Art Events in the Savannah Area: Tybe Island Shows and Sales

Created to promote arts in the Tybee Island and Savannah areas, the Tybee Arts Association (TAA) is a non-profit organization that supports visual and performing arts by offering art classes, plays, workshops, and art shows to the local community, in the hopes of making Tybee Island an arts destination for all.  Just east of Savannah, the Island is a great destination during your bed and breakfast stay!

The TAA weekend Show and Sale is an event offered several times throughout the year to showcase member visual artists, both established and new.  Area residents and visitors alike attend the FREE show to find the perfect piece(s) of art for their home.  Each show features paintings, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, note cards, and more - often depicting a particular show theme.  Art demonstrations and music are also often offered.

Upcoming shows include:

July 7-8, 2012:  "Laissez faire" - a small, more laid-back version of the show located at the Tybee Arts Firehouse Arts Center at #7 Cedarwood on Tybee Island.  Hours are 10am to 6pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

August 31 - September 2, 2012:  No theme selected yet.  This show follows the 'standard,' larger format at the Tybee Arts Firehouse Arts Center at #7 Cedarwood.  Open 6pm to 9pm Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, and 10am to 5pm Sunday.

November 2-4, 2012:  No theme selected yet.  Also a 'standard format' show at the Tybee Arts Firehouse Arts Center at #7 Cedarwood.  Open 6pm to 9pm Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, and 10am to 5pm Sunday.  This is a great chance to get a jump on your Christmas shopping!

2013 shows have not yet been announced, however we anticipate another 5- to 6-show season throughout the year.

These art shows are a perfect diversion during your day-trip out to Tybee Island.  Enjoy a great breakfast at your host inn, head out for a day on the Island with a stopover at the TAA Show and Sale event, then return to Savannah for a fantastic area dinner and restful night in your perfectly-appointed B and B guestroom.  As always, we look forward to your visit!

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Savannah River

Savannah's history and charm make it the perfect vacation location.  However, if you mix that with a fantastic riverfront atmosphere in historic downtown, you have the makings for a perfect place for a National celebration.  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah formally invite you to join us on the Savannah River for an unforgettable July 4, 2012 holiday!

And we do celebrate in style, starting with the fireworks on July 4, 2012 at 9:15pm!  The fireworks are simulcast with music by area radio stations to create a colorful, musical celebration.  Fireworks can be seen from any vantage point along River Street.

You can also choose to get a view of the fireworks from the river by taking a Savannah Riverboat Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise!  Choose the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen for a 90-minute cruise with a cash bar, snack bar, and the riverboat DJ offering up your favorite music.  Each riverboat features two climate-controlled decks and an open-air top deck.  Cruises begin at 8pm.

The weekend following Independence Day is known as The Great American Weekend in Savannah.  Held annually on or around July 4, this event brings fun and food to River Street.  Here you will find artists selling their wares from craft to fine art, great food, entertainment, games, and more.  If the street vendors aren't enough, you can get your fill of shopping among the many restaurants, shops, and pubs with more permanent River Street locations.  This year's event falls on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 10am.

While these are Savannah's main holiday events, there are alternative activities available in areas around the city.  Feel free to contact your Savannah B and B innkeeper for information regarding these activities, transportation, parking, and other concerns.

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!

Attend SavCon, A New Event For Transformers Fans

The Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you as our guests during the first Savannah SavCon Transformers Convention!  This first installment of what we hope will become an annual area event for fans of the Transformers Franchise.

Held from June 22, 2012 through June 24, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Savannah, the event features Hollywood stars and voice actors from the Transformers entertainment industry.  Event activities include autograph sessions, dealer booths, an art contest, costume contests, and a variety of panel sessions.  Of course, you will see the amazing costumes of the general attendees each day (costumes optional for attendees).

This year's special guests include a team of voice actors including Neil Kaplan, Daniel Ross, Greg Berger, and Lee Tockar (meet them at autograph sessions).  Pre-registrants have the opportunity to attend a concert featuring Tailirine Irene, a Savannah Native who entertains with techno-geek rock/rap/musical performances.

Panel speakers/topics include:

- Cosplay for a Cure, showcasing costumes and taking donations for Cancer awareness.
- East Coast Cosplayers, discussing costume creation and implementation.
- Transcostumers, discussing the creation of costumes seen all over the country.
- Ragin Nation "LIVE", discussing movie direction and video vlogging, among other topics.
- "Randall Ng, My Animated Life: Blood, Sweat, and Gears," regarding Randall's career in gaming and animation.
- Voice Acting Panel, all about careers in voice acting, by voice actors Neil Kaplan, Daniel Ross, Greg Berger, and Lee Tockar.
- "Transforming Transformers: Making Transformers Funny," featuring Transformers humor by Jon Bailey Crumpton, a voice-over artist and impressionist.

While rooms may be available at the Hilton, we find that many convention-goers prefer to get away to a more hospitable and relaxing atmosphere of a Savannah bed and breakfast inn.  So book your room now to enjoy both great Savannah lodging and an unforgettable SavCon Convention!

Area Residences Shine During the Tybee Island Tour of Homes

The Romantic Inns of Savannah look forward to hosting your stay during the 15th Annual Tybee Island Tour of Homes, happening on Saturday June 9, 2012 from 10am - 4pm.  Just east of Savannah, Tybee Island is easily accessible by car - just a 25 minute drive from most of our Savannah inn lodging members.

During the tour, you will see homes of all sorts, each with its own uniqueness and character.  The tour allows Tybee residents to show off their beloved living spaces, and it lets visitors admire the sights, get ideas for their own homes, and enjoy some time on beautiful Tybee Island.

The event takes place rain or shine, and lunch is included in the Tour ticket price.  Tickets are $30 in advance, or $35 on the day of the Tour.  Purchase tickets at Gayle Bolton’s Gallery By The Sea on Tybee Island, the Atlantic Beacon Gallery on Tybee Island, or at Shaver’s Bookstore in Savannah.  Gale Bolton's Gallery also sells tickets over the phone at 912-786-7979 - a valid credit card is needed to complete your purchase.

Proceeds from the Tour benefit the Tybee Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry, and the Tybee Island Maritime Academy Charter School.  The Tour Lunch will be served served at St. Michael's School gym at 714 Lovell Avenue, between 11am and 2pm.

Plan your June Savannah getaway now, and take a peek at some great homes during the Tybee Island Tour of Homes.  We will have your room ready and waiting for your return to your beautiful Savannah inn of choice.

Especially for Train Lovers: The Roundhouse Railroad Museum

Does the sight of twin-tracks make you smile?  Do you get giddy with the sound of that distant whistle?  Does your heart beat in time to the cadence of a locomotive?  Do you stare longingly at the end of a train, knowing that today's children will never feel the delight at the sight of that red caboose?  If so, Savannah's Roundhouse Railroad Museum is a must-see during your stay at a bed and breakfast in Savannah, GA!

Both a State Museum and a National Historic Landmark, the Roundhouse is a railroad-lover's dream, and a popular area attraction.  In 1850, ground was broken on what would become the largest existing railroad terminal and repair shop complex in the US.  The Central Railroad had offices and buildings that handled passengers, goods, maintenance, and manufacturing.  Of the original Central of Georgia Railway complex buildings, thirteen still stand today - five with permanent exhibits.

The Roundhouse proper is one of those thirteen buildings left, and the turntable is still operational on-site.  Visitors can also see steam and diesel locomotives, a variety of rail cars (including cabooses!), the 126-foot smokestack, model railroads, and more!

The Museum is open from 10am to 4pm daily for self-guided tours.  Pricing is $10 for Adults, and $6 for Children 6 and under (children 1 year and under are free).  Admission includes a train ride and any extra onsite activities that may be happening that day.  The Museum is at the very northern corner of downtown at 601 West Harris Street.

When you plan your Savannah bed and breakfast vacation, make sure to plan some time for the Roundhouse Railroad Museum.  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah look forward to your visit!

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!