Saddlebags Bar: Savannah's New Spot for Country Atmosphere

There's a new bar and music venue on River Street bringing country music to Savannah.  The Saddlebags Bar fills what was once a variety gap in downtown Savannah's nightlife, giving our guests another great entertainment option during their vacation with us!

Co-owner Johnny Gosyne noticed that while there are country music concerts in Savannah that have fans packing the house.  But when it came to a place for them to go before and after a concert - not to mention any other time they wanted a country-western atmosphere - Savannah was severely lacking.  Enter Saddlebags Bar: a relaxed atmosphere that mixes a great bar, country line dancing, and (of all things) one of the largest selections of Bourbons in the area.

There is truly something for everyone at Saddlebags: Wednesday bike nights, free line-dancing lessons and line dancing events on Fridays, live music on Saturdays, a mechanical bull, and a calendar of special events that is always being updated!

While Saddlebags is more of a bar/entertainment venue than restaurant, they do have a limited menu of "Cowboy Food" including burgers, pulled-pork sandwiches, fried and blackened chicken, a decent variety of appetizers, and more!  Oh, and save room for an authentic Texas-born Fried Twinkie for dessert!

The signature drink list is impressive, and it doesn't look like it'll break the bank either.  And if you're visiting Savannah during the week of your birthday, we hear that if you go to Saddlebags on Friday night and show them your ID,  there's a "Birthday Bash" option featuring a free Bourbon Slush and a free Fried Twinkie!

Saddlebag's hours are perfect for our long-weekend visitors:
Wed - Fri:  4:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sat:  12:00 pm - 3:00 am
Sun:  12:00 pm - 2:00 am

So if you get a hankerin' for some country fun during your visit to our beautiful city, why not head to 317 West River Street, saddle up to the bar, order up some filling food and a signature drink, and maybe even try your hand at that bull or the line dancing?  Your Savannah innkeeper can give you directions and advice about your visit to Saddlebags... and will have your room ready for your return!


As always, we ask that you DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!  Your Savannah inn hosts do not want to see your visit ruined by the effects of irresponsible behavior.  PLEASE either designate your own responsible driver, or get a taxi for your ride back to your B and B.  Even better, walk back to your bed and breakfast!  The Romantic Inns of Savannah are within two miles of River Street!

Celebrate the End of Summer in Savannah at the Craft Brew Fest

Historic Savannah offers the perfect way for beer-lovers to celebrate the end of summer at the 5th Annual Savannah Craft Brew Fest Week during the entire week leading up to Labor Day from August 26-September 2, 2012!  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you during this iconic celebration.

The days leading up to the festival itself will feature special offers and activities at area shops, restaurants, and pubs.  The main Festival begins on Friday with over 50 breweries and 130 beers from the area, the country, and around the world will be in attendance, offering samples and information on their best craft brews and beer-based recipes.  And for the first time, the event will culminate in a live outdoor concert!  The beauty of Savannah's skyline and the river are a perfect backdrop for this week of enjoyment.

Tickets are available online at a discount for a variety of event packages.  Tickets are also available "at the door" at a slightly higher cost for the following event days:

Friday, August 31, 2012:  International Craft Brew Tasting from 6-9pm at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.  $55 in advance, $75 at the door.

Saturday, September 1, 2012:  The Grand Tasting from 12-5pm on the Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center featuring samples from more than 45 breweries, live music, food, and more.  VIPs (includes access to a special tasting room with rare beers) are $75 in advance, $100 at the door with a limited amount of tickets available.  General admission is $40 in advance, $45 at the door.  Designated driver attendance fee is just $10.

Sunday, September 2, 2012: Savannah Rhythm & Brews featuring the Heavy Pets, Stokeswood and Jason D. Williams, as well as Sister Hazel and the North Mississippi Allstars.  Gates open at 2pm with music from 3-10pm during the general festival.  Bring your chairs or blankets!  $40 in advance, $50 at the door.

While this is a festival, and a great way to celebrate the end of summer, this is also a beer festival.  Because of this, we would like to offer up some suggestions to those who plan to attend.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!  Your Savannah inn hosts do not want to see your visit ruined by the effects of irresponsible behavior.  PLEASE either designate your own responsible driver (Designated Driver admission is only $10), or get a taxi for your ride back to your bed and breakfast.  Even better, walk back to your bed and breakfast!  Romantic Inns of Savannah member inns are within two miles of the Convention Center!

EAT!  Food will be readily available at the event, so don't forget to nourish your body!  You'll thank us later...

DRINK WATER!  Even though this is a beer festival, we all know the dehydrating effects of alcohol.  Again, you'll thank us later...

TAKE YOUR TIME!  Just because you're at a beer tasting, it doesn't mean that you need to hurry through each booth.  Take it slow, savor the flavors, ask questions, then move on.  Why not enjoy the event for what it is?

TAKE NOTES!  With as many craft brew varieties out there, it's impossible to remember them all.  When you find one you like, note the name, the makeup (hoppy, wheaty, etc.), and the general flavor.  Not only will this help you find your favorites in the future, but it will give newer beer fans a general idea of what to look for in a beer outside of the festival.

BRING CASH!  While most event vendors are set up to take credit, some are not.  Besides, you might just want to tip those event-workers who give you great information or suggest something to see in the area.

Savannah's many B and Bs welcome you during this week of summer's end celebration and beer appreciation event.  We hope you enjoy your stay at your favorite inn lodging choice!

Enjoy a Unique Savannah Tour on a Segway Motorized Vehicle

Here's a different concept: walking tours with no walking involved! So it isn't really a new idea, but it's still a novel approach to offer city tours on Segway Personal Transporter electric vehicles, (or just Segway(s)). This is one more fun activity you can enjoy while on a Savannah bed and breakfast vacation!

Segways are two-wheeled, battery-powered devices with on-board computers and motors to help keep the vehicle upright when a passenger is present. Controlling one is as easy as leaning forward or backward while steering via a handlebar, making it a fun mode of transport for a tour!

Authorized tours are offered through Segway of Savannah for participants of ages15 years and older (participants aged 15-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) weighing between 100 and 260 pounds, who can safely step onto and off of the machines. No offense for anyone who weighs less or more: the sensors on the machines require the 100-pound minimum weight, and the transporters can not safely accommodate passengers weighing over 260 pounds.

The cost is $45 for a one-hour tour, and $65 for a two-hour tour of Savannah. 1.5 Hour Boneventure Cemetery Tours are also available for $75. Prices are the same for both minors and adults. Reservations are required.

When you take a tour, you are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time for helmet fitting, an orientation/safety video, and a short practice session where you can familiarize yourself with (or further master) the methods for controlling and manipulating a vehicle. Then you are ready for your tour!

It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing for the weather, taking into account air movement during riding. The tour scooters do have a small storage pouch for personal items such as cameras, water, a snack, keys, etc. Individual rentals not associate with tours are also available for anywhere from one hour to an entire week. If you wish to rent for multiple days, your Savannah innkeeper may be able to assist you with storage, but please inquire ahead of time so that we can better assist you!

What a fun way to both tour our beautiful city, and to navigate around during your visit! Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you to our beautiful city, and hope you have fun during your motorized tours!

Crystal Beer Parlor: A Savannah Staple Since 1933

So often, our guests ask us to recommend a place to go have a beer, grab a bite to eat, and relax during their stay.  And more often than not, we direct them to the Crystal Beer Parlor. This unassuming building has been a favorite of locals and favorites since 1933, and is one of our favorite places to spend an evening... And we hope it becomes the same for you.

The location itself started as a grocery store in the early 1900s owned by a family who lived upstairs.  In 1933, they sold the building to William "Blocko" and Connie Manning, who turned the building into a restaurant - just in time to be one of the first establishments to serve alcohol after prohibition ended. The restaurant and bar has been a staple in Savannah ever since.

People rave about the food and service, not to mention the fun and relaxed atmosphere.
 

The menu features sandwiches, burgers, and dogs with a selection of vegetarian options ans full dinners.  Definitely try the crab stew, amazing onion rings, burgers (including the buffalo burger), shrimp po-boy, she-bo stew, oyster sandwich, fried Georgia Shrimp, and make sure to save room for the peach cobbler!

The beer selection is large.  There are consistently seasonal options on tap and some fun micro brews.  And of course,  the "Beers Of Our Fathers" are always available, in keeping with the historic tradition of the bar.

Owners John and Phillip Nichols welcome you a place in Savannah where you will see more locals than tourists. Their commitment to great food and service is apparent when most (if not all) of our guests return from then Crystal very happy with both their meals and the lingering ambiance. It is for this reason, and because of our own experiences at this restaurant attraction, that we will continue to recommend the Crystal Beer Parlor and send our guests on over!