Giveaway: two year-long Friends of Georgia State Parks Supporter gift memberships with two additional gift cards to Georgia’s State Parks.

We excited about this “It’s Almost Spring!” Giveaway. We’re giving away two year-long Friends of Georgia State Parks Supporter gift memberships (value $125 each) with two additional gift cards to Georgia State Parks.

Two SouthernMamas.com readers will win one each.

Think free access to Georgia State Parks for a year – a year’s worth of access to mountains, hiking, swimming, lakes, beaches, trails, biking, waterfalls, exploring, sight-seeing, rivers and more.

To enter to win, visit this giveaway post on our SouthernMamas.com Facebook page. Comment on the FB giveway post, telling us what you are most looking forward to doing outdoors this spring 2021.  Entry will be open for a week. Then we’ll pick two names at random and announce the winners.

Here’s what the Friends of Georgia State Parks Supporter year-long gift memberships include: three free nights of camping, two annual park passes to Georgia State Parks, 10 percent off lodging, and two free picnic shelter rentals.

Good luck & get outdoors!

Two Summer Camps @ Advanced Academics, Pooler 

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Smart Start Academic Summer Camp 2021 @ Advanced Academics, Pooler

Elementary students will have daily activities in Writing, Phonics, Language Arts, Guided Reading, and Guided Math.
Middle school students will have hands-on STEM based activities as we merge core content areas of English, Math, Science and History.

Mon.- Thurs.
For elementary students: 9AM-Noon
For middle school students: 1-4PM

​Enroll online here.

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Advanced Academics
email: adv.aca.mail@gmail.com
912-348-2017
405 Hwy 80, Suite 104
Pooler, GA 31322

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Advanced Academics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Savannah Christian Preparatory School Summer Camps 2021 

Savannah Christian Preparatory School offers programming for nine weeks during summer with many different options.

From Tuesday June 1 to Friday July 31, SCPS has athletic, academic, artistic & summer day camps running every week. There is something for everyone.

Learn more & register online here. 

If you have questions or would like to speak to someone in our office, please email scsummerinfo@savcps.com or call 912-234-1653

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Savannah Christian Preparatory School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Virtual Youth Theater Classes with the Savannah Cultural Arts Center 

The Savannah Cultural Arts Center is debuting Virtual Arts Classes including two youth theater offerings: Drama Adventures with Dr. Seuss (Ages 5 to 8) and Virtual Theater Makers (Ages 9 to 12). These six-week, virtual sessions will present engaging content focused on interaction, collaboration, and movement.

6 week sessions start Feb. 16 2021.

Register and read more about classes online here 

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Out of the Box; Virtual Theatre Makers

Using a unique blend of Zoom-friendly improv and playwriting activities, young actors will explore new ways to create theatre from the ground up. Over seven weeks, creative minds will be stretched and traditional limitations of live performance will be broken, as participants work to develop original scenes, monologues, and characters, culminating in a final virtual showcase for friends and family.

This class is intended for 9 to 12-year-olds with any level of experience.

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Drama Adventures… with Dr. Seuss (Participants are allowed to join this class after the six-week session begins)

This 6-week virtual class series invites participants ages 5 to 8 to fully immerse themselves in the imaginary world of Dr. Seuss by way of acting, music, craft, and dance activities. Appropriate for all experience levels, each class will feature a new creative adventure and encourages young performers of any ability to build confidence and express themselves on stage and on the Zoom screen.

Note: A Dr. Seuss Kit is included with registration from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center (via curbside pickup).

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Kindermusik for 4-7 year olds in Bloomingdale.

Enjoy music and movement on Monday afternoons at 4PM in  Kindermusik Savanah’s  “Move and Groove” class.

Explore rhythm, music notation, instrument, note reading and more! Singing, dancing, stories and laughter abound. First trial is free.

Text 912-432-5885 to set up your free class.

kindermusikwith88keys.com

Register online here.

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Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE Pre-K programs with Savannah-Chatham Public Schools, Application Process Feb. 16-March 4 2021 

Lottery notifications will be sent on April 7, 2021. Find more details here. 

The Savannah Studio is up and running!

Harrison Payne Violin is now accepting students for Spring 2021. All skills levels are welcome.
If interested, text (478) 718-6476 or email harrisonpayneviolin@gmail.com

Visit Harrisonpayneviolin.com for more information.

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Harrison Payne Violin is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

If you’re struggling to figure out what you want to spend 2021 improving on, take some advice from SouthCoast Health medical experts.

Below are New Year’s health resolutions from the SouthCoast Health physicians.

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. William Knight (Family Medicine) Resolution: Drink More Water

SouthCoast Health’s Physical Therapist, Lisa Bettio (Physical Therapy) Resolution: Find a New Way to Exercise 

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Leland Dampier (Family Medicine)
Resolution: Walk More

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Rebecca Sellers (Family Medicine)
Resolution: More Sleep

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Blaine Crosland (Pediatrics)
Resolution: Get Up-To-Date on Physical Exams

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Abby Abisogun (Endocrinology). Resolution: Focus on De-Stressing

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Garrett White (Nephrology)
Resolution: Sign Up To Be an Organ Donor

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Misal Patel (Internal Medicine)
Resolution: Get Outside

SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Jonathan Lanham (Cardiology)
Resolution: Focus On Your Heart

Click here to schedule an appointment with SouthCoast Health or call 912.691.3600.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Creative Spirit Art School in Savannah offers art classes for all ages and skill levels – painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture/ceramics, mixed media, materials and techniques, skill building and experimental arts

Also offered: portfolio prep geared towards developing artistic skills, knowledge of materials and techniques and preparation of portfolio for middle school, high school, and college

Learn more here. 

Bloom & Grow Open Market, Savannah
Spring Opening Farmers/Makers Market: March 20 4-7:30PM
4 Brasseler Blvd, Savannah, GA 31419-9576

Welcoming makers, crafters, farmers, and specialty goods into the market. Send us an email for consideration. Email bloomandgrowmarket@gmail.com

Kicking off first 2021 spring market on the first day of Spring with The Big cheese food truck, and vendors of all sorts. Featuring short presentations setup for those interested in learning how to grow your own micro-greens at home along with kits to buy.  Children’s activities including painting clay potters and plant seeds to grow at home. Cost for activities is $5 per family up to 3 children and $2 per child after that.

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Islands Farmers Market
401 Quarterman Drive
Savannah, GA 31410
Now open for Spring 2021
9AM-Noon Saturdays
Local food & craft vendors. Honey, eggs, meat, bread, donuts, poultry, soaps, jewelry, candles, wreathes and more.

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Forsyth Farmers Market
9 AM-1 PM Saturdays
Located at the South End of Forsyth Park, Savannah
Email: forsythfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Details here.

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Farmers Market of Bluffton 
Noon-5PM Thursdays
Open air community farmers market, live music, chef demos, kids activities
71 Green Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-415-2447
manager@farmersmarketbluffton.org
Details here.

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Hilton Head Island Farmers Market
9 AM-1 PM Tuesdays
@ the Coastal Discovery Museum
Fresh local produce, pasture-raised chicken, free-range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, fresh sausage, cookies, breads, she crab soup.
Free admission and parking.
Details hhifarmersmarket.com.

FIND MORE FREE LOCAL EVENTS HERE. 

Admissions season has begun! Visit Savannah’s schools @ these open houses or ongoing school tours to get to know the schools.

Upcoming Savannah school Winter 2021 open houses & ongoing school tours for prospective families include:

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Advanced Academics, Pooler

Customized learning for Pre-K through 5^th grades.  Currently registering for summer and the 21-22 academic year.  Call 912-348-2017 to set up a tour and visit www.adv-aca.com for more information.

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Savannah Christian Preparatory School, Savannah

Open Houses: Wednesdays Feb. 10 & Feb. 24 2021 9:30-10:30AM @ Eckburg Auditorium.Reservations required. Details here.

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Savannah Classical Academy, Savannah

The annual lottery is now open for Savannah Classical Academy , free, public K-12 charter school, for all students from kindergarten to twelfth grade for the 2021-2022 school year. Don’t miss the deadline for your family to enroll in this free public charter Savannah school as part of the local school system. Apply for the lottery here.

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St. Andrew’s School, Wilmington Is., Savannah

Now accepting applications for Pre-K 3 through Grade 4. The application deadline is 2.19.21. Details here.

Student evaluation day on Fri. Feb. 12 2021 for Pre-K through grade 4 students who have completed applications. Details here.

Tour this private independent school (age 3 to grade 12). Call 897.4941 or email Windee Helle in the Admissions Office at hellew@saslions.com to schedule your private tour. Details here.

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Susie King Taylor Community School, Savannah

Application for the lottery for 2021-22 school year is open. Susie King Taylor Community School is a tuition-free, public K-8 Savannah charter school. Details here. 

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Calvary Day School, Savannah

Campus Tours are by appointment and are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the school year. Please call admissions department at (912) 351-0700 or email admissions@calvarydayschool.com to schedule your tour.
Details here.

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Savannah-Chatham Public School Choice Program Application Process Feb. 1-19 2021  

Find more details here. 

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FREE Pre-K programs with Savannah-Chatham Public Schools, Application Process Feb. 16-March 4 2021 

Lottery notifications will be sent on April 7, 2021. Find more details here. 

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Join the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta this Monday, Feb. 22 at 1:30PM for another edition of their children’s virtual storytime.

This time the books featured are Lee & Low Books Rent Party Jazz & Joshua’s Masai Mask.

The overall run time should be about 40-45 minutes. The conclusion of each reading will be followed by a brief Q&A. Register online here.

Join Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah to honor the memory and impact of Black people to this site on Feb. 27-28 2021 with Black Heritage Weekend.

Reserve your tickets and join a ranger on the inaugural Black Heritage Tour, highlighting Wormsloe’s history as a slave plantation and invoking the memories of those enslaved Africans who lived, worked, and died here.

Bring water and wear comfortable shoe wear for the guided tour. The tour will last approximately one hour. Reservations are required. Call 912-353-3023. Email: Wormsloe.SHS@dnr.ga.gov

Cost: Youth- $6.50 Adults- $12

Soldier Saturday
Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Richmond Hill, GA
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021, 10AM-4PM

Stop by the fort’s plantation house where an interpretive ranger portraying a Civil War soldier will entertain topics of conversation ranging from fort history to Civil War medicine. The plantation house is a replica of a caretaker’s cottage that was once a part of Strathy Hall Plantation. The McAllister family During the Civil War, the troops used the house as barracks and later demolished it when the Union forces were expected to attack by land. Visitors can tour the house and learn about life during the 1860s.
Cost: Program is free with regular fort admission (no ParkPass required).

Learn more here. 

Questions? Call 912-727-2339

ABOUT FORT MCALLISTER:
Located south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, Fort McAllister showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy

Fort McAllister State Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Virtual Kids’ Story Time with Coastal Discovery Museum
Mon. March 8, 10:30-11AM
Coastal Discovery Museums’ weekly Kid’s Story Time has moved online!
Join Emily as she reads family favorites about the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural history on the Coastal Discovery Museum Facebook page every Monday at 10:30AM.

Free & open to the public.

Visit coastaldiscovery.org/kids-story-time to hear all of Coastal Discovery Museum Story Times.

Do you have a small group that would like to visit The Sandbox @ Tanger 2 Outlets in Bluffton or The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. during the week?

Call 48 hours in advance to set up your play session.

Hilton Head Is: (843) 842-7645

Bluffton, SC: (843) 705-6235

FIND MORE PROGRAMS @ BOTH SANDBOX LOCATIONS HERE. 

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

A pair of osprey can be seen on the bird nest cam at The Landings

These cameras follow ospreys nesting beside the Palmetto golf course at The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah.

Watch the osprey pair here.

Enrollment for the Soccer Shots Spring 2021 Park Season in Savannah, Wilmington Is., Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and Bluffton is now open!

Soccer Shots is kicking off the season and wants your child to join them on Soccer Island!

This season, things will look a little different as Soccer Shots will implement several safety guidelines on soccer island and all their coaches will be wearing masks.

Soccer Shots will offer smaller class sizes, disinfecting equipment, maintaining distancing and using larger fields, along with a variety of other precautions to keep both children and staff safe.

Looking for a more personalized Soccer Shots Experience?

You can now host a neighborhood season for your child and their friends right in your backyard. Your squad, your way- and you get 50% off as the host. Call 762.333.1177 or email rwright@soccershots.org for details.

Visit Soccershots.org/savannah to learn more about their program. Or go straight to their enrollment page and sign up for a location near you that meets at a time that fits your schedule at savannah.soccershots.com.

Soccer Shots has locations all throughout Savannah, Wilmington Island, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and Bluffton!

Free soccer day March 27

Want to try the program and meet their awesome coaches before you enroll? Soccer Shots is having a free soccer day at Forsyth Park on March 27 2021 for all children ages 2-8. You must preregister for this FREE event. Visit savannah.soccershots.com and search by the keyword “free” to be directed to the registration page.”

Questions? Contact Rachel Wright, 762.333.1177, rwright@soccershots.org​.

Enrollment Link: savannah.soccershots.com

Soccer Shots is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Yes, Savannah and Tybee Island’s St. Patrick’s Day parade & festivities are cancelled for 2021 due to the pandemic.

However, Tybee Island residents plan to celebrate the holiday in a creative, socially-distanced way: the Paint Tybee Ireland Green project with houses and businesses bedecked in green and St. Patrick’s decor.

Participants planning to decorate their property are asked to register here or email tybeeireland@yahoo.com by Feb. 20.

The socially-distanced celebration will be March 12-20. Maps of participating homes are available here. 

Learn more here. 

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More St. Patrick’s events

Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Parade, Pope Avenue, Sun. March 14, 3PM. Details here.

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Parade is cancelled. Events celebrating the Celtic Cross Ceremony, Greening of the Fountain, Jasper Green Ceremony and St. Patrick’s Day Mass will be virtual. Details here. 

We love this: Eight-year-old Leo called out NPR for lack of dinosaur stories. Read the story about Leo (pictured above) here.

We here at SouthernMamas.com have also been remiss in doing our share of dinosaur publicity including spotlighting dinosaur exhibits that are a daytrip or weekend trip from Savannah.

Here are some museums with dinosaur exhibits to please most dinosaur fans like Leo.

Tellus Science Museum north of Atlanta in Cartersville, Ga.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta

Georgia Southern Museum, Statesboro (currently closed due to COVID)

MOSH (Museum of Science & History), Jacksonville Fla. no current dinosaur exhibits but upcoming exhibits include The Lost World of Dragons, 05.29.21 — 09.05.21. Details here.

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC. Visits by appoinment.

South Carolina State Museum, Columbia SC.

Dinosaurs The Exhibition, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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Daytrips, Weekend Trips

Find more daytrips & weekend trips from the Savannah-area here. 

Smart Start Academic Summer Camp 2021 @ Advanced Academics, Pooler

Elementary students will have daily activities in Writing, Phonics, Language Arts, Guided Reading, and Guided Math.
Middle school students will have hands-on STEM based activities as we merge core content areas of English, Math, Science and History.

Mon.- Thurs.
For elementary students: 9AM-Noon
For middle school students: 1-4PM

​Enroll online here.

Cost: $360/session

June 7-24 2021
or
July 5-22 2021

Register online here. 

Advanced Academics
email: adv.aca.mail@gmail.com
912-348-2017
405 Hwy 80, Suite 104
Pooler, GA 31322

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Advanced Academics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Savannah United Spring 2021 Recreational Soccer 

Registration is open for Spring 2021 Recreational Soccer with Savannah United. 

Register online @ SavannahUnited.com .

Questions or concerns? Please contact Savannah United Program Director, Paul Smith, p.smith@savannahunited.com or Recreational Administrator, Vanessa Asterman, v.asterman@savannahunited.com.

2021 Spring Season

Practices begin week of February 22nd. Games begin in March. The game schedule will be released one week prior to the first game.

Learn more here. 

Savannah United is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Going quarantine stir crazy? Feeling ready to get out of town?

Whether you’re looking to plan a Spring Break adventure, last minute adult getaway or a family vacation, Two Sisters Travel can help. They’ve been safely and responsibly traveling since the pandemic began. They’ll use our firsthand knowledge & experience to assist you with planning the perfect itinerary and making your overall travel experience easier.

So, where to go? What’s open? Here are a few of Two Sisters Travel’s favorite last minute deals!

Disney
Save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Universal
Save up to $800 on vacation packages! A family of 4 can enjoy 5-nights at Loews Portofino Bay Resort, plus exclusive benefit of Free Unlimited Express ride passes for as low as $143 per person, per night.

Puerto Rico
Experience the Caribbean island feel without a passport! Explore the El Yunque rainforest, experience the magic of the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, and the unique mixture of Caribbean & Spanish culture. Packages with airfare from Savannah for less than $580 per night at a 4.5 star beachfront hotel in the heart of Old San Juan.

Caribbean & Mexico
Have passports? Ready for a relaxing, care-free vacation? Popular all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean & Mexico are offering unbelievable deals from as low as $525 per night for a family of 4, including airfare from Savannah.

Costa Rica
A tropical adventure like no other. Costa Rica has it all from rainforest to volcanoes to picturesque coastlines and packages as low as $650 per night for a family 4, including airfare from Savannah.

Florida Keys
Looking for those warm & tropical vacation vibes but don’t want to fly… the Florida Keys are your answer. Enjoy the relaxed laid-back atmosphere in Islamorada and Key Largo. Pricing at one of Two Sisters Travel’s favorite family-friendly 4.5 star resorts is offering rates as low as $125 per person, per night.

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Travel is certainly more complex and complicated than ever before. Navigating the ever-changing entry protocols (domestic & international) and quarantine restrictions can easily become overwhelming. Don’t take a chance with your vacation, trust the professionals.

Availability in some domestic destinations like the US Virgin Islands is extremely limited so don’t wait. If you haven’t started planning your summer vacation, don’t delay.

Contact Two Sisters Travel to help you plan your next vacation.

Tara McCoy
Two Sisters Travel
843.284.3241

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Two Sisters Travel is a SoutherMamas.com advertiser 

Looking for a new school?

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Is. in Savannah is hosting a student evaluation day this Friday, February 12 for Pre-K through grade 4 students who have completed applications. In addition, there are limited spots for grades 5 through 12.

Follow this link here to begin the application process for all grades.

St. Andrew’s: Where Life Meets Learning.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Rd, Savannah, 31410. 912.897.4941 ext 452, www.saintschool.com , email hellew@saintschool.com On Facebook here.   On Twitter here. St. Andrew’s is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.