Make a Break for Savannah
Although I have lived in Atlanta for nearly 10 years, I had never before visited Savannah. After catching Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil on TV, I knew I had to make travel plans to the enchanted city post-haste. The three-hour drive is a comfortable distance for a weekend away with friends or a significant other.
My friend Stella and I set out late afternoon Friday and arrived in time for dinner. We checked into the Doubletree Hotel in the historic district, munched on the hotel’s complimentary cookies, and freshened up for our first dining stop : Vic’s on the River. One of Savannah’s most wonderful traits is its walkability. Even though the temperature was chilly, we preferred to walk the few blocks to the restaurant rather than pay for transportation.
Housed in an old cotton warehouse between East Bay Street and River Street and overlooking the Savannah River, Vic’s expresses an intimate, historic charm. The menu consists of contemporary Southern dishes, including fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. The flirtini and thin mint martini are equally impressive, as is the wine list featuring dozens of red and white options.
Full and warm from dinner and drinks, we ventured down East Bay Street to The Bohemian Hotel, home of Rocks on the Roof, a new Savannah hotspot. Our first impression: more attractive tall men in one room than can be found in one Atlanta neighborhood. Jackpot! Before long, we were approached by a handsome soldier recently returned from Iraq who easily fit into the first two categories. When he made his leave, two more soldiers filled in the gap. The men bought a round of drinks before recommending we venture to another location.
Undeterred by the cold and drizzle, we followed the men’s advice and walked to Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar. Savannah Smiles occupies a huge space, but is definitely a dive – dark, seedy and thoroughly entertaining. We were among a small number of patrons enjoying the 80s music and florescent shots.
The next day, we dragged our slightly hungover bodies out of bed for lunch at Paula Deen’s restaurant, The Lady & Sons. We aren’t game for waiting in long lines to eat, so we arrived at 11:30 a.m., just after the restaurant opened. Located in a renovated 200 year-old building downtown, The Lady encompasses 15,000 square feet among three stories and a basement. The place is huge! I can’t recall a time I rode an elevator to lunch.
We quickly learned that the hot ticket item on the menu is The Lady's Southern Buffet. We both chose it even though I avoid buffets whenever possible. Filled with such Southern favorites as fried chicken, yams and collard greens, the buffet is worth the nominal price, though I don’t recommend waiting in line more than 10 or 20 minutes for it.
For the remainder of the afternoon, Stella and I walked along Savannah’s beautiful store-lined streets, pausing here and there to admire a pair of boots or a household trinket. You must build in plenty of time for walking and shopping, as there are countless one-of-a-kind stores offering an array of unique wares.
We topped off our trip with an unbelievable dining experience at The Olde Pink House, located next door to historic Planters Inn on Reynolds Square. The elegant restaurant is warm and romantic, especially the downstairs bar where, adjacent to a crackling fire, a talented pianist entertained the group of diners, drinkers and minglers. As we sat on two coveted bar stools observing the scene, we could smell the divine aromas of each plate carried out of the kitchen. The food is, in a word, magnificent. Our favorite dish is the award-winning Sautéed Local Shrimp with Country Ham Gravy and Cheddar Cheese Grits Cake. Don’t count your trip to Savannah complete until you experience it for yourself.
On our last morning in the city, Stella and I walked River Street – a pathway filled with interesting little clothing, accessory and sweets shops. Naturally, we couldn’t leave until we popped into River Street Sweets and Savannah Bee Company.
Although we spent the bulk of our time dining and shopping, Savannah offers an assortment of additional entertainment options that includes visiting Savannah College of Art and Design, ghost tours, festivals, and tours of historic mansions, among others.
So many dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities make Savannah an ideal destination for a weekend getaway with your sweetheart or friends. Visit www.savannahvisit.com/ and make your plans.
P.S. Savannah's open container laws allow you to drink on the street...
Photo courtesy of Vic's on the River
