Ideas for a weekend in Savannah, Georgia

[Mary K. Love]

Any experts in Savannah who could give me insider tips on things to do/see for a weekend escape? Things off the usual tourist track -- e.g. great music venues, special accommodations, favorite restaurants? Looking for some local color.

[Mary K. Love]

No, that's good advice too! Thanks...Mary

[Donna Esposito]

Mary here is another tip: You will of course see all the great pre-Civil War mansions laid out on a grid that was ahead of its time, with short blocks and lots of parks. But you must also see the post-Civil War home of Juliet Gordon Low, the founder of the girl scouts. Her personal story is tragic, but she made the most of things by creating the girl scouts.

[Donna Esposito]

Before you go there read Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil. There's also a movie but it's not as good. The book is Savannah through and through. I know this isn't the advice you were looking for but you'll love the book and it will help you love the city!

 

I am adding this by mistake, even though I already said it, because I pressed the wrong thing here. What I meant to say as a follow-up to the Juliet Gordon Low story is that the house itself is beautiful. :)

[Diane McCray]

Our focus is on "jolly little Savannah", which from your inquiry, seems a great fit. September begins a wonderful marathon of cultural and music festivals in Savannah - Savannah Jazz Festival (free events), Sep 18-25; Bob Zentz folk music & storyteller, Ships of the Sea Museum, 7 p.m., September 24; inaugural "Savannah Ocean Exchange" (savannahoceanexchange.org) has a full month of fresh food, music, lecture offerings, including Gray's Reef Film Festival, Sep 24; picturesque and tasty Oktoberfest on the River is Sep 30-Oct 2; City of Savannah's uber popular "Picnic in the Park" where people bring wine, picnics, chairs or blankets to Forsyth Park for a night of music and sociality (Rock and Run is theme this year), Oct 2; Pirate Festival at nearby Tybee Island, Oct 6-9; Folk Music events Oct 7-9.  The year continues this way! We love Alligator Soul for fine dining, Sundae Cafe at Tybee for wonderful seafood, Leopold's Ice Cream for homemade, world-class nostalgia! Sightseeing and historic tours will give a wonderful overview of this historic, beautiful city!  Little surprises like Lulu's Chocolate Bar, and Jen's and Friends for cocktails are wonderful little stops. Of course, we would love for you to stay at Green Palm Inn (greenpalminn.com), our cozy, top-rated breakfast inn in Savannah's historic district.  Follow us on Twitter @GreenPalmInn and let me know how I can help any way! Here's a video short of innkeeper Diane McCray introducing Savannah --"The softer side of Savannah" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g42Zb1UAlm4) 

[Mary K. Love]

Sorry I didn't see your post sooner--been a crazy week. We're on our way north from Florida to Savannah tomorrow (Thursday). But I think, judging from all the late Sept. activities, we'll have to drop in again.  Appreciate your recommendations and we'll look in on your inn, as well. Many thanks for the tips!

[Doug Bardwell]

The cooking school at the Mansion on Forsythe was awesome. Lasted about 2-3 hours. The spa there is probably the best I've ever been to as well (not that I've been to that many :)

Zunzi's is where the locals go for great take-out sandwiches and then they eat in one of the 20+ city parks. Get to Zunzi's well before noon, when the line stretches around the corner. 

Enjoy.

[Mary K. Love]

GReat tips, thanks. I'm actually on my there tomorrow.