Savannah GA News | A Winter Wonderland in Savannah Georgia

Published on November 30, 2018

The Lowcountry is a place that has no sleepy seasons. In fact, when the rest of the country goes into hibernation from the cold weather, one of America’s favorite cities in the South still thrives and sparkles all throughout the year. Established in 1733, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia.

It has one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country. Preserved and cherished, Charles Dickens would feel right at home in Savannah this season. The holiday season amplifies its beauty with twinkling lights adorning the Spanish Moss draped trees that line the cobblestone streets and exquisitely designed architecture to create a one-of-a-kind experience that has become signature to this colorful Georgian town.

With twenty city squares full of activity, the preserved downtown filled with antebellum architecture offers a perfect blend of “new and old world appeal” creating a town that is filled with ambiance and scenic beauty, especially during the holidays. If you’ve got Georgia on your mind, here are some of fun things to do in Savannah this winter season:

DECEMBER

Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes is a great way to explore some of the historic architecturally designed antebellum homes scattered throughout downtown. These impressive showplaces are decorated to this hilt this holiday season are open to the public. Sponsored by Savannah’s Downtown Neighborhood Association, the monies raised are used to protect the National Historic Landmark District and preserve Savannah’s downtown. This is an awesome tour that Savannah realtors enjoy sharing with visitors looking for Savannah gated communities.
Gingerbread Display & Competition is a free event held from November 24 - December 28 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. This is the 18th Annual Gingerbread Competition which was launched in conjunction with the Annual Boat Parade of Lights on November 24th. The display will be open to the public daily with no charge and runs through the season. There will be nightly events for local charities for a small fee but supporting the worthwhile causes are well worth this holiday excursion. Sponsored by The Westin Savannah and the Savannah Harbor Foundation.
A Christmas Tradition - “A Christmas Tradition” is a sparkling 2-hour performance that ignites the holiday season with comedy and audience participation and is a much anticipated event at the historic Savannah Theatre downtown. There are multiple shows scheduled throughout the month of December and it is a fun family event enjoyed annually by all who attend. Adult tickets are $37 and children (under 18) are $18. Plan ahead to attend this eclectic show celebrating the season.
Christmas on the River Celebration there is no better place to do holiday shopping than the annual holiday celebration on the Savannah River downtown. It is here were gift seekers can find a wide collection of one-of-a-kind items to choose from regional artists and craft vendors. Enjoy live music, great eateries and exquisite holidays displays while exploring this exciting decorated seaport town.
Jingle Bell Block Hop will be held December 8th from 2 to 4pm on Ellis Square downtown. This family-friendly event will feature a block party for residents and tourists alike. Live performances, singing and dancing will invite attendees to celebrate the season Savannah style. Bring the kids and enjoy this fun filled afternoon in downtown.
Here We Come A Caroling happens on December 15th from 5 to 7pm. Come and raise your voice with local carolers while shopping the unique shopping venues offered in Savannah’s Historic District.
Skatefest is another winter tradition that happens in downtown Savannah. Open from December 7, 2018 through January 2, 2019 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena, this family friendly event is a great way to get some awesome exercise while enjoying the festive scenery. Skate rental is only $8 per person and 6-person punch passes are only $40. For ticket information visit the Savannah Civic Center Box Office or the skateshop counter during scheduled event times within the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena.

JANUARY

Savannah Hockey Classic will be hosting this athletic challenge for the 20th year on January 18th and 19th at the Savannah Civic Center. Started in 1999, this classic hockey challenge between Georgia and Florida rivals has become an epic square off of four prestigious colleges; The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida State and the University of Florida. College hockey fans flock to the Savannah Civic Center each January for this legendary battle.
Mountainfilm Savannah is a tour that happens every January. This year this culturally enriching event will take place January 24th through the 26th. With a mission to educate and inspire audiences through the power of film, people, stories and conversation. Mountainfilm on Tour offers feature films for all ages ranging from adventure to heartwarming storylines.

FEBRUARY

15th Annual Gray's Reef Ocean Film Festival will be held Friday, February 9th to Sunday, February 11th. Come explore the exotic ecosystem of Savannah’s own Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. This unique event combines art, education and entertainment to enlighten the community in the conservation of ocean species. This year’s festival will offer two nights of films at the Trustees Theater, an afternoon of “Emerging Filmmakers Session” at SCAD Museum of Art Theater, and a closing Sunday matinee at the Tybee Post Theater. The event kicks off on Thursday evening the 8th with a Founders Party in downtown Savannah with proceeds benefitting the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Come support their ocean preservation efforts at this worthwhile benefit.
Georgia Historical Society's Super Museum Sunday is the perfect time to visit Savannah’s rich historical and cultural sites preserved in this seaport town. On Sunday, February 10th, 2019 from 12 to 4pm, the Georgia Historical Society opens it’s door to the state’s wide variety of venues available for both residents and tourists to enjoy with over 40 museums and cultural centers participating in just Savannah and Tybee Island. This is a great journey through time to see the rich history that makes this town one of the most visited spots in Georgia and one of the best places to live in the State. The event is FREE from 12 to 4pm and is great time to plan a trip to this captivating city.
Savannah Book Festival will be held February 14th through the 17th 2019 in some of Savannah’s historical buildings in downtown. This event draws close to 10,000 people annually and features up-and-coming writers who participate in meet-and-greet, book signings and colorful speeches to encourage and stimulate curious minds. Come get enlightened at this uplifting cultural event.
Savannah Black Heritage Festival is another highly popular annual event that has held its 29th year of festivities in 2018 celebrating the rich infusion of black culture integrated in the Savannah community. Music, cuisine, performing and visual arts appeal to all ages at this colorful celebration of black heritage. Ethnic dance, local artists and traditional food accent this spectacular festival that decorates downtown.

While visiting Savannah and nearby Tybee Island, folks are quickly discovering that this is indeed one of the best places to live in Southeast Georgia. Did you know one of the premier Savannah gated communities that can be found just 15 minutes from downtown?

The Landings on Skidaway Island is a resort-style community known for its impressive amenities and incredible curb appeal. When it comes to all-inclusive “island living with distinction”, The Landings is the place to be. It has six championship golf courses, 4 golf clubhouses featuring exceptional dining options, one of the most prestigious tennis clubs in Savannah and 2 well-equipped marinas for boat storage and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Intracoastal Waterway.

For exercise buffs, there are 30 miles of well-designed biking and hiking trails along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. The community is highly active and it’s a place where it’s easy to make friends. Savannah realtors and us admit one of the best Savannah gated communities is The Landings.

Named by Savannah Magazine as the “Best Planned Community in 2018” there is obviously a reason why. Whether it is golf course home, weekend retreat or a waterfront estate, there is the perfect place for everyone looking for the ultimate resort lifestyle away from the hassle of big city living.

The island life offered on Skidaway is amazing. The neighborhoods are surrounded with tidal marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway that provide a perfect resource to enjoy the rich landscaping and exotic wildlife that inhabit the region. Jump on the boat or drive to one of the nearby beaches of Wassaw or Tybee Island for a day retreat and residents know that this is the best piece of real estate to be found in the state of Georgia.

Once folks drive through the gates, there is an extension of the heartfelt expressions of Savannah. The lush greenspace and oaks draped in Spanish-mossed add to the sense of peace.

The Landings has many community parks scattered throughout that are beautifully landscaped and inviting. Residents even have access to their own organic farm for growing healthy farm to table produce!

Here are some of the other reasons The Landings is one of the top selling properties in Savannah:

There are 2 full-service-deep water marinas at The Landings. Landings Harbor and Delegal Creek that both offer access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Intracoastal. The Landings Harbor Marina enters the Wilmington River on the north end of the island and has dry rack storage for 276 boats up to 30 feet and wet storage for 29 boats up to 40 feet and also offers Yacht services and marine maintenance. The Delegal Creek Marina on the south end of Skidaway can house 69 boats up to 125 feet in length and offers amazing views of the Intracoastal Waterway and close proximity to Ossabaw Sound.
6 CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES golfing is one of the favorite pastimes at The Landings at one of the award-winning courses that have been recognized as “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries” by Audubon International. Marshwood was originally designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and Frank Duane in 1974 and updated in 2003; The Magnolia is the second course created by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and considered the most challenging, especially the front 9 from the Championship tees; The Palmetto Course designed by Arthur Hills is another challenging greenway with the first 6 holes giving golfers the biggest hurdle; on the south end of the property; the Plantation Course designed by Willard Byrd is complemented with a country themed clubhouse offering spectacular views of the surrounding marshlands, Adams Creek and Ossabaw Sound with lagoons and stoic oaks lining the fairways; The Oakridge course by Arthur Hills incorporates split level fairways and is considered “one of the sportiest on the island”; Deer Creek designed by Tom Fazio offers wide greenways, updated cart paths and challenging par 3 holes. As you can tell, this is indeed one of the best Savannah golf communities.
CLUB DINING IN FOUR CLUBHOUSES - The Landings Club offers 7 distinctive dining venues to choose from. There are four clubhouses offering excellent dining venues ranging from casual to 5-star. Fresh coastal farm to market dishes, low country traditional, awesome steaks and sushi are just a few of the offerings at the clubhouses found here. The Plantation, Oakridge, Deer Creek and Marshwood. The cuisine prepared by world-class chefs are designed using local resources and fresh organic ingredients. For casual fare, The Café at Franklin Creek Tennis Center is quite popular for a tasty snack after a round of tennis. For a hearty steak, the Tudor-style Oakridge Steak & Pub offers two choices, fine dining on one side and casual on the other. Views of the 18th hole make this the perfect spot for date night or to watch local sporting events at the pub with friends. The Plantation Clubhouse assimilates an antebellum estate accented with an inviting front porch and huge bay windows. There are several dining options here ranging for sushi, pizza to go, bar fare and a full dinner menu offering regional favorites like Shrimp & Grits, Roderic’s Southern Fried Chicken, and Mama’s Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. Are you hungry now?
30 MILES OF TRAILS, VAST PARKS makes this destination ideal for the outdoor adventurer. There are naturally preserved forests and lush marshlands that surround the property making this the perfect place to venture into the environment to exercise, explore and bond with nature. This is an outdoor wonderland.
3 TENNIS CENTERS AND 33 COURTS tennis is the way of life at The Landings Tennis Academy There are 33 Har-Tru courts, 11 of which are lit for night play at three different locations. The Landings Club was honored with the “2015 Bliss Award for Best Tennis Community” for its commendable tennis program and stellar court designs. In addition to tennis, there are other court sports to enjoy here. There is also pickleball, bocce and platform tennis courts available for group play and is a highly social network for residents at The Landing.

Staying fit continues to be a top priority with residents and there’s no better place than the fully equipped 48,000 square foot Oakridge Fitness Center and Spa. Add to it four swimming pools and outdoor summer festivities and buyers will find this is the complete package for buying or building a property just outside Savannah.

There is a wide array of stellar architectural home styles available at The Landings. Whether it a golf course home, patio home or waterfront estate, this award-winning community is known for its wide variety of home choices and wellness amenities.

Take the time this winter, to discover one of the best Savannah gated communities in the region, The Landings on Skidaway Island.