From my seat it is the most wonderful time of the year. Yeah, the pumpkin spice crowd has been frothing at the latte for a few weeks now, but now that we have reached Labor Day, unofficially the end of Summer, I think it is fair to start turning our attention to the fun we are about to have over the next few months. And none of it has to do with Santa Claus. That’s a whole other ball of wax down the pike.
All of that said, some highlights from the food festival circuit you should keep in mind for the next few months. For the record, Savannah’s Greek Festival is every October and the Jewish Food Festival has moved into November this year. They are worthy of mentions here, but we are going to dive deeper with both of them at a later date.
Other highlights that will tempt you to ruin your diet…
Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival – Saturday September 23rd– Harbourtown
This has become one of my favorite smallish events of the year. A dozen or so chefs from across the region all participating –and very much competing-in this one of a kind event in the Low Country. Not only is the food great, but this year I am told 10-15 regional breweries will be participating as well. Each with a few beers to try. Yeah, there is no shortage of food or beer. Your ticket to the 3 hour event (pictured above) includes unlimited samplings of both. A great value and a great afternoon in the shadow of Harbor Town’s iconic lighthouse. Find a link to tickets here.
Blues, Brews, BBQ and Bourbon – Saturday, October 14th, Eastern Wharf –Savannah
It is hard to believe, I know, but Savannah didn’t have anything resembling a BBQ festival until this one came on the scene last year. It’s put on by Georgia’s Coastal Conservation Association and features a huge festival style tent with lots of beer and spirits to sample (unlimited sips), live music and 4 BBQ pit masters who are traveling to Savannah to share their art with you. Your ticket price does NOT include food, which will be available for purchase from the food trucks. But it does include unlimited sips as we mentioned. The event will run from Noon until 3pm. Find more here.
Hilton Head’s Rock n Ribs – October 19th-22st, Coligny Plaza
If you love BBQ, then this is a very big deal in our area. The region’s largest BBQ event features a who’s who of Southern pit masters. This year’s musical headliner? Classic rockers .38 Special. Yes, this is that kind of event. It runs 4 days with all kinds of events in a variety of price ranges. Last year’s was nearly a complete sell out. There is no reason to believe this year won’t be as well. Find more here.
Whiskey, Wine, and Wildlife – November 2nd through 5th – Vilano Beach, Florida
I beat the drum on this event every year-and rightly so. It is one of my favorites. Last year the scene was spectacular. For those that have never been to Vilano Beach, it is a tiny hideaway about 10 minutes from the heart of Old Town St. Augustine, Florida. The festival overlooks the intracoastal waterway, meanwhile the Atlantic Ocean is about 3 blocks away in the other direction. Surrounded by water? Pretty much. That’s to say nothing of the talent this event draws from all over the State of Florida and the South. I know a lot of people in this area that make their way down. Very much worth your consideration if you want to get out of town for a beautiful weekend on Florida’s Historic Coast. List of events and tickets here.
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