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Savannah Vacation News

Information about Savannah Georgia, its historic district, and vacationing in Coastal Georgia.


September 23, 2005

Classic coastal Georgia cuisine – Low Country Boil known locally as Frogmore stew

Served piping hot right out of the pot, Savannah’s signature dish of boiled spicy unpeeled shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and new red potatoes are sure to please the most discriminating of palates.

Wondering what might be the source of the interesting spicy odors wafting out of the restaurants while strolling along River Street in Savannah’s Historic District? Mystery solved! You are in all likelihood coming in contact with variations of one of Savannah’s favorite culinary delight’s, drum roll please, Beaufort Stew, AKA Frogmore Stew better known on River Street as Low Country Boil. Depending on where you sample this low country concoction along South Carolina’s Heritage Corridor or the historic district of Savannah, by any other name we are talking about the same basic one pot delight.

Frogmore Stew was reputedly created back in the 1960’s on St. Helena’s Island, South Carolina in the community of Frogmore by the owner of the Gay Fish Company. Richard Gay claims that he was preparing a cookout for his fellow National Guardsmen while on weekend duty in nearby Beaufort. The dish was immediately very popular and went on to gain notoriety among the patrons of the first restaurant to serve this delicacy, Steamers Restaurant on Lady’s Island. Now that you have the history, make it a point to sample Low Country Boil on your next weekend getaway to Savannah’s historic district.

Some excerpts of this Blog courtesy of Sue Ade's Bluffton Today article.


September 22, 2005

Saving Savannah’s Landmark Historic District Civil War Monument

The City of Savannah announces plans to repair our storied Civil War Monument located on the old Parade Grounds in Forsyth Park across from the Mansion on Forsyth.

The City of Savannah plans to spend $240,000 to stop the erosion of the towering Savannah Civil War Monument in Forsyth Park. First presented to the city of Savannah in 1875 amidst a controversy to honor the Civil War dead by the “war widows” of the Ladies of the Savannah Memorial Association, the statue was modified in 1879. Wormsloe Plantation owner, George DeRenne paid for the modifications which included the bronze Confederate soldier standing guard at the top of the Memorial that replaced the initial allegorical figure of Justice.

Modern restoration plans by the City of Savannah include replacement of some of the eroding sandstone monument columns with plans to close the space behind the columns that allow water to collect. Additional work will include painting the bronze soldier, pointing gaps, and pinning details in danger of breaking off from future erosion. After stabilizing the monument with the initial plans, future plans call for a complete restoration of this recognizable Forsyth Park tourist attraction.


September 21, 2005

Design plans submitted for Ellis Square resurrection

The City of Savannah is seeking public input on design plans for Ellis Square, one of the six original squares laid out by Savannah’s founder, General James Oglethorpe.

Beginning next year, the City of Savannah will implement her well known plan to raze the existing City Market Parking Garage and replace this garage with a 1,075 space underground parking garage. Plans to resurrect Ellis Square, which the existing above ground garage replaced in the 1950’s, on top of this underground facility are underway as city officials have started the review process for at least two proposals for the finished square on completion of the underground parking garage.

City Market, which lies to the west of the existing parking garage is looking forward to the completion of Ellis Square and the newly formed avenue for foot traffic that will accompany this square on it’s completion. Plans for Ellis Square include sidewalk borders running the entire quadrant around the square, a greater number of trees than the twenty three other historic district squares, and a fountain that children can play in that will squirt water in timed bursts as they frolic around the fountain.

The design of Ellis Square will cost $150,000 with the City of Savannah budgeting $1.5 million for the completion of this long anticipated square.


September 20, 2005

Come join Savannah as it celebrates all things German during Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is sure to be lots of fun for the entire family with live bands, great food and activities for the kids.

Oktoberfest is coming to Savannah September 30th – October 2nd. Help celebrate Savannah’s German heritage on River Street with German food, beer, wine, contests, children’s activities and much more!

Thousands of locals and guests will enjoy the creative arts and crafts, live entertainment. Take the Georgia Bulldog Shrimp Boat Tours, watch the Wiener Dog Races, see the Oompah Band. The Marshall Tucker Band will be performing live at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 30th and Ambrosia will be taking the stage at 9 p.m. the next night.

This should be lots of fun for everyone, so be sure to mark your calendar and join in when Oktoberfest begins in Historic Savannah.


September 19, 2005

Georgia Ports Authority plans Interpretive Center at their Mulberry Grove Plantation Site along the Savannah River

Steps are being undertaken by Mulberry Grove Foundation and the GPA to create a tourist attraction in this colonial era historic plantation where Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793.

Originally designated as a military outpost in 1733 to protect the brand new Georgia Colony against the Spanish encroachment, this 2200 acre tract comprises two of the original twelve Georgia River Plantations set up by the English. Major General Nathanial Greene (Historic District Greene Square named for this colonial patriot) was awarded Mulberry Grove in 1785 at the completion of the Revolutionary War in appreciation of his service to his countrymen. The plantation passed through many hands prior to having the main house and outbuildings burned by Union General Sherman’s troops in the Civil War in 1864. Having been designated an historic location by the National Register of Historic Places ten years earlier, the Georgia Ports Authority purchased this acreage in 1985.

Characterized by the chairman of the Mulberry Grove Foundation as “the single most historic undeveloped site in America today”, both the GPA and MGF are joining forces as they attempt to deliver once again on the realization of the historic and economic powerhouse that Mulberry Grove Plantation once held within this same coastal Georgia community. The as of yet to be designed Interpretative Center will cost an estimated $5 to $10 million on completion, with the completed project characterized as “years down the road”.


September 18, 2005

The Olde Pink House restaurant in Savannah, Georgia

Relaxing, romantic Old South atmosphere where everyone goes home happy.

Built in 1771 for James Habersham, this brick Georgian mansion is one of the oldest buildings in Savannah. This home has served as a tearoom and a bank as well. Featuring the original Georgia pine floors and 18th century antiques it will remind you of Williamsburg, VA.

The specialty of The Olde Pink House is seafood. She-crab soup, Blue Crab in Vidalia onion sauce (seasonal), grouper, trout, flounder, pork, shrimp and duck are on the menu. You can eat your meal by candlelight in the dining rooms or in the Planter’s Tavern, where you can find music on Saturday night. Reservations are recommended.

The Olde Pink House is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.


September 17, 2005

Out of season coastal tours of South Carolina beaches and wetlands while visiting Savannah's historic district

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control invites local residents to discover the diverse treasures that make South Carolina such a magical place to live.

Starting today, South Carolina DHEC kicks off several week’s worth of “Coast Week” tours from the low country all the way to the grand strand along Coastal Carolina’s portion of the Heritage Corridor. Paddle down black river swamps, seek out dolphins in the ACE Basin, tour the lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park, or explore the beaches of the many South Carolina barrier islands during an annual nationwide celebration of coastal resources.

These tours are scheduled to coincide with the end of the high summer beach season after Labor Day as tourists return home from the last of their summer vacations. Local residents typically take back their coastal environment as they learn more about beaches and wetlands teeming with life as they combine education and adventure in these relaxing pursuits. This year’s national celebration of Coastal Weeks is even more profound in light of Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic landfall on America’s Gulf Coast late last month. The web of life microcosm contained within these linked coastal environments is a hugely important resource that holds the key to our own macrocosmic well being. Take the time to learn more about these natural infrastructures created by Mother Nature and you will surely come to appreciate the need for humankind to preserve and protect this irreplaceable life sustaining commodity.


September 16, 2005

Spacious home with Jacuzzi in Historic Savannah, Georgia

Located on Taylor St., this would be a great place for a family or for a couple wanting a romantic getaway.

The second floor of this two bedroom, one and a half bath home is unique because the entire floor is the master bedroom. There is a huge brick fireplace, washer and dryer and comfortable chairs for sitting as well. The full bath with Jacuzzi is also located on this floor.

If you have children, they will love their loft, which they climb a spiral staircase to enter. There are two beds in the loft, a double and single.

The huge, comfortable downstairs area includes the kitchen and living room. There is a lovely back porch with ceiling fans and a large fenced yard. Parking for two vehicles is provided in the back of the property.


September 15, 2005

Fortress Savannah on the high bluff overlooking the Savannah River

In her colorful history, Savannah has fortified her commanding view on the high river bluff she was built on against marauding Pirates, Spaniards, British and Yankees.

Even after setting up shop in the new world in 1733, early Savannahians made it a top priority to defend her citizens against invasion at her strategic location on the Savannah River. Pirates that sailed the waters of the Caribbean and up and down the eastern seaboard were a constant threat to early colonists. James Oglethorpe himself, on defeating the Spaniards that held modern day Florida in a battle at St. Simons Island, felt the need to cause various forts to be erected against this threat on several locations on the Savannah River as well as other Georgia waterways.

Though many of these colonial era forts are now lost to view under the tangle of Georgia underbrush having been mostly comprised of sandy bluffs dotted with rifle pits and a handful of cannon batteries buttressed with timbers of pine and oak, some of the more substantially constructed forts remain for visitors to view along the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers. Fort Pulaski, Fort Jackson, and Fort McAllister are all open for visitation by history buffs and protected by state and federal park caretakers. Even the restored wall of the old Fort Wayne is evident as you look south from Bay Street in the direction of Trustees Garden. If the history of warfare as waged over the past few hundred years is your passion, then Fortress Savannah should be high on your list for your next getaway weekend.


September 14, 2005

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Book Tour presented by Savannah Tours

This is a great tour to take after you have read the book by John Berendt, taking you to many of the historic sites noted in this famous book.

Before you visit Savannah you should really read the best selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. “The Book” (as it is known in Savannah) is loosely based on the story of antique dealer Jim Williams who goes on trial for murder, but the true story of this book is the city itself, along with the colorful locals of Savannah.

You can see many of the famous places noted in “The Book” by taking the Savannah Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Book Tour with Savannah Tours. The tour will take you to areas where the book took place and where the movie (directed by Clint Eastwood) was shot. You will visit Bonaventure Cemetery, the Mercer House which Jim Williams’ sister has now opened up the house and gardens as a museum.

Tours run daily at 10:00 a.m. and run about four hours. The cost is $54.95 for adults and $30.95 for children (7-17).


September 13, 2005

Day trip from Savannah, Ga. to Charleston, S.C. along the Heritage Corridor

While visiting Savannah for an extended period of time, plan a short holiday day trip north to Charleston, S. C., The Holy City.

One of the finest places to go for a vacation in the Southeast United States is Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston has the beach, river, art, music, and the rich Charleston history. Whatever be your preference, you will find everything from fine dining to art galleries to charming carriage rides in Charleston.

Charleston is an extremely famous historical site, so if you want your vacation to be filled with wonderful historical sites and tours, then Charleston is the place you want to be. In Charleston, you'll find historical tours focusing on the Civil War, patriots, slavery, Charleston history, and even pirates. There are also plantation tours that sweep you back in time. The Gone With The Wind Charleston City Tour is one of the most popular historical tours available in Charleston. On it, you'll get to view gorgeous plantations, some several hundred years old. There are also historical walking tours that you can take, as well as some fun ghost tours that you wouldn't want to miss.

Charleston also offers many other activities such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest orchestras in the South. You can also see ballet and many other types of performing arts at the excellent Dock Street Theater.

Once in Charleston, you wouldn't want to miss out on the food. Seafood is a Charleston specialty, and she-crab soup and crab cakes rank high on the list of tourist favorites. Charleston is also famous for its pecan pie. Don't miss the chance to try this delicacy. The taste of Charleston's meals will linger on in your memory for years to come.

In the midst of all the activity that Charleston offers, you'll find a secluded spot on the beach where you can relax when you feel tired. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach while you sip on fine Charleston lemonade as vendors of various kinds make it easy for you to get what you want. However, if you want a little more beach excitement, you can always try hang gliding over the ocean or go out on a shrimp boat.

There are so many things to do in Charleston that it's hard to choose and, finally, the holiday comes to an end and you have to leave. But, you leave with the promise to come back next year and the next. To find out more about all the activities available in Charleston, check out opur Charleston Tours web site.

Submitted by Charleston Tours guest weblogger


September 12, 2005

Upsurge of non-traditional destination weddings are ready made for Savannah’s trendy historic district

National trends indicate more and more couples are opting to be married in a decidedly non-traditional manner for truly memorable wedding day ceremonies.

Forget the tacky bridesmaid dresses, fidgeting relatives grudgingly packed into too small churches, and the amateurish wedding bands singing corny songs off key, more and more couples are bagging the traditional wedding gala in favor of more in keeping with their own philosophical life styles.

Recently some of my extended family members, along with 40+ close friends and relatives, flew into the island destination of St. Johns for a mountain top wedding ceremony overlooking the Caribbean for their well orchestrated and long planned nuptial gathering. Understanding that not every family can afford an expensive jaunt off to exotic resort destinations, a little budget friendly creativity can go a long way in becoming your own wedding planner for memorable ceremonies.

One anecdotal article reports a couple that eloped with only their best friend, their beloved dog in attendance for the actual ceremony with the real fun coming later at the local bowling alley, replete with the bride in denim, the groom in black converse and assorted family members in customized bowling shirts. Talk about a one of a kind wedding event!

Savannah, Georgia certainly lends herself to these type quirky destination wedding ceremonies with a gamut of venues to cover the most discerning wedding ceremony and after party reception or the most intimate gathering of close friends and family. More and more wedding parties continue to arrive in the landmark historic district year after year as the thriving $72 billion wedding industry is alive and well as couples continue to seek out creative ceremonies in popular tourism locales for their own destination wedding.


September 11, 2005

Take the only tour of homes scheduled for fall 2005 in Savannah

Take this historic tour through some of Savannah's most beautiful homes and churches on October 22, 2005.

On Saturday, October 22, 2005, St. Joseph’s/Candler will present St. Vincent’s Annual Historic Tour & Tea.

The nuns will open their Convent home to the public for touring and tea. The tour also includes Cathedral of St. John The Baptist and eight private homes in the Historic District. This is the only tour of homes this fall in Savannah.

The centerpiece of this self-guided tour is the tea, homemade confections and traditional tea sandwiches served on the grounds of the Convent.

Proceeds benefit the Historic preservation of the original 1845 Convent building. Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 22nd and costs $35 per person.


September 10, 2005

Savannah Historic District Church on Telfair Square commemorates exterior renovation with fundraiser to pay off remaining debt this weekend

In 1850, Trinity Church on St. James Square held a fundraiser to pay off the remaining $1800 debt of the initial construction cost of $20,000 for the newly completed church characterized by some of that era as “the handsomest public edifice in the city.

A well known Indian saying (Sanskrit, perhaps) postulates the theory that the more things change, the more they remain the same. This would seem to be the case with the scheduled fundraising gala this weekend for Trinity United Methodist Church located adjacent to The Telfair Museum on Telfair Square this weekend. Savannah residents have long admired the classic beauty of this Historic District Corinthian influenced architecture and are once again stepping up to the plate to reduce the associated costs of this newly completed exterior restoration project with a Saturday gala from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Telfair Square featuring food, music, an art auction, and a performance of “Godspell” by the Savannah Children’s Theater.

Savannah native and current pastor, Reverend Enoch Hendry characterized the restoration as “successful beyond our wildest expectations” as the renovation more closely approximates the original edifice circa 1850. “What we have done is restored one of Savannah’s architectural gems”, said Hendry who believes “we still think we have the most beautiful church in town.” Tickets to this event can be purchased for $40 per person.


September 10, 2005

Historic Rice Plantations in coastal South Carolina and Georgia making a comeback along the Heritage Corridor

In 1685, a gift of less than a bushel of rice to a Charleston surgeon as a show of gratitude from a storm battered captain and his crew seeking refuge in the Charles Town Harbor gains a toehold in pre-colonial Carolina territory.

Prized for it’s diverse cooking qualities, exquisitely soft texture, and superior flavor, Carolina Gold Rice was much sought after throughout the world markets of pre-colonial era America. Carolina Gold Rice thrived in the sub-tropical weather and tidal river marshes with the state of South Carolina ultimately achieving thousands of acres of rice production with it’s rich plantation owners. Over time the production of this cash crop gained equal importance in coastal Georgia.

An important component to the rise in popularity of Carolina Gold rice was the African slave trade, particularly those arriving from the West African rice coast. These West African indiginous culture People's skills were essential due to their expertise in rice cultivation as well as the knowledge handed down from generation to generation of all things rice related. These slaves not only knew the secrets of cultivation but were instrumental in introducing the African way of cooking and preparing this delicacy in the plantation households that resided at. Without the slaves, there would be no rice industry and without the rice industry, there would be no Carolina Gold offering of this locally grown favorite. As rice production moved on to other local areas that could better sustain mechanized cultivation, it eventually died out in the low country during the Civil War era.

Fast forward to today and it is noted that a handful of modern day “plantation owners” scattered up and down the South Carolina/Georgia coast are now actively cultivating this timeless low country delicacy as it makes a comeback of sorts. With the October rice harvest due next month, you can try this household staple yourself by ordering milled rice from several low country rice mills websites or by calling (843) 726 - 3743. 


September 09, 2005

Cooking on the high seas with Paula Deen

CruiseOne and Paula Deen present a week of cooking and fun, Southern Style!

Paula Deen is teaming with CruiseOne to host a week at sea in the Caribbean. She will set sail on The Celebrity Millennium with her sons, Jamie and Bobby, on April 2, 2006. There will be cooking demonstrations, Southern BBQ, photo and autograph sessions.

The “Paula Cookin’ at Sea” cruise has limited space, so sign up now! Prices range from $1,099 to $1689 per person.

This is sure to be a fun-filled week you won’t soon forget, so pack your bags and sign up today!!


September 08, 2005

Southern Governors meet at Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia to discuss tourism.

The state of Georgia was chosen this year to host the 71st annual meeting of Southern Governors for discussions on a variety of topics including tourism through the Heritage Corridor in southern states.

Just prior to Hurricane Katrina drawing a bead on the Gulf Coast, many southern Governors met at the posh Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia. Among other issues, Governor Sonny Perdue returned to his ongoing theme of emphasizing heritage tourism and how the states can better collaborate in promoting this “historic and cultural sites within the south” was once again one of the themes touched on in this year’s meeting. A spokesperson for the Governor’s office released a statement asserting “Travelers from around the world are beginning to want more interesting and historic activities in their vacations. We see those examples in historic locations in Savannah, visitors to remnants of Native American cultures in Northwest Georgia, and visitors to Atlanta who want to see civil rights movement historic sites.”

The states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina have been actively promoting the Heritage Corridor that runs parallel to their already popular seashore coastal regions for the past few years running. Guided tours in both Georgia and Florida are already implementing tourism programs shedding light on the clash of the Spanish and English Nations in the early pre-colonial days when these two states were both claimed by each respective nation. Tourists traveling these “corridors” north to south and south to north have shown much interest in learning more about the historic events that took place in these coastal regions a few hundred plus years ago.

Also in attendance at this year’s meeting were well known Georgia natives, comedian Jeff Foxworthy and Savannah’s own Paula Deen. Both personalities had scheduled events for the six hundred attendees at this year’s meeting.


September 07, 2005

Savannah vacation rental property, great location for your next getaway!

Three bedroom, two bath condo sleeps six with recent renovations.

Newly renovated three bedroom, two bath condo in beautiful brick building on Lincoln Street, just a short walk to River Street.

Features three private bedrooms with a queen size bed in the first bedroom and trundle beds (which can be converted to two twins) in the other two bedrooms, wet bar, four TVs with cable provided and washer/dryer. This 1200 square foot condo has hardwood floors throughout and high ceilings.

Great location – nearby to SCAD library and theater, surrounded by great restaurants and shops.


September 07, 2005

Short-Term Alternative Housing Resources for Hurricane Katrina Victims throughout the USA

Networked links to local, regional, and national providers of short term housing for Hurricane Katrina victims.

An assortment of local, regional, and national relief agencies including real estate/vacation rental resources are networking together to link respective websites that are offering alternative housing to homeless Hurricane Katrina victims. Much of the housing referenced on these linked web sites are free of charge and the remainder are offered at highly discounted rates to our Gulf Coast friends in need of short term accommodations as we move into phase two of connecting victims with individual homes. To obtain more information about alternative housing in the greater Savannah and coastal Georgia area, feel free to contact our reservation desk at (866) 690 – 2074 and we will direct those requiring temporary housing to appropriate area resources in our coastal Georgia community.

There will be an ongoing effort over the weeks and months ahead to keep resources connected as we update our linked websites on a daily basis as we seek these resources out in the public domain. We invite all legitimate sources of temporary housing to post your offering with any of the linked web sites below of your choosing, request linkage for your website featuring inventory of alternative housing, and extend a helping hand to those in need of this shelter.


September 06, 2005

Savannah Getaways coordinating locally to make available select properties in greater Savannah area for Katrina victims.

Local real estate professionals are working together with other coastal Georgia real estate principals and local relief agencies in an effort to provide short term housing for displaced Hurricane Katrina victims.

Amid the chaos and confusion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, local real estate professionals are coming together to provide housing options for a minimum of 90 days and longer with this collective inventory of properties that are sitting vacant at discounted rates and in some instances free of charge in an attempt to ease the suffering somewhat for those displaced Gulf Coast evacuees that have no homes to go back home to.

These homes are fundamentally the second phase of this relief effort when homes will be required for months by the homeless prior to returning to their demolished homes in Katrina's path along the Gulf. These homes will be provided on a case by case basis as individual property owners will do what they can in this effort commensurate with their financial requirements to keep these investment properties filled under normal conditions. Some homes will be offered in a furnished condition while others will require donated furniture for temporaray housing needs. To find out more about this relief effort, call toll free at (866) 690 – 2074.


September 05, 2005

The Savannah College of Art and Design offers relief for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Many schools around the country offer assistance to students displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced that in an effort to help those displaced by Hurricane Katrina it will offer free tuition for eligible students for the Fall Quarter 2005. These students will enter as transient students. The fall quarter starts September 14th and ends on November 22nd.

Those interested should contact admission@scad.edu or call toll-free in Savannah 1-800-869-7223. Applications can be filled out online. You must provide documentation that you were enrolled for fall 2005 in a college or university that closed due to Hurricane Katrina and had paid for that tuition. This offer is for the fall 2005 quarter only and does not include housing or meals.

Students already scheduled to attend SCAD will be offered deferment of tuition and other payments for 30 days and a fund has been set up to help those students in affected areas with materials and school supplies.

Contact SCAD for questions and more information.


September 04, 2005

Panthers, and Alligators, and Bears, Oh My!

Indigenous wildlife native to coastal Georgia’s maritime forest and salt marsh ecosystem available for review in their natural habitat located just minutes from Savannah’s historic district.

Oatland Island Education Center is a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, and the premier environmental education center in the southeast, serving thousands of students from school systems throughout the region. Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, the center features a 2 mile "Native Animal Nature Trail" that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Along the way, visitors can observe native animals such as Florida panthers, Eastern timber wolves, alligators, and many more in their natural habitat.

More than 50 indigenous Georgia animals are used in educational programming, many of which are an endangered and/or threatened species. Most animals are located along a 2 mile trail in large, natural enclosures. Animals living at Oatland include bison, Florida panthers, wolves, alligators, bears, and diverse raptors. All the animals living on Oatland Island have been rescued and could not otherwise survive on their own in the wild or they would not be living here.

Savannah Historic District visitors are always welcome as the center is open to the public for self-guided trail walks Monday-Friday 9-4 and most Saturdays from 10-4 and is less than ten minutes from the district by car. Daily admission is $3 per person, ages 4 and up. This Nature Center is located 5 miles east of downtown Savannah off Islands Expressway at 711 Sandtown Rd. Call (912) 898-3980 for more information.


September 03, 2005

New exhibition at the Telfair Museum in Historic Savannah

Featuring a variety of items from the work of American artist Maxfield Parrish, the Master of Make-Believe.

The Telfair Museum in Savannah is the oldest museum in the South. The Historic building was designed by English architect William Jay.

September 28 - November 27, 2005, the Telfair Museum will feature an exhibition of the work of Maxfield Parrish. This well known American artist studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His imaginative style was fused into his beautiful paintings and illustrations.

Over 80 works of art will be featured for your viewing pleasure, assembled from diverse collections. This will include paintings, photography studies, book illustrations and original murals. Some of Parrish’s own props, photographs and set models will also be shown.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue.


September 02, 2005

Sherman's stay in Savannah

The owner of the Sorrel-Weed House provides historic insight into the connection between two historic homes on Madison Square in the landmark historic district where Union Army General was headquartered at the conclusion of his infamous March to the Sea.

When General William Tecumseh Sherman captured Savannah in December, 1864, he used the Green Meldrim House for his headquarters. The Sorrel Weed House was used by his top adjutants and Generals. It is hard to envision the tents of Union soldiers pitched throughout Madison square today, but that was the Savannah scene in 1864-1865. Francis Sorrel attended a party for General Sherman at the Green Meldrim House while his son General Moxley Sorrel was still in the field with Lee's army in Virginia. Moxley was irritated by this, and it caused a short term argument within the Sorrel family. Sherman was particularly impressed with the formal parlor of The Sorrel Weed House, and made comments To Francis Sorrel of the irony of General Lee being there just 3 years earlier.

The Green and Sorrel families were very close friends, and Charles Green was to be buried in Laurel Grove cemetery in the Sorrel vault. Although he is buried in Virginia, there is an empty tomb with his name on it today in the Sorrel plot.

The Sorrel Weed House is offering Savannah walking tours of Madison and Monterey squares with plans to expand these tours on completion of the two year renovation of this historic home in October later this fall high season. This historic Bed and Breakfast will be offering self catered and non-catered rooms with oversized Jacuzzi’s in every suite to tourists and business travelers in addition to tours of select floors with period antiques once renovations are complete.

Contributed by Steven Bader


September 01, 2005

"Haunted" cottage in Savannah available for your next vacation rental

Rustic 18th century cottage, close to all attractions, shops and restaurants in Historic Savannah.

One bedroom, one bath cottage located between Columbia Square and Greene Square. This cottage dates back to the 18th century and it is believed that Isaiah Davenport lived here as he was building his grand brick mansion, The Davenport House.

This cottage, called Laura's Cottage, is also said to be “haunted” by the ghost of a midwife and occasionally you will find a dime, a nickel and two pennies in the cottage. This is the price of a midwife in the 18th century. The cottage is featured in many of the ghost tours around Savannah.

With original heart pine boards, exposed post and beam construction, antiques and original artwork, this cozy cottage is a unique place to stay in Savannah.


August 31, 2005

The Paula Deen Tour of Savannah highlights Paula's rise to the top

Old Savannah Tours provide the ultimate look inside Paula's favorite places in Savannah and detail her heartwarming "rags to riches" story.

The Paula Deen Tour, presented by Old Savannah Tours, provides a peek into the life of cooking entrepreneur, Paula Deen. The tour takes you by some of Paula’s favorite shops and includes lunch at Paula’s newest restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, where you can enjoy great fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere.

Guests of the Paula Deen Tour receive a gift bag of goodies and an exclusive VIP pass to the Lady and Sons restaurant.

You need to purchase your tickets 48 hours ahead of time due to limited seating. Tickets are $48 for adults and $30 for children (includes ages 12 and under). The tours run Monday through Saturday and last about 4 hours.


August 30, 2005

Featuring the best in independent films, the Savannah Film Festival presents filmmaking awards and community enrichment through a variety of workshops

Festival growing in size with an average attendance of 35,000 and is gaining extensive local and national coverage.

Savannah is a city that promotes creativity – you will see it in the many art galleries, the wide variety of cultural events, theater, sidewalk art festivals, music festivals and the street performers on River Street. At the center of this artistic explosion is the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Each year SCAD presents the Savannah Film Festival, which has promoted quality independent films and filmmakers. More than 50 films are selected from over 600 entries in a variety of categories. Lifetime Achievement Awards are also presented to outstanding individuals in film each year.

Professional workshops and lectures for the community and local schools address acting, producing, animation, filmmaking, etc. There is also a student competition for films which allows local students to meet with the filmmakers following screenings.

The Savannah Film Festival, which began in 1998, will take place from October 29th through November 5th, 2005. Tickets go on sale on October 1st at Trustees Theater box office or by calling (912) 525-5050.


August 29, 2005

Pre-Colonial Bethesda Home for Boys, the nation’s oldest working orphanages was established in the Georgia Colony

Encouraged by Benjamin Franklin, Reverend George Whitefield, one of the religiously diverse cultural early influences in Colonial Savannah founded the Bethesda Boys Home in Colonial Savannah in 1737.

The early history of Savannah, Georgia is remarkable for a great number of history making events in the Georgia Colony set up by Oglethorpe shortly after his arrival in 1733, not the least of which is the sheer diversity of its people. Religious observance of many faiths played a hugely important role in the early life of Savannah. In addition to its founding English settlers, Jewish settlers fleeing the horrors of the inquest arrived from London in the summer of 1733; they later founded the Temple Mickve Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the South. In the spring of 1734 came Evangelical Lutherans from Salzburg who settled on the Savannah River at a town they named Ebenezer. Scottish Highlanders and German Moravians came in 1736, followed by Dutch, Welsh, and Irish settlers. John and Charles Wesley conducted Anglican services. In 1737 the Reverend George Whitefield arrived and soon after founded Bethesda Boys Home, colonial America's first orphanage.

Featuring a rich history of selflessly giving to those in need, the Bethesda Home for Boys has followed the example of it’s founding father and expanded his mandate to provide relief of “distressed widows and schooling and maintaining of poor children.” With over 265 years of continual service to the greater coastal Georgia community around Savannah proper, this storied orphanage continues to be a beacon of hope for those in need.


August 28, 2005

Birding on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail along coastal Georgia's Heritage Corridor

According to state wildlife biologists, Georgia’s Bald Eagle population has stabilized with more than eighty nesting pairs of this endangered species of our National bird of prey. Observe these birds in their natural habitat through coastal Georgia.

Coastal Georgia is steeped in human and natural history. Since the first human inhabitants colonized the coast, man and the abundant natural resources found here have been inexorably linked. A visit to one or more sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail will provide you with the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty of a kaleidoscope of birds and glimpse the fascinating history of this land and its residents.

More than 300 species of birds (75 percent of the total species of birds seen in Georgia) have been spotted at the 18 sites along the birding trail. Don't expect to see most of these birds on a single visit. The birds you see will depend greatly on when and where you visit. Some birds can be seen throughout the year. Others are migratory and travel long distances from their breeding grounds to wintering areas.

Each site along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail is unique. Many sites offer visitors the opportunity to watch birds and visit 18th and 19th century historic places. Other sites are located on lands and waters that were once part of early plantations dedicated to growing rice, indigo and cotton. So whether you want to see a bald eagle soaring over a coastal river, an endangered wood stork feeding its gawky young, sanderlings chasing the waves on a sandy beach, or a great egret standing motionless in a placid pond, the Colonial Coast Birding Trail has something for you. Some of the above excerpts provided courtesy of Georgia Wildlife Department of Natural Resources


August 27, 2005

Georgia eighth most popular tourist destination in the county last year

From the mountains of North Georgia to the historic district of Savannah, tourists had Georgia on their mind with 15 billion plus tourism dollars spent while visiting the Peach State in 2004.

Georgia had a banner year in 2004 as tourists did indeed have "Georgia on their mind" along with her southern neighbor in Florida and our two Carolina neighbors to the north with a 6% increase in Georgia alone. The recently established The New Georgia Tourism Foundation has plans to keep Georgia in tourists mind’s for years to come with implementation of marketing plans to attract more business travelers as well as the garden variety vacation traveler. A few of the foundation’s immediate goals are plans to create free wireless internet access at all Georgia Travel Centers for travelers passing through these centers as well as plans to create an online booking service linking hotels and motels across the entire state for seamless booking of nightly lodging reservations.

Georgia hosted 46.2 million visitors last year with 10 million driving through the state en route to other tourist destinations and an 26.9 million that stayed at least one night during their visit. Georgia has proven herself in previous yeas as a favorite regional tourism destination with two thirds of her visitors originating out of the state of Georgia which goes against the national trend which typically averages only half of their visitors from other states with approximately half of all tourism dollars coming from within traditional state boundaries.


August 26, 2005

Savannah’s favorite summer time treat, boiled peanuts – Low Country Caviar

What all the fuss is about at Savannah area road side stands, vegetable markets and countless other produce outlets, low country legumes for your snack food cravings.
If you are not from this part of the country or anywhere else in the Deep South for that matter and merely passing through this coastal vacation destination, you might want to sample what the local natives line up to buy every summer, hot boiled green peanuts. While not necessarily the snack of choice of the uninitiated, most first timers quickly become aficionados of one of our favorite southern treats on sampling this culinary goober offering for the first time. So while we still have some time left in the late summer growing season, make sure you sample this beloved southern delicacy, hot boiled peanuts eaten right out of your own brown paper bag or Styrofoam cup. Next thing you know, we’ll have you sitting down to a meal of chitlins and collard greens on your next visit to the low country.

August 25, 2005

The Heritage Corridor – The Sportsman’s Paradise nestled away in the low country

Golf, tennis, sailing, flat water kayaking, and fishing on the coastal border of Georgia and South Carolina.

If one looks around at the travelers arriving and departing Savannah – Hilton Head International Airport, it might seem you are in the locker room of the Augusta National rather than a bustling airport with all the golf bags being carted around. No mystery here, these duffers are probably en route to or returning from Hilton Head Island less than an hour away with her twenty championship golf courses (fourteen of which offer public access) including those courses that are located even closer in nearby Bluffton.

And Golf enthusiasts aren’t the least of the sporting crowd that annually visit this legendary resort island with plenty of tennis aficionados in evidence as well as the 350 or so tennis courts can attest to among the 7000 villas and timeshare accommodations, many of them hidden away in gated communities. With twelve miles of beach rim access on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, there is plenty of opportunities for sailing, surfing, a variety of boating, and fishing of all descriptions for the more aquatic loving visitor to this historically popular tourist destination. Whatever your leisure pursuit, you are likely to find it when visiting Savannah and the surrounding area


August 24, 2005

If you enjoy a taste of the good life, this upscale Savannah vacation rental is perfect!

Recent renovations add to the appeal of this two story carriage house in the heart of the Historic District.

This two bedroom and one and a half bath carriage house is unique in its design because the living room, dining room and kitchen are on the top floor and the bedrooms are on the bottom floor. The Liberty House was built in 1870 and has recently undergone renovations to make your stay even more comfortable.

Two large pillars separate the dining room from the living room and you will find lovely paintings throughout. Open the curtains your bedroom in the morning to allow the sunshine in while you taken in the beautifully landscaped shared courtyard.

This upscale accommodation will make you feel right at home while you’re in Savannah!


August 23, 2005

Plenty of fresh local shrimp for seafood lovers during the fall season anticipated if the weather conditions cooperate

Just like homegrown tomatoes are always better tasting than tomatoes grown commercially, shrimp harvested in local waters and served fresh are highly sought after by savvy seafood lovers.

Experts anticipate a larger than usual fall season harvest of white shrimp this season. Although the unknown factor of this equation as always this time of year remains the unknown component of the hurricane season as too much rain pushes shrimp to deeper waters away from recreational shrimpers who cast in the fall. This promises to be good news after last fall’s dismal season that produced fewer and smaller shrimp during the fall shrimping season.

This years spring season began late when cooler water temperatures in local coastal waters slowed the spawn and growth of white shrimp. Some reports indicate there was only about a month’s worth of decent brown shrimp catches that were typically too small for the most part. Based on preliminary reports of plenty of shrimp in bait nets so far, at least one area seafood wholesaler allows that “we see no reason why this fall won’t be a good season.” Good news indeed for shellfish fans and Savannah area seafood restaurants.


August 22, 2005

River Street Marketplace in Savannah, a unique open-air market on the river

Featuring many unique items imported from around the world - all in one place!

For a unique shopping experience in Savannah, visit River Street Marketplace. This open-air market is located right on the River and features 50 shops with imported items from all around the world.

The Coat of Arms Shoppe can trace the history of your family name as well as your family’s Medieval Coat of Arms.

Savannah Brown, LTD features a large selection of wood and stone carvings from Kenya. All pieces are handmade.

O’Donoghue’s Irish Imports offer handcrafted items from Ireland including soaps, perfumes, figurines and pendants.

These are just a few of the many shops located in this marketplace, reminiscent of the Sheds that stood on River Street in the 1800s.


August 21, 2005

Walking River Walk or Strolling River Street, Savannah’s River Street is the Historic District's most popular attraction

Regardless of the name you choose to call River Street, the main thing is to make sure you do not miss your own personal walking tour along the Savannah River.

We gave up trying to correct first time historic district visitors years ago with all their inquiries we were receiving about availability of self catered accommodations in easy walking distance to “river walk”. There never has been a designation of a “River Walk” for the cobblestone street running alongside the Savannah River per se, even though technically this is what the thousands of daily visitors are actually doing on this highly trafficked pedestrian causeway. River Street with it’s strategic placement on a high bluff overlooking the Savannah River has enjoyed a huge resurgence of popularity since Savannah’s civic leaders joined forces in the late 1970’s to implement the River Street Urban Renewal Project.

Nowadays, these nine blocks of renovated 19th century era cotton warehouses house approximately eighty restaurants, pubs, night spots, hotels, shops, galleries, and boutiques making this particular location Savannah’s number one tourist attraction. While walking along the Savannah River, first time tourists quickly understand why Savannah is ranked as the fifth largest cargo port of call in the United States with the many building size super ships being ferried through the murky waters of the Savannah River by the attendant tug boats that carefully maneuver these massive sea going vessel’s through the fifty plus foot deep waters.

The strategically placed stone paved ramps that connect River Street to Bay Street are actually made of European ballast stones that gave schooners added stability on their Atlantic crossing from Europe when cotton was king in this thriving antebellum port city. A perfect blending of history, romantic ambiance, gourmet restaurants, and plenty of tourist attractions has assured historic Savannah’s annual designation well into the 21st century as a top ten vacation destination here in the United States. Just be careful not to misstep on the cobblestones while sauntering along Savannah’s “River Walk.”


August 20, 2005

Whether planning a romantic getaway, a couples getaway or a family getaway, this vacation rental in Savannah, GA is where you'll want to stay!

Located in the heart of the Historic District, near the square where Forrest Gump's opening shot was filmed, this spacious townhouse will offer an opportunity to live like a local.

At one time, Forrest Gump’s famous bench was located in the square just steps from this one bedroom, one bathroom vacation rental. This circa 1854 townhouse features the original cooking hearth, fireplace and exposed pine beams.

This 1400 square foot townhouse is extremely spacious with hardwood floors throughout. The bedroom features a queen size canopy bed. There is also a sleeper sofa if you’re bringing your family.

In the morning, you can enjoy your coffee at the table out in the lovely courtyard. Parking passes can be arranged with the owner.


August 19, 2005

A thoroughly modern Southern Belle, The vibrant City of Savannah, Georgia has proven herself highly adaptable over the past 272 years

Forward leaning Savannah – honoring her historic past this storied coastal city blends tourism, one of America’s leading ports, and high tech industry to keep this regional economic power a major player nationally with her evolving economic developmen

Savannah hosts nearly six million guests a year to this southern gem of a coastal Georgia city with her antebellum style and gracious hospitality. Not resting on her laurels as a major travel destination for national and international tourists alike, the Hostess City also boasts a robust maritime friendly infrastructure for accommodating massive container ships world wide, and three different institutions of higher learning that are all expanding their course offerings and enrollments.

Savannah's diversified economy appears to be on solid ground with new hotels, new housing developments, and new industries that are high tech in nature coming online at a breath taking rate almost daily it seems. And the heart of this growth within the historic district has not been idle either as plans to restore Ellis Square in the City Market area move forward along with an ambitious underground parking garage to take care of the increased parking needs for Savannah’s 365 days a year stream of tourists.

The eclectic mix of new and old as demonstrated by exquisitely rendered period correct restored historic homes, restaurants serving varied fare, trendy galleries, boutique shops, and the largest art school in the country, Savannah College of Art and Design, with the campus scattered throughout the historic district with 50+ buildings. All things considered, this southern sultry lady remains a lively southern belle indeed.


August 18, 2005

Savannah's own Paula Deen to make film debut in Cameron Crowe's Elizabethtown, which stars Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst

Is there anything she can't do? Paula Deen adds acting to her already busy resume.

Paula Deen is scheduled to make her movie debut in the new Cameron Crowe movie, Elizabethtown.

The romantic comedy focuses on the life of Drew Baylor, a man who is down on his luck, who finds an unexpected romance on the way to his father’s hilarious memorial in Kentucky.

The movie stars Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Alec Baldwin. Paula Deen plays Aunt Dora. The movie is scored by Cameron Crowe’s wife Nancy Wilson of the band Heart.

This movie promises to be full of laughs and romance, so if you’re a Paula Deen fan be sure and buy your ticket early!


August 18, 2005

Eco – Tour Vacation Packages on Sea Island, Georgia

Just forty – five minutes away from Savannah by car up I – 95, Sea Island, Georgia has much to offer getaway weekenders with ecology tour packages and golf tour packages included to this exclusive island destination in Coastal Georgia.

Even before hosting last year’s G-8 Summit of world leaders, The Heritage Corridor's Sea Island has long been favored by the elite in search of upscale coastal accommodations. For more than 75 years, Sea Island has continued its ongoing commitment to preserve its natural surroundings. The Eco-Adventure Package is an educational getaway that gives guests the opportunity to observe southeast Georgia’s one-of-a-kind natural coastline environment.

Sea Island Vacation Packages include:

This Salt Marsh Eco-Adventure by boat with on-site Naturalist Stacia Hendricks, offers visitors the opportunity to experience an up-close look at the beauty of the island’s delicate, rich eco-system, from dolphins to birds to the surrounding marshes.

• Three nights room accommodations in a Cloister guest room

• Breakfast buffet for two daily in The Beach Club Dining Room

• One picnic basket for two With packages starting at $1,150

Call or E-mail for more details on our three night Eco-Adventure package by going to our web site at the end of this Blog post.

*The three-night stay must encompass a Wednesday or Friday night.

Other outdoor eco-activities not included in the package are the Natural History Horseback ride along the marsh, ocean, beach, and inner dunes; the Bird Watching Walk, offering a glimpse at resident shore, wading, and song birds; Eco-kayak Tour through the surrounding marshes and Spring Saltwater Fishing.


August 17, 2005

Sightseeing in Scenic Savannah – Historic Beauty in this stop along the Heritage Corridor

If a history filled vacation getaway is your idea of relaxation and inspiration, then traveling the Heritage Corridor that Interstate 95 slices through while running coastal Georgia should be a top priority in setting your travel itinerary.

Savannah’s historic district is the premier destination along Interstate 95’s colonial era route for your next long weekend getaway. Savannah undoubtedly has the greatest concentration of fine historic homes, museums, and historic sites to be found in the southeastern United States, if not the country in her 2.3 square mile Landmark Historic District. There is plenty to see and do with a broad spectrum of sightseeing options for visitors and locals alike including Civil War forts, art and history museums, and a multitude of grand old mansions including Hodgson Hall, a living library that documents much of the rich history surrounding Savannah as well as houses The Georgia Historical Society.

Given all of Savannah’s unique history, art, and architecture, it would be a good idea to have an advance plan of specific points of interest that you wish to spend more time exploring on your next visit to the Hostess City. Our easy to read oversized Historic District Points of Interest sectional map featuring nine distinct sections is the perfect tool for customizing your personal sightseeing options prior to your arrival of this significant destination along the Heritage Corridor.


August 16, 2005

Savannah College of Art and Design presents many events throughout the Historic District featuring the work of SCAD students and faculty

On your next trip to Savannah plan to visit an exhibition presented by SCAD, highlighting the talented people associated with this artistic school.

The Savannah College of Art and Design hosts many events throughout the year around the Historic District.

The Red Gallery, located at 201 E. Broughton Street, is currently featuring the work of SCAD students, faculty and staff called Reorder. The exhibit highlights how artists process information and presents unique perceptions of their environment. This exhibition is free to the public and closes on September 16.

Habersham Hall is currently featuring the work of British landscape artist, Julia Barton, who is a SCAD artist-in-residence. The living sculptural exhibit, called Resurrection, is created out of the weed-filled courtyard of the former Chatham County Jail and features plants found in South Georgia. This is also free to the public and closes on September 30.

Check out the SCAD website to find out more information on upcoming events and exhibitions.


August 15, 2005

Savannah Getaways courting Canadian tourists with discount accommodation rates

Savannah Getaways kicks off Fall Flings to the Historic District for Canadian tourists in the fall high season.

Savannah Getaways joins in with SEDA (Savannah Economic Development Authority) in opening up new opportunities for rewarding the State of Georgia’s largest single trading partner, Canada by offering discounted lodging rates for Canadians visiting Savannah Georgia during the coming fall high season. For the next 30 days (promotion to kick off on august 16 and end on September 16), all Canadian citizens* will be rewarded for booking accommodations during this time frame with discounts in the high season of up to 20% off on selected participating consortium properties for self catered accommodations that are booked through Savannah Getaways and stayed in through November 15th, 2005.

To obtain more information about how our Savannah Fall Flings to the Historic District will save your money this fall, contact our reservation desk at (866) 690 – 2074 and find out about our discount fall vacation rentals in the landmark historic district. Just one more way of saying Thank You to all of our Canadian friends and patrons who have stayed with us over the past seven years as well as providing a promtional vehicle to make new Canadian friends with Savannah Getaways consortium owners.

*Valid Canadian residence required to participate in this promotional offering


August 14, 2005

Park your car and take the short walk to River Street from this Historic Savannah vacation rental

200+ year old townhome with great location in Savannah.

Want to stay close to River Street? Look no further than this great two bedroom, one and a half bath townhome on Habersham Street, just a short walk across Bay Street to River Street.

Exposed brick highlights this unique property where you’ll find the bedrooms downstairs and the living room, kitchen and dining room upstairs. The living room is spacious and comfortable and includes a sleeper sofa. Another great feature is the off street parking that is provided behind the property.

Wake up in the morning and step around the corner to B Matthews Bakery and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and breakfast before you head down to River Street.


August 13, 2005

Tybee Island to purchase old Civil War artillery battery sites

Tybee Island hopes to attract more history loviing eco-tourists by connecting these historic parcels of land to existing nature and history trails on the island.

Tybee Island was recently awarded a federal grant to enable this coastal Georgia city to purchase historic land where Union troops once manned batteries of artillery during the Civil War siege of Fort Pulaski. It is hoped that two parcels of land at Battery Halleck and Goat Head may one day become an extended part of the already linked history and nature trails currently owned by Tybee Island. At present, the National Park Service administers Fort Pulaski and could include these historic sites if the sale to Tybee Island does go through. Assuming these plans materialize, one Tybee Island official believes that “both these sites are historically and environmentally significant and will enhance Tybee’s appeal to eco-tourists.”

In 1862 Union troops attacked what was, up until that point in time thought to be impregnable, Fort Pulaski situated across the open water from these two points, opening fire with a combined twenty artillery pieces. These batteries utilized rifled cannon pieces that spun shaped shells through the brick and mortar walls of the fort which fell in just over 24 hours after the bombardment commenced. This cutting edge technology for it’s day changed warfare as it had been waged up until that point in time by rendering these type constructed fortifications as fundamentally useless in defending fixed geographic positions from this type bombardment.


August 12, 2005

The Casino Boat Midnight Gambler II took her inaugural cruise down the Savannah River in July

Got time to take a little cruise while visiting Savannah? You may win a little walking around money at the poker table on the Midnight Gambler II.

The Midnight Gambler II became the fifth casino boat in the past decade to ferry gamblers out to the legal three mile limit in federal waters off the Georgia Coast to try their luck against the house in mid July. Featuring live tables of baccarat, blackjack, craps, and poker as well slot machines, MG II was able to up her ante of passengers from 150 to 500 when she passed a Homeland Security inspection earlier this month.

This 160 foot vessel plans two five hour cruises a day leaving from her Wilmington Island based Williams Seafood dock at the base of the Bull River Bridge off of Highway 80 between Tybee Island and Thunderbolt as she cruises past Tybee Island out to the legal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Departure times are 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily seven times a week.

Coast Guard officials praised the craft prior to her maiden voyage when one official indicated that “it looks like it is going to be a nice boat for our area.” To obtain more information about undertaking your own gambling excursion aboard the Midnight Gambler II, call (877) 758 – 2597


August 11, 2005

Catching a glimpse of Robert Redford in Historic Savannah, GA while shooting the 1930s golf story, The Legend of Bagger Vance

Many movies have been shot over the years in Savannah, GA - I was lucky enough to be visiting while The Legend of Bagger Vance was being shot.

On one of my many visits to Savannah over the years, I had the great fortune to come across a movie shooting in Savannah. After speaking with a few of the locals I found out that the movie was The Legend of Bagger Vance. It was being directed by none other than Robert Redford and starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron!

I decided to try to find out more about the story of Bagger Vance, so I headed to a local book store. I purchased the book by Steven Pressfield and soon found out it was a mystical golf story.

The next day my family and I decided to go around Historic Savannah to check out the cosmetic changes that were being made throughout Savannah for the movie (it was set in the 1930s). On West Congress Street we found lots of classic cars and new “prop” signs on the businesses. After talking with a few people we found out where they were currently shooting and headed over, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the stars. While none of the stars were in this particular shoot, we did see Mr. Robert Redford – mission accomplished!

This, of course, is not the first movie shot in Savannah and I’m sure will not be the last. I just hope I’m around next time Hollywood visits Savannah – it’s really a magical experience to watch all that takes place to bring a movie to the big screen.


August 11, 2005

FSBO Coastal Georgia Half Moon Marina Condo located on deep water North Newport River just 20 minutes by boat to remote St. Catherines Island.

Best real estate value on the eastern seaboard, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium offered as For Sale By Owner at Half Moon Marina complex at $159,900 on Colonels Island.
Need to sell Liberty County, Georgia condo (see map for details just east of St. Catherines Island) in order to invest in historic district condo in Savannah, Georgia. This two bedroom, two bath condo has too many amenities to list, so click on the link to the web page to learn more. This four year old condo is being offered as an unfurnished unit but will keep all new appliances as listed on the web site. Price: $159,900. Some financing and/or terms available to qualified buyer but cash or bank note required to complete this transaction. For Details, call (864) 878 - 4411 or e-mail rpurser@savannahgetaways@net (remove last @ in e-mail address and replace with dot (.) if sending an e-mail as we need to confuse the spider bots to cut down on the spam.

August 10, 2005

President Lincoln intercedes during the Civil War to save Savannah’s St. John’s Episcopal Church bell from his Union commander

St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Green-Meldrim House, where architecture and history come together on Madison Square in Historic Savannah.

Situated on E. Macon St. facing east towards Madison Square, St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Green-Meldrim House complex has significant historic value for Savannah dating back to the Civil War. General Sherman on his “march to the sea” captured the City of Savannah virtually without a shot being fired in late1864. Sherman proceeded to set up his headquarters at the Green-Meldrim House, home of a wealthy cotton merchant, located beside St. John’s Episcopal Church that was relatively new, having been completed in 1853. This Gothic-Revival architecturally influenced church was designed by Calvin Otis of New York.

It was from the Gothic influenced home (designed by well known architect John Norris) of cotton merchant, John Green, that now serves as the parsonage of St. John’s Episcopal Church that Sherman sent the following famous telegram to President Abraham Lincoln in December, 1864: "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah...". Sherman ordered the church bells of St. John’s to be melted down and made into bullets for his Union troops. With much alarm, many of Savannah’s citizens sent a telegram to President Lincoln imploring him to save the church bells from Sherman. President Lincoln responded by countermanding Sherman’s order to have the chimes made into bullets much to the relief of the parishioners of this historic church. This remarkable intervention of President Lincoln on behalf of his “southern enemies” should serve as a model for our own leaders today on how to implement true Christian based “family values” during a desperate war time struggle. Our forefathers obviously knew the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk.


August 09, 2005

For the freshest baked goodies in Savannah, visit the Savannah Candy Kitchen on River Street

Specialty nuts, baked goods, candies and gift baskets - Savannah Candy Kitchen.

For those travelers with a bit of a sweet tooth, the Savannah Candy Kitchen will be one of your first stops in Savannah.

The pecan pralines are made fresh right in the store with Georgia pecans. Try a sample as you enter, it will melt in your mouth. In addition to pralines, you can choose from a variety of goodies including handmade gophers (pecans, caramel and chocolate), pecan divinity, peanut or pecan brittle, toffee and truffles.

For a real treat, get a homemade pecan pie, strawberry layer cake, key lime pie, brownies or a sampler of three of the best cakes or breads that the Kitchen has to offer.

Be sure and get a bag of the best pecans Georgia has to offer, as well as many other varieties of specialty nuts to take home with you.  You can also purchase a gift basket or tower for a loved one who couldn’t make the trip or plan for the perfect Christmas gift for friends.

While you’re in the store, sign up to receive a catalog so you can take a piece of Savannah home with you. The Savannah Candy Kitchen will deliver the freshest baked goodies right to your door!


August 08, 2005

Savannah’s Mercer House features good design and history plus a loving restoration of a Savannah icon.

Jim William’s (made famous in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) sister, Dr. Dorothy Kingery presides over this grand old dame overlooking Monterey Square.

The Mercer Williams House was originally built in the 1860's and stands at the west end of Monterey Square. The Mercer Williams House is arguably one of Savannah's grandest homes and certainly the most photographed historic home in the district due to the famous names that have been attached to this home since it was built in the 1800's. It has eight cast-iron balconies, cast-iron window pediments and a fence at the sidewalk, all of which add to the design. The house was named after General Hugh Mercer. He was the original owner as well as the great-grandfather of the renowned lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer who had a major impact on Twentieth century music with a wealth of well known tunes such as Moon River, Days of Wine and Rose, Hooray for Hollywood, and That Old Black Magic, just to name a handful from the repertoire of this prolific tunesmith.

In recent years The Mercer House was owned by Jim Williams who was one of the main characters found in the book and movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Williams who purchased the Mercer House in a state of disrepair completed a thorough period correct restoration. He was an antique dealer/collector in addition to being well known locally for his restoration of various low country homes in coastal Georgia and South Carolina. He operated an antique store found at the rear of the Mercer Williams House. You can now take a tour of the Mercer Williams House that originates in this location for $12.50 per person.


August 07, 2005

Hardeeville, S. C. positions herself to become a major player over the next two decades for coastal property investors along the Heritage Corridor

Could there be a renamed Savannah/Hilton Head/Hardeeville International Airport in our future? Hardeeville has finally found a way to capitalize on the coastal Georgia/S.C. building boom traditionally enjoyed by her two neighbors.

Savannah’s neighbor to the north, Hardeeville, recently annexed enough adjacent acreage to increase this Jasper County city’s size from five square miles to thirty square miles with plans to grow even larger pending approval in the coming months of additional acreage by the Hardeeville City Council. This little known nationally low profile city that forms the northern most point of the triangle with the two better known tourism destination cities of Savannah and Hilton Head has positioned herself to grow into a Charleston sized area over the next 20 years with a planned 100,000 residents projected to move into this strategically situated area along the Heritage Corridor encompassing I-95 and Highway 17.

The Argent East and Argent West tracts of land will bring 22,000 new homes online within the 12,000 plus acres that lies adjacent to highway 278 and Interstate 95 at mile marker 8 on I-95 just outside of Bluffton, South Carolina along this much traveled highway to Hilton Head Island. Bluffton based developer John Reed plans to build in excess of 12,000 homes in Argent East while Florida based Core Properties has won approval to build up to 9500 homes in Argent West.

Planning on relocating or making a purchase of investment propreties in the next few years in Savannah or Hilton Head?  You might want to shop in Hardeeville becoming making that purchase.


August 06, 2005

Touring Savannah’s Historic District

How can I tour thee, Savannah? Let me count the ways.

If walking around at a leisurely pace while taking in historic tourist attractions, many of them dating back to pre-colonial days, is your idea of a vacation experience, then Savannah’s landmark historic district (2.3 square miles) may well be what you have in mind for your next weekend getaway destination. History buffs have long recognized this stately southern city as a wonderful historic resource with a plethora of museums, grand old homes, historic artifacts, historic markers, a wide variety of diverse period correct architectural wonders on cobblestone streets as well as antique stores, boutique shops on River St., world class restaurants, live theater venues, and a great number of art galleries that cover the complete spectrum of artistic sensitivities.

Even though Savannah has been designated as one of the top 10 walking cities in the country, here are a few low country recommendations for alternative means of getting around for your consideration while visiting the crown jewel of our Hostess City, the landmark historic district, situated on the banks of the maritime Savannah River. Your first order of business on arriving in the historic district should be to take one of the many trolley tours that are offered. This will enable you to get a quick over view within a two hour time frame so that you can pick and choose points of interest to return to later for closer inspection. If your interest is piqued during one of these trolley tours, most touring companies will allow you to get off the trolley and look around a bit. You can then get back on the next trolley that shows up in 15 to 30 minute intervals at specific locations. My own personal favorite is the Old Town Trolley Tours, as their tour guides are a consummate group of knowledgeable professionals that know the historic district.

And of course there is always the prerequisite horse drawn carriage tour. There are a few different companies that offer pick up in City Market as a fairly centrally located starting point for one of these leisure tours. My only real complaint with this conveyance through the historic district is that you don’t to see a great deal of the district in this shorter tour. Pedicabs are an additional optional way to travel as well. Economical and you can invariably get your guide to take you virtually anywhere within reason on request. There are usually a few pedicabs located in the City Market area as well for your convenience.

For the more adventuresome, you may wish to consider getting around on a scooter. Why limit yourself to just staying in the historic district? Scooters are a great way to get around in an urban environment and can be rented by the day or the week. A good local rental store is Coastal Scooters located on Broughton St. an affordable resource for this type of motorized conveyance. If you don’t mind taking a tour while moving around in an attention grabbing manner, then the recently launched futuristic Segway Human Transport conveyance offered by Kinetic Tours might just be the ticket.

Or maybe you prefer to pedal around in the historic district – many do as evidenced by the many bicycles one notes moving along the cobble stone streets. You can pack your own bicycle or perhaps rent a pair of bikes at a few different locations within the historic district. It is prudent to confine these excursions to daylight hours as opposed to night time, Savannah’s historic district being a downtown urban area. Of course this is good advice for strolling as well. From a safety stand point, it always pays to use common sense in visiting urban areas in any part of the country you vacation to in this day and time, unfortunately.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, Savannah’s historic district is certainly worth the effort to move around and take in the many tourist attractions. You will certainly not be disappointed whatever your method of transport within the district.


August 05, 2005

Clary's Cafe, Located in the heart of the Historic District of Savannah

Previously a local pharmacy and soda fountain, this is the place to be to mingle with the locals in Savannah.

Since 1903 Clary’s Café has been a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors to Savannah. The friendly, inviting atmosphere at Clary’s will make you feel like a local while visiting Historic Savannah.

Recently, while on a trip with my family from New York and Arizona, we stopped in to have breakfast at Clary’s. My aunt had gotten up that morning and accidentally put her shirt on inside out. Well, no one in the family noticed, but one of the guests at Clary’s did. The next thing you know one person, then two, then three and more started getting up, going to the bathroom and putting their shirts on inside out. It was quite amusing and everyone in the café, including my aunt and the rest of the family, were laughing and having a good time, like one big family.

The breakfast at Clary’s is out of this world. Featuring stuffed French toast, hot blueberry pancakes, omelets, biscuits, crab cakes benedict and Hoppel Poppel scrambled eggs (with chunks of kosher salami, potatoes, onions and green peppers). You need to be sure and try to stop by Clary’s for breakfast at least once (if you do you’ll definitely go back for more).

Lunch and dinner are also served, beginning at 11:30 a.m. They also have super deserts and an ice cream soda fountain.

Clary’s was featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Spacey, Jude Law and John Cusack.


August 04, 2005

Perfect townhouse for a romantic getaway in Savannah

Treat that special someone in your life to a romantic getaway in this upscale vacation rental.

The owners of this circa 1848 townhouse have traveled extensively in Europe and it shows in the upscale décor. You will absolutely love having your coffee on the comfortable fish chair on the back porch.

Perfect for a romantic getaway for two or a honeymoon, this one bedroom, one bath vacation rental features a unique kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of great art, a big, comfy king size bed and off-street parking.

Take advantage of the fact that this property is centrally located in the Historic District, within walking distance to all local attractions, restaurants, parks and shops.


August 03, 2005

Savannah/Hilton Head Aiport

Information for those vacationers flying into Savannah.

If you are flying to Savannah, you will likely land at the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport. It’s very conveniently located, only about a 15 minute drive to downtown Savannah.

Featuring the largest brochure collection in the region, you can stop on your way out and gather all the information you’ll need for your Historic Savannah getaway. You can arrange transportation here to take you from the airport to your vacation destination.

Most of the major airlines fly in and out of this 275,000 sq. ft. airport. You can visit their website for flight schedules, weather updates and a guide to the terminal.


August 02, 2005

The Historic Savannah Theatre presents Jukebox Journey

A fun-filled musical romp through the years - featuring lively music and dance from 1940-present.

Now playing at The Historic Savannah TheatreJukebox Journey, a colorful, fast moving display of music and dance from the 1940s to present.

The building itself is as much a treat as the entertainment inside. The original building was designed by architect William Jay and opened in 1818. It was refurbished into a 1950s art deco structure and now serves as a performing arts center.

Jukebox Journey is the #1 downtown entertainment extravaganza and a MUST SEE while in Savannah.


August 02, 2005

Statesboro Blues Redux – Well Known Artists perform along The Heritage Corridor

Entertainment options abound for travelers to coastal Georgia

The gamble that Statesboro based Georgia Southern took a few years ago is apparently paying off by booking well known artists into The Performing Arts Center on the GSU campus as “the tickets are jumping off the shelves” according to the PAC director. There had been some concern about filling this venue with performing arts fans due to Statesboro’s rural location and some wondered if a dozen performances per year might be too ambitious a schedule for the newly constructed Performing Arts Center back in 2002.

Apparently not, as the PAC is enjoying it’s best year ever. Of course booking such well known and diverse acts as The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kathy Mattea, and “Mark Twain Tonight” featuring Hal Holbrook, plus other well known scheduled acts through April of 2006 is bound to attract fans from miles away for a night’s worth of hard to find entertainment. If traveling the Heritage Corridor, you may want to check your schedule and see if your planned getaway through coastal Georgia will allow you to take in any of these scheduled performances.

 It is doubtful that Blind Willie McTell could ever imagine the musical acts that eventually would end up performing in Statesboro year after year when he wrote the rhythm and blues favorite “Statesboro Blues” back in 1928. You have to believe that somewhere out there, Duane Allman, who prior to losing his own life in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia performed this classic in 1971 at The Fillmore East, is smiling broadly with the new found notoriety amongst recording artists that this Southern Georgia City is receiving.


August 01, 2005

North to Savannah – up to 30% off accommodation room rates in August

Drive north to beat the heat for Savannah Getaways tongue in cheek “beat the heat” discounts for the month of August for our Florida neighbors.

Everybody has to be somewhere, why not be relatively cooler at the same time? Just as the dog days of summer heralds rising temperatures and sauna like weather conditions here in the southeast every year, Savannah Getaways once again lowers the nightly/weekly rates on all of our lodging options for the month of August for the many history loving Floridians that choose this month to visit Savannah’s Historic District. Makes sense to drive north where the thermometer readings are arguably slightly cooler than those found in the “Sunshine State”.

All of our vacation rental properties offer at least 10% discounts off normal low season rates to all Florida based travelers with some select properties offering up to 30% off depending on length of stay and geographic location within the historic district. If you are looking for a long getaway weekend or just an opportunity to explore historic tourist attractions in cooler conditions, review our roster of self catered accommodations in the historic district to find your best deal. Come on up to Savannah, where the weather is nice this time of year, relatively speaking, for our southern neighbors.


July 31, 2005

Don’t forget to pack your bicycle on your Savannah vacation trip.

Savannah’s Historic District designation as a “Top 10” Walking City should also be noted for her many bicycling residents and tourists.

Whenever we are at our historic district townhouse in Savannah on Taylor Street, I always make sure to get up and go for a peaceful bicycle ride early in the morning, usually around 7 AM.

I start my route by going down to Whitfield square and then take Habersham south to either Gwinnett St. or Gaston. St. both of which are lined with the most beautiful homes and often the residents will be out watering the flowers or sweeping the sidewalk, etc. I then go west to Forsyth Park and join the walkers and runners for several laps around the park as they get their morning exercise, again admiring all the beautiful historic homes around the park.

After circling the Park several times to get warmed up I continue west to Barnard St. and head north (towards the river) through all the squares until I get to City Market where I cut West through it until I get to Martin Luther King and turn north all the way to River Street.

Then I turn east and ride along the Savannah River watching the city starting to wake up as the businesses and all the workers start flowing into work. Often I will catch a HUGE freighter coming in or leaving as I ride this section. Somewhere along the river I have to stop and catch my breath. Then I continue along River Street until I get all the way to the end of the shops where I go up the ramp and get on Bay Street.

By now Bay Street is usually pretty busy, so I will cross it and go over until I get to Broughton Street and turn west again. Along this street there are also opportunities to stop and grab a sandwich or a StarBucks coffee, if you still need a wake up call. Broughton Street is also where the Links Bicycle shop is located that rents Bicycles if you didn’t bring your own.

I will stay on Broughton until I get to Bull Street where I turn south and enjoy all the squares and activity as I ride back to Forsyth Park and go around it again to add some distance to the ride. And on the final leg, I will go east on Gaston to Habersham, North on Habersham to Taylor, and east back home once again on Taylor St.

The ride is an excellent way to start the morning, a chance to get some exercise, AND you will see things in the morning that you never realized were there. One morning the Sun was just coming up and it perfectly highlighted some Wisteria around the front of a home that had a curved front on it. It was absolutely breath taking in architectural details. I had walked past that house many times over the past last 3 years and had never noticed this feature until then.

The city also welcomes you in the morning, before everyone gets so busy, with lots of “Good Morning, what a beautiful day” from others out enjoying the historic district. Makes you understand why Savannah is known as “The Hostess City”.

Contributed by Ernie Knepp, Savannah Getaways consortium property owner


July 30, 2005

Featured vacation rental in the heart of Historic Savannah, GA

Located on one of the most beautiful streets in Savannah, this townhouse is perfect for a small group trip.

Situated next door to the famed Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House on the Jones Street, a beautiful cobblestone street, this two bedroom, two bath townhouse is one of the many available for vacation rentals in historic Savannah, Georgia.

The Madison Square Suite is spacious and stylishly furnished. Recent renovations enhance the appeal of this well appointed property. It features a fully outfitted kitchen, large formal living room and dining room with designer furnishings and linens. The floor-to-ceiling windows give a picturesque view of the horse drawn carriages going by on Historic Jones Street.

To top it all off, spend your evenings on a private Charleston side porch relaxing on the chaise lounge or dining alfresco while listening to the gurgle of the fountain from the courtyard below.


July 29, 2005

So you think you are ready to purchase investment property in coastal Georgia?

As more baby boomers continue to direct their investment savings out of the stock market in record numbers into 2nd investment homes, here is at least one trial and error warning to heed.

A recent Newsweek Magazine article (July 25th edition) touted the real estate boom taking place in Pocatello, Idaho with homes and condo’s going in the median price range of $98,000 and less. This river valley city located in the scenic Rockies certainly attracts a modest amount of tourists to help pay the mortgage, assuming you know how to attract the potential tourists via vacation rentals. And it helps that the local college, Idaho State University, has 14,000 students that provides a “solid base of renters” according to Newsweek. The article does not go far enough, in my opinion, in laying out a useful criteria in seeking these investment properties out to begin with. They do reference the rental cash flow as being the key in making these investment properties pay for themselves on the one hand but offer very little in the way of how to best determine which geographic location to purchase properties in other than those areas of the country that offer under-valued properties for sale to begin with.

Our own portfolio of coastal Georgia investment properties has made us big believers in purchasing properties that can be offered to a variety of renters, be they college students, tourists, or just your every day garden variety renter looking for housing at competitive rates. Our core investment portfolio of vacation destination rental condo’s and townhouses in Savannah’s historic district, however, has enabled us to become reasonably proficient at projecting positive cash flow before making a vacation rental investment.

If looking to purchase a resort property, it is far better to spend more money on purchasing vacation destination properties in a location, location, location criteria, assuming it will cash flow as opposed to purchasing an undervalued property that will be difficult to cash flow due to an inability to attract a sufficient number of tourists to begin with. Case in point is the Half Moon Marina condo we purchased 20 miles out of Savannah a few years ago on the deep water North Newport River – located 30 minutes away by boat from the Intercoastal Waterway and St. Catherines Island, the only means to get to either location. We purchased this water front condo for a relatively modest amount, comparatively speaking, as it relates to eastern seaboard waterfront coastal properties, and it continues to appreciate at $20,000+ per year with no signs of slowing down until it reaches the $200,000 mark. You would think this remote vacation destination condominium with it’s 7+ mile view of a Nature Preserve would be the perfect destination for the water loving adventure vacation traveler looking to get away from it all, right?

You would be correct in that assumption of course, unfortunately, just not in any significant numbers to make it cash flow in a positive manner in spite of a lot of creative marketing efforts to attract a sufficiency of vacation travelers to this fairly new condo. Our plan B option of renting this property out to military personnel from nearby Ft. Stewart (located 20 miles away) did not pan out so well either. In spite of offering this condo out to the military at a low monthly rental rate ($750 per month), seems there is a war going on at the moment and the officers and enlisted personnel at Ft. Stewart can not project their rental needs ahead very far into the future as they keep getting recycled back overseas. Fortunately we have had reasonable success with renting it unfurnished (moved the furniture to a new property that we purchased in the historic district back in December of last year) to local residents in Liberty County, Georgia.

While used to subsidizing this condo in a modest way every month (it does not quite cash flow in a positive manner on an individual basis to the extent that our other more strategically placed vacation properties cash flow) we are considering cashing it in, in spite of the off the scale water front appreciation we are enjoying. However, all of our investment portfolio of vacation rental properties have to do their own lifting. And so, for those of you that are looking to make your first resort rental property investment, heed the most important advice you are ever likely to hear in purchasing real estate, be it vacation rental property or otherwise. That old saw, “the three most important considerations in purchasing real estate are location, location, location” is even truer today than it ever was before, assuming the “experts” are correct about the coming bursting of the real estate bubble. Our experience over the past seven years with our own vacation destination properties suggests that Americans will continue to enjoy long vacation getaway weekends, come what may.


July 28, 2005

While on vacation in Savannah, consider a day trip to nearby Hilton Head Island

Mini-vacation during you're extended stay in Savannah - only a short drive away!

For a fun excursion from Savannah, take the 45-minute drive to the sheltered community feel of Hilton Head Island. Settled by planters in the 1770s, Hilton Head is connected to the mainland only by a bridge.

During your day trip you can visit the various shopping centers with shops that range from outlet to upscale. If you’re a golfer there are gorgeous golf courses, many designed by PGA players. The beaches stretch on for miles, so maybe a day of relaxation in the sun is just what the doctor ordered. For the whole family, there are Dolphin Discovery tours, kayaking and a beach nature walk.

So, if you’re planning an extended trip to Savannah you may want to consider a day trip to take advantage of everything the coastal Carolinas and Georgia have to offer.


July 27, 2005

Getaway weekends to Savannah's Historic District higher than usual this summer low season

American travelers adapt to rising fuel prices and the cost of living by taking more frequent getaway weekends rather than the typical week long family vacation.

A recent Associated Press article reported that Americans are continuing to travel in great numbers this summer holiday season in spite of high fuel prices based on tourism data generated over the past 12 months. The only change on the national level is that more Americans are taking more trips in the course of the calendar year but staying shorter periods of time favoring long weekend getaways over the traditional week long family vacation.

Our popular American week long vacation has been shortened by one day with the average American household spending a few dollars less than $1100 on average for a six night vacation on an annual basis when factoring in the longest trip of the season taken by the typical American family over the past twelve months. More frequent trips of shorter duration seems to be the norm as savvy travelers seek to stretch their travel dollars while undertaking a greater variety of vacation options in regional vacation destination areas as they are more likely to drive shorter distances to tourist attractions.

This has certainly been the case for Savannah’s historic district this summer season in what has long been considered the “low season” to this history filled destination while Tybee Island, located just 20 minutes away from the Landmark Historic District by vehicle, continues to enjoy a normal family vacation oriented robust high season as usual to this popular coastal destination in spite of rising fuel prices.

To understand the dynamics of this equation, it is necessary to break out which states this steady stream of tourists originates from, with our own state of Georgia proper as well as our southern neighbor Florida continuing to lead all states this season as Savannah bound travelers continue to travel in respectable numbers to Tybee Island and downtown Savannah for both the low season and the high season at these two uniquely different Georgia tourism attractions


July 26, 2005

Ancestor of Savannah Getaways consortium member saves the day for Oglethorpe’s colonists in 1737

One man's journey from Europe to coastal Georgia and his important contributions to Colonial era Savannah.

I first became aware of Dr. Samuel Nunez’s contributions to Colonial Era Savannah from one of his ancestors, James Eunice, a few years ago. Mr. Eunice had named a historic district property he owns on St. Julian St. in his ancestor’s honor, “The Nunez Cottage” and I became curious as to just who Dr. Nunez actually was. Research at the Georgia Historical Society and Temple Mickve Israel located on Monterey Square yields a fascinating story of the good doctor’s timely contribution to Savannah’s colonists in their time of need.  According to documents found at the GHS, he very probably kept the fledgling colony from being wiped out by an epidemic of dysentery that took 20 colonists before being held in check by Dr. Nunez’s prompt medical measures to stop the spread of this contagious killer.

His story is a fascinating one, set against the backdrop of a small but diverse group of visionary settlers that came to coastal Georgia looking for a better way of life while escaping the religious persecution rampant on the European Continent.

Samuel Nunez was born in Portugal to a distinguished Jewish family in 1668. Despite being under surveillance by the principals of the infamous Spanish Inquisition, he became a successful doctor with “an extensive family practice” according to historical documents. The entire Nunez family was arrested as “heretics” in 1703 and remained imprisoned for many years in the infamous dungeons of Lisbon. During this time he became the personal physician of the Grand Inquisitor who not only recognized his skill as a physician while disingenuously overlooking the fact that he was Jewish but eventually agreed to his release from prison providing he would allow two officials to reside with him constantly to assure neither he nor his family ever again practiced the heretical faith that the misguided Catholic leadership of that era characterized Judaism as being engaged in.

In spite of these conditions, Dr. Nunez became involved with smuggling Jews out of Portugal to England. After the outbreak of pestilence in 1724 (no doubt giving Dr. Nunez practical experience, he would utilize years later in his New World home), a Great Fire broke out in Lisbon during a time there were three British Warships anchored in the Lisbon Harbor. During the confusion of this fire, Dr. Nunez and his family managed to escape on one of these warships to England. An estimated 3000 Jews escaped the horror of the inquisition in this manner.

While in England, Dr. Nunez became intrigued with reports of the New English Colony in Georgia and was able to gain passage for himself and his family on Captain Hanson’s ship, arriving in Oglethorpe’s Savannah based Colony on July 10, 1733 at the advanced age of 65 years old. Among the 42 passengers on this voyage were such future old Savannah family names known to later generations as the Sheftall and Minus families. It was fortunate indeed for these initial passengers that Oglethorpe welcomed Jewish settlers in spite of the Trustees being adamantly opposed to them being allowed into the colony to begin with – much like today, ingrained prejudices of that era died hard.

Prior to the deadly outbreak of contagious pestilence 4 years later, Dr. Nunez and his fellow settlers enjoyed several years of peace in the colony until the Florida based Spanish fleet began threatening to invade coastal communities along Georgia’s coast. Eventually, Dr. Nunez, undoubtedly remembering his prior treatment at the hands of his Spanish Inquisitors, moved his family to the better protected city of Charleston where the trail goes cold on the impressive life of Dr. Nunez. No records exist as to when or where he died or even where he may have been buried. It has been suggested that he could have accompanied his daughter, Zipporah, and her husband David Machada in their move to New York after their arrival in Charleston.

This much we do know. Dr. Nunez may very well have been Georgia’s first public hero with his timely medical expertise and service to the at risk colonists during their time of need while holding a tenuous toe hold at best in Georgia’s first Colonial City – the first of many more to come pay off’s for her initiation of a visionary policy of religious tolerance for all faiths and creeds in historic Savannah, even as other settlers opposed it. And one need look no further than the diverse group of active Churches serving the spiritual needs of the faithful today, still dominating many of the Squares of the landmark historic district that sprung up during the first hundred years after Savannah grew to become a major antebellum era City of her day to see how very well this all worked out.


July 25, 2005

Self catered properties versus Hotels, B and B’s, and Historic Inns

Useful tips when comparing traditional lodging options against the popular vacation rental phenomena when stalking your best accommodation value weighed against your best vacation experience. Relative value for self catered properties versus other options

First made popular in recent years in Britain, France, and Germany by European travelers, self catered accommodations are rapidly gaining broad appeal as an ever growing number of savvy American tourists are seeking out these “vacation rentals by owner” properties as alternative lodging options when undertaking getaway weekends as well as the more traditional week long family vacation resort trip. While not for every traveler, the benefits of these “Bed, no Breakfast” private vacation homes are readily apparent when the more adventuresome traveler considers the competitive pricing, large roomy upscale accommodations, and the intimate privacy for both small and large parties of travelers as opposed to historic inns or hotel suites.

As a growing number of baby boomers reach retirement age and purchase these second homes for their own personal getaways as well as prudent investment vehicles throughout the nation’s tourist destinations, these homes continue to stay booked during the high season by vacationers looking for more value while stretching their vacation dollars. While discerning travelers continue to find excellent value with these type alternative vacation getaway options, make sure you deal with the right resource in looking online for your best deal. The higher price you pay for even the most upscale vacation condo does not necessarily mean it will translate into the best vacation experience.

For those of you who have never stayed in this type facility before, make sure you are dealing with a reputable travel industry professional before booking one of these “upscale” properties. Online photographs can be deceiving. And once you arrive at your “dream vacation home”, you may find out it is not at all as advertised depending on how the absentee property owner administers their vacation facility from many miles away. Some property owners are merely looking to make mortgage payments and are not the most sophisticated when it comes to delivering advertised goods and services in the manner you expected to find on checking in. If you are unfamiliar with the travel resource, you may want to ask for references from some of the other travelers who have stayed at the same property you are considering - most reputable property owners are more than happy to share these resources with you and some even keep a log of comments from satisfied guests for your review.

Before you make a reservation, know their return of security deposit policy, what to do in the case of an emergency such as a backed up toilet, air conditioning unit not being operational, or other unforeseen possibilities that your typical front desk at a hotel is set up to handle. The more questions you ask, the more of an informed decision you can make in securing just the right self catered accommodation from the appropriate vacation rental resource on your next family vacation.


July 24, 2005

New Magazine for fans of Paula Deen

Paula Deen throws her hat into the publishing world with the debut of her new magazine.

Paula Deen is set to begin a new chapter in her life – as a magazine publisher. In November, Cooking with Paula Deen will debut on newsstands.

Featuring recipes, sample menus for everyday meals and creative ideas and tips as well as personal stories and events from Paula Deen’s life, this bi-monthly lifestyle magazine will cost $4.99 for a single copy or $19.98 for a yearly subscription.

So, move over Martha Stewart, now there’s hope for all of us who struggle in the kitchen – every other month Paula Deen will teach us some new tricks on how to set the perfect table, cook the best meal and create the most festive holiday atmosphere with humor and a whole lot of fun!


July 23, 2005

African Independence Day Celebration in Georgia's Coastal Empire

Riceboro's Gullah Geechee Cultural Center and Museum to host celebratory singing, dancing, and drumming all day today.

Looking for something to do today? You might want to hop on down Interstate 95 to Riceboro (about 20 miles south of Savannah) and take in the Afircan Independence Day Celebration at Geechee Kunda, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Center and Museum of Georgia located at 622 Ways Temple Road (912 - 884 – 4440). According to Jamal Toure, one of the event’s organizers and a djeli (living historian) at Geechee Kunda, “although the African Independence day is an ocean away (in Liberia) from Savannah, the event is significant enough to celebrate in the Coastal Empire.”

Today’s celebration will feature performances by Adiva, the voice of the Lowcountry; ancestral drumming with Abu Majied; comedian Janet Tandy, celebration dance by Danille, inspirational dancing by Samantha Stephens; and African Spirits of Day Clean. In keeping with the Center’s ongoing independent celebrations of African heritage since May, today’s activities will include singing, dancing, drumming, and shouting. Plan to attend this uniquely Gullah themed day along the Heritage Corridor, if looking for an out of the ordinary day trip.


July 22, 2005

Vacation Rental Home in Savannah, GA

Take the chance to "live like a local" on your next visit to Savannah.

Charming historic home located within blocks of River Street, so close you can see the ships go by on the Savannah River from the balcony. It features two beautiful live oaks out front and three porches to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

This house, formerly known as Trompe L'oiel House, has been professionally decorated utilizing 18th century antiques. Off-street parking is available.

This property is located within walking to distance to all Historic Savannah attractions and restaurants.

Enjoy the unique experience of vacationing in a private residence – you’ll never go back to hotels again!


July 21, 2005

HMS Bounty docks on Savannah River at Rousakis Plaza

The last fully operational tall ship sailing in North American waters, the HMS Bounty visits the Hostess City on her voyage north to New York City

To the delight of tall ship fans in coastal Georgia, the fully rigged sailing vessel, HMS Bounty made Savannah her port of call recently in early July during her east coast tour. This voyage originated in St. Petersburg, Florida with her eventual destination terminating at the harbor of New York City. The only North American tall ship still sailing, HMS Bounty opened up her three levels of living and work space to a steady stream of visitors in Savannah’s historic district that were characterized in one report as “eager to see 200 years of history afloat.”

Boasting an overall length of 180 ft. including the bowsprit, this striking sailing ship has 18 sails that comprise 10,000 square ft of canvas requiring 10 miles worth of rigging to assist in keeping her moving smartly over the water. A supplemental diesel electric engine is only one of the modern day upgrades added some years back as an accommodation to meeting deadlines for this storied vessel.

Over the years, HMS Bounty has appeared in many Hollywood productions featuring sailing ships starting with the 1935 epic “Mutiny on the Bounty” right on through to her starring role in “The Pirates of the Caribbean”, a blockbuster movie released by Disney in 2003 starring Johnny Depp. This Hollywood connection shows no sign of slowing down with more swashbuckling era movies to be released over the next few years.

When the Bounty finally hoisted anchor and sailed away after a few days visit, somehow she seemed not at all out of place moving down the Savannah River past oncoming modern day sea traveling merchant vessels heading up river to off load their cargo, an impressive testimony of the expertise of our seafaring ancestors that plied these historic waters when antebellum Savannah was busily carving out her own historic niche in a still young United States.


July 20, 2005

Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub and Grill now open in Savannah

Sisters honoring their great-grandmother with traditional Scottish fare.

Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub and Grill, a new restaurant in Savannah, opened its doors on July 1st, 2005. Located at the former site of The Lady and Son’s Restaurant on W. Congress St., the menu features Scottish specialties and more than 40 varieties of single malt Scottish whiskey.

The owners of the restaurant, Jennifer Brown and Debbie Boulanger, named the restaurant in honor of their great-grandmother, whose recipes are featured in the restaurant.

The pub and grill is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to close on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 noon to 11 p.m. on Sundays and will feature live Scottish music at least every other weekend.


July 19, 2005

Ride for free on Savannah's shuttle trolley through the historic district

Chatham County and the City of Savannah team up to offer tourists and others free shuttle service throughout the landmark historic district.

Looking for a helping hand while walking through Savannah’s designated historic district noted as one of America’s “Top Ten Walking Cities?” Here is a helpful hint, why not take advantage of Chatham County’s CAT Shuttle that stops at 30 different locations throughout the Landmark Historic District? The fare-free CAT “Trolley” Shuttle makes scheduled stops every 20 minutes or so to keep you moving through the district.

The tourism friendly CAT (Chatham Area Transit) Shuttle is a Chatham County tax supported transportation solution with major support provided by the City of Savannah. If planning to do a lot of walking while visiting our historic city, it might be a good idea to keep the CAT Shuttle schedule of stops within the historic district in mind to further enhance your vacation plans while staying at strategically placed hotels, Bed and Breakfast Facilities, Historic Inns, and self catered accommodations while staying in the Hostess City by reviewing the CAT trolley schedule.

Whether you plan to walk or drive while staying in the district, you are sure to enjoy the many historic attractions that attract an ever growing stream of national and international tourists annually to our popular coastal Georgia vacation destination.


July 18, 2005

Flannery O'Connor's Childhood Home

See the home where this famed author of novels and short stories got her start.

Noted author Flannery O’Connor was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925. She and her family lived at 207 E. Charlton Street until 1938.

O’Connor wrote novels and short stories, including A Good Man Is Hard To Find and Greenleaf, even after being diagnosed with debilitating lupus. She died of lupus on August 3rd, 1964, at just 39 years of age.

Her childhood home on Charlton Street is currently owned and operated by Flannery O’Connor Home Foundation, a non-profit corporation. It is open to the public and is free of charge – Saturdays 1-5 and Sundays 1-4. Visitors are invited into the parlor level which consists of the living room, dining room, kitchen and sunroom.

The home is maintained as a tribute to the great Flannery O’Connor and as a literary center for Savannah.


July 17, 2005

Preserving the Gullah Tradition on Sapelo Island

Challenges along the Heritage Corridor - Preserving the Gullah lifestyle while limiting development to these pristine island destinations along Georgia's coast. The National Park Service may have the answer.

Five years ago, the National Park Service initiated a study of the Gullah-Geechee heritage within those barrier island communities that these unique clusters of people live along the Georgia and South Carolina coastal corridor with their own 200+ year old tradition. “We want to explore all aspects of this group that became part of our nation’s history,” according to one Park Service official source. “Ultimately the study might identify new additions to our National Park Service so we can share the Gullah-Geechee story with all Americans.”

And what a story it is. For more than two centuries, these West African descendants have lived in isolated coastal conclaves passing down their oral African culture and traditions from generation to generation. Today, these traditions are under assault as the outside world threatens to absorb this rich culture as bridges and roads have opened up the same once pristine areas to the rampant land development that is taking place up and down the eastern seaboard. Resorts, subdivisions, and strip malls are rapidly replacing family farms.

Park Service officials went on to say “unless something is done to halt the destruction, Gullah-Geechee culture will be relegated to museums and history books, and our nation’s unique cultural heritage will lose one of it’s richest and most colorful pieces. Family Cemeteries, archaeological sites, and fishing grounds are being paved over or put off limits by new owners and familiar landmarks such as stores, churches, schools, and houses are being demolished or replaced with new structures."

As a consequence of all of this, The National Historic Trust has placed those Gullah-Geechee coastal communities on their most endangered list in what we not only support here at Savannah Getaways but trust proves to be an effective strategy in saving the historically significant low country heritage of this highly adaptive and diverse culture.


July 17, 2005

Tubby's Tank House

Great atmosphere, great food on River Street.

Tubby’s is the perfect place to relax and get a great meal after a day of sightseeing in Savannah.

Refreshing outdoor seating with a spectacular view of River Street, a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, hamburgers, chicken and salad and daily live entertainment make Tubby’s a must-see in Savannah.

I’ve had the pleasure of dining on the large open-air balcony at Tubby’s many times - the view can't be beat! You can watch the ships go by on the Savannah River and take in the street performers below on River Street – all while enjoying a wonderful meal!

With something for everyone, Tubby’s is one place the entire family/group can agree on.


July 15, 2005

Real estate development projects underway in two historic district locations

Developers plan to offer lofts and upscale condominiums on MLK and Liberty St. in the historic district.

Recent reports indicate that Savannah Hardscapes plans to shut down their Savannah historic district storefront and relocate this facility to their Hardeeville, South Carolina location that is “right in the middle of everything” according to Jonathan Rhangos, one of the two brothers that founded this company back in 1996. This move may well prove to be addition by subtraction for potential Savannah historic district real estate investors looking for future investment opportunities in the “district.”

This prime real estate has been purchased by Battlefield Park Partners, LLC, buying the Savannah Hardscapes lot – as well as property across the street, currently being used for warehouse space by the Clipper Trading Company – for around $1.7 million according to Xavier Cervera, who owns Battlefield. Cervera has some ambitious development ideas for these two property locations in the MLK/West Jones St. portion of the historic district, with plans to “build a café and art gallery” on one side of the street and lofts as well as commercial space across the street on the existing Hardscape outdoor display area. No time frame was referenced for implementation of either project.

Meanwhile, development plans for twelve story Drayton Towers are moving ahead nicely. Strategically located at Drayton St. and E. Liberty St. within the landmark district, Drayton Towers was designated an historic building in 2004. Mopper – Stapen Realty is handling the sale of this building one floor at a time as well as breaking some floors out in parcels to be sold to investors.  Dicky Mopper, the broker handling these transactions, recently indicated that seven floors have already been sold in this manner or are under contract. Ultimately eighty-eight large and more upscale condominium units are planned to replace the existing 188 apartments over time. To set the table for all of this, downtown developer Michael Brown working in conjunction with a Virginia based investment group recently closed on this $9.75 million transaction in what some say may be the largest sale ever recorded on residential property in Savannah’s historic district.


July 14, 2005

Group Vacation Rentals in Savannah

Alternative accommodations for larger groups visiting the Historic District of Savannah.

Savannah is a well-known tourism magnet for many reasons, including the variety of attractive lodging choices, especially in the Historic District. Whether visitors prefer a bed & breakfast, small hotel or big one, new or historic, or home-like vacation and leisure rentals, it's all there. As a vacation rental property owner on Washington Square, I've come to appreciate the many different preferences of the Savannah visitors I meet every week by the dozens.

Something else I learned: the Historic District has needed a way to host and house groups of visitors, perhaps a dozen or more, where they can relax together and socialize, and cook and entertain if they want ... with everything provided as it would be in an extended stay hotel (plus!). This is truly a special niche, and a relatively rare kind of alternative accommodation. Such folks are in Savannah for weddings ("destination weddings" are booming in Savannah), or for family or friends' reunions, or for graduation ceremonies from the city's colleges and universities, or for conferences and business meetings with the family coming along, or even crews from the yachts that come into Savannah for refurbishing --- and golf-oriented gatherings that want to be "on the links" all day but "in town" at night.

Meeting this need was the inspiration behind setting up the Taylor Street TownHome Trio, at 539/541 East Taylor; two vintage 1875, but updated, townhouses (3-bedroom and 2-bedroom) combine with a totally modern 1-bedroom cottage on one lot. All of them share an enormous landscaped, two level, lighted deck with fountains and bamboo plantings, so whatever the size of group they can enjoy their time together under a big shade tree in a secluded, yet "close to everything" kind of place on a quiet Savannah Street. Plentiful bathrooms are essential for groups sharing a property, so Taylor Street was remodeled along those lines --- ending up with 4 full and 2 half baths.

We found the key to doing this kind of accommodation right is to make it affordable and "comfortably upscale" with the kind of decor and appointments that make people feel at home with friends and family. The spirit of the Taylor Street TownHome Trio is one of "open arms" to groups wanting to create their own special atmosphere in the Historic District.

Contributed by Tom Mott


July 13, 2005

Intimate Destination weddings in Romantic Savannah's Historic District

Romantic wedding ceremonies, historic squares, horse drawn carriages - dreams do come true in Savannah's historic district.

If planning your destination wedding to Savannah, Georgia is an intimidating process, then consider using a wedding planner service for a hassle free process. There are many highly qualified wedding planner resources serving the greater Savannah area covering a wide variety of price ranges. We have worked closely with Destinations Southern Style in the past and will touch on owner Jill Smith’s free service (she makes her money on the back end from the resources she connects you with in the form of a commission rather than charging you a fee on the front end unlike most wedding planners) to the historic district.

Although Jill has handled many opulent type weddings featuring “white tablecloth” catered affairs replete with fine china and all of the accoutrements as well as outdoor weddings on historic squares with the bride arriving to the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage with period dressed driver, she has also done plenty of small intimate weddings bringing this memorable day in on a shoestring budget when requested to do so. Destination Southern Style works closely with the many historic district Bed and Breakfast facilities and historic Inns to find just the right venue to present any themed nuptial event that might be on your wish list.

A recent wedding in the month of June handled by DSS was threatened to be rained out by “torrential rains” right up until the last minute according to Jill Smith. And in spite of a plan B contingency plan that she had tucked away for inclement weather, the downpour did relent at the last minute allowing the couple to be married as planned in the immaculate courtyard of the Liberty Street Bed and Breakfast that Jill had contracted with for this intimate event to take place at. The couple was well pleased in spite of the uncertainty of the last minute weather conditions and could have had a less than pleasant wedding experience without utilization of a local resource.

So if a budget friendly destination wedding is in your future to coastal Georgia, a word to the wise might be in order. Leave it to the specialists to plan that flawless dream destination wedding you always intended to have.


July 12, 2005

Parking in Historic Savannah

Tips and information regarding parking for those travelers driving to Savannah.

Whether planning a family vacation, romantic getaway or business trip to Savannah you will need to have information about parking.

The Historic District of Savannah has roughly 3,000 parking meters scattered throughout that cost anywhere from 30-75 cents per hour depending on location. Meters located on River Street are $1.00 per hour. Parking meter regulations are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Two day Visitor Parking Passes can be purchased at the Visitors Center (ML King Blvd. and Liberty St.) or in the Parking Department office near the northwest corner of Bryan St. and Abercorn St. (facing Reynolds Square). Each 48 hour pass is $8, which allows unlimited parking in any City parking garage or lot, parking over the time limit in limited time zones, or free parking at meters with a limit of one hour or more.

Parking is free on the weekends and holidays in Savannah.

For more information on parking in Savannah please call the Visitors Center Parking Division at (912) 651-6470 or the Bryan Street Parking Division at (912) 651-6467.


July 11, 2005

Girl Scout History in Savannah

Founded in 1912, the Girl Scouts' rich history began in Savannah, Georgia.

Many Girl Scout Troops have been our guests in Savannah, the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low.

The Wayne-Gordon House was built in 1820. It is currently owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA. This Regency-style mansion is now a memorial to Juliette Gordon Low and contains many of the original family furnishings. It was named as a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Reservations are required for all groups and admission fees are charged for tours and programs.


July 10, 2005

Plenty of Photo-Op's for tourists in Savannah's Historic District

Musings on why so many photographers, both amateur and professional, come to Savannah to begin with.

Psst, want a hot tip about why so many creative travelers come to Savannah? Savannah’s historic district is a photographers delight with it’s rich historic points of interest and diverse architectural structures. Whether you are an amateur shutterbug or a professional photographer, there is much to keep you occupied within the 2.3 square mile landmark historic district. The number of high quality snapshots that keep finding their way into the public domain on the Internet is phenomenal. One would think that there are only so many ways that you can take a photo of the Forsyth Park Fountain but apparently one would be wrong based on the endless flow of pictures of Savannah’s most photographed tourist attraction. And getting those pesky horses to stay in one position long enough to pose for a really good horse drawn carriage photo op presents it’s own set of problems, but the pics, they just keep on a coming.

My own personal favorite photographs past my own shots that I frequently take to post on my Savannah web site with my trusty 35 mm. Nikon can be found on SCAD professor, Kurt Witte’s well done The Other Savannah web site and Jim and Carol Massey’s Keziah Originals Gallery. If reviewing the high quality photographs on either of these two web sites doesn’t get you in the mood to plan a photo-shoot holiday to Savannah and take a few snapshots with that new camera/cell phone you just purchased, then nothing will. My own trial and error photography efforts in the past have made me aware of some tips that I have adapted as my own personal recipe for taking uncommon photographs. In addition to that all important creative eye for the striking shot, it is important to have not only appropriate lighting but the correct vantage point, and of course an environment that yields all manner of historic subject matter. And Savannah has that in spades!


July 09, 2005

Segway through the district with your Tour Guide

Providing a unique vehicle for travelers to tour the historic district, Kinetic Tours introduces environmentally friendly Segway Human Transports to Savannah, Georgia.

Just one week old today, City Market based Kinetic Tours launched an exciting new touring option for guests to the Historic District to take in the many sights and historic points of interest that abound here in the district.  Two Atlanta transplants, Trace Hitt and Chad Aron, partnered up to deliver twelve Segway Human Transports (HT) along with accompanying tour guide to propel pairs and small groups of riders, each perched on top of individual HT’s throughout Savannah’s Historic District from their 21 Barnard St. storefront

 

Partner Trace Hitt indicated that the initial response “right out of the gate” has been quite positive with local reaction ranging from being very curious to being outright amazed.  When asked what inspired Kinetic Tours to open shop in Savannah, Hitt explained that “Savannah is too large to walk in for most tourists and too small to drive a car in.” Based on the early buzz that is being created, Kinetic’s Human Transport devices may very well prove to be not only a unique but undoubtedly quite memorable means of becoming acquainted with historic Savannah’s squares.     

 

An individual two hour tour is priced at $65 (plus tax) per person with a required $100 security deposit and includes a half hour's worth of training time to become familiar with these self-balancing futuristic conveyances. Assuming you are an adventuresome sort, Kinetic’s promotional material might have you in mind with their assertion: “Tomorrow’s Tours of Yesterday.”  I plan to take a guided tour next time I find myself in The City Market area.   


July 08, 2005

Madison Square's Sorrel Weed House, partying on in antebellum Savannah

Privately owned mansion available for corporate rentals, private events, receptions and Savannah tours.

The Sorrel Weed House was built in 1840 by Charles Blaney Clusky, and is one of the finest examples of Greek revival architecture in historic Savannah. In the antebellum days of Savannah, the home was noted for its hospitality and social events. Cluskey was one of the most prominent architects in Georgia, designing the Georgia State Capitol in Augusta as well.

The home has had several famous visitors, including Robert E. Lee in 1862, and General William Sherman in 1864. General Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, the youngest General in the Confederate States of America, grew up in the home. The house was the first built on Madison Square, with construction beginning in 1839. At that time Madison square was the southern most boundary of the city, and the "green" was where Savannahians gathered for social events and other functions. The house retains its four original open air verandas, and is decorated with the finest period antiques, circa 1810-1840.

In the 1950's, a shopping center was built around the house, encompassing the entire side yard on Bull street, the back courtyard, as well as the basement and carriage house. In 1996, the home was purchased and the shopping store was demolished, exposing many of the wonderful architectural elements of the home. The double rear veranda which had previously been hidden by the store was restored, and the eastern veranda which had been demolished in the 1950's was meticulously rebuilt. The original color of the house was a regency burst ocre, which was also prominent on the Owens Thomas house. This color was restored in 1997.

While demolishing the store, parts of the original British defensive fortifications in the American Revolution were unearthed in the rear courtyard. In 1779 this was the site of the British Center lines around the city. The Siege of Savannah was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution, as the United States Continentals and French forces failed to take the city from the British. The only antebellum house in Savannah of this caliber that is not a museum, the Sorrel Weed House is truly a setting to experience past "days gone by" of the old South.

Contributed by Steven Bader, owner of the Sorrel-Weed House


July 07, 2005

Adventure vacations to coastal Georgia along the Heritage Corridor

What are some of the adventure travel pursuits that outdoor loving tourists can pursue along the coastal Georgia segment of the National "Heritage Corridor"?

If you are an outdoor lover, when planning that next back to nature experience, you might consider Coastal Georgia as your adventure vacation destination. Why travel out of the USA to remote islands in distant lands when your own home grown travel experience in semi-remote locations along the Heritage Corridor is not only far more affordable but equally good for the soul? The joint marketing efforts by the states of Florida, Georgia, and the two Carolinas along the north/south running I-95 and Highway 17 coastal routes of these two highway systems is nothing more, according to the Georgia Conservancy than “a place designated by Congress where natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography.”

If you are seeking a unique vacation experience combining the best of all worlds with a strong emphasis on nature and history far away from the maddening crowds but yet close enough to tourist attractions to work in a day trip or two to the beaches of Tybee Island or Jekyll Island, and tour the historic district of Savannah in between your flat water kayak excursions, biking on desolate barrier island roadways, or birding along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, then running the 110 mile long scenic Georgia coast between Savannah and St. Mary’s/Cumberland Island may be just the adventure vacation you are looking for.

This water rich environment features the second largest watershed on the east coast, the gentle Altamaha River which flows 137 miles from it’s origin to it’s delta on the Atlantic seaboard. In and around her banks, you will find 130 rare and endangered species. This slow moving river is an ideal spot for leisurely floating downstream or to hone your flat water kayaking skills. Explore the natural wonders and diverse cultures of Georgia’s coast, including ancient cypress trees, whale and porpoise watching, alligator sightings in the Okefenokee Swamp, Spanish era forts and artifacts from Georgia’s pre-colonial days. Rent a boat or bring your own and motor out to your own private beach at St. Catherines Island, only accessible by water. The sportsmen among you will enjoy the quiet solitude while fishing, shrimping, or crabbing in the myriad Barrier Island river ways that abound here. Whatever your itinerary may be on your next planned coastal getaway, Georgia’s barrier island paradise may just well be the ticket for that out of the ordinary beach/inland water way adventure tour.


July 06, 2005

Savannah Getaways Property of the Week

One of the many great Savannah Getaways properties available for vacation rental.

Savannah Getaways is pleased to announce that starting this week we will be featuring a “Property of the Week” available for rental on our website.

This week we have a great two bedroom, two and a half bath townhouse ideally situated steps from Forsyth Park. The king and queen size pillow top beds provide the “home away from home” comfort important for a most enjoyable and well deserved vacation. After a day of sight-seeing you can return and kick back on the couch or love seat and watch the cable TV or take advantage of the full kitchen for a great meal.

I stayed in this property back in April and found the location perfect. My mother and I took my 18-month-old daughter over to Forsyth Park every morning and she had the best time watching all of the dogs go by (she barked at them) and then playing in the playground area with the dozens of other children who were enjoying their outings.


July 05, 2005

The annual Savannah Jazz Festival on track to attract 30,000+ music lovers to the Historic District

Music lovers from all over the country expected to show up in force for this years annual nine day Savannah Jazz Festival held at various venues throughout the Landmark Historic District.

As summer winds down with the traditional onset of Labor Day activities on the Beaches of Tybee Island in the month of September, Savannah’s historic district kicks off her annual surge of popularity as getaway travelers firm up their fall travel plans to the Hostess City. Once again the Savannah Jazz Festival remains an important component to combining value vacation travel while attracting live entertainment music lovers to this annual event that typically takes place in late September throughout the landmark historic district.

Now approaching nearly a quarter of a century of providing quality music in both indoor and outdoor venues culminating in three final nights of performances under the stars spread out between The City Market and Forsyth Park, this year’s outside event is again expected to attract in excess of 30,000 jazz loving music fans. This year’s festival is slated to be a nine day event scheduled for September 17th through September 25th. Presented by The Coastal Jazz Association and sponsored by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs/ Leisure Services Bureau, come prepared to get down with some talented jazzers if past festivals have been any indication. Jazz Festival lovers from previous years have been highly entertained by musicians that perform their compositions in genres that run the gamut from traditional jazz to ragtime.

So complete your travel plans early as accommodations become harder to come by the closer we get to late September with strategically placed accommodations around Forsyth Park and City Market selling out quicker than usual. Whether attending this free event for just a few days or staying for the entire festival, don’t forget to pack your blankets and lounge chairs for Forsyth Park’s grand finale as you don’t want to miss the perfect opportunity to hang out and enjoy exceptional music with other jazz enthusiasts from all over the country.


July 04, 2005

Golf in Savannah

A review of two of Savannah's great golf courses.

In my time in Savannah, I had the pleasure of playing two top quality golf courses. I can highly recommend them both.

The first course that I played was the Club at Savannah Harbor located at the Westin. The course is located five minutes from the historic district, just over the bridge on Hutchinson Island. This course is home to the Senior PGA Tour and not without reason. The tee boxes, fairways and greens were in excellent shape and the challenging layout provided for an exciting round. Also, the staff was very professional and hospitable.

Next, I traveled to Crosswinds Golf Club located about fifteen minutes away from the historic district. Located just off of the airport exit, it was very convenient. Once again, the course was in excellent condition and very challenging. An added feature that I enjoyed was the GPS tracking available on all carts. In addition to the 18-hole setup, they also have a 9-hole par 3 course which is lighted in the evenings.

I will definitely play these courses again on my future visits. Their convenient locations and their quality of play made my trip very enjoyable.

Contributed by Aubrey Stringer


July 03, 2005

Coastal South Carolina/Georgia border maps offered for sale by Historic Society

Situated along the Heritage Corridor, Bluffton, South Carolina based Historical Preservation Society offers rare musem quality map reoproductions for sale to map lovers of coastal Georgia and South Carolina from colonial and antebellum era.

The Heyward House based Bluffton Historical Preservation Society recently announced plans to sell museum quality reproductions of two rare maps depicting the Georgia and South Carolina Coastal River Region.  Executive Director Robert Jones, Jr. states “the Savannah River Backwater Plantation map dating to the year 1851 and the De Brahm Saddle-Bag Map of South Carolina and part of the Georgia coast originally published in 1757, are both truly gems for history enthusiasts, map collectors, as well as the home decorator."

 

The Savannah River map was originally hand drawn by an unknown surveyor that renders the approximate locale along the Savannah River from Fort Jackson across from Hutchinson Island to just below Hardeeville in South Carolina that was known during that era as the “Backwater” delta area along this low country regional tributary.  Genie Woodward of Florida gave her permission to the society for them to have exclusive rights on a first edition print of the map that was released in the early 1980’s. 

 

This map accurately shows among other things the approximate locations of homes, the actual plantation names these homes are associated with along with their boundaries, owners, and the fascinating information of acreage under production with specific agricultural crop types of that time frame that the prototypical plantation planted from one planting season to the next planting season.  Among the 50+ early rice and dry-culture plantation names of owners found on this map comprising operating plantations in South Carolina and Georgia in operation circa 1851, many of the more prominent names are recognizable as the movers and shakers of that important historic antebellum era in shaping the eventual course of history leading to the modern day low country life style.

 

The more valuable De Brahm map, Jones goes on to say was “extremely rare” having been “donated to the Society in the early 1980’s.  The Society is one of the few institutions in this country to actually own a pristine original copy”.  Both maps are suitable for framing and can be purchased for $75 for the Backwater Plantation map and $385 for the De Brahm map with the proceeds going to a worthy cause, aiding the society's ongoing efforts to "preserve the rich heritage of Bluffton and surrounding area.".  To find out more about purchasing either map, visit the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society website for ordering information.


July 02, 2005

Savannah Sand Gnats

1-A Baseball in Savannah.

Summer is a time for going to the beach, cooking out, sipping lemonade and…….BASEBALL. Savannah has a 1-A baseball team affiliated with the Washington Nationals, the Sand Gnats.

This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Savannah Sand Gnats. In their 10 years the Sand Gnats have been affiliated with a variety of different Major League Baseball Teams; St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers to name a few. Since 2003 they have been with the Montreal Expos, now the Washington Nationals. Twenty-five members of the Sand Gnats have made it to the Major Leagues, most notably Eric Gagne, Cy Young Award winning closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Gnats play in Grayson Stadium, built in 1926. At that time the stadium was home to the Savannah Indians. In 1927, this stadium hosted an exhibition game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees (with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig no less). A hurricane pretty much destroyed the stadium in 1940 and so it was rebuilt and named for General William L. Grayson.

So, if you’re in Savannah and enjoy the All-American summer game (doesn’t everyone?), then stop by and see the Savannah Sand Gnats in action. Who knows, you may see the next Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter or Greg Maddux in action. Bring your kids and enjoy hot dogs and good times at the ballpark!


July 01, 2005

The Savannah Spanish Moss Network

In an effort to stay on the cutting edge technologically, a forward leaning group of Savannahians join together to deliver WiFi to the historic district.

While recently pulling maintenance on a faulty exterior window at one of our downtown condo’s in Savannah, I came upon our corporate renter, a traveling nurse on assignment in our fair city in the midst of a three month contract with Candler/St. Joseph’s Hospital, sitting in our courtyard surfing away on her lap top.  Being one of those 50+ year old dinosaurs who prefers sitting at a desk in front of my immovable PC, I wondered why she was not inside utilizing the broad band cable for her computing needs. After a few questions, this young lady quickly bought me up to speed.  Seems she had discovered the best location to take advantage of the strong WiFi signal that she first discovered inside her upscale accommodation was more easily accessed from her more preferred outside seat in the courtyard.  Made perfect sense to me, given the marvelous cooler Savannah spring we were enjoying this season and a chance to make new friends with some of the year round residents in this courtly little Townhouse Complex. 

 

This epiphany started me to thinking about the Wi-Fi phenomenon and I determined to investigate a bit further as to whether or not Savannah’s landmark historic district had other “pockets” of this free Internet access available within the confines of “The District:” past our particular East Jones St. address on the southeastern border of the historic district.  I already knew that the many tourists and business professionals that book historic district accommodations through our consortium of absentee property owners (our clientele typically prefer staying in our more spacious private homes rather than smaller extended stay hotels) frequently asked about connectivity options to the Internet.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the landmark historic district was indeed pretty well connected via the wireless option of WiFi and all for free!  Seems this was all taken care of a few years ago by a visionary group of technologically proficient young professionals currently known as Savannah Spanish Moss, Inc, a Georgia based non-profit organization.

 

The Savannah Spanish Moss core membership was initially comprised of a group of 14 students from the 2002 – 2004 class of Leadership Savannah who undertook the challenge to implement a wireless network that “could have a positive impact on the quality of life in Savannah, Georgia” while simultaneously showcasing Savannah as a “technologically savvy community” to further attract technology based companies to our coastal Georgia region.  Funding and direction for this initiative was provided by among others, The Savannah Chamber of Commerce, The City of Savannah, Bell South, Cisco Systems, Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Savannah International Trade Center, to name just a handful of the sponsors.

 

The network premiered much of it’s newly created infrastructure in time for the International G-8 Conference in 2004 at the G8 media center where Linux Southeast installed the free WiFi node utilizing developmental models of the company’s Linux driven access points.  The Spanish Moss Network uses model 1230 access points from Cisco Systems, which operate under the 802.11b standard in addition to Cisco Model 350 wireless bridges in it’s downtown Savannah nodes. Today much of the historic district has access to free wireless services including most all of the coffee shops with the main hot spots being accessible.  To learn more about the Savannah Spanish Moss Network and the naming process behind deciding on adopting the indigenous Spanish Moss found throughout the low country, visit their web site at:

 

http://www.savannahhistoricmoss.com

 

And don’t forget to pack your lap top on your next visit to the Hostess City’s Landmark Historic District.   


June 30, 2005

The Lady's Cooking School

Join Paula Deen for what promises to be an informative and thoroughly enjoyable Savannah experience!

The Lady & Sons restaurant is a Savannah tradition. I remember my first time eating there, when it was located in a very narrow, tiny building with limited seating and great charm. Pretty soon the business grew and Paula Deen enjoyed success as the host of Paula’s Home Cooking on the Food Network. Now The Lady & Sons restaurant is located in a beautiful three story building on Congress Street.

My best friend watches the Food Network everyday and has become a huge fan of Paula Deen. I was speaking with her on the phone a couple of weeks ago and she mentioned that Paula Deen was hosting a cooking school. I was unaware of this, so I went to The Lady & Sons website to check it out. Unfortunately the classes were completely booked at that time, but now new dates and themes have been added.

The classes provide a chance for the general public to get tips and advice from a real expert. For three to four hours a variety of activities will capture your imagination in the kitchen – even for those who aren’t the greatest cooks! Themes include everything from Romantic Dinners, Halloween, Seafood, Entertaining, Cocktails, etc. Those who attend will not be disappointed. Paula even provides an authentic Southern Buffet at The Lady & Sons, so no on will leave hungry!

Classes are limited to 60 people and will be held at The Lady & Sons restaurant in Historic Savannah. Make your reservations soon and don’t forget to bring your camera and memorabilia so that you can remember your experience for a lifetime!


June 29, 2005

National real estate Investors sending landmark historic district property values up, up, up as inventory of available properties plummets

Coastal Georgia resort properties continue to be excellent investment vehicles as comparative under valued historic district properties lead the way in spite of decrease in available inventory.

Absentee Real Estate investors continue purchasing second and third vacation condos and townhouses in Savannah’s historic district as more of these properties are under valued versus other geographic resort locations throughout the country.  As prices on these over-valued resort properties continue to not only rise past the affordability level for only the deepest of pockets for most investors, these properties cease to be viable from a positive cash flow stand point as well.

Those investors seeking value with historic district rental properties that can generate positive cash flow via rentals to Savannah College of Art and Design students and/or renting these town homes out by the week to tourists coming to Savannah’s historic district for three to seven night getaway mini-vacations as “self catered” accommodations continue to pull the trigger on their well researched purchases within the historic district and gated golf course community properties outside of the district. In this perennial “Top 10 Vacation Destination” according to Conde Nast (six of the last ten years), prospects for continued tourism based revenue streams remain solid for those value seeking investors looking for this trend to continue.

 

There is a marked increase in investors from all over the country, most of them being west coast investors or Florida based investors that are cashing out their over valued homes in those respective markets for the purpose of re-investing in coastal Georgia properties.  An increased building boom in “under construction” hotels and extended stay hotel chains within the historic district would indicate to me from their presumed demographic analysis that 10,000+ hotel rooms are not enough to accommodate the travelers traveling to this historic city.  And more Hotels are slated to be built over the next few years.  In spite of the upward rise of property values in coastal Georgia real estate, these relative values are still appreciably lower than other eastern seaboard coastal properties in other markets. 

 

If real estate investments in coastal resort properties work for your investment portfolio in light of a fluctuating stock market and the falling dollar against international currencies, then this might be an appropriate investment vehicle for you to research.  Savannah Georgia real estate investment properties have certainly been good for our own portfolio, appreciating by 15% - 20% annually and amazingly easy to make liquid in a FSBO kind of way as we recently did on receiving three offers in 72 hours while implementing a quick moving 1031 property exchange transaction to enable us to purchase a far more upscale property than what we sold within the historic district. Put both transactions together without benefit of a real estate agent in six – seven weeks after making an offer on a free standing townhouse and only decided to sell one of our existing investment garden condominiums in our personal portfolio a few weeks into the process.  We don’t need to liquidate our real estate holdings any quicker than that and we did it from home 300 miles away from Savannah!  Now that’s my kind of investment.


June 28, 2005

Brunch at the Savannah Westin

Offering a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items and a great view of the Savannah River, the Aqua Star is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal with your family.

My family and I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Westin’s Aqua Star for their Sunday Champagne Brunch. We arranged reservations for this meal prior to arriving in Savannah. Once there, we made the short drive over the bridge from our accommodations in Historic Savannah, enjoying the terrific scenery along the way.

We arrived at the Westin right on time and went up the escalator to the Aqua Star. On our way up we enjoyed the breathtaking view of the Savannah River from the large windows in the lobby area on up to the restaurant. The views from inside the restaurant did not disappoint. It’s quite relaxing to sit down to enjoy a great meal while watching the ships go by.

We set out on our journey to comfort our tummies and were taken aback by the wonderful variety of foods presented. For the breakfast fans there were omelets made to order right in front of you, bacon, sausage, fresh fruits, cheeses, waffles, an assortment of breads including bagels, muffins, toast, biscuits, etc. There was also a great selection of luncheon foods including the fresh local seafood, salad bar, sliced beef, and vegetables. Champagne was served at noon to complement an already gratifying meal.

After lunch we stepped outside to walk along the river front and check out River Street on the other side. The weather was beautiful that September morning, cooler temperatures with the wind gently blowing by.

I highly recommend visiting the bountiful Sunday Brunch at the Westin’s Aqua Star on your next visit to Savannah. Don’t forget to call ahead for reservations!


June 28, 2005

Just who is buried in Monterey Square at the base of the Pulaski Monument?

For 225 years, Savannah natives have wondered just where is Revolutionary War patriot, General Pulaski's, final resting place. Recent DNA testing reveals no definitive answers and the ghosts moan on in America's most haunted city of Savannah, Georgia.

Long before the book and ensuing movie titled Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil put Savannah’s Monterey Square into the public consciousness to the delight of aficionados of this well known historic district square, both tourists and local Savannahians alike knew this historic square as something a bit more other worldly than a mere geographic point of interest attached to this celebrated Savannah tale with the many colorful local characters undoubtedly helping to make this a compelling best seller when it was first released.

After all for many years before “the book”, sporadic reports of sounds of low moaning heard around the block between Bull and Whitaker streets in close proximity to Monterey Square were attributed to the ghosts of the dead and dying soldiers that fell there during a Revolutionary War era action that took place in 1779. Historic anecdotal evidence does indeed indicate this surrounding area as the approximate locale that many of the hapless victims during this long ago fought battle would have sought a safe haven behind the battle lines to tend their wounds as others lay dying, having been mortally wounded during the siege of Savannah.

Foremost of the better known American soldiers that fell in this action were Sgt. William Jasper and Polish General Casimir Pulaski. Several monuments and historic markers are found throughout the historic district commending the heroism and ultimate sacrifice of these two celebrated American patriots. The conundrum of where General Pulaski’s final resting place is actually located is a 225 year old mystery that has very recently had some new fuel added to the fire to keep this old mystery brightly burning.

Pulaski reportedly died at sea from his wounds while in transit up the coast to Charlestown shortly after the siege of Savannah ended. Some reports have him being buried at sea while another report has him buried at the Bowen plantation in the Savannah area. His purported bones were disinterred in 1850’s from an unmarked grave and reburied at the newly created Monterey Square in 1854 at the base of the 54’ tall monument erected in his honor. The debate has continued unabated ever since as to whether this was in fact the final resting place of General Pulaski or merely the resting place of some other completely misidentified corpse.

Given the advances of modern day forensic medicine, bones were once again exhumed from Monterey Square for the purpose of determining if this square actually did host the remains of Savannah’s well traveled adopted favorite son and Revolutionary War hero, General Pulaski. On completion of an eight year study, a recent report does not offer any definitive answers after DNA testing on Pulaski’s surviving ancestors in his native Poland. A report released by the Associated Press states that “While the strong circumstantial evidence does suggest that the remains are Casimir Pulaski, the inability to obtain a DNA match leads to no viable conclusion.”

And so the controversy continues. Maybe now we can focus on the greater mystery surrounding the reported moans and groans of the dying others swear they hear just off of Monterey Square. Is there a single Polish American accent that can be detected amongst this ghostly symphony from the other side? And if so, is this the ghost of General Pulaski who is forever suffering aloud from the wounds inflicted in a long ago battle or rather is the good General merely protesting those that continue to disturb his final resting place with their constant digging up what remains of his bones, only to rebury his remains once again less a bone or two here or there, time after time?


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