Upcoming events . . .

The much anticipated grand opening of Savannah's Visitor's Center at Forsyth Park is scheduled for ribbon-cutting on Friday, February 12th. Those familiar with the area regularly enjoy the play grounds , tennis courts, Frisbee and soccer games, sidewalk art, earth day antics, picnic in the park, and, of course, the oak-lined sidewalk that frames the park dividing Whitaker and Drayton. All this activity and photogenic landscape make the newly renovated Forsyth Park structure an ideal location for a visitor's center.

Inside the Visitor's Center, you can sit down on a green cushion, relax and consider your options. If you are unsure what to do next, check out the Tap Machine, an interactive events machine much larger than your i Phone. Tap on the screen and it will guide you to lovely, selected places of note. Hopefully, the machine will expand its info to include more local information in much the same manner as The Creative Coast Alliance website does.

The Mansion on Forsyth, just a hop and a skip across Drayton, provides cafe food at the center from 7a.m. to 7p.m. There are menu options for each meal: sweet breads beckon through bakery glass, along with fresh fruit, biscuits, bagels, tarts, brownies, key lime pie, cake, ice cream with assorted toppings and parfait. Signature sandwiches and dinner foods are also available.
Visiting dogs are in luck too. Oliver Bentley's Barking Bakery organic dog treats are available at this dog friendly cafe, as well as beer and wine for their masters.

Tourist or not, you will surely want to stop in Savannah's Visitor's Center at Forsyth Park and check out the city's latest achievement in downtown hospitality. Inside and out, the structure is a standout--both stately and serene. A performance stage, spraying fountains and a rainbow of colored lights make this long awaited, newly renovated center ideal for innumerable activities or a rest from them altogether.

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We love the nearby cozy comfy Sentient Bean on East Park Avenue, with free wi-fi and their unique food and beverage selections, and will definitely continue to visit there; but it sure is great to now have a nice comfortable place to relax right inside the park.

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February is Black History month; and the local 21st Annual Black Heritage Festival organization will be presenting special events throughout February. For info, visit their web site at www.savannahblackheritagefestival.com

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Congratulations to the winners and thousands of runners and other participants of the Annual Critz Tybee Run last weekend. It was another successful fun event which is always enjoyed by many. For more info visit: www.critztybeerun.com

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February 12 - Enjoy the Georgia Day parade this coming Friday. Thousands of costumed elementary school children march behind their hand-made banners in commemoration of Georgia's founding in 1733. It is a wonderful and exciting event which includes music and characters in historical attire. There will also be a military color guard and marching band.
The parade begins at Forsyth Park at 10:30 a.m. and participants march Northward around all five squares of Bull Street all the way to City Hall, where there will be an official program and presentation by the mayor and other officials. There will also be an awards presentation for the Banner Competition. This annual event is free and open to the public.

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February 13 - Check out the Savannah Market Bazaar - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Robinson Parking Garage on West York Street (across Montgomery Street from the Courthouse). For more info, visit: www.NewMoonOfSavannah.com

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February 16 - Mardi Gras Tuesday! Happy Mardi Gras wishes to all. Many local churches help start off the Lent season of fasting by providing pancake events. Check with a church near you for times and details.

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February 19, Friday at 12:10 p.m. - The AASU Robert I. Strozier Faculty Lecture Series continues in University Hall 156 on the AASU campus, 11935 Abercorn Street. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Mike Mahan, head of middle and secondary education, will present "What's All This Fuss About Evolution and Creation and Intelligent Design and Who Cares?" Mahan will review and examine the most recent state and federal court decisions on the national debate about teaching evolution vs. creation in public school classrooms. The debate has surfaced in recent years under the name of "Intelligent Design Theory" Mahan considers the novel idea that the two theories may not be mutually exclusive.

This past year marked the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. The topic of teaching evolution in American schools has been thrust back into the spotlight. In the last few years, there have been 14 states involved in court cases stemming from the teaching of "Intelligent Design" in public school classrooms. Is there room for alternating theory in the discussion today?

For further information on the 2009-2010 Robert I. Strozier Faculty Lecture Series, email: Francisco.Duque@armstrong.edu

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February 20, Saturday at 8:00 p.m. - Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra will present Stravinsky's Firebird Suite 1919 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. General admission just $35. - For more info: www.TheSavPhilharmonic.org

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February 19-21 - Springtime Made in the South - Art and Crafts Festival - at the Savannah International Trade and Conventions Center. $6 for adults and admission is good for all 3 days. Children under 12 are admitted free.

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BUSINESS >> Savannah Business Directory A listing by type of many of Savannah's small businesses, including contractors, tradesmen, agents, consultants, skilled professionals, and trained experts. www.SavannahGA.biz

PUBLIC SERVICES >> Savannah Public Services Listings of Community Services, including non-profit organizations, Lawyers, Legal Services, Churches, Volunteer Groups and Information about Government Services. www.Savannah-Chatham.com

SHOPPING >> Exotic Cigars and Gifts 507 East River Street (912) 234-7737 Cigars, cigarettes, tobacco products, pipes, smoking accessories, hats, shirts, jewelry, and many other wonderful gift and collectible items from which to choose. www.Exotic-Cigars.com

LODGING >> Roussell's Garden 208 E. Henry St 912-239-1415 This stately 1888 Queen Anne style home holds many secrets to be told. You may even see a shadow of the past, when you tour the original servants quarters located towards the back of the garden. A side porch awaits you at the end of your day's travel with a gentle breeze where you can relax with a book, or simply enjoy the luscious garden. www.RoussellsGarden.com

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February is a great month for travel, especially now with all of the discounts and lower rates for airline tickets and hotel reservations.

If you are flying one of Delta's Jumbo Jets, you can get the best rates (which have just been reduced) direct from the Delta Airlines Portal.

Or, book your entire trip, including travel and lodging, at the Expedia Portal.

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