David's Blog from the Creative Coast & Carolina Low Country!

Bull Street Auctions Announces Sales of Contents of P. Stephens Design Store: March 1st

 P. Stephens Furniture and Design store once located at Abercorn and Victory has       commissioned Bull Street Auctions to sell the contents of their store. Nearly $50,000 worth of store inventory will be sold to the highest bidder. Included in the inventory is over 200 home design items, mirrors, paintings and more. There are also 50 pieces of furniture.

This auction scheduled for Sunday March 1^st at 1pm will include lots of other items from local  estates.These items include a Victorian era bed, French dinning room tables and chairs,  early sheridan style and chippendale style sofas, 1930s bed room high chest and dressers, an Empire 2 door bookcase and much more. Auction preview is Sat. Feb. 28 11am to 3pm and Sun. March 1 11am to 1pm.

For pictures and more details go to www.bullstreetauctions.com. Please feel free to call 912 443 9353 should you have questions or desire to consign items to an upcoming auction.

Bull Street Auctions Sees Solid Figures on High Quality Items

While the recession has effected every business to some degree, it has been hard to see the affects of the recession at some of our recent auctions. Both attendance and sales of high quality items have been strong since the first of the year.

Our New Years Day auction had over 250 persons in attendance, auction attendance since then has averaged over 170 per auction. Our consignors have recognized significant sales of sterling silver, coins and period furniture.

During our New Years Day sale, a 86 pc set of Ghoram Sterling flatware and serving pieces sold for $1400, while an 19^th century poster bed sold for over $1,000. 19^th century oil paintings have been selling from $300-$500. In February, we received an estate consignment of 70 pieces of 18^{th /}19^th century crystal wine glasses, English sterling flatware and serving pieces; and sterling and gold coins.

In all the items brought more than $11,000. Individual sale prices from the sale included:

2 sterling salts and spoons London c.1823 Charles Hougham $105

c.1880 sterling w/ mother of pearl/amber crown broach $155

c.1741 sterling marrow scoop ,London $190

Wm III 1697 sterling trefid spoon $115

c.1915 Set of 4 sterling decanter lables $220

Wm Deakin & Sons c.1910 sterling tea pot with burner $300

Engraved sterling divided serving dish $195

1905 Edward VII sovereign gold coin 90% gold $190

2 Pound English coin 15.9grams/90% gold $300

1694 Hungarian Gold Coin 8.3 grams $250

Mardi Gras to be Celebrated on Hilton Head and Tybee Islands!

This year Mardi Gras will be celebrated on a grander scale in the Low Country and the Creative Coast, the event on Tybee Island kicks off tonight and the Hilton Head festival begins on Saturday Morning. I have lived in the area for over 17 years and this is first time that I have seen organizers try to encompass something happening other than at a New Orleans' themed restaurant.

The weather is going to be sunny and in the low 60's, bring your beads. I do not need to tell you how you can acquire more beads! You should be able to find all those favorites that are associated with Mardi Gras; Hurricanes, Gumbo, Crawdads, Jambalaya and PO' Boys at these two locations. This is perfect for those who cannot make the trip to New Orleans or Mobile.

I look forward to it, there is an outside chance that I might be able to attend both events at some point. I just to need to finish up compiling a listing for a house on Tybee's North Beach, hangout there and hit Hilton Head in the evening.

TYBEE ISLAND

This event begins on Friday, February 20th at Fannies on the Beach. There will be a Masquerade Ball at 8 PM and they will chose the King and Queen of the Tybee Island Mardi Gras Festival.

On Saturday, the day starts at 3 PM with a Parade on Butler and then everyone will flock to Tybrisa Street. The street will be closed off, a New Orleans Block Party, they will have costume contests, King Cakes and live entertainment. The music will include Bottles & Cans, Buddy Kosic’s  New Orleans Dixieland Jazz Band and Brad Randell and the Zydeco Ballers. For more information on the events, click the link below.

 http://mardigrastybee.com/

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The events on Hilton Head kick off at 10 AM on Saturday at Palmetto Bay Marina, it is hosted by the Black Marlin Hurricane Bar. Not to worry, the Black Marlin, the Sunrise Cafe and Captain Woody's will provide additional avenues for food and beverage. This is a great place to have an event, along the majestic Broad Creek. I always have a soft spot for this area, I owned a villa not to far from there for six years. Always friendly and fun!

This event will feature, prize giveaways, all day arts & crafts, Crawdad Boil, Bourbon Street PO' Boys, Costume Contests, and Drink Specials. To view more on the events, click the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=44664764570

9th Annual Taste of Savannah, Friday, February 20th. Always a favorite of Savannahians!

Do you ever become confused on where to eat? Are you reserved about trying something that is not familiar to you? I have the answer, the 9th Annual Taste of Savannah. This year over 20 restaurants and hotels will be represented at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center this Friday night from 7-10 PM.

The price of admission, $50.00, will allow you to sample menu items from the participants. Hey, it's a great way to sample many items for the price of having a great meal out. This gives you the opportunity to try something new, your pallet may or may not enjoy, but you have the option to move onto the next booth. This a great way to add another favorite restaurant to your short list of places to dine.

Some of my favorite places will be represented; Belford's, Bistro Savannah, Garibaldi's, Moonriver, The Old Pink House and Vic's on the River. I am always open to try something new.

There will also be a cash bar available, raffle tickets and music will be provided by Jeremy Davis & The Equinox Jazz Orchestra.

There will judging for the following categories; Best Appetizer, Best Novelty Food Item, Best Entree, Best Dessert, Booth Decoration and the Guest Choice for Food Item.

Cocktail attire is encouraged and you can view the all the participants at the following website;

http://www.tasteofsavannah.org/home.cfm?pid=99&CFID=552386&CFTOKEN=533e2d88de7a5b8-8F586D3A-DAF6-A0CF-EF926D8957D008A7&jsessionid=f030590560f54d7a8c8d10c321e2b475825f

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS, NEED TO ACT BY NOVEMBER 30th or SOONER!

With today's legislation that was signed by President Obama, people looking to buy their first home or for those that it's been at least three years since they owned, the time is right to buy. Hopefully, this will help people jump off the fence to the purchasing side, instead of procrastinating. Why should you buy?

The new home buyer will be able to claim $8,000.00 tax credit for either their 2008 or 2009 taxes. How does it work, this is based on the three scenarios that I found on CNN Money.

Scenario 1: Your final tax liability is normally $6,000. You've had taxes withheld from every paycheck and at the end of the year you've paid Uncle Sam $6,000. Since you've already paid him all you owe, you get the entire $8,000 tax credit as a refund check.

Scenario 2:Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've overpaid by $1,000 through your payroll withholding. Normally you would get a $1,000 refund check. In this scenario, you get $9,000, the $8,000 credit plus the $1,000 you overpaid.

Scenario 3: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've underpaid through your payroll withholding by $1,000. Normally, you would have to write the IRS a $1,000 check. This time, the first $1,000 of the tax credit pays your bill, and you get the remaining $7,000 as a refund.

YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW HOME BY NOVEMBER 30th TO QUALIFY, but you must stay in the house at least three years in order not to pay back the tax credit.

There are income restrictions: To qualify, buyers must make less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. (Higher-income buyers may receive a partial credit.)

Also in your favor, is that the mortgage interest rates are at their lowest in almost 60 years. Lenders do not see them staying this low, so if you are ready to jump, do so now. It is also a buyer's market, because of the large inventory. You have the opportunity to get a very good deal because the buyer is controlling the transaction. If you want your own home, this is a great opportunity, please take advantage of it.

For you buyers who are looking at Georgia's Creative Coast or the Carolina Low Country, contact me, I will help you find your house and walk you through the entire process from start to finish. I hope this information is helpful to first time buyers everywhere. They figure this will create 300,000 additional home buyers. I can be reached at 843-338-9087 or [email protected]

HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!

Savannah's Irish Festival; February 13-15, 2009. Great Fun with Friends and Family!

The Savannah Irish Festival returns for the 17th time this year, it begins this Friday evening at the Savannah Civic Center. Last year, I went with many of my friends and ran into others from the Creative Coast and the LowCountry. After we entered, I took a chance on a raffle to win a trip to Ireland and then I made my way to purchase a Guinness Stout. Walking into the Civic Center the place was flush with all types of vendors, and stages that celebrated Irish Culture.

I had some Sheppard's Pie before I explored the vendors, one flag vendor caught my particular attention. He was selling all types of Irish Flags, but the one that sparked my interest was the flag of the Irish Brigade from the Union Army of the Potomac. They were also selling beautiful sweaters, but it was 75 that day, no need for warmth.

Constantly, there was a performer going on one of the stages to entertain the audience. I spent a great afternoon with my friends, listening to the Irish music and sampling Irish food and beverage.

This year's event starts at 6 PM on Friday with a performance by Ceili, all attendees will be taught how to Irish Folk Dance in large groups. This will continue until 9 PM.

The doors will re-open on Saturday at 10:30 AM and on Sunday at Noon. There will be four stages of continuous entertainment that will include top traditional Irish acts, arts & crafts, Irish History, Music and Literature.

There is a entrance fee of $10. To view more, click the link; http://www.savannahirish.org/

Super Museum Sunday in Savannah, February 8

This Sunday, February 8, the Coastal Heritage Society will open the doors of all of it's museums for no charge. The museums include, the Round House Museum, Battlefield Park and Old Fort Jackson. They will open from Noon to 4 PM. I have broken down the museums, so that you can see what they are offering on Sunday.

Round House Museum

The Round House Museum is what is left of the Central Georgia Railroad, most of the buildings and machine shops were constructed in the early 1850's. What is unique is that it is one of the largest railroad museums in the country, which includes a working turn-table in the middle of the complex.

This Sunday, they will offer tours of the historic railroad cars, blacksmith demonstrations, numerous children's activities and a hard-hat preservation tour.

Battlefield Park

This park is reconstruction of a British Redoubt from the Siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War in 1779. Visitors are able to walk through and get an understanding of military construction in the Eighteenth Century, the original was discovered not too far from the site.

On Sunday, the redoubt will be alive with history. Soldiers from the American Revolution will perform weapon demonstrations, which include musket and cannon firings. This a great venue to experience life of a soldier during the American Revolution.

Old Fort Jackson

This fort was initially constructed just before the War of 1812 and was improved in the years preceding the American Civil War. During the war, the fort was garrisoned by the Confederacy and was the Headquarters of the Savannah River Squadron.

At Fort Jackson, visitors will be able to experience Confederate garrison life through rifle and cannon demonstrations. There will also be kid's activities.

I am a member of the Coastal Heritage Society, they are very good with their programs. This weekend is suppose to be milder than the past week, so if you have no plans, make an effort to visit these gems. IT IS FREE OF CHARGE. A great way to experience some of our history from the Creative Coast. 

Southern Women's Show; February 6 - 8 in Savannah

This weekend, it is expected that thousands of women will descend on Hutchinson Island. Why? That is where the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center will host the Savannah Women's Show.

The show will offer fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decorating ideas and personal growth opportunities. It will also feature over 300 exhibitors, ranging in topics such as, boutiques, jewelers, travel and health care.

I have looked at the schedule, there is something constantly happening over there, from the demonstrations to a question and answer forum on important topics.

The doors will open on Friday and Saturday at 11 AM and again at Noon on Sunday. Admission is $ 9, plus extra for parking at the center. My suggestion is take advantage of the free parking downtown on Saturday and Sunday and use the water cab.

I have been invited to go, it will be on Friday that I attend. The rest of the weekend has already been planned. Please visit the web site, http://www.southernshows.com/wsa/