Fresh out of the shower, Paula Deen walks into the kitchen of her Wilmington Island home. Her wet hair is tucked under a black, rhinestone-studded baseball cap emblazoned with the popular Sweet Potato Queens movement logo. She wears glasses, a baggy turquoise shirt and black leggings. Her face is devoid of makeup—and she’s late.

“I’m so sorry, but I just had to have a shower,” she apologizes.

No problem. Deen coughs a little. She’s just getting over a case of pneumonia, and her voice is still a little raspy.

We sit down at a table in her kitchen, the same one featured on her TV show, full of antiques and beautiful cabinetry. Now the symbol of Southern cooking, Deen is gearing up for her busy season: full of tapings, travel and her trademark twang. Deen invited South into her home for a chat about where she’s going and where she’s been.

South magazine: You have a pretty big fall ahead of you: a new seafood line has launched, a new furniture line is coming out. I’ve even heard about a talk show and a movie. What’s going on with that?

Paula Deen: Yep, I’m on a retainer with Warner Brothers, and we are working on a talk show. But I told them that I don’t want a talk show like you see today. I really want something different … I want us to tread very carefully and get a good grip on what we want this talk show to be. You know, fools rush in. We originally wanted to do it in September of ’09, but it looks like it will be 2010.

SM: And the movie?

PD: They’re writing my life story right now, which sounds real weird. They’re figuring out what they’re going to do with it. It definitely wouldn’t be a big screen movie, you know. But that’s going to be an exciting venture.

But boy, that seafood line has been a lot of work, though.

SM: Why is that?

PD: Well, because at the end of the day, all I have is my name. I have a wonderful relationship with the people in America because they trust me. And I don’t want to do anything to break that trust.

SM: Is that a little stressful at times?

PD: It can be because your expectations are high that you put on yourself. I learned a long time ago that you can’t please everybody. I used to try, but I can’t, no matter how hard I try. But if you can please 95 percent of the people, I don’t know of a politician that wouldn’t snap those numbers up quicker than Moody’s goose.

SM: Do you ever take a look at what you’ve accomplished and say, “Wow. How did I get this far?”

PD: You know, I try. But my mind can’t wrap around it. To me, I’m that same person that I was so long ago, and it doesn’t register. I have no idea how deep my fan base goes, and so I just don’t worry about it. But I can’t comprehend it. And I’m always surprised when I go out and people scream, “Paula Deen!” and I’m on the other side of the country and I think, “How do they know me?”

SM: But that must be kind of cool, though.

PD: It’s very cool. In fact, I can travel like this—with my hair up in a hat and no makeup—and I can walk through anywhere, and as long as I don’t open my mouth or laugh, people never know I’m there. Not true when Michael is with me. I told him, I said, “Honey, you are like me walking around with a turd on my forehead: Everyone’s going to notice!”

Like what you’re reading? Read the full article in the October/November issue of South magazine.

Images by Attic Fire Photography

The Off-Season

“A lot of people don’t realize that Uga doesn’t just work during football season; he works year-round. He is very busy attending other university events, and his calendar is still full.”

The Treats

“One of his favorite things is on Saturdays, I would take him to McDonald’s to get a hamburger, and he just loved it. We used to get him cheeseburgers, but we noticed he was putting on weight, so we cut it down to plain hamburgers.”

The Chunk

“The pounds have kind of snuck up on him in the winter months, so we took him to the vet and they put him on a special diet. So, no more McDonald’s. He’s very disappointed.”

The Hobbies

“He plays with his cat named Knowshon. They just play and tumble and they’re very good with each other.”

The Attitude

“You hate to call a bulldog sweet, but Uga is very loving.”

The Spirit

“Each Uga has a very different personality. This one had greatness thrust on him seemingly out of nowhere, and he has remained exceptionally calm. Unlike his dad, Uga VI, who was a real junkyard dog, he doesn’t get rattled by the marching band or excited by the game; he is just very calm and laid-back.”

The Choice

“I think what my parents look for in a litter is a dog that closely resembles his predecessor and that has all the elements of a good English bulldog: the face, the right stance, the ears, the tail. And I’m sure that personality has a part in it, too.”

Let the Big Dog Eat

Uga VII is on a strict preseason diet of Hill’s z/d Prescription Diet dog food. The only snacks his doctors at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine allow him are baby carrots. Charles Seiler, Uga’s current caretaker, admits, “I’ve never given him any carrots. These dogs are funny about what they eat.”

Gameday Preps

To help Uga VII get in the football groove, Charles and Wendy Seiler will simulate the gameday atmosphere. “We’ll take him for a lot of walks, especially around Daffin Park,” Charles Seiler says. “We let him hear the noise of the crowd in the baseball stadium to get him used to noisy crowds again. He also practices riding in his kennel in the car for long periods of time; he needs to get used to that because of the long trips to Athens.”

All Dogs Go To Heaven

All of the Ugas are buried in marble vaults near the south end of Sanford Stadium.

Baa, Baa Red and Black … Goat?

UGA’s mascot for its first football game against Auburn University in 1892 was a goat. The goat wore a black coat with red U.G. letters on both sides. Throughout the game, Auburn fans yelled, “Shoot the billy goat!”

Uga’s Right-Paw Man

Charles Seiler, son of Sonny and Cecelia Seiler, is Uga VII’s on-field handler. His tenure on the sideline began as a young teenager. “For me, it’s just another day at the office,” explains Charles Seiler. “But I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they see Uga. Plus, I get to see a lot of folks from my past. And that’s always fun.”

Uga’s Family Tree

Uga I, 1956–1967

Name: Hood’s Ole Dan

Record: 53-48-6

The Seiler family’s very first Uga was a gift given to Cecelia Seiler by a friend. His first game appearance was the 1956 home opener.

Uga II, 1966–1972

Name: Ole Dan’s Uga

Record: 42-16-3

Uga II took over the mascot job when his father, Uga I, died. The 1966 homecoming game was his first time on the sideline.

Uga III, 1973–1980

Name: Seiler’s Uga Three

Record: 71-32-2

Uga III stood on the sidelines of 100 football games, including the 1980 NCAA national championship win.

Uga IV, 1981–1989

Name: Seiler’s Uga Four

Record: 77-27-4

The highlight of Uga IV’s career was escorting Herschel Walker to the Heisman Trophy banquet in 1982. He was the first mascot invited to the prestigious affair.

Uga V, 1990–1999

Name: Uga IV’s Magillicuddy II

Record: 65-39-1

Uga V was the last puppy sired by his father, Uga IV. Sports Illustrated put him on its cover in 1997 and declared him the nation’s best college mascot.

Uga VI, 1999–2008

Name: Uga V’s Watchagot Loran

Record: 87-27

Uga VI has the most wins of any mascot in UGA history. He was also the biggest of all mascots, weighing 65 pounds at his coronation.

Photography by Greg Ceo
Freelance Creative Director Mark DeHaven
Styling Jessica Thiergart
Stylist Assistants Emily Pollard, Noel Hansbrough
Fashion Intern Loren Maring
Hair & Makeup Michelle Rouzer, Melissa Vogeler and Courtney McBride from 40 Volume Salon
Digital Tech Brandon Harrison
Photo Retouching Mark DeHaven, Valentin Sivyakov, Jolene Mattison
Photo Assistants 1st Assistant: Skip Terpstra; 2nd Assistant: Aziz Oz Lalani
Photo Intern Emily Delph
Location Jepson Center for the Arts

Crystal Schouest

Age: 26
Native of: Houma, Louisiana
Title and place of business: graphic designer, Designs by Lolita
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Life’s too short not to find any and every reason to celebrate.”
My favorite memory is: every memory that has to do with my late grandmother, MaMa Shirley. Her lively Cajun spirit made me who I am today.
One thing I want to do before I die is: find someone I want to grow old with so we can help each other check off our “bucket lists.”
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: enjoy the sunny days in Savannah, eating brunch with my favorite people and then heading to the beach.
My biggest turn-on is: a man who is sure about who he is and, more importantly, who he wants to be.
The quality I most value in a mate is: a sense of humor.
My idea of a perfect first date is: anything thoughtful and unique—but simple. I don’t need fireworks, a skywriter or a five-course meal, but I wouldn’t mind a few sparklers and maybe a steak.
My favorite place to meet new people is: anywhere. If we’re meant to cross paths, we will.

On Crystal: Black Jumpsuit [$140], Sweet Pea, Custard. Black and Silver Tassle Necklaces [$52 each], James Gunn.

Sarah Mespelt

Age: 26
Native of: North Carolina
Title and place of business: designer, Jet Aviation
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Tuppy.”
My favorite memory is: my little brother being born.
One thing I want to do before I die is: go on a cross-country road trip.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: watch movies and drink coffee.
My biggest turn-on is: humor.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: I don’t know!
My favorite place to meet new people is: the beach.

On Sarah: Black Leaf Shift Dress [$316], Karta, James Gunn. Black Ankle Strap Pumps, Model’s Own. Vintage Button Ring [$50], Custard.

Matthew Hall

Age: 33
Native of: Brunswick, Georgia
Title and place of business: agency owner, Nationwide Insurance
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” -Emerson
My favorite memory is: when I graduated from GSU, with my family in the crowd, knowing how proud they were—as much as surprised.
One thing I want to do before I die is: to be successful in all aspects of life, which is a broad and ongoing venture.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: gathering fishing items or scuba gear because I know that I’m looking at a fun day.
My biggest turn-on is: athletics. I like the competitive spirit.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: probably a Jeep ride to Tybee Island to have dinner, followed by a walk on the beach.
My favorite place to meet new people is: the tennis court, gym, [and] through friends. It is nice to have common interests.

On Matthew: Purple and Black Check Button Down Shirt [$115], Peter Millar, John B. Rourke. Multi Stripe Tie [$65], Private Stock, John B. Rourke. Super 150’s Wool Pants [$195], Al Petora, John B. Rourke. Black Leather Belt [$48], Martin Dingman, John B. Rourke.

Edward Whitford

Age: 28
Native of: Champaign, Illinois
Title and place of business: special assistant, United States Attorney and Trial Counsel, 3rd Infantry Division
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.” –from “Ulysses”
My favorite memory is: learning I’d been elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
One thing I want to do before I die is: write a memoir worth reading.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: beat the church crowd to brunch.
My biggest turn-on is: a smart, funny and creative woman—whose daddy owns a liquor store.
The quality I most value in a mate is: good judgment.
My idea of a perfect first date is: fun, challenging and invigorating.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a party thrown by friends and acquaintances.

On Ed: Orange Cotton Lyle Polo [$95], Peter Millar, J. Parker Limited. Navy Italian Silk Blazer [$495], Alan Lebow, J. Parker Limited.

Ray Butts

Age: 33
Native of: Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Title and place of business: doctor of physical therapy, Spine and Sport
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “A loyal friend, who always tried to live honorably. Strived to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.”
My favorite memory is: maybe a slow dance on a snowy night in the courtyard of the Dornröschen Palace in Germany (the original castle of Sleeping Beauty).
One thing I want to do before I die is: travel more extensively in Europe and become fluent in another language.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: meet friends out for breakfast with a nap afterward!
My biggest turn-on is: girly shoes.
The quality I most value in a mate is: a passion for life and overall kindness.
My idea of a perfect first date is: a long, quiet dinner with a bottle of wine and lots of storytelling.
My favorite place to meet new people, other than a bar or club, is: any of the Savannah YMCA locations.

On Ray: Herringbone Jacket [$1195], Hicky Freeman, John B. Rourke. White Button Down Shirt [$90], Gitman, John B. Rourke. Dot Bow Tie [$55], R. Hanauer, John B. Rourke. Dot Pocket Square [$55], R. Hanauer, John B. Rourke. Super 150’s Charcoal Wool Pants [$195], Al Petora, John B. Rourke. Black Leather Belt [$48], Martin Dingman, John B. Rourke. Shoes, Model’s Own.

Mike Passanisi

Age: 25
Native of: Penngrove, California
Title and place of business: director of media relations and play-by-play announcer, Savannah Sand Gnats
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Dead men tell no tales.”
My favorite memory is: my father, brother, uncle and I taking a road trip in our motor home for three weeks, hitting different ballparks around the country.
One thing I want to do before I die is: skydive.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: wake up, grab the Sunday paper, flip through the ads, cook breakfast and relax.
My biggest turn-on is: smiling and laughing and acting girly.
The quality I most value in a mate is: someone to show me things or make me do things that I normally wouldn’t see or do.
My idea of a perfect first date is: A day at the beach—maybe rent a couple of WaveRunners or go parasailing—would be awesome.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a baseball stadium.

On Mike: Super 100’s Wool Blazer [$395], Michael Brandon, J. Parker Limited. Cotton Tuxedo Shirt [$225], Ike Behar, J. Parker Limited. Cotton Pocket Square [$45], R. Hanauer, J. Parker Limited. Super 120’s Trouser [$195], Corbin, J. Parker Limited. Black Croc Dress Shoes [$150], J. Parker Limited, J. Parker Limited.

Crystal Craven

Age: 27
Native of: Rough and Ready, California
Title and place of business: network administrator, Hancock Askew & Co, LLP
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “And all bewitched by love, she lifts her eyes toward the fires of the witnessing evening star and trusts him her desires.” -Mihai Eminescu
My favorite memory is: my grandfather doing handstands on the beach in northern California.
One thing I want to do before I die is: travel more and backpack across Europe.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sip coffee on my back porch and read.
My biggest turn-on is: intelligence.
The quality I most value in a mate is: consideration.
My idea of a perfect first date is: excellent conversation over a good bottle of wine.
My favorite place to meet new people is: North Beach, Tybee Island.

On Crystal:  SIA Green Stripe Dress [$298], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Satin Crystal Bolt Pumps [$550], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Amber Filigree Earrings [$21], Custard.

Courtney Buntin Victor

Age: 30
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: owner and beauty guru, Glow MedSpa and Beauty Boutique, Glow Beauty and Bronzing Boutique
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “She lived gracefully, loved deeply, performed random acts of kindness and her memory makes those who knew her smile.”
My favorite memory is: trips with my family abroad and to tropical locations.
One thing I want to do before I die is: travel around the world.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: go to church with my family followed by a big brunch.
My biggest turn-on is: intelligence.
The quality I most value in a mate is: a kind heart.
My idea of a perfect first date is: The itinerary is not important, but lots of laughter, old-fashioned–gentleman behavior and great conversation are musts.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a social event.

On Courtney: Strapless Citron Silk Shantung Dress [$570], ESCADA, ESCADA Company Store. Black Patent Pumps, Stylist’s Own. Diamond Bracelet [$57], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Large Flower Ring [$86], James Gunn.

Ryan Wethington

Age: 25
Native of: Tallahassee, Florida
Title and place of business: medical device sales representative
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Work hard, party harder.”
My favorite memory is: August 10, 1989, the day my little brother was born.
One thing I want to do before I die is: watch FSU win the national championship in football, baseball and basketball.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sleep in.
My biggest turn-on is: independence and hard work but a woman who can also let loose and have a good time.
The quality I most value in a mate is: goal orientation.
My idea of a perfect first date is: attending a concert or sporting event, followed by dinner and then drinks at the local hot spots.
My favorite place to meet new people is: the gym or the hospital, since that is where I spend most of my time.

On Ryan: Black Button Down Shirt [$75], John B. Rourke Private Collection, John B. Rourke. Black Cable Knit Sweater [$160], Viyella, John B. Rourke. Diamond Print Tie [$135], Robert Talbott Best of Class, John B. Rourke. Houndstooth Pants [$195], Al Petora, John B. Rourke. Watch, Model’s Own.

Katherine Graham

Age: 32
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: financial advisor, The Lutz Group at Raymond James & Associates
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Always true to others, always true to self.”
My favorite memory is: shark fishing as a young girl with my mother, aunt and sister.
One thing I want to do before I die is: dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sleep in.
My biggest turn-on is: genuine self-confidence based on a true sense of self (not ego).
The quality I most value in a mate is: sincerity.
My idea of a perfect first date is: dinner and drinks downtown.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a community or charitable event.

On Katherine: Navy Halter Dress [$435], David Meister, Bleu Belle Boutique. Pink Suede Pumps, Stylist’s Own. Watch, Model’s Own. Circle Stone Ring [$68], James Gunn.

Mitchell Hall

Age: 26
Native of: Florida
Title and place of business: creative director, BleuBelle, Inc.
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” -Yves Saint Laurent
My favorite memory is: attending the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City with three of my favorite people.
One thing I want to do before I die is: live in Venice.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sleep in; take a long walk with my dog; go to late church; have brunch with mimosas at the Mansion on Forsyth Park.
My biggest turn-on is: a quick wit.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: late appetizers at Cha Bella, Pedicab to the river, ferry boat to the Westin at Savannah Harbor, drinks and dessert by the pool.
My favorite place to meet new people is: downtown networking socials.

On Mitchell: Ink Black Watch Blazer [$428], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Black Stinky Rat Henley [$25], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Ink Black Watch Pant [$228], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Shoes, Model’s Own.

Athena Carellas

Age: Guess
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: legal assistant, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “I’m not in here … look up!”
My favorite memory is: preparing Greek pastries in the kitchen with my mom and Aunt Dottie.
One thing I want to do before I die is: definitely go ziplining in some cool destination.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: relax (a little)!
My biggest turn-on is: a great sense of humor and personality.
The quality I most value in a mate is: trust and honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: If you’re with someone you connect with and you’re having a great time, then that’s a perfect date.
My favorite place to meet new people is: at community events, at the beach, through a friend … anywhere!

On Athena: Jade Christina Dress [$218], Corey Lynn Calter, James Gunn. Nude Patent Pumps, Stylist’s Own. Black Glass Bead Necklace [$19], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Monocle Necklace [$11], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Eco-friendly Chain Necklace [$147], Jami Rodriguez, Custard.

Cecilia Russo

Age: 37
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: president, Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” –Dr. Suess
My favorite memory is: childhood summers at our Back River beach house on Tybee Island.
One thing I want to do before I die is: visit the Italian Riviera.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: it depends on my Saturday night.
My biggest turn-on is: confidence.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty, integrity and a good heart.
My idea of a perfect first date is: a pretty afternoon sitting outside enjoying a really cold glass of white wine, watching the sun set, enjoying a great meal and even better conversation.
My favorite place to meet new people is: at fun networking or social events.

On Cecilia: Black Wool Crepe Wrap Dress [$2,190.80], James Hogan, James Hogan. Satin Crystal Bolt Pumps [$550], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Jade Earrings [$150], Kenneth Jay Lane, James Hogan.

Brendan Pappas

Age: 34
Native of: Tybee Island
Title and place of business: owner, Kayak Kafé
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “He died tragically, rescuing his family from the remains of a destroyed sinking battleship.” –from The Royal Tenenbaums
My favorite memory is: watching a great acoustic band play at sunrise in a remote train station in Java, Indonesia.
One thing I want to do before I die is: get lost in Polynesia for a while (a long while).
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: drink good coffee and read The New York Times in bed.
My biggest turn-on is: definitely unprintable!
The quality I most value in a mate is: self-confidence.
My idea of a perfect first date is: cooking dinner and drinking wine.
My favorite place to meet new people, other than a bar or club, is: while traveling in a remote place.

On Brendan: Super 150’s Wool Suit [$595], Rossetti Ummo, J. Parker Limited. Stripe Button Down Shirt [$165], House of Carrington, J. Parker Limited. Cotton Pocket Square [$55], Peter Millar, J. Parker Limited. Alligator Belt [$350], J. Parker Limited, J. Parker Limited. Shoes, Model’s Own.

The most peculiar thing about Mark Richt is his “aw, shucks” disposition: It’s unexpected from a two-time Southeastern Conference coach of the year. He doesn’t know how to use his iPod—in fact, he doesn’t even know what iTunes is—and his speech is punctuated with Southern expressions like “heck” and “gonna.” Watch him on the sidelines at any college football stadium in the country, and he’s the same guy: a controlled, take-charge man with a knack for winning football games—and the hearts of his fans.

In his eight seasons as the University of Georgia head football coach, Richt has developed a reputation for high athletic standards and strong family values. While his record isn’t perfect—police arrested eight UGA players last season for various misbehaviors—Richt is a perpetual optimist.

As Georgia gets ready to kick off its 2009 season on September 5 against Oklahoma State, Richt is reflecting on the pitfalls of last year and trying to figure out how a team that started the season ranked No. 1 in the nation finished it with three big game losses. Richt took a timeout in Savannah for an appearance at a Savannah Bulldog Club gathering. He spoke with The South about life without his starters, players growing up, and meeting fans on their home fields.

The South magazine: You’re in the middle of a road tour, visiting Bulldog Clubs across the state. Why spend your time doing this?

Mark Richt: I think the road tour is designed to tell the people of Savannah and Macon and Atlanta—and wherever else we go—thank you for supporting our sports programs, in particular, football. Everybody tends to come visit Athens a lot, so we feel like it’s a good thing for us to come visit everybody on their home turf once in a while and get a chance to celebrate Georgia athletics.

TSM: What do these clubs mean to the team?

MR: I think all support of Georgia football is very important. And there’s a lot of excitement that’s generated from these types of clubs—and loyalty. So I think they’re very important.

TSM: Several players from Savannah and surrounding towns are on your roster. What do they bring to the team?

MR: Well, [Demarcus] Dobbs, he has grown up so much: as a player, as a person. I’m really proud of him. He’s done well academically. I think he spent a year or two trying to figure out if it was worth doing it the Georgia way. And now I think he’s really bought in and is enjoying life a lot better now and has become a leader and a very productive guy. I would say he’s one of the leaders, if not the leader, of the defensive end group right now.

And, of course, [Jamie] Lindley has a chance to compete for the kick-off job. He was not able to win it last year but he was our number two guy. [Justin] Houston has grown as a player; he’s really come on, and he’s got a chance to make an impact for us, I believe.

TSM: You had the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft this year, with Matthew Stafford. That must have been exciting.

MR: Yeah, that was exciting. It wasn’t exciting that he left us, but it’s exciting for him and for Georgia to know that your player could be considered the very top pick in the NFL draft. And we also had the No. 1 running back that was taken in the draft, with Knowshon Moreno, and that was fantastic. But you know, six guys drafted, six more in [NFL] camps, that’s 12 guys—some seniors, some not—that are in camps. And we hope they all make it. That would be wonderful for them to realize that dream.

TSM: You lost some key players to the pros. What’s your outlook for this season?

MR: I think any good company is going to evaluate what they do. You can’t say, ‘Well, we’ve always done it this way, so we’re going to keep doing it this way.’ I’m always very optimistic. I feel like we’ve got very talented young men, outstanding coaches. I’m a realist, and I know that we play in one of the toughest leagues in America, and we are playing probably one of the toughest out-of-conference schedules in the country. And so I know the games are gonna be hard-fought and everything, but I always go into the season believing we can succeed. Our goal is always to win the Eastern Division. And that’s what we got our sights set on, and of course, if you win that, you can play for the SEC championship. And if you win that, who knows: you might end up in the big game.

Follow UGA Coach Mark Richt on twitter at www.twitter.com/markricht. For the complete Bulldog season schedule, check out www.georgiadogs.com

I can’t remember my first time on Amelia Island. The 18-mile long stretch of sand on Florida’s northeast coast has been part of my family for generations. My parents grew up vacationing there, renting ramshackle beachfront cabins on the island’s north side for $40 a week. In 1980, my young parents bought a house—for $35,000—across the street from those cabins, and I have a very vivid memory of standing on the front porch of that house one summer night, watching some of the little white clapboard shacks burn to the ground.

Like those cabins, Amelia Island has evolved in its 4,000-year history, but remained constant: You can no longer buy an ocean view house for $35,000, but you can still find that small-town beachy charm without looking too hard. Amelia, and its city center Fernandina Beach, have the distinction of being the only communities in the United States to be ruled by eight different political groups. The island’s nickname, “Isle of Eight Flags,” boasts of its rather chaotic past, and its 50-block waterfront historic district celebrates it.

The best way to experience Amelia Island is with a local. I’m no native, but I’d like to think that I’ve spent enough time there to be considered an honorary islander. So with sentiment at my side and history as my guide, I go back to the Isle of Eight Flags to roam—and reminisce.

Lay of the Land

You’ll find Amelia Island just south of the Georgia state line, an easy 2 1/2-hour drive from Savannah. The island is long and skinny: 18 miles from end to end and 3 miles wide.

Fernandina Beach, nestled in between the two poles, is a quaint shrimping village with a love of pirate lore. Centre Street is the main drag of the historic district and dead ends into the boat docks. Restaurants, antique shops, bars and souvenir stores line Centre, and tourists stroll the sidewalks in this vibrant downtown area.

Amelia Island Plantation takes up 1,350 acres on the island’s south end. Essentially an all-inclusive resort, the Plantation offers golf, tennis and beaches, and prides itself on good environmental stewardship.

On the north tip of Amelia Island is Fort Clinch State Park, one of the most well preserved 19th-century forts in the country, maybe because no battles were fought there. In addition to the historic fort, visitors will find a fishing pier and some of the calmest, quietest beaches in the area.

Where to Stay

The most high-profile place to lay your head on Amelia Island is the Ritz-Carlton, a AAA five-diamond oceanfront resort. With 444 guest rooms, each with its own private balcony and view of the coast, this hotel is luxurious and peaceful. Children are welcome, and there are even activities for teenagers. Be sure to visit the spa and try the Heaven in a Hammock treatment, a massage performed in a swaying hammock.

If such grand-scale amenities aren’t your style, Amelia Island boasts plenty of intimate bed and breakfasts and inns, many located in the historic district. One to try is the Addison on Amelia, a 14-room boutique inn made up of three antebellum houses surrounding a courtyard. Guest rooms have 600-thread count sheets and hardwood floors, while breakfast consists of banana pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies.

For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, rent Katie’s Light. Built as a replica of a Chesapeake Bay lighthouse, Katie’s Light earned its 15 minutes of fame when it appeared in the 1988 movie The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking. It’s not a working lighthouse, but it’s beachfront, it’s quirky, and it’s a bit of a town celebrity.

Where to Play

Amelia Island beckons outdoors lovers, and with good reason. Its 13 miles of beaches offer activities for every kind of visitor, from those who like to work up a sweat on vacation to people who like to—well—not work up a sweat.

One of my favorite things to do on Amelia is hunt for sharks’ teeth. In fact, when I was a little girl my father used to call me “Eagle Eyes,” thanks to my peculiar knack for spotting the little black triangles in the sand. Amelia’s beaches are constantly renourished, which can make it easier to find the fossilized teeth. The best time to look is at low tide, when shell beds are more exposed.

Surf fishing is another popular beachside activity. No need for a boat, just bring a rod, some bait and a sand spike (which holds your rod in the sand). Whiting are the most common catches, but trout and reds also swim around near the shore.

For history lovers, don’t miss taking a walking tour of Historic Fernandina Beach. Hosted by the Amelia Island Museum of History, guides take visitors through the Silk Stocking District, an area full of Victorian mansions where ladies who could afford silk stockings lived in the late 19th century.

On the first weekend of every month, living historians at Fort Clinch State Park re-create life during the Civil War, with artillery demonstrations and soldier drills. If you miss this event, the park is still worth a visit for its beaches, fishing and hiking trails.

Where to Dine

Like many beach towns, the restaurant scene on Amelia Island is a mixture of beach bars and fine dining. Shrimp is the seafood of choice here; in fact, Fernandina bills itself as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry.

Salt, located at the Ritz-Carlton, is a AAA four-diamond eatery. The restaurant uses its ocean views as inspiration for its menu: simple, flavorful food from the earth and sea. As an added touch, servers bring samples of various salts to the table, but the food is usually perfect without it. Try the filet mignon: It melts in your mouth.

Away from the shore, but with an equally impressive ambiance, is the Beech Street Grill, a bistro with a global menu housed in a 120-year-old home. With an award-winning wine cellar and a live pianist, there’s a reason why this lively spot has been a staple of Amelia’s dining scene for nearly 20 years.

Of course, Amelia Island has its share of low-key beach shacks. Sliders, a beach bar that is actually on the beach, and The Surf, which sits across the street from the beach, both have good food at fair prices. The real attraction of these restaurants, though, is the salty vibe and the frequent live music.

For early risers, the best breakfast in town is at a little, out-of-the-way, strip-mall restaurant called Ms. Carolyn’s Breakfast and Desserts. Locals—and tourists in the know—flock to this spot for big cinnamon rolls, delicious coconut cake and a fabulous breakfast menu.

Where to Dance

The nightlife on Amelia Island is mostly concentrated in downtown Fernandina. During the tourist season, it’s easy to hear live music in the air.

The most famous downtown spot is the historic Palace Saloon. As Florida’s oldest bar, the Palace has seen its share of ups and downs: It sold gasoline and near beer to survive prohibition, and a 1999 fire nearly destroyed the old watering hole. The saloon is popular with locals and tourists alike, and has live music nearly every night.

A few blocks from the Palace is the Frisky Mermaid, a small blues venue located in the lobby of the Florida House Inn. The bar is dedicated to live blues and bluegrass music, but does offer shagging lessons on weekends.

If downtown Fernandina is too far to drive, head to the Falcon’s Nest on Amelia Island Plantation. The decor is aviation-themed, and the bar is packed when a DJ is in the house.

Where to Shop

Antique shops are in abundance on Amelia Island, but ironically, so are surf shops. Downtown Fernandina boasts great sidewalk shopping, but it also pays to venture out of the historic district.

Antiquing is a popular pastime, and two shops to put on your list are Eight Flags Antique Market and French Market Antiques. Both stores face Centre Street, the main street dissecting downtown, and both have a wealth of antique furniture and accessories.

Two more downtown stores worthy of a visit are Twisted Sisters and The Book Loft. At The Book Loft, you’ll find two floors of fiction and non-fiction books, including rarities and local history books. Twisted Sisters sells women’s clothing, accessories and gifts with a flair.

For a fabulous selection of swimsuits, sunglasses and surfing gear, head to Pipeline Surf Shop and Driftwood Sun & Surf. Even if you don’t surf, these stores can help you look the part.

The best time to visit Amelia Island is anytime: It’s peaceful in the winter and jumping in the summer. There’s something about this little town that keeps my family coming back year after year. My eyesight is certainly not worthy of “Eagle Eye” status anymore; a new family now owns my parents’ simple beach house; and a park occupies the oceanfront lot once filled with the little white ramshackle cabins. But no matter how Amelia—or I—change, the beauty and history of this barrier island is enough to steer me back, even if I never earn the right to be called a local.

For information on planning a trip to Amelia Island, visit www.ameliaisland.com

Where to Stay

The Ritz-Carlton. Rates from $199. 904.277.1100 or www.ritzcarlton.com
Addison on Amelia. Rates from $165. 904.277.1604 or www.addisononamelia.com
Katie’s Light. Rates from $380. 800.772.3359 or www.ameliaislandvacation.com

Where to Play

Walking tour of Historic Fernandina Beach 904.261.7378 or www.ameliamuseum.org
Fort Clinch State Park 904.277.7274 or www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch

Where to Dine

Salt  904.491.6746 or www.ritzcarlton.com
Beech Street Grill 904.277.3662 or  www.beechstreetgrill.com
Sliders  904.277.6652
The Surf  904.261.5711 or www.thesurfonline.com
Ms. Carolyn’s  904.261.6277

Where to Dance
Palace Saloon  904.491.3332 or www.thepalacesaloon.com
Frisky Mermaid  904.261.3300 or www.friskymermaid.com
Falcon’s Nest  904.491.4242 or www.aipfl.com/falconsnest/index.html

Where to Shop
Eight Flags Antique Market  904.277.8550
French Market Antiques  904.491.0707 or www.frenchmarketantiques.com
The Book Loft  904.261.8991
Twisted Sisters  904.261.2501
Pipeline Surf Shop  904.277.3717 or www.pipelinesurfshop.com
Driftwood Sun & Surf  904.321.2188

Amelia Facts

Flags of Their Fathers: Eight different flags have laid claim to Amelia Island throughout its history.
France, 1562­­-1565
Spain, 1565-1763 and 1783-1821
England, 1763-1783
Patriots, 1812
Green Cross, 1817
Mexico, 1817
Confederate States, 1861-1862
United States, 1821-1845 and 1862-present

Oldies But Goodies

Amelia Island is home to some of the oldest places in Florida.
Oldest bar: Palace Saloon
Oldest continuously operated hotel: Florida House Inn
Oldest working lighthouse: Amelia Island Lighthouse

Carrying a Gun in a Car
Surprise birthday parties are good; surprise weapons are bad. In Georgia, it is legal to carry a firearm in your car, but it must be in plain sight. “If you want to conceal it, you have to have a license for that,” Tate explains. Leave it on the seat, floor or anywhere it’s not hidden. If a police officer happens to pull you over while you have a gun in the car, Tate adds that it’s a good idea to tell the officer up front. After all, if there is one profession that hates surprises, its law enforcement.

Wearing Headphones While Driving
In a world where high-end speakers are standard in many new cars, it’s hard to imagine not having a stereo system in your car at all. But alas, it’s not uncommon to see a driver pull up next to you at a stoplight with little white ear buds sticking out of their ears. They probably don’t know it, but it’s against the law in Georgia to drive while wearing headphones. Tate says the rule makes sense because “headphones diminish your ability to hear things like emergency vehicles.” So take ‘em off and, instead, use the silence to think of ways to save money for a new car stereo.

Littering
Everyone knows you shouldn’t litter, but you may not know the severity of the penalties if you get caught. Anyone spotted throwing trash out of a car window or tossing beer cans over the side of a boat can be charged with a misdemeanor and eventually slapped with a $1000 penalty. Yet, as Tate acknowledges, the law can be hard to enforce. “Usually when you hear about people getting in trouble for throwing things out of car windows, they get charged with a more serious crime: possession of drugs,” he points out. Regardless, you’ll feel better about yourself if you simply put your trash where it belongs.

Stopping for Pedestrians
When you were learning to drive, your parents probably told you slow down for pedestrians. Well, forget that advice; Georgia drivers must stop for pedestrians, not simply decelerate. Drivers must stop at crosswalks and remain stopped if a pedestrian has already begun crossing. But if a pedestrian decides to cross the street somewhere other than a crosswalk (what is commonly referred to as jaywalking), the pedestrian must yield to the drivers. “Pedestrians who jaywalk have a hard time holding the driver accountable in a lawsuit if they are hit,” Tate advises, offering one more reason to stay inside those white lines when walking.

Picking Up Pet Waste
As if taking your dog for countless walks at all hours isn’t enough, you also have the unpleasant job of being his—er—cleanup crew. If your dog relieves himself on public property, you are legally required to pick it up. And not having a plastic bag with you is no excuse; in fact, you are also required by law to have the proper equipment to dispose of the waste. Get caught ignoring your doggie’s droppings and you face a fine of as much as $200—and a slew of angry white-sneakered neighbors. “It happens all the time,” Tate declares. To be on the safe side, make sure you always have a plastic big with you when you venture out with Fido.

Speeding Through a Highway Work Zone
Lately, it seems like you can’t drive 20 minutes on any interstate in the Southeast without seeing orange cones and construction equipment. But those “Give ‘Em a Break” signs are as serious as ever. In Georgia, you could face a $2000 fine and even 12 months in prison for speeding through one of these areas. The laws, however, are very specific if police want to enforce these steep penalties: Signs have to be posted; and workers, barriers, work vehicles or dangerous shoulder drop-offs have to be present. Hey, you wouldn’t want someone going 85 miles per hour through your office, would you?

Using a Cell Phone While Driving
At least five states have laws that forbid drivers to use handheld phones, but Georgia is not one of them. However, Tate cautions, “You’re not committing a crime when you talk on the phone, but if you crash, you can be held accountable for punitive damages in court.” Tate says one of the first things he does when he represents someone involved in a car accident is to subpoena the other driver’s cell phone records. “If those records show the driver was talking on the phone at the time of the crash, we have a much better case against him,” Tate adds. Hands-free devices can help, but your best bet is to eliminate chatting behind the wheel, period.

Wearing a Bicycle Helmet
Strapping on a helmet for a Sunday bike ride might be a good idea, but it isn’t required by law. In Georgia, only children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. And though it’s optional for adults, it might not be a bad thing if Johnny Law could crack down on bareheaded adult cyclists. After all, head injuries account for one-third of cyclists’ hospital visits. Let’s face it: You won’t look like a supermodel in a bike helmet, but at least you’ll be setting a good example for your budding biking stars.

Feeding Dolphins
There are whole tours devoted to seeing them, and when spotted, they exude feelings of majesty, peace and safety. But dolphins are, above all, wild animals, and it is illegal to feed them. Tate explains that the reasoning behind the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act is that “when humans feed the dolphins, they are messing with the animals’ natural feeding habits, and they could eventually begin to depend on people for food.” Yes, it is very tempting to hold out a fish and try to get a dolphin to do a back flip, but unless you’re at Sea World, that’s probably never going to happen. The best advice is to just admire their grace from a distance.

Getting Pet Vaccinations
Forget to take Fluffy and Fido to the vet for their rabies vaccines and you are breaking the law. Georgia law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by the time they reach three months old and every 12 months after that. If you get caught avoiding the annual shot, you’ll be slapped with a $50 fine. Tate says, “No one wants an outbreak of rabies in their neighborhood, and the vaccine will prevent our domestic animals from getting infected.” In addition to the shot, don’t forget to mail out for your pet’s license tag, which serves as proof that you obeyed the law.

Pouring Grease Down a Drain
You know you shouldn’t do it, but you may not know that dumping leftover cooking grease down the kitchen sink is actually against the law in Savannah. Grease can clog up pipes and cause entire sewer systems to back up. Even though the culprit responsible for a grease jam can be hard to pinpoint,trust the experts when they say the smell of backed-up sewer lines is a scent that will linger with you long after the mess is cleaned up. The best way to avoid a sewage disaster altogether is to pour your greasy liquids into a container before tossing it out with the rest of the trash.

An international celebration of the world’s oceans is landing in the Creative Coast, and conservation is at center stage. The BLUE Ocean Film Festival, which showcases movies devoted to ocean life, will attract dozens of the planet’s top ocean filmmakers to Savannah in hopes of inspiring their peers and the public.

Yet what is now a global event began with a simple lunch between three people: a legendary filmmaker, his wife and a woman with an inkling of an idea for a film festival like no other.

Four years later, Debbie Kinder—the woman with the idea—still looks back on that meeting with a little smile and a lot of gratitude. “There were times when I thought, ‘Am I crazy?’ But all along I knew we could do it,” she says with a shrug.

Kinder looks the part of a moviemaker: an unexplainable creative energy flows from her skin, tanned golden by years of scuba diving. Wisps of silvery-blond hair fall around her face, and reading glasses perch on top of her head as she sits in a donated basement office in downtown Savannah.

Her business partner, Savannahian Mari Carswell, a documentary filmmaker, sits next to her. Gesturing towards her friend and co-worker, Carswell confesses, “She’s the visionary. I’m the one that makes things happen.”

In truth, both women will readily admit that the BLUE Ocean Film Festival is the result of countless hours of planning, sacrificing and persuading by both of them, in addition to the devotion of sponsors willing to take a chance on a first-time event. “I knew we had to have credibility,” remarks Carswell matter-of-factly. “We had to have support.” The support did come, from all over the country, and from the most unlikely places. “I literally met someone on a beach in Mexico and convinced him to be part of what we were doing,” Carswell adds with a laugh.

That beachgoer saw something; whether it was a realized dream, a still-apparent passion for giving ocean films long-overdue credit or simply the chance to be part of something that could change the way the world regards our oceans.

BLUE began with that lunch meeting four years ago. Today, it boasts a lineup of more than 50 of the world’s best ocean films, an industry competition and workshops with some of the planet’s leading documentary producers. The festival—originally planned to be held in Boston—ended up in the Hostess City thanks to three forces: the artsy atmosphere, the community support and Mari Carswell herself. “This is a huge event for Savannah and I wanted to bring it here,” the Savannah resident declares. Kinder nods in agreement, but adds, “There’s also this great cultural vibe here and that’s what you want. There’s a unique community feel, like Sundance, [Utah], and I just knew the people here would support what we were doing.”

The heart of BLUE may be its two founders, Kinder and Carswell, but the festival’s soul resides with the films themselves. Though some are devoted to animals, some to surfing and some to diving, “Most of these films are very inspiring,” explains Kinder. “The biggest thing that people can take away from the films is a new understanding of our oceans.”

The name Cousteau is synonymous with both compassion for the deep and ocean filmmaking, and the BLUE Ocean Film Festival is not devoid of the famous family’s impact. In fact, Jacques Cousteau’s grandson Fabien is scheduled to deliver the festival’s closing remarks. Jean-Michel Cousteau, Fabien’s father, also has two films in the finals of the festival’s competition.

Mari Carswell jokingly refers to the young Cousteau as a “BLUE ambassador,” and Fabien accepts the title with a laugh. “My name is a badge of honor. By default, we are some of the ambassadors for the ocean,” he admits.

On the phone, Fabien Cousteau is charming, with an easygoing laugh that comes often. It would be natural to assume that he got sucked into the family business, but Cousteau explains that his heritage influenced him in only positive ways. “My family opened up a world to me that few people ever get to see. It’s a world that is uniquely entrancing,” he confides. “And once you stick your head under there, there’s no going back.”

Cousteau, along with his sister, Céline, is part of his father’s two films showcased at BLUE, Sea Ghosts and Call of the Killer Whale. The former attempts to explain humanity’s connection to the beautiful white beluga whales of Arctic waters. Cousteau describes the film as “poignant.” Orcas are the focus of Call of the Killer Whale, which compares the favored whales to humans and recalls the captivity and release of the legendary killer whale Keiko, of Free Willy fame. “He was a neat orca to work with,” remembers Cousteau. “It was a special moment to be in the pool while we were untraining him, preparing to release him.”

Céline Cousteau, the youngest of the family, believes ocean films like her father’s dislodge our ethnocentricity. “We’re part of a whole,” she says, “and I think we sometimes forget that.” Céline teamed up with her father’s production group in 2003 to help coordinate his fieldwork, and she quickly fell in love with such expeditions. “I realized that this is what I had been preparing for,” she explains. Like her brother Fabien, she possesses a contagious enthusiasm for her work, one that is multiplied by her humility regarding her famous family tree. Céline understands that documentary filmmakers like herself need BLUE. “They may not have a name like Michael Moore or Al Gore, but there are plenty of people out there doing great work, and it’s important to show people what they do.”

To the average person, the Cousteau name might be the most recognizable contributor to BLUE, but dozens more filmmakers from around the world will showcase their documentaries at the festival. Sharkman tells the story of man with the ability to render a shark into a trance with his bare hands. The film’s close-up photography puts the viewer under the water with the diver. Its goal is to change the public’s perception of sharks as dangerous, bloodthirsty killers, and Debbie Kinder says that’s exactly what it does for her. “It’s an awakening,” she marvels. “It really gave me a new perspective on these animals.”

The film Terra Antarctica aims to give viewers a new perspective on one of the most remote areas of the world. It documents an explorer’s journey through Antarctica by sea kayak, sailboat and foot, combining an eye-opening look at the effects of climate change on the icy continent with breathtaking cinematography. Kinder raves, “It is just an amazingly stunning visual experience.”

“These films don’t go on broadly distributed networks,” Mari Carswell emphasizes. That’s what makes BLUE such a unique outlet for these ocean explorers and filmmakers to screen their work in front of the industry and the public. Carswell predicts, “The ones that get the buzz here, people will be vying to buy.” She fondly recalls how the popular movie March of the Penguins began as nothing more than a nature documentary at a film festival, then turned into a box office hit.

Kinder notes that many of the films at BLUE are focused on ocean conservation, a shift she has noticed in the industry in recent years. Fabien Cousteau is part of that change, and says, “We’ve shifted our focus from pure discovery to discovery with a message.”

The Cousteaus’ message imitates that of the BLUE Ocean Film Festival: If you can inspire people to protect our oceans, you can change the world. It may sound grandiose, but according to Kinder, what do we have, if not hope? “We can absolutely change things,” she insists. “It’s not too late.” As for the first family of ocean filmmaking, they have no shortage of sanguinity. “We’re an optimistic bunch, and we have a lot of faith in the miracle that humanity can pull off,” Fabien Cousteau muses. “It’s why we do what we do.”

WHAT: BLUE Ocean Film Festival
WHEN: June 10-14
WHERE: Downtown Savannah Venues
Tickets are $8-$250 and can be purchased through the SCAD box office: 912.525.5050. Visit the festival’s website for the most up-to-date information: www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org

Did You Know?
According to the NOAA’s National Ocean Service, 95% of the ocean remains unseen by human eyes. BLUE Ocean Film Festival brings the sights of the sea to Savannah’s land lovers.

Did You Know?
Film students at Savannah College of Art and Design beat out students from around the country to capture three of ­­the six finalist positions in BLUE’s student films category. SCAD’s finalist documentaries focused on derelict ocean vessels, surfing on Tybee Island and lionfish.

Disneynature Comes to Savannah

Walt Disney Studios’ Disneynature will open the BLUE Ocean Film Festival with a screening of the critically acclaimed, EARTH. Introduced with personal insights by Disneynature executive vice president, Jean-Francois Camilleri, this must-see event will be topped off by a sneak preview of the studio’s highly anticipated upcoming release OCEANS. This event is open to the public, so get your tickets now at www.scadboxoffice.com.

Fabien Cousteau
Age: 41
Marital status: Single. “It’s hard to be married when you’re always traveling.”
Current home: New York City. “I’ve moved 24 times in my life!” However, as a teenager, he lived on Hilton Head Island.
Languages spoken: English and French
Favorite place in the world: Papua, New Guinea and Sanary, in the South of France
Favorite thing about his job: “Everything. I enjoy the 20-hour days, the sleepless nights, schlepping 69 cases of equipment on commercial flights. All these things sound miserable, but they make me enjoy what I do. When you capture that unique moment on camera, or experience that moment of understanding with an indigenous culture … these are the prizes at the end of the day.”
www.fabiencousteau.org

Céline Cousteau
Age: 36
Marital status: Single
Current home: New York City
Languages spoken: English, French and Spanish. “I have a feeling I’m going to have to learn Portuguese pretty soon!”
Favorite place in the world: The Andes Mountains and the Amazon. “The Amazon is a very intense reality.”
Favorite thing about her job: “It’s the ability to continue to be inspired by what I see out there.”
www.celinecousteau.com

If you are experiencing this situation at least once a week, you probably have what’s commonly referred to as “yadunnowhattodo-itis.” Don’t worry; it’s not fatal. But if left untreated, it could lead to a severe case of spring fever. The South’s Guide to Getting Out has been proven to reduce the symptoms of this debilitating condition, by offering suggestions for what to do on those irresistibly sunny days. Read it twice and call us in the morning. Oh yeah, and we are responsible for any pleasant side effects.

Yoga, Seaside

Start your morning off with an oceanside yoga class, and we guarantee you will have a better day. Or, at least, that’s what Ann Carroll, beach yoga instructor extraordinaire, believes. “What’s not to love? The beach is different every morning, and there’s something innately calming about the sound of the waves,” she explains. Her 7 a.m. class on Tybee Island’s north beach is popular with tourists and locals alike, and sometimes the scene is so relaxing, it’s hard for her students to tear themselves away from the Zen experience. Carroll adds, “After class is over, no one wants to leave.” So take a deep breath and do your sun salutation where it is meant to be done. To try your hand at

beach yoga, contact Ann Carroll by calling 912.704.7650, or visit www.aikyayoga.com

Hang Ten

For some, it’s just another water sport; for Jim Stephens, owner of Underground Board Works on Tybee Island, surfing is a lifestyle, a spiritual activity and, above all, a dance. “Surfers borrow the power and majesty of a wave pulse of energy that has come from across the ocean and, for a moment, dance on the face of a wave in its dying moments,” he says insightfully. That may sound a little deep, but Stephens passion for surfing comes from 50 years of riding waves. It’s no secret that Tybee’s surf can’t compare to the 10-foot swells of, say, Hawaii, but Stephens says it’s still a gnarly place to practice your “dancing” skills. He explains, “Tybee’s small waves, sand bottom and warm water in the summer months make it an ideal place to learn.” So practice this spring in order to wow the shoebes come June. Surf’s up! Underground Board Works, 1213 Highway 80 East, Tybee Island, 912.308.1249, www.undergroundboardworks.com

Rooftop Lounging

There’s no better place for an après-work cocktail on a spring day than an alfresco table, and Savannah is about to get one that will blow your socks off. Rocks on the Roof, set to open in June on top of the new Bohemian Hotel at Savannah Riverfront, will feature fantastic views from River Street all the way to South Carolina. It’s a new concept from the Kessler Collection, owners of the chic Mansion on Forsyth Park. Kessler Vice President Laura Van Til hopes the ambiance, in addition to the tapas menu, will keep guests coming back. “The lighting is dramatic, the oyster chandeliers are adorned with Swarovski crystals, the patio features a large fire pit, [and] roll-up doors will open the space entirely. It’s the feeling of being on a friend’s private deck party overlooking the bustle below,” Van Til describes. Is it happy hour yet? The Bohemian Hotel will open in June at 102 West Bay Street. For more information, visit www.kesslercollection.com

Giddyup

When you hear the word polo, does a 3-button collared shirt come to mind? The designer clothing reference may be unavoidable, but there’s another kind of polo—one that involves horses, a long-handled mallet and traditions dating back to before the time of

Christ—that’s going on in our own backyard. “Lowcountry Arena Polo was started out of a passion for the game of polo,” explains the group’s president, Michael Rippy. No riding experience is required; the group has a polo school in Bluffton and will teach you the basics. Just show up any Saturday morning and Rippy will do the rest.

“Anytime a person is on the back of a horse, it is a good thing,” Rippy declares. So don’t worry if your equestrian skills are limited to petting zoos and pony rides. Giddyup! For more information on Lowcountry Arena Polo, e-mail Michael Rippy at lapolo@hargray.com.

Stand Up and Surf

The Hawaiian name for it is Ku Hoe He’e Nalu, which translates to “to stand, to paddle, to surf a wave,” and that’s a pretty right-on description. Stand-up paddle surfing is similar to the original cowabunga sport, except you’re on your feet with a long paddle. Local stand-up paddle surfing enthusiasts Tim Malins and Stephen Palmer regularly practice this relatively new sport off Tybee Island. Palmer touts, “I was instantly attracted to the versatility of the sport. You can surf waves or lazily paddle around on flat water or sprint as fast as you can for an amazing workout.” The best part is that just about anyone can do it, according to Malins. “On flat water, it’s very easy for the average person. Probably the easiest entry level sport,” he adds. So get in touch with your inner island spirit and grab a paddle; you’ll feel the spirit of aloha in no time. For stand-up paddle boarding lessons and gear, visit High Tide Surf Shop, 405 Highway 80 East, Tybee Island, 912.786.6556, www.hightidesurfshop.com

Pickin’ in the Patch

Plump, juicy strawberries are synonymous with springtime, and the best kinds always seem to be the ones you pick yourself. Dig your straw hay out of the closet and head to the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens to pluck your own right out of the ground. The Gardens contain a full acre of beautiful, budding strawberries. And here’s a special bonus: the farm will host a “Sunday Supper in the Strawberry Patch” on April 26, with country-style food, and of course, homemade strawberry shortcake. “Tours of the farm are given before supper,” says Jeffrey Webb, associate superintendent. “People can pick strawberries for $2.00 per pound.” Bring your empty stomach! For pickin’ times, contact the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens at 912.921.5460 or www.bamboo.caes.uga.edu

Tour the Trees

If you’re looking for an excursion with less exertion, take a tour of the coast’s ancient trees. Start your journey on John’s Island outside of Charleston, where you’ll find a tree that is thought to be 1,500 years old. The “Angel Oak,” stands close to 60 feet high.

Next, head south to Bluffton to check out a tree that is much younger, but more legendary. “Secession Oak” got its name from the role it played in South Carolina’s breakaway from the Union. Of course, in Savannah you’ll discover the 300-year-old

Candler Oak, on Drayton Street, and equally impressive Majestic Oak. “Trees are great sources of shade and cool, and it’s hard to get hot when having a picnic underneath one,” says Adrienn Mendonca with the Savannah Tree Foundation. Plus, Mendonca adds, “We’d be nothing without our avenues of oaks and swaying moss.” Get more information on the area’s legendary trees on The Savannah Tree Foundation website,

www.savannahtreefoundation.com

Stroll with Sea Turtles

They crawl out of the sea at night, looking for a place to lay their slimy eggs in the sand. It sounds like a horror movie, but it’s just the natural nesting habit of a loggerhead sea turtle. You can see for yourself on a nighttime “turtle walk” with a reptile professional from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Your guide will lead you on a beach walk in hopes of spotting one of these impressive animals. While turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, Alicia Marin, the Center’s education coordinator, reveals “Some lucky groups may get to see a nesting loggerhead female deposit her eggs in the sand.” Turtle walks begin in June but spaces are often filled far in advance. For reservations, call 912.635.4444 or visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org

Go Up the Creek

From 1000-year-old trees to rare birds, you can spot a variety of amazements just a short drive north of Savannah. A naturalist guide from Wilderness Southeast will lead you on a three-hour canoe paddle down Effingham County’s historic Ebenezer Creek, pointing out beautiful bald cypress trees dating back more than a millennium. “Their dark, twisted trunks are suggestive of a scene from a J.R.R. Tolkien novel, and they reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water,” describes Karen Grainey, a guide. The paddling is easy, but you may get a little more out of the trip than a pretty picture. Grainey remarks, “Visiting the trees is a unique opportunity to contemplate the passage of time and our natural legacy.” For more information on the Blackwater River Paddle, contact Wilderness Southeast at 912.236.8115 or www.wilderness-southeast.org

Disk Golf

Take a game of Frisbee, mix in a round of golf, and you get an up-and-coming sport sweeping the Lowcountry. Disc golf is played like traditional golf except with a flying disc instead of a little dimpled ball. Jonathan Reppenhagen is an eight-year devotee of the game and touts its virtues. “Being outdoors, playing with my friends, meeting new people and challenging myself is what attracted me to disc golf,” he explains. According to Reppenhagen, most of the sport’s courses are in public or state parks. So on a beautiful spring day, it’s a great way to get a little fresh air. “I got addicted quick,” Reppenhagen admits. “But watching the disc fly through the air and hit your target is exciting to see.” Tiger Woods, take a backseat. The Savannah Disc Golf Club is always looking for new members. Visit www.savannahdiscgolf.com for more info on how and where to play.

Cruise the Barrier Island

If you’re the less-active outdoorsy type, a boat cruise might be more your style. Bull River Cruises offers tours of coastal Georgia’s salt marshes and barrier islands from the comfort of the “Island Explorer,” a 45-foot excursion vessel that seats over 40 passengers. Captain Mike Neal says the company’s signature Barrier Island Eco-Cruise is a fun, relaxing way for people to get outdoors. “Taking a boat through these waterways, going out to the barrier islands, and seeing dolphins can’t help but be great,” he says. Neal is your tour guide through this unique ecosystem and will point out wildlife, teach ecology and even pull a trawl net so guests can see the creatures living below the water’s surface. Who knows, maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two. Bull River Cruises, 912.898.1800, www.bullriver.com

Deep Sea Fishing

Grab a rod and hire a captain for an easygoing day in the sun with the possibility of a delicious, well-earned dinner. Captain Brian Woelber of One More Cast Charters has eight years of experience trolling Savannah’s waterways for the mysterious “big one.” Woelber says fishing isn’t just a great outdoor activity; it’s also excellent therapy. “The great thing about fishing or just being on the water is you are focused on the task at hand, and everything else going on in our crazy lives seems to be put on the back burner for a little while,” he claims. Savannah can be a tough fishing spot because of the fast-changing tides, Woelber warns, so be sure your guide knows what he’s doing. Contact One More Cast Charters by calling 912.308.5991 or visiting www.onemorecastcharters.com

Now in her mid-30’s, the Atlanta-based wife and mother of two still vividly recalls when her father first introduced her to the powerful sway of music when he gave her a ukulele and played records by the Kingston Trio, one of the most influential folk music groups of all time. Yet, despite this unique form of home schooling, Herring’s real love for folk music didn’t begin in the family living room; it all started at Ole Miss when she began performing with The Sincere Ramblers, a local country-bluegrass group. In 1999, when she moved to Austin, Texas, to study folklore in the prestigious American Studies doctoral program at the University of Texas, Herring’s spark of interest became a flame of enthusiasm. Being absorbed by the art of story telling in a city known for its thriving music culture was enough to propel Herring into a fruitful career of beautiful music-making that would later have her setting up camp in the Peach State.

Herring’s third and latest album, Lantana, captures the soul of old gospel, blues and folk while telling stories of Southern life and struggles. Just pop in the CD, close your eyes, listen to her sweet, low-pitched twang, and you’ll feel pages deep into a Southern story told with the passion only a genuine Dixie darling could muster. National Public Radio called the work one of the “Top 10 Folk Albums for 2008.” We just call it really, really good.

With the recent release of an award-winning third album and a scheduled performance at the 2009Savannah Music Festival, Atlanta-based singer-songwriter and rising folk music star, Caroline Herring, talks to The South about the Southern side of life. Gearing up for a trip to the Hostess City to play a headlining gig at the 2009 Savannah Music Festival, Caroline Herring recently sat down with The South magazine to give us a peek look inside a humble musical mastermind.

The South magazine: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a “Southern musician?”

Caroline Herring: Well, I don’t think you have to be anything, but I think it’s more fun and more meaningful if a Southern musician knows the traditions that surrounded them when they were growing up. I think Southern musicians can be more roots-based because of all those traditions: It’s in the air; it’s in the water; it’s in the ground; it’s just there. I think they can incorporate gospel, blues and country into their music, and [for] other artists from other areas of the country, it wouldn’t come as easily.

TSM: Like you said, your music seems to feature blues, country and gospel styles. Some of your songs are even reminiscent of old spirituals. Is that intentional or simply accidental?

CH: It just happens. And, you know, it happens because I’ve been listening to gospel tunes for my whole life.

TSM: Is there a song you’ve written that really speaks to your experience as a Southern woman?

CH: It’s interesting because I have to really watch myself with my songs or they revolve too much around women. I guess there’s nothing wrong with it, but I certainly don’t want to keep men from buying my records! But there’s a song on Lantana called “Song for Fay,” in which I wrote about this [particular] woman’s experience in life, as well as mine—and the experiences of all Southern women, in a way. [It's about the experience of] just a constant, vigilant optimism. And so, to me, I feel that song in particular is affirming.

TSM: I wouldn’t say that your new song about Susan Smith, the South Carolina woman convicted of killing her two toddler sons, promotes a message of optimism.

CH: No, “Paper Gown” definitely [exemplifies] the limits of what Southern women deal with and what can happen to them. And that’s why I found Susan Smith’s story so compelling. I don’t think it gets any more Southern Gothic than that. And I also think that women are always portrayed as angels, as though we’re above reproach in the South. It’s kind of asphyxiating, and her story certainly blew that idea out of the water.

TSM: You’ve won lots of awards for your music, but what are you most proud of ?

CH: Songs that I’ve written. Ones that, even though they may be about the story of a [single] person, express some universal truth or longing or some feeling that people can really relate to.

TSM: What about performing?

CH: Oh, of course it feels good to play a good show and make people laugh and think, and to entertain them. And to go away from that and know that people really enjoyed it—I’m very proud of that.

TSM: Speaking of concerts, have you ever performed in the Lowcountry?

CH: I’ve played a few shows in Savannah. My neighbor is from Savannah and we recently had a huge authentic oyster roast and Lowcountry boil. He and my husband drove to Savannah and bought oysters that had just been harvested that day. And we just had everybody standing around tables, eating oysters with their cocktail sauce and saltines. It made me want to get back down to Savannah as soon as possible! I think

Savannah is really beautiful and is one of those really classic, haunting, exquisite Southern towns. There’s nothing like it.

TSM: And you will be here soon, when you perform at the 2009 Savannah Music Festival. How do you think you fit into the Festival?

CH: I love the fact that a festival can incorporate different types of music, and I feel like I bring to it a singer-songwriter element, a folk music element and a storytelling element.

TSM: Is there any particular act at the festival you’re looking forward to seeing?

CH: I would love to see Neko Case—maybe some jazz too. There’s so much good music that I wish I could just go for two weeks! I really envy all of you who live there and will have that opportunity.

TSM: What do you hope people will get out of your show at the SMF?

CH: I hope they feel the joy of going to a live performance and the joy of hearing a different type of music. I hope they will enjoy hearing me do what I do. It’s a lifeline for me. It’s very satisfying on many levels to just go out on stage and tell my stories and sing.

TSM: You sound like you know exactly who you are, musically. Is that a lesson you’ve had to learn in order to create yourself as an artist?

CH: In a way, yes. You can’t depend on marketing yourself as just some Mississippi folk artist. You have to figure out what you want to say and what you want to do, and so I had to do that. And in the long run, that’s a good feeling. “I think Savannah is really beautiful and is one of those really classic, haunting, exquisite Southern towns. There’s nothing like it.”