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Savannah & The Low Country
W hile Savannah might evoke visions of balmy-weather touring, beach vacations and lush greenery, the coastal city has also been a holiday hotspot for more than two centuries. With its crisp red bows, flickering street lamps and Victorian London-like atmosphere, the southern city puts its own twist on the Christmas season. Forget the snow—Savannah is a winter wonderland of its own. STAY With a century’s of stories held within its walls, the iconic and historic Mansion on Forsyth Park, Kessler Collection is excited to announce its status as a newly independent boutique hotel. Dubbed as a Savannah staple, Mansion on Forsyth Park serves as a hub for both visitors and locals alike. Nestled between weeping willows and palm trees, the mansion sits conveniently across from the iconic Forsyth Park and fountain. Dressed in red brick and terracotta, and topped with a signature gray turret, the whimsical building pays homage to its Southern Gothic roots in style. The hotel plans to bring a new level of elevated service, amenities and luxury offerings as an independent boutique hotel owned and operated solely by The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of 13 artistically-inspired boutique hotels. Inside, guests are greeted with charming hospitality and a historic, yet modern experience. The mansion is complete with glistening chandeliers, an onsite restaurant, rooftop lounge, cooking school and spa, and an Italian-esque pool for the ultimate R&R. As a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the hotel offers a luxurious experience with the proximity, rich history and amenities for an all-encompassing stay. Including curated artwork, a rare Bösendorfer piano in the lounge, a historic hat collection and even a secret Carriage Wine Cellar, tucked above the restaurant 700 Drayton, which can now be reserved for private dining. Not to be missed is the afternoon tea service served in the marble garden. DO Across Savannah’s cobblestone districts, there are no shortage of Christmas-themed activities. Yuletide spirit is second-nature to locals, who “deck the halls” of their historic homes and shops to provide the ultimate December experience. It’s not uncommon to spot horse-drawn carriages, decorated squares and themed storefronts enticing guests to holiday delights inside. DON’T MISS OUT A highlight of Savannah’s annual festivities Historic home, ghost and Dickens-themed candlelight walking tours Chocolate beer or spiked hot chocolate at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar Christmas boat light parades and Savannah River cruises The four-block Savannah Christmas Market Old holiday movies at the Savannah Theatre Themed window display at the Paris Market (there’s beautiful visuals of this one) Savannah Philharmonic's "Holiday Pops" Christmas parade of vintage cars CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH Jingle Bells The anthem, now synonymous with Christmas, has a unique tie to the coastal city. Penned in Savannah by songwriter and soldier James Lord Pierpont in 1857, the song is rumored to have been written for a Thanksgiving church service. However, due to Peirpont’s irreverent lyrics, many suggest the song was intended to be a holiday tune. It was originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh” before its amendment two years later to the now-beloved “Jingle Bells.” Lady and the Tramp Savannah has a long list of silver-screen credits. The 2019 live-action rendition of the classic Disney film was shot on location, utilizing current backdrops and a few era-appropriate set additions. During the film, one of Savannah’s beautiful Victorian buildings was transformed into Lady’s wintery home with fake snow and holiday décor. Poinsettias With their bold crimson hue, these florals are in no shortage during the festive season. Joel Robert Poinsett, botanist and U.S. ambassador, first discovered the Southern Mexico flower in 1825. Shortly after, he introduced the poinsettia to his home—Charleston, South Carolina—as a holiday adornment. Visiting Savannah? Stop by the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist to take in the beautiful architecture and red trees inside (made entirely of poinsettias). “Christmas Comes Twice on the Outer Banks” When the year-shortening Gregorian calendar was adopted in England in 1752, settlers on the Outer Banks did not receive word until decades later—thus continuing to celebrate Christmas on what is now considered Jan. 6. Today, Christmas and “Old Christmas” are both acknowledged by those residing in the area...often with day-long festivities that include family, friends, music and shucking oysters. Pecan Pie and Magnolias Originating in New Orleans in the 1800s, pecan pie quickly became a southern-inspired holiday staple in most households. The leaves and flowers of magnolias, grown and popularized in the south, also serve as a widely-used theme for many wreaths, centerpieces and ornaments across the country.
“I develop unique visions for my clients with designs that ignite a world of possibilities. My job is to imagine it...” -Jim Phelps As president of Jim Phelps Collections, Phelps has been able to develop and create living spaces that capture every nuance of his clients’ imagination. The Palmetto Bluff home encompasses so much creativity and captures the feel of the South Carolina low country. Warm and inviting gas lanterns welcome visitors at the home’s front entrance. Carefully curated stonework make the entrance impressively regal as one ascends up to the open covered porch. A seat in a wooden rocking chair beckons on the opposite end porch, whether it be to enjoy a morning tea or an evening cocktail with a friend. From a distance the clean, light roof line is a work of art in itself with sharp lines and gentle curves. Inside the home, with breathtaking views from the floor to ceiling windows, the living space radiates in natural light. Airy and bright, the floor plan is open and views of the natural landscape are prevalent wherever the eyes wonder. Clean and spacious, the home is open for entertaining with a wine bar wall that embraces modern style as well as traditional esthetics. Roomy areas between the living areas allows for graceful movement throughout the entertaining arena. The open dining area and view allow for delightful dinner gatherings. The flow between the light and merging kitchen and living area allow for a synergistic living environment. The contrast between the dark flooring and light walls gives a classic tasteful immersion blend. Phelps notes his favorite area of the home is the kitchen family area. Sleeping areas include expansive viewing windows to embrace the beauty of the low country. Exposed brick provides a textured backdrop wall nook accented by exquisite lighting accent piece. Ample walk-in closet space with carefully selected shelving complements a spacious clean, modern bathroom. When asked about his relationship with customers in building process, Phelps shares “Well, the clients are super good friends of ours now so one of my favorite things is actually being able to stay in this home from time to time. That never happens as we design homes- so seeing how it lives and how they live in it and, most importantly how happy they are in it, is by far the biggest payoff.” Phelps adds, “This is the second home I have designed for these folks, and they really wanted to raise the bar for that area. Needless to say, I treated this home like my “9th symphony”! With huge overhangs and incorporating giant brackets around the home, it really gives it a “modern low country” feel!” How does Phelps find his inspiration? Per his website, Jimphelpscollection.net “I re-energize my creative thinking by returning to my other passions. Often times this includes kicking back on our small farm with our furry friends, working outside, traveling, and taking in architecture from around the world.” Going further into detail, Jim explains, “My background goes back from a child in the business loving the idea that if you dream up amazing, fun and unique ideas people will build it. I expand on this daily and live by the principle that we have one shot to get it right. Every time I sit down to design a new home, it’s my hope that my work inspires many generations to come just as many great designers and architects did for me.” Phelps himself has recently moved from North Carolina to Montana. “We moved to Montana just over a year ago and love it! Running my business here has been tested with COVID-19, however, everything has worked out great. Zoom is a wonderful thing and our clients are very excited about the designs we are putting together.” J I M P H E L P S C O L L E C T I O N , L L C 16 Lazy HM Road, East Helena, Montana 59635 704.239.5372 Jimphelpscollection.net
10 Things You Didn't Know About The Masters & Augusta National The Masters is arguably the most popular golf tournament of the entire year. Played at the famous Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the event highlights the world’s best players at a course that is truly one of a kind. As The Masters puts golf at center stage every April, there are many interesting facts about the tournament and its location. Keep reading to learn 10 things you didn’t know about The Masters & Augusta National. There are only two golf professionals who are current members of the club As it may sound like a surprise, there are currently only two golf professionals who are members at Augusta National Golf Club. This short list includes legend Jack Nicklaus and former amateur star John Harris. One of the greatest players of all time, Arnold Palmer, was also on this list, but he passed away in 2016. The low price of concessions is one of the many traditions Although the ticket is expensive, prices are exceptionally reasonable at the concession stands. Fan favorites like a pimento cheese and egg sandwich go for just 1.50 and a beer is only $4. The green jacket tradition began way back in 1937 If you know about The Masters, then you are fully aware of the green jacket tradition. Once a golfer is crowned champion, they're awarded the prized green jacket; one of the most sought-after possessions in the world of professional golf. But this tradition isn’t anything new. In fact, its been a thing since 1937. Today, these jackets are stitched at Hamilton Tailoring near Cincinnati, OH. According to experts, each iconic clothing item takes about one month to produce. Magnolia Lane’s trees are more than 160 years old Driving into the facility, Augusta National Golf Club welcomes in guests with breathtaking magnolia trees. But if you thought the tournament had been around for a while, it’s got nothing on Mother Nature. Known as Magnolia Lane, the trees on this entrance road are over 160 years old. Three bridges on the course are named after golf legends Another fun fact is that three bridges on Augusta National are named after golfers. The Sarazen Bridge on hole No. 15 is named after Gene Sarazen, who landed a double eagle on the hole way back in the 1935 Masters. Hogan Bridge, at the No. 12 green, is named after Ben Hogan, who shot a tournament score of 274 in 1953; that was a record low at the time. Finally, we have the Nelson Bridge at 13, which honors Byron Nelson, who had a legendary performance on holes 12 and 13 in his victory in the 1937 Masters. Augusta National doesn’t release their attendance numbers As a surprise to many, Augusta National Golf Club doesn’t release the number of how many people attend the tournament. As we can assume those figures are pretty high, course officials keep that info to themselves. The Masters' winner from the previous year chooses the dinner menu Every single year prior to the famous tournament, there is a Champions Dinner that is accompanied by all former winners of The Masters. When it comes to the dinner menu, this is chosen by the previous year’s tournament champion. However, the former champs aren't required to indulge in the meal; they’re free to choose whatever they like from the full clubhouse menu. Each hole is named after a plant or scrub The Masters golf tournament doesn’t only include the world’s best golfers, but it also features some of the most gorgeous nature known to man. And the course takes its greenery very seriously; each and every hole on the course is named after a plant or shrub found on the hole. For instance, hole No. 3 was coined the name “Flowering Crab Apple.” The Masters’ location was once a nursery August National Golf Club was actually a commercial nursery back in the day. The famous course boasts a remarkable 80,000 plants that have been added since the formation of the club. Some notable types of vegetation located on the grounds include dogwoods, magnolias, and azaleas. The course temporary closed in the 1940s While this legendary golf tournament has been running strong for decades, it took a brief pause in the 1940s. From 1943 to December 1944, Augusta National Golf Club closed its doors. This was done to support the war effort and improve the finances of the establishment. If you’re a fan of golf, you look forward to The Masters every single year. As you’re watching the next tournament at Augusta National, keep these interesting facts in mind.
Savannah is one of those cities, the kind that gets under your skin in the best kind of way, refuses to be forgotten. Steeped in history, washed in grace, this old town is near as old as American soil, and still carries the majestic imprint of those who were here even thousands of years before. She’s called The Hostess City, famous for hospitality and grace – but she’s also known as the City Built on its Dead, because it’s true – and you won’t often find a local who doesn’t have a resident ghost at home, usually friendly, of course. Savannah is a town of cobblestones, Live Oaks and Spanish moss – where sweet tea and mint juleps on the front porch are simply the order of the day. Babies are born and named after colonial gentlemen and Victorian dames, and two-hundred-year-old homes are restored to meticulous detail. But in spite of her genteel soul, Savannah is a city of progress, a miscellany of art and culture, modern thinking and design, informed by the past, and shaped today by hearts that look to honor and celebrate the stories of all. From exquisite, internationally-inspired cuisine, to modern museums, upscale hotels, and festivals at nearly constant intervals, there is always somewhere to be, something to eat, and something unforgettable to do. – Brenna Michaels of Genteel & Bard
Written by Melissa Corbin What Charleston has in common with Napa, the same could be said for Savannah with Sonoma when it comes to the lifestyle and culture of its people. On a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia, the fine folks at Perry Lane Hotel rolled out their red carpet. Executive Chef Andrew Wilson stood in the late afternoon’s golden light flooding the property’s cornerstone restaurant, The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market, with a glass of Prosecco in one hand and an oyster knife in the other. His mission? To help me perfect my shucking skills and then some. Plates and plates of regional foods passed my lips that night, and I have a few things to say. But, before I pontificate upon the regionality of grits and bivalves, I’ll start with this chef seasoned better than his pork chops. Born and raised in the Northeastern part of the United States, Wilson could charm the Grand Empress herself, The Lady Chablis. “I have a great deal of Southern in my blood,” he winks. Starting his career as Sous Chef at Charleston’s famed, McCrady’s Tavern at the turn of the millennium, he then headed to Savannah for several other impressive restaurant gigs. It was his most recent stint in Sonoma where he “got a deep submersion” into the world of wines. And even though the hotel’s Sage Restaurant Group is lucky to have Bandon Wise as Vice President of their beverage programs, I can’t help to think Wilson’s submersion influenced his style for the better when he returned to Savannah to take the helm of Perry Lane Hotel’s collection of restaurants. Travel broadens our thoughts exponentially and it shows in his delivery. Because he’s been at Perry Lane Hotel even before there was an actual lane running between the two 5-story structures, Wilson got busy building relationships with area producers. “When you’re in construction phase with a lot of office and paperwork, the real fun is going out and visiting the farms and developing those relationships. That was one of THE highlights. And, of course, ninety minutes makes a big difference in who your suppliers are from Charleston to Savannah. So, I had to make new friends with new producers,” he says. There are actually three restaurants at Perry Lane Hotel. And, its Wilson’s attention to relationships that makes the menus read like a Who’s Who of Savannah farmers–– and fisherman, for that matter. “I love Cane Water Farm, Better Fresh Farms and Ancil Jacques of Swampy Apple Seed Mushrooms. Boy, he’s a fun guy who knows about fungi. I use Billy’s Botanicals. But, Billy also gets us shrimp because his brother is a shrimper,” Wilson goes on and on about all the folks he’s come to know in the region. Because Savannah’s seasons blur a bit, fresh ingredients abound throughout most of the year. Wilson explains his process, “We have hot and not so hot here in the deep south. Our menu is based on a classic bistro format. Nightly suppers (Plats du jour) are an example. But, because we are where it’s a melting pot, that’s where we bring in influences. That’s what America is. The bistro is just the framework––approachable, honest, simple and straightforward. The Brussels Sprouts, for example, are called Jhunes Brussels Sprouts because our executive sous chef is Filipino American. That recipe is his grandfather’s who’s name is Jhune and reflects his roots.” Paired with a bourbon brined pork chop and grits from Cane Water Farm, the marrying of flavors and cultures is plain out perfection. Wilson brines his chops in Jim Beam for 48 hours, before sous vide takes the wheel. While he says he’s done this pork chop for over 20 years, immersion cooking is a new addition to his tried and true recipe. “We do it for purely practical purposes. It takes a long time to cook because they are so big. Then we give six minutes of fire and smoke on the grill which cuts down on the time,” he says. This summer look for more veggies to hit your plate at Emporium Kitchen and Wine Bar. Come Meatless Mondays, Ancil’s Mushrooms are the star of plats du jour. Also on the lineup will be a classic ratatouille and a whole fish dressed in romanesco. But, save room for dessert. Pastry Chef Tina Haldeman ”is a rockstar” according to Wilson, and I couldn’t agree more. He met her upon referral directly from last year’s Winter Olympics in Seoul where she delighted the U.S. VIPs with her confectionary concoctions and has already been invited back for the next Olympic season. “She does it all from plated desserts, bread, cookies and from the most simple to the most complex,” says Wilson. Each Friday morning, I highly recommend one of those sticky buns Haldeman makes from croissant dough. But, you better get up with the chickens because these beauties sell out fast. As for the beverages, nothing beats a chilled Chardonnay from their private label, but there’s a bevy of wine, beer and cocktails ready to help you slow your roll and savor your time at the Perry Lane Hotel. Now, about those oysters. You can easily google instructional videos, but make sure to use a shucking glove or a kitchen towel unless you are somewhat of a shucking ninja or something. Trust me. You’ll holler more than “Two tears in a bucket. Mother shuck it!” when you have to run to the emergency room just because you didn’t heed my warning. Stupid is as stupid does, as it turns out. Once you’ve dawned appropriate attire, you can get to the meat of the matter. As I hold my fancy new shucking knife from Toadfish Outfitters,the twelve year old in me giggles just a wee bit when Wilson instructs me to, “Hold on to the front and go in from the back. Ease it in at first and then go in for a good pop.” Did someone say aphrodisiac? Chef Andrew Wilson and the entire restaurant team is part of the luxe experience in which you’ll indulge at the Perry Lane Hotel. Truly, I felt as if I’d found the best damn piece of chocolate in the entire box. But, when venturing out for other Savannah treats, you just might see Wilson at some of his favorite hangs like Artillery for cocktails, or dinner at The Atlantic or Cotton and Rye. Still, at the end of the day, he says his midnight guilty pleasure is popping a frozen Totino’s Frozen Pizza in the oven. Hey, it’s about balance, Y’all. Come this fall, be on the lookout for Wilson to take on Bobby Flay for a live fire round on the Food Network’s popular show, Beat Bobby Flay. He’s bound by secrecy as to the show’s outcome. But, whether he beats the celebrity competitor or not, Wilson will undoubtedly have you over the moon––Moon River, that is. Writer’s note: Please forgive me for my Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil AND my Forrest Gump references. I just can’t help myself. Oh, and the Moon River reference? Miss Holly Golightly dreamt of her time on the Savannah River in that famous opening scene in the movie classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
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