Twenty ladies who write lifestyle, food, craft and decorating blogs were invited to visit this
charming island off the Georgia coast.
Mermaid Cottages hosted us in a variety of adorable homes which are for rent year round.
Our accommodations were spaced throughout the tree shaded lanes on the three mile long island. Tim's Bike and Beach Gear gave us bicycles to make traveling easy (and burn the thousand of calories we ingested) and spent several days shopping and exploring the fun businesses and tourist attractions.
Bottom left was one of our favorite new dishes, an asparagus and crab appetizer
from North Beach Grill.
Even though it is considered "off season," there was more than enough to do, and the weather was fabulous. Liz, at The Visitor's Center (above, on the top right), said there are only 3,500 permanent residents on the island, but during the summer months, that number leaps when up to 19,000 cars a day cross the bridge to enjoy the good Tybee life.
Although I live on the Gulf Coast where we boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I was completely impressed with Tybee Island. Wide beaches, historic areas, and charming neighborhoods all within a quick 15 minute drive to Savannah make Tybee Island the perfect vacation spot any time of the year.
Their low (7%) sales tax (compared to our 9 and even 10% in some places) make shopping on Tybee Island a treat while their regulations prohibiting buildings from exceeding three stories, keep the big name resorts out of the way and the smaller hotels lend the feel of a charming, old vacation spot.
On the left is Diane Kaufman of Mermaid Cottages, who organized the entire weekend. In the center is celebrated bakery owner and cookbook author Cheryl Day, in her shop, Back In The Day Bakery. On the right is none other than our hostess with the mostess, best selling author, Mary Kay Andrews, who graciously entertained us in her home and accompanied us to local attractions.
Mary Kay Andrew's writing desk.
Several of Mary Kay's books have a Tybee Island or Savannah setting. She and her husband Tom have renovated two houses on the island, which are available for rent through the Mermaids. Mary Kay often uses these homes as a place to get away and write. The New York Times best selling author is currently working on her twenty third book, and every day, before we saw her, she would diligently write at least 2,000 words.
It must take great discipline to focus on writing, when a gorgeous
playground awaits just beyond your door.
The Mermaid Cottage staff thinks of everything. Lush herb gardens for your use, personal tags for pets, hot coffee in the shiny clean kitchens, and beautiful decor are all waiting.
On the day we toured Savannah, a rubber tire plant at the Port of Savannah caught fire and burned all day. There was much excitement and initial worry that some of the historic buildings would be lost, but all ended well with the fire under control and the smoke
being blown away from the beautiful city.
Spared from the flames again, just like when Sherman was moved to blow out the match
and instead, present the charming city to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift.
But I digress . . .
And a visit to Savannah wouldn't be complete without a meal at The Lady and Sons, owned by famous Southern cook and personality, Paula Deen.
Rachel and I posed with Paula and her dear Aunt Peggy.
Paula's newest addition to the family, lovely daughter-in -law Claudia, spoke to our group about her educational background in health and nutrition and her use of social media. She's shown above in the top right photo in the center of several of the bloggers. Claudia is married to Bobby, and she's one smart cookie. (A low-fat cookie).
More to come about Claudia later.
And yes, I will admit, that is my very own plate above, on the top left. And yes, I did go back again for seconds . . . all while listening to Claudia speak about healthy eating.
Hey, Claudia said she loves her mother-in-law's fried chicken
every now and then, so quitcherfussin.
And look! We ran into Girl Scout of America founder and Savannah native, Juliette Gordon Low!
Born in 1860, she was looking chipper that night.
Juliette was on hand to assist at our private shopping experience at Tybee hot - spot, Seaside Sisters. Owned by lovely Susan Kelleher, this fun store has fabulous vintage and new items. Susan also provided our group with a Girl Scout cookie and wine pairing. Really! I thought only tired Moms knew the magic of pairing wine with Girl Scout cookies.
Who knew we were on the cutting edge of a cool trend?
Speaking of cutting – edge, Sarah and Kurtis came to Seaside Sisters with delicious
appetizers from their ultra –hip restaurant, Tybee Island Social Club.
Our group became regulars at this exhilarating eatery. And on top of her cuteness, Sarah is also an FSU graduate!
And of course, if there's a pup around, I'll find him. This is Joey, who was keeping
an eye on his shop and all the good things to eat that night.
Stay tuned throughout the month for more stories and photos from fabulous Tybee Island.