For the second year in a row, Georgia ditched the sales-tax holiday that offers shoppers a weekend of relief at the cash register. But you can still save during South Carolina Sales Tax Holiday. Qualified items include certain clothing, school supplies, computers and computer software and many other items. For details, visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue Website.

Tax free weekend begins Friday, August 5, 2011 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 7, 2011 at midnight.

Midnight Garden Ride from Forsyth Park
Admission: $20
www.midnightgardenride.com
Sample the nocturnal sights and sounds of the streets of Savannah from behind your handlebars on the second annual Midnight Garden Ride.
The Midnight Garden Ride is a non-competitive, nighttime charity bike ride through Historic Downtown Savannah, benefiting the Savannah Bicycle Campaign – a non-profit advocacy organization working for better bicycling for Savannah and Chatham County. This year’s route will again feature 6 and 12 mile options passing signature sights of Savannah under our beautiful live oak canopy. Lights and helmets are required.

Make a weekend of it!
Join hundreds of others for rides on Saturday morning, Sept. 3 and Sunday morning, Sept. 4 for the Savannah Century . Rain or shine! Details here: http://www.savannahcentury.com/

SouthernMamas.com hearts Scribble Art Studio kids classes and birthdays!

If your little one has not taken an art class with artist and Scribble owner Carrie Christian, then now is the time to sign up. Check out the Fall 2011 Art Schedule above. Due to an overwhelming response, Scribble Art Studio has added new classes to the line up. Reserve your spot before Aug. 19 and receive a 10% discount. Learn more about Scribble Art Studio by visiting their Web site here.

“Like” Scribble Art Studio Facebook page here to stay connected and updated about art classes and events.

Scribble Art Studio, CONTACT: Carrie Christian | 912-323-0123 | carrieachristian@hotmail.com  | www.thescribbleartstudio.com, 212 E. 37th St., Savannah, 31401. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

5th Annual Luminary Fun Night with Santa
Bring your kids and pets for pictures with Santa, then walk our enchanted luminary trail, do holiday arts and crafts and enjoy caroling on hayrides. There will be holiday treats and hot chocolate. Hayrides are $1/person. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Haunted Trail and Falloween at Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 7:30 PM to 9 PM
Friday, Oct 26, 2012 7:30 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Oct 27, 2012 1 PM to 5 PM
Thursday and Friday night come out for a frightening haunted trail.
Saturday the whole family can join in Falloween with an afternoon of games, crafts and hayrides.
And don’t forget trick or treating through the campground at 4-5 PM.
Haunted Trail $5 per person. Falloween $2 per child. $5 parking.
912-598-2300.
52 Diamond Cswy Savannah, GA 31411
Details here.

Take the day off and watch a reptile show and awaken your senses with a night hike. Join in a volleyball game, family games, hayrides, a campfire and hoppin’ frog hike. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Sat. Sept. 3
11 AM Interpretive Center Tour: Join in a tour of the museum and see and touch fossils, reptiles, and more! Try to spot a painted bunting at the bird feeders!
2 PM Giants of Skidaway: Come learn about the amazing Giant Sloth and others that roamed Skidaway during the Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. See and touch real fossils!
4  PM Hayrides ($2/person): Ride through the park on an ol’ fashioned hay-filled wagon!
7:30 PM Campfire ($2/person or a donation to the S’mores): Join us as we trade stories and put together some S’mores. Meet at the Amphitheatre across from Picnic Shelter #4.
8:30 PM Frog Hike ($2/person): Come see and hear frogs at night. Meet at the Big Ferry Trail.

Sun. Sept. 4
11 AM Sandpiper Nature Trail Hike: Come for a 1.5-mile walk to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit the marsh.
2 PM Toads and Turtles: Learn the difference between reptiles and amphibians and see
and touch live examples.
4 PM Roving Ranger: Ask the Roving Ranger any questions and see our creature of the day.

Mon. Sept. 5
11 AM Marsh Madness: Georgia has 1/3 of all the salt marsh on the East Coast. Learn about this diverse and critical ecosystem.
3 PM Snakes Alive! : Learn all about snakes. See and touch live examples!

-ALL PROGRAMS BEGIN AT THE INTERPRETIVE CENTER UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED-

For more activities and events at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, visit the SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Park Events page here.

Story Time with Sara Jane
Wed. Oct 5, 2011

Storytime includes reading an exciting book, creating a fun craft that goes along with the book, as well as having a yummy snack. There will also be special promotions in the store for all of shoppers. Don’t forget to bring your imaginations and your listening ears!

Wed. Oct. 5: “Dooby Dooby Moo” by Doreen Cronin

Story Time with Sara Jane
Sept Time Dates will be:
11 AM Wed. Sept. 14, 2011 & Wed. Sept. 28, 2011

Storytime includes reading an exciting book, creating a fun craft that goes along with the book, as well as having a yummy snack. There will also be special promotions in the store for all of shoppers. Don’t forget to bring your imaginations and your listening ears!

Wed. Sept. 14: “If you give a cat a cupcake” sponsored by Gigi’s Cupcakes

You are invited to the Orient Expressed Show at Robyn’s Nest Children’s Boutique in Savannah.
The two shows will be 10 AM-5:30 PM
Tues. Aug. 2, 2011
Wed. Aug 3, 2011

To receive a 10 percent off coupon from Robyn’s Nest and The Monogram Place in Savannah, simply “like” their Facebook page here and you will be emailed the coupon.

Robyn’s Nest Children’s Boutique, The Monogram Place, 7601 Suite H Waters Ave Savannah, 31406, 912.354.7869, www.facebook.com/pages/Robyns-Nest-and-The-Monogram-Place/176512955735988 Robyn’s Nest is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Carmike 2011 Summer Kid Series at Wynnsong 11 Savannah offers $1 kids’ blockbusters at 10 AM Thursdays during a 10-week festival from June 23-Aug. 25 2011.
912-920-3994
10 AM Aug. 25 2011: Last Airbender

For more local free or discounted children’s activities happening this summer, click here.

Carmike 2011 Summer Kid Series at Wynnsong 11 Savannah offers $1 kids’ blockbusters at 10 AM Thursdays during a 10-week festival from June 23-Aug. 25 2011.
Wynnsong 11 Savannah
1150 Shawnee Street behind Savannah Mall
Savannah, 31419
912-920-3994
10 AM Aug. 18 2011: Shrek 2

For more local free or discounted children’s activities happening this summer, click here.

4th Annual Labor Day Beach Bash. Enjoy the ocean breezes, live music and fireworks from Tybee Pier & Pavilion at the 4^th Annual Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash. Free live entertainment starts at 7 p.m. featuring the Swingin’ Medallions. This high-energy band has performed live with Bruce Springsteen and been featured in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The Labor Day Beach Bash fireworks display can be enjoyed from the pier, the beach or anywhere on Tybee Island after dark (around 9:15 p.m.). Free and open to the public.

 Visit www.TybeeFest.com online or call 912.786.5444

Razzle Dazzle!
Master Storyteller Lillian Grant-Baptiste presents a magical journey into the world of storytelling with stories from around the world in her “Razzle Dazzle” program. The session features “Krik! Krak! The Rabbit’s Back,” “The Magic Tree,” “The Chicken and the Eagle,” and “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in Your Ear”. Ages 5 and up.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Thursday, August 11 @ 11 a.m.
Carnegie Library, Thursday, August 18 @ 11 a.m.

 For more local free or discounted children’s activities happening this summer, click here.

“Aladdin” performance
The Hampstead Players, a traveling theatre troupe from New Hampshire, will perform this classic tale based on the tales of the Arabian Nights. The play is performed by two professional actors, each playing multiple roles and with help from the audience. The story is about Aladdin, a poor young boy who must go out and earn money for his family’s survival. While traveling throughout the country selling his wares, he is fooled by an evil magician, Salabin, who convinces him to find an antique oil lamp. Aladdin rubs the old lamp and releases a genie that can make all his wishes come true. Aladdin must then outsmart the magician and save his family. Throughout the play, children are encouraged to rise above the odds and to follow their dreams. Ages 4 and up.
http://www.hampsteadstage.org/
Hinesville Library, Monday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Monday, Aug. 1, 2 p.m.
Carnegie Library, Monday, Aug. 1, 4:30 a.m.
Thunderbolt Library, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m.
Islands Library, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2 p.m.
Tybee Island Library, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 4:30 p.m.
West Broad Library, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m.
Rincon Library, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 4:30 p.m.
Pooler Library, Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, Thursday, Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m.
WW Law Library, Friday, Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.
Bull Street Library, Friday, Aug. 5, 2:30 p.m.

For more local free or discounted children’s activities happening this summer, click here.

Fun with Electricity
Mike Clemmons sparks enthusiasm about electricity using a Van der Graaf generator, Jacob’s Ladder, plasma pen, plasma globes, magnetic electric core, and high powered magnets. Ages 5 and up.
Thunderbolt Library, Tuesday, August 9 @ 11 a.m.

For more free or discounted local kids’ summer events, click here.

A campus wide open house with activities for all ages: aquarium tours, reptile show, lab activities, tours of the R/V Savannah, plankton drop, ROV’s, and more! Collaboration between Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, and UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium
For more information visit www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium  or call 912-598-2496

The Fall 2011 4-week Mommy and Me program session at  UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium  are on Saturday’s Only this fall. Visit www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium and click on community events for the pre-registration form needed to register for Mommy and Me. A maximum of 20 pairs can be accepted into the program for the fall semester. Reserve your spot as soon as possible. Call 912-598-2356 or email kpaquin@uga.edu.

The educational programs for children between the ages of 1 and 4 include learning techniques that allow for the development of motor skills, understanding of different sizes, shapes, weights, and movements among a variety of marine animals native to Georgia waterways and the ability to identify the difference between fish, crabs, turtles, and invertebrates. The programs will include hands-on experiences with different animals, arts and crafts, a story time, and a game.

Fall 2011 Class Registration is under way at All American Gymnastics in Savannah.

Fall Term runs from August 8 – October 1 2011.

Classes offered include:
Preschool Gymnastics
Recreational Gymnastics
Cheer/Tumbling Classes
Boys Fit & Fun Classes
Coastal Cheer Cats All Star Cheer Squad
Field Trips, Scouting & Home school groups
Women’s Competitive Teams Levels 4-10

MILITARY FAMILIES receive 20% off ALL Recreational classes with SkiesUnlimited card.

More info here.

Be sure to “like” All American Gymnastics on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected and updated about fun gym events and classes.

All American Gymnastics, 7808 White Bluff (across from Hunter AAF) (912) 354-4343, email sam.allamericangymnastics@gmail.com, www.aagsavannah.com All American Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Robyn’s Nest Children’s Boutique and The Monogram Place at 7601 Waters Ave. in Savannah are the one-stop spot to visit for all types of back-to-school cuteness.

New arrivals: camo book bags, duffles, lunch boxes and polka dot bags, too. Monogram for school, the gym, or travel. Pink and green book bags, lunch boxes, duffle bags, cosmetic bags and more. All can be monogramed!

Be sure to “like” Robyn’s Nest and The Monogram Place on Facebook by clicking here to stay informed about sales, trunk shows and new arrivals.

Owned and operated by Pam Smith. Robyn’s Nest specializes in fine children’s clothing, toys, books, baby gifts, backpacks and more!

 The Monogram Place offers custom monograms and gifts for all ages including graduation, bridesmaid and that hard to buy for person in your life. Their monograms range from sophisticated and sassy to fun and frilly.

Robyn’s Nest Children’s Boutique, The Monogram Place, 7601 Suite H Waters Ave Savannah, 31406, 912.354.7869, www.facebook.com/pages/Robyns-Nest-and-The-Monogram-Place/176512955735988 Robyn’s Nest is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

The family-friendly band Laughing Pizza kicks off their Georgia tour with a concert in Savannah.

Laughing Pizza Family Concert will be at 3 PM Aug. 28, Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St., Savannah, 31401

WIN FREE TICKETS! SouthernMamas.com is giving away a family-four pack of tickets. Details here.

Live Fun, Family Concert!
All Ages
A Portion of the proceeds goes to support GPB – Georgia’s PBS station! It’s the kick-off of the Laughing Pizza Georgia Tour!
Details here: http://www.laughingpizza.com/1760

You’re missing the clean gene. No matter how hard you try, your house never has that sparkle and shine you covet.

Which is why you need to contact Saved by the Belles, which offers weekly, bi-weekly and monthly house cleaning services. Saved by the Belles – a local company owned and operated by two sisters – specializes in green cleaning.

In addition to house cleaning, the Belles offer concierge services (errands etc) which can be extremely helpful for expecting and new moms. Select a customized package or gift certificates for a great baby shower or new baby gift. Now that’s a gift every new mom can appreciate.

Service areas include Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Downtown Savannah, Ardsley Park, Midtown. Saved by the Belles does not service The Landings.

Not only do these pros use nontoxic products to scour your home, but every cleaning comes with a personalized touch because all services are completed by Saved by the Belles owners Jessica and Ivey Ortiz.

Call to set up your FREE consultation.

Saved by the Belles Cleaning and Concierge, www.bellesinsavannah.com , email info@bellesinsavannah.com , (912) 373-8616. Saved by the Belles is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Just arrived to Petite Feet  in Savannah, the laced Ked shoe in white and the blue and white saddle. Special back to school discount of 25 % discount on these shoes is offered .

Back to school shoes are arriving daily. Petite Feet   has socks / bows and light weight shorts /bloomers for under uniforms.

Petite Feet bargains: the Summer Clearance Sale is under way. Save 20 to 40 percent off. Back-to-school and fall shoes arriving daily. Details here.

Petite Feet is Savannah’s children’s shoe boutique.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. The boutique has hard-to-find sizes. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking. The kid-friendly store even has puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for more brands and information.

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com , Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor