Romantic Inns' B&B Innkeepers Dine in Style at Chart House Restaurant in Savannah Where Happy Dining Experiences Are Assured

SAVANNAH Georgia (February 11, 2014) -- The Savannah bed and breakfast innkeepers entertain 365/24/7. Not with simply a comfy, warm bed for the evening, our romantic B&Bs offer unique historic inn hospitality in Savannah, Georgia that is more in tune with the happy spirit of Let Me Entertain You, the song written by Stephen Sondhein and Jule Tyne.

The final line is "And we'll have a real good time." [Lyrics below]

Michael F. Bailey, Managing Director at the Chart House, welcoming the Romantic Inns of Savannah bed and breakfast innkeepers. The distinctive dining restaurant is located on overlooking River Street on the historic Savannah harbor bluff downtown.

That means knowing with unquestioning confidence where the best of Savannah is assured, before we recommend it. Our reputations as hospitality experts is on the line, too! 

On Tuesday night, it was a wonderful treat for our Romantic Inns of Savannah members to be invited and hosted by Chart House restaurant. It was a welcomed and unique evening of food and wine tasting, socializing (or visiting, as we call it in the south).  

The cuisine, ambiance and distinctive flair of Chart House dining made the evening worthy of photos (below)!  Here's your chance to meet the Romantic Inns' innkeepers!

"An active part of the picturesque and thriving Savannah riverfront, Chart House epitomizes the best of modern-day and colonial-era Savannah," adds marketing chairperson Jackie Heinz of Zeigler House Inn. "We thank Chart House owner, Landry's, Inc., for its role to keep 'Savannah moving forward today without forsaking its past', as Kathryn Foster described the city momentum (Deserert News, 1991)."


For member innkeepers who often recommend Chart House, there were no surprises: another enjoyable meal and memorable evening. For those Romantic Inns members less familiar with Chart House, the fashionable restaurant became an immediate hit, especially with director Michael Bailey's assurance to please our discerning Savannah B&B travelers. 

Our evening of fine food and wine featured Frenched Lamb chops with a lovely black currant glaze or chutney,Calamari served with a chilia sauce, Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto, Oyster Sliders, Homemade plantain and pita, several variations of hummus including roasted red pepper edamame.

A link to the Chart House dinner menu is here.  The popular restaurant recently announced it is open for lunch also on Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.).

The Frommer's guide review shares a succinct back story for the prime location of this popular fine dining restaurant: "Overlooking the Savannah River and Riverfront Plaza, "the home of the mud pie" is part of a nationwide chain -- and one of the better ones. It's housed in a building that predates 1790, reputed to be the oldest masonry structure in Georgia and once a sugar-and-cotton warehouse. You can enjoy a view of passing ships on the outside deck, perhaps ordering an appetizer and a drink before dinner. The bar is one of the most atmospheric along the riverfront...."

We hope you'll choose soon to "Let Us Entertain You!"  

Below are a few introductions to stars in Savannah's lodging community -- local inn owners and long-time innkeepers. These photos were taken during our wonderful evening at Chart House in Savannah, Georgia USA (February 11, 2014). We will post more photos of the evening in our Facebook page. Meanwhile, follow us also on Twitter and Pinterest to learn more of our innkeeper's secrets and ideas.

Contact all of our inns, at once, any time using this link.

Lori Glass, innkeeper at Forsyth Park Inn, which overlooks Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah, GA

Rick Glass of Forsyth Park Inn, where porch rocking overlooking Savannah's central park is picture perfect!

Cindy Celento of McMillan Inn, a small luxury B&B located on Huntingdon Street near Forsyth Park.

Robbie Bell owner of Savannah Villas, including 109 West (a luxury mansion vacation rental) and Broughton Street B&B.

Jane Reed of Amethyst Inn at Sarah's Garden, one of historic Savannah's Victorian "Painted Ladies", located on Gaston Street near Forsyth Park

Rocky Reed of Amethyst Inn at Sarah's Garden, a popular family-friendly and pet-friendly historic B&B inn.

Debbie Saxman of Whitaker Huntingdon Inn, which overlooks Forsyth Park, Savannah's central park

Bill Saxman of Whitaker Huntingdon Inn

Jane Sales, Executive Innkeeper at Presidents' Quarters Inn, located on Oglethorpe Square next to Telfair's Owens-Thomas House.

(foreground left) Monique Armstrong of Armstrong Inns

This group photo at Romantic Inns of Savannah social introduces B&B innkeepers and most of the owners who invest millions in historic lodging properties and Savannah hospitality services annually.

Jackie Heinz, innkeeper of Zeigler House Inn, recently featured on Eat It and Like It, a Savannah food-themed review TV program. The inn is located on Jones Street, neighbors with the famed Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room.

Diane McCray and Gary Crews of Green Palm Inn, recently featured on Wheel of Fortune.

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU (lyrics)
Let me entertain you
Let me make you smile

Let me do a few tricks
Some old and then some new tricks
I'm very versatile

And if you're real good
I'll make you feel good
I want your spirits too climb

So let me entertain you
And we'll have a real good time, yes sir
We'll have a real good time

And if you're real good
I'll make you feel good
I want your spirits to climb

Let me entertain you
And we'll have a real good time

          Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., EMI Music Publishing

Copyright © 2014 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Photos: Sandy Traub 

Romantic Foods Of Love In #Savannah: A Roadmap to Valentine's Best Foods or Any Day Romantic Weekend On The #Georgia Coast!

SAVANNAH Georgia (January 27, 2014) --- To savor the romantic foods of love in America's Deep South, get away to Savannah for a Valentine's Day weekend or romantic getaway any day.

From classic southern standouts to serendipitously scatting about, Romantic Inns in Savannah opens up a swath of ideas (a red carpet to their secrets!) for a romantic getaway to romantic places and romantic foods you may have overlooked. Check out these romantic places on our Pinterest board -- Romantic Foods of Love in Savannah, Georgia USA.

“There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection.... Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.” ― Judith Martin [italics and bold added for emphasis.]

The classic food of love -- a red Bordeaux dessert wine and Chocolate Torte at The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District. Photo © Sandy Traub

Let Savannah Romance You! ™  ... Arrive any time!

It's easy to romanticize about Savannah's by-gone Golden Era amid 18th Century historic squares and 19th Century historic architecture. The Romantic Inns' innkeepers will help you to find unexpected romance, foods of love, wine, and southern romance amid your adventures on historic Georgia's USA east coast.

Begin here! We'll introduce you to romantic places to find foods of love -- Alcohol, Almond, Asparagus, Avocado, Banana, Basil, Caviar, Champagne, Chocolate, Figs., Garlic, Ginseng, Honey, Hot Chilies, Pomegranates, Oysters, Radish, Red wine, Salmon, Truffles, Vanilla, Walnuts, and Watermelon.

Savannah's most romantic restaurant spots are often housed in reinvented mansions like The Olde Pink House, or colonial-era warehouses that serve up fine dining today at favorites like Alligator Soul or Vic's on the River, or the sophisticated auto service garage that is the popular, modern-day Soho South with a new menu and happy-chic-meets-eclectic-interior decor.

"Why not start at The Olde Pink House restaurant, a Savannah classic," recommends Diane McCray of Green Palm Inn.  "Start with an appetizer of Blackened Oysters on the Half Shell, watermelon relish, pear and apricot chutney, green tomato chow chow. Or, simply stop for dessert -- the Praline Basket that includes almonds, or the Chocolate Torte (left in photo), with sparkling red wine."

Serving French cuisine in Savannah, Brassiere features Fresh Catch of ricotta gnocchi, arugula pistou, roasted mushrooms, lemon caviar sauce.

"When we stopped at Brassiere the chef reminded us of the restaurant's Valentine's Day (February 14, 2014) tasting -- $85/per person. It is already three-quarters booked, he advised.

If you are early diners or simply prefer something lighter during the day, here are two really nice ideas: (1) From the Jepson Museum Cafe try Prosciutto, Fig and Brie Panini with arugula and honey sage butter. (2) And from Gryphon cafe located on Madison Square, select Prosciutto, fig spread, goat cheese and arugula on toasted country bread.

Le Chai wine shop at Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah, featuring a climate controlled wine cellar. Photo © Adam Kuehl / Sandy Traub

A delightful Saturday-only option is to wonder in  the open-air Forsyth Farmer's Market (near Park Avenue on the south end) to pick up farm fresh asparagus, garlic, hot chilies, breakfast radishes, walnuts and watermelon. While you're in the neighborhood, stop into Le Chai for a bottle or two of delightfully sexy red or rose' wine. Specializing in the wines of Europe the wine shop proprietor, Christian Depken offers impeccable recommendations. After all, you're right at Forsyth Park, a prime spot for an impromptu romantic picnic!  

The Romantic Inns' innkeepers are the historic Savannah bed and breakfast insiders, always in tune to the romantic things to do in Savannah and the most romantic places to eat in Savannah. They know well the colonnades of best places where it's wonderfully easy to romanticize in Georgia's Oldest City -- lingering under the Live Oak tree arbors or southern balconies, or dining on veranda-like porches and hidden gardens.

Here is a unique Savannah romantic dinner idea: Reserve the Whitfield Square gazebo for a catered, romantic evening for two! Photo courtesy GA Economic Development

Romantic Foods of Love | Great Tips from Presidents' Quarters Inn

• For alcohol, The Distillery specializes in infused alcohols, like a jalapeno vodka that the unique, retro pub uses  use for their Bloody Mary.  It is not a set menu for what they have, it changes just like the craft beers that are constantly changing.
• For avocado, Tequila Town has the best guacamole that they make tableside to order.
• For banana, the Crystal Beer Parlor, has a Banana Egg Roll dessert that has peanut butter and banana inside a crispy fried wonton, served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Also for bananas, Presidents' Quarters offers Banana Foster French Toast -- French Toast topped with a buttery, caramelized brown sugar and banana mixture! Dessert for breakfast, so to speak!

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” ― Charles M. Schulz

• For truffles -- chocolate truffles, I would say Adam Turoni, who has Chocolat by Adam Turoni shop on Broughton Street. Adam uses Savannah Bee Company honey to make truffles. The local honey is inside! Wright Square Café has chocolate truffles with chilies inside -- a great combination of sweet and spicy!

Romantic Foods of Love | A Romantic Evening from Zeigler House Inn 

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own

• Let’s start off the evening with a romantic carriage ride to dinner. Weaving through the moss draped streets at dusk inside a beautiful carriage cannot be beat for romantic ambiance. 
• For dinner, Alligator Soul is my choice for a cozy dinner for two. To start the meal a cocktail named Etta James will go well with their Oysters a la Soul and the smooth jazz and blues that always seems to be playing in the background. For the main course, my fave is the duck but anything from this menu is sure to please. Pair that with a nice bottle of wine from their ample wine list and you have the perfect dinner.
• After dinner a stroll up Barnard Street to Factor’s Walk and down to the House of Mata Hari’s, Savannah’s speakeasy for a martini and dancing to live music. 
• To top off the night I think a trip to Lulu’s Chocolate Bar for a little chocolate fondue for two and a glass of Champagne to toast the end to a perfect romantic evening in Savannah.

Romantic Ideas, Uniquely Savannah! | Southern Places & Food from McMillan Inn

• Stop by Hueys on the River for a great riverside view and a warm beignet, served all day long.
• Visit the Roundhouse Railroad Museum and walk aboard a Caboose to see what living quarters would have been like for the Caboose crew. Executive Cars from America's Romantic Era, and newly restored box cars are available to view. You will learn the history of the Southern Railroad when you hop aboard the train for a short ride.
• While strolling on Broughton Street take a minute to stop in the Savannah Bee Company to sample southern, local honey. The Tupelo honey (harvested in Georgia), Sourwood, and Achaia are just a few of the selections available to taste. Try honeycomb too! It is a fun time and yummy experience.  

This southern romantic city brims with an aura of visual and historic beauty. Epitomizing the friendly people who enhance the welcoming experience, each B&B owner and innkeeper happily shares romantic ideas of things to do, places to see, and and what's best to eat and where.

We're always ready to help, and we make it easy to contact all of us! Email all the inns at once here.  Follow and chat with us via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

Copyright © Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub

Romantic Inns' Members Support Weddings for Warriors, Pro Bono Military Weddings in Savannah GA

SAVANNAH Georgia (January 24, 2014) --  Gifted military weddings in Savannah are becoming a happy tradition. Annually, the Savannah-based, one-day spectacular event of Weddings for Warriors stops the presses and leads the television coverage. Why? Who can pass up the opportunity to give a roaring, respectful "Thank you!" to our USA military families?!    

Savannah Weddings for Warriors photo in Chippewa Square by Michael P. Edde, Beacon Photography. Photo used with permission.

Many of our Romantic Inns of Savannah members passionately accepted the invitation from the Weddings for Warriors team for our Savannah bed and breakfast inns to take active roles. Through three years of support -- time, contributions, and passion for this tribute to honor our military families -- we know firsthand how very generous and eager to give that our Savannah hospitality community is!

ROMANTIC SAVANNAH INNS HOP IN, WITH SLEEVES ROLLED UP, TO HELP SAVANNAH'S WEDDING COMMUNITY TO GIFT MILITARY WEDDINGS AGAIN IN 2014 

Innkeepers Diane McCray at Green Palm Inn and Jackie Heinz from Zeigler House Inn first helped with steaming dresses and welcoming at the reception two years ago. This year they took on bigger roles to coordinate the grand reception and pre-event logistics. Joined by Jane Sales and Anna Sales from Presidents' Quarters Inn, and Lori Glass from Forsyth Park Inn all four inns were back with hearty support for the January 15, 2014 weddings in Savannah, Georgia.

Generous gift certificates for future Savannah B&B stays came also from more Romantic Inns -- Armstrong Inns, McMillian Inn, Olde Savannah Inn, and Savannah Villas.

 “...It is a proud privilege to be a soldier – a good soldier … [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability.” ― George S. Patton Jr.

IT IS A PROUD PRIVILEGE TO DO SOMETHING MEMORABLE FOR AMERICA'S MILITARY FAMILIES. 



Talk about pay it forward! For the 2014 Weddings for Warrior project, devoted innkeepers went a step further, extending invitations to their staffs to volunteer.  Eagerly responding, staff members redoubled the efforts from the small Savannah B&Bs, taking in important roles in the eleven beautiful weddings and two receptions. The pre-event reception was hosted by Laura and Fred Mackey at The Mackey House at Red Gate Farm, a plantation special events and wedding venue. The second party was the now-traditional grand reception -- complete with wedding cakes, honor guards, DJ and dancing, and toasts for the military brides, grooms, and their closest family. This year the highlight event was held at The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force near Savannah.  

You'll see more about the Mighty Eighth Air Force when the HBO series, spearheaded by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, airs!

THE ROMANTIC INNS' CALLED ON SAVANNAH RESTAURANTS AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESS TO HELP EVEN MORE.  

When small bed and breakfast inns call on other top-of-their-field small businesses for donations, they know well they are using up precious reciprocity. Small businesses can only do so much pro bono.

Happily, however, Savannah hospitality and tourism businesses came to the plate, donating resources to generously extend thanks to military families during the 2014 Savannah Weddings for Warriors. On this list we thank those that our Romantic Inns' bed and breakfasts in Savannah work with daily and came to the fore for our military families.  There are hundreds of volunteers and businesses that we are confident the Weddings for Warrior project will identify for you soon.

When you get an opportunity, please say "Thank you!" back to these USA military-loving and supportive businesses.  

• Alligator Soul
• A.Lure
• Armstrong Inns
• Baker’s Pride
• Cha Bella
• Crystal Beer Parlor
• Elizabeth’s on 37th
• Forsyth Park Inn - 1 B&B stay
• GeoVista Credit Union
• Green Palm Inn - 1 B&B stay
• In Any Event Catering
• International Gourmet Foods
• Kiwi Fleur
• Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
• McMillan Inn - 2 B&B stays
• Old Savannah Tours
• Olde Savannah Inn - 1 B&B stays
• One Fish, Two Fish
• Presidents' Quarters Inn - 3 B&B stays
• Ranco Party Rentals
• Saavy Tours
• The Salt Table
• Savannah Bee Honey
• Savannah Menu
• Savannah Villas - 1 B&B stay
• Zeigler House Inn - 2 B&B stays

The United States Marine Corps might say, "Oorah", "Hooah, the US Army and "Hooyah" the US Navy and US Coast Guard.  We want to join in and hope our small gestures will say more loudly, "God bless us every one." We thank each one who took part in any way. 

Copyright © Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub

Savannah Tourism Stars Are Romantic Savannah B&Bs! 1895 Inn Among Top B&Bs / Inns in 2014 TripAdvisor® Travelers' Choice Awards

SAVANNAH Georgia (January 23, 2014) -- In yesterday morning's television newscasts and on USA Today we learned that a Romantic Inns of Savannah member, The 1895 Inn, ranks tops in the TripAdvisor® 2014 Travelers' Choice Awards. Congratulations, Ed Bryant and Bob Ray!

Complimentary gourmand breakfast of French Toast savory sausage, and fresh fruits at Green Palm Inn

The small Savannah bed and breakfast was named among the "Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in the United States".  Located on Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District, daily 1895 Inn also ranks top among B&Bs and Inns among Savannah GA TripAdvisor.com® inn and bed and breakfast reviews.

Ring Up The Curtain On More of Romantic Inn's Savannah Bed and Breakfast Stars! 


Catherine Ward House was featured on the 2013 Downtown Neighborhood Association's Holiday Tour of Inns and Homes.

Including 2013, for six years Presidents' Quarters Inn has been voted "Best Savannah B&B / Inn" as viewed by loyal readers in the Savannah Magazine annual poll.

In 2013 three of our Savannah Romantic Inns' members were featured to highlight destination Savannah Georgia on the phenomenally popular Wheel of Fortune television game show -- Zeigler House Inn, Green Palm Inn, and Presidents' Quarters Inn.

During November 2013 on the popular foodie's television show, Eat It and Like It about bed and breakfast foods, Zeigler House Inn was featured to highlight the outstanding cuisine awaiting in the Savannah bed and breakfasts. The show talks about where to find the best food and drinks in Savannah. It airs Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. on WSAV.

Picturesque Forsyth Park Inn was in the news recently after making an historical connection to the Titanic.  The inn's veranda with southern rocking chairs is a showplace overlooking Forsyth Park. That beautiful bed and breakfast inn is featured regularly in Savannah tourism photography, including the new Romantic Inn's video, Better Way to Stay in Savannah 

B&B pool at McMillan Inn in downtown Savannah GA

McMillan Inn's hidden garden pool was the downtown Savannah B&B surprise in the Better Way to Stay in Savannah  video.

A popular Savannah destination wedding venue, The New York Times featured Savannah Villas in their Great Homes and Destinations. 

Stay with the Savannah Tourism Stars ... Romantic Inns! 

Each of the historic lodging properties of Romantic Inns' members is a star in Savannah Georgia tourism and the city's unique historic district places to stay in downtown Savannah. Each of the small historic inns is privately / locally owned and managed. We welcome your visit and invite you to stay with the stars of historic Savannah lodging -- Romantic Inns of Savannah.

Here's a link to contact all of our member inns at once. Follow us also on Twitter, Facebook, and check out ideas for romantic Savannah travel in our Romantic Inns Pinterest boards.

Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub

Let's Travel to Quiet Savannah GA USA on Tuesday in 2014!

SAVANNAH Georgia (January 1, 2014) -- No one says to give up the non-stop romantic weekend getaways.  A new idea comes from Romantic Inns in Savannah for the folks who enjoy quiet getaway travel, just for personal time and quiet new experiences.

"Maybe it's time for simply a couple's getaway without the kids or a nice pause from work," says Green Palm Inn innkeeper, Diane McCray. "We think you will love a few Tuesday trip ideas in Savannah, GA USA!" 

Looking at the 2014 calendar, we find even the popular holidays falling on Tuesday are just about the quietest days for a Savannah, Georgia trip -- Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras, March 4), April Fool's Day (April 1), Earth Day (April 22), and Veterans' Day (November 11). 

I aimlessly travel, meaning I have no agenda other than to get small in the world, be quiet and observe people. -- Walton Goggins 

Here are a few quiet Savannah, Georgia trip ideas with emphasis on quiet Tuesdays! 


In January 2014 get away for a quiet culinary tasting trip during Savannah Restaurant Week (January 24 - February 2, 2014) on Tuesday, January 28, 2014.  Prix fixe menus abound at top local restaurants and artisan cafes in downtown Savannah and Tybee Island (only 20 minutes drive from the historic district). They're romantic spots, too, that offer quiet time and quiet places to try new foods and Savannah dining spots affordably and unhurried.

A happy life must be to a great extent a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy dare live. -- Bertrand Russell

In February 2014, SCAD's deFine Art showcases its contemporary and fine art, opening on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. The event is February 18 - 24, 2014.

Just as long as something is gained, a lesson is learned. I do like those. The more quiet victories are always great. -- Jon Heder

In March 2014, make Tuesday a music-packed day during the Savannah Music Festival -- March 20 - April 5, 2014. Starting with concerts at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, surprisingly these are music-filled weekdays with blues, mandolin and qawwali music, jazz piano, lunchtime and evening guitar concerts.

The best physicians are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman. -- Daniel D. Palmer

Tuesday is a great day to try recommendations from Annette White's "Bucket List of 25 Things to Do in Savannah".  "City art museums and mansion museums that are closed on Monday are open on Tuesday. The long lines at popular restaurants on weekends in Savannah are shorter or non existent on Tuesday," adds Zeigler House Inn's Jackie Heinz.  

When I write I find a quiet place. -- Lianne La Havas

April 22, 2014, is Earth Day -- an ideal day for a trip in Savannah to experience nature's beauty in springtime. Once called "Forest City", you'll want to visit the urban forest of Forsyth Park's Arbitorium, Tybee Island beach, and walk the famous Savannah squares (mini garden parks) that dot the National Landmark Historic District.

But being quiet and meditating on sound is something completely different and will be discovered very soon by a lot of people who feel that the visual world doesn't reach their soul anymore. -- Karlheinz Stockhausen

When one gets out on the Georgia coast waterways around Savannah, you'll hear the sounds of nature -- the Atlantic Ocean waves and shore birds at Tybee Island beach. Take a Georgia Barrier Island day trip with Wilderness Southeast, Bull River Marina's boat tours, or a Capt. Mike's Dolphin Tour near Tybee. Kayaking tours are available to get out on Johnny Mercer's famous "Moon River", near Skidaway Island State Park, and Little Tybee Island.

By now, we hope we have painted a mental picture of how delightful and quiet Tuesdays are in Savannah. Get here if you can! The privately owned bed and breakfasts of Romantic Inns in Savannah will have more quiet ideas for your Savannah, Georgia trip on Tuesday or any day.

Email all the inns here. Follow us also on Facebook, Twitter -- @RomanticInns, and find more ideas we have posted in Pinterest.

Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub

Savannah Benefactors: Savannah's Drayton Street is a 'Thank You' to Ann Drayton of Charleston's Magnolia Plantation.

SAVANNAH Georgia (December 15, 2013) -- Our bed and breakfast collection of family-owned Romantic Inns in Savannah offers a nod to Savannah benefactors. Today we point to a few who supported our once-fledgling British colony of Georgia on the banks of the Savannah River.

Prominent among the stalwart benefactors is Ann Drayton. Her name stands out among the roles of notable male benefactors.

Still an iconic spot for photographs, here is the Savannah Cotton Exchange (circa 1904, facing south) on Factors Walk -- Bay Street at Drayton Street in the National Landmark Historic District.

Without thinking of gender, we read street names and square names. However, most honor men benefactors or heroes. Earl of Abercorn, for whom Abercorn Street is named, contributed £100 [English pounds] to help underwrite the cost of transport of the colony's first immigrants. Colonel William Bull, Lieutenant Governor of the South Carolina, came to Savannah with twenty laborers. He and Georgia founder, James Edward Oglethorpe, laid out the now famous Savannah City Plan. Bull Street is the main north / south street in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District.

The Governor of South Carolina, Robert Johnson, gave seven horses. South Carolinian Joseph Bryan came to help settle the colony with four sawyers [those who saw timber for a living], giving the colony two months work in the colony. Bryan Street runs east and west, passing Johnson Square.

Right in the hub of Savannah's first-named streets is Drayton Street, named for Ann Drayton. Mrs. Drayton is the widow of Thomas Drayton, Jr. -- of the famous Drayton family who still own Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (70 acres) dates to 1676, when Thomas and Ann [Fox] Drayton built a house and small formal garden along the Ashley River (once the Kiawah River).

It is clear that Ann Drayton held her own wealth to assist the Georgia colony after the arrival of settlers in February 1733.

In April 1729, Thomas Drayton (the son) and his mother Ann petitioned the Charleston Probate Court for a division of his father Thomas Drayton, Jr.'s estate. The petition states that Thomas the younger was "desirous to take into possession" of his share of his father's estate in order to establish himself as a planter. The petition was granted. 

Looking south on Savannah's Drayton Street from Bay Street. The iconic terracotta lion at the Cotton Exchange is in foreground.

Historians write that there was a competitiveness among South Carolina's notable families to outshine and outdo one another, assisting the new Georgia colony. After all, the new English settlers and settlement would be the important military and civilized buffer between the British in South Carolina and the Spaniards in Florida.

What is along Drayton Street Today?  

Today a one-way street, Savannah's automobile traffic on Drayton Street runs north from Victory Drive to the strand on Bay Street near City Hall.

Drayton Street is the east boundary of Savannah's central park, Forsyth Park.   

Overlooking the south end of Forsyth Park is the former Telfair Women's Hospital, said to be visited periodically by a lady spirit in brown dress -- believed to be Miss Telfair. Mary Telfair endowed the Telfair Women's Hospital with the property located on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Drayton Street and gave the building to the Independent Presbyterian Church. The grand building is now a private senior citizens home.

Impossible to miss on Bay Street at Drayton Street the Old Cotton Exchange is center stage along Factors Walk. The international rate for raw cotton was set in only two places around the world in the 19th century -- at Savannah's Cotton Exchange or in London England.  

On the southeast corner of east Bay and Drayton streets stands the former Hibernia Bank, designed by architects Mowbray and Uffinger in 1914. It presently houses the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah offices.

Forsyth Park Fountain, viewed from east side of the park near Drayton Street. The puddling gold leaves are from ginkgo trees in the Forsyth Park Arbitorium. (December 2013) Photo ©Sandy Traub

Between Huntingdon (named for Lady Huntingdon) and Gaston streets along Drayton Street is the former Candler Hospital, now being extensively renovated by the Savannah Law School. Savannah Magazine touches on the Drayton Street tunnel, a topic of haunted storytellers in its "Beneath the Surface" feature (March 2013 by Beth E. Concepción).

The phenomenally popular 700 Kitchens Cooking School, directed by Chef Darin Sehnert, is located at 700 Drayton Street.

Grand architecture are features of Savannah College of Art and Design's Administrative buildings along Drayton Street. Clinard Hall ansion (ca. 1872; 618 Drayton Street) is described as "[a] three-story, 4,647-square-foot stucco Italianate building features quoins, stone windowsills and caps". Lai Wa Hall is located at 622 Drayton Street at Hall Street. "This circa-1877 structure once was the home of prominent Savannah financier and cotton broker Thomas M. Butler. Note its marble foyer, wrought-iron staircase and 13-foot coffered ceilings." Near Bay Street, Propes Hall (15 Drayton at Bryan streets) was "Built in 1895 and formerly the Citizens Bank building, Propes Hall was the first building in Savannah to be completely fireproof. Note the Renaissance Revival style architecture." Bradley Hall (115 East York Street) faces Drayton Street.  "The 67,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style building was constructed in 1906 and originally housed the U.S. Marine hospital." 

Our 'Where to eat' tip:  Just across York Street at Drayton is Zunzi's -- a take-out only sandwich shop that was featured by Adam Richman on Travel Channel. We highly recommend the award-winning Conquistador! If you miss the lunch time lines, try Zunzi's II, with roof-top and garden, dinner-only dining. It's located on Drayton Street at Bay Lane.

The Girl Scouts first headquarters preserves the early history of Girl Scouts at 300 Drayton Street. It is the carriage house of the Andrew Low Mansion, founder Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low's home. The Girl Scouts became the nation’s largest organization devoted to developing leadership, service and survival skills for young women.

Until 1846, the old city jail was located along Drayton Street, where today's Andrew Low Mansion and Lafayette Condominiums are today, overlooking Lafayette Square.

Insider's Tip: Look for stones marked "J.B." (Jail Bounds), the landmarks for debtors serving time for penance but permitted to be out of the white-walled jail.

The popular Parker's Market Urban Gourmet (222 Drayton Street) is a fun spot to pick up a warm or cold beverage, incidental personal needs, or quick deli lunch or on-the-go breakfast.

At the intersection of Gaston Street and Drayton Street is the brick mansion seen in the popular golf movie, The Legend of Baggar Vance. The movie (2000) starred Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and was directed by Robert Redford. The beautiful home is a private residence.

Located on the corner of Drayton and Liberty streets, the Drayton Towers is currently under extensive renovations for luxury condominums and apartments. It is the only international style architecture style in Savannah. At the intersection of Drayton Street and Liberty Street (once the southern limit to the city), is the new BT Byrd's at Drayton Tower (101 Liberty Street). The chic cafe offers a little niche place for breakfast, lunch or dinner to celebrate old school Savannah in uber modern ways -- a Southern Hot Dog with pimento cheese, bacon, and saffron slaw or the Bourbon & Tarragon Cured Trout Salad; scones, a glass of wine, or one of the full bar’s craft beers and cocktails with a cookie plate. The speciality is Supersized Hot Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches with a multitude of sweet and savory fixings. Open 7 days a week. 9am-9pm.

McDonough's Pub, voted Best Daytime Bar and Best Karaoke, is just across from the historic Savannah Theatre, a lively place for top-rated musicals year around. Situated facing Chippewa Square, the theatre holds the notoriety as the oldest theatre in continual operation in America. It backs onto Drayton Street. 

Songwriter and Capitol Record's co-founder's Johnny Mercer is a Savannah native. His birth home is two blocks to the east of Drayton Street, which he crossed to reach Forsyth Park as his playground.

Just off Drayton Street is Catherine Ward House bed and breakfast (118 East Waldburg Street), a Romantic Inns member.

Now after that little stroll up and down Drayton Street, don't you think it would be delightful to give Ann Drayton our renewed big thanks for her contribution to Savannah's success? Maybe a day trip to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens would be one way to do just that. The picturesque Charleston plantation is about a two-hour drive northeast from Savannah.

We have more insider stories, which are among the wonderful reasons to stay at Romantic Inns in Savannah. Isn't it more fun to be in the know?  Contact all our inns at once, here.

Copyright © Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub

Experience Wonder and Joy of Christmas and Hanukkah: Get Away for Holidays in Savannah Georgia USA.

SAVANNAH Georgia (November 19, 2013) -- Too often life's joys are bypassed or overlooked. Holiday joys in Savannah are magical! Romantic Inns in Savannah invite you to spend a few days in Savannah at Hanukkah and Christmas time.

Christmas decor at Romantic Inns of Savannah member, Catherine Ward Inn

We have joy! The secret? Spontaneity is often at the heart of joy in Savannah.

Even on Christmas day, there is much to do! Sure, it's that rare time when shops, museums, state and national parks are closed, sightseeing tours are on pause, and water taxi shuttles are docked. Families are celebrating.

Here the holidays are opportune times to simply slow your pace. Wander. Wonder. Ramble about. Our friendly southerners suggest that you mosey or gallivant with no particularly place to be, at no particular time.

Below are some ideas where we think you might find joy in Savannah. You'll notice we have enlisted some amazing sages!

Link HERE for open restaurants on Christmas day.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” ― John Keats, Endymion: A Poetic Romance

1. Savannah is a colonial town, so you'll see more greenery than lights at Christmas time. The beautiful mansion on Chippewa Square is one of our favorite lighted trees, and The Paris Market on Broughton Street always has whimsical window displays.

“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” -- Mark Twain

2. It's joyful to pair things up -- photography and taking in the friendly, local vibe; discovering the favorite spots of local by way of a progressive dinner; seeing resurrection fern at Christmas; cocktails and dessert with someone dear, giving a gift to a stranger, or doing the unexpected -- taking in an art museum and lunch in the same spot!

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” ― Rabindranath Tagore

3. We honor America's heroes when we take time to honor their service. The landscapes of the famous Savannah squares (garden parks) are dotted with monuments to heroes. On the Savannah Riverfront is the globe-shaped World War II Monument.

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” ― Marianne Williamson

4. Bring your camera! One true joy in Savannah is what you'll see, even those things you don't expect -- the architecture, flower and tree landscapes, the panoramic vistas on the beach and waterways, the whimsy of birds and squirrels at play, and the many places of historical stories. 

“My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
― Mary (mother of Jesus), Holy Bible: King James Version

5. Attend an historic Savannah church or the Mickve Israel Synagogue -- the third oldest in North America. Many of Savannah's beautiful places of worship in the National Landmark Historic District were built in the 19th century. We think you'll find pure joy realizing the sacrifices made to worship in beautiful places.

“Music... will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

6. Take in a musical at the historic Savannah Theatre, located on Chippewa Square. Magic happens when the lively, talented performers frolic onto the historic stage wearing beautiful costumes and bursting with joyful music!

"There are two ways to spread the light. You can be the candle or you can be the mirror that reflects it!" -- Edith Wharton

7. Joy is found where one stays at one of our Romantic Inns in Savannah. Make no mistake: we want you to stay with us! However, if you adore our ideas, we'll be happy just to know that at least we were the candle and the mirror, pointing the way! 

Wherever you are, we wish you joy this Christmas and Hanukkah season. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

Let us know how we might entice you even more to get away #lastminute for the wonder and joys of the holidays in Savannah, Georgia. Here's a link to make it easy to contact all of our privately owned inns, at one time! -- Romantic Inns in Savannah, Georgia USA

Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub