We Love You Miss Sylvia!

We here at Mermaid Cottages, and the rest of the Tybee community, are saddened today. Miss Sylvia, our local musical treasure, passed away Saturday at the age of 101. Her wonderful musical talent and bright spirit will be greatly missed!

Tybee Tidbits: Haunting Good Times on Tybee!

     Looking for something fun to do with your family for Halloween that doesn't involve you getting your wits scared out of you? Well, come on down to the River's End Campground Pavilion tonight! They are having their October Movie nights this weekend and Friday's movie is It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. It's a classic, so don't miss it!

     Saturday is full of Halloween fun too! Bring the costumed kiddies out to Lewis Avenue from 6 to 9 pm and enjoy a little trick or treating. Trick-or-treaters get to visit the homes on Lewis, and the community contributes the treats so our Lewis Avenue neighbors don't go broke! Donations are being accepted in the blue barrels at City Hall and at the Tybee Island Fire Department Headquarters.

     After you go trick-or-treating, make sure you head back to River's End for their Saturday movie, The Addams Family, at 8 pm! There's a lot of fun planned this weekend here on Tybee, so come out and have a haunting good time!

Mermaids in Our Midst: Wedding Party!

     We just love when couples choose Tybee as their wedding location! We were lucky enough recently to have quite a few weddings on the island, and this group was wonderful!
     Mermaid Jan made sure the honeymoon cottage was just right...relaxing and inviting after the crazy whirlwind of planning! Didn't she do a splendid job?!

     Jan also tells us the ceremony was beautiful, original, and even funny. The groom vowed to make his Eggplant Parmesan once a year, and the bride vowed to use the golf clubs he bought for her once a year! Isn't that unbelievably sweet!?

     We were so happy to have everyone at our cottages for this wonderful and special event! We want to wish all the happiness in the world to the newly weds!

Live Like a Local: Bonaventure Cemetery

     Everyone in the Savannah area knows about the Bonaventure Cemetrery. It's been the "premier" cemetery for over 100 years, but it gained world wide fame from what locals call The Book...better know as John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. But there's a lot more to Bonaventure Cemetery than a book and movie location.

     Bonaventure Cemetery was used as a burial ground as early as 1794, when Governor Tattnall buried a relative there. The cemetery is the final resting place of local and national figures alike. Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and the Trosdal plot, famous for "The Bird Girl" statue now housed in the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. Jack Leigh, the photographer who took the picture of the statue on the cover of The Book, is also laid to rest in Bonaventure.

photo from http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/classics/mercer_house/5.html 

     Though many claim it is just as haunted as the rest of Savannah, the fact remains that Bonaventure is a beautiful, peaceful place full of history. There are, of course, plenty of tours you can take, but you can also stop by the small visitors center for free information you can use for a self guided tour, provided by The Bonaventure Historical Society. You can explore area history through the stones, enjoy the huge Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss, and take in the view from the banks of the beautiful Wilmington River.

photo from http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~langolier/bonaventure.html

     Bonaventure Cemetery is a graceful and historical gem! Make sure you visit on your next trip to Savannah. Take a picnic, enjoy the view, explore a little history, and feel like a local for a while. See you soon!

Mermaid Sighting: Blowing Rock, NC

     It always surprises me where some mermaids turn up! Our friend Beckie recently took a trip to Blowing Rock, NC. She spotted these mermaids in a cute little shop and got a picture to share with us! Aren't they lovely? Thanks so much for sending us your sightings Beckie!!

     We also have a mermaid I spotted in Bristol, Rhode Island, and it's perfect for this week...a Halloween Mermaid! It's sort of a two for one sighting too...see the tiny mermaid beside her to the left!? Hopefully, this will remind everyone to have a magical Halloween!

     Don't forget, if you spot a mermaid (or merman!) snap a photo and share it with us! Please send your sightings to diane@mermaidcottages.com and your picture could be our next featured mermaid sighting!

Mermaid Tales: Sea Glass Cottage c1930

     At 705 Butler Avenue, there sits a gem of a cottage just waiting for you! Sea Glass Cottage is a completely restored 1930's Tybee beach cottage, located just one block from the beach! It's decorated with true sea glass colors, local art and unique decor.  Original heart pine floors throughout. Just a short walk to the beach, Memorial Park, and many restaurants, shops, and galleries. Sea Glass Cottage is perfect for couples, friends, and families!

     When you stay at Sea Glass Cottage, you are only one block from the library, tennis and basketball courts, and a playground for the kiddies. You're also only one block in the other direction from Tybee's beautiful South Beach!
     This lovely cottage has a screened porch for enjoying the soothing Atlantic ocean breezes, and a private outdoor shower (hot and cold water!) for freshening up after those long days of combing the beach for shells.
     Sea Glass Cottage belongs to the owner of Tim's Beach Gear here on the island, who also owns Little Fish Cottage. The cottage was also featured in Tybee's 2006 Tour of Homes. Tim's Beach Gear is a great place to rent anything you need for the beach. From umbrellas to beach chairs, they have it all. Especially bicycles, for touring Tybee like a true local!

     Sea Glass Cottage also has it's very own website, so make sure you head over for a visit and maybe learn even more about this wonderful retreat! Why not choose Sea Glass Cottage as your next vacation spot...you definitely won't regret it! Hope to see you soon!

Tybee Tidbits: Comedy FUN-raising at The Post Theater!

     The Tybee community is banding together to raise money to benefit the Historic Post Theater. The Casting for Stars Contest invites people in the community to host FUN-raising events, all benefiting the restoration of the theater! You can find out more about the Tybee Stars Casting Call Contest here.
     The next FUN-raising event, hosted by Renee DeRossett, will be October 22nd (tonight!) in the Post Theater. Come out and enjoy Comedy Review Night! It's sure to be a night full of laughs with live stand-up comedy featuring The Bay Street Theatre Savannah Comedy Revue!

     Please join us and have a laugh for a good cause! Proceeds go to benefit the Historic Tybee Post Theater. There will be a cash bar and donations for admission will be accepted at the door. The house opens for cocktails and pre-show social at 7 pm, and the laughs start at 8pm!

     There will also be an Open House tomorrow, October 23rd, from 11 to 2 pm. Stop by the theater, look around, and hear all about the plans for the interior. And Sunday at 3 pm, David Jacobs-Strain in concert (find your tickets here)! It's going to be a busy weekend...we can't wait to see you there!

Mermaids in Our Midst: Theresa Dennis

     We are so fortunate here at Mermaid Cottages. It seems to me we are blessed with the best guests on the planet! We cherish each and every one of you, and we just love when we get to hear your stories or be a part of your memories.
     Theresa Dennis and her sister Sheri recently stayed with us at our cottage, Paula Deen's Ya'll Come Inn. Theresa isn't only Paula Deen's biggest fan, she is also a medal holding Special Olympics National Games Star! Our fellow Mermaid Jan was lucky enough to spend some time with Theresa and Sheri during their visit. Jan got to see Theresa's scrapbook from her National Competition in Nebraska, and Theresa was even gracious enough to give Jan her autograph!
     Last week, Sheri sent us this wonderful email and, well, it just had to be shared!

"Dear Jan,
     Please let Paula know that we are so grateful for the opportunity to spend the week in her wonderful condo. We had a fabulous sister trip cooking in her kitchen and eating in her restaurant. Theresa was just thrilled . In addition to her participation in the Special Olympics National Games, this is yet another highlight of her year. We all enjoy watching Mrs Paula on TV and in our family, like her's, the kitchen is the center of our lives. Food has always been a big part of our family and we value the time we spend together in the kitchen. Most of our wonderful family memories are centered around food and the kitchen and this weekend was no different.  We thank her from the bottom of our hearts for opening up her home to us and the chance to explore her beloved Savannah. It truly is a magnificent town and we will cherish the memories we have created here and are looking forward to returning to the condo again in the future because we have decided that we just can not come to Savannah and not stay with Mrs Paula!
With much love 
The Dennis/Browne family"

     Theresa and Sheri, thank you so much for being our guests! We love hearing about the memories made at Mermaid Cottages. We look forward to seeing you again soon and making even more memories!

Live Like a Local: Little Gracie

     October is always a fun time to enjoy the fall...and then, of course, there's Halloween! Though most people only tell ghost stories during this time of year, we here in the Savannah area know that the spirits are active all year round!
     The tale of Little Gracie is a perfect example. Gracie Watson was the only child of the Watson Family, owners of the Pulaski Hotel. Little Gracie was a guest favorite at the lavish parties the Watsons held regularly, but she tended to wander off as the hours dwindled and could often be found playing in the stair well of the great hotel.
     Gracie took ill with pneumonia and passed away at the tender age of six, two days before Easter in 1889. Though the Pulaski Hotel is long gone, people still report hearing a child's playful giggles in the area where the stair case used to be. Some have even seen a little girl in period clothing dashing past them.

     Little Gracie was laid to rest in Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery, where you can still visit her grave in Section E. A life sized statue of the child is there, and it is said if you bring a small trinket to leave at the monument, you can hear the sounds of a child playing.
     Yes, our area if full of visitors from the past. Plan a visit, explore, and have a fun and spirited time!

Mermaid Sighting!

     As we like to say, mermaids are everywhere! This beautiful mermaid is completely handmade out of soap! You find so many neat things surfing the internet. Etsy is one of the coolest places, and that's where we found this mermaid soap! The artist has a lot of whimsical handmade goodies, so head on over and check out the shop. Beautiful things!

photo from She's That Girl Etsy shop

     Please share your mermaid sightings with us. Send your picture or pictures and a little background info to diane@mermaidcottages.com and you could be our next featured mermaid sighting! We can't wait to hear from you!

Mermaid Tales: The Enlisted Men's Mess Hall

     Last March, we had the pleasure of meeting Layla and Kevin Palmer, from The Lettered Cottage blog! They are the super talented team behind the decorating at our Screened Inn Cottage, part of the duplex known as The Mess Hall. We were so excited when the cottage owner, Pam, asked Layla and Kevin back to Tybee to work their magic once again, this time in the side known as The Enlisted Men's Mess Hall! We were even lucky enough to spend some time with Pam and three of her four sisters while Layla and Kevin were  in town.

  
     The Mess Hall was originally built as one of three mess halls for what was then Fort Screven, but this cottage also has a long and colorful history as a boarding house. Now a duplex, The Mess Hall features tall ceilings, lots of light from huge windows in every room, beautiful hardwood floors, and a huge screened porch. Either side of The Mess Hall is perfect for a family retreat. And since The Mess hall is pet friendly, your four legged friends can even enjoy the trip!

     The cottage is located on the beautiful north end of the island, just five minutes from the Tybee Island Lighthouse Station, the yummy North Beach Grill, and the beautiful sands of North Beach. If all of that isn't enough to entice you, look at this wonderful video Layla and Kevin made!

     Aren't they something? You can find all sorts of awesome things over at The Lettered Cottage blog, so don't forget to visit them there!
     Is Tybee calling your name yet? You know want to, so why not make plans to visit? Come and see why so many have fallen in love with The Mess Hall!

OCTOBER Live Like a Local: Star Gazing on the Pier

     Whether or not you are a full time Tybee resident, there are tons for ways to feel like you are! The City of Tybee always has something going on and you are always welcome to join in the fun!

     This evening the Ogelthorp Astronomical Association will be on the Pier at sunset for their Public Observing program. If you have never had the chance to see the heavens through a high-powered telescope, this is your chance! The OAA is a group for anyone interested in space science and astronomy and they have been active here in the Savannah area for 35 years. The group comes out to Tybee once a month to set up their equipment and the group members are always happy to chat with passers by. They are glad to discuss anything from the basics of astronomy to what's happening in the night sky at the moment, and even how you can become an OAA member if you like! You can get more information by visiting the Oglethrope Astronomical Association website or the event listing here on the City of Tybee event page.
     So, weather permitting, why not make plans to live like a local and do a little Tybee star gazing!

Tybee Lighthouse Fall Festival!

     It's finally fall, and what says fall more than a festival? The Tybee Island Lighthouse is having a fall festival Friday, October 15th, so plan to come out to the North Beach area for loads of fun. There will be games and prizes, a dunking booth, and even hay rides! Not to mention yummy carnival food like popcorn, hot dogs, and cotton candy.

     The festival fun starts at 6 pm and goes until 10 o'clock. You can even enjoy free admission to the lighthouse and grounds! All the proceeds from the festival go to benefit the Tybee Island Historical Society, too, so you are helping a great cause. Make sure to save the date and come out for all the fun!

Pirate Fest 2010 Fun!

     Alas, we had to bid our pirate friends adieu Sunday night, but boy did we have a blast while the festival was here! Especially during the Pirate Victory Parade. Of course we had to get the Mermaid Cottage Mobile in on the parade action again this year. We always have so much fun getting decked out in our best garb, strutting our stuff down Butler Avenue!

     As you can see, everyone had a ball. It's a little like Mardi Gras...you never really know what you might see! The deer with the beads was definitely a festival favorite!
     The Pirate Girl Booty Drive was also in full swing for Pirate Fest. The totals aren't in yet, but everyone was very generous, and it's sure to be a wonderful addition to the money the entire island is raising through all of the FUN-raising events for the Historic Tybee Post Theater! These gals did a great job bringin' in the booty...and you've just gotta love their signs!

photos from the Tybee Stars Facebook page, submitted by Jim Glass

     Fun was had by everyone who came out to Tybee for the weekend, that's for sure! Sad to see the pirates go, but hey, it's never too early to start planning your costume for next year! Thanks for an awesome weekend everyone!

Mermaid Sighting!

     Today, we have two mermaid sightings! The first was just this past weekend at Pirate Fest here on Tybee. This is a henna tattoo on my daughter Katie's arm. Isn't that cool?!

     Our second sighting comes to us from Michelle all the way in Central Iowa! I'll just let Michelle's wonderful email tell you the story...
     "Hello, I recently visited your blog through a series of connections through Layla Palmer/ The Lettered Cottage, and saw your entry about mermaid sightings.
     Our sighting took place July 24th, 2008 in Lincoln City, Oregon in front of a sweet little ice cream shoppe. We have enjoyed returning each summer since, and look forward to seeing her again next summer!
     Warmly, Michelle a land locked ocean cottage lover"

     The two lovely ladies with the mermaid are Michelle's daughters, Elizabeth and Lauren. Thank you so much for sending in your sighting Michelle. We love seeing mermaids from all over the place, and this picture is just perfect!
     Remember, if you see a mermaid, take a picture to share with us! Send your mermaid sightings to diane@mermaidcottages.com and you're mermaid could be the next one featured right here! We look forward to hearing from you!

Live Like a Local: Pirates on Tybee Island!

     It's finally here...Pirate Fest! The island has been taken over and the swashbuckling fun has begun! There are so many events going on this weekend, it'll make your head spin. All the fun starts tonight when the gates open at 5 pm. There will be a Thieves Market, Little Matey's Cove (for the kiddies), and awesome live music! The festival fun lasts through the weekend, so get down here and join us! Here's a map of the festival too, so you are sure to know where all the fun can be found!

Map and more info at www.tybeepiratefest.com!

     Now, downtown isn't the only place you can find pirates! The Eagles Nest GoGo Girls are pleased to announce the "Pirate Girl Booty Drive"! This Saturday, October 9 th, some of Tybee's finest Pirate Girls will take over the intersection of HWY 80 and Campbell. They will be asking locals and visitors alike to fill their boots with booty to benefit the Historic Tybee Post Theater! Special thanks go out to the City of Tybee and the Tybee Police and Fire Departments for this event!

     What are you waiting for?! You don't want to miss a single minute of all this fun! Get your costume on and get to to Tybee, Mates! It's a swashbuckling good time!

Sea Turtle Update: 2010 Season Wrapping Up

     Sea turtle season seems to have all but wrapped up for the year here on Tybee. Our last known nest, Nest No. 10, hatched two weeks ago. Two hatchlings were found on top of the nest area the morning after the hatching began and were collected and released that evening.

photo from the Tybee Sea Turtle Project Facebook Page

     Nest No. 10 was excavated September 23rd and, though a few hatchlings made it, 41 were found dead at the top of the nest cavity. We're told this was mostly caused by a shallow nest cavity (only 11 inches) and the excessive heat. This was the last known nest of the season.
     Thankfully, this was a record year for sea turtles in Georgia, with over 1,700 nests! Let's send a huge thank you out to all the workers and volunteers with the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and the Tybee Sea Turtle Project that made Tybee's season so very successful!

photo by Amy Capello contributed to the Tybee Sea Turtle Project Facebook Page

The Fish Camp Cocktail Winner!!!

     We had so much fun this weekend! Saturday was the big recipe judging for the Fish Camp Cottage Cocktail Contest, and we definitely had our work cut out for us. There were plenty of cocktails, plenty of friends, and these...

were just the basics for all the recipe fun! We received so many wonderful recipes, but in the end we narrowed the field to eight finalists. And they were...

So, Saturday evening, we got to mixing and shaking and made all the recipes. Just looks like a party doesn't it?! We had a ball, and after much debate, we had a winner! Kimberly's Fish Tale cocktail recipe is our new Official Fish Camp Cottage Cocktail!

     We settled on the Fish Tale because, well...it's delicious! But it wasn't just the taste because all the recipes were scrumptious! It was amazing because it can be made ahead and placed in the freezer, where it will be ready and waiting for you when you return from the beach! Best of all, it uses Georgia peaches for a great local flavor.
     Thanks to everyone that entered the contest and shared all these wonderful recipes and congratulations to Kimberly! We sure hope you enjoy your 3 day/2 night stay at Fish Camp Cottage as much as we enjoyed your recipe!

Mermaid Sightings!

This week,we have multiple mermaid sightings!

These mermaids come from high above the ocean! Michael Bodine sent us these lovely ladies after seeing them in Sky Mall Magazine while on a flight. Who would've thought, a mermaid sighting at 30,000 feet!

Thanks for sending this in Michael! This just proves, mermaids are everywhere!

Our next sighting is more of an announcement...more mermaids are coming to Seaside Sisters, and all the way from San Clemente, California! The gals over at Seaside Sisters will be offering these awesome license plate covers in the shop soon, so make sure to stop by to claim yours! These lovely ladies are fabulous! They bring the sea to your car (no matter where you are!) and they are only $38 plus tax!

And don't forget, we'd love to see your sightings. Send your sighting and information to diane@mermaidcottages.com and your pictures could be featured as our next sighting! 

Mermaid Tales: Rose's Folie

     Every one of our cottages has it's own personality, and Rose's Folie is no exception. This little cottage is circa 1936 and just begs you to come in, relax, and enjoy your time at the beach! It's an easy 10 minute walk to Tybee's North Beach, and your dog will love relaxing or playing in the peaceful fenced in yard.

     This place is just full of unique touches and fun original art. Even the cottage's sign was handmade by a very talented artist! Don't you just love the whimsy of the garden arch?!

     Rose's Folie sleeps eight very comfortably, with 2 queen beds and 2 singles. The cottage is also close to restaurants and other attractions, like the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum!

So, plan a trip to visit Rose's Folie soon! Slow down, step off the mainland, and enjoy a little Tybee Time.

Seaside Sisters Theater Benefit Oct. 3rd!!!

You are invited to come out and join us at Seaside Sisters tomorrow, October 3rd, to celebrate their 3rd anniversary! All weekend, there will be specials, free gifts, drawings, and nibbles plus...

Paula Deen's favorite fellas will be with us from 1 to 3 pm!

Come out and meet Captain Michael Groover (author of My Delicious Life with Paula Deen) and Brandon Branch (assistant of The Lady herself, and co-author of Savannah Style)! There will be a book signing, as well as a tasting of Captain Michael's Full Steam Ahead Coffee!

Please join us! Partial sale proceeds during this event will go to the "Casting for Stars FUN-raiser" to restore the Historic Tybee Post Theater. Our goal is $5000, so please come out..and bring all your friends! Seaside Sisters is located at 1207 HWY 80 East in Sundance Square here on Tybee. Can't wait to see you there!

Live Like a Local: Tybee Festival of the Arts

Looking for a little culture or creative inspiration? Well, you should join us at the Tybee Festival of the Arts! Its the 14th annual celebration of fine arts and crafts here on the island October 16th and 17th! It is a must-attend event!
     This festival is sponsored by the Tybee Arts Association and the City of Tybee, and for the second year it will be held in a grand tent on South Beach. Come enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean and the Pier and Pavillion while exploring the amazing selection of fine art!

photo from TybeeArts.org

     There will be a juried art show with $4000 worth of prices up for grabs! You won't want to miss browsing through jewelry, photography,mixed media, oil & watercolor paintings, and ceramics by regional artists from not only Georgia, but Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida as well! There will also be great live music, and it is all free to the public!

photo from ExploreGeorgia.com

     Please plan to come out and enjoy a weekend full of amazing art and entertainment with us! You can find more information and music schedules at the Tybee Arts Association website as well as the Festival's Facebook event page!