SAVANNAH - This Weekend - Questions Abound
 

I love it when a trip just pops up out of nowhere. Suddenly, the wife and I are heading to Savannah this weekend. We'll be leaving Nashville after a convention Thursday night..overnighting just south of Atlanta...and will be arriving in Savannah on Friday morning and will be driving back on Monday (maybe Tuesday)..so we will have about 3 days.

Since I didn't have my usual time to research the trip, I feel like I'm going into this blind...I have a few questions......

1) Tybee Island - I've heard both that it's something we can't miss as well as it's the biggest wasteland there is. Which is it? I've read lots of good things about a restaurant called the Crab Shack...is it worth th drive out there. Also since apparently the drive/traffic is the biggest headache of going to Tybee Island and we'll be there on a weekend, when would be the best time to DRIVE out there and avoid the traffic jams?

2) I'm currently pouring through "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" to prep for going. From the things, I've read "The Book" is now another industry in Savannah. Should we avoid the Midnight stuff since it may be too touristy?

3) Miss Wilkes - Saw this on Food Network. Looks intruiguing..but I'm from KY and I'm used to "home-cookin" although I'm sure it would be different In Georgia. We'll have to go either Friday or Monday since they're closed on the weekend. That will be tough to do. SHould we make the effort?

4) I have reservations at the Mulberry. Everything I've read ensures me that it will be a good choice. Anyone have any comments about it?

5) We love to eat and eat the "native" dishes of an area when we travel. Other than the aforementioned Miss Wilkes and Crab Shack....any suggestions?

6) Any "be-sure-not-to-miss" things we should see?

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

BigRed, it took you more time to write all that than it would have just to have typed "Savannah" into the text search!! Try that, do some reading of the posts, and I am sure you will find what you need. Savannah is a much loved and much talked about destination. It is so wonderful that you really could just arrive "cold" and still orient yourself quickly, and enjoy yourself. You don't need a plan for Savannah: just go, breathe in that sultry southern air, and relax.

DLN...Thanks for the pointer...but AFTER my search ..these are the questions I have.

And yes, we plan to take it slow and SOuthern while we're there

For restaurants: suggest Elizabeth's on 37th, Sapphire Grill, Bentley's (for lunch) and Bistro Savvanah.

If you're there on a weekend, suggest you avoid Tybee Island - it's simply a monstrous traffic jam all the way out. You can sub for Crab Shack in Savannah proper.

And whatever you do, don't eat anyplace Clint Eastwood ate, lol. I made that mistake!!

whoops - Bistro Savannah.

Hi BigRed,

Hope these suggestions will help you just a tad with your trip to Savannah.

1. Yes, go to Tybee Island......but, you are gonna get into terrible traffic, so go early and have breakfast at The Breakfast Club. The Crab Shack is a good "tourist spot" these days. If you do go there, order the special for 2.

2. Skip the Midnight stuff. Instead, upon arrival take a Savannah City Tour. That way, you will know what you want to do the rest of the weekend.

3. Absolutely go to Mrs. Wilkes if you have the opportunity. Also, The Lady & Sons is open on weekends and has a buffet. You may want to check out their website and make reservations. Paula Deen is on the food network.

4. Sorry, not familiar with The Mulberry.

5. Some places you may want to ask about and go to are:

Love's Restaurant - south of Savannah -about 10 mins off of I95. Go early evening to avoid a 2 hour wait.

Johnny Harris is good for fried chicken.

Agree with Surfer, Elizabeth's on 37th is absolutely the best!

Have tons of fun!!

Here you go: type in Savannah, then look at items #12, 15, 20, 51, and 66.

The Mulberry is a nice hotel in a very good location. It's decorated in traditional Southern style, and is comfortable. One of the above posts mentions it, too. Also, Mrs. Wilkes is discussed in post #15--you'll find that interesting.

You will thoroughly enjoy Savannah, and I'm glad you're reading "the book." It makes it more fun when you stroll past the places in it. (Tours are great for an overview, but it's even been to just walk around after, when you know what you're looking at.)

BIG RED I am from Savannah. I am now home from college for the summer working as a bartender on Tybee. Now, I don't hang out at the bars on tybee once the sun goes down. But it is a cool beach town. I bartend at a place called The Grill Beachside (Don't confuse with North Beach Grill) The traffic most posters are talking about is when the bridge construction was going on. That is finished. yes the traffic can be slow at times..but it is not as ridiculous as what it used to be. As for Savannah. Now we're talkin'..Post a more detailed question. i.e. bars, restaurants, tours and I'll help ya out. And yes...the crab shack is worth it!

Elizabeth's...great food...only about 5 or 6 tables. fine dining..but not really "Savannah". I agree with the poster about the midnight stuff. You will learn more by talking to the locals (ahem ahem) than going on a tour. just do the trolly tours. and the walking ghost tour is great...don't do the hearse tour. Since I bartend in the area I have had the pleasure but confusing experience of serving people who were actual characters from midnight....so like I said..ask the locals about it and you will get more inside info than on a tour.

Thanks for the replies...

The Crab Shack and either Miss Wilkes or The Lady and Sons is on the "for-sure" list of places to eat. Maybe Elizabeth's on 37th.


Out of all the squares, which ones are the best and have the best "bang for the time-spent"

Topping....Day before we leave

BigRed, most people consider Monterey Square among the most beautiful. Remember when the TV show This Old House renovated a Savannah home? It was in Monterey Square. Forsythe Park, with its glorious fountain, is also well worth your while. However, you will probably want to walk ALL the squares! It's just that kind of city. Have a wonderful trip!

Johnson Square, Reynolds Square, Franklin Square. Come to the grill beachside on tybee. I work from 11-4 if you can make it...if not stop by the rail pub on congress st. I'll point ya'll in the right dye-rection. Name is Kevin...enjoy yourselves.