The energy was palpable in downtown Statesboro on Friday, April 4, 2025, as the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) hosted a vibrant evening of live music and culinary delights.
From 5:30 to 8:00pm, Taste & Tour Statesboro Downtown, invited locals and visitors alike to explore the heart of the city, discovering the unique charm of its shops and the diverse flavors of its restaurants, all within a comfortable walking distance of the historic Courthouse.
The DSDA, an organization deeply committed to the economic growth, historic preservation, and overall beautification of Statesboro, orchestrated the event as a way to showcase the dynamic atmosphere of the downtown area. By encouraging foot traffic and engagement with local businesses, the event served as a delicious and entertaining way to connect the community with its urban center.
For a modest fee of $10.00 for attendees aged five and up, participants were granted access to sample a variety of delectable offerings from participating downtown restaurants. Wristbands acted as their passport to a culinary adventure, allowing them to savor signature dishes and experience the diverse gastronomic landscape that Statesboro has to offer.
Among the many participating food establishments were local favorites like Shane's Rib Shack, offering their signature slow-smoked ribs, and Uncle Shug's Bar-B-Q, serving up their famous barbecue fare. Those with a sweet tooth could indulge in treats from Daylight Donuts, while recently-opened Blaze Pizza provided a taste of their fast-fired creations.
This format provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to try new tastes and perhaps discover their new favorite local eatery.
Attendees leisurely strolled between participating locations, providing ample opportunity to browse and shop at the diverse array of downtown boutiques and stores. From unique art pieces at Southern Pottery & Art Studio to charming finds at Sugar Magnolia, guests had a chance to explore the retail offerings alongside their culinary journey.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the DSDA also offered commemorative t-shirts for purchase at $15.00 each. These souvenirs served as a tangible reminder of the enjoyable evening spent strolling through downtown and supporting local businesses.
Beyond the delightful food samples and shopping, the evening was further enhanced by several performances of live music echoing throughout the downtown area. Several talented musicians and bands, such as Dan Larkin, who serenaded Pour House Pub crowds, and Dave & Tracy Hippie Souls, who entertained at Vandy's, performed at various venues, creating a vibrant and inviting ambiance.
The evening culminated with the Harvest Moon concert at 7:30 pm at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Concert-goers received a discount for presenting their wristband.
Taste & Tour Statesboro Downtown perfectly embodied the DSDA's mission by not only driving economic activity to downtown businesses, but also by highlighting the walkability and unique character of the downtown area. The event undoubtedly fostered a sense of community pride and further solidified downtown Statesboro as a vibrant and engaging destination.
For more information about the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority, please visit their Facebook page.