These amazing boats have many stories to tell – from “The Bounty” which masked as “The Black Pearl” for each of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies to internationally acclaimed ships taking part in the 2012 Atlantic Race Series.

The Departing Parade of Sails takes place Monday and is expected to be a sight to behold.  The colorful flagged masts promise to be a work of art befitting Savannah and her infamously rich artistry reflecting the 200^th anniversary of the war of 1812.

The Tall Ships Challenge is an annual event brought to you by Tall Ships America.  The alternating three-year cycle between the Great Lakes, the Pacific, and the Atlantic Coasts of North America draws thousands of people to coastal cities every year. Witnessing the beautiful Tall Ships from the age of sail, provides a unique opportunity for participants to interact with the crews of the different vessels in this friendly rivalry to race from port to port.

Docking on both the Hutchinson Island side and Savannah River Street side of the Savannah River, each of these beauties brings a bit of their own history to the Tall Ships Festival – and believe it or not, the best is yet to come.

The next stop for challenge participants is Greenport, New York, to which they have two and a half weeks to arrive (May 24).  From there, they will stop one more time in Newport, Rhode Island before reaching their final destination of Halifax and Nova Scotia Outports.

Don’t miss the departure of the ships, as they will leave our town together in what’s sure to be a remarkable send off to their next destination.  The debarking will begin at 11:30am.

The festival includes entertainment, performance and fun for the entire family.  Select beers, wine and coke products will quench thirsts, Italian Ices will delight the taste buds and the art is sure to please the eye and soul. There are over a hundred shops, restaurants and pubs on Hutchinson Island, Factors Walk, Bay and River Streets… there’s no better place to enjoy the eclectic energy of Savannah than on the riverfront! This annual festival takes place across the Savannah River from the Mutual Liberty Insurance Legends of Golf Tournament.

Entertainment takes place on the Rousakis Arbor Stage and will include Abeni Cultural Arts performing Saturday, April 21 at 2:15 in the afternoon.  DJ’s-to-Go will fill the festival air with music throughout the weekend;  The Nu Che Groove Machine performs live on Friday night at 8pm and The Return of Jacey Falk takes the stage Saturday at 8pm.   

This Verizon and Southern Eagle Distributing event is hosted by the Savannah Riverfront and is sponsored by  Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Repicci’s Italian Ice, Real Yellow Pages and your friends at Adventure Radio Stations:   Y 107.9, BOB 106.9 and BIG 98.3!

The Savannah Waterfront Association, LTD. d/b/a Savannah Riverfront promotes the eclectic vitality of the shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels that create the one-of-a-kind, family-friendly experience found nowhere else in the world than Savannah’s historic riverfront.  The SWA is a 501 (c)(3) private organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the historic character and productive use of the Savannah riverfront community for all to enjoy.  For more than 30 years, Savannah Riverfront has been a integral partner on such projects as First Friday Fireworks, public docks, the hospitality center, streetcar, Maritime History Panel project, cleaning initiatives and other improvements to the riverfront.  Through sponsorship, membership and events, the Savannah Riverfront produces and funds improvements, firework shows and the world class River Street festival series at no cost to the public.   For more information on the Savannah Riverfront, (Bay Street, Factors Walk, River Street, Hutchinson Island), please visit us on the web at RiverStreetSavannah.com!

Download a Copy of this Press Release here!

Although the Olympics were actually being held in Atlanta, they needed a waterway wide and long enough to have the sailing races, so the city of Savannah offered a solution.  

From July 22^nd to August 2^nd, eleven races were held just off the coast of Savannah at the Wassaw Sound, an area of the Atlantic Ocean. Boats were provided to take spectators out to the designated courses for a closer view of the races. About 1000 people made the trip daily.

The competition had three different venues, including Satellite Olympic Village, Olympic Marina on Wilmington Island, and Day Marina, which acted as a temporary barge system.

The sculpture itself features the Olympic Torch, supported by five columns to represent the five Olympic rings. Several waving sails, symbolizing the sailboats that took part in the yachting events, encircle the flame of the torch. An iconic symbol for the Olympics, the Olympic Torch Relay has been a long-standing tradition since the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin.

Over the years the torch has traveled through many cities and along some very famous routes, including Christopher Columbus’s path to the New World for the 1968 Olympics. But in 1996 for the Atlanta Summer Olympics, the torch actually made it into space.

The glorious memorial is a reminder of Savannah’s role as the hostess city for the 1996 Olympic Yachting events, and it is appropriately placed next to the river, where boats and large ships are regularly seen passing.

There are over a hundred shops, restaurants and pubs on River Street and there’s no better place to enjoy the rejuvenating energy of spring than on Rousakis Riverfront Plaza!

First Saturday also celebrates River Street Community Day benefiting the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. You’ll see the ‘Power of Purple’ as purple bows have been placed on trees and lamp posts on River Street. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s Signature Event, with Relays taking place every year in more than 5,000 communities nationwide and in several foreign countries. Help support the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life in your community by visiting: Bayou Café, Bernie’s Oyster House, Fabulous Finds under $20, Fine Things under $20, Savannah Harley Davidson on River Street and The Peanut Shop!

Join the Savannah Riverfront as we welcome back the ICE (Islands Car Enthusiasts) Custom Car and Bike Show from 10am-3pm! The gleaming chrome, custom paint and classic designs will keep things roaring in the Abercorn Street Parking Lot and River Street! There will be Hot Rods, Classics, Trucks, Customs, Bikes and Cruisers in all makes and models! Awards, prizes and onsite raffles sweeten the deal!

This Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributing event is hosted by the Savannah Riverfront and is sponsored by Wet Willie’s, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Repicci’s Italian Ice, and your friends at Adventure Radio – Bob 106.9, Rock 106.1, Y107.9, 103.1 The Drive, Big 98.3,  AM 1130 FM 93.5 The Island!

The Savannah Waterfront Association, LTD. d/b/a Savannah Riverfront promotes the eclectic vitality of the shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels that create the one-of-a-kind, family-friendly experience found nowhere else in the world than Savannah’s historic riverfront. The SWA is a 501 (c)(3) private organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the historic character and productive use of the Savannah riverfront community for all to enjoy. For more than 30 years, Savannah Riverfront has been a integral partner on such projects as First Friday Fireworks, public docks, the hospitality center, streetcar, Maritime History Panel project, cleaning initiatives and other improvements to the riverfront. Through sponsorship, membership and events, the Savannah Riverfront produces and funds improvements, firework shows and the world class River Street festival series at no cost to the public. For more information on the Savannah Riverfront, (Bay Street, Factors Walk, River Street, Hutchinson Island), please visit us at RiverStreetSavannah.com!

At the time of the Cotton Exchange’s conception, Savannah was ranked first as a cotton seaport along the Atlantic, and second in the world, making The Cotton Exchange a predominate station for the cotton trade. Up until the beginning of the Civil War, cotton was the leading export from Savannah, making up eighty percent the city’s agricultural products.

What makes The Cotton Exchange so different from the surrounding buildings is it’s Romanesque revival style of architecture. Constructed of red, terra cotta bricks, the historic structure is accented with ornate detailing over the doors and around the windows. Built-in columns frame the façade and its symmetrical layout. At the top of the structure where the cornices meet, a pediment, or ‘gable’, contains a relief sculpted of terra cotta.

Interesting fact: The Cotton Exchange is one of the rare structures in the world to be built over an existing public street, which in this case is Factor’s Walk.

Once the headquarters for the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, today The Old Savannah Cotton Exchange acts as a Solomon’s Masonic Lodge and is only open to the public on special occasions.

So even though visitors might not get to go in, the exterior of the building alone is worth a look, or several. All of the historic riverfront is something to see, but there’s something about the Old Savannah Cotton Exchange that will catch your eye and hold your attention for a little longer than the other historic factories.

St. Patrick’s Day – Savannah, Georgia’s favorite times to shine, brings a week full of events and fun to the Coastal Empire and Low Country.  Starting today with the Greening of the Fountain and continuing tonight with the Shamrock Run, this week leading up to the “BIG DAY” has something for everyone.

Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m., Emmet Park – located on the east end of Bay Street (and just outside our office, we might add) will host Tara Feis, the family fun festival including Irish Dancing, Music, Food and Fun for all ages.   Be sure to bring the kids for all the crafts and games.

Looking for a list of all the fantastic activities happening in the city – check out our friends at Visit Savannah’s listing, they even have a link to the IPhone App for all the details, restaurants, bars, festivities and the like.

But of course, these are just the pre-cursor events – the warm ups if you will – to OUR St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – with the parade and all the fun festivities to follow.  Don’t miss our list of everything you need to know about St. Patrick’s Day on River Street.

Be sure to stay safe!  As you celebrate our Irish Ancestry next Saturday, be sure to note that AAA an Bud Light are bringing Tow-to-Go this year – Wednesday, March 14 thru Saturday, March 17.  If you’ve had a few too many, call 1-800-AAA-HELP and AAA will take the owner and the vehicle home for no charge (no membership required).   There are also a number of taxi cab services that will happily assist you in getting home as well.

Know that above all, Savannah Riverfront wants you to have a festive, successful, and safe St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

The marker, titled as “Landing of Oglethorpe and The Colonists,” shows a celebration of his arrival, the original colonists’ residence, and the Oglethorpe
Bench Monument, not a few feet away that shows where the first held their campsite.

The inscription reads:

James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, landed with the original colonists, about 114 in number, at the foot of this bluff on February 1 (February 12, new style), 1733. The site where he pitched his tent is marked by the stone bench located about 100 feet west of this marker.

The colonists sailed in the ship Anne from Gravesend, England, November 17, 1732; landed at Charles Town, S.C., January 13, 1733; proceeded later to
Beaufort, S.C., and thence, in small boats, through the inland waterway to Yamacraw Bluff. The town site had already been selected by Oglethorpe in
friendly negotiation with Tomo-chi-chi, Mico of the Yamacraws, and with Mary Musgrove, the English- speaking, half-breed Indian princess who later, as niece of Emperor Brim of the Creek Nation, claimed sovereignty of southeastern Georgia.

The monument was dedicated in 1982 and can be found at the intersection of Bay and Bull Streets (on the right when traveling West on Bay Street).

The bench is curved granite with scrolled ends, two semi-circular steps lead to the bench with the top step decorated with a stone tile mosaic, oval-shaped with a Mediterranean style scroll motif around the perimeter.

A growing desire to resurrect a monument to General Oglethorpe had loomed in Savannah for many years prior to the decision of the bench.  The earliest notation of creating a memento was in 1890 with patriotic societies such as the Sons of the Revolution, the Daughter of the American Revolution, The Colonial Dames, The Daughters of the Confederacy, etc. and in 1901 the ad hoc Oglethorpe Monument Association was incorporated from the aforementioned societies and was unable to receive appropriation for a statue.  Without assistance from other groups, The Colonial Dames seemed impatient and selected the bench memorial rather than awaiting consensus.

Text from the historical marker reads:

LANDING OF OGLETHORPE AND THE COLONISTS

James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, landed with the original colonists, about 114 in number, at the foot of this bluff on February 1 (February 12, new style), 1733. The site where he pitched his tent is marked by the stone bench located about 100 feet west of this marker.

Savannah was for more than 100 years built according to Oglethorpe’s unique city plan. Bull Street, the principal street of the city, is named in honor of colonel William Bull of Charleston, S.C., who assisted Oglethorpe in laying out the city.

The colonists sailed in the ship Anne from Gravesend, England, November 17, 1732; landed at Charles Town, S.C., January 13, 1733; proceeded later to Beaufort, S.C., and thence, in small boats, through the inland waterway to Yamacraw Bluff. The town site had already been selected by Oglethorpe in friendly negotiation with Tomo-chi-chi, Mico of the Yamacraws, and with Mary Musgrove, the English- speaking, half-breed Indian princess who later, as niece of Emperor Brim of the Creek Nation, claimed sovereignty of southeastern Georgia.

025-1 GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER 1982

Look into the sky this Saturday night for NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS as presented by Wet Willie’s! Make your way to Savannah’s riverfront and no matter where you choose to bring in the New Year… step outside at midnight and enjoy a sky full of fireworks over the beautiful Savannah River!

Please note the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show will be in lieu of the January 6, 2012 First Friday Fireworks.

Bring in 2012 safely: designate a driver and celebrate responsibly! For anyone in the Savannah area who plans on celebrating New Years with libations in a favorite pub, club, restaurant or at friends, Budweiser and AAA have teamed up again for TOW TO GO. Do not drive under the influence! All you have to do is call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and a tow truck will pick you and your vehicle up – and take you both home… ALL FOR FREE! Holidays are meant for fun and friendship; do not jeopardize yours or someone else’s life, or risk getting a DUI. For info go to http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/tow_to_go.asp

The fireworks are sponsored by Wet Willie’s and Savannah Riverfront.

Haul out the holly, bundle up and experience the magic of the season – Savannah Style! It’s two days of holiday celebration on historic River Street! Join the Savannah Riverfront and a plaza full of artisans and crafters offering unique, one-of-a-kind shopping right before the holidays! It’s all on Historic River Street December 2nd and 3rd, 2011!

Start your holiday weekend off right with Wet Willie’s First Friday Fireworks exploding over the Savannah River at 9:30PM and then head back to the river Saturday for exceptional shopping for the good boys and girls on your list – you might even find a present for yourself! There will be plenty of seasonal music, performances, dancing and more to put that old Grinch in the holiday spirit! You’ll find it all Rousakis Riverfront Plaza from 9am to 8pm (Saturday.) Be sure to visit A&D Concessions for some holiday inspired food! Historic River Street has more than 100 shops, restaurants, and pubs to complete your weekend!

DJ’s-to-Go will fill the air with holiday music and you will not want to miss all the special performances including: Coastal Performing Arts Academy, Marylin Youman’s School of Dance, CC Express Cloggers, Ivy Eilerman, The Gretchen Greene Dancers, and more!

Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade starts on West River Street at 5:30PM and then meanders throughout downtown via Bay, Abercorn, Broughton, and Montgomery Streets, ending at Ellis Square – so nice, you can watch it twice! Savannah’s streetcar, “Dottie” will lead off this completely lighted parade that has over 40 units, nearly 600 walkers and marks the official arrival of Santa Claus himself in a horse-drawn carriage! We are very proud to announce the 2011 Parade Grand Marshall: Honorable Mayor Otis S. Johnson!

Other attractions include the tall ship Peacemaker near the Barnard Street Ramp and a glimpse of the USS Normandy (CG 60), interactive games to thrill children of all ages, and Verizon Wireless will be on site with fun and exciting give-aways, displays, and more! Be sure to visit all of our wonderful Savannah area non-profit organizations!

The Westin First Friday Oyster Roast 7:00PM until 10:00PM with fireworks at approximately 9:30PM! This monthly event features a traditional Low-country Oyster Roast and entertainment all situated in the resort setting with great views of downtown Savannah, the River, and Wet Willie’s First Friday Fireworks! S’mores and grill items also available as well as a full bar. Free parking or free ferry service to the island from River Street.

This Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributing Event is hosted by the Savannah Riverfront, and is sponsored by Wet Willie’s, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, and your friends at Clear Channel Radio!