LIGHTHOUSE PIZZA  “Light on Fast, Friendly Service!”

When owner Rich Hammons opened Lighthouse Pizza down on Tybrisa back in 2007, he set out to create a whole new venue.  Although previous tenants had operated several restaurants on the premises, including a pizza parlor, the last occupant had not paid much attention to appearance of building, so the first order of business was to redo the facilities.  A series of improvements over three years has resulted in the cool, beach-themed dining room, covered Beer Garden patio and a kitchen equipped to handle the very busiest days on Tybee.

Lighthouse focuses on two priorities: first, to make the best pizza (and calzones), using what Hammons describes as authentic “Tybee Dough,” made fresh in the store daily, and offering the largest selection of quality toppings, including more than 30 cheeses, sauces and toppings; and second, to stock the best selection of beer – more than 160 offerings, including craft, imports and domestics, as well as wine and malt beverages (coolers). Of course, fast and friendly service just comes with the territory according to Hammons!

The menu includes baby back ribs, smoked in the store, pulled pork BBQ, chicken wings, sandwiches and salads, and Hammons continually updates it with new offerings…  Recently he added signature pizzas and calzones, including meatball (both), chicken alfredo pizza and philly cheesesteak calzone.  Also the establishment offers fresh made,in-house apple crisp pizza, blueberry cheesecake calzone and cinnamon sticks for desserts.

Another update – additionally for summer, Lighthouse Pizza has started serving breakfast from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Some of their breakfast sandwiches include fresh baked biscuits, croissants and burritos, filled with egg and cheese, with options for bacon, sausage or ham. They also offer biscuits and gravy, French toast, and fresh fruit bowls, and an assortment of delicious coffees and teas. Soon, Hammons plans to bring in a new line of Italian pastas and pizzas, which will be concocted with the finest ingredients imported from Italy.

If you’re looking for a great meal in a relaxingly cool, and inviting spot near the beach this summer, Lighthouse Pizza should be at the your list. Groups also welcome. They offer dine-in, take-out, as well as free delivery anywhere on Tybee.

Great eats, folks!!!!

Hours of Operation: 7 Days a Week

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for breakfast
Noon – 11:00 p.m. (open late) for original hot pizzas, calzones, desserts and the best selection and variety of beer on the island.

Lighthouse Pizza
15 Tybrisa Street
Tybee Island, GA
912-786-9874
lighthousepizza.net

Pirate Pedicab
“Put your Booty in a Pedicab”

Mission Statement: “We’re looking to provide transportation with a unique perspective of Tybee at an island pace.”

One of the newest small businesses on Tybee just opened in March – Pirate Pedicab, the brainstorm of Kyle Pratt (call sign Slow Poke Rodriguez) and his partner Grayson Powell (call sign Speedy Gonzalez) brings a totally laid-back approach to island transportation home to Tybee.   Kyle Pratt, a native of Iowa, was raised on Jekyll Island, but has lived on Tybee for the past 2 ½ years. He’s the former owner of Barbara Jean’s Restaurant on Wilmington Island. He also says he’s a Cubs Fan, a Pisces (not a Capricorn) and has an infatuation with the Disney character, “Jessica Rabbit.” (Kyle says, “She’s not bad, she’s just drawn that way!”)

Grayson Powell was born and raised on St. Simons Island, and has lived on Tybee for 6 months. He says he likes sand, is a hopeless romantic with an inability to commit, and always wears a sweater, even in the summer.

Pratt and Powell came up with the idea of starting a peddling business on Tybee, after riding in pedicabs elsewhere. Pratt says both he and Grayson grew up working in bike rentals on Jekyll and thought that experience and knowledge would help them excel in the endeavor. “The biggest difference between us and the other transportation companies (i.e. Crab Cab and Tybee Cruisers),” says Pratt, “It allows the rider the ability to sit back and do nothing. The pace is an island one, and the only thing our passengers have to do is sit back and take it all in.”

Pirate Pedicab’s offers basic transport around the island – their cross island ride follows the bike route down 2nd Avenue, and then down Van Horne, and they also feature island “pedicab cruises.” In a typical dinner cruise they drop the guests off, and have them call 10 minutes before they’re ready to leave.  For sunset cruises they stay with the guests and drive them down a series of back roads – (Lewis to 6th, 12th to Venetian and then down Chatham, with the occasional stop at A.J’s Restaurant for a beverage.)

“We’re currently working on an anchor tour, (supposedly there are 20 on the island), and we’re racing each other to find them all and put them on a map for the tour – I’m winning!” adds Pratt.

On weekends, the guys usually get several calls from Savannah – day trippers who have gotten a shuttle from town and don’t have time to see all the sights by foot. They usually pick up from the lighthouse and deliver to the pier or vice versa.  Both drivers are knowledgeable, and much like the horse-drawn buggies that carry visitors on tours of the squares in Savannah, they enjoy interacting with clients to offer local insights that may otherwise go unnoticed.

They opened mid-March, and now have 4 bikes operating and plan to have 6 total by June.  They hope to give each passenger an experience they’ll tell their friends about, and also help alleviate parking problems on Tybee.  They also offer beach deliveries for vacation rentals in an effort to create more parking for day trippers and are getting referrals from local vacation rental companies.  Each cab carries 2 adults, they’re on call on weekend and they pick up and deliver all over Tybee.  The charge is very reasonable – $4 per zone, and if you change over to one of the other eight Tybee zones, it’s an additional $2.

Currently Pirate Pedicab offers the following packages:  Beach Delivery, Dinner Cruise, Bar Roll, and Sunset Cruise!

Next time you need a lift around town, call Kyle and Grason at 912.346.2335 – tell them we sent you.

Location: Miller Avenue behind High Tide Surf Shop on Tybee Island.
Hours of Operation: 10am to 10pm Sun. – Thurs., 10am to 2am – Fri. and Sat.

Charly’s Restaurant – Tybee’s Family Place!

Tired of fast food? Looking for a friendly, cozy place on Tybee to take the family out to a sit-down dinner for a reasonable price? Like atmosphere – colorful artwork, nice music to enjoy while you dine – look no further. Charly’s is the perfect place!

When owner Chuck Vonashek opened the doors on S. Campbell in June of 2007, he was out to create the kind of restaurant that locals would love – many still remember Skippers, an establishment Vonashek owned and operated on Tybee for 13 years – Vonashek says people still come in who remember that menu. Charly’s menu is similar, just a bit more upscale, and Chuck likes to describe Charly’s as a place you can “eat well, and not go broke!”

“Nothing is over $20 here,” he explains. “We’re definitely serving up a family dining experience. Table clothes and easy listening music – jazz. We’re dine-in or take-out, and we offer indoor or outdoor seating. We’re also open for lunch now starting at 11:00am, and we don’t close until the last person leaves at night! Sunday Brunch is from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Charly’s full menu offers everything from appetizers starting at $2.95 to entrees at $19.95 – they serve soup, salads, pasta, seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and more…  They also have lunch and dinner specials – in fact, their “all you can eat” CRAB LEGS on Friday nights is one of their hottest.  Also, if you’ve never tried one of Chuck’s savory, homemade crab cakes – you get two of them for $6.95 -  they are to die for!  All of the sauces and flavorings are Chuck’s own special recipes.

The wine list is extensive and it’s served by the glass or the bottle – from Oregon, Napa Valley – Santa Barbra, and Australia, all priced  right, from $18.00 and up per bottle.

One of the first things customers notice about the restaurant are the beautiful glass windows created especially for Chuck by local artist Charissa Murray. “Customers love to take pictures of our windows,” says Chuck. The restaurant also sells artwork done by Murray and other local artists.

The overall atmosphere in the place is very conducive to all sorts of parties and family gatherings. They host private parties, and wedding receptions – Vonashek says some couples have even been married in the restaurant.

Vonashek says he remembers when families used to enjoy going out to eat together. They would sit down to a table with a table cloth and napkins, and enjoy a meal and each other’s company.   “Basically, we have adapted to the economy by moving from fine dining to family dining,” he adds. “Families can come out to eat at very reasonable prices – from $3.95 to $19.95 for full entrees – you can’t beat that!”

Visit Charly’s soon at 106 S. Campbell Avenue on Tybee, and don’t forget to try the crab cakes – they’re Chuck’s specialty.

Also visit the website at http://www.charlysattybee.com.

“The Sand Bar” Rockin’ on Tybee!

There’s a rocking’ little joint on the south end of Tybee off Butler Avenue that’s fast becoming a favorite with the locals. Voted the best “Jello Shots” in 2009 – their three bartenders, Jen, Trish and Julie are always ready to mix the best drinks ever, and you simply must check out their fabulous “SAND *A* LICIOUS” MENU with its wide variety of specials. They’re the only kitchen on south end that stays open until 2:45am, 7 days a week – bar closes at 3:00am.

But The Sand Bar is also known for its “Theme Parties,” in fact if you didn’t make it to the Toga Party held on January 16th, from all reports it was a blast – rumor has it  even turned the island upside down, but that’s Tybee!!

So far, the Butler Avenue establishment has hosted two Halloween Partys, 50’s and 60’s Parties and Disco Parties, and they always give prizes away at these events.

They’re also into games – foose ball, pool and Golden Tee (live), and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30pm, they host “Texas Hold’em Poker.” Owner Danny Olsen says they’ve also tried their hand at bringing in live entertainment. “In June of 2009 we had the largest live “blues jam fest” to ever hit the island featuring Alien Blue straight out of Kentucky.  Any ideas are always welcome!”

Olsen says he and wife Gillesa are focused on how to spoil the locals. “We’re always looking to bring in new things to please them. Patrons really like our Texas Hold’em games. We have daily prizes and monthly tournaments. We also have “Crab Races” once a month (call to check dates and times).

“We’ve just started playing a  new game at the bar,” Olsen adds. “Our new 2010 “Golden Tee” golf game is hooked up to the internet, and you can play live with the entire nation!  Besides that, many folks like foose ball, pool and they can also play darts at the bar while having their favorite drink.”

The Sand Bar loves participating in Tybee parades (and without question, always feel they’re the best dressed.) During PirateFest, the Olsen’s brought in the “Satin Slipper” N.Y.B. from Philadelphia. “All our boys were dressed in the fanciest pirates’ costumes the island has ever seen, and they will be here again this October in case you missed them. During this year’s Mardi Gras parade, we decorated our float as an authentic Mardi Gras float, trying to bring a little bit of New Orleans to Tybee We bought tons of decorations and colorful beads to make the parade even more fun!”

The Sand Bar will celebrate its 2nd year anniversary on Tybee Island on April 15th and plans are underway to make it a special affair. “This bar has rocked the island these first 2 years since we opened, and we’ll definitely be celebrating!”

In fact, The Sand Bar is open every night until 3:00am and there’s always a party! Owners, Gisella and Danny Olsen say they’re very glad to be a part of the community of Tybee Island!

Stop in and see them soon…

The Sand Bar
912-786-8304

1512 Butler Ave.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Sandbar@bellsouth.net
http://www.sandbartybee.com

Scooting Around?

Mogo's

Full Service – That’s Mogo’s!

Mogo’s Scooters is a full service Scooter Rental and Sales Business located in the Tybee Oaks Shopping Village right next to Hucapoos.

They rent one and two passenger mopeds and provide complete training andinstruction free of charge.  They also have six, 49cc “Scoot Coupes” in a variety of bright colors.

These scooters are very easy to operate and balance is not an issue as they have two wheels in the front and one in back – perfect for riding the back roads and carrying children. They are also enclosed.

In addition Mogo’s has the famous 3-wheel Spider that looks like a dune buggy.  The Spider is an island favorite – it has three wheels like the coupe, but drives like a car with a steering wheel and foot pedals for gas and brakes.

Mogo’s also carries a few electric bikes called E+ Electric Bicycles. These have a range of 20 miles on one charge and will go about 25 MPH.   This line comes in several models “The City” and the “Beach Cruiser.”  All models can be ridden manually or powered, and will recharge while you pedal.

The company has hourly, daily and weekly rates. In addition to rentals they also sell Electric Bikes, Scooters, ATV’s, UTV’s, Motorcycles, and dirt bikes from 49cc to 600cc.    They only sell high quality products from companies who stand behind their products with warranties and full service parts.

Mogo’s has an on-site, full-time service department and can repair any scooter by any manufacturer including motorcycles and mobility scooters.   They also service out-of-area customers on vacation and those who buy online by shipping parts or recommending a local service team.

Mogo’s Scooters is proud to be starting it’s third year in business on Tybee Island, owned and operated by Gordon and Maureen Grindstaff, full time residents.  Gordon, a certified mechanic can repair just about anything. They’re open year round seven (7) days a week, weather permitting, but winter and summer hours vary so call ahead. They ship anywhere in the US., too, and in some instances offer FREE SHIPPING.

Be sure to check out their wide selection of products – you may also order online at: mogosscooters.com
Mogos Scooters is located at:

1213 US Highway 80 E., Unit N
Tybee Island, GA 31328
Phone:  912.786.8640
Fax:      912.786.8645
Email:  mogosscooters@yahoo.com

Remember!
Warm days are on the way, folks. Get ready to
‘Scoot Around’ Tybee – Visit Mogo’s today!

SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL BUSINESS: island gifts online

Quality merchandise at an affordable price!
CK’s World Gifts: Alive & “Online”

Looking for something special?

Tybee’s Carol A. Kaminsky has recently taken her unique catalogue business online, making it even easier for her customers to find the perfect gift for ‘anyone for any special occasion’ with just the click of a mouse.

Many Tybeeians are familiar with CK’s World Gifts, as Carol has been selling these types of products on Tybee since 1999, and has many repeat customers -  by the way ALL TYBEE ISLAND RESIDENTS RECEIVE A PERMANENT 47-53% DISCOUNT ON ALL ITEMS!  Select from thousands of products with hundreds of new arrivals each month.

Categories include home, bath, kitchen, island/nautical, western and ‘African decor.’ You can find lamps/lighting, fountains, garden/outdoor, pet items, travel items, jewelry, religious and ‘holiday decor.’ Shop for candles/home scents, bath/body gifts or collectibles from Disney, Nascar, NCAA, NFL, Elvis, Obama, Michael Jackson and much more. ( ‘Harley’ items are also available upon request).  Again, it’s definitely quality merchandise at an affordable price!

Kaminsky is the daughter of the late Sol and Ruth Kaminsky of Savannah. Sol had the very first Cadillac dealership in Savannah, Chatham Motors for many years. “We had a Tybee beach house on 18th Street until I was around 16,” Carol says.  “I’ve spent every summer on Tybee and have lived here since 1986.  Of course, I dream to be “Queen” one day!”

Just might happen, too. If you’ve never heard Carol’s impersonation of the late Rodney Dangerfield and her rendition of, “Just a Gigolo” you’re missing something. She’s pictured on the left with the microphone at Doc’s Bar singing another favorite, Louie Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”

Be sure to visit the gift catalogue website, and check out the vast array of merchandise. Also, make sure you register as a Tybee resident at: http://www.cksworldgifts.com. Please note, you must register your information (free) as a Tybee resident for the discount to process – an e-mail confirmation will be sent after your registration has been completed. Of course, if you don’t wish to order online you can still order from the printed catalogue by calling Carol at 912-786-6511