Thanks for the report. How was breakfast?

I have booked the reunion there and it is good to be reassured the choice will work well.

The location is GREAT. I'll write more later about the area.

I didn't eat breakfast there - my work day started very early and breakfast was provided there.

The only thing I didn't like was that the tubs had the permanent slip-guard liner attached to the floor of the tub. I hate those. Other than that, the room was lovely and the toiletries were beautifully packaged. They even had a lighted magnifying mirror at the vanity. I had to unplug it to use the iron (I hate work trips). There's a safe in the closet too along with the iron and ironing board. Wall-mounted hair dryers at the vanity.

Reckon it's hot enough? Have fun!

When I first read your post I thought - please no - since DH has stayed at Days Inn Midtown in Savannah - you are indeed fortunate to not have stayed at that one - this one sounds great.

Like the idea of duvet covers - not one of the bring-your-own-sheets squeamish ones about hotels, but since they can actually wash the covers, seems like a better choice.

Savannah continues to build some nice hotels in Historic District - partly by expanding the definition a bit, but also by expanding the safe areas.

A RIP-OFF!!! ANNA'S in City Market

I wasn't really hungry thanks to a filling lunch but thought I should have SOMETHING before my walking tour. I strolled over to City Market looking for a place I'd not eaten at before.

I remember someone (sorry, can't remember who) posting that restaurants will billboards out front are usually rip-offs. I think they were talking about Little Italy in NYC but I remembered thinking it was an interesting theory. I didn't know how I felt about it, but when I saw billboards outside Anna's my dinner decision was made.

I was the first person in the restaurant for dinner (very early) and there was only one other table with customers while I was there. The person who seated me was friendly as was my server. My iPhone was being charged so I asked if they had any travel guides or anything to read. My server actually went outside and grabbed a guide book for me. During my meal the servers (and busboys) went outside to talk and smoke). I was fine with all that. There was very little to keep them busy. Since I wasn't really hungry I ordered sauted scallops and a glass of house pinot grigio.

Here's the rip-off - When I ordered the scallops, the server asked me if I would like the rice pilaf or the mixed vegetables. I had no preference and asked what he would recommend. He said he liked the pilaf so I said that would be fine.

The food arrived very quickly. The scallops were good. The wine was okay. The rice pilaf was VERY salty and I mostly picked out the mushrooms that were in it. All was fine until the check arrived. Instead of the $15 I was expecting, the bill was $20. I couldn't imagine why - until I looked at the bill and saw that I was charged $4 for the rice pilaf. I was FURIOUS! I thought he was asking me which side I wanted with my entree. Instead he was padding the check. I called him over to tell him and he smiled what I think was meant to be a charming smile and said "Sorry".

I tipped on the expected $15 charge, wrote a note on the check explaining what I did and why and left agreeing that the unknown poster's theory seems to be correct. The waiter was still friendly as I left and said "goodbye" and "sorry" once again.

I'm not sure if I would have done anything differently if I had more time, but I had an appointment with Savannah Rambles so I just moved on.

In any case, I strongly recommend that you avoid Anna's. The extra $4 they got from me was not worth it. When I got back and checked their reviews online others agree that the food is mediocre. I'm still irritated with the intentional practice to pad the check.

gail, this one is smack dab in the historic district. The last time you were there Ellis Square was a parking garage. Actually, turning it into a parking garage is what spurred folks to getting busy saving historic Savannah. You probably parked in that garage many times. I know I did. Tiny, narrow spaces and ramps from one floor to the next.

Well, now it's gone and a new glorious city park is in its place. Right next to City Market. It's a great location

The new Avia is next door too. Five Guys burgers in on the corner - and Ruth's Chris is on the other corner.

On the back side of this Days Inn is Club One where Lady Chablis performs. I've never seen her perform. One day I'll change that

Here's a peek at what that old parking garage has become -
http://www.savannahga.gov/cityweb/p&tweb.nsf/02e67f6f5dc1d3e585256c2f0071940a/5ec6a1cca9ba14e6852571f7002c8d62?OpenDocument

The new Ellis Square

Savannah Rambles walking tour!

I wrote about this company in December when I took my first tour with Dirk. There was a GroupOn offer for 1/2 price on a tour so I grabbed it. I would have happily paid full price again but was thrilled to take advantage of the discount. I called Dirk to see if he could work around my work schedule and learned that he offered a 6:30 tour during the summer.

I HIGHLY recommend the evening tour for one important reason - the heat! I'm Southern. I'm used to it. But it was still hot and humid at 6:30. The later the evening, the cooler it became and the more of a breeze kicked up. That darn salty rice pilaf didn't help things very much. I ducked into a CVS to grab bottled water for both of us and was very thankful for it.

Dirk was wonderful, as always. He took us on a completely different route and I was amazed to see and learn about things I'd passed by for 20+ years and never known about. His knowledge base is amazing. His professional background is architecture but he makes history and early life in Savannah real and accessible. Plus, he's just a really nice guy. If you have the chance to take a tour with him, you'll be glad you did.

Back in December a couple (mom and daughter) crossed our paths and asked if they could have another tour. They had gone on his tour the day before. They were interested in a "ghost tour". He said he could figure something out for them so they scheduled a time and place to meet. I noticed that Dirk had "Dark Rambles" on his website now. It's not the "ride around in a hokey pop-up hearse" kind of ghost tour (thank goodness) but I'm sure he does a great job with that tour too.

As we headed back towards Bay Street I split off for a stop at Starbucks for a cold drink (still suffering from the salty pilaf) and to check messages. I look forward to ANOTHER tour with Savannah Rambles sometime soon.

http://www.savannahrambles.com/

http://www.savannahrambles.com/The-Dark-Ramble.html

The changes at Ellis Square and a new center for nighttime Savvannah -

So, after a long but very good day I'm walking "home" alone from the Starbucks on Broughton Street (and Bull St) back towards Bay - and enjoying a lovely night breeze as I walk through the squares. It's about 9pm and as I near my destination I hear music. I see something I've never seen before in Savannah - people out and about, sitting around in the plaza of Ellis Square listening to music and enjoying the evening. Kids are still playing in the interactive fountain. Families are everywhere. Couples are everywhere. People are out solo - including me. It reminds me of Jackson Square in New Orleans. I don't remember every experiencing this before in Savannah. It's a beautiful summer's evening in Savannah and the city is alive in a way I've never seen it before.

Savannah is not River Street

Whenever I hear people say "I didn't like Savannah" I ask "Did you get off River Street?" Sometimes I have my answer with just the silent blank stare. Yes, there are some restaurant and pubs on River Street. There's a couple of really good candy stores making great pralines. 20+ years ago there were some really neat shops. That's not so true anymore. Most of the time I go to Savannah I never go to River Sreet. here's nothing WRONG with it per se, but it isn't Savannah. There's so much more to Savannah if you cross over Bay Street and start walking the squares. I'm not that big of a fan of City Market either. To me Savannah is strolling the squares, looking at the homes, seeing what's around the next corner and what the next square will look like. I have my favorites and seeing them again is like seeing old friends. A trolley or carriage tour is a great way to get an overview of the city. Better yet, rambling along with Dirk on one of his tours! But in any case, get out and walk SAvannah. And for those who haven' been there in a few years, there are some amazing - and very nice - changes in the historic district. I'm so happy to see them

Amen to that!! Savannah is not River Street! That used to be my mantra. Can't tell you the number of times I watched the boat arrive from Hilton Head and they'd disembark and spread out down River Street. I always hoped that in the short time they had in Savannah, they'd get beyond that, but am certain many never did. The buildings are historic--learn what they had been and how the city developed as a result, then move on and experience one of our country's first planned cities! The real beauty lies beyond!

Starrs, the new Ellis square looks wonderful! I think your Days Inn must be the same one that was diagonally across the street from us. It's on Bay, right? I used to be very uneasy going back to the hotel from City Market at night, so I'm guessing the rejuvenation of the area has improved things tremendously! It could be a shadowy lonely walk back, but sounds as if things have turned around. We need to get back one of these days and see it all for ourselves. What a great 4 years we had there!

I'm enjoying your trip report very much.

starrs great report--question on Dirks tours--i have an issue standing for long periods --is the tour all walking standing??thanks

Hi bigbomoho,
I'm very sure that Dirk will make sure there are opportunities for you to sit on the tour. The majority of our tours so far have been spent in the squares. On this last trip, I asked to sit twice. There are benches in every square and I just enjoy sitting and soaking up the area. In Wright Square as he was talking about Tomochichi I said "Let's sit" and we did. We sat, I listened, we chatted, I took a picture of the two of us and did a bit of people-watching. The same thing at Pulaksi Square. The live oaks were gorgeous, he was talking about people who had lived there and I just wanted to sit and soak up the beauty of the square. I don't think I'd ever been to that one - and if there's a square in Savannah to sit and be quiet, Pulaski Square is it. Sure, I'd been on my feet all day at work and it was VERY hot and humid. That was part of the reason, but the other part is that it's nicer to sit and listen than stand and listen. So I know that if you let Dirk know, he can easily make sure you sit on a regular basis. Just let him know and he'll adjust accordingly.

thanks alot---ill go with him next year

Starrs,

Great report, we absolutely love Savannah. Have been there twice in the last 6 months. We stayed at the Avia in Feb. and would highly recommend you try it sometimes. True the new Ellis square is quite nice and yes there is so much more to Savannah than River street. Lots of little hidden gems scattered around the district. Just a couple of weeks ago we found a little shop that only sells balsamic vinegars and olive oils in many different flavors (can't remember the name of the place) but we bought 2 bottles of the best balsamic vinegar.

gmoney, think, think...I would love the name of the shop with balsamic vinegars. Was it by chance about a block off the market area headed away from the river on the corner of Congress?

Since I will be driving on my trip to Savannah, I can actually bring home souvenir liquids!

Very glad to hear your opinion of the Avia. I tried to book a room there but they were sold out for my travel dates. Did you go to the bar on the second floor? If so can you tell me a bit about it? How was the food? My group will be at the Inn at Ellis Square but the Avia looked pretty good for a place to stop off for cocktails and maybe a little dinner.

Thanks!

I have been told the majority of women's clothing and home accessory/gift shopping would be in on Broughton St. Is that reliable? Any particular shops you can recommend?

cmcfong,

I'm pretty sure this is the place. I know it was around the corner from the John the Baptist cathedral.

http://www.shop.lowcountrygourmetfoods.com/main.sc

You could actually sample all of their vinegars and oils! The vinegars were delicious all themselves.

As to the Avia, the bar is right in the lobby and it is a very nice bar but we did not eat there. I don't think they have a real sit down restaurant but mostly gourmet tapas type food that you can eat at the bar. I know they do have a charcuterie menu with some gourmet meats and chesses. They have a breakfast buffet that is really good (get the crepes). We ended up eating Jazz'd which is another Tapas type place with good drinks, food and live music. It would be a great place for a group to have food and drinks and it is right across Ellis square from the Avia.

Yes, the door into Avia is steps away from the door out of the Inn and Ellis Square. Walk to the street, cross the street and there's the door.

Yes Broughton Street is the former commercial street that "died" years ago and then has been revived. It's the closest you'll get to Charleston type shopping.

Here's a Southern Living article -
http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-east/savannah-georgia-boutique-shops-broughton-street-00400000040837/

And from Lucky magazine -
http://www.luckymag.com/shopping/stores/guides/savannah/neighborhoods/broughton

Gap, Banana Republic, Marc Jacobs, etc.

starrs,
I'm sure Ellis sq is much better to look at than the parking garrage.

I'm also sure that City Market establishments are happy something more pleasing connects them to the Historic District.

However, it should be called something other than a Savannah square. It doesn't have that quaint, old southern look to it. Too bad you can't plant mature trees.

We walked thru it on our way to City Market but I much preferred the rest of the grid of squares.

And I totally agree about River Street. The day we arrived it was drizzling and I thought maybe that jaded my opinion of the street. But it's not much.

The area between Bay Street and Forsyth Park is just beautiful. We stayed at Planters Inn on Reynolds Square and couldn't be happier with the choice.

It's still a Savannah square. I've very glad they tore the eyesore of that old parking garage down.

Yep, they chose a completely different concept than a "traditional" Savannah square. IMO they borrowed from other urban parks with the interactive fountains, a different genre of sculpture and a more of a meeting place than a square with a few benches under live oaks. I was "so-so" on it until this last visit. I saw new communual space come alive at night and I think it will have a BIG - and very positive - impact on the area. At first look it appears barren - especially during the day. It was enchanting at night.

And if you want an "old square" then walk a couple of streets...and then two more...and then two more...and then...