Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tybee Island GA, Savannah Attractions


Visit Tybee Island, GA During Your Stay

Just 20 minutes east of Savannah is Tybee Island:  Savannah's Beach.  This Savannah attraction is a laid-back beach destination for the entire family that lets you get away from the city for the day, with the knowledge that your comfortable Savannah bed and breakfast awaits your return.

Tybee Offers Great Savannah Attractions

Want to hit the beach?  While the Savannah River isn't a great place to hit the sand, Tybee Island features 3 miles of uninterrupted public beach for the entire family to enjoy!

Fishing is an ideal activity around the island.  Fish off of piers, take an off-shore or deep-sea charter, or fish right on the beach!  Please note that Georgia does require a fishing license.  Luckily, Georgia hunting and fishing licenses are available from nearly 400 license agents in many sporting goods stores, marinas, bait and tackle stores, hardware stores, etc throughout the state.

Wildlife abounds in the salt marshes on Tybee Island.  If you are a bird-watcher, this is the place to see during your stay in Savannah!  Pelicans, terns, plovers, gulls, terns, skimmers, and more call Tybee Island their home during at least some of the year.

Need a bite to eat during your Tybee Island visit?  Over 25 eateries offer everything from sandwiches, to pizza, to (of course) fresh Gulf seafood!

The art scene is alive and well on the Island, as locally-created paintings, jewelry, and more are offered at shops and galleries throughout the island.

Destination attractions on the Island include the Tybee and Cockspur lighthouses, Tybee Marine Science Center, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Pier & Pavillion.

Tybee Island is a great day-trip destination during your extended Savannah getaway!  Enjoy a full day of everything Tybee Island has to offer before returning to your Savannah, Georgia bed and breakfast for a good night's rest in preparation for the next day of your Savannah adventures!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Savannah Tea Room, Savannah Lunch, Savannah Activities

Looking for a little something different for lunch or afternoon Savannah activities?  Why not try the Savannah Tea Room, a delightful change-of-pace in the North Historic District.  This Savannah lunch and tea location features a full lunch/brunch menu as well as offering tea service from single pots to full Afternoon Tea.

Voted one of the 10 Best Tea Rooms in the U.S. by USA Today, The Tea Room brings an elegant escape to everyday life.  Crystal and China are the norm, and the service is top-notch without pretentiousness!  Despite what you may think, there is no 'dress code' for the Tea Room.  And even when you get a to-go cup, complementary shortbread and fruit for the tea are offered.

The lunch/brunch menu features quiche, sandwiches, and many quality salad offerings.  Be sure to check out their Chef's Special when you visit, as these are always tasty treats!  All entrees come with soup, fresh fruit, sweets, and tea.  This is certainly service that you will find in very few Savannah eateries!

Looking for a great way to celebrate an engagement, a birthday, or just enjoy time with the girls?  Plan a girls' getaway weekend at your favorite Savannah, GA bed and breakfast and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at The Tea Room!  From a single pot, to Lunch Tea, to Children's Tea.  And of course, three levels of Afternoon Tea Service are offered which include the benefit of additional treats including their clotted cream and scones: to-die-for good!
At this point, we could go into a complete discussion of 'proper' tea etiquette and history, but we'll leave that to you to discover, if you are inclined to have an over-the-top tea experience.  Many a bridal shower, bridesmaids' parties, mother/daughter outing, and other events actually play this point up at the Tea Room.  You can make your visit whatever you'd like it to be!

The Savannah Tea Room provides a memorable and enjoyable experience that you should not miss.  The innkeepers at your favorite Savannah bed and breakfasts can give you directions and tips for the Tea Room.  We hope it makes your stay in Savannah even more complete!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Savannah Scottish Games, Savannah Event



Savannah bed and breakfasts welcome you for the 36th Annual Savannah Scottish Games on Friday, May 4 2012 and Saturday, May 5, 2012!  Held on the campus of Bethesda Academy, this Savannah event celebrates the best of Scottish and Celtic heritage.

Friday evening features a Whiskey Tasting at Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub and Grille (tickets may be obtained in advance at both Pub locations, or may be purchased at the door), and the Piping and Drumming Block Party to celebrate the 'Night Before the Games' at the Congress Street Social Club.

Saturday brings a full day of competition and family fun.  Enjoy Heavy Athlete competitions, the USIR Highland Dancing southern Regional Championships, Pre-Premier Highland Dancing, gathering of Scottish Clans, Parade of Tartans, Tug-O-War, Border Collie skill demonstrations, Children's Activities, food, and music.

Learn about the different Clans at the Clan booths on the event grounds.  Wander through the Historical Encampment demonstrating the life of Savannah's early Scotch settlers.  Find your roots at the Genealogy booth.  Shop for your favorite goods from our vendors, whether the goods be Scottish or not.  Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Cynergy and the Savannah Ceili Band throughout the day.  But most of all, have a great time with the whole family!

Sunday, May 6, 2012 brings an optional worship opportunity for both Clansmen and attendees.  The Kirkin' o' the Tartans will be held at 11:00 am at the Independent Presbyterian Church at Bull Street and Oglethorpe Street in the Historic District.

Tickets for the event are available in advance at both locations of Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub & Grille, and at all locations of The Savannah Bank.  Tickets will also be available at the gate on Saturday.

Reserve your Savannah lodging for this unforgettable event, and enjoy a weekend of Savannah heritage and fun!  Cead mile fĂ ilte!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Savannah Haunted Tours, Savannah Sightseeing

With Savannah's beauty, rich history, and southern charm, is it any wonder the residents resist leaving?  But add in a few, less-ideal times in history, and you might just get some residents who CAN NOT leave!  Ghost hunting is a popular pastime, and Savannah's past, mystique, beauty, and charm make it an ideal destination for those who seek evidence of another form of life and death entirely.  Enjoy Savannah haunted tours during your stay at a Savannah Georgia bed and breakfast!

Named to be the most haunted city in the US by the American Institute of Parapsychology in 2002, Savannah is full of paranormal mystery and intrigue, both day and night.  The city is routinely visited by parapsychologists and both professional and amateur ghost hunters.

Among our more well-known haunted locations are the Bonaventure Cemetery, The Pirate's House restaurant, the Hampton Lillibridge House, Moon River Brewing Company, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Sorrel Weed House, to name a few.

Nearby Tybee Island boasts of its own spirits.  The north beach neighborhood is said to be home to a past resident.  Lazaretto, the quarantine area for colonial ships, passengers, and residents on the island's very western tip is said to be haunted.  And the Tybee Lighthouse Station has been named the most haunted place in America!

There are many local groups that offer ghost tours lasting between 75 minutes and 2.5 hours during the year.  Around Halloween, many longer and more in-depth hunts can be found in the area.

Even some of our member inns are rumored to have spirits of their own.  You never know who, or what, you might meet during your stay at our Savannah bed and breakfasts!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

River Street in Savannah, Savannah Attractions

Not from the Savannah area?  No matter.  You have probably still seen references to River Street in Savannah.  Mentioned here, there, and everywhere, River Street seems to have everything a visitor could ever want to see.  But does it?  What is it?  And what's there?  Rest assured that this one road has enough attractions to keep you busy for several hours of your Savannah Getaway.

A registered Historic Site, River Street is the main thoroughfare of the historic district's north side.  And, true to its name, it is also the main road along the Savannah River in the city.  Full of historical buildings and landmark, River Street also sees festivals, parades, First Friday Fireworks, and other city events.

When you arrive at River Street from your Savannah, GA bed and breakfast you will find yourself transported to historic Savannah, onto cobblestone streets with gas lanterns.  Enjoy the sight of the old cotton warehouses - centuries old - that have been converted to galleries, boutiques, antique shops, pubs, restaurants, an open-air market, and more!  Savannah's streetcar system travels through River Street, making access to any part of the riverfront easy once you are there.

Want to see River Street from the river?  Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers everything from sightseeing cruises to historic and dinner cruises along the Savannah River from which you can see much of the architecture and personality of River Street.  For something a bit different, the Savannah River Street Pirates cruises (to open in Spring, 2012) offer fun for the entire family while cruising up and down the Savannah River along River Street.  Make sure to keep an eye out for the Waving Girl during your river voyage!

Enjoy your day and evening on River Street, and then catch a streetcar back to one of our charming Savannah Inns where you can spend the evening unwinding and sharing stories with your innkeepers, other guests, or simply hide away in the comfort of your room.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Tall Ships challenge Savannah, Savannah Events

2012 is the year of noted events for our beautiful city!  First the Girl Scouts' 100 Year Anniversary, then our amazing Saint Patrick's Day celebration... and now a very exciting item is being added to the
list of this year's spring Savannah Events.  Savannah GA bed and breakfasts are joining in with the rest of the city to welcome the 2012 Tall Ships Challenge to our shores!

Tall Ships America is a nonprofit organization whose goal is "to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public, and support education under sail."  Their Tall Ships Challenge Race is geared towards this goal, as their yearly event is a maritime series of
events featuring traditionally-rigged sailing ships crewed by youth ages 13-25 who are affiliated with Tall Ships America.

Held at a different location around the North American seaboard each year, this incredible event is a five-day festival at each Host Port featuring historic, classic ships and Navy vessels from here and abroad.  The US Coast Guard's Barque Eagle will be in attendance, as well as the HMS Bounty.  And we have it on good authority that our friends at Savannah River Street Pirates will be sailing their pirate ship Renegade during the Tall Ships festivities!

From May 3, 2012 through May 7, 2012 these amazing ships and their events will be seen on the Savannah River.  River Street and the Promenade on Hutchinson Island will be the very best spots to view these magnificent ships.

Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome your visit during this unforgettable event.  We look forward to adding a touch of perfect southern hospitality to your stay!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Savannah City Market, Savannah GA Shopping

The inns of Historic Savannah recommend a visit to the Savannah City Market during your stay in our beautiful city for some great Savannah, GA Shopping!

Just two blocks from River Street on Jefferson at West Saint Julian St, the City Market came to life during the mid 1700's when it became the social and commerce center of the city.  Fishermen and farmers brought their goods for sale, residents came to meet up and purchase goods, and many businesses offering daily needs of the residents were established here.  Three main market buildings came and went during the following 200 years before the Market was threatened to be eliminated for good.

But Savannah is nothing if not history-minded!  Thanks to the efforts of the Historic Savannah Foundation, the Savannah city Market is now back in business and seems to draw in both tourists and locals for good food, shopping, museums, galleries, and entertainment in this charming two-block area of shops, businesses, galleries, eateries, and attractions.

There are still sights similar to those in the early day, as horse-drawn carriages and friendly faces can be found even today.  Shops now offer everything from antiques, to Savannah-made gifts.  Restaurants vary from casual to upscale, and all offer some great tastes of the City.  Live music can often be heard throughout the area, and the clubs offer some of the best jazz in the city.

Fourteen galleries and twenty-one artistic studios will satisfy your taste of the visual arts.  Daily entertainment is also offered in the courtyards most days of the weeks, weather permitting.  Kids especially enjoy our dancing waters area, and many will brave the unknown patterns and the chance to get a little wet!  There is always something to do and see at the City Market!

Just a short distance from the market itself, you can take some time to visit the First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest 'black' churches in America, and enjoy her history and atmosphere.  You can also stop by the Ships of the Sea Museum and enjoy models of famous ships, a beautiful garden, and gift shop.

A number of special events take place in the City Market courtyards and establishments throughout the year.  Some of the more popular events are the Valentine's Day Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Holiday Open House, and annual New Year's Eve Celebration.

But make plans now to enjoy the City Market's Saint Patrick's Day events, beginning Friday, March 16, 2012, and ending at the end of Saturday, March 17, 2012.  If you aren't a fan of the huge River Street Crowds, the City Market is the perfect place to celebrate all things Irish!  You'll see lots of green, lots of dancing, and lots of fun!  Live music can be enjoyed between noon and midnight both days of the celebration.

If you aren't in town for a Savannah City Market event, please keep in mind that most area businesses close at 6pm during the week.  Restaurants and clubs are open later, of course!

So add the Savannah City Market to your To Do list during your stay at a beautiful Savannah bed and breakfast!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Billy Joel Dinner Theatre in Savannah, Savannah Event

Savannah bed and breakfasts invite you to enjoy an area event like no other during your stay this spring.  The Jewish Education Alliance is proud to present the Billy Joel Dinner Theatre in Savannah on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 5:00 pm as part of their 100 Year Celebration event. 

Preforming will be the band The Stranger, a six-piece band that features vocalist Mike Santoro, and contains some of the great musicians in the business.  Presenting an uncanny take on Billy Joel's music, you might just think that The Piano Man is there in the flesh.  Santoro's vocals paired with the talent of the New Jersey band's musicians translate Billy Joel's music to an unforgettable experience.

The event will be held at the JEA in the guise of an Italian restaurant.  Italian food, wine, and beer will be offered, creating the perfect setting for Joel's music.  Admission to the occasion is $72 per person.  You can purchase tickets by calling the JEA at 912-355-8111, or purchase online at savannahjea.org.  Tickets must be purchased by April 20, 2012.

So come join us for this JEA signature event, and enjoy a great getaway at your favorite historic Savannah inn!

Friday, February 17, 2012

St Patricks Day in Savannah, Savannah Events

Savannah bed and breakfasts invite you to experience St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, one of the largest and best of all area events and celebrations!

Some have said the festivities surrounding the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah are similar to Mardi Gras. However, Savannah hosts only one parade, and displays of public nudity will get you arrested in our beautiful city.  Festivities in our city are for the entire family.

A week's worth of activities lead up to the spectacular St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012:

Friday, March 9, 2012 at noon:  Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain.

Saturday, March 10, 2012:  Tara Feis Irish Celebration, featuring Irish music, dancing, crafts, food and other family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Sunday, March 11, 2012:  Celtic Cross Mass and Ceremony - this Celtic Cross Procession to Bay Street is "the parade before The Parade," honoring family, heritage, and history surrounding Saint Patrick's Day.

Friday, March 16, 2012:  Sergeant William Jasper Green Ceremony, honoring this Revolutionary War hero, and all servicemen and women, with special recognition for those of Irish descent.

Saturday, March, 17, 2012 at 8am:  Mass at Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist downtown before the parade.

Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:15am:  The Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade begins!

And what a parade it is!  The St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest annual city parade, and the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the United States, if not the world!

Savannah's 3-hour parade features over 350 units, including floats, bands, military corps, and other organizations.  The parade route winds through the National Landmark Historic District and within two blocks of our beautiful downtown lodging options - some of them are actually on the parade route itself!  And it is just a short drive/ride from our Tybee Island inns to the parade route.

Historic River Street is THE place to be during the "green season", as events will be held during the week leading up to the parade, and the days following.  But of course the entire city will be celebrating the holiday, so you can certainly opt to have a quieter visit in other parts of town, closer to your bed and breakfast Savannah accommodations.

The innkeepers of the Romantic Inns of Savannah will be happy to offer suggestions for both popular and more-subdued Irish-related destinations during your stay.  We welcome you to the celebrations!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary, Savannah Event

March 12, 2012 marks the Girl Scouts 100th anniversary.  While Girl Scouting is a worldwide institution, Savannah is the birthplace of Girl Scouting in the United States.  As such, our member inns look look forward to this amazing time when they and the city bear witness to many girls in green, khaki, and blue in honor of this 2012 National and Savannah Event.

And welcome them, we will!


For those of you who lack a Girl Scouting background, let us fill you in on a brief bit of history.  Juliette (nicknamed Daisy) Gordon was born in Savannah in 1860, and married to William Mackay Low in 1886.  During her life and travels, she met Robert Baden-Powel, founder of the Scouting movement, and recruited Juliette into the Girl Guiding movement in England.  Juliette organized troops in England and Scotland before she returned to Savannah.  Once home, she recruited girls and leaders to register the first troup of American Girl Guides on March 12, 1912.  Thus the modern-day American Girl Scouts were born.

We expect a pilgrimage of literally thousands of Girl Scouts and their leaders to visit the city in honor of this milestone.  Girls from more distant homes are expected to stay at least three nights in the city.  Savannah therefore has activities planned in honor of the March 12, 2011 anniversary date, and the weekend prior.

On Saturday, March 10, 2012, a sea of girls and scout leaders are expected to walk across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge to symbolically bridge to the next century of girl scouting.  On Monday, March 12, a sunrise service in Forsyth Park will be held in honor of this very special day.  The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia will host events for girls of all ages.

The Juliette Gordon Low Girl Scout National Center, or Low House, was Juliettes birthplace.  Consisting of the Low House and Girl Scout club-room carriage house, this National Historic Landmark is already booked solid with tours for the Anniversary Weekend, and additional abbreviated tours will be offered from the 12th through the 16th to accommodate more of the anticipated visitors.  In fact, the attraction will probably be very busy throughout the remainder of 2012, as scout troops make post-Anniversary trips to the city.

Savannah, Georgia bed and breakfast inns are happy to welcome and accommodate Girl Scout troops during their visit to our beautiful city!  Contact the inn of your choice for price and availability.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Savannah Weddings, Savannah Honeymoons

Planning a wedding in 2012?  Why not let Savannah bed and breakfasts help you plan the perfect area wedding, and they are hosts to many Savannah honeymoons!

Savannah is the perfect place for southern tradition and romance.  It can be argued that Savannah is one of the most beautiful in the country, from its Spanish moss-covered garden squares, to its varied architectural styles, to its location just 17 miles from the Golf of Mexico.  In fact, our 22 garden squares paired with Historic District and Victorian Historic District make up one of the largest National Historic Districts in the US.  With all this history and beauty, there is no better place than Savannah to welcome you for your marriage or honeymoon.


Coming to Savannah for your honeymoon? What a great idea! The Romantic Inns of Savannah will go the extra mile in providing you the most comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable time together.  Most of our Savannah, Georgia bed and breakfasts feature Romance or Honeymoon Packages to help make your stay extra-special!  Our innkeepers will be glad to help you plan your activities and can point you towards tours, carriage-rides, or make restaurant reservations for you.  Special request details can often be accommodated.

Thinking of getting married in Savannah?  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you with that reknowned southern hospitality.  Their beautiful inns will make you feel right at home as you prepare for your big day.  Many of our member inns can accommodate small weddings and receptions, while others are the ideal retreat after your location ceremony.  Most have accommodation packages ideal for the wedding couple.

Of course, there is plenty to do in Savannah during your stay.  Activities and attractions abound for guests and newlyweds alike.

Have questions?  Visit the website of your Savannah inn of choice to explore wedding options, or contact our individual innkeepers for information, recommendations, and advice for planning the perfect Savannah wedding celebration.  Let our Savannah inns be the perfect start to your wedded bliss.  Come stay with us and let Savannah romance you!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Savannah River Street Pirates, Savannah River Tour

While staying at your favorite Savannah bed and breakfast, prepare to board with the Savannah River Street Pirates, a unique, fun filled experience for swashbucklers of all ages!  This new Savannah River Pirate Ship tour will depart from the dock at the Hyatt Regency hotel on River Street.  The River Street Pirates Savannah river tour attraction will open in the Spring of 2012.

The Pirate Ship attraction is being met with excitement from Facebook fans throughout Savannah and around the US.  From what we can see, a Savannah River Street Pirate tour will be an unforgettable experience for all!

The 60-foot Renegade pirate ship is currently being built.  It will feature snacks and drink service, a full-service bar for adult swashbucklers, an on-board restroom, audio system, lighting, and ships store where you can find your own pirate booty!  Also on board are 16 water cannons to defend the ship!  For the safety of their guests, the Pirate Ship will meet current United States Coast Guard regulations for safety and equipment.

Programs for all ages are currently being planned, including:  family fun cruises, sunset cruises, and evening cruises with pirate cocktails.  We have also noticed that the tour group is working with William Mayhem: pirate, magician, and entertainer from Saint Augustine, Florida... perhaps he will be visiting the Renegade on occasion?

Custom charters and historical group programs are also being advertised. It may be that you can have your own pirate wedding aboard the Renegade in the future! Birthday parties, Corporate Events, Field Trips and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties will also be options aboard the Renegade.

The Savannah River Street Pirates vessel will be located on the dock behind the Hyatt Regency. Prices will range from $10 to $30 per swashbuckler.  From what we can see, there should be something for everyone aboard the Renegade.  We look forward to discovering the launch date of the Savannah River Street Pirates tour season!

Make plans to stay at your favorite Savannah Georgia bed and breakfast inn this spring and get a taste of the pirates life during your visit!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Savannah Black History, Savannah Culture

Cultural roots in Savannah run deep.  No matter what your ancestry lineage, there are always things to see and do in Savannah which will bring you closer to both your own history, and the history of others.  And Savannah Culture would be incomplete without commemorating our Black History.

The month of February, 2012 is Black History Month in the United States, and Savannah is rich with Black history, tradition, and life today.

There is so much to see and do to commemorate this rich heritage, that it is impossible to list them all.  However, a few selections are listed below.  Ask your Savannah B&B inkeeper for additional information and ideas.

Locations of interest include:
The Savannah Beach Institute at 502 East Harris Street was established in 1867 by the American Missionary Association to educate newly-freed slaves.  The building is now home to the African-American Cultural Center with art displays, programs, and exhibits for the public.

The First African Baptist Church at 23 Montgomery Street is the oldest Black church in the U.S., and was a stop on the Underground Railroad.  Many features of the church interior are original to the building, including the Nine Patch Quilt on the ceiling, denoting the building as a Safe House for slaves.  More Underground Railroad and Church hisotry can be discovered at the church museum.
The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum at 460 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. follows the civil rights struggle in Savannah from slavery to the present.

The Haitian Monument, on Mongtomery Street near West Julian Street, reminds us that not all of the Black History in Savannah stems from Africa.  The Monument commemorates the 750 Haitian freemen who fought with the Colonial troops against the British in the Siege of Savannah on Oct. 9, 1779.

You can visit these locations and more on your own, or you can take a guided tour with Day Clean Soul, Savannah Visitors Center, Mikkis Tours by Taste, Georgia Tours, or any of several other tour hosts in the city.

Activities include:
February 1-16, 2012:  The Savannah Black Heritage Festival is currently in the planning stages and should have their schedule listed soon!  The theme this year is Journeys, Passages, and Transitions.

February 11, 2012:  The Savannah Black Heritage Festival Grand Festival Day.  This is a day for the entire family at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena in the Savannah Civic Center.  There will be activities for youth, food and retail vendors, and performances by nationally-known recording artists.  Actual schedule is yet to be published.

Soul Food:
Savannah is known for its great restraunts, and we have our fair share of soul-food-serving eateries.  The Wilkes House, Alligator Soul, Nevaea Soul Food, and the Garden of Eden are just a few of the great eateries specializing in great southern classics that will make you loosen your belt!

Come celebrate Black History Month in Savannah!  Our amazing Savannah Bed and Breakfast inns will gladly provide you with an unforgettable lodging experience as you explore the rich history of African-Americans and Hatians in Savannah!