One Week Countdown to Holiday Events in the Coastal Empire

With one week left until Christmas and a few candles lit on the menorah I’m hoping you will find time to enjoy a few of these Holiday Events.

Holiday events Savannah

Whether you’re out doing a little last minute shopping or you’ve been organized since before Thanksgiving, the Savannah / Richmond Hill areas offers plenty of activities and Lights.

Christmas Tradition Show at The Savannah Theatre runs through, December 24th – including afternoon performances. The show runs 2-3 hours and delights people of all ages. The Savannah Theatre opened in 1818 which makes it one of the oldest of its kind still operating in the United States. The Art Deco style will transport you back to the 1940s and adds a certain level of magic to all the events held there.

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Festival of Lights & Winter Wonderland is great family fun! Running through December 28th the event features a drive through light show around the Hutchinson Island Road Course. You can even take a tour bus if you don’t feel like driving it yourself. There is a fun zone for the kids and the kids at heart in Bryan Square along with holiday food and drink vendors. A ferris wheel is up on the Riverfront Esplanade. Inside the hotel the annual gingerbread village competition is not to be missed – makes me hungry just thinking about it. And of course a holiday event wouldn’t be complete without a picture with Santa.

Discover a Victorian Christmas at the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low. The home where the Girl Guides Founder spent her childhood is on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah’s historic district and is open for tours through December 30th. Not only will you tour this historic gem of a home, you will have the added bonus of experiencing Victorian holiday customs, games and decorations.

How about a little winter activity in the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena at the Savannah Civic Center. Enjoy an afternoon or evening on the ice under a the twinkling lights. Skatefest runs through January 3rd.

This year the Habersham YMCA is bringing the snow! The Winter Wonderland features real snow, hot chocolate and cookies, story time and dancing to favorite holiday classics. I hear Santa might even make an appearance. Winter Wonderland is one night only, Thursday December 18th.

Stop by the Forsyth Park Inn for a little holiday cheer. Enjoy the beautifully decorated parlor while treating yourself to fresh baked goodies and hot apple cider or hot chocolate. The open house runs noon -2 daily through January 2nd.

This is my favorite time of year to enjoy a carriage ride through Savannah’s historic district. Pick up a coffee or hot chocolate in City Market and enjoy a personal tour with historic stories and holiday lights.

New Years Eve brings another round of entertainment and parties. Both City Market and the Savannah River Front offer a festival like atmosphere with music and fireworks. Tybee Island offers holiday celebrations New Years Eve.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Best Places to See Holiday Lights in The Coastal Empire

With all the holiday lights the Coastal Empire shines this time of year.

I love seeing homes and businesses in the Richmond Hill area where I live decked out for the holidays. Savannah and the surrounding communities offer many holiday light displays for your viewing pleasure.

Best places to see holiday lights

Private Homes

A casual drive around the Coastal Empire will net a great show of holiday lights but Southern Mamas has compiled a growing list of private homes that go all out and have become a bit of a destination for the holiday light enthusiast.

And the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a little Clark Griswald action. The Peabody Light Show in Savannah is featured on the Tacky Light Tour. Here’s hoping we all get to toast with eggnog in moose head cups this year!

Holiday Lights Events

The Festival of Lights seems to grow every year. Located at the Westin on Hutchinson Island, the Festival of Lights and Winter Carnival features the not to be missed Gingerbread Village inside the hotel and a drive through light show around the road course. A Ferris wheel and other carnival rides are set up on Bryan Square.

Old Town Trolley Tours provides tours around the light show – a great way to allow everyone in your party to enjoy the holiday lights.

Looking for an evening stroll through a half a million sparkling lights? The December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens showcase 10 acres with a self guided walking tour through themed gardens and the historic farm house. Most of the displays are stroller and wheelchair friendly.

The shops and restaurants in Richmond Hill participate in a friendly holiday decorating contest. Voting for Light up the Hill runs through December 18th. Come by, support local and don’t forget to vote!

The Guido Gardens in Metter offer a FREE Night of Lights tour. Although the gardens are open 24 hours the lights are only on from 6-9 PM.

TMT Farms Christmas Lights Display in Statesboro is FREE to experience but they do accept non perishable food items to help those in need this holiday season.

Holiday Lights Road Trips

Shopping trips and visits to family often find us on the road this time year and there are amazing holiday light events that are worth the road trip.

Hilton Head is a great day trip from the Savannah area and offers two wonderful displays. The center piece of Harbour Town Lights features a 30 foot Christmas tree with activities and live entertainment. The Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Centre has been a Hilton Head holiday tradition for 20 years.

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park in Charleston features over two million lights!

The Atlanta area offers many beautiful light displays. The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden are simply amazing.

If you come across any holiday light displays you’d like to see on the list please drop me a line. I’d be happy to add them.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

25 Brisbon Hall Lane, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

25 Brisbon Hall Lane, Richmond Hill, GA 31324CLICK HERE to take a virtual tour.

Low Country Living

Featuring a large master suite with a bonus space perfect for a sitting room, a nursery or a home office.

25 Brisbon Hall Lane is located in Bryan County in a convenient neighborhood – close to everything within the city limits! The private cul de sac home features two bedrooms downstairs and a kitchen with an island.

Do you have pets? The back yard is completely fenced in with gate access.

A termite bond in place and this property requires No Flood insurance!

This gem would make a great second home for anyone looking to enjoy a little southern coastal living.

Special Features at 25 Brisbon Hall Lane, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

  • MLS #: 123167
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Total Sq. Feet: 1,508
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Electric Stove
  • Double Vanities
  • High Ceilings
  • Laundry Room
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Hardwood Floors
  • Ceramic Tile

For more information about this property, please contact Melanie Kramer at 912-658-1390 or melaniekramer@kw.com.

For more listings in the Richmond Hill area please visit: www.melaniekramer.com

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Happy Thanksgiving

This is a great time of year to share my gratitude. I love living in Richmond Hill and as a Realtor, I love sharing the homes and quality of life the area offers.

Thank you for another great year! Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hostess City

Life’s big events don’t tend to pay attention to the holiday calendar and that includes moving. Here are a few ideas that might help this holiday season.

Crock Pot Love

It’s hard to plan and pack when we should be basting the turkey. So how can you organize a move and still dress the table with something special? With the greatest invention for the perpetual multi-tasker – the crock pot!

Check out these 23 Thanksgiving Dishes You Can Make In A Crock Pot.

Move Your Body

Planning for a move can take up a lot of our free time. In the beginning we do it around our work and daily schedules and then it seems to take over.

It’s important to continue to exercise, even if just 10 minute sessions and especially on turkey day. Exercise reduces stress and keeps our heads clear for all the decisions a move requires.

Check out these 3 Thanksgiving Workouts

Treat Yourself

You’ll be forgiven if this year you don’t go all out. Many restaurants are open and will be happy to host a gathering. Save yourself the mess of cooking and cleaning up after and take the family out.

Yelp offers great suggestions and reviews for eating out during the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

1053 St. Catherine CR Richmond Hill, GA 31324

1053 St. Catherine CR Richmond Hill, GA 31324

CLICK HERE to take a Virtual Tour

Join the many pleased owners of a RJ Reynolds home and live the lifestyle The Bluffs can offer with a 1.75 acre full brick Estate. Bring the outdoors in with screened living area with fireplace. Custom shelving, a laundry chute, and mudroom cubbies make life easier. The 6th bedroom is a bonus and the garage features a 3rd bay for the golf cart.

Special Features at 1053 St. Catherine CR Richmond Hill, GA 31324

MLS Number: 121952
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 4 full and 1 half
Approx. Sq. Ft.: 3500
R J Reynolds Construction Full Brick! with 3 Bay Garage on 1.75 Acre Lot
Community: Pool Community, Playground Community, Clubhouse, Street Lights & Sidewalks

For more information about this property, please contact Melanie Kramer at 912-658-1390 or melaniekramer@kw.com. You can also text 2435539 to 67299.

For more listings please visit: www.melaniekramer.com

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Melanie Kramer: LOCAL REALTOR® AWARDED SRS DESIGNATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Melanie Kramer, Local Realtor® Awarded SRS Designation

Richmond Hill, Ga,  — Melanie Kramer, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Richmond Hill, has been awarded the Seller Representative Specialist – SRS designation, the premier seller agency designation in the country.

The SRS Designation is conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) and is an official credential of the National Association of REALTORS®.   Melanie joins an elite group of real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRSsm designation.  All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in seller representation, pass a comprehensive exam and subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

About Melanie Kramer

Melanie Kramer, Local Realtor® Awarded SRS DesignationMelanie Kramer has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting, an inactive Real Estate Appraisers license, an active real estate sales license, and has been a Distinguished Sales Society consecutively since 2006.

Melanie is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, Savannah Area Board of Realtors, is also an Accredited buyers representative, has served on 4 different occasions on Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council as well as volunteering in her community with the 1996 Olympic Games, Savannah venue, as well as other local civic organizations.

About SRS

SRSsm is a wholly owned division of CRB and focuses specifically on representing the real estate seller.  Founded in 1968, CRB is a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®.  You may contact SRS by telephone, 800-621-8738, by e-mail, [CustomerService@SRSCouncil.com], or by visiting the SRS website, [www.SRSCouncil.com].

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Hurricanes in the Savannah Area

I’m often asked, “Should we worry about Hurricanes in the Savannah area?”.

It may seem strange, but I can reply that we experience a lower incidence of hurricane activity.

Looking at a map you’ll see that we are not only protected by ample barrier islands, we are also in one of the most western areas on the east coast.

The Georgia Coast

Photo: Google Maps

Georgia has a very attractive coastline; there are just fewer miles of it than our neighboring states. Both Florida and South Carolina have seen their fair share of hurricane activity. The Savannah area has not seen any major devastation from a direct hit (due to a hurricane) in over 100 years.

I did not live here during Hurricane David, a category 2 storm, but many of my relatives did. Our discussions on the storm have lead me to believe that the loss of power was the worst of the issues they had to deal with. No home destruction – no major devastation.

There are those that say we may be over due, but the curved nature of our coast line suggests we’re more likely to experience the reminisce of a bad storm as to receive a direct hit. Data shows that the geographical location of Savannah being further away from the Gulfstream’s warm currents helps as well.  Its over 80 miles to the warm waters of the Gulfstream waters that tend to strength hurricanes and guide them further North.  Distance is on Savannah’s side.

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

According to hurricanecity.com, the Savannah area has a 70% chance of a tropical storm versus a 30% chance of a major hurricane hit. USAToday gives Savannah the probability of experiencing a major storm (with winds exceeding 111 mph) within 75 miles of the city at 1.3 over a 100 year period.

The most common month for our area to experience a tropical storm is August. That most tropical storms arrive in August is no surprise.  By the time the heat of August hits, most welcome the winds and rains just to cool us off!  In my opinion heat stroke in August is a bigger concern than a direct hit from a hurricane!

What if there is a hurricane?

We have technology on our side. Weather reports and various websites keep us up to date on any storms with the potential of being upgraded or downgraded. These storms do not hit out of the blue like they did to those living here 100 years ago.

My conservative motto has always been to prepare for the worst although my optimistic side looks and hopes for the best!

Here are a couple of my go to sites:

Ready – Government site with great info to help be prepared

National Weather Service – Another government site with great info to help be prepared

WTOC – local news weather watch

Please call me today for more information or questions about your relocation needs!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Top Things to See and Do When Scouting a Relocation to Richmond Hill Georgia

You’ve been weighing the pros and cons of relocating to Richmond Hill Georgia for a new job. The last step before making the decision is a scouting expedition to check out the neighborhood and find a new home. Whether you’re coming alone or bringing the family. You might be asking yourself how you can get to know a place when you’re only visiting for a few days?

I know time is precious and the goal of finding a place to live usually trumps everything else.  But setting aside a little time to explore can be fun and offer a much needed break. Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas are rich with history and culture. Just a few minutes down the road, Savannah boasts one of the largest historic districts in the country. The Hostess City’s unique layout offers 22 garden squares to wander through.

You can always take a scenic drive out to Tybee Island and stick your toes in the sand – even during the winter this is worth the trip. On Sundays during the cooler months you can order up all you can eat Oysters at Bernie’s Tybee Island location!

Walking through mainstreet, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Walking through main street Richmond Hill, Georgia

Exploring Richmond Hill Georgia

The Richmond Hill Historical Society building was built by Henry Ford. Ford wintered in Richmond Hill when it was known as Ways Station. He enjoyed the area a great deal and used his time and resources to invest in the local community. Ford built his summer home on the location of the Richmond Plantation, which had been burned during the civil war. When time came to rename the town it seemed fitting to name it after the site of Ford’s home.

Open: Wednesdays – Saturdays 10am – 3pm

Admission is free (donations appreciated)

Enjoy a walk through the 3 mile nature trail at the J.F. Gregory Park. The 335 acre park offers a 10 acre lake where you can fish and canoe, and a great many spots for picnics and sports. The park also plays host to the many community events throughout the year.

Maybe you’d like to spend a few hours winding down or winding up on 18 holes. Richmond Hill offers two courses (one private; one public) within a few miles of one another perfect for both novice and expert players.

Rent a kayak and spend a little time on the Ogeechee River. The 250-mile historic and scenic river runs through Richmond Hill and is excellent for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.  It also connects to the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and a full service Fort McAllister Marina as well as dining by water at Fish Tales and Marker 107.

Camp for the weekend at Fort McAllister State Park and enjoy their civil war reenactments, history museum, cabins, campsites, fishing pier and guided natural trails.

Richmond Hill hosts at least 3 Georgia Department of Natural Resources public boat ramps as well if you like to launch your boat yourself.

Stop by the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and pick up your “Newcomers & Neighbors” guide. It’s a great source of local information about events, the government, as well as education and healthcare resources.  If you come in October, plan to visit the 3rd weekend of the month during the annual Seafood Festival – it’s southern hospitality at it’s finest!

For a sampling of our culture, grab lunch at one of these local restaurants: Smokin Pig, Southern Image, Uptown Deli, Bubba’s Bistro, Molly McPherson’s, Snazzy’s, Oemlet Cafe or Plums Deli.

For local watering holes try Flashbacks, 69 East, Fia Rua Irish Pub, Molly McPherson’s Pub,  Snazzy’s, Fish Tales or Marker 107.

If you have questions about the area, please feel free to contact me and if you consider moving to the area, upgrading to a larger home in the area, purchasing land or investing in a business here, I would greatly value the opportunity to meet with you.

Warmest regards,
Melanie Kramer, Realtor

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Richmond Hill, GA

Sweet Home Richmond Hill

We bought our first lot in Richmond Hill in 1997 and moved into our home newly constructed home in 2002 with a new born baby and a 4 year old. Our boys who are now 16 and 12 both have been in school in Richmond Hill (Bryan County) since they started Pre-K. They have played rec sports here with hundreds of other children and now play school sports. There is something extra-curricular for each child whether they are interested in soccer, football, baseball, chess club, piano lessons, dance, etc.

For adults, there are two assisted living facilities and one nursing home. A great new Yoga classroom. A YMCA. Another private gym, 24 Seven and a great public trail for walking, jogging and Kayaking at J F Gregory Park. Beginning in the Spring through October, there is a local Farmers Market at the Pavilion at J F Gregory Park every Tuesday afternoon starting around 4pm to 7pm.

All local businesses can be connected through my Facebook page, Melanie Kramer, Realtor.

I describe Richmond Hill as a small town “feel” with lots of “mom and pop” restaurants and businesses, but all the conveniences of a larger town including Target, Wal-Mart, Longhorns, etc in Pooler, Savannah and Hinesville just 15-30 minutes away. It is easy to get to know your neighbors in Richmond Hill, and you will bump into them at the local grocery stores (Publix, Krogers and Food Lion) .

Its easy to sell homes here when its in my blood! I am a southerner since birth having grown up in the middle of a peanut field in the other side of the State of Georgia, but I visited almost every two or three weeks in Savannah since my mother was from the area and would get very, very homesick and load up her three girls and come “home” to Savannah to visit her mother, four sisters and their many, many children. By Middle School, she had relocated us back to Savannah.

I love the access to the Rivers here (Ogeechee, Medway and Jerico Rivers) that all connect to the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and boating and kayaking are weekend past times for my two boys, Husband and myself.

There are two Marinas here at Fort McAllister Marina, a full service marina and the smaller Kilkenny Marina. There is a great local “watering hole” at Fort McAllister Marina which is called Fish Tales. You can also check out the Fort at Fort McAllister and a great State Park and camp ground if anyone enjoys camping. There is also a KOA campground with a Lake as well.

If you have questions about the area, please feel free to contact me and if you consider moving to the area, upgrading to a larger home in the area, purchasing land or investing in a business here, I would greatly value the opportunity to meet with you.

Warmest regards, Melanie Kramer, Realtor