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Shamrocks, Leprechauns, and Parades: St. Patrick’s Day!

March 14, 2019

Shamrocks, Leprechauns, and Parades: St. Patrick’s Day!

As children we learned that on St. Patrick’s Day we wear green to avoid getting pinched. There were also tales of leprechauns, and pots of gold at the ends of rainbows. As we got older, we carried on the age old tradition of wearing green, but might have added a pint (or two) of Guinness to the mix. Though this holiday began as a religious fest day for the Patron Saint of Ireland, it has since turned into an international celebration of Irish culture.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to be abroad and in Dublin, Ireland, for St. Patrick’s Day. Starting the day with the parade of peculiar floats, a tour of the Guinness Factory (where you got a free pint of the beer when you reached the top of the 8-story factory, complete with a shamrock drawn in the foam), and hopping around Dublin for the rest of the day and in to the night, it was a celebration like no other. (And I’m sure that no other celebration will ever top it, though there are many amazing festivities throughout the United States.) New York and Boston are said to have some of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country, New York City being the site of the first ever parade on March, 17, 1762. In the South, Savannah, Georgia, also has a buzzworthy celebration. From March 14-17, Savannah’s River Street is host to the biggest party of the year. Multiple stages are set up for continuous live entertainment. Interactive games and copious amounts of food and beverage are available as well. Though they don’t actually dye the river green, the fountain in Forsyth Park is greened for the festivities. This year, the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019. The parade begins promptly at 10:15 a.m., but road closures could start as early as 6:30 a.m. It’s free and open to the public! If you happen to be in the area (or feel up to making a trip), this is one event you don’t want to miss.

While parades are a traditional part of this holiday, there are also other traditions and symbols that are associated with it, like eating corned beef and cabbage. Here are a few other fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day!

Green wasn’t always the color associated with the holiday. In fact, it was actually blue. But over the years, green started to take its place, people wearing green ribbons and shamrocks at celebrations as early as the 17^th century.
In ancient Ireland, the shamrock was a sacred plant, serving as the symbol of the rebirth of spring. It’s also been the symbol of the country since the 18^th century.
Leprechauns probably stemmed from the Celtic belief in fairies. They were known as cranky souls tasked with the job of repairing the shoes of other fairies. They were only minor characters in Celtic folklore, and were infamous for their trickery, which they used to protect their much-fabled treasure—the pot of gold.

No matter where you are, there is bound to be a St. Patrick’s Day celebration near you. So suite up in green, and enjoy a day of Irish culture.

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Savannah, Georgia

The Landings on Skidaway Island is a private gated community known as much for its beauty as for its personality. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway and just 12 miles from the charming and historic city of Savannah, GA, The Landings celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012. Read More...

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Pooler, Georgia

Developed by SunCal, Savannah Quarters, Savannah Quarters is a master planned community ideally located less than 15 minutes from the center of historic Savannah, GA. Read More...

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Waterways - Best Places to Live in Georgia

Richmond Hill, Georgia

Waterways is a 2,300-acre master-planned community located just 30 minutes from historic Savannah, Georgia, in charming Richmond Hill. Surrounded by a 1,600 acre nature preserve, this is a place where six-and-a-half miles of marsh frontage, over four miles of winding lagoons, and more than a thousand acres of ancient oak hammocks embrace our new homes and homesites. Read More...

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Romantic Getaways

February 13, 2019

Romantic Getaways

With holiday travels long over with and summer vacation months away, now is the perfect time to break out of your routine and go on a long romantic weekend with your significant other. If you can time it so that it falls on Valentine’s Day, even better! But we think it’s possible to fill any weekend with love. Here are a few weekend trips we came up with to rekindle the romance.

Cabin in the Woods

Take advantage of each other’s company and cozy up in a cabin. Whether it’s a fancy yurt or a picturesque ski lodge, the winter is a great time to enjoy Mother Nature. Picture this: a snowy forest surrounding your wood cabin, a crackling fire, a warm dinner and a bottle of wine. Now that sounds like a relaxing weekend! During the day, consider hitting the slopes or taking a horseback ride in the sun. There are many locations all over the Southeast that offer this type of getaway and allow you to customize your experience to your taste. If getting away from it all sounds like a dream, but getting outside isn’t your idea of a good time, simply enjoy one another’s company.

Book a Spa Getaway

If imbibing doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, consider booking a spa getaway for two. Many spas and wellness centers now offer comprehensive couples treatments that will allow the both of you to relax simultaneously while still having a little fun. If you think your significant other won’t submit to a pedicure treatment, many spas and wellness centers offer various services that appeal to those looking to relax and those looking to get active. With thorough research, you can easily find a spa that fits within your price range. But don’t forget to get out and enjoy time together. Book healthy dinners for two and head outside for some physical activity.

A Wine Filled Weekend

Another romantic destination is wine country, which can now be found on the East Coast! Reserve a room at a quaint bed and breakfast and you’ll feel right at home. Most B&B’s are conveniently located, but others are tucked away in hidden nooks. Use your days to book winery and brewery tours. Many vendors offer package pricing that allow you to actually get an insider look at how these beverages are produced. Once your tour is over, the best part starts! With a renewed appreciation for the process, the wine or beer will taste that much better. Use the rest of the weekend to explore the interesting towns that help foster these unique ventures. Go antiquing or browse through an independent bookstore. Grab a cup of coffee or listen to a live band.

Traveling together is a great way to build upon an already stable relationship and also create new memories. It’s easy to spend a weekend at the mall, but things don’t last nearly as long as experiences. You can go for a weekend or you can go for a week, but no matter what you do, make sure it’s together.

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Holiday Recipe – Cocktails

November 18, 2018

Holiday Recipe – Cocktails

Add A Little Kick to Your Holiday Party

As soon as the weather starts gets a chill in the air, party invitations begin showing up in your mailbox. In addition to family get-togethers, the holidays are filled with plenty of social mingling. Whether you’re a hostess extraordinaire or bringing a drink to a pot luck style meal, a few tips can’t hurt during this busy season. So, we’ve compiled a few cocktails sure to please everyone. Just follow these simple instructions for straightforward party success!

Southern Comfort Punch via Martha Stewart
Ingredients:
6 lemons
4 navel oranges
2 six-ounce frozen lemonade, concentrate
1 six-ounce frozen orange juice, concentrate
1 liter Southern Comfort
2 liters lemon-lime soda

Directions
Step 1
-Slice lemons and oranges into thin layers
-Wrap two baking sheets in plastic wrap
-Place slices of lemon and orange on baking sheets
-Place in freezer for 2-2.5 hours, or until frozen

Step 2
-Place frozen lemonade and orange juice into punch bowl
-Add lemon lime soda
-Add Southern Comfort and a few handfuls of ice
-Place frozen fruit slices in punch

Step 3
-Drink and enjoy! Yields 12 to 20.

Hot Cider Nog via Southern Living
Ingredients:
2 cups half and half
1 cup milk
1 cup apple cider
2 large eggs
½ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ cup bourbon (optional)
½ cup whipping cream, whipped
Cinnamon stick as garnish

Directions:
Whisk together half and half, milk, apple cider, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. When mixture thickens (about 15 min), add bourbon. Top each glass with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. Yields 5.5 cups.

Hot Buttered Rum via Marie Claire
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mount Gay Eclipse Rum

Batter:
1 lb. light brown sugar
½ lb. unsalted butter (softened)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground allspice
2 tsp vanilla extract

Batter Instructions:
Beat softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and spices together. Place in the refrigerator up to month.

Drink Directions:
-Preheat a coffee mug
-Place 2 tbsp (large) of batter into mug along with 1.5 oz of Rum
-Place boiling water into mug and stir

And if you’re looking for something that tastes good, but still allows you to drive home, check out this mocktail recipe!

Sleigh Driver via Eating Well
Ingredients:
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
3 pears, diced and divided
2 quarts apple cider
1 lemon, halved and sliced
1 tblspoon ground allspice
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Directions:
-Combine water, sugar, ginger, one pear in a saucepan. Bring to a boil using medium to high heat. Strain and return mixture to pan.
-Add the rest of the diced pears, cider, lemon and allspice and heat, stirring for 15 minutes.
-Add cranberries and vanilla extract and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve in mugs. Enjoy! Yields 10 servings.

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Labor Day: In Honor of You

August 28, 2018

Labor Day: In Honor of You

By Bethany Tap

The first Monday of the month of September is always Labor Day. This year, you may be taking a mini vacation for the Labor Day weekend or just kicking back on September 3 (Labor Day). It’s a national holiday, so every full-time worker in America gets the day off. But why do we get a holiday? What are we celebrating? We’re celebrating America’s workers and the contributions they have made to make our country prosperous and strong. In other words, we’re celebrating you.

Originally celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City, the celebration became nationally recognized in 1894. Today, we often associate Labor Day weekend with trips to the beach, outdoor barbecues and grilling, parades, festivals and fairs, and even fireworks.

No matter where you are in the U.S., there is probably a Labor Day celebration near you. These celebrations vary widely and not all of them involve parades and fireworks (although many do, including Knoxville’s Boomsday fireworks celebration.)

If you’re an avid reader, greater Atlanta hosts the Decatur Book Festival on Labor Day Weekend, and in D.C. you can attend the Library of Congress National Book Festival. And for the more active individuals, Virginia Beach hosts Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon, which also includes a 5K and Mile in the Sand run.

Other fun Labor Day events include beer and wine festivals, such as the Harvest Festival at First Colony Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia and the Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival in Houston, Texas.

There are also music festivals (such as the Patsy Cline Music Fest in Winchester, VA) where you can celebrate any type of music you like, from folk to jazz. There are art festivals and even a hot air balloon festival in the Atlanta area. There are county fairs with pageants and pet shows and parades. There are even craft festivals, such as the Mile High Kite & Craft Festival on Beech Mountain. You wouldn’t believe the variety of things that people can celebrate on Labor Day. It is as varied as the types of jobs we work.

Labor Day also marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons, but there’s still time for the baseball fans to catch a game on the weekend. Even if going to festivals or county fairs isn’t your thing, you can always kick up your feet and watch a game. Or you can celebrate Labor Day at the ballpark!

With all of these awesome activities to do, there’s no excuse not to do something on Labor Day. But remember, the most important part of this holiday is celebrating you as a worker, whether you’ve worked in the past and have retired, or work presently. You are the reason for Labor Day, a contributing member of society. So go hunker down and read a book, run a half marathon, drink a glass of wine or a beer, watch the fireworks, enjoy the parade or festival, or take yourself out to the ball game. There’s plenty to do and it’s all in honor of you!

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#NationalHotDogDay – Bring on the Chicken

July 18, 2018

#NationalHotDogDay – Bring on the Chicken

Recipe by: Fanny Slater

A undoubtedly American tradition, the hot dog is something to be celebrated, indeed. But, because there’s enough pork being passed around on #NationalHotDogDay and everyday (not to mention pork can be a touch heavy on the hips!), why not choose chicken? Please everyone in your crowd tonight or any night with this protein-packed plate. Use something a bit less fatty like chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage of your choice. The other benefit of many poultry-based links (and most soy alternatives) is that they come fully cooked, so all you need to worry about is heating them through. For this recipe, don’t count on yellow mustard or neon relish in these sophisticated snacks bearing bourbon-infused fennel (a proud member of spring’s produce team) and a light roasted tomato cream. Drop (the mic) and all of that between a bun, slice into several pieces, and serve on a checkered cloth as the sun goes down.

Chicken Sausage Dogs with Drunken Fennel & Roasted Tomato Cream

YIELD 8 dogs

2 ea large vine ripened tomatoes, quartered

2 tbsp olive oil

pinch kosher salt and coarse black pepper

3 tbsp butter

2 ea large fennel bulbs, thinly sliced

2 tbsp dark brown sugar

1/4 cup bourbon

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp red wine vinegar

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

8 ea chicken sausage links (or veggie alternative)

8 ea hot dog buns, split open and toasted

1 jar bread and butter pickles

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast until wilted and lightly caramelized, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

While the tomatoes are baking, in a large skillet heat the butter over medium low heat. Add the fennel and brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add the bourbon and bring to a low boil. Cook until the liquid evaporates, turn the heat down to low, and continue cooking until the fennel is golden brown and caramelized, about 15 to 20 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small food processor or blender, add the roasted tomatoes and all of their juices, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire. Pulse until smooth and season to taste with salt and pepper

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Shamrocks, Leprechauns, and Parades: St. Patrick’s Day!

Request More Information from these Savannah Communities:

The Landings on Skidaway Island - Savannah's Choice for Island Living

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Quarters � - Modern Living. Historic Charm.

Pooler, Georgia

Waterways - Best Places to Live in Georgia

Richmond Hill, Georgia

Romantic Getaways

Holiday Recipe – Cocktails

Add A Little Kick to Your Holiday Party

Labor Day: In Honor of You

#NationalHotDogDay – Bring on the Chicken

Chicken Sausage Dogs with Drunken Fennel & Roasted Tomato Cream

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Looking for Specific Information?