Hey, it’s already a little rainy, so come on out to Tybee Island and let’s make it really rain, for sure!

2012 Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade

Today at 6 p.m., Tybee Island will feature a parade and a massive island-wide water fight. Spectators lined up along the parade route on Butler Avenue will be armed with squirt guns and hoses.  Just know the  parade participants on floats will be fully armed, too! Don’t miss this family-friendly water fight, which has been a true Tybee Island tradition since 1987. The 2012 Beach Bum Parade Royal Family includes Grand Marshal Mike Hosti, Big Kahuna Carl Looper and Queen Wanda Stevenson.

THE RULES: Water balloons, buckets and pressure washers are prohibited and considered dangerous. No ice water. Restrict your targets to parade participants and on-lookers only. Do not attempt to aim your hose or water gun at a police officer. Residents and visitors are asked to use common sense in choosing and soaking your targets. It is illegal to open car doors or homes to spray inside. By following these guidelines, everyone can have a great time!

Beach Bum Parade History:

It all started approximately 25 years ago, when a softball team called the “Beach Bums” was challenged to a game by “Pier 1,” another Tybee softball team. The Beach Bums won the game and, afterwards,  both teams drove up and down Butler Avenue with police escorts as the players bombed each other with water balloons. Before they knew it, there was a water fight in the making. Since then, the event has become the Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade, known far and wide as a favorite annual island tradition.

I’ve got my goggles, full body-armor (pink and green, of course!) and I’m a crack shot!  It’s a wet-n-wild, slip-n-slide, super-soaker fun way to kick-off the summer season!  Let’s go, Beach Bums!

It’s another fantastic week to be in Tybee Island and the fun keeps on coming!

Third Thursdays on Tybee!

The final Spring performance for Third Thursdays on Tybee will be with Brenda Morie.  Jazz flutist and vocalist, Morie, has always embraced music and is an accomplished performer with her tour history, formation of the popular jazz-rock fusion band, Terra, and recordings.  Morie is also well known through numerous television and radio appearances and feature films.  As an award winning musician, she has recorded with the legendary Ben Tucker and is very much looking forward to performing for you at Third Thursdays on Tybee.

 

You will enjoy this “Outdoor Listener’s Delight” with Morie as she shares her contemporary flair with her extraordinary vocals and jazzy flute playing downtown Tybee.

Bring a chair, stroll the shops, or grab a bite for dinner as you enjoy music in the Main Corridor.

Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade

The joy of our island living aways gets better as you cross the Lazaretto Creek Bridge and pull up to your home away from home.  Just feel the layers of stress and care and worry peel away and fly out the window, as you get ready to live like a local!

One of the best homes to get that tropical feel is our !  Just three blocks to the mid-island beach, this 3 bedroom/2 bath ground level cottage couldn’t be easier for seaside living.

Imagine an open space with two living rooms and a private secluded back yard.  Fantasize it’s steps from the beach and shopping and restaurants, yet relaxing and quiet.  Envision a big bright kitchen and soaring ceilings.  Dream of a place where the master bedroom is on one side of the house for privacy and the other two bedrooms on the other side of the house for loved ones.  Be awed at a large front yard for playing outside and chairs for sitting and reading.

Snap out of it!  It’s not just a fantasy!  You won’t have to imagine…you’ll have it all at Tybee Seahorse Cottage.  You will love our decor and our layout.  You will want to come back again and again.  Tybee Seahorse Cottage will be your favorite getaway…that is close to everything.

Y’all comin’?

Baby bottles, dirty diapers, sleepless nights, and days filled with hope gave way to skinned knees and elbows, bumps on the head and other growing pains that are long gone, except in my memories.   I guess the best way to explain it all is by borrowing a phrase I’ve heard other proud parents share, “I never fully understood or appreciated how much my parents loved me until I had a child of my own.”

Now, I’m looking forward to the next phase of my journey.  You see, my son just graduated from Georgia Tech with highest honors.  This is his accomplishment and I am so very proud for him.  Knowing that he did his best, is happy, and that he will continue to do his best is mine.

Oh, I’m sure that, as with every life, there will be days when things may not go his way and there will be challenges he must meet on his own.  He may even have a newly skinned knee or two in his future  or some other bump in the road for which I get to pull out my bag of Mom remedies to make things better.  But, for the most part he is ready to be his own man.

He doesn’t have to be told he is on my mind at the start of every day and in my thoughts as I count my blessings before I sleep.  He’s always known I’ve cheered him on with all my hopes and dreams for him to be confident, passionate and honorable.

Somewhere along the way we became friends and more than just mother and son. It’s a friendship I cherish and look forward to nurturing and growing as we both continue on with the next phases of our lives.  Who knew being grown up could be so exciting?  I’m learning more every day of how he is now cheering me on with all of his hopes and dreams for me to remain confident, passionate and honorable.

Who knows.  The time may come when I might get a newly skinned knee or experience a bump in my road.  I’m not worried.  I’ve got a friend.  That’s my Mother’s Day gift…to him…and his to me.

Thank you for sharing in my joy.  Come on down and share yours, too!

 

 

What do you do with sand, surf, hot bodies and a net?  You spike the ball, of course!

The 2012 EVP Pro Volleyball Beach Tour is coming to Tybee Island this weekend!  The EVP is excited to bring their EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour to Tybee for the third year in a row. This action packed beach volleyball event is this Saturday, May 12th, and it’s a must see for athletes and spectators.

Tybee’s Beach Bum Open will feature the top City vs City athletes and free agents. The EVP welcome party lets the teams see their match placement and a chance to meet the EVP Tour staff. It’ll be another great event this year at Tybee Island with more great give away and exciting new sponsors and our other fun events to join in on including the Bump in the Bucket and Spike the T-Shirt and Prizes for the complete beach event.

The 2012 Jr. Spike n’ Splash Tour is simply the best option for 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U boys and girls teams. As the official Junior Beach Volleyball Tour of the EVP, each player is guaranteed elite competition amongst the top players across country.

Give me a call and come on down this weekend to earn more of your EVP Tour points to go to the Nationals and World finals to compete in this years exciting competition.  Just don’t spike the ball at my head or kick sand in my drinks!

See you soon!

I’ve got just the cure for your landlocked blues!  Quit Yer Crab Inn!

When you enter this traditional Tybee beach home built in 2007, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of this home… from the granite counter-tops in the kitchen to the wonderful screened porch that stretches across the front of the house.  This home is completely appointed from linens to dishes and even includes chairs for the beach, only a short 5 minute walk away.  There will be very little need to drive once you get settled in because  you can walk to stores and restaurants, nearby.

On the ground floor you will find a Foosball table and ping pong game room and covered parking for 1 car, as well as gear for the beach that  includes sand toys, boogie boards, and even a cart to carry it all.  On the second level, there’s a spacious living area with a dining room and bar that seats 12.  And, there is a large family room with comfortable seating and a large flat-screen television.  You can plug into the wireless internet, enjoy a dvd or listen to your ipod, as well.  With a wall of french doors leading to the screened front porch, you can enjoy the outdoors bug-free.  The floor of the porch is screened underneath, as well.
The large kitchen has granite counter-tops and top of the line stainless appliances.  There’s plenty of everything you will need to cook up your favorite fresh seafood dishes.  Grill masters will love the green space where you can cook up burgers and hot dogs on the grill and dine on the covered back porch.
The master bedroom comes complete a king size bed, flat screen television, attached bath with large shower, and jacuzzi tub.  The second bedroom on this level is queen size with an adjacent bath and huge walk-in closet.  On the third level, the bedroom has 2 twin beds, a large closet with dressing area, and private bath.  The forth bedroom has a queen size bed and full bath, with a dressing area and closet. The fifth bedroom is a smaller room with a trundle bed and a beautiful window.  In addition, there is a small reading alcove with a futon and a cathedral window.

When you enjoy your time on the island, you’ll understand how easy it is to Quit Yer Crab Inn.  How fast can you get here?

There are so many great things going on this weekend you should come spend some time in my flip-flops!

Tybee Arts Association Show and Sale

May 04 2012 Tybee Arts Association Show and Sale Paintings, Prints, Glass Art, Photography, Sculpture, Jewelry, Fiber Art, Mosaics, Art Quilts and Note cards Art Demonstrations, Music and Door Prizes.  Hours are: Friday Opening Reception 6-9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Most shows will be held at Tybee Arts Association Building, 7 Cedarwood Dr. More details and any changes to hours or location will be posted on website at www.tybeearts.org

 

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SCAD Sand Art Festival

May 04 2012 This annual festival features competitions using sand and objects found on the beach, including shells and seaweed, as art. Categories include: sand castle design, sand sculptures, sand relief and wind sculpture.  Location: North Beach, Tybee Island. Admission: Free and open to the public. www.scad.edu

 

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Paint Tybee Pink

May 05 2012 Come enjoy an afternoon into evening 10K walk in the beautiful city of Tybee Island Georgia (5k option available as well).  There will be a Sunset Ceremony at Fisherman’s Walk pier, then each walker will receive a pink glow stick and will travel the last mile along the beach (optional). The finish will be at the Tybee Pier and Pavilion with a Celebration of Life Party complete with TropRock artist Jim Asbell playing on the Pier! $50 registration fee with no fund raising minimum or anyone who raises at least $500 will get their registration fee waived!! Fund raising is the lifeblood of any charitable organization, so fund raising and sponsorships are strongly encouraged so we might make a bigger impact on the cancer community in Coastal Georgia! Crew members are also needed to come out and help our walkers along their journey, so if you can’t walk, please consider Crewing…either way, it will be an experience you will not soon forget!  Proceeds to benefit LibLines Breast Cancer Fund at the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute of Memorial University Hospital, Savannah, GA.

 

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The Tybee Island Kite Flying Festival

May 6, 2012  11 a.m.-2 p.m.  North Beach area and in front of the Tybee Lighthouse Museum.  Come fly a kite and help raise awareness and learn about Parkinson’s & other Movement Disorders.

And, don’t forget the Savannah Tall Ships are here.  You can see them parade past Tybee Island, too!  Come spend some time in my flip-flops.  I’ll show you how to really enjoy the beach!

 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet and romantic escape for two or you’re wanting to invite just about everyone you know for fun in the sun, I’ve got just the right Tybee Island getaway for you!

Catalina Hideaway is one of those places where you can enjoy everyone together and there’s plenty of private space for alone time, too.  This spectacular river front contemporary modern home enjoys one of the most beautiful and private views at Tybee and it also comes with a beautiful pool, drive on dock for your boat and deep water dock, 13 feet at low tide.
This Spanish Hammock retreat has two living levels housing 4 Bedrooms and 3 1/2 Baths.  Contemporary furnishings and spacious rooms provide a perfect private escape just a 5 minute drive to the Tybee beach, yet directly on the river, with all the comforts of home and more.
The Main Floor has a huge Living Room with floor to ceiling windows, Brazilian Cherry floors, Fireplace and TV, Powder room, Dining Room, and Kitchen with Granite & Stainless Appliances. The King Master Bedroom has floor to ceiling windows with beautiful views of the pool and river.  Down the hall is a fantastic closet with built ins and then you walk into a dream bathroom.  Step up to the huge whirlpool tub, sit back and relax with a beautiful view of the river.  There is a glass shower, double vanity and stool.  There is also a stacking washer and dryer in a closet in the master bathroom.
Upstairs are 2 bedrooms and a loft room.  The first bedroom has a queen bed and private full bathroom.  The second bedroom has a queen size bed and shares a full bathroom in the hall with the loft bedroom.  The loft bedroom has a bunk bed and 2 futon/bed sofas.  There is a sliding door that can be closed for privacy and a window with a door that can be closed.
A fabulous large waterfront screened porch allows lots of room for outdoor entertaining.  A hot/cold shower and private half bathroom is downstairs next to the pool.  There is a boardwalk to the deep water dock where there is a seating area. The Dock provides a drive on Boat Slip for your boat (local Marina’s have boats for rent). Great crabbing and fishing can be done directly from the dock, and we have all the cooking utensils to “cook what you catch”!
If you are looking for a luxurious Waterfront Retreat that’s only minutes to the beaches at Tybee with all the comforts of home and more, this is it.  You’ll never want to leave!  Come on down and spend some time in my flip-flops.  I’ll be waiting.

A properly fitted bike helmet, of course!

We’re having a Safe Bicycling Rodeo on Tybee Island this weekend and the city published such a wonderful press release I want to share it with you!

Children and parents will be learning about safe bicycling practices at the Tybee Island Bike Rodeo on Saturday, April 28th. Between 10:00 and 1:00 PM, at Tybee’s Old School at 204 Fifth Street, participants will learn the basics of helmet fitting, go through a bicycle safety check, participate in bicycle games and competitions for prizes, and take part in a bicycle parade on the island. The bike checks will be performed with the assistance of volunteers as well as staff from Savannah’s Bicycle Link and Perry Rubber Bike Shop and Tybee Island’s Fat Tire Bikes. At the end of the day, there will be a drawing for a child’s bike provided by the Tybee Island Police Association and Tim’s Beach Gear.

 

The Bike Rodeo is co-sponsored by the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, Safe Kids, the Tybee Island Police Department, Tim’s Beach Gear, Fat Tire Bikes, the Tybee Island YMCA, and the City of Tybee Island. The City of Tybee Island has been working on national recognition as a Bicycle Friendly City, winning the bronze level in 2011. The Police Department and the Department of Public Works have been cooperating with local cyclists and the American Bicycle League to improve the ridability of bike routes, increase signage to encourage use, improve safety consciousness of riders and drivers, and work with State and County agencies to improve accessibility to the island for cyclists. Safe bicycling guidelines and a map showing bike routes are available in an online brochure atwww.cityoftybee.org under the Bicycling menu, which is also published by businesses on the island.

Children must have a bike and helmet, and bring a parent /guardian to participate in the rodeo or provide a signed waiver by a parent or guardian, although there will be some helmets available for those who do not already have one. Parents who wish to participate in the parade should also bring their bicycles and helmets. The bicycle games are designed for grades one through five, but will be open to all youth.

 And, don’t forget our 2012 Tybee Turtle Trot this weekend…no helmets required!

If it’s happening, it’s happening on Tybee!  Come join the fun!

 

Tybee Island is a wonderful place to get out, enjoy the beach and the sun, and go exploring.  Just remember… when you’re out beach-combing, please read the signs and be prepared to take the test!

Yep, there’s lots to learn here and one of the most important lessons is to be prepared to take the test when looking for sand dollars from the beach.  Sand dollars are echinoderms and when they’re alive they’re covered with with moving spines that give them a velvety feel.  The spines and a set of pores enable them to move slowly and burrow just below the surface of sandy or muddy area.

After a sand dollar dies, it loses the velvety covering and, if it washes up on a beach, eventually takes on a bleached, off-white look.  If you plan on beach-combing, please be sure to never dig sand dollars from the ocean bottom or any you find buried under the muddy areas of the beach.  Sand dollars normally reproduce during the warmer months, so only collect the sand dollars that are not buried and that are bleached white from the sun.

TAKE THE TEST!

A live sand dollar feels like felt. It’s soft, nubby, and dark in color. It will not move in your hand.

A dead sand dollar leaves behind a hard, white skeleton, called a test.

If you find a test – take it.

Leave live sand dollars on the beach.

DO NOT TAKE LIVE SAND DOLLARS

Another great thing to take home with you is the joy you’ll discover from volunteering and supporting our beach ecology while you’re here.  This coming weekend, please be sure to come on out for these great events:

8th Annual Turtle Trot – 5K Tybee Beach Run

 April 28 2012 Sat

 Fundraiser for the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project and kick-off for Coastal Georgia’s Sea Turtle nesting season! www.TybeeTurtleTrot.net

Tybee Island Bike Rodeo

April 28 2012, 10:00am – 1:00pm

Old School Cafeteria & parking lot

In conjunction with YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, your children can come by to learn about bicycle skills & safety!  Please call 786-9622 for more information.

And, as always, come to discover our Tybee Island way of life.  Just remember…take the test!