The Tea Room http://www.savannahtearoom.com/ at 7 E. Broughton Street in Savannah is an absolute GEM of a place. If you're in town for one day or ten days, you really shouldn't miss it. I drive down here from Charleston (a 2.5 hour drive) just for their Afternoon Tea. The food here is delicious and beautifully presented. Don't let the term "Afternoon Tea" fool you ~ you might not be able to finish everything. For the best service, make a reservation for tea. But they do serve an absolutely lovely lunch menu, as well. There is a very nice retail section where you can purchase some of the best loose leaf tea in the world. I can't say enough about The Tea Room. And please don't think it's anything like The Gryphon Tea Room. These two places are worlds apart.

I stopped in there the last time I was in Savannah and liked what I saw. I bought a birthday gift there. We didn't have tea because we were killing time before the walking tour tea at the City Club. Thanks for letting us know that they do a good high tea. I'll be sure to try it next time in Savannah.

TeaLover and Starr, I have a question for you both about the Tea Room. Hubby and I are headed to Savannah in August for our second anniversary. I've been down a dozen times but this is his first visit. Is the Tea Room...ultra girly?

My husband is very open to trying new places and he loves tea. Having spent a few months in Ireland, he became addicted. I think he'd enjoy it but if it is very heavy on the lace doilies and flowers it might be a bit much. Care to share your thoughts?

Thanks for the tip--I'll be going to Savannah for the first time in January.

I did not have the tea service or eat there but from what I saw there was nothing "girlie" about the place. It looked more loft-like (a bit spare) rather than doilies and chintz and girly-girl decor. I think your hubby would be very comfortable there. I'm headed back down in a couple of weeks and I'll do a look-see for you.

If you haven't made a hotel reservation yet, it's steps away from the top rated lodging in Savannah, the new Marshall House on E. Broughton. There's a Starbuck's on the corner too.

I just checked tripadvisor.com and the Marshall House is not #1 anymore. It's # 5, with the Mansion on Forsyth Park #1 and my fav, the Hampton Inn Historic District at #2. The Holiday Inn Mulberry and Doubletree round up the remaining top 5. I'm looking for the Hyatt -

Oops, don't know why that posted - Hyatt is #31 now.

You and your hubby will probably enjoy the SoHo Cafe as well. And, to a special dinner at the Pink House or Garibaldi's or Bistro Savannah.

Thanks, Starr. I went to the Tea Room Web site and it looks like we'll definitely have to stop by to at least enjoy the cream tea. I love clotted cream. And I'll definitely put those restaurants on our list of possibilities.

We're still staying at the Baymont on Abercorn at $64 a night. Just can't afford the historic district right now. But maybe next year. I love reading about those lovely inns!