Shop Savannah for Your Holiday and Any-Day Gifts

Savannah as a Holiday shopping destination?  Why yes, thank you.  Your end-of-year bed and breakfast getaway can double as the perfect opportunity to check off each and every name on your gift list, no matter what the occasion.  If you are tired of the same old shopping "malls" and the stores contained within, then you will enjoy shopping here, as Savannah has some truly fun and unique options, and your innkeeper host can point you to the right area if there is anything specific on your list!

The following shopping areas are generally listed location-wise from northernmost to southernmost.

Factor's Walk and River Street
East River Street is home to these historic red brick buildings, which once housed the Cotton Exchange in the 1800's (cotton was the main income industry before Savannah established itself as a seaport).  Today, these buildings are home to a number of antique stores and a few specialty shops that are worth a look if you happen to be in the area.

The remainder of River Street is home to more of the same, including bookstores, candy stores, and more.  Look for the outdoor events happening here during the year which feature local fine artists and crafters.

City Market
Between Franklin Square and Ellis Square parks lies City Market:  an outdoor market featuring a wide variety of shops, eateries, and entertainment.  This four-block destination features some truly one-of-a-kind shopping choices including All Things Georgia (items made in the state), a cigar shop, candy kitchen, and a variety of gift shops, art galleries, and even Diane's Knitting Studio which specializes in cold-weather accessories (for you visitors from the north)!

Broughton Street
Located a few streets south of the River, Broughton Street is home to some truly cool boutiques, gourmet food stores, and, okay, even a few of the 'usual' chain stores.  Some of the more notable shops that offer quality, local, merchandise include Satchel (for custom-designed and constructed leather goods), Zia (jewelry), and the Savannah Bee Company (locally-made honey varieties).  A number of Antique Stores also reside along this road for gifts from yesteryear.

ShopSCAD
The Savannah College of Art and Design produces some of the most original new creations, perfect for gift-giving.  Whether you are looking for art, pottery, photography, clothing, jewelry, or general decor, you can find it all here.  Located just a couple blocks (about 1/3 mile) north of Forsyth Park on Bull Street, ShopSCAD is a perfect destination for our bed and breakfast guests!  Product turnover is high here, and there is always something new coming from the students and alumni, meaning you never know exactly what you will find!

Abercorn Walk
The ladies love Abercorn, located on Abercorn Street near Derenne Avenue. This new shopping area has classic upscale clothing and home stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Chico's, White House Black Market, Talbots, and more.

Sandfly
This historic area lies just to the southeast along Truman Parkway, and is now a popular shopping destination.  Clothing, gift shops, art, toys, jewelry, and more can be found here.

A Savannah vacation is not complete without a bit of shopping, and you are now privy to some of the most popular retail destinations in the city.  With the help of this list, and with the help of your bed and breakfast innkeeper, you can acquire gifts that can only be found here in Georgia.  Enjoy your stay!

Savannah Holiday Events: Harbor Foundation Series and Holly Days

Thanksgiving is on the horizon.  That means it's almost time to enjoy two Savannah Traditions:  the Savannah Harbor Foundation Holiday Series, and Holly Days. Savannah's bed and breakfast inns invite you to be our guests for these long-standing city traditions for the entire family!

The Savannah Harbor Foundation is a volunteer-based, charitable organization, originally started in response to the events on September 11, 2001 to provide some enjoyable family events after the tragic attack on the United States.    Since then, the organization has expanded its support to local childrens' charities.  Each year during the weekend after Thanksgiving, the Foundation kicks off the annual Holiday Series of Events including:

• Boat Parade of Lights:  Come enjoy Savannah's unique Christmas Parade on the River!  On November 24 at 5:00pm, General James Edward Oglethorpe returns to officiate the lighting of Savannah's Christmas tree, followed by a showcase of 60 vessels decorated to the hilt with lights and holiday decorations.  A fireworks display follows.  Come to the Savannah River in front of River Street for great viewing, or you can cross the river before the festivities and watch from Hutchinson Island.
• Gingerbread Village features edible artwork by both "professional" and "amateur" gingerbread structure architects, displayed at the Westin on the north side of the river.
• Festival of Lights:  Hutchinson Island lights up each year with 60 lighted displays along the Road Course.  After driving through the displays, join in the fun in the center of the Road Course, and enjoy the bonfire, treats, music, and more.  The activities change throughout the display, so you may want to visit more than once!  A $20 per car, or $5 walk-through cost proceeds a number of childrens' charities.
• Holiday Concerts:  On Monday, December 3, Musical Mondays free family concerts begin at the Savannah Arts Academy.  Enjoy music to put you in the Holiday spirit!

Of course, other Savannah Holly Days events (both ticketed and free to the public) offer more great options to celebrate the Season:

• Downtown Holiday Tour of Homes:  Historic homeowners open their doors to the public during the afternoon and evening of December 8, 2012.  See the beauty of these southern belles, decorated for the Holiday Season.
• Victorian Tea:  Between the afternoon and evening hours of the Homes Tour, Savannah's Garden Club invites you to a formal Tea Event.  Put on your finery, select your favorite hat (long-known to be the appropriate finishing touch to any tea garb), and enjoy Victorian Tea, sandwiches, treats, and music. This year's tea location is a fully-restored Greek Revival Mansion, built in 1870.
• Inn Tour:  Area Inns invite you to tour their property on Sunday, December 9, 2012.  Among the chosen properties for this year's tour are our own Ziegler House, Presidents' Quarters Inn, Forsyth Park Inn, and Amethyst Inn!
• The Whiskey Barrel:  As an alternative option for the Adults, the city's first annual Whiskey Barrel taste experience takes place on Hutchinson Island.  Featuring a selection of both whiskies and craft beers, attendees will receive a sample glass, unlimited beer samples, and a whiskey tasting card for 6 free tastings.  Designated drivers are not only encouraged, they are afforded a substantial discount to the event so that they can come learn about the products.  A Military Discount on advance-purchase tickets also applies.
• City Market offers both the annual Open House, and Christmas for Kids Celebration.  Friday, December 8 finds the market awash with lights and candles while carolers sing, Santa listens to secrets, and treats are offered in the shops.  Then, on Saturday, December 8, 2012.  Make your own ornaments, explore the petting zoo, enjoy a Cinderella Carriage tour, hear beautiful chorale music, and so much more!  Consider bringing an unwrapped toy to donate to the Holiday Hope collection box.

There is so much to do this Holiday Season that it might require an extended stay to experience it all!  Why not choose one of Savannah's historic inns as your lodging option?  We will be happy to host your vacation to one of the most beautiful cities in the United States!

October Events in Savannah During Your Bed and Breakfast Vacation

Fall is the perfect time to visit the south!  While the nights AND days are getting cooler in the north, the southern weather becomes very pleasant and inviting.  Here in Savannah, the start of fall coincides with plenty of events for our bed and breakfast guests to enjoy!

Coming up very soon is Oktoberfest on October 5-7, 2012 on the River with brats, beverages, music, dancing, and vendors selling their amazing artistic wares.  Not to mention the ever-popular wiener dog races!  Duck inside one or more of the 100+ shops, restaurants, and pubs along River Street as well!  Enjoy First Friday Fireworks after dark on the 5th!

That very same weekend, Savannah's Annual Picnic in the Park occurs on Sunday, October 7, 2012 from 2pm-9:30pm.  Since the early 1980s, this annual family event has been held in Forsyth Park in the heart of the Historic District.  Featuring live music and entertainment, and family activities, the event is free to the public.  This year's sponsor is Parker's:  a Savannah-based company that runs 27 convenience stores in the area.  The theme is "Some Enchanted Evening," and guests are encouraged to bring the theme to life if they wish!

The Savannah Greek Festival happens almost one week later on October 11-13, 2012.  Now in its 61st year, this even presents Greek tradition, foods, music, dancing, and items for sale in the St. Paul's Hellenic Center at 14 West Anderson Street.  Some of the delicious food choices available include Gyros, Greek Salad, Greek Lamb, Dolmades (rice and beef flavored with herbs and wrapped in grape leaves), Pastitsio (a baked macaroni dish), and Spanakopita (filo dough with spinach and feta cheese).  Greek desserts are also available including Baklava, Loukoumades (honey puffs), Chocolate Walnut Triangles, and more!  Thousands of guests visit to experience the festivities, and you are cordially invited!  There is no admission during daytime hours, however a $2 donation is requested after 4pm.

On Saturday, October 20, St. Vincent's Academy hosts the Tour of Homes & Tea:  a self-guided tour through their own 1845 Convent building, continuing through nine beautiful private homes in the Historic district.  Tea will be served on the Convent grounds, including confections and tea sandwiches.  This is a great way to learn about the architectural changes in our beautiful city through time!  Tickets are available at the Tour of Homes website.  Event prices range from $45 for the entire event, and on down to $10 for a single house tour.

Of course, don't forget about the Tybee Island Pirate Festival happening from October 4-7, 2012, and the Jewish Food Festival on October 28, 2012 in Forsyth Park!

And since this is October, area haunted houses and attractions will be in full swing on weekend nights through Halloween!  Just ask the innkeeper at your favorite bed and breakfast inn for information and directions to the attraction that best suits your taste!

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!

River Street in Savannah, Savannah Attractions

Not from the Savannah area?  No matter.  You have probably still seen references to River Street in Savannah.  Mentioned here, there, and everywhere, River Street seems to have everything a visitor could ever want to see.  But does it?  What is it?  And what's there?  Rest assured that this one road has enough attractions to keep you busy for several hours of your Savannah Getaway.

A registered Historic Site, River Street is the main thoroughfare of the historic district's north side.  And, true to its name, it is also the main road along the Savannah River in the city.  Full of historical buildings and landmark, River Street also sees festivals, parades, First Friday Fireworks, and other city events.

When you arrive at River Street from your Savannah, GA bed and breakfast you will find yourself transported to historic Savannah, onto cobblestone streets with gas lanterns.  Enjoy the sight of the old cotton warehouses - centuries old - that have been converted to galleries, boutiques, antique shops, pubs, restaurants, an open-air market, and more!  Savannah's streetcar system travels through River Street, making access to any part of the riverfront easy once you are there.

Want to see River Street from the river?  Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers everything from sightseeing cruises to historic and dinner cruises along the Savannah River from which you can see much of the architecture and personality of River Street.  For something a bit different, the Savannah River Street Pirates cruises (to open in Spring, 2012) offer fun for the entire family while cruising up and down the Savannah River along River Street.  Make sure to keep an eye out for the Waving Girl during your river voyage!

Enjoy your day and evening on River Street, and then catch a streetcar back to one of our charming Savannah Inns where you can spend the evening unwinding and sharing stories with your innkeepers, other guests, or simply hide away in the comfort of your room.

Tall Ships challenge Savannah, Savannah Events

2012 is the year of noted events for our beautiful city!  First the Girl Scouts' 100 Year Anniversary, then our amazing Saint Patrick's Day celebration... and now a very exciting item is being added to the
list of this year's spring Savannah Events.  Savannah GA bed and breakfasts are joining in with the rest of the city to welcome the 2012 Tall Ships Challenge to our shores!

Tall Ships America is a nonprofit organization whose goal is "to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public, and support education under sail."  Their Tall Ships Challenge Race is geared towards this goal, as their yearly event is a maritime series of
events featuring traditionally-rigged sailing ships crewed by youth ages 13-25 who are affiliated with Tall Ships America.

Held at a different location around the North American seaboard each year, this incredible event is a five-day festival at each Host Port featuring historic, classic ships and Navy vessels from here and abroad.  The US Coast Guard's Barque Eagle will be in attendance, as well as the HMS Bounty.  And we have it on good authority that our friends at Savannah River Street Pirates will be sailing their pirate ship Renegade during the Tall Ships festivities!

From May 3, 2012 through May 7, 2012 these amazing ships and their events will be seen on the Savannah River.  River Street and the Promenade on Hutchinson Island will be the very best spots to view these magnificent ships.

Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome your visit during this unforgettable event.  We look forward to adding a touch of perfect southern hospitality to your stay!

Savannah River Street Pirates, Savannah River Tour

While staying at your favorite Savannah bed and breakfast, prepare to board with the Savannah River Street Pirates, a unique, fun filled experience for swashbucklers of all ages!  This new Savannah River Pirate Ship tour will depart from the dock at the Hyatt Regency hotel on River Street.  The River Street Pirates Savannah river tour attraction will open in the Spring of 2012.

The Pirate Ship attraction is being met with excitement from Facebook fans throughout Savannah and around the US.  From what we can see, a Savannah River Street Pirate tour will be an unforgettable experience for all!

The 60-foot Renegade pirate ship is currently being built.  It will feature snacks and drink service, a full-service bar for adult swashbucklers, an on-board restroom, audio system, lighting, and ships store where you can find your own pirate booty!  Also on board are 16 water cannons to defend the ship!  For the safety of their guests, the Pirate Ship will meet current United States Coast Guard regulations for safety and equipment.

Programs for all ages are currently being planned, including:  family fun cruises, sunset cruises, and evening cruises with pirate cocktails.  We have also noticed that the tour group is working with William Mayhem: pirate, magician, and entertainer from Saint Augustine, Florida... perhaps he will be visiting the Renegade on occasion?

Custom charters and historical group programs are also being advertised. It may be that you can have your own pirate wedding aboard the Renegade in the future! Birthday parties, Corporate Events, Field Trips and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties will also be options aboard the Renegade.

The Savannah River Street Pirates vessel will be located on the dock behind the Hyatt Regency. Prices will range from $10 to $30 per swashbuckler.  From what we can see, there should be something for everyone aboard the Renegade.  We look forward to discovering the launch date of the Savannah River Street Pirates tour season!

Make plans to stay at your favorite Savannah Georgia bed and breakfast inn this spring and get a taste of the pirates life during your visit!

River Street Labor Day Celebration, Savannah Getaways

Come to the River Street Labor Day Celebration for your Savannah getaways before then end of the summer travel season.

The River Street Labor Day Celebration will be along Historic River Street on September 3 - 4, 2011.  Opens at 9am both Saturday and Sunday.

This annual event features artists from around the region with unique arts & crafts and is FREE.  Also enjoy entertainment & fun for the entire family.

Savannah getaways this Labor Day must include the River Street Labor Day Celebration!

Oyster Roasts, Arts & Crafts and Folk Music

Oyster Roasts, Arts and Crafts and Folk Music are all part of a very special tradition in Savannah that take place on the First Friday and First Saturday of each month.  These are all family friendly events and there is something for everyone.

'First Friday Oyster Roast & Fireworks' are at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa every First Friday.  People enjoy live entertainment, dancing, plus what the night is famous for- buckets and buckets of oysters.  There are also other tasty grill items to enjoy for those not interested in the shellfish morsels and a full bar.  The evening is capped off with a fireworks show that is always a crowd pleaser.  It all begins at 7pm and concludes at 10pm.

'First Friday for Folk Music' is Savannah's monthly showcase for local and nationally acclaimed folk music talent.  It all starts at 7:30pm on the First Friday of each month at the First Presbyterian Church located at 520 Washington Avenue.  All shows are non-smoking, non-alcohol and family friendly with baked cookies and beverages available at nominal cost.  Suggested donation for the concert is $2.

'First Saturday on the River' is a plaza full of great artisans unique one-of-a-kind works ranging from simple crafts to exquisite fine art.  Plus you can sample Repicci’s Italian ices, Savannah Popcorn’s kettle corn, cold beverages and much more as you amble along Rousakis Riverfront Plaza on Historic River Street.

Come and stay in Historic Savannah for a family fun vacation with memories that will last a life time. Contact us today!

Celebrate the 4th of July 2011 in historic Savannah Georgia

Celebrate the 4th of July this year in historic and beautiful Savannah Georgia.  There are many wonderful and family fun activities starting on July 1, some of which go all weekend long.

Here is a list of events around the Savannah area which we hope you will come and be a part of.

Great American Weekend - Amble along Rousakis Riverfront Plaza enjoying the sights and sounds while browsing exhibitor booths of art and chatting with the artists themselves.  Food concessions available.

July 4th Weekend at Old Fort Jackson - Visit Old Fort Jackson and step into the shoes of the soldiers that were stationed here during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Celebrate July 4th at Tricentennial Park - Listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence and learn about the 1779 Battle of Savannah. Steam train rides and activities continue at the Georgia State Railroad Museum.

6th Annual Patriotic Big Band Salute - Savannah Swings! - Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra and our amazing cast of singers, featuring Clay Johnson, will be in full swing at the Savannah Theater on July 4 for one fantastic show. We will be honoring our American military heroes with a patriotic big band salute. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the next phase of Savannah WWII "A World Apart" monument on River Street.

July 4th Celebration - Celebrate good times with a patriotic decorating contest (pets, yourself, your bikes, etc.), hayrides, crafts, a greased pole climb and other challenges.

Fireworks Spectacular - Fireworks from River Street.

July 4th Fireworks Cruise - Celebrate our nation's independence on the Savannah River Queen and the Georgia Queen! On this 1 1/2 hour cruise, enjoy the music of our riverboat DJ who will be spinning all of your favorite tunes! The highlight of the evening will be the spectacular waterfront fireworks display.

Mark your calendars now to be in Savannah Georgia for this event and don’t forget to make your lodging reservations in advance at a premier Savannah bed and breakfast.

Armed Forces Days on the River, Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Armed Forces Days on the River is Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-29, 2011 on the historic River Street of Savannah, GA.

Make your holiday weekend travel plans for the Savannah Riverfront for arts & crafts, Patriotic entertainment and fun for the entire family.

This event is not a Savannah Waterfront Association festival, but is supported by the SWA by collaboration.  Proceeds from this event go to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.

Mark your calendars now to be in Savannah Georgia for this event and don’t forget to make your lodging reservations in advance at a premier Savannah bed and breakfast.