This annual fall event showcases some of the most eccentric, adorable, spooky, odd and inviting picnic displays in the Southeast. But more revealing is the people behind these displays.

You’ll find folks dressed up in evening gowns, Halloween costumes, cross-dressers, and a lot more. You’ll find CEO’s, bank tellers and all ranges of employees behind  eye-catching picnic displays that took days,  if not weeks, to create.

And, you’ll see elaborate picnic spreads, including 5-course meals with caviar, fine delicacies and rare red wines.

In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find picnickers with peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches and a few chips.

This year’s event was no exception. Check out the photos in the Savannah Morning News for Picnic in the Park. And next year, head to Savannah for this very Savannah-event.

(Need a kid-friendly vacation rental while you’re there, check out Gaston Street Getaway).

Looking to commemorate fallen war heroes this Memorial Day? Head to Savannah’s Historic District.

The famed downtown area hosts multiple Civil and Revolutionary War landmarks that are free and open to the public.  It’s also only 20 minutes by car to Fort Pulaski, a famous marker in the Civil War.

While there are many historical landmarks, here are some of our favorites:

-  The Siege of Savannah landmark. This tribute, just off of Martin Luther King Boulevard in the Historic District, is paid to the second bloodiest battle of the Revolutionary War.  The Siege occurred in 1779, when Franco-American forces attempted to retake Savannah from the British during the Revolutionary War. The siege failed, leaving Savannah in British control until 1782. The landmark  is open 24/7 with no admission fee.

Pulaski Square – This free downtown square commemorates Revolutionary War Hero Count Pulaski, who was the highest ranking foreign soldier to die during the American Revolution.  The square is located on Barnard Street between Harris and Charlton Streets, and was laid out in 1837.  One of the houses on the square used to belong to Francis Bartow, a Confederate hero.

Warren Square – This is another free downtown square. It’s named after General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero who died in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. It is located at the corner of St. Julian and Habersham Streets.

Fort Pulaski – This fort, named after the war hero,  is about 15 minutes away by car from the Historic District. It became famous in the Civil War, when Union soldiers penetrated the fort with a rifled canon and mortar. The fort holds Memorial Day events on May 23 and May 24th, including Civil War cannon firings and soldier demonstrations. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 15 and under.

Need a place to stay this Memorial Day?  The Heritage House and Gaston Street Getaways have discounted pricing.

This event, sponsored by Savannah College of Art and Design, is a great family activity for anyone visiting Savannah, whether you are on a budget or not.

For several hours, students let their imaginations run wild and draw chalk pictures on the sidewalks of Forsyth Park in Savannah’s Historic District.  Over the years, we’ve seen intricate renditions of dragons, sunsets, Savannah scenery, exotic fish and many more themes.

There is a competition for current SCAD students, alumni and prospective students. And, there’s also a faculty and student art exhibition, which is also a real treat.

Admission is free, and it’s open to the public. There’s also music, food kiosks and other entertainment for the kids.

But, what I like about it most is that it shows kids (particularly younger ones) that they don’t need video games or computers or even play dates for entertainment. They can sit down on the sidewalk with a couple pieces of colored chalk and draw whatever is on their mind.

That’s a great lesson to learn, even if it’s just one day a year.

For more information, visit the Sidewalk Arts Festival site.

Traveling on a budget to Savannah? Try saving money by staying in a Historic Savannah Vacation Rental.

B. Matts (as some locals call it) has a delightful breakfast menu. A few of our favorites include the Shrimp and Grits – stone-ground grits served with bay shrimp and cheddar cheese.

Another nice dish is the French Toast – white chocolate banana bread dipped in  egg/cinnamon/vanilla batter, toasted to golden brown and served with whipped cream.

Prices for every breakfast entrée are under $10.

Besides the wonderful food, B.Matthews has some unique décor and history. The restaurant is very close to River Street, and legend has it that the building used to host a brothel, patronized by sea men who docked their ship about a block away.

Given that the windows are darkened, and passersby can’t see what’s inside, there’s probably some truth to it.

Nonetheless, it’s a wonderful place for breakfast (as well as lunch and dinner) and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. You’ll also get to enjoy Savannah brick first-hand.

Let us know your thoughts. And, by the way, B. Matts is about a mile walk from our historic Savannah vacation rentals, Heritage House and Gaston Street Getaway. So you can burn off the calories even before you even sit down at the table.