Immerse Yourself In Technology at Savannah's Geekend 2012 Event

Savannah is historic.  She is beautiful.  She is haunted.  But did you know that she's also a geek?  Member bed and breakfasts of the Romantic Inns of Savannah invite you to be our guests during this year's Geekend at the Hyatt Regency from November 8-10, 2012!

To put it in layman's terms, Geekend is both a social and information-sharing conference of all things currently technical, including Internet, mobile applications, gaming, programming, social media, and more.  In essence, it is a meeting of innovators and participants in the world of computing.

Each year, BFG Communications hosts this conference filled with informational presenters, social functions,  networking, and development opportunities.  Bringing in more than 700 attendees each year, this gathering helps generate ideas, creativity, network links, and fun with like-minded people.

Should you attend Geekend?  Sure you should!  This event has something for everyone: Internet users, developers, think-tankers, artists, multimedia people... and pretty much anyone else who has ever even touched a computer!  Besides, Savannah is a beautiful place to visit in November: the weather is pleasant, the city is beautiful, the history is compelling, and there is so much to do!

This year's speakers and presenters include Sudjam developers (think Nine Inch Nails' iPhone app and website), David Carson (graphic designer for Nike, Pepsi, NIN, etc.), Kevin Curry (director for the Code for America Brigade, promoting technological development for the greater good), Charles Adler (Kickstarter co-founder), and Neal Holman (art director and producer for the "Archer" series on FX).

Passes are currently $225 for all keynote talks, workshops/lunch/coffee/conversation on Friday and Saturday, and admission to all after parties (for attendees ages 21 and over).  If you can show student or military ID, admission is greatly reduced to $85!  Want to help Thinking Cap Inc. provide grants to Savannah Public Schools and receive two Geekend t-shirts?  Then become a Big Bird attendee for $750.  Print your confirmation page (just in case), and you can pick up your badge as of Thursday, November 8th at noon (you MUST wear your badge to all events).  Group discounts are available for groups of 5 or more attendees (contact info@geek-end.com for more information).  Sorry, no cancellations, but tickets are transferable prior to November 1.

Need additional incentive?  MOO is offering free custom business cards to anyone attending Geekend in 2012!

So come take part in the future of everyone's electronic life at this year's event.  Choose lodging at your favorite Savannah B and B for restful nights in between the excitement, and a good breakfast to prepare you for each day.  We look forward to your visit!


Please note that by attending Geekend, you waive your right to any photos or videos taken of you.  From the Geekend website:

"YOU MIGHT BE PHOTOGRAPHED, VIDEOTAPED AND/OR BROADCAST ON OUR WEB SITES WITH NO COMPENSATION. By attending GEEKEND, you waive any injury or talent claims whatsoever and accept these terms and conditions. Specifically, you claim no copyright interest in your image if used as part of any websites, any video images, or any promotional materials for GEEKEND or others. By purchasing a badge, you hereby RELEASE ALL BROADCAST and TALENT RIGHTS."

Join Us for the SCAD 2012 Savannah Film Festival

What would life be without the movies?  What was once a celluloid experience has evolved into a high-tech, surround-sound escape.  Whether watching from the comfort of your home, heading to the theater, enjoying a larger-than-life IMAX journey, movies have become and integral source of entertainment for everyone.  The world over has celebrated the movies by organizing film festivals.  Cannes, Sundance, Venice, and Tribeca are some of the most-recognized film festivals out there.  But did you know that Savannah is home to one of the most welcoming film festivals?  Our relaxed atmosphere provides a friendly destination for actors, directors, producers, and viewers.  The Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you as our guests during the 2012 Savannah Film Festival from October 27 through November 3.

The event has grown regularly in the past 15 years since its inception, drawing bigger names and crowds.  Celebreties found that they enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and relatively small amount of paparazzi.  Because of this, the Festival has played host to stars such as Liam Neeson, Danny Glover, Ian McKellen, Michael Douglas, and Jane Fonda, who could be found mingling amongst the attendees at different Festival functions.

Hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the Festival presents new films from both new and established filmmakers, both independent and commercial.  There are also workshops, panels, lectures, and special screenings offered.  Some of the films you see here will go on to national viewings and may even become blockbusters.  Most movie screenings require paid admission, but other event activities are free and open to the public.

A popular attraction is the Mystery Film at the end of the Festival.  Sometimes this film has some tie to Savannah, whether it was filmed here, the story is based here, or an actor in the film is from the area... but not always.  Attendees and participants alike look forward to this fun surprise at the end of the week.

Activities take place at one of two venues:
Savannah's Trustees Theater cinema house which was once known as the Weis Theater and had one of the largest movie screens in the south at the time, and was the first to be built with adjustable air conditioning.  A stage in front could also host theatrical performances, making this a perfect location for sessions, panels and lectures during the Film Festival.  This gorgeous and historical theater is still one of our city's gems.

The Lucas Theater also features both a movie screen and stage, making it another ideal location for most Festival events.  After closing in 1976, the theater played host to failed businesses.  Slated for demolition more than once, this former Vaudeville theater was saved by a massive fundraising campaign for purchase and restoration purposes.  The general public weren't the only ones who cared, as celebrities also chipped in to help.  Even the cast and crew of the movie "Forrest Gump" - filmed right here in Savannah - contributed to the cause.  The Lucas Theater re-opened in the year 2000.

While the full Festival schedule has not yet been posted, it will be available mid-morning on October 1, 2012.  Tickets to individual events will also be available through the Festival website.  However, if you want the full Event experience, passes are currently available for purchase.

Thanks to the popularity of the Film Festival, and the great weather which invites more and more people to attend each year, over 50,000 people are expected to descend on our town for the event.  This means that area accommodations will fill up quickly!  Why not try Savannah's charming inns instead of area hotels for true southern hospitality during this very busy week?  All of our inns are within a mile of the main Festival venues, and we will be happy to host your stay!

Great-tasting October Event: Savannah Jewish Food Festival in Forsyth Park

Bring your empty stomach to one of the most popular and unique food festivals is coming to Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 28, 2012:  the Shalom Y'all Jewish Food Festival!  Our Savannah inns offer first-class accommodations and amenities during this annual event.

Now in its 24th year, this tasty event offers food, music, dance, and kids shows from 11am to 4pm.  Getting into the park is free - but you'll want to buy plenty of $1 food tickets to taste your way through the many booths serving such treats as: sandwiches, noodles, potato latkes, blintzes, strudel, challah, sodas, a variety of other kosher foods... and of course homemade sweets!

You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy all the great food and fun!  Over 10,000 attendees are expected, meaning that lines for tickets can be long.  But fear not - closer to the time of the festival, advance tickets will be available at discounted prices.  You can pick up your pre-purchased tickets before the event, and avoid waiting in those pesky lines!

The Festival is hosted by Congregation Mickve Israel, a Reform synagogue that is the third oldest in America at 279 years.  The church itslef is the only neo-Gothic style synagogue in America, and tours are available to see this amazing building and in-house museum.

Another reason to stay at a Romantic Inns of Savannah bed and breakfast:  three of our inns are adjacent to the park, meaning you can pretty much walk out the front door and be there within seconds.  Even if you are here for another reason, the scents of the festival will draw you right over!  The remainder of our current member establishments are well within a mile of Forsyth Park, allowing you to work off some of the great food during the short walk to the event!  So skip the hotels and choose your favorite historic inn during your Savannah food festival vacation!

The 2012 Jazz Festival Brings Music, Food, and Fun to Savannah

In late 1982, three students from Ben Tucker's Jazz Appreciation course at what is now Savannah State University decided to take their love of Jazz to the next level.  After some discussion, The Coastal Jazz Association was created with the purpose of sharing the music they so loved with others, and to support jazz education by sponsoring scholarships for students.  To further these efforts, the group decided to showcase local artists with the Savannah Jazz Festival on October 1, 1983.  The rest, as they say, is history.  This coastal celebration has continued through today, and the member B and Bs of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you as our guests during this year's Festival, being held from September 23-30, 2012!

Savannah's Jazz scene has long followed that of New Orleans.  With deep southern roots, a creative environment, and an influx of different musical talents through the nearby military bases, the jazz movement flourished in our beautiful city from the start.  In fact, we have produced some worldwide jazz talents in the form of Jabbo Smith, Trummy Young, Ben Riley, and James Moody.  Even the Jazz Association's own Teddy Adams has performed both here and around the globe, and still performs at the Jazz Festival each year.  These greats have inspired others from the area to contribute to this musical genre, giving the annual event reason to stay alive.

Now in its 29th year, the Jazz Festival draws attendees from the local area, around the United States, and even from other countries.  Featuring 18 different performances, workshops, seminars, and a film viewing, there is truly something for all jazz appreciators and musicians.  The free-to-the-public event even offers an opening-night Jam Session with Teddy Adams, and three additional late-night jam sessions, where anyone and everyone can join in the music (bring your own instrument)!  All activities take place at Forsyth Park in the Heart of the Historic District and Blowin' Smoke BBQ, just east of the Park at 514 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (very easy walking distance from the Festival).

Speaking of food, there will be no shortage of nourishment, as Blowin' Smoke and a number of other local eateries will offer food and drink throughout the week.  Great food and great music at a landmark event... what more could you ask for?

For the first time this year, the event will host the Coastal Jazz Association Golf Tournament on September 24th, 2012 at the Club of Savannah Harbor!  Groups of four will be assembled to play through the tournament, which features live Jazz during lunch, a Hole 17 Hole-in-One prize of a Buick Verano, and a raffle and auction.  Mulligans are available!!!  Early-bird registration prices are active through August 23, 2012.  Registration deadline is September 6, 2012.

Let's recap.

What:  Savannah Jazz Festival
When:  September 23-30, 2012
Venues:  Forsyth Park and Blowin' Smoke
Admission:  FREE!!!

35,000 attendees are expected during the Festival, meaning that rooms will fill up quickly for these dates!  Staying at a RIOS establishment makes attending a breeze, as many of our members are within a block of Forsyth Park itself, and all of our current members are within one mile of both event sites!  So make your Jazz Festival vacation plans at your favorite Savannah Inn for first-class accommodations with all the comforts of home!

Celebrate the End of Summer in Savannah at the Craft Brew Fest

Historic Savannah offers the perfect way for beer-lovers to celebrate the end of summer at the 5th Annual Savannah Craft Brew Fest Week during the entire week leading up to Labor Day from August 26-September 2, 2012!  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you during this iconic celebration.

The days leading up to the festival itself will feature special offers and activities at area shops, restaurants, and pubs.  The main Festival begins on Friday with over 50 breweries and 130 beers from the area, the country, and around the world will be in attendance, offering samples and information on their best craft brews and beer-based recipes.  And for the first time, the event will culminate in a live outdoor concert!  The beauty of Savannah's skyline and the river are a perfect backdrop for this week of enjoyment.

Tickets are available online at a discount for a variety of event packages.  Tickets are also available "at the door" at a slightly higher cost for the following event days:

Friday, August 31, 2012:  International Craft Brew Tasting from 6-9pm at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.  $55 in advance, $75 at the door.

Saturday, September 1, 2012:  The Grand Tasting from 12-5pm on the Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center featuring samples from more than 45 breweries, live music, food, and more.  VIPs (includes access to a special tasting room with rare beers) are $75 in advance, $100 at the door with a limited amount of tickets available.  General admission is $40 in advance, $45 at the door.  Designated driver attendance fee is just $10.

Sunday, September 2, 2012: Savannah Rhythm & Brews featuring the Heavy Pets, Stokeswood and Jason D. Williams, as well as Sister Hazel and the North Mississippi Allstars.  Gates open at 2pm with music from 3-10pm during the general festival.  Bring your chairs or blankets!  $40 in advance, $50 at the door.

While this is a festival, and a great way to celebrate the end of summer, this is also a beer festival.  Because of this, we would like to offer up some suggestions to those who plan to attend.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!  Your Savannah inn hosts do not want to see your visit ruined by the effects of irresponsible behavior.  PLEASE either designate your own responsible driver (Designated Driver admission is only $10), or get a taxi for your ride back to your bed and breakfast.  Even better, walk back to your bed and breakfast!  Romantic Inns of Savannah member inns are within two miles of the Convention Center!

EAT!  Food will be readily available at the event, so don't forget to nourish your body!  You'll thank us later...

DRINK WATER!  Even though this is a beer festival, we all know the dehydrating effects of alcohol.  Again, you'll thank us later...

TAKE YOUR TIME!  Just because you're at a beer tasting, it doesn't mean that you need to hurry through each booth.  Take it slow, savor the flavors, ask questions, then move on.  Why not enjoy the event for what it is?

TAKE NOTES!  With as many craft brew varieties out there, it's impossible to remember them all.  When you find one you like, note the name, the makeup (hoppy, wheaty, etc.), and the general flavor.  Not only will this help you find your favorites in the future, but it will give newer beer fans a general idea of what to look for in a beer outside of the festival.

BRING CASH!  While most event vendors are set up to take credit, some are not.  Besides, you might just want to tip those event-workers who give you great information or suggest something to see in the area.

Savannah's many B and Bs welcome you during this week of summer's end celebration and beer appreciation event.  We hope you enjoy your stay at your favorite inn lodging choice!

A Must-Do June Event: The Savannah Asian Festival

Plan your visit to Savannah during the weekend of June 23-24, and catch the 17th Annual Savannah Asian Festival, a celebration of Asian culture.  Savannah inns look forward to hosting your visit!

While statistics say that only 2 percent of the Savannah population are of Asian descent, that's actually nearly 3000 people holding great respect for their ancestry and cultural history!  It is in this spirit that the Department of Cultural Affairs has teamed with Asian-American volunteers to present this annual event to everyone of Asian descent, and to the general public.

Now in it's 17th year, the Asian Festival  will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Savannah Civic Center MLK Arena.  The free-to-the-public festival features live stage performances from a variety of Asian cultures, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural displays.  Area restaurants will provide authentic food for purchase.  Shop the cultural marketplace featuring arts, and crafts including paintings, paper, clothing, accessories, and henna body painting, to name a few.  An educational workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea will also be offered.

Children will enjoy their own activity area, where they can learn more about Asian cultures through martial arts demonstrations and hands-on activities.  Origami paper folding is one popular children's activity offered along with Diwali treasure boxes and  Asian flag making, among others.

Whether you are of Asian descent, or you have an appreciation for all things Asian, this festival should definitely be on your list of things to do in Savannah.  Contact your Savannah B and B innkeeper for more information about the event, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Enjoy the Armed Forces Festival this Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend brings Savannah's annual Armed Forces Day!  In honor of the holiday, innkeepers of historic Savannah, GA inns would like to extend our gratitude to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, families of those who are serving/have served, and anyone who just appreciates everything these brave men and women do for our country!  We invite you all to be our guests for the weekend of May 25-27, 2012 and for tribute and thanks during this annual Savannah event.

This free, family event kicks off at 9am on May 25th with a welcome ceremony honoring men and women in uniform.  The River Street event continues with patriotic music performances, arts and craft booths, DJ music, food concessions, and more!  This event benefits the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation which provides emergency relief assistance to soldiers and airmen serving in the Georgia National Guard, and to other qualified military members living in Georgia.  The event is open from 9am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sunday.

Pair this with the charm of River Street, and you have a great excuse to spend this celebration weekend in Savannah.  So make plans to stay at your favorite Savannah inn, and have a safe, sound, and patriotic Memorial Day weekend!

Savannah Scottish Games, Savannah Event

Savannah bed and breakfasts welcome you for the 36th Annual Savannah Scottish Games on Friday, May 4 2012 and Saturday, May 5, 2012!  Held on the campus of Bethesda Academy, this Savannah event celebrates the best of Scottish and Celtic heritage.

Friday evening features a Whiskey Tasting at Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub and Grille (tickets may be obtained in advance at both Pub locations, or may be purchased at the door), and the Piping and Drumming Block Party to celebrate the 'Night Before the Games' at the Congress Street Social Club.

Saturday brings a full day of competition and family fun.  Enjoy Heavy Athlete competitions, the USIR Highland Dancing southern Regional Championships, Pre-Premier Highland Dancing, gathering of Scottish Clans, Parade of Tartans, Tug-O-War, Border Collie skill demonstrations, Children's Activities, food, and music.

Learn about the different Clans at the Clan booths on the event grounds.  Wander through the Historical Encampment demonstrating the life of Savannah's early Scotch settlers.  Find your roots at the Genealogy booth.  Shop for your favorite goods from our vendors, whether the goods be Scottish or not.  Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Cynergy and the Savannah Ceili Band throughout the day.  But most of all, have a great time with the whole family!

Sunday, May 6, 2012 brings an optional worship opportunity for both Clansmen and attendees.  The Kirkin' o' the Tartans will be held at 11:00 am at the Independent Presbyterian Church at Bull Street and Oglethorpe Street in the Historic District.

Tickets for the event are available in advance at both locations of Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub & Grille, and at all locations of The Savannah Bank.  Tickets will also be available at the gate on Saturday.

Reserve your Savannah lodging for this unforgettable event, and enjoy a weekend of Savannah heritage and fun!  Cead mile fàilte!

St Patricks Day in Savannah, Savannah Events

Savannah bed and breakfasts invite you to experience St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, one of the largest and best of all area events and celebrations!

Some have said the festivities surrounding the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah are similar to Mardi Gras. However, Savannah hosts only one parade, and displays of public nudity will get you arrested in our beautiful city.  Festivities in our city are for the entire family.

A week's worth of activities lead up to the spectacular St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012:

Friday, March 9, 2012 at noon:  Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain.

Saturday, March 10, 2012:  Tara Feis Irish Celebration, featuring Irish music, dancing, crafts, food and other family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Sunday, March 11, 2012:  Celtic Cross Mass and Ceremony - this Celtic Cross Procession to Bay Street is "the parade before The Parade," honoring family, heritage, and history surrounding Saint Patrick's Day.

Friday, March 16, 2012:  Sergeant William Jasper Green Ceremony, honoring this Revolutionary War hero, and all servicemen and women, with special recognition for those of Irish descent.

Saturday, March, 17, 2012 at 8am:  Mass at Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist downtown before the parade.

Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:15am:  The Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade begins!

And what a parade it is!  The St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest annual city parade, and the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the United States, if not the world!

Savannah's 3-hour parade features over 350 units, including floats, bands, military corps, and other organizations.  The parade route winds through the National Landmark Historic District and within two blocks of our beautiful downtown lodging options - some of them are actually on the parade route itself!  And it is just a short drive/ride from our Tybee Island inns to the parade route.

Historic River Street is THE place to be during the "green season", as events will be held during the week leading up to the parade, and the days following.  But of course the entire city will be celebrating the holiday, so you can certainly opt to have a quieter visit in other parts of town, closer to your bed and breakfast Savannah accommodations.

The innkeepers of the Romantic Inns of Savannah will be happy to offer suggestions for both popular and more-subdued Irish-related destinations during your stay.  We welcome you to the celebrations!

Savannah Book Festival, February Special Events

Savannah, Georgia inns look forward to hosting you during your attendance of the 5th Annual Savannah Book Festival, one of many February Events in Savannah!

This year, the Festival is a five-day event in honor of the Book Festivals fifth anniversary.   It will be a fun, informative, and entertaining celebration of books and the written word. Authors from all over the country will be in attendance to present their work to, and discuss their work with, audiences in attendance.

Held this year from February 15 through February 19, 2012, the Savannah Book Festival is a world-class literary event bringing over 40 critically-acclaimed authors and thousands of readers together in Savannah.

This event is free and open to the public. However some specific events, presentations, and ceremonies are ticketed affairs. Tickets are first-come, first-serve and can be purchased online at SavannahBookFestival.org. Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferrable, and must be made by 5pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. You will also see a few fundraising activities during the event to keep this a free festival in the future.

Most events take place in or around Telfair Square in historic downtown Savannah, GA, within one mile of most of our Romantic Inns of Savannah (Tybee Island notwithstanding).  Presentation venues include the Telfair Museum, the Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts, and Trinity United Methodist Church.

While there is not yet a specific itinerary for each day, we do know that you can come to the main Savannah Book Festival tent to purchase books and have them signed by authors. So far there are 42 authors who will be in attendance during the event.

The Headlining ticketed events have been announced.   Tickets can still be purchased for those events not listed as sold out (at the time of this posting):

- Wednesday, Febrary 15, 2012: Kick-Off Celebration with An Evening with Brad Thor, Cocktails and Dinner at the Plantation Club in The Landings at 6PM. This is a ticketed event.

- Thursday, February 16, 2012: An Evening with Walter Isaacson at the Trustees Theater at 6:30 PM. This is a ticketed event.

- Friday, February 17, 2012: Evening Keynote Address with Pat Conroy at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 6 PM and VIP/Meet the Author Party to follow at the Jepson Center.   This is a ticketed event.

- Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 9:30 AM to 5 PM: Author Presentations in the Jepson Museums, Trinity United Methodist Church and tent in Telfair Square.

- Saturday, February 18: Evening Authors Only Party to be held at a private home in historic downtown Savannah. This event is, regrettably, not open to the public.

- Sunday, February 19, 2012: Closing Address with Guest of Honor, Stephen King at 3:00 at the Trustees Theater. This is a sold-out ticketed event.

A full schedule of daily events will be available on February 1, 2012.

So come stay at your favorite area bed and breakfast, and walk through historic downtown while attending the Savannah Book Festival!