Peter O'Toole after his lifetime achievement award at the Savannah Film Festival, flanked by critic Roger Ebert and actor Jason Patric. (Photo by Mark Von Holden)   Savannah has long been a favorite setting for movies from "Forrest Gump"  to "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" the original "Cape Fear"..... the list goes on and on. But did you know that thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design we have our very own film festival? The Savannah International Film Festival is  highly respected in the film community.  The 2007 honored guests included Michael Douglas, Vanessa Redgrave and Milos Forman and the 2008 featured guest will be Malcolm McDowell. We're used to celebrity here.... some of the Savannah area residents both full and part time include Ben Affleck and Jennifer ... 10/01/2008

Ardsley Park, one of Savannah's most popular neighborhoods began around 1910 with the advent of the automobile becoming Savannah's first suburb. Just a ten minute drive from the downtown Historic District, Ardsley Park - Chatham Crescent was added in 1985 to the Register of Historic Places. The design is similar to that of the Historic District which was planned by Savannah's founder General James Edward Oglethorpe, laid out on a grid of landscaped parks and squares.   Most of the homes were built in the first half of the 20th century and are a mixture of large two story homes and smaller "bungalows". Savannah's first suburb, laid out in 1911, is a mixture of prestigious four and five bedroom mansions and quaint, craftsman style bunglalows situated on tree lined streets.  The borders o... 09/28/2008

      Thomas Tolbert Keller Williams Realty Office 912-232-8580 Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839 thomas.tolbert@me.com   Founded in 1978, the Savannah College of Art and Design has grown into one of the most sought after colleges worldwide for graphic design, animation, film and television, fashion and photography today.. With a student body from all 50 states and 90 countries as well as Professors and faculty from around the world SCAD has contributed to making Savannah a rich and diverse cultural community.  With 11 art galleries including the SCAD Museum for the Arts and campuses throughout the Historic District SCAD's contribution and influence everywhere.  By mingling their campuses and facilities throughout the entire Historic & Victorian districts, maintaining and resto... 09/26/2008

  Located on the south side of Savannah is one of the most popular communities in Savannah called Georgetown.  The community started growth back in the 1970s and has continued to flourish with continuous new construction from single family homes to villas and townhomes.Made up of over 20 neighborhoods Georgetown is affordable with resale homes from the 150s to close to a million for homes along the river, and the architecture varies from brick ranch to traditional to Low Country.    With lots of amenities including pool, tennis courts and playgrounds as well as a short walk or drive to the  Georgetown Elementary School, Georgetown has been a long time favorite for families.  With the Savannah Mall nearby there's no need to have to go far for shopping, yet with the completion of the Sout... 09/25/2008

Savannah's City Market started back in 1755 was where farmers and fishermen delivered their their wares in horse drawn wagons. Pretty much abandoned in the early 1950s the City Market just couldn't compete with the modern air conditioned grocery stores. Today the City Market, at Jefferson and West Julian Streets is again thriving with  art galleries, unique gift shops, pubs and restaurants to ice cream and candy shops. . A favorite for locals and tourists alike, the market is busy day and night. Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating for both lunch and dinner.  One of my favorite restaurants in the market is Vinnie Van Go-Go's Pizza.  It's a great place to sit outside and watch the horse drawn carriages go by. The City market is just a block off of Bay Street and two blocks from ... 09/25/2008

Savannah is known for it's huge celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Thee festivities in Savannah go on for several days, attracting roughly 400,000 Irish and honorary Irish visitors each year in addition to local celebrators. A festival that rivals that of New Orleans Mardi Gras but the comparison to Mardi Gras ends when it comes to displays of public nudity, however, which in Savannah will "get you arrested."  A favorite St. Patricks day is green eggs and ham and of course you have to try the green beer!  The color green is everywhere, including the fountain in Forsyth Park.  The downtown Historic District pretty much becomes one big ongoing celebration for days from the parade route on Broughton St. to the Mardi Gras atmosphere of partying on River Street.  For more information just se... 09/24/2008

Early maps refer to Isle of Hope in French as L'Isle Desperance (modern French: L'Île d'Espérance). Legends abound of pirates using the island to hide their booty, and generations of children have gone digging for treasure there. Legend also says that the island was used as a place of refuge for French Huguenots fleeing persecution. Isle of Hope has been the location of quite a few movie productions including the original Cape Fear and Forrest Gump.  It's a great neighborhood for strolls and dog walking along the waterfront.  You'll find a variety of homes from quaint wood frame bungalows to grand mansions.  Because of the close proximity to the Truman Parkway you can be in Historic Savannah in about 20 minutes.  Home prices vary from around 300,000 to over 1,000,000.  A great place to... 09/23/2008

It's about time! Finally, the Victory Square shopping center is now complete with the grand opening of the new Target and Staples as well as the Victory Square multiplex movie theater, finishing off the revitalization that was begun  about 2 years ago by Home Depot.    Now residents of Ardsley Park, Gordonston, Park Side area at Daffin Park, Baldwin Park, the Victorian and Historic districts and especially Wilmington & Tybee Islands have a short drive for shopping instead of trekking all the way out to the Savannah Mall on the south side of town. As a Gordonston resident I can be there in less than 5 minutes.  This should be a big boost for the already begun growth of the east side of town and great for the local economy. For more information just send me an email of give me a call. Th... 09/19/2008

Towards the end of the 1800's, as the Savannah Historic District population grew and the streets became crowded, builders began constructing houses further south.  The Victorian District features approximately 50 blocks of exquisitely detailed grand Victorian  homes built between 1870 and 1910. The Victorian era marked the explosion of creative options and the emergence of intricate, daring techniques full of color and intricate detail.  Circular and octagonal towers, wrap around porches, bay windows, multiple steep roofs, decorative gables and elaborate hardware.  Over the years many of these grand Victorians weathered and faded and lots of Victorian homes were split up into apartments during the depression era.  But in recent years Savannah's Victorian District has been going through ... 09/19/2008

Savannah is fortunate to have some outstanding parks.  Our most active park is probably the 20 plus acre park in the Historic - Victorian District,  Forsyth Park. At over 150 years the beautiful Forsyth Park attracts residents, tourists and students alike.  Whether it's just a stroll, running, tennis, soccer, dog walking,  a picnic or Symphony in the Park there is always something to do. Sandwiched between Drayton and Whitaker streets lined with beautiful homes and Inns, Forsyth Park is a must see for visitors to Savannah.  You may remember the movie "Forrest Gump" with Forrest sitting on the park bench in Forsyth Park telling the story of his life or from the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".The large and ornate fountain was created in 1858 and received a major restorat... 09/19/2008

One of Savannah's most charming older neighborhoods, Gordonston is located in east Savannah.  The newest neighborhood in Savannah to be named to the National Register of Historic Places, Gordonston is definitely worth considering.  Nestled between Skidaway Rd to the south,  Pennsylvania Avenue to the east and Gwinnette St. to the north this subdivision formed in the early 20th century boasts a variety of architecture from Neo-Classical, Colonial Revival and Arts and Crafts.   Beautiful overhanging trees draped in spanish moss, manicured lawns and beautiful Juliet Gordon Low Park make Gordonston one of Savannah's most prized jewels. Named for the noted Gordon family of Savannah, their most famous family member being the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low.  Quite similar to A... 09/18/2008

This July 4th weekend in Savannah brought tens of thousands of people to River Street for the fireworks.  Like St. Patrick's Day in July.  It was a beautiful evening and the fireworks were spectacular!  Sunday at the beach on Tybee Island was packed, with car tags from all over the country.  Not bad for "The Redneck Riviera"! We're seeing more and more people looking for properties in Savannah's Historic District and on the various islands in our area.  Believe this is a sign of a stronger market for us and hopefully for other parts of the country, since many of the folks looking are selling a home where they now live.  For anyone who has never visited our beautiful city, ya'll come on down!   07/08/2008

It's not just the temperature but the real estate market is heating up as well.  Never has there been such a variety of homes to choose from.  Whether it's a Historic District condo or house, or waterfront cottages the choices are many. We're seeing more and more tourists come into our beautiful city and some just don't want to leave.  That's fine with us if they want to stay and become part of Savannah's Southern Hospitality. Getting ready for the big 4th of July celebration that will climax with the huge fireworks display over River Street.  Hope many of ya'll can join us! 06/27/2008

I am hoping some of my colleagues from around the country will see what amazing opportunities Savannah offers by posting a couple of my listings on activerain -- There are great investments, stately historic homes and truly affordable housing options in charming Savannah! Check out the listing below! This gorgeous Victorian, c. 1900, has incredible historic details, huge rooms and fantastic modern updates. Enter into a grand foyer with niches, columns and pristine antique, heart pine floors. The traditional floor plan in this spacious, 2900+ square foot home opens into a formal dining room with bay windows and a wide hallway with powder room tucked under the stair. The airy, fully equipped kitchen with updated cabinetry, incredible storage space, a full size pantry, and a large center i... 06/16/2008

Fellow Agents -- Check out this incredible Quadplex in Beautiful Savannah! 1110 East Victory Drive Offering over 7200sf on famous Victory Drive, this completely updated, historic brick quad-plex overlooks the fountain at beautiful Daffin Park and is the ideal Savannah investment property. With four immaculate, fully equipped 3BR, 2BA units -- each with over 1800 sq feet, a myriad of possibilities are available. Featuring spacious, light filled apartments with nice historic details, fireplaces and beautiful hardwood floors, this property could continue as a cash-flowing apartment complex or be transformed into historic Inn, Bed & Breakfast, or an ideal condominium conversion. This well maintained building has recently been freshened-up with paint and landscaping, and all apartments are t... 06/16/2008

Jessica Kelly, of Mopper-Stapen Realtors, is a licensed Real Estate agent in the states of Georgia and South Carolina and specializes in property sales in Historic and Metro Savannah. She is a dedicated Savannah Realtor who has a true passion for the business, strong professional achievements, and innovative business techniques. Mopper-Stapen Realtors recognizes Jessica as a Top Producer and she is a continuing member of the Distinguished Sales Society of the Savannah Board of Realtors. Jessica earned her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in 1999 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 2007, Jessica earned her Associate Broker's license in Georgia.  She was the Bronze Agent at her firm in 2005 and received the company's top awa... 05/02/2008

Several weeks ago, I had the distinct privilege to be a volunteer for the Historic Savannah Foundation's 73rd Annual Tour of Homes and Gardens. As a head docent for the late march event (3/27-3/29) I was in charge of ushering visitors--thru a magnificent restoration at 19 West Gordon St. in the heart of Savannah's  Landmark Historic District.The home built in 1872 --received the 2007 award for Historic preservation from the Historic Savannah Foundation--and after being there I know why.The home, situated just off Monterey Square,. is a pair of Italianate residences  built in 1879 for John Williams an established builder of the time and the Savannah City assessor.The home at 19 W. Gordon, was purchased in 2003 by Duncan Kuhn a former Savannah resident and accomplished artist. (She curren... 04/15/2008

Savannah doesn't just have a lot of ghosts and golf, it also has tons of shopping. Of course, there is the Oglethorpe Mall and the Savannah Mall, which is right outside the Rio Gate of Hunter Army Airfield in the Southside. We also have our fair share of National Retailers and Chain Stores. On top of that, there are numerous local shops that line River Street, the City Market, and Broughton Streets. If you walk around, you are sure to find some unique shopping areas. It gets even better as you head to the beach! On Tybee Island, you will find local shops dotting the streets. They have some unique crafts, great ice cream, and interesting antiques. Check out these Local Shops!Then enjoy some Sweets for the Georgia Peaches.Don't forget the clothes and accessories. There are so many more sh... 03/27/2008

As they say, when in Rome do as the Romans. So when in Savannah, you have to shop like one. There are plenty of places that you can find anywhere. But who wants to buy everything from a place that is everywhere. It's nice to be able to pick up a few unique items that will add a little flavor to your wardrobe. Here are a few local shops that might tickle your fancy. BleuBelle Boutique Cherub - I have linked their website but it is not up yet! Cherub is the place to go to dress your little angel.Citi Trends - They aren't affliated with the bank. But they will allow you to buy clothes without breaking the bank.Fine ConsignmentsJ. Parker Limited - We have to include the men! Jos. A. Bank - more for the men.Kathi Rich Men's WarehouseStrasburg ChildrenJ. Renee ShoesMonkee's of Savannah Keller... 03/27/2008

...ok, well, may be I am. Are you? In fact, I am not afraid of ghosts because I don't believe in them. However, I do still get that creepy feeling when you walking into a strange new place. My great grandmother's basement was like a dungeon. It had a pull string light located at the bottom of very steep and narrow stairs. I would rush down and turn the light on as fast as I could, get what I needed, turn out the light, and race back up. Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in America. In fact, the history channel has it ranked in second place while parapsychologists seem to feel it's a winner. Because of this, there are plenty of ghost tours here. The only way to find out, is to experience Savannah for yourself. So, I have compiled a list of the ghost tours available. I... 03/26/2008