Fall into Fun in November
November in Statesboro is packed full of live performances, fall themed events, and family fun!
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Kickoff September in Statesboro!
Georgia Southern Eagle Football is back and nobody celebrates the season better than True Blue fans! The excitement doesn’t stop there, though! September in Statesboro is bursting at the seams with live music including country music legend Tanya Tucker, Victor Wainwright and the Train, and a celebration of the music of Tom Petty. Bring the kids to Brooklet for the 29th Annual Peanut Festival and be sure to get tickets early for The Addams Family Musical at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Check out our weekly calendar to see where you can kick back with karaoke or trivia and be sure to put the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market on your “to do” list when you Visit Statesboro..
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GEORGIA TOURISM ANNOUNCES 2018 “100 PLATES LOCALS LOVE” LIST
Eagle Creek Brewery’s Shrimp & Grits in Statesboro
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division (GDEcD) today released the 2018 state culinary guide, Georgia Eats. The fourth annual digest-sized guide features the wildly popular “100 Plates Locals Love” list, as well as 10 flavor tours that showcase inspiring dining options, a gallery of the state’s most Instagrammable foods, unique festivals, delectable recipes from a few of Georgia’s celebrated chefs and more.
Georgia Eats was initially published in conjunction with the “Year of Culinary” campaign in 2015. The enthusiastic response from visitors led tourism officials to continue publishing it annually. Georgia Eats has become one of the state’s most popular marketing pieces with a print circulation of 187,000 and 62,000 unique page views via ExploreGeorgia.org.
With diverse and flavorful crops, farm-to-table dining, food festivals, cooking schools, award-winning wineries, agritourism trails, talented local chefs, u-pick farms, and much more, Georgia continues to emerge as a leading culinary destination in the South.
“There is no better way to immerse yourself in Georgia’s history and culture than through our unique food and dining offerings,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Whether you’re looking for local favorites or finding the best food festival for a weekend away, Georgia Eats is the perfect guide to delicious experiences you can’t find anywhere else.”
The cover of Georgia Eats features Chef-farmer Matthew Raiford, owner of The Famer and the Larder in downtown Brunswick, Ga. A 2018 James Beard nominee, Chef Raiford’s restaurant gives a whole new meaning to farm-to-table as many of the ingredients come from Raiford’s nearby family farm, Gilliard Farms, which has been in his family since 1874.
“It’s an honor to be featured in the Georgia Eats culinary guide; with the great bounty of food that Georgia has to offer and the openness we have received from farmers, fisherman, and ranchers all over the state, it has made cooking amazing food easy,” said Chef Raiford. “We are looking forward to many more years of bringing good food and community together!”
Since the inaugural issue of Georgia Eats, Georgia Tourism has designated the “100 Plates Locals Love” as a way to provide visitors with locally sourced suggestions. Nominations from around the state are gathered via ExploreGeorgia.org and evaluated by a panel of judges who curate the list down to the final designees. The list has been likened to recommendations that Georgians would share with family and friends, and it has received rave reviews from visitors as well as restaurant owners. View the full “100 Plates Locals Love” list online at ExploreGeoriga.org.
The Georgia Eats culinary guide is available at the state’s 12 Visitor Information Centers across the state and on the state’s consumer tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org. To learn more about Georgia’s rich culinary experiences through videos, tours and more, visit ExploreGeorgia.org/dining. Share your favorite food finds using #GeorgiaEats.
CONTACT:
Emily Murray
Sr. Communications Specialist
Georgia Department of Economic Development
emurray@georgia.org
404-962-4078
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Outdoor Fishing Life is Good
Weather is warming and the outdoors call! For fresh water enthusiasts who prefer to spend their time around rivers and lakes enjoying fishing, hiking and birdwatching, Bulloch County has a lot to offer! As a home base, you can grab a fishing pole, kayak, canoe, boat, camping gear or your hiking shoes. There are places to enjoy in and around Statesboro to help you experience beautiful and natural surroundings.
Before you go, you might want to stock up on your favorite gear. Locally owned TC Outdoors is home to outdoor supplies of all kinds including fresh fish bait, along with lures, rods and reels. Once you have what you need, choose from several destinations for a day of relaxation, quiet and sunshine.
Staying local, check out Williams Landing at the end of Macedonia Church Road, the US Hwy 301 Bridge and Highway 24 Landing. All of these are public places to launch boats and fish off the banks of the Ogeechee River. Known as one of Georgia’s least spoiled rivers to explore, it will delight anglers of all ages. A best kept secret, the river begins in Green County and is a great place for outdoor recreational activity. Home to an abundance of fresh water fish, the action on the Ogeechee picks up in the spring and lasts throughout the summer depending on the water flow and temperatures.
Blackwater Preserve is located in Register, Georgia, nearby Statesboro. This privately owned preserve offers fishing (host to almost every fish you will find in a river), kayaking, canoeing and camping on Lotts Creek with back water of 200 acres. With pristine wetlands to explore, these are just a few of the adventures you can have as a member of Blackwater Preserve. They have a biologist on staff who can give walking tours for members, students and bird watchers. Duck, deer and turkey are on the menu for any hunting experience. Miles of waterways and land trails await for hours of fun. You can go fishing or just paddle through the cypress swamp to take in the numerous birds and animals in this unspoiled back to nature get away. Blackwater Preserve offers daily, monthly and yearly memberships along with fishing boats, canoes and kayaks. It is available for birthday parties and meetings.
There are several state parks within an easy drive from Statesboro. Magnolia Springs State Park is in Millen, Georgia. It has a fishing dock on Magnolia Spring Lake. Magnolia Springs is known for its crystal clear springs flowing 7 million gallons per day. A boardwalk spans the cool water, allowing visitors to look for alligators, turtles and other wildlife near the springs.
George L. Smith State Park in Twin City has a mill pond that beckons anglers and paddlers to explore thick stands of cypress and tupelo trees draped with Spanish moss. Canoeists and kayakers can join the Park Paddlers Club. While on the water, nature enthusiasts can look for beaver dams, blue heron, white ibis and other wading birds.
If you are seeking fresh air and outdoor activity that might possibly put dinner on your table, consider visiting Statesboro as your starting point. Remember that permission from a private landowner is always required in order to fish on private property, but there are great public and private places to meet your freshwater fishing needs.
For more information, visit any of these helpful sites:
http://gastateparks.org/find/
http://gadnr.org
http://www.georgiawildlife.com
http://www.blackwaterpreserve.com/home.html
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Pick Up A Statesboro Magazine to Get an Insider’s View
If you want to know about the people, places, and things that make Statesboro a great area to visit and live in, pick up a Statesboro Magazine. It’s an enjoyable read to discover what makes Statesboro and the surrounding area one of America’s Best Communities. Outsiders and locals alike look forward to the bi-monthly publications filled with nuggets of information.
This is where you will find stories that often blend the history of the area into profiles of the dynamic people who make up the community today. From topics that range from agribusiness, to community events, leaders, history, and up to date economic development activity, this is the publication that has it all. As the stories unfold about people who are behind the businesses, government, arts, restaurants, entertainment, sports scene, education and so on, you will obtain a real sense of what makes Statesboro a special place.
With 25,000 plus regional readers, the Statesboro Magazine consistently showcases a community calendar full of events in order to know what is happening around town during each two-month period of publication. Distribution of 5,000 copies makes issues available in hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and free standing magazine racks throughout the area.
You can easily find them in the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, Statesboro Regional Library, RJ’s Grill, The Chamber of Commerce, County Commission Offices, City Hall and many other locales. If you are flying in to Savannah, be sure to pick one up in the tourist information kiosk and learn about Statesboro before you arrive.
The Statesboro Magazine staff, headed by Editor Jenny Starling Foss, does an excellent job captivating readers with stories to interest, educate, delight and inspire. With guest editors, readers will learn from experts on all types of subjects as well.
The Statesboro Magazine is a full-color, coffee table style publication used as the leading Economic Development piece by The Chamber of Commerce, Visit Statesboro, the City, the County, Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College that promotes the area to newcomers, residents, visitors and tourists. Be sure to pick one up or go online and read current and past issues at: statesboromagazine.com.
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Get Some Fresh Air and Just Walk, Bike or Run!
The benefits of getting outdoors are so far reaching that a simple walk, bike or run can energize you and make you feel more alive! The connection with nature and how it affects your health, outlook and overall quality of life cannot be underestimated to good living lifestyle.
Statesboro has beautiful places to enjoy a walk during this beautiful springtime. Many walking trails have been constructed for this sole purpose, to encourage visitors and citizens alike to just get moving. Before the heat settles in, enjoy seeing Statesboro from an up close and personal point of view while on foot. There are several trails to enjoy as well as just beautiful neighborhoods with low traffic or side walks.
Consider the Blind Willie McTell Trail. You’ll ramble or cycle through a mile – and 7,415 square yards — of architecturally designed park, quirky art, and cobra lighting throughout that connects the Georgia Southern University campus to Downtown Statesboro. Bike racks, picnic tables and quirky art benches invite you to stop and enjoy lunch or the beautiful day.
If you want more distance, try the S&S Greenway. It is in the process of becoming an eight-mile stretch reaching from Statesboro to Brooklet. The first portion of the trail begins in Downtown Statesboro, starting with the Blind Willie McTell Trail. The trail then crosses over to the entrance at Gentilly Road and ends at Cawana Road. The S&S Greenway picks back up at the starting point across from Howard Lumber. The popular trail takes you through woods, under Veterans Memorial By-Pass, through fields and has bathrooms on either end. Perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet time.
Of course you can visit Mill Creek Regional Park. With a 1.25 mile paved and lit pathway with exercise stations scattered throughout, it is a great destination for a breath of fresh air. The park also has state-of-the-art sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and plenty of wide opened spaces to enjoy. With a picturesque lake, the park is beautifully landscaped with over 300 hardwood trees.
If you are near Georgia Southern University’s campus, there is a great walking trail that encircles the Recreational Activity Center, better known as the RAC. The 70-acre M.C. Anderson Park, which is comprised of lighted playing fields, walking trails, high & low challenge course, large pavilion and amphitheater give you plenty to look at as you go. The facilities host state, regional and national tournaments ranging from archery to flag football to ultimate Frisbee. This outdoor space also provides the university community with a place to relax outside. There is usually activity of some kind going on, so it is a fun place to get some exercise and be entertained with college students staying active as well.
Neighborhoods are always a great place to enjoy some fresh air. The in-town area surrounding Savannah Avenue has sidewalks and quiet side streets with tree-lined plazas. This is a nice place to enjoy some of the historic homes that beautify Statesboro.
There is no doubt that people who get outside enjoy wellness benefits, such as less anxiety, depression, and mood swings. While you are in Statesboro, enjoy our beautiful outdoors while restoring your physical and mental good health!
For more information:
http://www.visitstatesboroga.com/trails/
http://recreation.georgiasouthern.edu/facilities/recreation-activity-center/
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Statesboro Regional Library – A Place for Everyone
A resource that many take for granted is their local library. With technology increasing, some may wonder if a library is still a viable place for locals and visitors. The Statesboro Regional Library has a full range of programs and opportunities for everyone who wants to visit and participate…and it’s available to everyone.
From Genealogy Workshops, Adult Coloring Classes, Craft Night – Sip and Sketch, Job Search Workshop with Resume Writing to teen activities, there is something for all ages and interests. For the health conscious, holistic health series: Yoga & Essential Oils and New Year/New You – Food & Nutrition are features during January. A great way to preserve family recipes is the “Original Recipes Made to Last” program where the library staff will take original recipes and preserve them in a durable format by the Genealogy Coordinator.
There is even an open forum called “Our Community Talks!” This is a chance for people to come in and discuss issues/concerns/news within the community and find ways to get involved.
Book lovers can participate in a free Book Club once a month. There is also a Book to Movie Club. All of these wonderful activities are being held just in the month of January 2016. What a great way to start out the New Year!
The Youth and Family Services calendar is full of great programs, including Toddler Time and Teen Nights. Reading to Rover (children practice reading to therapy dogs), Lego Club and 52 Weeks of Giving are favorites.
For Genealogy enthusiasts, The Statesboro Regional Library has over 7000 books, magazines, bound periodicals, which includes oral history collections, census records, family histories, court records, marriages, land records, will abstracts, Civil War records and cemetery records to search. It would be easy to dig in and discover your family history here.
Of course, books in all genres are available in all forms. You can even load eBooks at the library and check them out just like a hard cover book.
There are so many reasons to visit the Statesboro Regional Library! Whether you are visiting or live in the area, there is something for you at the Library. Be sure to check out the website for a calendar of events, list of services, Book Club news and more: http://strl.info. You will be pleasantly surprised at the variety of ways you can enjoy Statesboro’s local library. Stop in soon!
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It’s Fall in Bulloch County Y’all
As the weather begins to change with cooler temperatures, easy breezes in the air and falling leaves, we begin to think about pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, costumes and apple cider. The good news is there are fantastic fall activities happening throughout October and November for locals and visitors alike to attend. Let’s take a look:
October 9 & 10th – Ol’ Scarecrow Statesboro Whaddaya Know Medicine Show – Emma Kelly Theater – Free to All 3rd Grade Classes in Public and Private Schools in Bulloch County
October 19-24th – Ogeechee Fair – Kiwanis Fair Ground, Highway 301 South
October 3rd – November 11th – Old Freeman Family Farm Fun – Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch – Cooperville
October 27th & 28th – Rocky Horror Picture Show – Emma Kelly Theatre
October 30th – Ghost Tours by Lantern – Averitt Center for the Arts – Downtown Statesboro
October 31st – Halloween Concert by the Statesboro Youth Chorale – Emma Kelly Theatre
October 31st – Scare on the Square – Best Halloween Events in Bulloch County – Downtown Statesboro
November 7th – Nevils Elementary School PTO Fall Festival
November 14th – International Festival – Mill Creek Regional Park
November 21st – 8th Annual Turkey Trot – Downtown Statesboro
November 21st – George L. Smith Annual Sugar Cane Festival, George L. Smith State Park
November 24th – Shopping by Lantern Light – Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market – Charlie Olliff Square – Downtown Statesboro
Each of these events is geared to families and will help you enjoy a variety of offerings to help you “fall” into fall. So grab your kids, family and friends and come enjoy yourselves. Get into the “spirit” while you enjoy the season!
For more information of these events see:
http://www.averittcenterforthearts.org
http://statesborodowntown.org/first-friday/
http://www.statesboromagazine.com/section/68/article/48855/
http://www.andersonfreemanfarm.com/fall-fun/
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Statesboro Venues Have Southern Hospitality
It is always great to have visitors who come to Statesboro to attend a special event. As a great host city, Statesboro offers many different and unique venues to make you and your guests feel our southern hospitality. In order to know what the ‘Boro has to offer, read more about some great locations you can book or visit.
The largest venues can accommodate guests up to 500 people. Georgia Southern University offers several facilities, including the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center ballroom, the Russell Union ballroom and the Bishop Building, which is perched above GSU’s Paulsen football stadium. A premier exterior location is the Garden of the Coastal Plain, which is a beautiful green space with entertaining space. Each offers a variety of floor space, catering capability and parking.
In the private sector, you may find yourself at The Belle House, located at 380 Westside Road. Nestled in Georgia pines, this large multi-purpose venue lends itself to indoor and outdoor socializing. The Southern Hospitality Conference Center on Highway 67 and Veterans Memorial Highway has recently been refurbished with new carpet and paint. The lovely pre-function area and large dividable room is ideal for a variety of events.
The Hall by 40 East is a unique banquet facility located in downtown Statesboro. Found at 19 E. Vine Street, the room has a by-gone era feel with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. 40 East Restaurant provides the food and bar for this location for event-goers. Snella’s Place at 17 Allen Circle is perfect for weddings, receptions, family reunions and more. It is located on the north side of Statesboro.
The Holiday Inn at 455 Commerce Drive near Veterans Memorial Highway provides smaller multi-purpose event rooms along with hotel space. The Robbins Nest is a repurposed home that has a gazebo and pool to compliment the interior open space. This facility has been home to retreats, weddings, receptions and birthday parties. The Historic Statesboro Inn at 106 S. Main Street has an attractive multi-purpose room in the back building that is the right size for an intimate gathering. The Averitt Center for the Arts has a cozy second floor multi-purpose room available for small groups. For a location with a twist, Meindhart Vinyards and Winery opens up its out-of- town wine production facilities and garden area for events and local wine.
If you are visiting Statesboro for a wedding, reunion, conference, retreat or special gathering, rest assured you will find yourself in good hands. If you are looking for a venue here, be sure to investigate the many options available for groups of all sizes. Statesboro specializes in southern hospitality, so let us entertain you!
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It’s Football Season! Welcome to the ‘Boro, Home of the Pigskin!
Statesboro enjoys a thrust of visitors throughout football season, both high school and college. With seasons underway, the community will experience Friday night-lights at local high schools and Saturdays in Paulson Stadium, welcoming fans and the “competition” to area restaurants, hotels and activities. Schedules will keep weekends busy throughout September, October and November with possible championships in sight.
While stadiums are the likely destination, visitors should think ahead and make plans to enjoy any of the varied dining options available, add on a little shopping excursion, or see one of the many tourist attractions the area has to offer. Area hotels can accommodate your overnight needs comfortably and provide a home base for maximizing out an entire weekend’s worth of memories.
Tailgating is fun for all, and picking up some great eatables is easy. Well-known favorites in the area can provide b-b-q, fried chicken, wings and drinks to satisfy all. Bakeries offer sweets such as brownies, cookies and cupcakes to finish off with dessert.
Fan gear is popular throughout the local stores, in logo clothing items and accessories as well as color themed spirit wear. Showing team spirit never goes out of style!
As a football town, Statesboro takes pride in all its teams. Winning games and championships is definitely exciting, but the pulling together of boosters, families, students, athletes, community supporters, teachers and businesses through the game of football is a natural way of life that develops hometown pride. If you live here or are visiting to enjoy fall football, catch the enthusiasm for the sport that brings people together to cheer on their team. Whether your team wins or loses, remember it is not only how the game is played, but consider yourself welcomed where the game is played. And…come back soon!
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