Savannah, GA Trip Report - June, 2016
Jun 16th, 2016, 01:15 PM
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Savannah, GA Trip Report - June, 2016
Savannah, GA - June 7 - 12, 2016
For our summer vacation this year we chose Savannah, GA. We love New Orleans and wanted to try a different location in that general area so after reading the 1994 book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt it provided inspiration for us to check out Savannah. Savannah is a very beautiful city rich in history. We loved the atmosphere and all the wonderful historic and ghost stories.
East Bay Inn - We chose East Bay Inn due to location in the Historic Downtown area and for it's charm. And, on the plus side, every restaurant/activity we chose and the Riverfront was easily within walking distance. I booked a Queen patio room on the first floor. The location was perfect for us as it's the first room right off the lobby and sitting area. Upon entering the room, there is a little entryway with a small bathroom to the left and then an archway leading into the room. The room has a queen bed, small table with a chair and a small love seat. Double French doors lead to the small patio area. There is also, a large wardrobe with TV, safe, 2 drawers and 2 robes. Beautifully decorated in light blues. The only things we missed was no small frig and no closet area to hang clothes. Unfortunately, the weather was so hot and humid during our stay we weren't able to enjoy the patio as much as we would have liked and the A/C struggled. Adding a ceiling fan would greatly help the A/C.
There is a coffee station and lemonade station in the sitting room off of the main lobby. Bottled water is provided from the front desk personnel. They also provide a complimentary wine and light snacks in the bar area to the left of the main lobby from 5:30pm to 7:00pm nightly. Though their website states Sunday - Thursday, during our stay it was every night. There is also a large photo type album in the lobby with restaurant photos and menus if you are needing a place to dine.
Downstairs in the Skyler Restaurant, a complementary extended breakfast is offered with very fluffy, tasty biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage and other assorted breakfast items. We found all the staff to be very personable, friendly and accommodating. We would definitely recommend this hotel to others.
Dining -
The Olde Pink House - This was our favorite restaurant from the trip. We ordered the fried quail with Southern succotash, which was absolutely awesome and then we shared a Caesar salad and a bone-in New York Strip with bordelaise sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus. I could have done without the sauce on the steak. It was good on the mashed potatoes. There are 11 dining rooms, plus a pub restaurant in the basement. Our waitress told us to check out the entire house and all of the dining rooms after we eat, which we did. Definitely make a reservation. Ours were for 7:30pm and the entire house was packed. People without reservations were not getting in during that time period.
Sorry Charlie's Oyster Bar - I fell in love with the char grilled oysters in New Orleans. Though this restaurant has a similar offering, it just wasn't the same. For one, it was more dry with a bread crumb topping. They needed to add more garlic butter. It was still good though. Also, had the fried catfish po-boy and then a chocolate chess pie for dessert. Both were very good.
Jazz'd Tapas Bar and Restaurant - We ordered the tapas for 2 which included either soup or salad each, 4 tapas and 1 dessert. I had the basil martini also, which was good. We each got a salad and then DH chose the Asian chicken wraps and shrimp with grits. I chose the escargot stuffed tomato and the bruschetta. We shared crème brulee for dessert. There is a variety of tapas to choose from and it was difficult to make a decision. They also provide live entertainment.
Moon River - We went for a late night dinner after a bar tour. We ordered a hamburger with garlic parmesan fries and ravioli stuffed with sausage and covered in grilled shrimp. Both were very good.
Bernie's Oyster House - Located on the River. We ordered oysters on the half shell, fried stuff shrimp, a catfish plate and a pitcher of beer. All was very good.
Six Pence Pub - We went for a late dinner after the Savannah Theater Show. We ordered the potato and leek soup, the smoked salmon plate and the Shepard's pie. We shared crème brulee for dessert. All was very good. The only thing I would change is the bread rounds in the smoked salmon plate, just too crusty or my taste.
River House Seafood - Located on the River - We ordered the fried green tomatoes and baked oysters. Again, the baked oysters were dry and needed more garlic butter, but they were good. Green salad with chicken and lobster bisque soup. Did not like the soup. Too thick and fishy tasting. I ordered a mint julep, but it tasted like a pure shot of whiskey with mint leaves. Very strong. We shared the peach cobbler for dessert. I don't care for biscuit dough as topping, but the peaches were very good.
Circa 1875 - This restaurant is tiny and the tables are way too close together for comfort. I was afraid walking to/from my table I was going to smack the patron next to me with a body part. Definitely not the place for a quite, romantic dinner. However, the food is very good. We ordered the tomato basil soup and Caesar salad. Then we shared the Rib-eye, steak frites with truffle oil and ratatouille. We also shared the Black Forest cake. I had a lavender elderflower cocktail that was very good. Definitely make a reservation.
Activities -
Old Savannah Bus tour - For our first full day we booked the 3 hour bus tour. There are 2 different bus type tours that are offered. The open trolley style bus and the enclosed air conditioned bus. We opted for the latter. We saw the Riverfront area, the Historical area and several other areas including most of the Squares. The driver was very knowledgeable in providing the history and informative stories of Savannah and the sights. Half way into the tour we stopped in the Riverfront area for a bathroom/snack break. I like doing tours like this on the first day in order to get my bearings of the city.
First Squares Walking Food Tour - We went to the following establishments; Rocks on the River for crab soup, Tondee Tavern for shrimp and grits. I don't care for grits, but this was the exception. Mixing the grits with a wine reduction and adding bacon just made it so good. The Ordinary Bar for pulled pork sliders, Molly McPherson's for their version of a beef Shepard's Pie, Mable's cupcakes for yellow cake with buttercream frosting cupcakes, the Salt Table and Savannah Bee Company for various tastings of their offerings. They were out of tupelo honey though. This was a great tour and a good way to sample offerings of several establishments. Also, a good way to see a lot of the Downtown Historical area. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to any of the places we visited. The guide was very good and knowledgeable.
Martini Tour - We went to the following establishments; Alure for a blood orange martini, Jen's for a Rice Crispy Treat martini, Corleone's for a lemon meringue martini and then back to Alure for a Elderflower martini. This was a good tour for walking the Historic area and getting a few drinks and meeting other people. The guide was very knowledgeable and told some really good stories. However, it being a martini tour is questionable. I have to say I'm very picky when it comes to a martini. You can't just pour vodka/gin into a favored beverage and call it a martini. I also do not like sweet, sugary martinis. I prefer, traditional or spicy favors to sweet. This tour has the opportunity to be better with a little more effort and inquiring into the patron's tastes.
Bonaventure Cemetery - So, of course, after reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil I definitely wanted to see the Bonaventure Cemetery. We took a guided tour with a very knowledgeable guide who provided us with the history of the Cemetery and some of the people who now reside there. He was also familiar with the book and able to point out the various areas that are referenced in the book. The Cemetery is very beautiful with large Live Oak trees with draping Spanish Moss and very ornate markers and monuments. A definite must see.
Riverboat Cruise - We did the 1 1/2 hour narrated riverboat cruise on the Georgia Queen. Very nice cruise and the Captain was very knowledgeable and detailed with the narration. There is a snack shop provided for purchase. The other Riverboat was doing a lunch cruise at the same time. So glad I did not book the lunch cruise. They were hosting a wedding reception and there were hoards of people.
The Historic Savannah Theater - We booked the show Rewind. Very entertaining. I would have loved to booked the other show they were offering also; Savannah Live. Something to look forward to for next trip.
We had a great trip. Though, I should have not booked in June. It was very hot and humid. Made walking a little more unbearable than it should. However, due to work restrictions I didn't get a choice in the time period. Either take your vacation in June or you don't get one.
I took pictures of everything we did and ate and posted on my photo site at:
https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfl...pictures/11336
Just click on "All" so you can just scroll down through them.
For our summer vacation this year we chose Savannah, GA. We love New Orleans and wanted to try a different location in that general area so after reading the 1994 book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt it provided inspiration for us to check out Savannah. Savannah is a very beautiful city rich in history. We loved the atmosphere and all the wonderful historic and ghost stories.
East Bay Inn - We chose East Bay Inn due to location in the Historic Downtown area and for it's charm. And, on the plus side, every restaurant/activity we chose and the Riverfront was easily within walking distance. I booked a Queen patio room on the first floor. The location was perfect for us as it's the first room right off the lobby and sitting area. Upon entering the room, there is a little entryway with a small bathroom to the left and then an archway leading into the room. The room has a queen bed, small table with a chair and a small love seat. Double French doors lead to the small patio area. There is also, a large wardrobe with TV, safe, 2 drawers and 2 robes. Beautifully decorated in light blues. The only things we missed was no small frig and no closet area to hang clothes. Unfortunately, the weather was so hot and humid during our stay we weren't able to enjoy the patio as much as we would have liked and the A/C struggled. Adding a ceiling fan would greatly help the A/C.
There is a coffee station and lemonade station in the sitting room off of the main lobby. Bottled water is provided from the front desk personnel. They also provide a complimentary wine and light snacks in the bar area to the left of the main lobby from 5:30pm to 7:00pm nightly. Though their website states Sunday - Thursday, during our stay it was every night. There is also a large photo type album in the lobby with restaurant photos and menus if you are needing a place to dine.
Downstairs in the Skyler Restaurant, a complementary extended breakfast is offered with very fluffy, tasty biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage and other assorted breakfast items. We found all the staff to be very personable, friendly and accommodating. We would definitely recommend this hotel to others.
Dining -
The Olde Pink House - This was our favorite restaurant from the trip. We ordered the fried quail with Southern succotash, which was absolutely awesome and then we shared a Caesar salad and a bone-in New York Strip with bordelaise sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus. I could have done without the sauce on the steak. It was good on the mashed potatoes. There are 11 dining rooms, plus a pub restaurant in the basement. Our waitress told us to check out the entire house and all of the dining rooms after we eat, which we did. Definitely make a reservation. Ours were for 7:30pm and the entire house was packed. People without reservations were not getting in during that time period.
Sorry Charlie's Oyster Bar - I fell in love with the char grilled oysters in New Orleans. Though this restaurant has a similar offering, it just wasn't the same. For one, it was more dry with a bread crumb topping. They needed to add more garlic butter. It was still good though. Also, had the fried catfish po-boy and then a chocolate chess pie for dessert. Both were very good.
Jazz'd Tapas Bar and Restaurant - We ordered the tapas for 2 which included either soup or salad each, 4 tapas and 1 dessert. I had the basil martini also, which was good. We each got a salad and then DH chose the Asian chicken wraps and shrimp with grits. I chose the escargot stuffed tomato and the bruschetta. We shared crème brulee for dessert. There is a variety of tapas to choose from and it was difficult to make a decision. They also provide live entertainment.
Moon River - We went for a late night dinner after a bar tour. We ordered a hamburger with garlic parmesan fries and ravioli stuffed with sausage and covered in grilled shrimp. Both were very good.
Bernie's Oyster House - Located on the River. We ordered oysters on the half shell, fried stuff shrimp, a catfish plate and a pitcher of beer. All was very good.
Six Pence Pub - We went for a late dinner after the Savannah Theater Show. We ordered the potato and leek soup, the smoked salmon plate and the Shepard's pie. We shared crème brulee for dessert. All was very good. The only thing I would change is the bread rounds in the smoked salmon plate, just too crusty or my taste.
River House Seafood - Located on the River - We ordered the fried green tomatoes and baked oysters. Again, the baked oysters were dry and needed more garlic butter, but they were good. Green salad with chicken and lobster bisque soup. Did not like the soup. Too thick and fishy tasting. I ordered a mint julep, but it tasted like a pure shot of whiskey with mint leaves. Very strong. We shared the peach cobbler for dessert. I don't care for biscuit dough as topping, but the peaches were very good.
Circa 1875 - This restaurant is tiny and the tables are way too close together for comfort. I was afraid walking to/from my table I was going to smack the patron next to me with a body part. Definitely not the place for a quite, romantic dinner. However, the food is very good. We ordered the tomato basil soup and Caesar salad. Then we shared the Rib-eye, steak frites with truffle oil and ratatouille. We also shared the Black Forest cake. I had a lavender elderflower cocktail that was very good. Definitely make a reservation.
Activities -
Old Savannah Bus tour - For our first full day we booked the 3 hour bus tour. There are 2 different bus type tours that are offered. The open trolley style bus and the enclosed air conditioned bus. We opted for the latter. We saw the Riverfront area, the Historical area and several other areas including most of the Squares. The driver was very knowledgeable in providing the history and informative stories of Savannah and the sights. Half way into the tour we stopped in the Riverfront area for a bathroom/snack break. I like doing tours like this on the first day in order to get my bearings of the city.
First Squares Walking Food Tour - We went to the following establishments; Rocks on the River for crab soup, Tondee Tavern for shrimp and grits. I don't care for grits, but this was the exception. Mixing the grits with a wine reduction and adding bacon just made it so good. The Ordinary Bar for pulled pork sliders, Molly McPherson's for their version of a beef Shepard's Pie, Mable's cupcakes for yellow cake with buttercream frosting cupcakes, the Salt Table and Savannah Bee Company for various tastings of their offerings. They were out of tupelo honey though. This was a great tour and a good way to sample offerings of several establishments. Also, a good way to see a lot of the Downtown Historical area. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to any of the places we visited. The guide was very good and knowledgeable.
Martini Tour - We went to the following establishments; Alure for a blood orange martini, Jen's for a Rice Crispy Treat martini, Corleone's for a lemon meringue martini and then back to Alure for a Elderflower martini. This was a good tour for walking the Historic area and getting a few drinks and meeting other people. The guide was very knowledgeable and told some really good stories. However, it being a martini tour is questionable. I have to say I'm very picky when it comes to a martini. You can't just pour vodka/gin into a favored beverage and call it a martini. I also do not like sweet, sugary martinis. I prefer, traditional or spicy favors to sweet. This tour has the opportunity to be better with a little more effort and inquiring into the patron's tastes.
Bonaventure Cemetery - So, of course, after reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil I definitely wanted to see the Bonaventure Cemetery. We took a guided tour with a very knowledgeable guide who provided us with the history of the Cemetery and some of the people who now reside there. He was also familiar with the book and able to point out the various areas that are referenced in the book. The Cemetery is very beautiful with large Live Oak trees with draping Spanish Moss and very ornate markers and monuments. A definite must see.
Riverboat Cruise - We did the 1 1/2 hour narrated riverboat cruise on the Georgia Queen. Very nice cruise and the Captain was very knowledgeable and detailed with the narration. There is a snack shop provided for purchase. The other Riverboat was doing a lunch cruise at the same time. So glad I did not book the lunch cruise. They were hosting a wedding reception and there were hoards of people.
The Historic Savannah Theater - We booked the show Rewind. Very entertaining. I would have loved to booked the other show they were offering also; Savannah Live. Something to look forward to for next trip.
We had a great trip. Though, I should have not booked in June. It was very hot and humid. Made walking a little more unbearable than it should. However, due to work restrictions I didn't get a choice in the time period. Either take your vacation in June or you don't get one.
I took pictures of everything we did and ate and posted on my photo site at:
https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfl...pictures/11336
Just click on "All" so you can just scroll down through them.
Jun 21st, 2016, 01:00 PM
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Good report. My only quibble would be with the riverboat cruise. I was kind of bored by it, and the Savannah riverfront is a lot industrial and not very pretty, IMHO.
Haven't found anyone who doesn't like the Pink House.
If you're a fan of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," surprised you didn't tour the Mercer Williams House.
Haven't found anyone who doesn't like the Pink House.
If you're a fan of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," surprised you didn't tour the Mercer Williams House.
Jun 21st, 2016, 06:51 PM
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I think the only place I went in common with you was the Bonaventure Cemetery (and indubitably some of the squares). I had a wonderful time but the mere fact that you had such a terrific time going to restaurants that I didn't and tours that I didn't makes me feel that I'm due for a return visit as I have so much left to try! Thanks for a great report!
Jun 22nd, 2016, 07:10 AM
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I enjoyed touring Juliette Low's Birthplace, Girl Scout First Birthplace, Juliette's grave and The Andrew Low's House. Walking through the Squares and eating at Mrs Wilkes was enjoyable as was visiting Tybee Island.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 12:55 PM
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Oops, I forgot about eating at Treylor Park. I read several reviews about the peanut butter and jelly chicken wings so wanted to try them. Truthfully, I didn't really like them, not that they were not good, just not my thing. I prefer a traditional buffalo wing. DH enjoyed then though. Also, had the fried baloney sandwich, which was good, but the baloney seemed more like sliced thin deli ham than traditional baloney.
The restaurant is small with limited tables as well as the bar area in the back. We went at 11:30 am. By, 12:30pm it was completely full with people waiting by the front door to get in.
We did drive by the Mercer House, but didn't go in. I've seen so many pics of it on-line I didn't think do to a tour. Something to do for a future visit. This trip I was more interested in the Bonaventure Cemetery.
I do agree with the Riverboat comment. However, we enjoyed the ride and getting to see areas we haven't seen before. The Captain did very well with the narration and history. That alone was worth the trip. The Riverboat cruise in NOLA is a much better experience. We liked that it stopped and we got off at the Chalmette Battlefield.
We did not go to Mrs. Wilkes. When we drove by the line of patrons waiting to get in was about a mile long. Reminded me of the Acme Oyster House in NOLA.
We only had 5 nights, so we did a lot in a short period of time. Definitely not everything we wanted so we'll look into a return trip in the future.
Thanks everyone for the nice comments and feedback.
The restaurant is small with limited tables as well as the bar area in the back. We went at 11:30 am. By, 12:30pm it was completely full with people waiting by the front door to get in.
We did drive by the Mercer House, but didn't go in. I've seen so many pics of it on-line I didn't think do to a tour. Something to do for a future visit. This trip I was more interested in the Bonaventure Cemetery.
I do agree with the Riverboat comment. However, we enjoyed the ride and getting to see areas we haven't seen before. The Captain did very well with the narration and history. That alone was worth the trip. The Riverboat cruise in NOLA is a much better experience. We liked that it stopped and we got off at the Chalmette Battlefield.
We did not go to Mrs. Wilkes. When we drove by the line of patrons waiting to get in was about a mile long. Reminded me of the Acme Oyster House in NOLA.
We only had 5 nights, so we did a lot in a short period of time. Definitely not everything we wanted so we'll look into a return trip in the future.
Thanks everyone for the nice comments and feedback.
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