Making pitstop in Savannah on our way south to Florida and in Charleston on the way back home.

Suggestions for a pleasant hotel in historic area walking distance to a nice dinner. After long drive want to relax in nice hotel and get a taste of these two cities.

In Savannah I keep reading about Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House for lunch...anyone been there for dinner?

Would like casual dining suggestions...or fine dining where there isn't a dress code.

While we were in Savannah, we enjoyed a very good and casual dinner at B Matthews Eatery: http://www.bmatthewseatery.com/

HTTY

Mrs. Wilkes is not open for dinner.

Right. I have limited Savannah experience, but I like Old Pink House there. A lot.

In Charleston look at Mills House or French Quarter Inn. Fabulous dinners are easy to find in Charleston. Try FIG, SNOB, High Cotton, Carolina's, Magnolia's (look at basingstoke's review and pictures recently posted), Amen St, Hank's or Peninsula Grill. Avoid any place that has people on the street hawking you to come in. The good places don't need to do that.

In Charleston or Savannah, BOLO (be on the look out) for the River St. Sweets candy store. I can't go either place without a 5 lb. box of their pralines. Friends send them to me for presents. I ADORE their pralines. Delicious crushed up over premium vanilla ice cream as well.

I personally wouldn't go to Paula Deen's place in Savannah, but some swear by it. My faves are Mrs. wilkes for lunch. The Olde Pink House. In Charleston, there are some very good seafood places in the Shem Creek area as well, sorry the names elude me at the moment.

As starrs said, Mrs. Wilkes isn't open for dinner, just 11am - 2pm. We got there around 10:30 and got in in the first seating. Crystal Beer Parlor, mentioned on your other thread, was good. It's more casual and seemed like a "local" place (whether it is or not, I don't know for sure, but people seemed to know each other).

Ah. I just figured it out

Cha Bellas,Sapphire Grill, Local 11 Ten, Garibaldi's, Pink House, 45 South all are great for fine dining. Casual dining (sensible, not bathing suits, sleeveless tee shirts, bare feet, etc.) is acceptable in Savannah because of tourism. Only private clubs require coat and ties.

The restaurants at Shem Creek are Vickery's, RB's, Red's, Water's Edge, Shem Creek Bar and Grill and the Wreck. All of them, with the exception of the the Wreck are better for the views than the food. The Wreck is excellent, but hard to find. If you are interested, let me know and I'll give you detailed directions.

another vote for the Mrs. Wilkes experience..and an experience it is. You are aware it's family style lunch at a table with others...that's probably what makes it fun. My peripatetic grandson waited tables at The Olde Pink House during his stay in Savannah...it is first class in every way. The Savannah B and B, one block south of Mrs. Wilkes is a very nice lodging. Ask for the carriage house in the back.
The walk north from the B and B Inn is one of the most beautiful city walks anywhere I've been...through the amazing ultra-greeen park system, droping Spanish Moss, etc. (23 of them).

In Charleston, hope you have a chance to see one of the plantations near the city. Magnolia was quite intetesting and easy to reach by car. We enjoyed two dining places on Queen Street...#82 Queen and #72 (Poogans Porch)...first for dinner, second for lunch. Take the boat tour to Ft. Sumter, especially if Civil War interests you.

stu

http://www.savannahbnb.com/

"dripping Spanish Moss"..

wrong again...what the hell.."drooping Spanish moss"

Go to Crystal Beer Parlor in Savannah for fun times. Go to Amen Street Seafood and Raw Bar in Charleston. Local ll Ten has a great rooftop bar and good food. Noble Fare is nice too. I second Mills House in Charleston. Avia is nice in Savannah. Good luck.

Local 11 Ten @ 1110 Bull St., Savannah, GA. 912 - 790 - 9000.
http://www.local11ten.com/
Noble Fare @ 321 Jefferson St., Savannah, GA. 912 - 443 - 3210.
http://www.noblefare.com/

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'll let you know how it worked out when we get back.