South’s contributing editor Janice Shay takes us on a tour of the best out of doors dining experiences in and around the Hostess City that you’ve just got to try this spring. From The Crab Shack to The Olde Pink House, there’s great food to be had at practically any budget with views and ambience that are uniquely, beautifully Savannah.

Images by Kate Blohm

By Angela Gunn

Ahoy Mateys! Fancy walking the plank? If not, then be ready to surrender some booty because today kicks off the 8th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

The Buccaneer’s Ball launches the festival at The Crab Shack starting at 6:30 p.m. tonight with dancing, frivolity and food for all pirates and wenches age 18 and over.

 
Images by John Alexander
 

Show and sale by local artist members of Tybee Arts Association. Includes paintings, prints, glass art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, art quilts, notecards, art demonstrations and music.

Admission: Free

Website: tybeearts.org

 
Images by John Alexander
 

Images by Candace Perry

Images by Candace Perry

7th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival, an adventure-filled weekend featuring an array of adult and family-friendly activities and entertainment. Highlights include The Pirate Charles, an authentic pirate band from the west coast, as well as the Pirate Victory Parade, the crowning of the 2011 Pirate Festival King and Queen at the Swashbucklers Bash, the Scallywags Costume Contest, Little Matey’s Cove and the famous Thieves Market.

Enjoy the ocean breezes, live music and fireworks from the majestic Tybee Pier & Pavilion at the 4th 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.).