If you are a regular reader of the information we love to share in this space, and have, as a result, been visiting with us for more than a couple of years, then you can probably get a good idea for the not only the best eats in the Savannah, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island area, but you can also get a feel for our social calendar as well.
Of course, the biggest event we attend and participate in every year is the Savannah Food and Wine Festival. That happens every year in November all over downtown Savannah. If you’ve not participated in any of that it is a must. Sprinkled along the way are other regional events that we are honored to be a part of. One of those that we circle every year is the Whiskey Wine and Wildlife event on Jekyll Island.
Whiskey Wine and WIldlife (W3 as we have come to call it), is quite possibly the best food-related event along the Georgia coast. Now in it’s 4th year, W3 has become a destination event for visitors from all over the South. Located roughly half way between the Savannah and Jacksonville markets there are no shortage of people looking for some wonderful oceanfront bites. Atlanta’s familiarity with the Golden Isles and nearby St Simons Island creates a natural getaway as well.
What makes this event so special? Well, for starters it’s not nearly as big as some of the other events you may attend in the region. W3 is by nature a smaller event, so it is more comfortable and easier to enjoy. Could I call it a ’boutique’ food festival? Yeah, you could say that.
The scene is oceanfront, very literally right over the powdery white sand dunes of Jekyll Island just outside of the Westin Jekyll Island.
Friday night’s hotel takeover started by accident but has become so popular, guests won’t let them take it away. Year one of the festival, the Friday night event was supposed to be held outside. Weather moved everything inside. It was such a huge hit, it has been a hotel takeover ever since. Guests make their way through the hotel and around the Westin’s verandas enjoying samples from chefs from all over the region. Listen closely you can hear the waves crashing in night. It really is a gorgeous scene.
Saturday’s “Main Event” W3 is an outdoor extravaganza of regional tastes. Several BBQ masters regularly join in on the fun as well as some of the top restaurants along the coast. Especially those who call Georgia’s Golden Isles home. It’s a 3 hour event featuring unlimited bites and sips of some of the regions best spirits. A great way to talk to chefs and distillers about their products and learn a little bit along the way as well. Sunday’s Brunch is a yearly highlight too.
Outside of all of the great food and drink, the best part of the weekend, as we mentioned is the scene on Jekyll Island. A state-owned park along the coast, Jekyll in many ways looks a lot like it may have looked 200 years ago. Bike paths wind their way through the trees and along the beach, while some stretches of beach may see a handful of people per week. Truly untouched beauty.
Tickets and much more information about specific events surrounding W3 2018 can be found by clicking here.
See you on TV,
Jesse
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