Headed to Savannah for Easter weekend. I wonder if the Azaleas will still be around?? I'm hoping to see them in Bonaventure Cemetary.

Also, can anyone recommend some good restaurants? Not interested in fine dining. More like funky and casual--$10-$20 range. Sea food and vegetarian for me, typical southern for my friend maybe? We already have plans to go to Lady and Sons. And the Firefly Cafe is a place I've enjoyed. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

The Azaleas I have seen in Florida are in full bloom.
Try some of the little restaurants down on the Riverwalk.

When we were in Savannah last year in June, the azaleas were finished but the hydrangeas were amazing...huge bushes of enormous flowers..
Azaleas will probably still be flowered but on their way out next week..that is the way it was in Jax Fl.
There are so many charming small places to eat that are not expensive. Unfortunately, we did not go to any of them lol.
Although I don't remember prices, I do know that The Olde Pink House was expensive but wonderful and Garibaldis was great.
Along the Riverwalk there are a few tourist traps but there is one place that made a great lunch..Have fun and don't forget to eat chocolate covered pralines whenever you get a chance

We were in Savannah three weeks ago and the azaleas were in full bloom then. Very spectacular.

We enjoyed dinner at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. The scallops (sauteed) were delicious, so were the oysters on the half shell. Very casual. We got there just before five on a Monday and got one of the few tables still available.

Returned on April 4. In town many of the azaleas were starting to be on their way out, so by the time you get there it could be spotty. At Bonaventure Cemetary the azaleas were in full bloom.

I was told locals do not go to Lady & Sons. The lines are horendous and the only people who spoke well of the place were tourists. We decided to go to Mrs. Wilkes instead and talked with quite a few locals there as well as tourists. $15 for lunch, no dinner, and a much shorter wait time. Excellent Southern food.

Vinnie Van Go Go pizza was very good. The other places we went to would probably not be in your price range but were good--Bistro Savannah, Soho South Cafe were very good. Vic's on the River had a varied menu and not too expensive. I have heard to stay away from the restaurants on River Street due to them being mostly tourist traps.

Thanks, everyone. I've actually eaten at Garibaldi's, Scarlett. Very nice. And, yes, Lady and Son's is no doubt overrated. But we're both Food Channel fans--we just can't help ourselves.

Dissapointing news about the azaleas! Just a reason to return next year I guess...

We had a terrible rain storm today and I am afraid that the few remaining blooms were probably destroyed. However, if there were any of the late bloomers still with closed buds, they will most likely be in bloom that weekend. The rain will probably cause the trees to really push the new growth out. You will see at least a zillion (count them) shades of green!

Guy18, the food at The Lady & Sons is absolutely delicious. Everyone I know who has visited there loves the food, and I've been there several times, never had a bad dish. Have a wonderful time in Savannah! I think you'll see the tail-end of the azalea season when you're there. Bonaventure Cemetery is one neat place ...

When our son was home from college for a week mid-March he said azaleas were in bloom when he left.

If you like Southern food and you like seafood, try Carey Hilliards. Very reasonably priced down-home seafood and barbeque.

Well, Savannah was a lot of fun. Sadly, the azaleas were just about done.
(Sounds like the start of a poem!) Paula's food was amazing--no regrets. And believe it or not, I had some of the sweetest scallops of my life at Carey Hilliards. Huey's on the riverfront was just okay (liked the jalapeno-flavored hash browns).Lots of antiquing (got a great plate rack). Will have to return next year in mid-March. I can imagine how beautiful Bonaventure Cemetary is in all it's azalea-laden glory. Thanks to all for your good advice!

So glad you enjoyed yourselves. Did you go to the Museum? Did you walk to each Square? Did you buy me pralines?

Hi Scarlett--Walked to most if not all the squares. Also peaked in the Cathedral. Didn't get to the Telfair this time, but have enjoyed it on other visits. No, no pralines. But enough of everything else to make up for it.

And how could I forget one of the highlights? The Paris Market! Any shop with the word "Brocante" on its door can't be bad. And they have the most adorable little cafe area. The French orangeade and lemonade they sell there is a favorite of mine. Perfect for a hot day as you sit contemplating your various purchases

Guy - if you plan on returning mid-March, remember that Savannah has a enormous drunken St. Patrick's Day celebration. The parade and main event is one day, but hotels can be tough to come by immediately surrounding 3/17.