dishwasher safe — because even with things this beautiful, there’s also nothing better than a gift that lasts. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Honey by Savannah Bee Company

Winner, Best Made-in-Savannah Product

STRONG AND SWEET

Savannah Bee Company honey ( Winner, Best Made-inSavannah Product) is a sweet gift for any occasion. Keep a bottle for yourself, as well, and whip up a honey-based cocktail, like this Honey Bourbon Sour. It’s a classic bourbon sour made smoother with an orange blossom honey simple syrup and cooler with a garnish of raw honeycomb.

HONEY BOURBON SOU R

Makes 1

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon (they used Angel’s Envy Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels)

• 1 oz. honey simple syrup (recipe below)

• 1 oz. lemon juice

• 1 oz. apple cider

• Raw honeycomb for garnish

Honey Simple Syrup

Makes ½ cup

• ¼ cup Savannah Bee Company honey (they used Port Bourbon Barrel Aged Orange Blossom Honey)

• ¼ cup very hot water

• Stir honey into water until honey has dissolved. Allow mixture to cool before using.

To Mix Cocktail:

Chill a coupe glass. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, honey simple syrup, lemon juice, and apple cider. Shake well. Strain and pour into chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cube of Savannah Bee Company’s Raw Honeycomb. Serve immediately.

Back Row L-R: May Andres, Makenna Nichols, Maureen Bailey, Ellie Fuller, Ashley Groover, Holley Gregory, Madison Rentz, Lexa Flynn

Front Row L-R: Natalie Brackin, Martha Ann Clark, Leanne Dodd, Jessie Krebs, April Lavender

SERVICES

Making Memories

WINNER OF BEST PHOTOGRAPHER, Lisa Barksdale specializes in capturing relaxed, candid, yet memorable portraits of people, including families, seniors, and couples. Born and raised in Dallas, she attended the University of Georgia before moving to Savannah, where she now lives with her husband and two teenagers. Barksdale works with clients throughout Savannah and its surrounding area, including Tybee Island, Fripp Island, Hilton Head, and the Lowcountry. “I love watching families interact,” she says. “I consider it like a superpower — the ability to freeze time and capture memories.” —

KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Lisa Barksdale

Photography Winner, Best Photographer

Lisa Barksdale

AD AGENCY

The JFA Agency joselovefilson.com

Runner-up: RobMark robmark.com

ATTORNEY

Gennie G. Long, Meyer & Sayers, LLP meyersayers.com

Runner-up: John D. Northup III, Bouhan Falligant, LLP bouhan.com

AUDIO/VIDEO/ LIGHTING PRODUCTION

Stage Front sfps.net

Runner-up: Advanced A/V Rentals advancedav.rentals

AUTO REPAIR

Integrity Auto Repair integrityonwaters.com

Runner-up: Prewitt’s Automotive

BOAT DETAILING/ MAINTENANCE:

Ellis Marine Detailing ellismarinedetailing.com

Runner-up: Hale Marine Services, Inc. halemarineservices.com

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Coomer, Coomer & Routhier, P.C. coomercpa.biz

Runner-up: Mauldin & Jenkins mjcpa.com

COMMUNITY BANK/ FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

SouthState Bank southstatebank.com

Runner-up: BankSouth banksouth.com

THE BIG PICTURE

“MANY PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED to learn that wealth management isn’t only for the ultra-wealthy,” says Melissa Bouchillon, managing partner at Sound View Wealth Advisors ( Winner, Best Wealth Management). “We partner with individuals, families, and business owners at all stages of life. Our role is to simplify complex decisions, provide clarity and confidence in any market environment, and ensure that financial strategies remain true to each client’s personal priorities and circumstances.”

Bouchillon says that every successful financial plan starts with one step: listening. “We take the time to understand each client’s goals, values, and priorities so that

Sound View Wealth Advisors Winner, Best Wealth Management

every decision we make is aligned with their best interests — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”

The firm has grown and expanded its team, she says, keeping a high-touch, personalized level of service. “Most importantly, our high client retention rate and the number of referrals we receive show us that the trust we’ve built is making a real difference,” she says.

For fall, Sound View is working on year-end financial planning reviews to help clients maximize tax efficiencies, ensure their portfolios are well-positioned, and align their strategies with their goals for 2026.

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Melissa Bouchillon, managing partner at Sound View Wealth Advisors

Thank You For Voting Us!

Nightclub

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge

Guys Night Out

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge

Kid Friendly Dining

Graffito

Live Music

District Live

Hospitality Group

Kessler

Company to Work For

Kessler

Girls Night Out

Myrtle and Rose Rooftop Bar

Special Event Facility

JW Marriott Plant Riverside District

Best Hotel

JW Marriott Plant Riverside District

Bartender

Alex Scott/District Smokehouse

CONVENIENCE STORE

Parker’s Kitchen parkerskitchen.com

Runner-up: Enmarket enmarket.com

DJ (TIE)

Will Smith, W. Smith Music wsmithmusic.com

José Ray joseray.com

Runner-up: All About You Entertainment allaboutyoudjs.com

DRY CLEANER

Curry Dry Cleaners currydrycleaners.com

Runner-up: David’s Dry Cleaners

EMBROIDERY SERVICES

The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place thehorseshoecrab.com

fiduciaryedgeadv.com/team/ jayne-di-vincenzo

FLIGHT SCHOOL

Savannah Aviation savannahaviation.com

Runner-up: FlightSafety International flightsafety.com

FLORIST

John Davis Florist johndavisflorist.com

Runner-up: Sandfly Flower Shop sandflyflowershop.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ DESIGN FIRM

The JFA Agency joselovefilson.com

Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR lesleyfrancispr.com

INSURANCE COMPANY/AGENCY (AUTO, LIFE, ETC.)

BEST DOUGHNUTS & CUSTOM CAKES

savannah, georgia AND

Runner-up: Britt’s Funky Stitch brittsfunkystitch.com

EVENT RENTALS

EventWorks Rentals-Savannah eventworksrentals.com

Runner-up: Curated Events Savannah curatedevents.com/savannah

FINANCIAL ADVISOR/ PLANNER

Aaron Tillinger, Wells Fargo Advisors home.wellsfargoadvisors. com/Aaron.Tillinger

Runner-up: Jayne W. Di Vincenzo, Fiduciary EDGE Advisors

State Farm statefarm.com/agent/us/ ga/savannah

Runner-up: Bernard Williams Insurance and Financial Services bernardwilliamsinsurance.com

IT SUPPORT/ SERVICES

Speros, Inc. speros.com

Runner-up: Infinity, Inc. infinityinc.us

LEGAL FIRM

Bouhan Falligant, LLP bouhan.com

Runner-up: HunterMaclean huntermaclean.com

The Bunny Hive is an elevated social club for little ones, age two weeks to kindergarten, and their grownups. We offer a wide variety of regularly scheduled classes that grownups attend with their children, including art, music, sensory, ballet, baby massage, culinary, storytime, and more – as well as social events and pop-up workshops for grownups.

The Bunny Hive Savannah is also the ideal venue for any special celebration – your child’s birthday, a friend’s baby shower, a gender reveal party, or a client appreciation event.

1506 bull st, savannah, ga thebunnyhive.com/savannah @thebunnyhivesavannah savannah@thebunnyhive.com

eMarie Boutique Nail Salon Winner, Best Manicures/Pedicures

Hitting the Mark

IN SEPTEMBER 2025, RobMark celebrates 35 years in business. The company, which was named Runner-up, Best Ad Agency, started with just two people in 1990 as an advertising, marketing, and PR agency. It’s now grown into a ﬁrm with a robust in-house team working on website development, graphic design, and SEO. RobMark serves regional, national, and international clients, and has created projects for Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Chatham Orthopedics, Aerotech Machining, the Savannah Book Festival, and many more. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

NAILED IT

WHAT ARE SOME of the latest trends in nails? “We have been seeing a lot of natural, milky-white nails with polka dots,” says Elizabeth Esparza, owner of the familyowned nail salon eMarie Boutique Nail Salon ( Winner, Best Manicures/ Pedicures). Other trends? Lavender and butter yellow for color, and according to Esparza, chrome has been another staple for the past few years. eMarie has two locations, one in Habersham Village and one near Forsyth Park on Abercorn Street, but make sure to book an appointment. Esparza explains, “We operate by appointment to ensure each client receives prompt, personalized service without unnecessary wait times.”

—

KATHRYN

DRURY WAGNER

RobMark Runner-up, Best Ad Agency

RobMark owners/founders Ted Robertson and Lisa Markowitz Henderson

MARINA

TAILOR

Isle of Hope Marina iohmarina.com

Runner-up: Sun Life Wilmington Island Marina sunlifewilmingtonisland.com

PARTY/EVENT PLANNER

Tara Skinner Events taraskinnerevents.com

Runner-up: Ivory & Beau ivoryandbeau.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Barksdale

Photography lisabarksdale photography.com

Runner-up: Stayce Koegler

Photography staycekoegler.com

PSYCHIC

Savannah Psychics savannahpsychics.com

Runner-up: The Aura Shop facebook.com/aurashopsav

PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM

Abshire Public Relations abshirepr.com

Runner-up: The JFA Agency joselovefilson.com

SPECIAL EVENT FACILITY

Kehoe Iron Works trusteesgarden.com/ our-venues/kehoe-ironworks-building

Runner-up: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com

Sun Alterations Shop

Runner-up: Kim’s Custom Tailoring

TOWING COMPANY

Sapp’s Wrecker Service sappswreckerservice.com

Runner-up: Gordon’s Wrecker Services gordonswrecker.com

TRAVEL AGENCY

Four Seasons Travel fourseasonstrvl.com

Runner-up: Edgewood Travel edgewoodtravel.com

VIDEOGRAPHER

Mary Clare Kolbush Films maryclarekolbush.com

Runner-up: Ardsley Park Productions ardsleyparkproductions.com

WEB/SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

The JFA Agency joselovefilson.com

Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR lesleyfrancispr.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Sound View Wealth Advisors svadvice.com

Runner-up: Stifel, Barrow Lane

Phillips Advisory Team blpadvisoryteam.com

KIDS

Grafﬁ to Winner, Best Kid-Friendly Dining

SLICE OF HEAVEN

GRAFFITO, winner of the Best Kid-Friendly Dining title, is conveniently tucked within the family-friendly Plant Riverside District. It has a vibrant interior, featuring a bold grafﬁti mural by Atlanta street artist Greg Mike, and a lively ambiance to keep even the smallest diners happy. The wood-ﬁred, Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas are perfect for sharing, though kids might also enjoy having their very own personal Margherita pizza. — KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

BABY GEAR

Punch & Judy punchandjudysavannah.com

Runner-up: Peaches shoppeaches.com

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE

The Bunny Hive Savannah thebunnyhive.com/savannah

Runner-up: Exhilarate exhilaratesav.com

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Punch & Judy punchandjudysavannah.com

Runner-up: Littles on Liberty @littlesonliberty

CHILD CARE

The Sanctuary Child Learning Center thesanctuarychildlearning center.com

Runner-up: Little Raiders Learning Academy at Savannah Christian Preparatory School littleraidersla.com

KID-FRIENDLY DINING

Grafﬁto plantriverside.com/grafﬁto

Runner-up: Starland Yard starlandyard.com

PLAYGROUND

Forsyth Park savannah.com/forsyth-park-3

Runner-up: Memorial Park cityoftybee.org/378/memorial-park

PRIVATE SCHOOL

St. Andrew’s School saslions.com

Runner-up: Savannah Christian Preparatory School savcps.com

Joy, Made Easy

SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS

a year and a half ago, The Bunny Hive Savannah ( Winner, Best Birthday Party Venue) has become a popular spot for families with young children looking to find community — and a place to celebrate important milestones with a minimum of stress and a maximum of joy. Franchise owner Mary Sadler, who left a career in finance to open the facility, loves being able to provide fellow parents with all The Bunny Hive has to offer.

“I have a 3-year-old, so I know how hectic it is to try to plan a party on your own,” she says. “Our venue is designed with grown-ups in mind. It’s an elevated studio that can be transformed for any festive occasion.” With décor in a muted palette of neutral pastels, party hosts can keep to a minimalist aesthetic or bring in brightly colored balloons and streamers, if they prefer; recent bashes have featured spa and dinosaur themes.

In addition to birthday celebrations, baby and wedding showers can also be hosted in the space, and cleaning and sanitation is a top priority. “We take care of all the details so people can just enjoy time with their families and friends at these special times in life,” Sadler says.

The Bunny Hive also oﬀers “grownup and me” classes, with themes such as ballet, music, and culinary exploration, as well as summer camps and events for parents. — AMY FAESKORN

ALL IN THE FAMILY

SINCE THE FOUNDING of iconic retailer Punch & Judy ( Winner, Best Baby Gear, Non-Clothing), on Habersham Street in 1946, the essentials for tots have evolved in ways owners Linda and Eric Karpf never could have imagined. “Everything has come so far from when my in-laws opened the shop,” says Linda. But some things remain constant. “In the 79 years we’ve been in business, we’ve always stayed on the cutting edge as far as safety, ease of use, and aesthetics. We stand by everything we sell.”

The store’s longevity, along with its unwavering support from the community, can no doubt be attributed to the loyalty of its customer base, which can span four generations and feel like extended family. Recently, Linda recalls, a young expectant woman came in with her mother, who had purchased a stroller from Punch & Judy decades earlier. Strollers and car seats by Nuna and UPPA Baby are the current must-haves for expecting parents in search of the best of the best. Assembly of these items is complimentary, and Linda happily assists customers in understanding their features. “I want things to be easy and seamless,” she says. “We know people have a choice where they shop, and we gladly go the extra mile.”

Punch & Judy also was named Winner, Best Children’s Clothing

— AMY FAESKORN

The Bunny Hive Winner, Best Birthday Party Venue

Punch & Judy Winner, Best Baby Gear Winner, Best Children’s Clothing

Helping prepare your children for a bright future, and having fun along the way! Thank You, Savannah, for Voting Us Best Child Care

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Savannah Classical Academy savannahclassical academy.org

Runner-up: Savannah Arts Academy saa.sccpss.com

SUMMER CAMP

Camp Highland, St. Andrew’s Summer Camp saslions.com/ summercamps

Runner-up: Camp RED at Savannah Christian Preparatory School savcps.com/summer-camp

St. Andrew’s School

Winner, Best Private School Winner, Best Summer Camp

Learning with the Lions

FALL IS AN ESPECIALLY BUSY time at St. Andrew’s School ( Winner, Best Private School). For one, it’s when the school holds its annual Scottish Games Day, with spirited competition (and teamwork) between the six clans of students. Also in the fall, middle- and upper-school students take class trips, there’s a robust sports season, a busy schedule of musical performances, and, of course, there’s the celebration of homecoming week, which includes a grand ﬁnale parade and pep rally.

These beloved traditions continue to provide roots, yet the school is also forward facing.

“In July, we broke ground on the first phase of our capital campaign, which includes a complete renovation of our varsity athletic fields,” says Scott Searcy, director of development at St. Andrew’s. The school is also continuing to raise funds for something new to St. Andrew’s: a first-class performing arts facility with purpose-built classrooms for art, band, chorus, and strings, along with a 300-seat auditorium.

“We are outperforming our current spaces and footprint,” says Searcy. “We need arts and athletics facilities that match the caliber

of the programs we oﬀer our students.”

St. Andrew’s also won the award for Best Summer Camp for its Camp Highland. This past summer, it welcomed more than 200 campers and hosted over 60 specialty camps in addition to its weekly day camp program.

“There were expanded offerings for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as an increase in STEM and academic-focused camps,” reports Maria Dixon, the school’s director of marketing. “Of course, we also brought back many of our most popular favorites, like Outdoor Explorers, Camp Kindergarten, and Dodgeball Camp.”

“I believe Camp Highland is so popular because we truly have something for everyone,” says Bethany Lonce, director of auxiliary programs. “With a wide variety of offerings for a broad range of ages, starting as young as 3 years old, families can find the right fit for their child. But what really sets us apart is our incredible team of counselors. They build meaningful connections with our campers, and that’s a big reason so many of our families return year after year.”

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

PHOTO COURTESY ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL

Erica Deeb of Savannah Pet Sitters Winner, Best Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

Top Dog

PETS

WHEN IT COMES TO trusting someone with your furry (or feathered or scaled) family members, pet parents in Savannah know exactly who to call: Erica Deeb of Savannah Pet Sitters, recently voted Best Pet Sitter/Dog Walker in the city.

Founded in 2010, Savannah Pet Sitters is a fullservice, in-home pet sitting company that oﬀers everything from daily dog walks to overnight stays. Today, Deeb leads a team of 14 animal lovers. “Each one of our sitters is carefully chosen not only for their experience with animals, but for their genuine passion and commitment to giving pets the same love and care they’d receive from their owner,” Deeb says. “We all agree we really do have the best job in the world.”

And that job includes caring for a wide variety of pets. While dogs and cats make up the bulk of their clientele, Savannah Pet Sitters has also looked after pot-bellied pigs, prize-winning canaries, snakes, lizards, and animals with medical

or mobility needs. “While we truly love all of our clients, some of our favorites are our pets with specialized needs,” Deeb says.

Despite having all the helping hands, the team books up fast, especially around the holidays. Deeb recommends scheduling at least two weeks in advance for routine services like walks or drop-ins and even earlier if you’re planning to travel. “Some of our regulars will reserve dates a couple of months ahead just to make sure we can accommodate them,” she says.

Deeb also encourages new clients to communicate openly before their ﬁrst appointment. “Every pet is unique,” she says. “Letting us know about your pet’s quirks, routines, likes, and dislikes helps us provide the best care possible.”

Having a meet-and-greet beforehand ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved. That ﬁrst encounter often leads to a longtime bond. Deeb recalls the joy of seeing familiar pups out and about around town. “We’ll be out walking and hear a dog excitedly barking and realize it’s one of our clients’ pups,” she says. “They’ll often pull their owner over to us to say hi.”

— MARY CORNETTA

PEACEFUL PETS

Savannah is one of the Runners-up for Best Pet Sitter/ Dog Walker, and owner-operator Dallas Johnson couldn’t be more honored. “We’ve been exceptionally grateful for our overwhelmingly loyal customers,” she shares. “I love what I do, and my goal is to make them happy and content.”

For 14 years, Johnson has provided personalized, one-on-one care, including daily dog walking, overnight sitting, and even the occasional chinchilla feeding. Recently, Peaceful Pets has been the go-to recommendation for guests of the Kimpton Brice Hotel who travel with their fur babies and need a trusted local to pet-sit as they tour Savannah. It’s the repeat and dedicated clients, however, that leave a lasting impression on Johnson. She makes it a point to take photos during and give updates after each visit. Some of her photos have even made it into family Christmas cards.

— MARY CORNETTA

ANIMAL RESCUE

Renegade Paws Rescue renegadepawsrescue.org

Runner-up: One Love Animal Rescue oneloveanimalrescue.com

DOG TRAINER

Ben Hutchinson, At My Side K9 atmysidek9.net

Runner-up: Happy Hounds Dog Training happyhoundsdogtraining.org

DOGGIE DAYCARE

The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net

Runner-up: Von Trapp Animal Lodge vontrappanimallodge.com

GROOMER

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangsavannah ga.com

Runner-up: The Savannah Groom Room thesavannahgroomroom.com

PET SITTER/ DOG WALKER

Savannah Pet Sitters savannahpet.com

Runner-up (TIE): Christy’s Critters Pet Sitting Services facebook.com/ christyscrittersga AND

Peaceful Pets of Savannah peacefulpetssavannah.com

PET SUPPLIES

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangsavannah ga.com

Runner-up: Bentley’s Pet Stuﬀ bentleyspetstuﬀ.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION FACILITY

Von Trapp Animal Lodge vontrappanimal lodge.com

Runner-up: Fetch Canine Rehab fetchcaninerehab.com

VETERINARIAN

Brian Mulvey, DVM, Savannah Veterinary Medical Center savannahvet.net

Runner-up: Hunter Brigdon, DVM, Brigdon Animal Hospital brigdonanimalhospital.com

VETERINARIAN CLINIC

Case Veterinary Hospital caseveterinary.com

Runner-up: Allison Animal Care allisonanimalcare.com

VETERINARIAN SPECIALIST

Jason King, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), CVMA, CVPP, Live Oak Veterinary Neurology liveoakvetneuro.com

Runner-up (TIE): Paul Shealy, DVM, MS, DACVS, Veterinary Specialists of the Southeast Savannah bluepearlvet.com/hospital/ savannah-ga AND Andrew Daters, MS, DVM, Coastal Veterinary Oncology cvo.vet

Dr. Jason King of Live Oak Veterinary Neurology Winner, Best Veterinarian Specialist

DOG’S BEST DOC

IN CARING FOR SAVANNAH’S PETS, Dr. Jason King of Live Oak Veterinary Neurology understands that it takes more than skill — it requires a team effort. As this year’s Winner, Best Veterinarian Specialist, Dr. King is quick to share the credit. “It’s truly an honor,” he says, “but I’d beat myself up if I didn’t remind everyone that it takes a team, and I’ve got a really, really good one.”

The success of Live Oak is rooted in the core values of King and his staff. “We refer to it as being ‘pet-centric,’” he explains. “However, we always remember that there is a person at the end of every leash.”

The practice is known for performing complex procedures on animals, such as repairing spinal fractures and conducting brain surgery. But the majority of what they do (roughly 80%) involves disc replacement, something that is life-changing for pets, their owners, and King himself. “Believe me,” he says,” there’s nothing quite like watching a paralyzed dog walk again after surgery.”

Innovation is another hallmark of Live Oak. The practice was the first in the U.S. to implant a MILO Vagal Nerve Stimulator, a device designed specifically to help control seizures in epileptic dogs. “This is a proven technique that has been used in humans for decades, but this is the first one made specifically for dogs,” King explains.

For King, the most satisfying part of his work has shifted over time. “Fixing people’s pets is the reason that any of us get into this line of work,” he says. “But after many years, I’ve found the most reward in the relationships we build with our clients.” He also ﬁnds fulﬁllment in teaching students, interns, and residents who shadow him at Live Oak.

Whether he’s teaching future veterinarians or guiding pet owners through complex treatments, King’s passion for his work is evident with every case.

— MARY CORNETTA

Left to right: Vernon, Kandi, Serena, Falisia, Carter

PAUL M. SHEALY

TOURISM

Iconic Experience

PERRY LANE HOTEL — which has been in operation for just seven years — is on a roll. And the 167-room, 12-suite luxury hotel ( Winner, Best Hotel) has been hard at work elevating their offerings even more. Last year saw a collaboration with Savannah College of Art and Design to renovate Peregrin ( Runner-up, Best Rooftop Bar), while improvements to the outdoor pool, including new amenities such as cabanas, are almost complete. Locals are always welcome to take part in weekly events, and beginning in September, they’ll be able to enjoy the pool as well.

The property recently welcomed Drew Dutoit as its new general manager; he holds a vision for Perry Lane extending well beyond day-to-day operations.

“We know this recognition is made possible by the outstanding work of our team, and we’re committed to building them up as we continue to provide the exceptional service we’re known for,” he says. “I want our employees, our guests, and local residents to remember Perry Lane long after they’ve experienced it — for it to be truly iconic for everyone.” — AMY FAESKORN

Perry Lane Hotel Winner, Best Hotel

Peregrin Runner-up, Best Rooftop Bar

Savannah True History Tours

Winner, Best Group Activity Winner, Best Tour

EMBRACING THE PAST

“GUIDED TOURS CAN BE not only informative but enriching and entertaining,” says Brandon Carter, owner and operator of Savannah True History Tours ( Winner, Best Group Activity and Winner, Best Tour). Carter, who gained experience as a National Park Ranger in Virginia, founded True History Tours to provide a fun and engaging experience centered around a heavily researched, factually verified story. The company offers customers one- and two-hour versions of a tour about Savannah history as well as more specialized options such as the Dark History Tour, featuring alternative perspectives on “haunted” Savannah (actor Will Ferrell took it when he was recently in town). Carter uses his private access to buildings such as Independent Presbyterian Church to bring customers as close as possible to the past. His attention to detail has paid off: True History Tours has already been featured on NPR and the Travel Channel. In March 2024, he led a group on a special St. Patrick’s Day tour in honor of the parade’s 200th anniversary, ending at the Moon River Brewing Co. building, where the celebration had originated. “We raised our glasses to the very first toasts that were given that day,” Carter says. “I geek out about stuff like that. And I love sharing what I find.”

— AMY FAESKORN

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

The Drayton Hotel thedraytonhotel.com

Runner-up: The Cotton Sail Hotel hilton.com/en/hotels/savvyupthe-cotton-sail-hotel-savannah

HOTEL (MORE THAN 100 ROOMS)

Perry Lane Hotel perrylanehotel.com

Runner-up: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com/hotels

INN/B&B

The Gastonian gastonian.com

Runner-up: Foley House Inn foleyinn.com

GROUP ACTIVITY

Savannah True History Tours savannahtruehistory.com

Runner-up: The Escape Company theescapecompanysavannah.com

NEW HOTEL

The Ann Savannah theannsavannah.com

TOUR COMPANY

Old Savannah Tours, now dba Elite Savannah Travel elitesavannahtravel.com

Runner-up: Old Town Trolley of Savannah trolleytours.com/savannah

TOUR

Savannah True History Tours savannahtruehistory.com

Runner-up: Savannah for Morons: Comedy Trolley Tour savannahformorons.com

We are incredibly proud and thankful to be recognized as Savannah's Best Hotel in this year's Savannah Magazine readers’ survey. This honor speaks volumes about our deep-rooted commitment to blending Savannah's rich cultural heritage with unparalleled hospitality that Perry Lane Hotel is known for. Our connection to Savannah extends far beyond our walls—it is woven into the experiences we create, the memories we help curate, and the community we cherish. Every guest that walks through our doors becomes a part of the Perry Lane family, sharing in the story that makes our hotel so unique. Thank you to everyone in our local community and beyond for this recognition. Your continued support and enthusiasm are what inspire us every day. We invite you to keep making memories with us, enjoying the genuine warmth and distinctive charm that Perry Lane Hotel proudly offers.

Home Away from Home

JUST A BABY in hotel years, The Ann Savannah ( Winner, Best New Hotel) is already a local hospitality pioneer: it’s the ﬁrst Marriott Bonvoy property in the continental U.S. to consist exclusively of apartment-style suites, and it’s the ﬁrst mass timber frame building to be erected in the Southeast since the 19th century.

“We’re a modern building, but we love that we’re paying homage to the city’s architectural history,” says director of sales and marketing Marie DalisBrown. Taking notes from the appeal of private property rentals, The Ann diﬀerentiates itself by combining the comfort of apartment living with around-the-clock access to guest services.

“We host a high-end clientele who come to Savannah from all over the world,” says Dalis-Brown. “We love that we can provide that brand continuity while still oﬀering a unique experience.”

The team behind The Ann has prioritized building relationships with community partners.

Little James, the hotel’s signature restaurant, features décor by Savannah-based artists and regular performances by local favorites like Jacob Evans, who jammed with friends on a recent evening. With travelers and city residents alike seeking spaces to relax and unwind while they socialize, The Ann is going above and beyond to meet the demand.

— AMY FAESKORN

ARRIVE IN STYLE

IT’S BEEN A BIG YEAR for Elite Savannah Travel ( Winner, Best Tour Company) After doing business for 46 years, the company has rebranded from its former moniker, Old Savannah Tours. The new iteration remains locally and family owned but will focus solely on luxury transportation and services for group clients. The ﬂeet is being upgraded to executive black car options, including sedans, SUVs, Sprinter vans, and luxury minibuses. But don’t worry, those iconic trollies are still available for events such as weddings.

— KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

The Ann Savannah Winner, Best New Hotel

1540 ROOM OFFERS AN EXPLORATION OF LOWCOUNTRY WITH A HINT OF EXOTIC SPICES. PAIRED WITH A CAREFULLY CURATED SELECTION OF WINES AND HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS, YOUR EXPERIENCE PROMISES A SYMPHONY OF FLAVORS.

Total Wellness at

Allergist/Immunologist

Wasil Khan, M.D., Ph.D. (runner-up)

Cardiologist

Akinniran A. Abisogun, M.D., FACC, RPVI (winner)

Critical Care Specialist/Intensivist

Nizar S. Eskandar, M.D., FACP, CMCM (winner)

Family Medicine/General Practitioner

Adam F. Novack, M.D. (runner-up)

Foot Specialist/Podiatrist

Craig K. Skalla, D.P.M. (winner)

General Surgeon

Jeffrey S. Mandel, M.D., FACS (winner)

Infectious Disease Specialist

Nenad Avramovski, M.D. (runner-up)

Nephrologist

Nizar S. Eskandar, M.D., FACP, CMCM (winner)

Nutritionist

Meredith Bird, MSN, R.D. (runner-up)

Optometrist

Edward C. Sammons, O.D. (runner-up)

Physical Therapist

Christopher B. Curry, PT, MS, MEd (runner-up)

BEST of SAVANNAH

2025 DOCTORS

Combining empathetic care, deep knowledge, and the latest techniques and technologies, these Best of Savannah Doctors winners and runners-up go above and beyond for their patients.

Written by ETHAN MATHEWS

Photographed by ANGELA HOPPER-LEE at THOMPSON SAVANNAH

Savannah Vascular Institute's Anthony J. Avino, MD ( Runner-up, Best Vascular Surgeon)

HOW THE LIST WORKS

The Best of Savannah Doctors winners were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per person was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address were disqualified. Savannah magazine does not control how individuals campaigned.

ALLERGIST/ IMMUNOLOGIST

Bruce D. Finkel, MD Coastal Allergy & Asthma coastalallergy.net

RUNNER-UP: Wasil Kahn, MD, PhD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

ANESTHESIOLOGIST

William M. Fuqua, MD American Anesthesiology Associates of Georgia

RUNNER-UP: Corey A. Stack, MD American Anesthesiology Associates of Georgia

AUDIOLOGIST

Susan Timna, AuD, CCC-A Expert Hearing experthearingsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP:

Cori Palmer, AuD, CCC-A Expert Hearing experthearingsavannah.com

BARIATRIC SURGEON

Oliver C. Whipple, MD, FACS, FASMBS Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Robert J. Kelly, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

CARDIOLOGIST

Akinniran A. Abisogun, MD, FACC, RPVI SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Jennifer Yeh, MD, FACC Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

Jeremy E. London, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

RUNNER-UP: Randy K. Bottner, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

CHIROPRACTOR

Kaleb Scroggin, DC Restoration Chiropractic myheadsonstraight.com

RUNNER-UP

Chris Whelan, DC Whelan Chiropractic whelanchiropractic.com

CRITICAL

CARE

SPECIALIST/INTENSIVIST

Nizar S. Eskandar, MD, FACP, CMCM SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Ryan B. Moody, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

Savannah Vascular Institute

Justin B. Brown, MD

WINNER, BEST VASCULAR SURGEON

Anthony J. Avino, MD

RUNNER-UP, BEST VASCULAR SURGEON

FOUNDED IN 2006, Savannah Vascular Institute was the first outpatient-based vascular laboratory and intervention facility in the region, and today it remains at the forefront of innovation in both surgical and endovascular care.

Dr. Anthony J. Avino, who joined the institute in its early years, attributes this continued advancement to a culture rooted in technical expertise and peer-driven insight.

“During my time at Savannah Vascular, we have grown from three surgeons [to 12] by sticking to the academic principles of providing the least invasive, highest quality, compassionate care to our patients,” Avino says. “I have the best partners from prestigious academic institutions around the country, and we literally discuss our patients to get each others’ perspectives on a daily basis.”

The practice’s growth reflects the increasing demands for vascular care — a specialty requiring time-sensitive interventions and precise, ongoing management, often under significant pressure. At Savannah Vascular Institute, the complexity of each case is met with a team-based approach where experience is shared and no decision is made in isolation.

With a focus on both innovation and continuity of care, Savannah Vascular Institute provides patients access to advanced treatment without the need for hospitalization. Its state-of-the-art, minimally invasive endovascular procedures help reduce recovery times and improve outcomes for patients facing complex vascular conditions. The institute also offers expansive diagnostic and interventional services — including angioplasty, stent placement, dialysis access management, and treatment for peripheral artery disease — all performed in a top-notch outpatient setting.

For Dr. Justin B. Brown, like many of the institute’s providers, the work isn’t just clinical. He is driven by the opportunity to improve the lives of the very community that shaped his own. After completing his medical training, he returned to Savannah with a clear purpose: to care for the place he’s always called home.

“Knowing that every new patient could be an aunt or brother of someone I know keeps me on my toes.”

– SAVANNAH NATIVE JUSTIN B. BROWN, MD

Reveal a New You: Facelift Transformation

Facelift Q & A:

A facelift is ideal for individuals experiencing visible signs of aging such as sagging skin around the face or neck, jowls, deep facial wrinkles or a noticeable loss of facial volume. Candidates are typically looking to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance while maintaining a NATURAL appearance.

Absolutely! One of the most common concerns about facelifts is the fear of looking “pulled” or unnatural. Fortunately, modern facelift techniques have evolved far beyond the tight, wind-blown appearance of the past.

Today’s approach focuses on repositioning the deeper underlying structures—not just tightening the skin. By restoring youthful contours at their foundation and gently redraping the skin, the result is a refreshed, more vibrant version of you. You won’t look like someone else—you’ll simply look like a younger, well-rested version of yourself.

The term “Facelift” can mean different things to different people: mini lifts, neck lifts, Deep Plane, or Dual Plane-Deep Plane facelifts. These procedures are often combined with complimentary enhancements like eyelid lifts, brow lifts, or fat grafting to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

At its core, a Facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It involves tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and carefully repositioning facial tissues to restore a smoother, ﬁrmer, and more youthful appearance—without sacriﬁcing your unique features.

At our practice, no two facelifts are the same. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan based on your individual anatomy and personal desires, so your NATURAL FACELIFT result is a younger version of yourself.

While every individual ages differently, most patients can expect their facelift results to last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. Genetics, skin quality, lifestyle choices, and sun exposure all inﬂuence how long your refreshed look will endure.

The Good News! Your Facelift turns back the clock of time and you will always maintain a 5-10 year more youthful appearance as you age.

“Being from Savannah I feel a special kindred bond with its population,” Brown says. “Knowing that we went to the same schools and eat at the same restaurants allows for a deeper connection. Knowing that every new patient could be an aunt or brother of someone I know keeps me on my toes.”

According to Avino, the core of the work at Savannah Vascular Institute remains deeply patient-focused. Success is measured not just by procedures performed, but by the reallife improvements patients achieve. “The greatest reward is seeing patients return feeling better than they were before their intervention,” he says. “Sometimes it means looking better, walking better, or feeling less stressed by lowering their risks.”

When you’re treated at Savannah Vascular Institute, you’re not just benefiting from cutting-edge techniques — you’re gaining access to one of the most experienced and collaborative vascular teams in the area. For Brown, that combination of innovation and community connection is deeply personal. He and his fellow experts at the clinic provide comprehensive, high-stakes care that can mean the difference between life and death.

“We have 12 vascular specialists in varying stages within our careers,” says Brown. “This experience contributes to the largest wealth of vascular knowledge in the Southeast.”

DERMATOLOGIST

Claudia N. Gaughf, MD Gaughf Dermatology gaughfdermatology.com

RUNNER-UP: Corinne M. Howington, MD Low Country Dermatology & Aesthetics lcderm.com

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALIST

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA

Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat coastal-ent.com

RUNNER-UP:

Michael Zoller, MD, FACS, ENT Associates of Savannah entsavannah.com

EMERGENCY

MEDICAL DOCTOR

Sanjay Iyer, MD, FACEP Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP (TIE): Robert A. Mazur, MD ExperCARE expercarehealth.com

Jay Goldstein, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Ismary O. De Castro, MD, FACE Savannah Endocrinology savannahendocrinology.com

RUNNER-UP: Abby T. Abisogun, MD, ECNU Shoreline Endocrinology drabbyendo.com

FAMILY MEDICINE/ GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Yulianty D. Kusuma, MD, FACP

Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Adam F. Novack, MD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

Anthony J. Avino, MD

EXPERT CARE, BEST IN SHOW

For over 10 years the readers of Savannh Magazine have spoken. With 50 wins and runner-up recognitions, we’re proud to be one of your most-awarded local favorites.

We’re proud to serve this amazing community — and grateful for the continued support from all of you.

Occupational Therapist

Hip & Knee

HELPING PATIENTS FEEL WHOLE

From battlefield reconstruction to community-centered care, Dr. Anand Kumar brings military precision and heartfelt purpose to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

DR. ANAND R. KUMAR HAS SPENT HIS CAREER MAKING PEOPLE FEEL WHOLE. In his private practice, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah (PRS Savannah), Kumar accomplishes this by restoring confidence to patients through plastic, cosmetic and craniofacial surgical services and noninvasive facial procedures like injectables, fillers and skincare. As the only fellowship-trained craniofacial surgeon in a 400-mile radius and a highly experienced facial expert, PRS Savannah’s cosmetic plastic surgical services emphasize the face, particularly rhinoplasty (nose jobs), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and facelifts.

Kumar began this mission as a Commander in the U.S. Navy and director of warfare reconstruction at Walter Reed

National Military Medical Center, where he patched up men and women wounded in battle so they could again face the world with confidence.

Following retirement from the military, he had an impressive academic career at two of the nation’s top teaching hospitals before bringing his powerful mission to Savannah.

“I tell all of my patients, ‘Every part of your day is about facing forward,’” says Kumar. “Whether it's reconstructing a facial deformity, or making them feel better about something that they got teased for [like a big nose], the cornerstone of my practice is giving people confidence and making them feel whole.”

“I had a patient who was trying to get promoted from a two-star to a three-star Navy Seal Admiral. That’s a Senate-confirmed position, and he didn’t want to look old.” Kumar performed a

‘‘

When I was in uniform, I was very much connected to my community. Here in Savannah, I feel the same way. [At PRS Savannah], we take care of people and their families from birth to adulthood through excellence in facial surgery.”

- Dr. Kumar

blepharoplasty on him, removing years from the war fighter’s appearance.

Kumar’s facial surgeries are done with military precision, but his Naval background also shines through in his deep commitment to community.

“There can be so much misunderstanding around autism, but if you back up and look at the broader picture, I think people on the spectrum are incredibly logical and easy to understand.”

— SHAUNA JOYE, PHD, LP

Shauna Joye , PhD, LP

Joye Psychology & Wellness

WINNER, BE ST PSYCHOLOGIST/PSYCHOTHERAPIST

IT’S NOT UNUSUAL for a parent’s career to influence their child, but when it comes to Dr. Shauna Joye, owner and clinic director of Joye Psychology & Wellness, you don’t need a degree in psychology to see where it all began.

Joye’s mother had her as a teenager and raised her while pursuing college and later a PhD in experimental psychology. During that time, a young Joye often accompanied her to the lab, sparking an early and enduring curiosity.

“I always assumed I would go into academia or become a pediatrician,” says Joye. “I was like, ‘I can’t be a psychologist — my mom is a psychologist.’”

So, Joye pursued a pre-med track aiming to become a pediatrician. When her fear of blood and needles became unavoidable, she changed course, earning a PhD in psychology focused on learning and developmental disorders in children. It wasn’t until late in her program, during an internship working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), that she found her passion.

“There can be so much misunderstanding around autism, but if you back up and look at the broader picture, I think people on the spectrum are incredibly logical and easy to understand,” says Joye. “Early on, I seemed to be pretty good at sniffing out what was going on.”

To Joye, this understanding comes from stepping out of the neurotypical mindset to ask the right questions. In recent years, she has been happy to see a shift in the stigma surrounding ASD as the conversation increasingly focuses on acceptance and highlighting the positive traits of autism.

At Joye Psychology & Wellness, her team of 19 psychologists and counselors specializes in supporting neurodiverse children, adolescents, and their families, providing comprehensive care that includes assessment, therapy, and parental support.

Joye says it is a priority that her providers are happy and able to focus on doing their best work. Although she claims to hate the cliché “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” she says, “I know if I can provide a good place for [my team], they’re going to do really good things for the community.”

Ernest R. Ledesma, Jr., PT, Graston Cert. and Owner

Standing from Left - LeAnn Chavis (Ofﬁce Manager), Brielyn Smith (SLP), Candace Christianson (SLP), Brittany Tyler (SLP), Ansley Sellers (SLP/Owner), Madison Hodge (CF-SLP), Amy Daniel (SLP), Larie Vaus (OT), Bethany Spivey (OT), & Penny (Therapy Dog)

Missing from Photo: Daphne Walker (OT), Danielle Arnett (SLP)

Jeremy E. London , MD

St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital

WINNER, BEST CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

RUNNER-UP, BEST THORACIC SURGEON

DR. JEREMY LONDON can’t help but smile when he considers the path that led him from his original ambitions to his current role as a thoracic and cardiac surgeon at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital.

“I went to medical school with the plan of being a family practitioner in the North Georgia mountains,” says London. “Like, I wanted to be paid in chickens. I wasn’t certain exactly what that was going to look like, but I was positive that I didn’t want to be a surgeon.”

He changed course in his third year of medical school, when he found himself as the only one around to help an attending physician repair a ruptured aneurysm in the middle of the night at a VA hospital in Augusta. “I watched this guy save the patient’s life, and I’m like, ‘I think I may want to do this — the chickens don’t sound so good anymore,’” he says.

Cardiac surgery offered London “the marriage of what I was looking for in a practice — higher-risk, very technical operations, and patients who require micro-management both before and after surgery,” he says.

That balance — between intensity in the OR and continuity of care outside it — kept him engaged as the field evolved. Another union, which London says has transformed his specialty for the better, is the one between providers themselves — particularly cardiologists and cardiac surgeons — who are now working in closer partnership.

“One of the things that has changed dramatically, that I think has really improved patient care, is a team approach,” London says. “It’s not about which doctor is ‘right,’” he notes, “it’s about doing the right thing. When we all sit down at the table and have a conversation that involves intellectual honesty about what is best for the patient — I think that is a huge shift when we talk about how health care is delivered.”

While experience has taught him never to be certain about where life might lead, London says there’s nowhere he’d rather be than St. Joseph’s/ Candler.

“This is the happiest I’ve been in my 26 years in practice because of the supportive nature of the hospital,” he says. “They’ve really given me the space and opportunity to do a lot of forward-thinking work and bring in new technology.”

When we all sit down at the table and have a conversation that involves intellectual honesty about what is best for the patient — I think that is a huge shift when we talk about how health care is delivered.”

— JEREMY E. LONDON, MD

Amy & Scott Pierce, Owners, Coastal Care Partners

Pictured from L to R: Blair Sewell, Family Nurse Practitioner; Dr. Thomas Brandon, Orthopedics, Dr. Pam Gaudry, Runner Up Best Menopause Specialist; Karen Osterman, Nurse Practitioner, Winner Best Nurse (NP); Ansley Powell, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Runner Up Best Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner; Nicole Jackson, Family Nurse Practitioner; Dr. Shonna McGee, Concierge Primary Care.

“It’s that inner drive to show up fully for your patients, to advocate for them, and to stay present even when things get tough. This core trait is what sets great nurses apart from those who are simply competent.”

— KAREN OSTERMAN, NP

Coastal Care Partners

WINNER, BEST HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Karen Osterman, NP

WINNER, BEST NURSE

Pamela Gaudry, MD

RUNNER-UP, BEST MENOPAUSE SPECIALIST

Ansley Powell, WHNP

RUNNER-UP, BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

WHEN AMY AND SCOTT PIERCE founded Coastal Care Partners in 2018, home health care was often viewed as a last resort for families who had exhausted other options for their loved ones. Today, with the majority of Americans desiring to remain in their homes as they age, there’s a growing demand for quality home health care. To meet — and exceed — that need, Coastal Care employs a robust team of providers, caregivers, and nurses who strive to keep patients feeling healthy and supported in their homes for as long as possible.

“We’ve worked hard to create a proactive, high-touch aging-care model that goes far beyond traditional home care,” says Amy Pierce, co-owner and practicing nurse of 25 years. “More families are recognizing the importance of nurse care management, preventive support at home, and the value of having one coordinated team guiding their journey.”

Home health care encompasses a range of medical and non-medical services delivered in the comfort of a patient’s home, from skilled nursing and medication management to personal care and companionship. At Coastal Care Partners, this includes chronic condition support, post-hospital recovery, and caregiver coordination — all designed to help patients maintain independence while receiving the highest level of care in a familiar environment.

“We get to walk alongside people at vulnerable, sometimes chaotic moments, and bring calm, clarity, and compassion,” Pierce says.

Their work wouldn’t be possible without the team they’ve assembled. Every candidate must meet what Coastal Care Partners calls “The Donna Rule” — a standard inspired by Pierce’s mother that asks a single defining question: Would I hire this person to care for my own mother?

Karen Osterman, a nurse practitioner at Coastal Care Partners, embodies that standard.

“It’s that inner drive to show up fully for your patients, to advocate for them, and to stay present even when things get tough,” says Osterman. “This core trait is what sets great nurses apart from those who are simply competent. It’s not just about completing tasks — it’s about caring enough to make a real difference in someone’s life.”

Nursing in any specialty is a balancing act between the highest highs and the lowest lows. In home health care, those low points can feel even more acute, as nurses and caregivers build strong relationships and become part of a patient’s daily routine. They’re often called in when a situation is already advanced or at its most difficult, demanding not only skill but also deep resilience to keep moving forward.

“Sometimes it’s heartbreaking, but even then, there’s something profoundly fulfilling in knowing you gave someone dignity, compassion, and care when they needed it most,” says Osterman. “That’s the kind of impact that stays with you, and that’s why nursing is more than just a job — it’s a calling.”

Ansley Powell, WHNP

Reed Cetti, MOTR/L

Sophia Vargas, MS, CCC-SLP

Women’s health nurse practitioner Ansley Powell agrees. “There will always be peaks and valleys in health, but being able to support them through those ups and downs — and help them become the best version of themselves, both inside and out — is incredibly rewarding,” Powell says. “Whether it’s through guiding them on a wellness journey, boosting their conﬁdence, or simply being a consistent source of support, those moments are what make this work so meaningful to me.”

“I love to spend time with my patients and get to know them personally,” says menopause specialist Pamela Gaudry, MD, who joined Coastal Care Partners in 2024.

“Health care providers are ﬁnally talking about menopause and learning how to deal with the symptoms.”

— PAMELA GAUDRY, MD

Gaudry notes that “health care providers are ﬁnally talking about menopause and learning how to deal with the symptoms.” She says menopause can actually be one of the most enjoyable and empowering times of a woman’s life, and notes that menopause symptoms are manageable, with low-dose medications available if necessary.

“I want women to look forward to menopause instead of dreading it,” she says. “It is a freedom from worries about pregnancy, and especially a freedom from menstruation. I want them to look forward to the last third of their lives with excitement.”

Heather Myers, family therapist; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist

Sonshine Therapy

WINNER, BEST PEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT THERAPY CLINIC

Sophia Vargas, MS, CCC-SLP

WINNER, BEST PEDIATRIC SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Reed Cetti, MOTR/L

WINNER, BEST PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

WHEN A CHILD NEEDS THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT,

the impact reaches far beyond the child — it touches the entire family. That understanding has been at the heart of Sonshine Therapy since they started serving the community in 2008.

Specializing in speech, physical, occupational, and feeding therapy, the Sonshine team works with children facing a wide range of challenges, from autism and Down syndrome to feeding impairments and sensory disorders. Just as importantly, they extend their care to the families navigating these journeys, offering resources, guidance, and encouragement along the way.

Owner and speech therapist Bethany Manning, MS, CCC-SLP, knows firsthand the weight families carry. A mother of four — two biological and two adopted — Manning has navigated her own path raising children with complex needs. One of her daughters was born with a cleft lip and palate, while another was born legally blind, deaf, and autistic. These experiences gave her a deep understanding of the fears, frustrations, and hopes that parents bring into the clinic and shaped the way she built Sonshine Therapy as a place where families feel truly supported.

“The aha moment came when I was a special instructor for babies,” Manning says. “I was going into homes of some of the poorest families in Savannah. Being able to teach and bring joy to these families filled me with a sense of peace, contentment, and purpose.”

When hiring new therapists, Manning looks for professionals who bring both skill and compassion, and who are ready for the emotional and practical demands of the job. Like her, many on the team

draw from personal experience — a perspective that deepens their understanding and enhances their ability to meet families where they are.

Sonshine’s speech director, Sophia Vargas, carries a similar personal drive. Her path to pediatric speech-language pathology began with a moment close to home.

“I remember observing a speech therapy session with my younger brother when he was 3 years old,” Vargas says. “Experiencing what felt like magic in that session stuck with me. Flash forward to college preparation — I found myself thinking back to that moment, paired with a yearning to pursue a profession that would impact the lives of others. The decision was made.”

For occupational therapist Reed Cetti, his inspiration comes from watching his mother’s career working with children. “I have always been passionate about helping children and their families, and I feel that a lot of this comes from my mom, who has been a speech-language pathologist working with children for my entire life,” Cetti says. “I realized that I was meant to work in pediatrics during my first clinical rotation in graduate school, when I was really able to connect with the children and families on my caseload. The visible growth and the letters from families regarding the positive impact that I had in their lives in just three months was truly overwhelming.”

Sonshine Therapy’s integrated approach — combining clinical expertise with a nuanced understanding of each family’s unique circumstances — ensures that interventions are tailored, evidence-based, and responsive to the evolving needs of every child and family they serve.

When a child needs therapeutic support, the impact reaches far beyond the child — it touches the entire family.

From left, Sonshine Therapy’s Bethany Manning MS, CCC-SLP; Sophia Vargas, MS, CCC-SLP; Reed Cetti, MOTR/L; and Olivia Chester, OTD, OTR/L

Thank you to all who voted for Dr. Roy Maynard Jr., Sojourner Mays, RDH and Dr. Crystal Williams.

FOOT SPECIALIST/PODIATRIST

Craig K. Skalla, DPM SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP:

David A. Valbuena, DPM

Georgia Foot & Ankle, St. Joseph’s/Candler gafootandankle.com

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST

Keith M. Seibert, MD, MBA, FAAP ExperCARE expercarehealth.com

RUNNER-UP (TIE):

Rebecca Hart, ANP-BC, IFMCP Faith, Hope & Wellness faithhopewellness.net

Harry S. Collins, DO, FACOG Savannah Age Management Medicine agemanagementmed.com

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Mark E. Murphy, MD, FACP, AGAF

The Center for Digestive & Liver Health savannahgi.com

RUNNER-UP:

Mark R. Nyce, MD

The Center for Digestive & Liver Health savannahgi.com

GENERAL SURGEON

Jeffrey S. Mandel, MD, FACS SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP:

John W. Odom, MD, FACS Metro Surgical metrosurgicalpc.com

HAIR RESTORATION SURGEON/SPECIALIST

Timothy J. Minton, MD, FACS Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP:

E. Ronald Finger, MD Finger & Associates Plastic Surgery Center fingerandassociates.com

Thomas E. Niemeier , MD

Optim Orthopedics

RUNNER-UP, BEST ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, SPINE

DR. THOMAS NIEMEIER’S path to orthopedic spine surgery didn’t actually begin with a scalpel — it began with a microscope. While pursuing a PhD in microbiology, he was fascinated by the mechanisms driving human biology and disease, and drawn to the intellectual demands of scientific research — but something was missing.

“Research taught me how to ask precise questions, critically evaluate evidence, and stay relentlessly curious — skills that still shape how I think today,” Niemeier says. “But over time, I found myself wanting a more direct connection to people.”

That desire to bridge scientific curiosity and human connection led him to medicine, and at Optim Orthopedics, he’s using this dual approach to transform patients’ lives. “For me, science and surgery are deeply connected,” he says. “Both require precision, thoughtful analysis, and a constant drive to improve outcomes.”

Niemeier’s mindset carries into every patient interaction, where he works to build a genuine partnership grounded in shared decision-making and individualized care. He believes the spine is (quite literally) the backbone of daily life, and that even small improvements in function or comfort can create a ripple effect in a person’s overall well-being.

“The spine is such a central part of everything we do; it affects everything from the simplest daily tasks to more complex physical activities,” he says. “When a patient walks into my office experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s not just a physical issue, it’s often affecting their ability to live fully. Each patient’s case is unique, and the complexity of the spine — its anatomy and the interrelationship between muscles, nerves, and bones — never fails to engage my curiosity.”

Even so, Niemeier is quick to emphasize that the answers to long-term spinal health extend beyond the clinic. His own lifestyle reflects the same priorities: regular movement and stretching, core strengthening, postural awareness, and a balance between activity and rest.

“Ultimately, my approach to spinal health involves building habits that prioritize movement, strength, and mindful care of the body,” he says. “These principles are things I practice regularly myself and also share with my patients as preventive measures. By creating an active, balanced lifestyle, we can all take better care of our backs in the long run.”

“For me, science and surgery are deeply connected. Both require precision, thoughtful analysis, and a constant drive to improve outcomes.”

— THOMAS E. NIEMEIER, MD

Support Starts Here

• Dr. Yasmin Seay, Behavioral Health Pediatrician, specializes in ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral challenges, anxiety, and eating disorders.

• Dr. Zuleimye Valle Blas, a board-certified psychiatrist and a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, brings extensive experience in and dedication to compassionate, evidence-based care.

• Dr. Daniel Nagelberg, a respected clinician who along with his Psychometrist Andy Jackson provides expert diagnostic, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations.

• Margaret Wheble, LCSW; Kelly Osborne, LCSW; Sarah Beck, PA-C; and Tiffany Nutter, PMHNP, make up our skilled team of child and adolescent therapists and mid-level clinicians.

Front Row (L-R):

Margaret Wheble, LCSW; Zuleimye Valle Blas, MD; Yasmin Seay, MD; Tiffany Nutter, PMHNP; Sarah Beck, PA-C

Back Row (L-R):

Kelly Osborne, LCSW; Daniel Nagelberg, PhD; Andy Jackson, MA

I am a new patient and today was my first appointment. Front Desk staff was very pleasant and welcoming. Met with MA first and she was pleasant as well. The Doctor was knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor, putting you at ease. Highly recommend this care team!

If anyone is having issues with their ears, nose or throat, you must go meet with Dr. David S. Oliver! ”

HOME HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER

Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

RUNNER-UP:

Enhabit Home Health & Hospice ehab.com

HORMONE THERAPIST

Harry S. Collins, DO, FACOG Savannah Age Management Medicine agemanagementmed.com

RUNNER-UP:

Carmela A. Pettigrew, MD The Rejuvenation Clinic rejuvenationclinicmd.com

HOSPICE-CARE PROVIDER

Hospice Savannah hospicesavannah.org

RUNNER-UP:

Georgia Hospice Care georgiahospicecare.com

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST

Melissa Wynn, MD Southern Surgical Providers, PC

RUNNER-UP: Nenad Avramovski, MD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

DOCTOR OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

Yulianty D. Kusuma, MD, FACP Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP:

Brooke B. Halpern, MD Savii Health; saviihealth.com

NEPHROLOGIST

Nizar S. Eskandar, MD, FACP, CMCM SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Rebecca L. Sentman, MD Nephrology and Hypertension Medical Associates thekidneydocs.com

NEUROLOGIST

Gilmore MacGregor, MD Savannah Neurology Specialists savannahneurology.com

RUNNER-UP: Jill P. Trumble, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

NEUROSURGEON

Davis L. Reames IV, MD Neurosurgical & Spine Institute neurologicalinstitute.com

RUNNER-UP:

Kevin N. Ammar, MD Neurosurgical & Spine Institute neurologicalinstitute.com

NUTRITIONIST

Sandra G. Brassard, RD, LD, CDCES

Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

Southern Comfort Nutrition southerncomfortnutrition.com

RUNNER-UP: Meredith Bird, MSN, RD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

J. David Carson, MD ExperCARE Health expercarehealth.com

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Bob Phillips, OTR/L, CHT, COMT

Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

Front Row (L-R): Hailey Stack, PA-C; Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP; Sule Anik, PA-C Middle Row (L-R): Sienny Gunawan; Hellen Carter; Angela Patenaude; Nikki Cook; Yanti Wyant; JiAe Yun Back Row (L-R): MaKenna Walden; Danyelle Bligen; Sandra Brassard

Best

Dr.

Best

Dr. Carson

Tied for

Best

Dr. Mazur

Runner-Up - Best Pediatric Specialist

Dr. Seibert

Dr. Seibert

Dr. Carson

Dr. Mazur

RUNNER-UP:

Alison Walmsley, OTR/L, CHT, CLCP

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

ONCOLOGIST

Jennifer Yannucci, MD

Low Country Cancer Care lcccsav.com

RUNNER-UP:

O. George Negrea, MD

Low Country Cancer Care lcccsav.com

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Richard R. Schulze Jr., MD

Schulze Eye & Surgery Center schulze-eye.com

RUNNER-UP:

Mark K. Manocha, MD

Georgia Eye Institute gaeyeinstitute.com

OPTOMETRIST

Erika Morrow, MS, OD

ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear forsighteye.net

RUNNER-UP:

Edward D. Sammons, OD

SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

OUTPATIENT THERAPY CLINIC

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

PAIN MEDICINE/ MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Keith A. Kirby, MD

Savannah Pain Management & Savannah Pain Center savannahpainmanagement.com

RUNNER-UP:

Gregory Spellman, MD

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

Morgan Whelan , WHNP

Savannah ObGyn

WINNER, BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

FOR MORGAN WHELAN, EMPOWERING

WOMEN begins with ensuring they feel informed, supported, and confident about their health care decisions. As she establishes herself in the field, she brings a forward-thinking, compassionate approach to women’s health and a mission to elevate the standard of care.

Whelan’s career has given her a firsthand view of the unique needs and deeply personal moments that define women’s health care.

From fertility care to helping a woman prepare for a birth, she has been able to be present during pivotal, vulnerable, and powerful moments in someone’s life.

“Having the opportunity to care for women throughout their reproductive journeys has given me a deeper understanding of both the challenges and triumphs of each chapter,” Whelan says. “I hope to move forward and demonstrate the importance of listening and supporting other women.”

Her philosophy centers on compassion and connection, with a strong belief that women thrive when they’re supported by one another.

Today, Whelan is part of the skilled team at Savannah ObGyn, a full-service obstetrics and gynecology practice serving women in Southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Beyond her work at the practice, she extends her reach through social media, creating educational content like step-by-step breast self-exam guides and day-in-the-life videos as a women’s health nurse practitioner.

“I’ve worked for years to get to this point in my career, and I’m so grateful to be exactly where I am,” she says. “Being part of the team at Savannah ObGyn, alongside such skilled and compassionate nurse practitioners and physicians, makes it even more meaningful. It’s a privilege to care for women at every stage of life, and that purpose keeps me motivated every day.”

Through her dedication, Whelan reflects the evolving future of women’s health — one grounded in empathy, education, and empowerment.

“It’s a privilege to care for women at every stage of life, and that purpose keeps me motivated every day.”

— MORGAN WHELAN, WHNP

At Schulze Eye & Surgery Center,

we are dedicated to excellence in surgical eye care. Combining leading-edge technology with personalized attention to our patients, we can open your eyes to a whole new world of decreased dependence on glasses or contacts. Whether your needs include traditional or refractive cataract surgery, custom LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or corneal transplants, our on-site ambulatory surgery center allows for surgery in a specialized setting, affording greater efﬁciencies & lower costs to our patients. You can count on our skilled staff to give you personal attention before, during and after surgery to help you achieve your visual best. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

PHARMACY

Village Walk Pharmacy villagewalkpharmacy.com

RUNNER-UP: Georgetown Drug Company georgetowndrug.com

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Ernest R. Ledesma Jr., PT Ledesma Sports Medicine ledesmasportsmed.com

RUNNER-UP: Christopher B. Curry, PT, MS, MEd SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Hailey Stack, PA-C Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Amy Millsap, PA-C Gaughf Dermatology gaughfdermatology.com

PSYCHIATRIST

Chad Brock, MD

Shrink Savannah shrinksavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Alana Cox, MD LifeStance Health; lifestance.com

PSYCHOLOGIST/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Shauna Joye, PhD, LP Joye Psychology & Wellness LLC joyepsychology.com

RUNNER-UP: Daniel S. Haddad, LCSW, LISW, MAC Savannah Therapy savannahtherapy.net

PULMONOLOGIST

Ryan B. Moody, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

RUNNER-UP: Michael D. Mullins, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

RADIOLOGIST

Jack Considine, MD Coastal Imaging coastalimaging.net

GLOBIS: Global Imaging Solutions globalimagingsolutions.com

The Center for Women’s Health womenshealthpooler.com

RUNNER-UP: Tyler Burgner, MD Atlantic Radiology Associates atlanticradiology.com

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Patrick L. Blohm, MD

The Georgia Center for Reproductive Medicine gcrmsav.com

RHEUMATOLOGIST

Than Win, MD

Wrightington Rheumatology wrheu.com

RUNNER-UP:

Dean H. Stephens, MD Coastal Rheumatology Associates coastalrheumatology.com

HINOLOGIST

(NASAL AND SINUS)

Christopher T. Melroy, MD, FARS

Georgia Nasal & Sinus Institute sinusinstitute.com

RUNNER-UP:

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat coastal-ent.com

SLEEP SPECIALIST

Carlton R. Kemp Jr., MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP:

James A. Daly III, MD, FCCP FAASM Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

Carl B. Pearl , MD, FACS

Chatham Plastic Surgery

WINNER, BEST PLASTIC SURGEON, BREAST AND BODY

PLASTIC SURGERY TODAY is about more than aesthetics — it’s about refinement, personalization, and empowering patients with safe, effective options. Dr. Carl B. Pearl, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Chatham Plastic Surgery, is attuned to the field’s neverending evolution and how those advances can translate to better care and outcomes for his patients.

Among the latest techniques he works with is the “no-touch” technique for breast augmentation, which Pearl says greatly minimizes swelling and postprocedure discomfort. This approach involves using a device called a Keller Funnel to insert the implant while avoiding direct contact between the surgeon’s hands and the implant or incision site. By reducing tissue trauma and lowering the risk of contamination, this approach supports faster healing, less bruising, and lower rates of postoperative complications — a reflection of the broader push toward minimally invasive, high-precision surgical methods.

According to Pearl, even the most advanced techniques mean little without a strong foundation of trust and communication. With over two decades of surgical experience, he emphasizes the patient relationship as much as the procedure itself. In consultations, Pearl fosters open, honest dialogue, and his post-op care emphasizes clear guidance and consistent support as patients recover and adapt.

“The most important thing is listening,” he says. “The surgeon has to take the time to understand a patient’s goals or there is no way she will be happy.”

Outside the OR, Pearl keeps a consistent routine — yoga or weightlifting each morning — and recently started learning to play piano. It’s a return to being a student again, a way to challenge himself creatively after mastering a very different kind of artistry.

Still, he’s clear on where his passion lies. “There is nothing I enjoy more than the work I do as a plastic surgeon,” Pearl says. “I do not have a single hobby that brings me more joy.”

“There is nothing I enjoy more than the work I do as a plastic surgeon. I do not have a single hobby that brings me more joy.”

— CARL B. PEARL, MD, FACS

Brandy Gheesling MD, FAAP, NABBLM-C, IBCLC

Chintak B. Patel MD, FAAP Paul L. Nave MD, FAAP Carly Ryan MD, FAAP

Steve Hobby MD, CPC, FAAP

Kelsey Lofgren Stanko MSN, CPNP-PC

Diane R. Savage-Pedigo MD, FAAP

Micheal D. DeMauro MD, FAAP

Adria H. Wilkes MD, FAAP

Christopher Rogers MD, FAAP Ben Spitalnick MD, MBA, FAAP

Wendi Lamb Martin MSN, FNP-BC

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Ansley Sellers, CCC-SLP The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire thespeechclinic.org

RUNNER-UP:

Karli Cannon, MS, CCC-SLP Savannah Speech & Hearing Center speechandhearingsav.org

THORACIC SURGEON

Marc Bailey, MD, FACS St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

RUNNER-UP:

Jeremy E. London, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler; sjchs.org

URGENT/IMMEDIATE-CARE MEDICAL CLINIC

Urgent Care of Berwick Sandﬂy & Wilmington Island urgentcarefamily.com

RUNNER-UP: ExperCARE Health expercarehealth.com

UROLOGIST

Bu G. Boyd, MD

Urological Associates of Savannah urologysavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: David L. Cheng, MD

Urological Associates of Savannah urologysavannah.com

VASCULAR SURGEON

Justin B. Brown, MD

Savannah Vascular Institute savannahvascular.com

RUNNER-UP:

Anthony J. Avino, MD

Savannah Vascular Institute savannahvascular.com

WEIGHT-LOSS SPECIALIST

Steve E. Fabrizio, MD

Premier Medical Weight Loss & Wellness goodbodydoctor.com

RUNNER-UP:

Oliver C. Whipple, MD, FACS, FASMBS Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH

COSMETIC DENTIST

Mark N. Dye, DMD Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC thesavannahdentist.com

RUNNER-UP: Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD Savannah Dental savannah.dental

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Sojourner Mays, RDH

Georgetown Family Dental georgetownfamilydental.com

RUNNER-UP: Melissa Plummer, RDH Coastal Dentistry coastaldentistry.org

ENDODONTIST

Beth A. Sheridan, DDS, MS

Beth A. Sheridan, DDS, MS — Endodontics

RUNNER-UP:

Rebecca M. Aspinwall, DMD Savannah Endodontic Associates savannahendo.com

GENERAL DENTIST

Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS

Georgetown Family Dental georgetownfamilydental.com

Pictured from left: R. Gilmore MacGregor, M.D., John Malone, M.D., J. Michael Hemphill, M.D. FAAN, Anthony Holt, D.O., Katherine Moretz, M.D., Stephen Donahue, M.D., Brandi Fleenor, M.D.

Feeling optimal at every age starts with personalized age management medicine.

RUNNER-UP:

Mark N. Dye, DMD

Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC thesavannahdentist.com

ORAL SURGEON

Alfred E. Pesto Jr., DMD, FACS Southeastern Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates seoralsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP:

Michael C. Wilson, DMD Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery chathamoralsurgery.com

ORTHODONTIST

Christopher DeLeon, DMD Broderick, Dusek & DeLeon Orthodontics savannahorthodontics.com

RUNNER-UP: Crystal Williams, DDS Georgetown Orthodontics georgetownorthosav.com

PERIODONTIST

Walker Pendarvis DMD, MHS Coastal Dental Surgery coastaldentalsurgery.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

FOOT AND ANKLE

John T. Prather, MD

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Juha I. Jaakkola, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

HAND AND WRIST

Ronald H. Levit, MD

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Gregory P. Kolovich, MD

Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

Ernest R. Ledesma Jr., PT

Ledesma Sports Medicine

WINNER, BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST

LIKE MANY FIELDS OF MEDICINE, physical therapy and sports medicine have undergone a fundamental transformation in recent decades, moving away from onesize-fits-all approaches toward treatments grounded in rigorous, evidence-based science. For Ernest R. Ledesma Jr., founder of Ledesma Sports Medicine, adapting to these changes has been central to his practice and approach, and he’s optimistic about what’s on the horizon for the physical therapy profession.

His practice, which he runs alongside his wife, Kris — a fellow physical therapist and co-owner — offers innovative treatments such as cold laser therapy, dry needling, shockwave therapy, and blood flow restriction (BFR) training. These approaches help reduce pain, accelerate healing, and restore strength, particularly in postoperative and chronic injury cases. Ledesma attributes this progress to a broader shift in sports medicine toward scientifically validated care and active patient participation.

“Our profession has evolved from being a bachelor’s-level program, and is now a doctorate-level program,” Ledesma says. “With that, there has been more research done to help justify the types of treatments we are prescribing and performing on patients.”

Ledesma strives to balance this clinical innovation with what he considers the most critical factor in successful treatment: the personal connection. As a freshman at the University of Georgia, he interned at a physical therapy clinic much like the one he runs today and was struck by the relationships the therapists formed with their patients. “Over the 33 years I’ve been a therapist, I have tried really hard to keep that mindset of developing

“Triathlons taught me that if I’m asking my patients to be committed to their health and achieving results, that’s the same kind of mentality that I have to embrace when training for a race.”

— ERNEST R. LEDESMA JR., PT

good relationships with my patients, so that they would feel confident in what I’m asking them to do,” he says.

That emphasis on connection is rooted in Ledesma’s lifelong experience as an athlete. After college, he began training for triathlons — a discipline that continues to shape how he communicates with patients and prescribes care.

“Triathlons taught me that if I’m asking my patients to be committed to their health and achieving results, that’s the same kind of mentality that I have to embrace when training for a race,” he says. “It helped me bring back to my patients the importance of being compliant with the regimen we prescribe to them.”

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

HIP AND KNEE

James W. Wilson Jr., MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Jonathan Christy, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

SHOULDER AND ELBOW

Robert Dow Hoffman, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP:

James W. Wilson Jr., MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

SPINE

Dmitri Sofianos, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP:

Thomas E. Niemeier, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

PLASTIC SURGEON

BREAST AND BODY

Carl B. Pearl, MD, FACS Chatham Plastic Surgery chathamplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP:

Thomas W. Horn, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

FACE AND NECK

Timothy J. Minton, MD, FACS Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Meghan K. McGovern RenewalMD; myrenewalmd.com

RECONSTRUCTIVE

Thomas W. Horn, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

RUNNER-UP: Matthew D. McLeod, MD Seaport Plastic Surgery seaportplasticsurgery.com

WOMEN’S HEALTH

OBSTETRICIAN/ GYNECOLOGIST

A. Joseph Edwards III, MD, OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah savobgyn.com

RUNNER-UP: Carmela A. Pettigrew, MD, OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah; savobgyn.com

MENOPAUSE SPECIALIST

Harry S. Collins, DO, FACOG Savannah Age Management Medicine agemanagementmed.com

RUNNER-UP: Pamela G. Gaudry, MD, NCMP, FACOG Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

PERINATOLOGIST

Anthony B. Royek, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

UROGYNECOLOGIST

Joseph T. Stubbs III, MD, FFPMRS, FACOG, UROGYN Savannah urogynsavannah.com

Thank you, Savannah!

Shannon Asklar, Aimy Bitzer, Erica Wolfe, Lauden Brunson, Dr Elizabeth Bennett, Dr John DeVaro, Annie Hancock, Hannah Horton, Jaye Edwards, Ann Robinson

Live your life TO THE FULLEST.

A. KIRBY, MD

I am honored to be recognized as the best Pain Management Physician for 2025 by Savannah Magazine. is is the eighth time in nine years that I have been recognized as the best in my eld. is award is a recognition of the work done by myself in collaboration with my entire medical sta . We treat all patients with professional and compassionate care. We listen to our patient’s concerns and are always available to them. When our patients call our o ce in between o ce visits, we always respond to their phone calls in a timely manner.

Savannah Pain Center was the rst outpatient surgery center in Savannah, established exclusively for the treatment of pain. Savannah Pain Management and Savannah Pain Center provide specialized care for a comprehensive range of pain disorders:

• Degenerative Disc Disease of the spine

• Neck pain due to degenerative discs and arthritis

• Neck pain with pain radiating into the arms (Cervical Radiculopathy)

• Low back pain disorders due to degenerative discs arthritis

• Low back pain radiating into the buttock and legs (Lumbar Radiculopathy)

• Persistent pain following low back or neck surgery

• Sacral and sacroiliac joint pain

• Pain that continues a er the shingles rash has healed (Postherpetic neuropathy)

• Pain from Peripheral neuropathies including:

- Tingling, numbness in wrist and hands from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

- Neuropathy following radiation or chemotherapy for treatment of cancer

- Pain a er inguinal hernia repair (Ilioinguinal Neuralgia)

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Nizar S. Eskandar , MD, FACP, CMCM

SouthCoast Health

WINNER, BEST NEPHROLOGIST

WINNER, BEST CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST

FOR DR. NIZAR S. ESKANDAR, the determination behind his achievements speaks volumes about his commitment to care, as his path to practicing medicine in America began under challenging circumstances and set the tone for a career defined by passion and persistence.

When he arrived in the United States from Syria in 1995, he brought with him only a medical degree and $2,000. At the time, he spoke no English. Within months, Eskandar had passed the required exams to resume practicing medicine and went on to complete a residency in internal medicine, followed by fellowships in critical care and nephrology.

Since 2007, he has led the nephrology department at SouthCoast Health. Through the SouthCoast Health network, he is able to reach people in more rural areas, where limited transportation can make accessing health care difficult.

“I love working in underserved communities where the need for quality medical care is needed and very much appreciated,” he says.

Nephrology has advanced significantly since its early development — from a focus on diagnosis and basic disease management to today’s sophisticated treatment options, enabled by emerging technologies and a more comprehensive understanding of kidney function and disease. According to Eskandar, it has become increasingly preventive and multidisciplinary, with a stronger emphasis on early detection and improved management of chronic kidney disease.

“Innovations in biomarker research, imaging, and genetic testing have improved diagnostic precision, while digital health tools like remote monitoring and artificial intelligence have enhanced patient care and outcomes,” he says. The field has also expanded, he says, to include a greater focus on patient-centered care and equity in kidney health. “These changes have redefined nephrology from a largely reactive specialty to a more proactive and integrative one — aiming not only to manage disease, but to preserve kidney function and improve quality of life.”

Working in such a complex specialty, Eskandar places particular importance on listening closely, showing empathy, and helping patients understand what can often feel overwhelming or confusing.

“I have a teacher’s spirit — my wife says I love to lecture,” he says. “I try to simplify the issues without using big medical words, like instead of saying, ‘You have Stage 4 kidney disease,’ I say, ‘Your kidneys aren’t working to the best of their abilities, and we want to get them to do better.’”

For Eskandar, empowering patients with knowledge is just as important as treating their illness. It’s a mindset shaped by his own experience, and one that continues to guide his work — making specialized care feel personal, accessible, and human.

“I love working in underserved communities where the need for quality medical care is needed and very much appreciated.”

— NIZAR S. ESKANDAR, MD, FACP, CMCM

Photo by KATHERINE IVES

RUNNER-UP:

Barry Schlafstein, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler; sjchs.org

NURSING

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA)

Jim Glazier, CRNA, MSN Sound Anesthesia, LLC

RUNNER-UP:

Christina Mondy, CRNA Coastal Hypnos Anesthesia facebook.com/coastalhypnosanesthesia

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP)

Margaret Reinhart, FNP-BC Savannah Pain Management savannahpainmanagement.com

RUNNER-UP:

Caroline Turner, FNP-C Low Country Dermatology & Aesthetics lcderm.com

NURSE (RN)

Olivia Fulton, RN

The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery cosmeticsurgeon.md

RUNNER-UP:

Heather Mathis May, RN The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

NURSE (LPN)

Jason Cook, LPN Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP:

Yanti K. Wyant, LPN Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

NURSE (NP)

Karen Osterman, NP Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

RUNNER-UP:

Caroline Turner, FNP-C Low Country Dermatology & Aesthetics lcderm.com

PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Heather Mell, NP-C Shrink Savannah shrinksavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Kimberly M. Wilke, NP Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Morgan Whelan, WHNP Savannah ObGyn savannahobgyn.com

RUNNER-UP: Ansley Powell, WHNP Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

PEDIATRICS

PEDIATRICIAN

Ben Spitalnick, MD, MBA, FAAP Pediatric Associates of Savannah pedsav.com

RUNNER-UP: Dudley W. Stone, MD Coastal Pediatrics mycoastalpediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Cara DeLeon Graham, DMD Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah pediatricdentistryofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP:

Krista C. Hinchey, DMD Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry dogwoodsmiles.com

A BIG thank you TO OUR PATIENTS WHO INSPIRE US EVERY DAY.

Innovative cancer care tailored to you, not just the disease.

At Low Country Cancer Care, we provide medical oncology, hematology, chemotherapy and patient care coordination services for a truly comprehensive and innovative approach. We understand that every cancer is unique and deserves a tailored treatment plan. With compassionate care that centers around you, every interaction is focused on your experience and well-being. Your individual care is delivered by cancer experts who not only care for you but care about you.

Jennifer Yannucci, MD

VOTED BEST ONCOLOGIST

George Negrea, MD

VOTED RUNNER-UP BEST ONCOLOGIST

Haven Caldwell, DO

Stephen Tiley, MD

Anton Juncaj, DO

PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Kelsey Lofgren Stanko, MSN, CPNP-PC Pediatric Associates of Savannah pedsav.com

RUNNER-UP: Carli Boatright, NNP Pediatrix Neonatology of Georgia pediatrix.com

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Reed Cetti, MOTR/L Sonshine Therapy sonshinetherapy.com

RUNNER-UP: Kristen VanVlek, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CPAM Pediatric Rehabilitation & Wellness pediatricrehabandwellness.com

PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Heather Lorden, PT, DPT, PCS Pediatric Rehabilitation and Wellness pediatricrehaband wellness.com

PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGIST

John M. DeVaro, MD Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah ceisav.com

PEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT THERAPY CLINIC

Sonshine Therapy sonshinetherapy.com

RUNNER-UP (TIE): Southland Pediatric Therapy southlandtherapy.com

Coastal Pediatric Therapies coastalpediatrictherapies.com

PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST

Heather Myers, LMFT Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics savannahbehavioral pediatrics.com

RUNNER-UP: Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, PhD Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics savannahbehavioral pediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST

Evan M. Siegall, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Keith M. Seibert, MD, MBA, FAAP ExperCARE Health expercarehealth.com

PEDIATRIC SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Sophia Vargas, MS, CCC-SLP Sonshine Therapy sonshinetherapy.com

RUNNER-UP: Allyson Nash Register,MS, CCC-SLP Wee Care Pediatric Therapy weecarepediatrictherapy.com

Raising the Bar

WE WERE DELIGHTED to photograph our Best of Savannah Doctors story at Thompson Savannah’s Bar Julian ( Winner, Best Rooftop Bar), and it’s no wonder. Savannah’s tallest rooftop oﬀers an enchanting cityscape and endless Savannah River views, making it the perfect perch for savoring cocktails and sharing plates from the Mediterranean-inspired menu. A guest favorite? That irresistible oven bread, served warm and perfect for dipping in whipped feta. There are also handcrafted pizzas, salads, and heartier fare like burgers and a fried chicken sandwich.

While Bar Julian makes for an excellent date-night location — there’s even a vodka-based cocktail named Great Romances — it is also a lovely spot to start the day with breakfast, and, on weekends, brunch. Bar Julian also has a refreshingly robust menu of nonalcoholic cocktails for those who prefer to sip stylishly, yet booze-free.

Wondering where that unique bar moniker came from? Bar Julian is named for St. Julian the Hospitaller, circa fourth-century. He’s the patron saint of hospitality, hotel keepers, and travelers, and was known for his warm, welcoming spirit. His namesake bar at Thompson Savannah embraces that same ideal.

Clockwise from top left, Jeremy London, MD, Morgan Whelan WHNP, and Pamela Gaudry, MD, strike a pose during our Best of Savannah Doctors photo shoot at Bar Julian.

BE WELL

Soaring Beyond

Palliative-care patients, and those who care for them, find new hope in life-altering virtual reality therapies.

Written by ANDREA GOTO // Photography by JOHN ALEXANDER

CHARLES “BUD” NOSIL was grounded at age 81. Prior to that, flying had been his life. He began when he was just 13 years old, and his career in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) earned him over 60 years of experience, as well as a Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award — one of the most prestigious awards given by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“My life is pretty changed,” says the former airman, now 94, who has since been diagnosed with leukemia, is legally blind, and needs assistance to walk. But one thing remains: “I miss flying,” he says.

As we age, or experience serious illness and the resulting physical and cognitive decline, we often have to give up the things we love and learn to lean on others for care. The World Health Organization reports that 56.8 million people need palliative care each year, including 25.7 million during the end of life. (Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life during serious illness, while hospice care is specifically for those at the end of life.) This, coupled with the loss of autonomy that can come with aging, can cause depression, isolation, and anxiety. Locally, Hospice Savannah is turning toward innovative technologies to improve palliative care to tend to this growing population.

New Worlds and Past Experiences

In 2018, a collaboration between Hospice Savannah and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) began looking into ways virtual reality (VR) could improve the quality of life for patients in

palliative care. It wasn’t a matter of if it could, but how it could. Even back then, VR therapy had been widely studied and was already being used in leading medical research institutions such as Johns Hopkins, CedarsSinai, and Mayo Clinic.

Kathleen Benton, president and CEO at Hospice Savannah ( Winner, Best Hospice Care Provier), had just been appointed to her position when she connected with VR specialist Teri Yarbrow, CEO of Magika VRx and a SCAD professor at the time. Together they launched VR for Good — a course where students would interview palliative patients to develop and test VR content, making Hospice Savannah one of the first hospice clinics in the nation to offer this therapy.

This is how Nosil came to fly again. In the care of Hospice Savannah, he was asked if he’d like to try a student-developed immersive flight simulation, and he didn’t hesitate.

“I put this virtual reality headset on and it put me in the cockpit of this airplane to do some acrobatics, and it felt like I was there,” he says. “Then they put me in the glass cockpit of a helicopter flying through the Amazon.” Nosil was not only thrilled to fly but also to

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see clearly. The headset, an Oculus, is able to magnify sight. “I just couldn’t put it down because it was just so fascinating to be able to see again. It was just such an awesome feeling.”

Lasting Relief

Benton explains that it takes the brain less than 30 seconds to believe that a VR simulation is real, allowing the user to feel physically present in a nonphysical world, and, as such, escape the confines of their current condition. There was already evidence that VR could “distract” people from anxiety and neuropathic pain, but Benton was curious about the long- and short-term effectiveness of virtual-reality therapy with palliativecare patients.

Benton, Yarbrow, and their team began a study in Savannah in 2021 that yielded positive results. Approximately 85% of participants reported an improvement in their pain level immediately after the VR experience; 62% experienced a 50% improvement in pain levels; and 23% experienced more than a 50% improvement. All of the participants said they benefitted from the VR therapy.

One participant, a 62-year-old woman who had become a quadriplegic from a car accident, had been experiencing severe neuropathic pain in her shoulders and arms. Not even prescribed pain medication could make her comfortable. After experiencing “Nalu, Heart of the Ocean,” an 11-minute immersive underwater experience where the viewer observes underwater sea life and sounds, the woman reported that she was pain-free not only during and immediately after the session, but up to eight hours later.

Finding Peace

But the study revealed something even more groundbreaking. “Yes, it negated pain, but what we didn’t expect was that it helped these patients find spiritual healing, which is really important, especially in end-of-life care,” Benton says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re religious. We’re all spiritual because we look for meaning and purpose in life as a human being.”

She noticed that when patients experienced VR therapy, they could realize that they were part of something bigger. “It’s like the same thing you feel when you’re in nature or see a beautiful sunset; you feel insignificant in a positive way,” she explains. “Being just a small part of a big universe elicits a kind of healing, and that’s what these patients were experiencing.”

Benton recalls a 13-year-old boy in hospice care who used VR therapy on a daily basis. “He was held hostage by his disease, and he was able to just be a child in that immersive world,” she says. “He definitely found peace.” Benton believes this was based on how the boy’s focus shifted after he started therapy. Instead of fixating on his own pain, he became more concerned with how his family would eventually grieve. He even planned his own end-of-life party. “He got into purposeful, meaningful legacy work,” Benton says.

The Right Dose

Benton is quick to point out that VR therapy involves much more than just putting a headset on a patient and plugging in content. There are strict protocols and procedures to follow, which

Approximately 85% of participants reported an improvement in their pain level immediately after the VR experience. ... All of the participants said they benefitted from the VR therapy.

Yarbrow is helping to develop.

“You can’t just say, ‘VR works, let me get one of these for Christmas for someone,’” Benton says. “You have to have a trained facilitator, and that’s something Teri has dedicated her life to.” Yarbrow not only produces and supplies the content for hospices and allied care organizations, but she also implements a program for training staff and caregivers. Part of this training involves interviewing patients to curate the most useful VR experiences for them.

Healthcare providers also have to determine when VR is no longer an appropriate therapy. Maj. Robert McGinn, father of Terri Collins, vice-president of business development and strategy at Hospice Savannah, was a retired Army Ranger who had COPD and heart failure, was showing early signs of dementia, and eventually

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became bedridden. Over time, McGinn grew increasingly socially isolated and depressed, especially after the passing of his wife.

Collins asked the SCAD students if they could create a VR experience for her father. While he’d traveled all over the world, McGinn says he always regretted not being able to join his wife and daughter when they took a trip to Montana, and Collins wanted to give him that opportunity.

McGinn was reluctant at ﬁrst to try VR, but Collins managed to convince him. She explained to him that while he couldn’t go on a plane to Montana, he could still experience the same beautiful things that she and her mother saw there.

“You have to build that level of trust,” Collins says. “It’s a new thing for that generation. They need to feel safe.”

McGinn experienced the simulated trip to Montana early in the program’s development, and his daughter said he was smiling the whole time. He was engaged, and she believes it gave him a sense of peace. But by the time the project was complete, McGinn’s dementia had worsened, and it was clear that the experience was agitating him, so they halted the therapy. (There has since been data collected to help determine when VR therapy is no longer appropriate for patients.) Still, Collins is grateful that her father got to see Montana before he passed away in 2019.

Leading the Charge

With new information comes new understanding, and Benton remains hopeful and inspired about the possibilities of implementing an even more comprehensive VR therapy

program. To do this, she helped lobby to make Georgia the 33rd state in the nation plus the District of Columbia to adopt the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Backed by Medicare/Medicaid, PACE aims to help seniors live independently for as long as possible by coordinating all necessary medical and social services. With the passing of the bill, Hospice Savannah is working toward becoming a PACE provider for the Chatham County area.

“We’re one of the most progressive hospice/palliative clinics in the U.S., and I am committed to bringing that same innovation to the PACE model,” says Benton. “By incorporating virtual reality therapy, we hope to address key challenges such as social isolation and loneliness among older adults, oﬀering immersive experiences that promote emotional well-being and meaningful engagement.”

This commitment means more people like Nosil can ﬁnd comfort and joy through virtual experiences, proving that even toward the end of life, there can still be much to gain and new ways to explore.

The Hospice Foundation of America will feature Kathleen Benton, Hospice Savannah’s president and CEO, and healthcare virtual reality pioneer Terri Yarbrow in an online seminar on Nov. 18. “VR as an Intervention: Bringing Awe to Hospice and Palliative Care” has information for both individuals and organizations; more details can be found at hospicefoundation.org.

Terri Yarbrow helps a patient during a VR therapy session.

ART ON THE BLUFF

Savannah’s favorite festival returns to Isle of Hope

THE ISLE OF HOPE ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL has grown into Savannah’s premier celebration of creativity, community, and coastal charm. Nestled along the scenic Skidaway River, this oneday festival welcomes both residents and visitors to enjoy a vibrant day filled with art, live music, food, and family fun. Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 25, the festival features more than 130 carefully selected artists showcasing their handmade work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live music continuing on two stages until 8 p.m.

What began in 2000 as a small frontyard art show at the home of Noel and Ruthie Wright has flourished into a beloved regional tradition. Today, the festival spans Bluff Drive, the TPG Isle of Hope Marina, Rose Avenue, and Paxton Park, drawing thousands to experience an inspiring mix of artistic talent, live performances, and local flavor. Guests can expect a curated selection of pottery, mixed media, traditional and modern painting, jewelry, home décor, and photography, alongside a wide variety of original food offerings from 15 local food trucks.

In addition to its creative showcases, the festival is proud to support several community-focused nonprofits. One Love Animal Rescue, the Isle of Hope Historical Association, Caretta Research Project, and the Dolphin Project will each have a presence at the event, offering festivalgoers the opportunity to engage with their missions. Whether it’s rescuing and rehoming animals, preserving Isle of Hope’s

WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Live music until 8 p.m. WHERE: Isle of Hope

DETAILS: The Isle of Hope Art and Music Festival is free and open to the public. For maps, artist and vendor information, music lineups, and opportunities to volunteer or sponsor, go to iohartandmusicfestival.com.

For the safety of all attendees, no cars or golf carts will be permitted within the festival grounds.

unique heritage, or protecting marine life through education and advocacy, these organizations reflect the spirit of giving and stewardship at the heart of the festival.

The music lineup, curated by Magnolia Blooms Productions, will feature a range of local and regional talent, culminating in a performance by headliner, Susto. Music begins with the 3rd Infantry Division Band marching down Bluff Drive at 10 a.m. and continues throughout the day on both the main stage at the marina and the more intimate singer-songwriter stage in Paxton Park.

Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, with a dedicated children’s area offering hands-on, creative activities. Young festivalgoers will be entertained with attractions like The Creative Bus and face painting by Glitterboxx Studios, two shows by Mr. Puppet (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), and a performance by Legacy Irish Dance Academy at noon.

THE ISLE OF HOPE ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

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SAVANNAH JAZZ

James Moody’s

100th Birthday

Jazz lovers celebrated the 100th birthday of international jazz legend and Savannah native James Moody with a private party July 12 at 45 Bistro followed by an All-Star Jazz Concert at Trustees Theater. Jazz superstars Charlton Singleton, Bobby Watson, and Adam Nussbaum performed with the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, featuring local jazz stars Teddy Adams and Huxsie Scott. The event, hosted by Savannah Jazz, raised funds for the organization’s programs, including the Savannah Jazz Festival ( Runner-up, Best Festival).

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

James Moody’s 100th Birthday

Photography

Cobb is Atlanta’s sweet spot for fun. Wander the 166 miles of interconnected trails, hike Kennesaw Mountain, paddle Lake Acworth, or float down the Chattahoochee River.

Come and play where the pros play at The Battery Atlanta, adjacent to Truist Park. Boasting high-end hotels, casual and upscale dining, breweries, concerts, shopping, and plenty of nightlife, it’s all here!

JUNETEENTH AT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

Reflections of Freedom, Faith, and Fortitude

Savannahians came together for an uplifting celebration of freedom beginning June 19 with the annual Juneteenth Walk to the River. Led by Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, participants started at Wells Park and walked together down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Plant Riverside District. Then on June 22, Gullah-Geechee storyteller and speaker Lillian Grant-Baptiste, along with an inspiring cast of performing artists, illuminated the stage at District Live ( Winner, Best Live Music) for “The Day of Jubilee.” The program included storytelling, liberation songs, drumming, spoken-word performances, and poetry.

Photography courtesy PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

Scan

100th Anniversary

The Richmond Hill Historical Society commemorated the 100th anniversary of Henry and Clara Ford’s transformative involvement in their city with a celebration May 30 at The Ford Field and River Club. The event featured live music, dancing, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, auction baskets, a wine pull, and a champagne toast. All ticket purchases and donations will support the programming and preservation efforts of the historical society.

Photography by MEREDITH RYNCARZ

WESTIN SAVANNAH HARBOR GOLF RESORT & SPA

Heritage Fire Tour

The national culinary tour celebrating community, craft, and bold cooking in a lively walk-around tasting format took place June 29 at Pit and Paddock Field. The event celebrates open-ﬁre cooking, featuring top local and regional chefs and premium beverage partners. Chef Chris Frith and the culinary team at Plant Riverside District ( recipient of multiple 2025 Best of Savannah honors) won ﬁrst place for their Grilled Bull River Oysters.

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

RICHMOND HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Celebrate the Season in Style at The Alida

This holiday season, elevate your gathering with festive cocktails, seasonal bites, and cozy, one-of-a-kind experiences at The Alida. Planning an intimate celebration or a spirited soirée? Our spaces set the perfect scene for holiday magic.

Don’t miss Alpine Village at The Lost Square, our rooftop winter wonderland, open from November 15 through January 25. Nestled in a glowing yurt with plush fur blankets and warm cocktails in hand, you and your guests can enjoy 120 minutes of seasonal cheer with twinkling skyline views and a menu full of festive favorites. Each yurt accommodates up to six guests, making it the ideal spot for holiday parties, team outings, or family celebrations.

Experience the magic of the holidays at The Alida. Scan the QR code to discover more! 412 Williamson st. thealidahotel.com

SAVANNAH'S SHADOWS

“Savannah Streets”

Artist explores city's unique light and history in group exhibition

THE LEARNING CENTER OF SENIOR CITIZENS INC. will host “Savannah Streets,” a group exhibition spotlighting four local artists. Among them is painter and recent Savannah College of Art and Design MFA graduate Kelly Thompson, whose featured series “Savannah’s Shadows” offers a compelling reflection on light, architecture, and the city’s rich history.

Originally from Virginia, Thompson was struck by Savannah’s distinctive light — the way it filters through live oaks, Spanish moss, ironwork, and brick facades. “Savannah’s Shadows” captures that atmosphere through mixed media works that combine acrylic painting with collaged historical newspaper clippings from the 18th-20th centuries. Each piece highlights overlooked architectural details throughout the city’s Historic District, blending visual storytelling with elements of the past.

When: The exhibit opens with two receptions. An artist talk at noon Sept. 19, with artists’ remarks at 1 p.m., and a second at 6 p.m., followed by a brief artists’ talk. There will be a free “Writers and Poets Respond” event at 1 p.m. Dec. 12 as well as a series of four themed lectures on Fridays at noon Oct. 10-31. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 2, 2026.

p.m.

Where: The Learning Center at Senior Citizens Inc., 3025 Bull St.

Details: Regisiter for the reception at seniorcitizensinc.org/the-learning-center. The exhibit is free, and the lectures have a ticket price.

Details: Scan the QR Code to register. The exhibit is free, the lectures have a ticket price.

I am excited and honored to be participating in this exhibition with Lou Storey, Ed Pyrch, and Kristen Medford. Savannah has a diverse community of extremely talented artists, and I am greatful to be working with these three.”

Kelly Thompson, artist

Although Thompson is known for blending industrial materials and recycled elements into his sculptural and painted works, “Savannah’s Shadows” marks a more introspective turn. It reflects his process of adjusting to a new home and environment while drawing from his lifelong exploration of human and environmental design narratives.

Thompson’s studio is housed within the Arts Southeast (Sulfur Studios) Annex, where he continues to experiment across media. His contributions to “Savannah Streets” embody the exhibit’s central theme: how artists experience, interpret, and reshape their surroundings.

Curated by local artist Lou Storey, “Savannah’s Streets” also features works by Storey, Ed Pyrch, and Kristen Medford, who work in a variety of media including photography, watercolor, printmaking, and cast forms.

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Electric Youth

Written by ANDREA GOTO

I MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I make every year; I go to Target the ﬁrst Friday of September. It only takes a couple of context clues before I realize my error: There are no carts available and the ones in use are overﬂowing with twin XL bedding, cleaning supplies that will never get used, and decorative planters for succulents destined to die.

The store buzzes with nervous excitement as parents try to tell their kids what they actually need — towels in any color but white and space-saving hangers — while their kids are distracted by a search for the perfect set of fairy lights and an emotionalsupport water bottle.

College is back in session, which you think I’d remember since I teach at one. And yet …

For most, back-to-school in Savannah means saying goodbye to the downtown parking the locals have enjoyed all summer and hello to a new population learning to navigate around the squares and one-way streets. It also brings our historic city a youthful energy. It’s part of what makes us special.

Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah State University, Georgia Southern University, Savannah Technical College, South University — each draws national and international students, whose lives are just beginning to launch, to our little southeastern corner of the country. They’re eager and nervous all at once. They want to build, solve, create, and change things. They’re hopeful while facing an uncertain future, and I ﬁnd this all very inspiring.

I also appreciate the diversity college students bring. I knew very little about the South when I ﬁrst moved here and even less about Savannah. As such, I expected a sleepy, old-fashioned, Southern town. But what I actually found was a city where conservation and history matter as much as intentional growth and progress. I discovered a colorful mix of varied viewpoints, backgrounds, and beliefs, and I think we can thank our student population for much of this.

And as much as our students are here to learn,

we can also learn from them. For instance, I’ve discovered all the diﬀerent color combinations one’s hair can have, all the various places a piercing can exist, and that by the time I understand a slang term, I should not use it — no cap. But their real gifts are their enthusiasm, new ways of thinking, and all of that seemingly endless energy. (If only I could bottle these — and their collagen — for myself.)

Back-to-school also takes me back, though it looked much different in ye olden days, when Trapper Keepers and a floppy disk were our version of a MacBook Pro. Being around young people reminds me that there was a time in my life before mortgages, aging parents, and hot flashes. And that’s also a gift.

So, when you’re forced to slow down for the electric scooters or there’s a nine-month shortage of fairy lights or you discover a blue hair in your burrito, remember to appreciate all that these young folks bring to our beautiful city — and that you were young once, too.

Savannah is a vital part of the Medical College of Georgia’s mission to educate the next generation of physicians for Georgia and beyond. As the third four-year campus of the state’s flagship medical school, we’re proud to welcome forty students each year who choose to train and grow in this remarkable city.

Since 2007, our partnership with St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System has given students the opportunity to complete their final two years of training alongside local health care professionals. In 2010, we expanded our reach to Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick.

Today, nearly 700 MCG alumni call the Savannah area home. We are proud to be in Savannah and continue growing a healthier community together.