dln

Beatchick, try this website for a peek at some Savannah squares: http://www.rjh2.com/SavannahSquares/

I love both Savannah and New Orleans (my sister-in-law grew up there so we have an "in" in that city) but if you went to Savannah, you could meet up with Scarlett! You know you would dine and shop well and see all the sights--what a fun visit that would be!

Blacktie

Simply focus on the Historic Section, running from Bay Street down to, and including Forsyth Park. Plan to walk, and certainly spend time in the sqaures, and walking past the houses that abut the squares. You cannot get lost. Congress Street serves as a good landmark, as well as a place to enjoy conviviality, some rather nice galleries and decent restaurants.
Wise to avoid spending time along the river, where it's strictly a tourist affair. It's humid, so take you time.

Access the SCAD webite and learn about their studios, shows, ang galleries.

gracieb

Glad to hear you enjoyed dinner at the Pink House. I've never had a bad meal - or waitperson experience there. Have done a lot of entertaining there, and every time was a big success. When I knew I was arriving into Savannah late for business, I often booked the Planter's Inn next door. It's not my favorite inn...but the room service was from the Pink House. Nothing better than settling in on a four poster bed for a picnic dinner from one of my favorite restaurants! Life is good!

SusieQQ

What do you all think of Savannah as a place to spend the winter away from the northeast's bitter cold? Would the historic district be OK for a single, older woman? I don't like Florida and need to be close to good restaurants and activities.

Scarlett

Beatchick, I used maps online while planning, this trip came up very quickly and we had about a day to plan it. When we arrived, the hotel had city maps with all the landmarks on them, no matter where you go, you can get free maps.
The squares are wonderful, each one is its own little town within the town. I want to live on Monterey Sq I think
I will find my sites that I used for research and post them here.
You and your friend will enjoy yourselves, no doubt, but do try to go when it is cooler.
Here is one site that was good for Savannah info~

http://www.savannahgeorgia.com/activities.htm#walking

OO

Glad it was a good, if hot trip, Scarlett. It could have been worse...you could have been in Tampa! It was about as miserable as it gets this weekend.

We used to love the 4th of July fireworks shows and would host a party for the managing committee on our patio, which faced the River to the north, and River St to the east. The fireworks were shot from that same position you saw, and the Savannah Symphony played beforehand in the plaza on River St. Of course their finale was the 1812 Overture, which marked the start of a loooong fireworks show, so we had terrific built-in entertainment! Fun times.

We have noticed by the way, that no-seeums like the same weather we do, at least in Savannah. Too hot or too cold, and they stay away. When it is perfect for us, they seem to agree and are a real nuisance. FL no-seeums must be a different breed or used to constant heat as they can be around anytime on our property providing there isn't much wind!

Scarlett

Olive Oyl, darlin!
I am busy downloading all the photos then will put them in an ofoto album, so all who are intersted, be prepared for a deluge of Savannah photos

BigRed

For everyone that mentions the Movie (Midnight in the Garden...)in this thread and for anyone else that is thinking of a trip to Savannah, I would highly reccommend reading the book.

I read it before the first time we went to Savannah and only saw the movie a few months ago. The book is much more detailed.

Marilyn

This is one of those times where the book is SO much better than the movie!

bonniebroad

Amen, Marilyn..... The book is the real story. SO MUCH left out of the movie, and other things so distorted, like the author having a female love-interest. But I love watching the movie, just to see Savannah, and for the music.

GoTravel

SusieQQ, Savannah would be a lovely place to spend the winter but I have to warn you. A lot of the locals I've run into are quite eccentric. John Berent wasn't exagerating when he wrote the book.

Scarlett

GoTravel, I just read on another thread that you are guilty of speaking the "P" word

SusieQQ

GOTRAVEL:
Thanks for the info. I don't mind eccentric, infact I like it. My concern is that I have read a few reviews which say that the Historic District is not safe to walk in at night. Since I will be solo, it is a concern. What do you think?

OO

SusieQQ, I lived there and did not walk at night. It is not a good idea. Now, could you probably walk 350 nights a year and be fine? Yes. I did routinely walk the two blocks from my health club back home at night several nights a week...but hustled out if it were dark. Would I live there again? Absolutely--we are thinking hard about it in fact.

Scarlett and GoTravel...Did you know The Devil Wears Prada? The book exaggerated too...it's not quite as bad as that, but the movie was a serious disappointment aside from, as Bonnie said, being able to see the city. I'm repeating myself, but these experiences don't come around every day so it was An Event in my life, (and puulllease don't anyone say "puke" to me ) but I got to sit next to John Berendt at a Savannah Hospitality Assn banquet honoring the person who had done the most to further Savannah that year. The honoree was Sweet Emma from the book and he came for the event. I lucked out in my seat placement only because DH happened to be president of the Assn that year ('94, shortly after the book came out.) He was not an easy dinner partner! Veeery quiet.

Scarlett

The Historic District:
People live there and work there and walk day and night. It is pretty well lit and while we were there, as late as 10 pm, people were out walking.
( We walked back to the hotel after dinner every night. There were always plenty of people out walking also, with and without dogs. I felt secure. )
I have no idea how it is in the winter, but as beautiful as the city is, I would try it!
Every park/square had notices that there were to be NO people in them after a certain hour, usually around 9pm, so that might be the cut-off point of when you should not wander too much late and alone.
Hope this helps, (from someone who was there only 2 days)

GoTravel

Pr>)da

SusieQQ

Thanks, all. I am going to go down in a couple weeks to look at some rentals. I probably will try it.

Scarlett

SusieQ, you have to let us know what you saw and how you liked it and everything!!
Would you like my photos from the trip for ideas? just email me at the above address

GoTravel,
We won't talk about the bags in my closet ( designer bag freak here) but would you like to weep with me over the Prada bag that got away? Marilyn knows about it already, I whined to her when it happened LOL

snowrooster

Sounds like a lot of you know a lot about Savannah. We'll be going for a day trip from Hilton Head with two small children. I've heard Lady & Sons and Mrs Wilkes are pretty casual and thought they might be good for us? Any suggestions for good tours (walking or otherwise)? Thanks in advance!

Scarlett

snowrooster, I would recommend the Trolley Tours..open trolley buses and good guides..they stopped at the door of our hotel, but I think they stop for people all over town. Also they have in City Market, horse drawn carriages..the little ones might get a kick out of that.
Lady & Sons was so busy the night we passed by on our way to Garibaldis that they were keeping the people waiting for tables, out on the street, lining both sides of the street.
I was just glad that I was not standing out in that heat waiting for a table.
Everything in Savannah is casual..although we dressed for the Pink House-I like to get dressed when we go out and the Yankee usually wears a shirt and slacks.
But most places will have a mix of both shorts/tee shirts and skirts and polo shirts.
You will no doubt be comfortable whatever you wear.
have fun~