Toefood

We just returned a week ago from a whirlwind trip to Savannah to look at SCAD where my daughter was accepted for college. In a last minute decision we decided to fly to Charleston and drive down. I found a 3 star hotel on Hotwire for 65 a night and took the plunge. The result was the Best Western Plus which was more 2 1/2 stars in my opinion. My full review is on Trip Advisor dated Feb 22 complete with pictures of some problems, such as buckling carpet, a leak above my door/standing water and a view of a an industrial area. These I can handle, but 20 minutes of a motorcycle gang doing maneuvers under our window was too much. We got back to the room each night before 9 and did not want to venture out. I will spend the extra $$ and stay in a classic hotel in a tony area next time. The first night, we ordered food in because the street was filled with vagrants.

We found out that Paula Deen was in town for a book signing that Monday. We got to the hostess stand at 10:30, made a reservation for the 11:00 slot at lunch, waited across the street and were seated at 11:15. We chose to try the buffet- lots of southern style vegetables, salad bar , fried chicken, barbecued pulled pork. A complimentary fried hoe cake and biscuit with syrup accompanied the meal. That was delicious! It wasn't gourmet or even southern gourmet but all y'all can eat sure does appeal to the buffet bodies in line. Later, we waited and met Ms Deen and her 2 sons, got our book signed and a $10 picture. She was very nice, not phony at all. Dinner that night was at the Moon River brewing company. Nice atmosphere, great beer and you can get one to go! Yes, New Orleans and Savannah are only 2 places with open container laws. YEE HAW!

We skipped the free Best Western "breakfast" and went straight to SCAD. Our tour took 2 hours because the school is very spread out over the city. They have spent a lot of money to renovate buildings and improve property. Still, I would worry some about my daughter parking or walking alone near some buildings. Other parents voiced similar concerns. After our tour we were starving and not anxious to revisit "y'all" and "cookin'" places. We stumbled on Leoci's Trattoria, a charming place with a beautiful deck out back in gardens. The food and atmosphere were first class. (These restaurants are also reviewd on tripadvisor with pictures) The wine list was very good as well.

We really enjoyed the town, the architecture and squares and the social feel of Savannah. We thought most restaurants were pretty expensive and touristy with a few exceptions here and there. Next time, we'll try those! The town is surprisingly noisy, with lots of traffic noise and tow boat horns interspersed with trolley bells and horse carriages, and watch the manure!! She has SCAD as choice #2. Still, I'd go back in a heartbeat, it's a fun place.

Toefood

I meant to add that part of the road to Savannah is being widened and that will really improve the driving from Charleston. It isn't a bad drive, but the road is anywhere from 40 mph-60 and if there is a wreck, good luck.

gail

My son was a student at SCAD and then lived in Savannah for an additional year - leaving 3 years ago. He lived away from the Historic district and was safe - but some words about Savannah.

Savannah has 2 sides - the beautiful Historic district where much of SCAD is located, and a more crime and gang infested area. As SCAD has expanded, there is some crossing over of the 2 personalities. And, unlike some other cities, it can only take a block's difference to go from safe and pretty to dark and terrifying.

Most students at SCAD quickly learn which is what. However, since most students move off-campus after 2 years, they end up in lower rent areas - the scary ones. There is a shuttle bus that travels to all the SCAD buildings, and many students, even males, take it after dark. In general the areas of the main academic and dorm buildings are safe day or night, taking reasonable precautions.

If she should attend SCAD or you visit Savannah again and need to save some money on hotel, the area called "MidTown" is fine - although it is not a town or Mid anything - it is an extension of Abercorn, a few miles out of the Historic District, where you will find every chain restaurant, chain hotel and big box store you have ever imagined. Not pretty, but convenient with a car, and certainly safe - although you can't really walk anywhere because of the nature of the street.

Toefood

Thank you Gail! The building where she would do the majority of her work in computer animation is in an awful area. We talked about that and I'm pretty sure she understands the risks. She has traveled a lot and several times overseas and is quite mature. Her #1 choice now is Ringling in Sarasota. Although it is a more compact college and a smaller school, it is in a pretty bad part of Sarasota! This is well known. Of course, I could say the same thing about many colleges I've visited with both my daughters. I'll just cross my fingers! I have lots of Holiday Inn Points, the one in downtown Savannag really looked nice. They have one in Midtown as well- I'll consider that, thanks!

gail

My son actually spent a lot of time in that building. He had a car after first trimester and if he was in the building drove. The SCAD bus stops there - agree - it is in a creepy area. My son also applied to Ringling - those are basically the 2 decent computer animation programs on the east coast.

gail

I think of Savannah as a bit like New Orleans - fun tourist area, and a dark scary side that most visitors never see.

suewoo

Toefood,

We stayed at that HI when my niece graduated from SCAD last spring. It's very nice. Some of the rooms have a hot tub. In the room, not the bathroon. I thought that was funny.

My niece thoroughly enjoyed SCAD. The students learn quickly how to avoid trouble. She necer once had a problem.