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The South

A Contemporary Look at Southern Culture

By Tonya Trybula

Savannah, Ga., seems to be at odds with itself these days. The city’s moss-covered architecture and historic homes are starting to clash with its increasing modernity.

So in order to preserve the old and welcome the new, a new magazine, The South, aims to update Savannah’s image while still honoring the town’s heritage.

 “We use Savannah as a lens through which to view contemporary Southern culture,” said managing editor Jacob Cottingham. “How does the unique cultural heritage of the past get updated and added to?”

The magazine explores modern culture, technology, personalities and lifestyles of today’s Southerners. But, it also wants to showcase how the region’s history makes the Southern lifestyle different from other lifestyles around the country.

“Unlike other regional publications, we take a broader view of our city and situate it within a Southern context,” Cottingham said.

Using Savannah as a starting point, Cottingham hopes the magazine illustrates how modernity and history intersect throughout the entire region.

The bi-monthly magazine debuted with a February/March issue. Features included the history of Southern moonshiners, a look at contemporary architecture in Savannah, previews of festivals and a photo essay about the Mississippi River.

Currently, the publication’s target audience is residents of Savannah and the coastal Southeast who are “actively involved in the life of the city [and] interested in their surroundings,” Cottingham said. But there are hopes to expand distribution to 12 states, focusing on specific locations and regional trends.

Overall, Cottingham wants the magazine to be “a perfect blend of the old and the new, and shot full of quirky Southern charm.”

In Every Issue

• Stars of the South – Spotlights unique personalities
• Southern Music – Explores regional music traditions
• Southern Arts – Reports on the art scene
• Homes & Architecture – Highlights historic architecture
• Southern Architecture News & Notes – Gives information on the latest architectural developments
• Southern Traditions – Examines aspects of Southern life unique to the region
• Southern Food – Profiles restaurants with Southern cuisine and personalities
• Scenes of the South – Showcases Savannah area social life, featuring party and event pictures

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Contact Information
The South
116A Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401
912-236-5501

Jacob Cottingham, managing editor
jacob@thesouthmag.com