Hello All:

I'm at the beginning stages of planning a girl’s weekend away for myself and 15+ of my high school girlfriends. This was supposed to be a "spa weekend", and although I know there are other cities with reputations for great spas, we took a poll and Savannah was the winner! We're only staying for the weekend. Some folks may come in on Thursday, so our time is limited. I'm thinking that we will do some tourist activities such as the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center and of course the First African Baptist Church, but that will probably be about it. Any ideas for spas, shopping and the night club scene (R&B Music, Smooth Jazz, etc.) for the nearly 40 set? I'd love to find an African American owned spa to visit for our spa treatments. Oh, some African American owned restaurants too?

We'll definitely do Tybee Island at some point if the weather is permitting. Most of us play tennis or jog so I’ve found some information on those types of activities. I want this to be a relaxing trip and a time for us to bond. We graduated from high school in 1986 and have all gone on to do various things (careers, marriages, children, etc,). We’re planning on this trip to be the first of many and I’d like for it to be a bunch of fun. I’d hate to miss out on the historical piece of visiting Savannah, but it’s not the primary focus of this trip. We’ll be in Savannah April 26/27 - 29, 2007. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can give us.

Can't help you with your specific spa recommendation, but consider the spa at the Westin. You can also get it on Priceline sometimes, but not sure it will work with the # of people on this trip.

OK, got some information on another site. Anyone know anything about 514 West, Jazz-D Supperclub or Club Vero 44? We're not interested in hanging out with the under 30 set. Also, anything specific we should do or see while we're at Tybee Beach? Thanks.

Don't know those clubs. There's not much to see or do on Tybee. Waaaayyy laid back. My favorite Tybee trip is a drive out for breakfast at the Breakfast Club and a sunrise walk on the beach.

Make sure you have a reservation at Lady and sons restaurant!

I dont think Lady and Sons fits in her criteria of african american owned restaurants.

For REAL southern food, skip Lady and Son and go to Mrs. Wilkes.

It is a shame that you will miss the Savannah Music Festival -- March 15-April 1, 2007. For soul food, try Mom and Nikki's (on MLK Blvd.), or Wall's BBQ (on York Street Lane). 514 West (on MLK) is African-American-owned with fabulous Jazz for lunch on Friday and dinner, Friday and Saturday nights. Great rates (even in the peak season when you are coming to Savannah) are at Inn at Mulberry Grove (innatmulberrygrove.com) in a beautiful, new hotel about 15 minutes on I-95.

I found this on the internet:

First African Baptist Church, 23 Montgomery Street; (912) 233-6597. The oldest active Black church in North America.

King-Tisdell Cottage, 514 E. Huntington Street; (912) 234-8000. This restored 1896 Victorian cottage serves as a cultural museum, emphasizing the contribution of African-Americans to Savannah's and US history.

Laurel Grove South, 37th Street and I-16; (912) 651-6772. A final resting-place for many of Savannah's African-American residents since 1852.

Negro Heritage Tour, 502 E. Harris Street; (912) 234-8000. This bus tour features highlights of Savannah's rich African-American history.

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Alice Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd; (912) 231-8900. This museum celebrates the contributions of African-Americans through permanent and traveling exhibits that showcase Black history and cultural achievements.

If you're interested in Soul Food at all this is supposed to be a great place with fabulous Sweet Potato Pie. Below is the review (I don't think they have a website).

Nita's Place
When you Nita bite of soul



129 East Broughton St
Savannah, GA
31401

Neighborhood: Historic District

Phone: +1 912 238 8233
Map | add to Travel Bag (NEW)
Click here to call Nita's Place Toll Free

Just off of Oglethorpe Square, this bare bones establishment is a throwback to the days when dining out meant a trip to the neighborhood diner. Proprietor Nita Dixon still works the kitchen and the door, welcoming guests to her extravagant buffet that's something of a cross between Southern traditional and down home soul food. Basted back ribs, okra and collard greens, crab cakes, meatloaf and fried chicken are consistently featured, and if you don't see your favorite today, come back again tomorrow. You won't mind.


I'm not sure about African-American owned spas or hotels since I'm not a local, but I bet if you called some of the African-American based tours listed above they'd be able to direct you to some great places

What's the name of the club that "The Lady" performs in - from Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil? Supposed to be a hoot for all!

Lady Chablis performs at Club One about once a month.

Thanks for all of the great information. Our itenterary is coming together nicely. Anyone have any other ideas for things to do in Savannah. We're not interested in the "Ghost Tours". Thanks in advance!!

There's a new jazz club in Savannah -- Kokopelli's Jazz Club, 107 W. Broughton St., 912.231.8569. Not sure who will be playing for your trip but for Valentine's Nat King Cole's younger brother is playing, Freddy Cole.