A whirlwind 1.5 day in Savannah - with 4th of July fireworks too
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:30 PM
#1
A whirlwind 1.5 day in Savannah - with 4th of July fireworks too
A friend wanted to escape to Savannah for a couple of days and I was glad to go along and play tour guide. Here's a short recap with hints that may be helpful to others planning trips.
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:36 PM
#2
Staying in Midtown - Staying in the Historic District is definitely more convenient, but it is a short drive in from the Midtown area. I didn't chose the hotel but we stayed at the Residence Inn because it is pet-friendly. The hotel is fine, the staff is very nice and the free breakfast is okay. We didn't have time to use the indoor pool and the outside seating area with firepit would be nice in cooler weather. There are lots of other hotel options within the same place including the Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites. Lots of places to eat (and shop) nearby. If you don't mind driving in, it's a good option with hotel rates much less than comparable hotels in the HD. I will note that many people seem to be concerned about traffic noise in the hotels on Bay Street - and I've never had a problem with noise before. There was a lot of traffic noise at the Residence Inn - and I didn't think White Bluff was a heavily traveled street. The full kitchen was handy and the room decor was very nice and fresh in a modern style.
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:45 PM
#3
Getting around - we mostly walked. For 12 hours. It was hot. It was humid. It was a great day.
Parking - We parked in a city garage for $10 for the day. I chose one based on where we planned to end the day - http://www.savannahga.gov/cityweb/mo...1?OpenDocument
Cost of the Day 1 parking = $10
On Day 2 we only had a few hours in the morning so we used street metered parking. Have quarters (and other change) ready
Cost of Day 2 parking = $3 (morning)
Overview with a tour - Once again, Savannah Rambles - http://www.savannahrambles.com/
Dirk is my favorite tour guide EVER! This was my third tour with him and my friend thought he was as wonderful as I do
Cost per person = $20.
Parking - We parked in a city garage for $10 for the day. I chose one based on where we planned to end the day - http://www.savannahga.gov/cityweb/mo...1?OpenDocument
Cost of the Day 1 parking = $10
On Day 2 we only had a few hours in the morning so we used street metered parking. Have quarters (and other change) ready
Cost of Day 2 parking = $3 (morning)
Overview with a tour - Once again, Savannah Rambles - http://www.savannahrambles.com/
Dirk is my favorite tour guide EVER! This was my third tour with him and my friend thought he was as wonderful as I do
Cost per person = $20.
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:51 PM
#4
Favorite place to stop for cold drinks, snacks or growlers - Parker's Market Urban Gourmet
We passed it as we drove by and decided we would stop there during the day. Just an hour or so later, we detoured there with Dirk and enjoyed cold drinks outide in the shade of the umbrellas.
If you want 64oz of good cold drinks, check out their growlers of craft beer - http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2012...-64-ounce-jugs
To cool off we stuck with Simply Lime, Simply Orange and/or water.
We passed it as we drove by and decided we would stop there during the day. Just an hour or so later, we detoured there with Dirk and enjoyed cold drinks outide in the shade of the umbrellas.
If you want 64oz of good cold drinks, check out their growlers of craft beer - http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2012...-64-ounce-jugs
To cool off we stuck with Simply Lime, Simply Orange and/or water.
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:55 PM
#5
Favorite lunch place aka a little bit of Paris in Savannah - Papillote http://papillote-savannah.com/
I will forever be grateful to cmcfong for telling me about this place. It is wonderful! On such a hot day, I passed on the wonderful Croque Monsieur and ordered the Crab and Mango Tartine. Absolutely amazing! Light and fresh. A glass of iced white Lillet and I was in heaven.
I will forever be grateful to cmcfong for telling me about this place. It is wonderful! On such a hot day, I passed on the wonderful Croque Monsieur and ordered the Crab and Mango Tartine. Absolutely amazing! Light and fresh. A glass of iced white Lillet and I was in heaven.
Jul 5th, 2012, 08:01 PM
#6
For shopping, stroll Broughton Street, not River Street - especially if you haven't been to Savannah for a few years. Broughton has changed a lot and there are some wonderful shops there - with familiar and unfamiliar names. I was disappointed that the French brocante shop was closed on July 4th. We did stop by Go Fish and each found something we wanted - http://www.shopgofish.com/
http://www.southernliving.com/travel...0400000040837/
You'll find Banana Republic and GAP and other "name" stores but some nice boutique stores too.
http://www.southernliving.com/travel...0400000040837/
You'll find Banana Republic and GAP and other "name" stores but some nice boutique stores too.
Jul 5th, 2012, 08:10 PM
#7
River Street? See Savannah FROM the river (for free) -
Ride the ferries!
http://www.catchacat.org/getting_aro...rry/index.html
They are free.
They give you a great view of Savannah from the river.
They offer a place to sit and rest and catch a breeze.
To get to the ferry - take the public elevator to the right of the Hyatt down to River Street (or take the steps). The first ferry stop is across the street - look for the sign
The next stop is Hutchinson Island in the river (and the Westin and the convention center). On to the Waving Girl stop next to the Marriott. You can walk back along the river or ride the third/last segment back to the beginning.
If you want a great place to eat, try the Olympic Cafe across the street. GREAT Greek food If you need something cold to drink or ice cream, try the snack side of the Olympic Cafe (at the end of the building).
Another free ride! Catch the DOT bus at that corner too. It's free. It takes you on a nice route around Savannah. Pull the cord if the bus isn't stopping where you want to stop. If you are tired and just want to cool off, you can take one loop on the DOT bus.
Ride the ferries!
http://www.catchacat.org/getting_aro...rry/index.html
They are free.
They give you a great view of Savannah from the river.
They offer a place to sit and rest and catch a breeze.
To get to the ferry - take the public elevator to the right of the Hyatt down to River Street (or take the steps). The first ferry stop is across the street - look for the sign
The next stop is Hutchinson Island in the river (and the Westin and the convention center). On to the Waving Girl stop next to the Marriott. You can walk back along the river or ride the third/last segment back to the beginning.
If you want a great place to eat, try the Olympic Cafe across the street. GREAT Greek food If you need something cold to drink or ice cream, try the snack side of the Olympic Cafe (at the end of the building).
Another free ride! Catch the DOT bus at that corner too. It's free. It takes you on a nice route around Savannah. Pull the cord if the bus isn't stopping where you want to stop. If you are tired and just want to cool off, you can take one loop on the DOT bus.
Jul 6th, 2012, 11:20 AM
#10
Here's info on the FREE Dot bus, River street streetcars and ferries - http://connectonthedot.com/con2012/
With a visitor's pass, parking is $7/day or $12 for two days.
With a visitor's pass, parking is $7/day or $12 for two days.
Jul 6th, 2012, 11:22 AM
#11
Before we left River Street we stopped in a River Street Sweets for a praline sample and each bought a goodie and a Coke in a bottle. It's amazing how much better they taste from the bottle. 
We sat on a planter wall and enjoyed the snack as we waited for the DOT bus.
Now off to Jones and Whitaker -
We sat on a planter wall and enjoyed the snack as we waited for the DOT bus.
Now off to Jones and Whitaker -
Jul 6th, 2012, 11:34 AM
#12
Talk to strangers -
Savannah is a Southern city.
Savannah is a friendly city.
Smile at people as they walk by and don't be afraid to talk to stangers. The locals are really local - and are happy to have tourists there because there's not much of a tax base. Ask a question. Ask for someone to take your picture. Say "hello" or "good morning". Enjoy Savannah's people.
Earlier in the day I was sitting on a park bench, waiting for my friend to take some artistic pictures. I love sitting and watching the parade. A gentleman walked back in a seersucker suit...and what is more southern than a seersucker suit? I complimented him on his suit and he came and sat down beside me. We started chatting...and a friend of his walked by. She stopped and shared their adventures in finding another 5000 sf furnished historic to rent. The three of us - and two of us - talked about houses and being Southern and becoming Southern after moving from NYC and the highs and lows of working for non-profits and the differences between calling to ask for donations vs being in the cat bird's seat and having millions to give away each year as the decision maker for a foundation. We talked about internships and life paths and amazing things one talks about with complete strangers. My friend thought I had crossed paths with an old friend and stayed away until the 30 minute conversation was over. It was one of those wonderful vignettes that will be remembered for years to come...and The Man in the Seersucker Suit suggested we wander around the design district ("definitely not SoHo") as we were looking for something to fill up a few hours in the afternoon. We had some time to kill before our evening plans.
So back to the DOT bus to take us from River Street to Whitaker...for free.
Savannah is a Southern city.
Savannah is a friendly city.
Smile at people as they walk by and don't be afraid to talk to stangers. The locals are really local - and are happy to have tourists there because there's not much of a tax base. Ask a question. Ask for someone to take your picture. Say "hello" or "good morning". Enjoy Savannah's people.
Earlier in the day I was sitting on a park bench, waiting for my friend to take some artistic pictures. I love sitting and watching the parade. A gentleman walked back in a seersucker suit...and what is more southern than a seersucker suit?
I complimented him on his suit and he came and sat down beside me. We started chatting...and a friend of his walked by. She stopped and shared their adventures in finding another 5000 sf furnished historic to rent. The three of us - and two of us - talked about houses and being Southern and becoming Southern after moving from NYC and the highs and lows of working for non-profits and the differences between calling to ask for donations vs being in the cat bird's seat and having millions to give away each year as the decision maker for a foundation. We talked about internships and life paths and amazing things one talks about with complete strangers. My friend thought I had crossed paths with an old friend and stayed away until the 30 minute conversation was over. It was one of those wonderful vignettes that will be remembered for years to come...and The Man in the Seersucker Suit suggested we wander around the design district ("definitely not SoHo") as we were looking for something to fill up a few hours in the afternoon. We had some time to kill before our evening plans.So back to the DOT bus to take us from River Street to Whitaker...for free.
Jul 6th, 2012, 12:05 PM
#13
Gift shops, or different shopping in Savannah - and strolling squares
We rode the DOT bus and had to pull the cord because the bus only stops at planned stops if 1) someone is waiting or 2) someone wants to get off. We found ourselves right in front one of my favorite restaurants in Savannah - The Soho South Cafe. It was good to learn that the bus stops right there.
http://www.sohosouthcafe.com/
My favorite thing is strolling the squares so that's pretty much what we did. We wandered over to Pulaski Square and then back over to Madison Square and then down Bull to Montery. The SCAD store was closed (I love that place) and I looked at the building in a new light having learned that it was the first SCAD building and years ago when the Man in the Seersucker Suit moved down to Savannah from NYC with his Southern wife, the second floor of that building WAS SCAD and student artwork was displayed in the stairwell. So much has changed. Now SCAD has renovated 50+ buildings in the city and along the way, transformed the city. When I first started visiting for business, all conferences were in the glass room at the Hyatt overlooking the river. You could stay at the Hyatt or the Mulberry or the Days Inn (that is no longer there). That was about it. No one walked around the Historic District back then. Well, there was really no place to walk to. People scoff at Paula Deen but when she opened her first location of Lady and Sons there wasn't much to see around City Market - and definitely no one walked around the HD at night. A few years later, the second Hampton Inn opened up on MLK - and everyone thought they were crazy. NO one would stay on THAT side of town. And all during this time, SCAD was expanding...buildings were being renovated...SCAD was moving further out...college kids...ARTISTIC, gifted and talented college kids were making the town their own. We old fogies have followed in their footsteps. In the mid 90s I remember seeing the first pedi-cab and was thrilled that they would take the two of us and two pups back from the Six Pence to Monterrey Square. Now there's a fleet of Savannah Pedi-cabs drivers waiting to take you wherever you want to go...and new companies popping up as well. If someone tells you it's not safe in the historic district, I'll bet you money that they visited 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. And things have changed dramatically over those 20, 15, 10 and even 5 years. Now there are nice new hotels all along Bay St. Ellis Square is no longer the ugly concrete parking garage but a wonderful open urban public space with water fountains for kids to play in, new hotels on the OTHER side of MLK (because SCAD dorms paved the way) and even the old motor lodge is the fun, funky Thunderbird Inn with free parking and a Route 66 vibe. SO much has changed - and it's a joy to see.
Back to the shopping - Seersucker Man recommended the gift shop at the Mercer House. Family members are still selling off single items at good prices and I indeed found some items that were of interest. I plan to return closer to the holidays. The gift shop is in the carriage house in the back (off Whitaker Street)
http://www.mercerhouse.com/home.htm?...E8C80B1A0B946F
We both found things we liked at the gift shop at the Owens Thomas house. I bought books and notecards and my friend bought wall art. Be sure to go upstairs to see more items, many garden themed - http://telfair.org/visit/owens-thomas-house/overview/
Gift shop in back, in the carriage house off President Street
http://telfair.org/visit/museum-stores/
We rode the DOT bus and had to pull the cord because the bus only stops at planned stops if 1) someone is waiting or 2) someone wants to get off. We found ourselves right in front one of my favorite restaurants in Savannah - The Soho South Cafe. It was good to learn that the bus stops right there.
http://www.sohosouthcafe.com/
My favorite thing is strolling the squares so that's pretty much what we did. We wandered over to Pulaski Square and then back over to Madison Square and then down Bull to Montery. The SCAD store was closed (I love that place) and I looked at the building in a new light having learned that it was the first SCAD building and years ago when the Man in the Seersucker Suit moved down to Savannah from NYC with his Southern wife, the second floor of that building WAS SCAD and student artwork was displayed in the stairwell. So much has changed. Now SCAD has renovated 50+ buildings in the city and along the way, transformed the city. When I first started visiting for business, all conferences were in the glass room at the Hyatt overlooking the river. You could stay at the Hyatt or the Mulberry or the Days Inn (that is no longer there). That was about it. No one walked around the Historic District back then. Well, there was really no place to walk to. People scoff at Paula Deen but when she opened her first location of Lady and Sons there wasn't much to see around City Market - and definitely no one walked around the HD at night. A few years later, the second Hampton Inn opened up on MLK - and everyone thought they were crazy. NO one would stay on THAT side of town. And all during this time, SCAD was expanding...buildings were being renovated...SCAD was moving further out...college kids...ARTISTIC, gifted and talented college kids were making the town their own. We old fogies have followed in their footsteps. In the mid 90s I remember seeing the first pedi-cab and was thrilled that they would take the two of us and two pups back from the Six Pence to Monterrey Square. Now there's a fleet of Savannah Pedi-cabs drivers waiting to take you wherever you want to go...and new companies popping up as well. If someone tells you it's not safe in the historic district, I'll bet you money that they visited 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. And things have changed dramatically over those 20, 15, 10 and even 5 years. Now there are nice new hotels all along Bay St. Ellis Square is no longer the ugly concrete parking garage but a wonderful open urban public space with water fountains for kids to play in, new hotels on the OTHER side of MLK (because SCAD dorms paved the way) and even the old motor lodge is the fun, funky Thunderbird Inn with free parking and a Route 66 vibe. SO much has changed - and it's a joy to see.
Back to the shopping - Seersucker Man recommended the gift shop at the Mercer House. Family members are still selling off single items at good prices and I indeed found some items that were of interest. I plan to return closer to the holidays. The gift shop is in the carriage house in the back (off Whitaker Street)
http://www.mercerhouse.com/home.htm?...E8C80B1A0B946F
We both found things we liked at the gift shop at the Owens Thomas house. I bought books and notecards and my friend bought wall art. Be sure to go upstairs to see more items, many garden themed - http://telfair.org/visit/owens-thomas-house/overview/
Gift shop in back, in the carriage house off President Street
http://telfair.org/visit/museum-stores/
Jul 6th, 2012, 12:26 PM
#14
(starrs is talking to herself again...)
So we mosey through Monterey Square (my favorite) after oohing and festive July 4th decorations on Jones St. and then on down to Forsyth Park for more Serious Photo Taking. How could you NOT - with that gorgeous fountain and people watching. I sit on a bench again and wait - which I love - and talk to more people. It's been a great day but a HOT day and it's now officially COCKTAIL TIME!
Adult beverage locations -
First stop - Casimir's Lounge at 700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park
http://www.700drayton.com/700drayton/casimirs.asp
We were the first to head up the leopard print staircase to crash on the comfortable sofa and ordered delicious drinks - A "lemonade" for me (with firefly sweet tea vodka) and a blackberry mojito for my friend. A good start in luxurious surroundings...
We wandered next door to check out the lobby of the Mansion (I've stayed there before, it's lovely) and then back to Forsyth Park. We SHOULD have called for a pedi-cab from there. We didn't and called for one from Forsyth Park and met the driver/pedaler at Gaston and Bull.
We were lucky to get "Paul" of Savannah pedicab and he was a great tour guide as well. We learned a lot more on the less than 25 minute ride to the Bohemian hotel. You are invited to pay what you feel is fair with an estimate of $20 a ride less than 25 minutes. The day was hot, Paul was a great tour guide so we gave him $30 when he dropped it off in front of the doors of the Bohemian. We grabbed the elevator and found the last outside table at Rocks on the Roof - http://www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com/dining/dining.asp
This time it was a Bloody Mary and a Georgia Peach Martini. The shrimp appetizer looked FABULOUS but we were waiting on our dinner reservation.
After enjoying the drinks, river and city view and the entertainment at the table next to us it was off to...
the Planter's Tavern under the Pink House -
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...h_Georgia.html
We were lucky to have two seats available on the sofa next to the grand piano so we ordered wine and enjoyed beautiful music played and sang by the pianist dressed in patriotic garb. And then it was time for dinner...
So we mosey through Monterey Square (my favorite) after oohing and festive July 4th decorations on Jones St. and then on down to Forsyth Park for more Serious Photo Taking. How could you NOT - with that gorgeous fountain and people watching. I sit on a bench again and wait - which I love - and talk to more people. It's been a great day but a HOT day and it's now officially COCKTAIL TIME!
Adult beverage locations -
First stop - Casimir's Lounge at 700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park
http://www.700drayton.com/700drayton/casimirs.asp
We were the first to head up the leopard print staircase to crash on the comfortable sofa and ordered delicious drinks - A "lemonade" for me (with firefly sweet tea vodka) and a blackberry mojito for my friend. A good start in luxurious surroundings...
We wandered next door to check out the lobby of the Mansion (I've stayed there before, it's lovely) and then back to Forsyth Park. We SHOULD have called for a pedi-cab from there. We didn't and called for one from Forsyth Park and met the driver/pedaler at Gaston and Bull.
We were lucky to get "Paul" of Savannah pedicab and he was a great tour guide as well. We learned a lot more on the less than 25 minute ride to the Bohemian hotel. You are invited to pay what you feel is fair with an estimate of $20 a ride less than 25 minutes. The day was hot, Paul was a great tour guide so we gave him $30 when he dropped it off in front of the doors of the Bohemian. We grabbed the elevator and found the last outside table at Rocks on the Roof - http://www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com/dining/dining.asp
This time it was a Bloody Mary and a Georgia Peach Martini. The shrimp appetizer looked FABULOUS but we were waiting on our dinner reservation.
After enjoying the drinks, river and city view and the entertainment at the table next to us it was off to...
the Planter's Tavern under the Pink House -
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...h_Georgia.html
We were lucky to have two seats available on the sofa next to the grand piano so we ordered wine and enjoyed beautiful music played and sang by the pianist dressed in patriotic garb. And then it was time for dinner...
Jul 6th, 2012, 12:39 PM
#15
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starrs, you sure know how to pack a lot of activity into a short amount of time!
I'm saving this b/c I've been meaning to take a quick trip to Savannah and Charleston forever. I'll get there some day.
I'm saving this b/c I've been meaning to take a quick trip to Savannah and Charleston forever. I'll get there some day.
Jul 6th, 2012, 01:37 PM
#17
Dinner - nothing better than the Pink House - IMO anyway.
My friend had been given a few suggesions. I wanted her to pick the place. We asked for opinions during the day. The Pink House was consistently recommended...and it IS my favorite place. The Chart House was her #2 choice and Alligator Soul was the #2 in recommendations - but happily (for me) the Pink House won out. We called at lunch at only before 5:30 and after 8 times were available. We chose 8 and it was perfect timing.
Here's the menu - http://www.plantersinnsavannah.com/menu.htm
Because she had never been before I asked for one of the historic rooms. The new ballroom seating is lovely, but nothing like the original rooms. We were seated in the green room shown in the link above. I've eaten at the Pink House a gazillion times, usually on expense account. Most of the time I'd have an appetizer and two appetizers served together as an entree. This time I decided to go with the Pink House classics -
Their She Crab soup - topped with black pepper and sherry at the table = absolutely amazing!
We split their wedge salad = perfect size after sharing
The speciality =
Crispy Scored Flounder w/Apricot Shallot Sauce, Creamy Grits & Collards = absolutely incredible
I substituted butter beans for collards. Everything they serve is delicious.
I took half of my entree home. IF you have room for dessert, their praline basket with ice cream is not to be missed.
There are many good restaurants in Savannah, but the Pink House is still my favorite after 20+ years. Dining in a building that has been here since the 1700s is unique for Georgia too.
for the Pink House...still.
My friend had been given a few suggesions. I wanted her to pick the place. We asked for opinions during the day. The Pink House was consistently recommended...and it IS my favorite place. The Chart House was her #2 choice and Alligator Soul was the #2 in recommendations - but happily (for me) the Pink House won out. We called at lunch at only before 5:30 and after 8 times were available. We chose 8 and it was perfect timing.
Here's the menu - http://www.plantersinnsavannah.com/menu.htm
Because she had never been before I asked for one of the historic rooms. The new ballroom seating is lovely, but nothing like the original rooms. We were seated in the green room shown in the link above. I've eaten at the Pink House a gazillion times, usually on expense account. Most of the time I'd have an appetizer and two appetizers served together as an entree. This time I decided to go with the Pink House classics -
Their She Crab soup - topped with black pepper and sherry at the table = absolutely amazing!
We split their wedge salad = perfect size after sharing
The speciality =
Crispy Scored Flounder w/Apricot Shallot Sauce, Creamy Grits & Collards = absolutely incredible
I substituted butter beans for collards. Everything they serve is delicious.
I took half of my entree home. IF you have room for dessert, their praline basket with ice cream is not to be missed.
There are many good restaurants in Savannah, but the Pink House is still my favorite after 20+ years. Dining in a building that has been here since the 1700s is unique for Georgia too.
for the Pink House...still.
Jul 6th, 2012, 01:42 PM
#18
Perfect timing for FIREWORKS!!!
We could not have planned it better. We watched people scurrying through the square towards the river all through dinner. In Forsyth Park families were walking around with their folded chairs slung over their shoulders. We relaxed, enjoyed a progressive cocktail hour, enjoyed an amazing dinner, left the Pink House a few minutes before 9:30 and walked across the street to watch the fireworks. No stress. Back of the crowd. We were amazed at how thick the people were standing on River Street. We watched for a few minutes and then headed to the car a 1/2 block away. We beat the traffic out of town and ended a wonderful but very busy, whirlwind of a 12 hour day. Perfection!
We could not have planned it better. We watched people scurrying through the square towards the river all through dinner. In Forsyth Park families were walking around with their folded chairs slung over their shoulders. We relaxed, enjoyed a progressive cocktail hour, enjoyed an amazing dinner, left the Pink House a few minutes before 9:30 and walked across the street to watch the fireworks. No stress. Back of the crowd. We were amazed at how thick the people were standing on River Street. We watched for a few minutes and then headed to the car a 1/2 block away. We beat the traffic out of town and ended a wonderful but very busy, whirlwind of a 12 hour day. Perfection!
Jul 6th, 2012, 01:45 PM
#19
<red>We were there for the 4th of July fireworks - but there are fireworks every month on the river. Here's more information - http://riverstreetsavannah.com/events/
Jul 6th, 2012, 05:45 PM
#20
And so unfolded an almost perfect day...that started as a conversation "I'm going to Savannah on the 4th. Would you like to go?"...and the next time we talked was on the drive down..."What would you like to do"...shared ideas...call Savannah Rambles to see when we could get a tour...let's do the French restaurant for lunch...deciding where to eat dinner at lunch...passing Parker's on the drive in, saying "let's stop there!" and the guide taking us there for soemthing cool to drink. Wandering to the river, catching free ferry and bus...strolling a section of the city recommended by the Seersucker Suit Man in the park...ending at Forsyth Park...hot and thirsty so stopping at the closest place...deciding how to spend the extra few hours...checking out the view at the hotel that was in contention (Bohemian)...early arrival and music at my favorite restaurant...and perfect timing for the fireworks. Rarely do events unfold that easily during a day and it was recognized for what it was = a special gift and a special day. On the way back that evening we discussed what options would fit the morning schedule and hoped for another day just as easy and as special.
