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

Romantic #Savannah through the Decades: The 1940s, Including the Mighty Eighth Air Force

Savannah is a southern city steeped in history. Real life is more fun than the stories. But oh how much more rich the southern storytelling when one wants to make the 1940s come alive for 21st Century visitors. Any day now we're hoping to spot the filming crews for the third World War II miniseries from Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and HBO. It's about the Eighth Air Force -- the men of the Mighty Eighth. Stop for a burger at Betty Bombers to click quickly into the vibe.

Members of the 8th Air Force at the Chatham Air Force Base (now Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport) in front of a B-24 airplane, in Savannah, Georgia. June 3, 1945 | Kenneth Rogers, photographer Copyright (c) The Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center. Used under paid license.

SAVANNAH Georgia (October 14, 2013) -- Yes, it's true. Laced within the chronology of Savannah's story and life in the 1940s are romantic stories -- love of family, love of country, love of our city.  Those endure today, demonstrated as we daily and happily share our B&B inns' hospitality with thousands of the city's millions of international visitors each year.

"[Savannah] That most magical of cities ... that earthly paradise" -- Conrad Aiken, poet and author

Not to be confused with stoic, our fun-loving Savannah has been called a "living museum" for good reason. History lives in everyday life here and in nearby places.

Savannah, Georgia named to Conde' Nast Traveler magazine's "Top 10 Cities in the United States, Readers' Choice Awards". -- October 2013

We want to tempt your interest by hop-scotching through the 1940s. We think you'll come to see how we love to keep the best of the old, and dress it up with the new in Savannah. For some who visit Savannah it's love at first sight!

Today we have speedy communications via the Internet and wireless phones. In the 1940s the new technology of the black and white television broadcast was very limited in the United States. Families listened to radio and sat together at the family table for meals. It's hard to imagine, but telegrams and land line telephones were the fashionable technologies. In 1946 the National Numbering Plan (area codes) was implemented, and the first commercial mobile phone call was made.

Unidentified man getting his shoes shined on what appears to be Drayton Street in Savannah, Georgia. May 17, 1947 | Kenneth Rogers, photographer. Copyright Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center. Used under paid license.

Shiners (shoe shine boys) worked on downtown sidewalks. Liberty ship builders completed 88 vessels in support of World War II. Delegates to the International Monetary Fund Conference (World Bank) held the organization's first meeting on Wilmington Island. Harry Truman attended. African women with big old baskets of cooked crab and shrimp on their head worked in City Market and walked in the streets hollering, 'Yeah Crabs! Yeah Shrimps!'. Plumbers rode bikes to work projects.  Source: Lane Library, Armstrong-Atlantic State University

Newspaper editor Frank Rossiter wrote, "I'd rather be a fiddler in Savannah than a harpist in heaven."  Source: Lane Library, Armstrong-Atlantic State University

"Until December 1941, America was still at peace and war raged throughout Europe, Africa and Asia.... In the 1930s and 1940s, many of the distinguished buildings in the historic district were demolished to make way for new development, including parking. The 24 original squares had been bisected by streets and fire lanes to speed traffic flow.... 'Out with the old, in with the new' was America's post war motto." Source:  City of Savannah: History 1940-1949

"Savannah is like an old shoe. The longer you wear it the better it fits." -- Mrs. Josephine Taylor, Lane Library, Armstrong-Atlantic State University

British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill (left) stopping in Savannah, Georgia while on his way to meet U.S. President Harry Truman in Key West, Florida during World War II. Circa 1940 | Joe McIntyre photograph collection. Copyright (c) Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center. Used under paid license.

From the day that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii (December 7, 1941) until V-J Day, the end of the fighting in World War II (August 14, 1945) Savannah and her citizens double-downed as an international port and military town in support of America at war, abroad.  Over 50,000 citizens worked in the shipbuilding industry during those years.

In August 2005, Savannah Morning News listed "60 Years, 60 Remembrances" -- the spots and names where citizens and city visitors could honor the "Greatest Generation".

"Savannah was then the center of a Armed Forces network that included air bases, Army camps, Marine posts and Navy installations. Thousands of men served and thousands of families sacrificed with them. Throughout the city and local area, there are monuments to and mementoes [sic] of those wartime experiences." - Savannah Morning News

Savannah's own Johnny Mercer, already successful in the music industry as a co-founder in Capitol Records, wrote patriotic songs for movies and entertained U.S. troops on the West Coast. In 2009, a bronze statue was sculpted by Savannah artist Susie Chisholm to honor our famous son. The statue is located on the west side of Ellis Square.

• A good place to start for 2013 Savannah visitors is to see Jukebox Journey at the historic Savannah Theatre -- "Popular music and professional choreography from the 1940′s to the present are presented in a bright, colorful, and fast-moving production filled with lavish costumes and comedic skits." 
• The Bleu Belle boutique is a hot spot for contemporary fashion in Savannah, carrying a line of clothing called “vintage belle” that is vintage pieces from the 1940s through the 80s.
• Like we do almost every day now, in Travel+Leisure Magazine's feature, "Seductive Savannah | T+L Golf", they recommend Mrs. Wilkes. "After the round [of golf], stop in for lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room on Jones Street, where since the 1940s patrons have gathered at communal tables to be served family-style portions of deliciously rendered Southern fare such as fried chicken and baked ham. Then, either on your own or with a guided group, explore the beloved historic district, which is home to many well-shaded public squares and magnificent porch-wrapped mansions."
• A storm in 1940 was by far the worst of the three that hit our area in the twentieth century, a little less strong than "Hugo" that hit Charleston in 1989. The storm of 1940 produced at least 105 mph winds in Wright Square in downtown Savannah and produced considerable tree and structural damage thought out the area. Prior to that time, no other hurricane had hit the Savannah area or even the Georgia coast since 1898. Source: Patrick Prokop, Chief Meteorologist, WTOC  
• In 1943 Green-Meldrim House on Madison Square was sold to St. John's Episcopal Church.  It had been the headquarters of General William Sherman during the American Civil War. It now serves as a parish house and is open to the public as a house museum.
• The "Waving Girl" Florence Margaret Martus (1868-1943) died in 1943. The fame that the Waving Girl brought to Savannah has been memorialized in a statue by Felix DeWeldon who was also the sculptor of the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The statue is located on the east end of River Street, along the Savannah harbor. 
• Swarms of sailboats took advantage of the Atlantic Ocean waters off the Georgia coast, especially Tybee Island. The waters of the Wassaw Sound near Tybee and Savannah hosted the 1996 Atlantic Olympic Yachting venue. The Olympic Torch Sculpture is on River Street to commemorate the event. Sailing and other water sports attract vacationers to the Savannah area year around now.
• In the 1930s and 1940s an art colony formed along Factor's Walk in the waterfront district.
• Chatham Field is now the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a part of the City of Savannah acquisition in the 1940s. The initial 600 acre tract is in the vicinity of Cherokee Hill, one of the highest elevations in the county. Construction of a new airfield commenced under a Work Projects Administration (WPA) project. WPA was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects. Three runways were constructed running N-S, E-W, and NE-SW; each 3,600 feet long.  Named "Chatham Field", the airport was an used as a bomber and crew training base for B-24's and other fighter aircraft until the end of World War II. 
• The Eighth Bomber Command (Re-designated 8th AF in February 1944) was activated as part of the United States Army Air Forces January 28, 1942, at Hunter Field in Savannah, Georgia. An historical plaque is located in downtown Savannah at the corner of Park Avenue and Bull Street, marking the "Mighty Eighth" headquarters. Open seven days a week, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located in Pooler, just off I-95, west of Savannah. 
• Hunter Field is now Hunter Army Airfield. On 30 August 1940, the United States Army Air Corps received approval to build a base at Hunter Municipal Airifeld, the first airport for the City of Savannah. Official dedication of the airfield as Savannah Army Air Base took place 19 February 1941. At the end of the war, Savannah AAB was used as a Separation Center for the discharge and furlough of service members returning from Europe. In 2013, Hunter Army Airfield is home to units of the 3d Infantry Division, including the "Marne Division's" Aviation Brigade. Hunter's 11,375-foot-long runway supports the installation's rapid deployment needs as any aircraft, including the C-5 Galaxy, can land at Hunter. Hunter Army Airfield has a unique distinction as being identified as an alternate landing site for NASA's space shuttles.
• Since 1945, the Georgia Ports Authority has coordinated international trade investment, which enriches the state of Georgia's economy in Savannah and Brunswick. Along Savannah’s waterfront visitors can watch Savannah River traffic. Savannah tourists are often surprised at the size of ocean-going vessels that move up and down river, to and from the port guided by a local fleet of tugboats. Pleasure craft, including mid-sized cruise liners, often anchor at Rousakis Plaza.  
• In 1945 the president of Savannah Gas, Hansell Hillyer, and his wife Mary, began restoration of buildings in the 10-acres complex of Trustees' Garden, owned by the gas company. Shocking the naysayers, Mrs. Hillyer successfully renovated old clapboard cabins into rental units. A fashionable neighborhood rose up. The project proved restoration could be profitable.  Source: Savannah, a history of her people since 1733, Preston Russell, Barbara Hines. Today the Pirates House Restaurant and Charles H. Morris Center are located on the property.  A new amphitheater is now in construction. 
• Mrs. Marmaduke Floyd (Delores Boisfeuillet Floyd) restored The Pirates' House and adjoining Herb House.
• Swing music was in vogue. City couples and Fort Screven soldiers and Navy divers danced to Tommy Dorsey and the big bands on Tybee Island's Tybrisia Pier. Swing trombonists hailed from Georgia. James "Trummy" Young from Savannah, J. C. Higginbotham from Social Circle, and Lou McGarity from Athens all played for many popular big bands. An early jazz trumpeter, Cladys "Jabbo" Smith from Pembroke, rivaled the popularity of Louis Armstrong. The lyricist and vocalist Johnny Mercer from Savannah wrote numerous popular songs of the era—now classics—and sang with Goodman. Such popular vocalists as Connie Haines from Savannah and Frank Sinatra made Harry James's big band [Albany, Georgia] the most popular swing group of the late 1940s. Source: GeorgiaEncylopedia.org  
• Fort Screven on the north end of Tybee Island remained an active U.S. military post until 1947. As a ranking lieutenant colonel at the time, the later famous World War II General George C. Marshall had been commander at Fort Screven during the 1930s. "In June 1947 Secretary of State George Marshall delivered carefully worded remarks committing the United States to consider a plan for reconstruction of Europe. The remarks became known as the Marshall Plan Speech which initiated the post-war plan known as The Marshall Plan." Source: MarshallFoundation.org The Tybee History Museum is open to visitors in a re-purposed, concrete artillery battery. George Marshall's #Tybee Island office and 'Officer's Row' home are private residents, still standing much as they appeared in the 1930s. 
• The Georgian Tea Room in James Habersham's Pink House mansion (now The Olde Pink House, a fine dining restaurant) on Reynolds Square was rescued by Alida Harper Fowlkes. The affluent Mrs. Fowlkes and her friends served as waitresses. 
• "Born in Savannah on September 16, 1943, before integration, James Alan McPherson recollects playing hooky from school in order to read in the "colored branch" of the local Carnegie Library [on Henry Street]." Source: New Georgia Encyclopedia.  McPherson's early short story "Gold Coast" won the 1965 Atlantic Monthly Firsts award. In 1978 he was the first African American recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for his 1977 story collection, Elbow Room.
• The post World War II period was an important era in the lives of Savannah’s African-American population. In 1947, long before the turbulent 1960s, nine black police officers were appointed to the Savannah Police Department. This was largely attributed to a voter registration drive launched by the Reverend Ralph mark Gilbert, who served as pastor of the First African Baptist Church located on Franklin Square. Visitors are welcome to tour the church on Franklin Square and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
• On the northeast corner of Drayton and Liberty streets stands Drayton Towers which is the only example of the International Style architecture in Savannah. In 1949, Billy Bergen son of Savannah architect Cletus Bergen (for whom the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Bergen Hall for the photography program is named; 101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) submitted the design. In 1951 the building was completed as designed.  In 2013, the property is under renovation for luxury condomeniums. On the lower level are chic new spots that include BT Byrd's @ Drayton Tower (a chic cafe, open 7 days a week, 9am-9pm), The Beer Growler (45 taps for the beer-jug-to-go market), and Rob's Salon (voted Best Savannah Salon 2012 by Savannah Magazine readers). 
• A month before the International Monetary Conference (IMF; March 1-18, 1946) was held at the Oglethorpe Hotel, visitor Lady Astor delivered her backhanded compliment: "Savannah is a beautiful lady with a dirty face." -- the now-infamous line shamed Savannah. A month later, Lady Astor struck again: "Even if the International Monetary Fund Conference has not put Savannah on the map, at least I have." Source: Savannah: A History of Her People Since 1733 by Preston Russell, Barbara Hines.  

By the 1960s seven women headed throngs of citizens to form the Historic Savannah Foundation, leading to the city's now-famous pace-setting preservation in the National Landmark Historic District. Our heralded historic Savannah inns are among the proud old homes restored. Our bed and breakfast renovators love to help keep Savannah beautiful!

Our Romantic Inns of Savannah invite you to "Come for a visit!"  You'll love Savannah, so often proclaimed as one of the most beautiful in America. You may even decide to call her 'home'. 

"Felt like I was in a 1940s movie!" -- a TripAdvisor.com comment about Leopold's Ice Cream, Savannah, Georgia USA

Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub.

Update on the HBO and Mighty Eighth --
- National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Welcomes 100th Bomb Group and HBO, Savannah Daily News, October 16, 2013 – "The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force this week will be welcoming the 100th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force for its reunion. Film crews will be visiting at the same time to begin work on the upcoming HBO miniseries on the Eighth Air Force, entitled Masters of the Air...."
Additional Resources for this post --
- Armstrong's Greatest Generation, Tybee Resort and On "Happiness & Hard Times", Lane Library, Armstrong-Atlantic State University
- Savannah vintage photos on Flickr 
- Georgia Historical Society, Marmaduke Hamilton Floyd and his wife, Dolores Boisfeuillet Floyd
- Excavation of the Irene (Indian) mounds site, near Savannah, was led by several important archaeologists, especially Joseph R. Caldwell (1937-1940), New Georgia Encyclopedia
- "Swing Music: Overview," New Georgia Encyclopedia

Last Minute Getaway! #Savannah Picnic in the Park With Philharmonic

SAVANNAH Georgia (September 25, 2013) -- On October 6, 2013, a flood of picnickers will be in Forsyth Park, Savannah's 19th century grand park. The 30-acre park was originally set aside by William B. Hodgson prior to 1851 for “the pleasure of the public.”

The 'don't miss' event is "Picnic in the Park", sponsored by the City of Savannah's Cultural Affairs Department. Attendance is free and open to the public. **On seeing this blog, @VisitSavannah tweeted: "@RomanticInns ...great idea for a romantic weekend in Savannah with the picnic! Maybe pick up goodies from BT Byrd's? So good!"

Did you see this? Washington Post and AP gave Savannah a nice shout out today! "History, charming streetscapes and live oaks in two Southern cities, Savannah and Charleston"

Finally fall by Susan Dennis

The Savannah Philharmonic will be providing the music. The annual "Picnic in the Park" tradition is an afternoon and evening lawn and garden party on the green. It's the highly anticipated fall, family-friendly event when the whole community and strangers are invited.

Get Away Last Minute! 

All our Romantic Inns are nearby, dotted in the National Landmark Historic District. Two of our member inns -- Forsyth Park Inn and Whitaker Huntingdon Inn -- overlook Forsyth Park. Catherine Ward House Inn is only two houses away from the park. More of our historic Savannah inns are within a two or 3 block walk. All the rest are within a 10-minute walk through Savannah's beautiful garden and architectural landscapes.

We'll make all the arrangement for your picnic readiness. 


Transportation Options 

Parking is impossible. We do not advise driving to the event. Guests can keep their prized downtown parking at the inns, taking full advantage of their free parking amenity. 

Savannah Pedi-cab (tips only; 912-232-7900), Royal Bike Taxi (charged by the block; 912-341-3944), and Savannah Hoppers ($3/person; 912-414-2943) are inexpensive shuttles. Biking is another fun option.

Ride free with the DOT, Savannah's fare-free Downtown Transportation System. A cautionary note: Chatham Area Transit (CAT) advised us today that only the normal DOT shuttle schedules will be running on the picnic date.

Attendance is free. Picnics are your choice to bring. 

Each person attending brings their preferred picnic and beverages for a picnic supper, a Trout Picnic, a Cantonese Picnic, an Elegant Champagne Picnic, a Barbecue Picnic ... you get the idea. No grills and no on-site cooking. Be prepared for darkness with flashlights or battery candles. Watch the weather reports and be prepared for "fickleness of the weather", as The Modern Hostess, Christine Terhune Herrick wrote in 1905.

Expect to see elegant to casual hampers to elaborate outdoor receptions on the green. It's a competitive evening on the green when prizes are given for the best themed picnic. For the October 2013 event the theme is "Celebrate the Arts".

"In the Edwardian era, at the turn of the century, the landed gentry thought nothing of sending servants on ahead to the picnic site to establish an outdoor drawing room." -- James Beard's Treasury of Outdoor Cooking, James Beard [Ridge Press:New York] 1960

No one is out of place, even if you bring yourself only! A blanket, chair, beverage, and flashlight would be our minimum recommendation for this event, easily dubbed 'splendor in the grass' every fall!

You're sure to love the Forsyth Park Arboretum, which acts as a living showcase of Savannah's flourishing and diverse urban forest. Over 50 species of trees are in the park where you may enjoy this annual Savannah tradition -- "Picnic in the Park". 

Information is below to register for the picnic contest. More ideas from VisitSavannah are here: Picnicking like a true Savannahian.

Romantic Inns will make it easy to get away last minute. Simply send one email that will be routed to all member inns via this contact link. Stay in touch via Twitter @RomanticInns to learn more from our Romantic Inns' innkeepers in America’s most beautiful city -- Savannah, Georgia USA.

Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub ______________________________________________

October 6, 2013 "Picnic in the Park" details via City of Savannah Web Site

"Picnic in the Park celebrates National Arts and Humanities month with the theme "Celebrate the Arts". The Savannah tradition will take place in Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 6, 2013 featuring a performance by the Savannah Philharmonic, under the baton of artistic director and conductor Peter Shannon.

As always, the event will feature an evening of live music, family, and picnics big and small! Picnickers are encouraged to design a creative picnic spread that is inspired by all forms of the arts; music, theater, dance, film, photography, architecture, visual arts, and literature. Those who enter their spread in the picnic contest will be eligible to win an array of prizes. For more information, please contact Erin Seals, Marketing Coordinator for City of Savannah at eseals@savannahga.gov or call 912-651-6417.

Picnic in the Park is presented by the City of Savannah and sponsored by Parker's with Media sponsor WSAV. The picnic contest is sponsored by the Savannah Area of REALTORS.

Schedule
Picnic registration opens	4 p.m.
Judging begins	5 p.m.
Savannah Philharmonic concert	7:15 p.m.

Savannah Georgia 4th of July! 4th of July Recipes from Romantic Inns

SAVANNAH Georgia (June 5, 2013) -- Our Romantic Inns innkeepers have a great holiday idea for July 4th! Get away to Savannah and let our Romantic Inns' chefs host your guest lodging stay and do some fabulous southern cooking for your 4th of July holiday in Savannah!


If that is not possible for July 4, 2013, we'll share (below) some  favorite 4th of July recipes from the foodies at our member Savannah romantic bed and breakfasts.  Innkeepers are trying their social media hands, too, in Pinterest. Check out Green Palm Inn's patriotic recipes in Pinterest. 

We'll be adding more innkeepers' recipes between now and July 4th.  Please share your comments about these B&B recipes.

Innkeeper Jackie Heinz at Zeigler House Inn prepares "Red, White and Blue, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries". Photo: Zeigler House Inn

Zeigler House Inn
B&B Recipe: Red, White and Blue White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
**Not recommended for outside warm weather. 

1 pint  fresh large, beautiful strawberries (appx. 12 oz.)
4 oz. white chocolate (chips or block)
Blue sugar (Jackie purchased from Michael's)

Carefully wash and dry strawberries and set aside on towel. Chocolate will not adhere to wet strawberries.  Line a baking sheet or cutting board with wax paper or parchment paper.  Chop up the chocolate roughly with a knife if it is in block form. In a medium-sized, microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate in double boiler pot or microwave. For microwave: Heat it in 45 or 60-second intervals, stirring between each time to ensure that the chocolate is melting evenly and not burning.  Meanwhile, mix blue food coloring and white sugar into a small bowl to desired color. Set it aside.

When chocolate is smooth, dip the berries 3/4 of the way into the chocolate. With the chocolate still warm, dip the tips into the blue sugar, and place on wax paper.

Refrigerate berries until ready to serve.

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Presidents' Quarters Inn
B&B Recipe: Baby Back Ribs (Southern Barbecue)
Season a rack of ribs to your taste. Pre-heat oven to 400F degrees. Place ribs (covered) in oven for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 250F degrees and bake for three hours. Last hour of baking, apply the BBQ sauce of your choice. Serve immediately. Fool proof and delicious!

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Green Palm Inn
B&B Recipe: Red, White and Blue Sangria
(see photo at Punchbowl.com)

Strawberries cut up
blue berries whole
Raspberries whole
Pineapple cut into star shapes
2 bottles white wine
1 cup triple sec
1/2 cup berry flavored vodka
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup simple syrup

Gently mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher and chill. Enjoy!

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Catherine Ward House
B&B Recipe: Watermelon/Blueberry Mojito Salad

4 cups diced or balled watermelon (about 1/2 melon)
2 cups blueberries
1/3 cup mint leaves, chiffonade
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons light rum (I might use a little more than that.)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
dash cayenne pepper
salt to taste

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, zest, rum, brown
sugar, and cayenne.
2. Add the fruit and mint, then mix together gently. Use your hands,
they are the best tool in your kitchen. Add salt to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Variation: Add 1 cup of feta cheese and/or 2 cups of diced cucumber. If
using feta, blend it in just before serving to prevent it from becoming
soggy.

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1895 Inn
B&B Recipe: Cod Cakes with Scallion and Herbs

¾ teaspoon salt
2 pounds cod fillet
1-½ cups dry bread crumbs
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup lemon juice
1 egg, beaten to mix
½ red bell pepper, chopped fine (optional)
4 scallions including green tops, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Pinch cayenne
1/8 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
Cooking oil, for frying (whichever you prefer)
Lemon Mayonnaise (recipe follows)

1. Put 1 inch of water in a large frying pan. Add ¼ teaspoon of the salt and bring to a simmer. Put the cod in the pan. Cook, covered, until just done, about 6 minutes. Remove the doc from the water and let cool. Pour out the water and wipe the pan.

2. With your fingers, flake the fish into a large bowl, removing any bones as you go. Add ¾ cup of the bread crumbs, the mayonnaise, lemon juice, egg, bell pepper, scallions, basil, parsley, cayenne, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Stir until well combined.

3. Divide the cod mixture into 12 portions and shape into patties. Coat the patties with the remaining ¾ cup bread crumbs and pat off the excess.

4. In the frying pan, heat about ¼ inch of oil over moderate heat. Working in batches if necessary, fry the cakes until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Turn and fry until golden brown on the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Lemon Mayonnaise or sauce of your choice.

B&B Recipe: Lemon Mayonnaise: (mix in small bowl)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

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Cherry Ice Box Pie | Photo from Forsyth Park Inn, Savannah GA

Forsyth Park Inn
B&B Recipe: Cherry Ice Box Pie
1 #2 or #3 can sour Bing cherries
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 pint whipping cream
4 Tbsp sugar
2 8-inch graham cracker crusts

Thoroughly drain cherries. Add lemon juice and almond extract to condensed milk. Stir. Add cherries and nuts to milk mixture. Whip cream separately
adding sugar slowly; then fold whipped cream into milk mixture. Pour mixture into 2 pie crusts. Chill overnight.

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Low Country Boil | Photo from Forsyth Park Inn, Savannah GA

Forsyth Park Inn
Recipe: Low Country Shrimp Boil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup salt
4-5 pounds new potatoes quartered
16 ears fresh corn, broken in half or 18 small frozen ears
4-5 pounds Roger Wood Lumber Jack Smoked Sausage cut into 2 to 3 inch pieces
6 pounds shrimp (deheaded) in shells

Fill a 10 to 12 quart pot half with water. Add butter and salt and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and boil 10 minutes. Add fresh corn and boil 5 minutes, or 10 minutes for frozen corn. Add sausage and boil 5 minutes. Add shrimp and boil 3 to 5 minutes or until shells begin to separate from shrimp; do not overcook. Drain and serve from a large bowl or tray.

The Olde Savannah Inn 
B&B Recipe: White Chocolate Pancakes

2 cups of all purpose flour
1 tbs of baking powder/eliminate if using self rising fl
1 tbs of baking soda
2 tbs of pure vanilla
1 cup of premium white chocolate
2 cups of buttermilk
2 egg whites/fluffier than yokes

Wisk all ingredients together and you will have the best pancakes you have ever tasted. Serve with your favorite whipped cream. These are a real treat! Serves 6-8 guests.

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Green Palm Inn
B&B Favorite Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad

1 cup chopped green onions, divided
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound unpeeled small or baby red-skinned potatoes
1 pound small purple or blue potatoes, peeled
1 pound unpeeled small white creamer or White Rose potatoes
2 cups cooked fresh peas, or one 10-ounce package frozen, thawed
1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese (about 6 ounces)
Paprika

Whisk 1/2 cup green onions and next 7 ingredients in medium bowl. Cover and chill dressing. Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Place all potatoes in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Sprinkle with salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and boil until tender, 10 to 15 minutes (time will vary depending on size and variety of potatoes). Drain and cool to room temperature. Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices and place in large bowl.  Add dressing, peas, and blue cheese; toss gently. Cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Sprinkle potato salad with paprika and remaining 1/2 cup green onions.

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Romantic Inns in Savannah members send wishes for your enjoyable USA holiday and a safe 4th of July ... at home or vacationing! If we don't see you this July 4th, we'll hope to see you for July 4, 2014!
 

Love Notes: Where to Find Romantic Savannah Adjectives?

SAVANNAH Georgia (May 20, 2013) – Where’s the love in Savannah?  That answer is easy:  Everywhere. The old southern city by the sea is picture perfect! 

Great timing, too for this inaugural Love Note from Romantic Inns of Savannah.

Savannah is named among the top 25 Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice ® 2013 USA Destination Cities, coming in at #14.

Romantic Inn's member, Forsyth Park Inn's southern porch with rockers overlooks the breathtakingly beautiful Forsyth Park.

“Let Savannah Romance You!”™ is the Romantic Inns of Savannah tagline. It’s really an invitation to a romantic place – Savannah. What's not to love? Just make your first stop for ideas and lodging at one of our romantic bed and breakfasts!  

Romance is so personal.  So, we have simply chosen a few deliciously descriptive adjectives – the feeling words of love – that fit romantic Savannah so well.  It’s amazing how a teacup full of delightful words can shake loose fresh ideas -- romantic places and romantic things to do – to better enjoy a delightful getaway to Savannah.

Aching --

Have you been aching to lunch again at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room or Wiley’s Championship BBQ? Or, aching (literally from your sports training) to take part in the running events, like Rock N Roll Marathon, November 9, 2013. The 2-person half marathon relay is NEW in 2013! Now, isn’t that a fresh romantic idea? Savannah is a flat city, making it a popular running spot to novice and avid athletes. 

Breathtaking -- 

Especially for travelers arriving from desert climates, the Savannah tree-scapes, sunset cruises, and wide open spaces of nearby beaches are breathtaking.  Experience a day of simple pleasures, salty breezes and relaxation on the Atlantic Ocean shore at Tybee Island – only 18 miles east.  Picturesque panoramic views are showstoppers from the top of Tybee Island Lighthouse.  An intimate, romantic dinner at Alligator Soul, or Sapphire Grill’s Late Night Cocktails – yes, the mint juleps and jet-set-style small plates -- are worth lingering, breathtaking moments!

From Green Palm Inn a daily gourmand breakfast. Varying from Continental to a light chef's breakfast to homemade pastries and tarts, breakfast at all Romantic Inns of Savannah is complimentary.

Convivial –

Begin with lodging at a Romantic Inns’ bed and breakfast for your first introduction to Savannah’s social, convivial life.  Innkeepers will point the way to choice places to meet more of the city’s friendly, jovial people.  Did you know that Savannah’s friendly people made #2 in Travel+Leisure magazine’s “America’s Favorite Cities 2012” poll? 

Decadent to Delicious –

Savannah’s cuisine is gaining a worldwide reputation.  TripAdvisor.com named Savannah #7 among the top 10 Food and Wine U.S. Destinations in the 2011 Travelers' Choice poll. Desserts from places like Lulu’s Chocolate Bar and choice European wines from Le Chai are worth the visit!  In quiet moments at Telfair Museums – Telfair Academy of Arts (The South’s oldest museum), Owens-Thomas House (an architectural wonder in North America), and the modern Jepson Center – you’ll see romanticized portraiture, historical murals, and big and small modern artistic snippets on life.  The SCAD Museum of Art magically blends Savannah’s ingenuity -- old and new -- in exhibits curated by Vogue magazine’s André Leon Talley to the quirkilty modern place for a bite -- TAD café: A tad of art, a tad of whimsy, a tad of everything. The new museum is housed in the restored 1853 freight depot of the Central of Georgia Railroad.

Engaging –

Southerners are known to be a chatty, storytelling bunch.  From her Savannah trip, Harriette Behringer wrote “Everyone has a story” in her article “Oh Savannah” published in Philadelphia City Paper.  The slow movement of horse drawn carriages, sightseeing shuttles, and walking tour guides perpetuate the lore.  From innuendo to specific pointers, it’s easy to glean recommendations for the ‘must do’, ‘must see’, ‘must try’ experiences, places, food and libations here.

A unique Savannah historic inn amenity, adored during summer in Savannah -- a swimming pool at McMillan Inn, a Romantic Inns member

Flowery –

Dancing through the summer breeze in Savannah are whiffs of sweet gardenias and southern jasmine. Tempt yourself and buy an Archipelago Savannah candle – a blend of gardenia and jasmine. In Savannah the fragrant candle is available at boutiques, including One Fish Two Fish near Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room on Jones Street.  You’ll spot beach morning glories in the dry sands at Tybee Island.  Palms and colorful oleanders dress the tidewater highways.

Check out the largest private garden in the National Historic Landmark District. It is located on the expansive grounds of a beautifully restored shipping magnate's mansion, now Ships of the Sea Museum on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Note: Free admission to Ships of the Sea for National Maritime Day, May 22 annually.  The date honors the launching of the S. S. Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Good-looking –

Yes, indeed!  Savannah’s women are beautiful -- like Sandra Bullock and Charlize Theron, of course. And, the gentlemen are as handsome as Ben Affleck, Will Smith, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jude Law, Kevin Spacey, Dennis Quaid, and Matt Damon!  Fact or legend? Haven’t you seen the movies filmed in Savannah – “Forrest Gump”, “Something to Talk About”, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, “Forces of Nature”, “Baggar Vance” and “Glory”? 

Any time of day, truly, the head-turners move about the landscape.  And, it’s been that way here a long time. Check out the good-looking hero statues that dot the well-manicured landscapes -- in 22 garden squares, along the Bay Street strand, River Street, and Forsyth Park.  

For a chance to meet up with real-life Hollywood standouts, stop in for ice cream at Leopold’s Ice Cream. The handsome Stratton Leopold, executive producer in box-office mega movies like Mission Impossible III,  may very well be on premise at the family’s legendary ice cream shop. Stratton and his darling wife, Mary, reintroduced the homemade Leopold’s flavors, achieving ‘top 10 in the world’ status – and Savannah a place on Travel+Leisure’s #1 Ice Cream city -- in recent years. 

P.S. Romantic Inns’ beautifully restored historic house inns and boudoirs are good-looking, too!

A romantic breakfast, fit for kings or queens, at Zeigler House Inn, a Romantic Inns of Savannah member.

High-spirited –

The story goes that nightlife for the 20-somethings begins at 10:00 p.m. in Savannah.  Then, of course, there’s another version of high-spirited that points instead to those who imbibe – not needing a 5:00 p.m. cue.  The rumor that Savannah is a “to-go-cup” city is true.  

Newest in the tales of our high-spirited city is the Savannah Slow Ride – a 15-person pedal tour that is popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties, friends and family on vacation in Savannah, or destination weddings in America's most beautiful city. River Street and City Market entertainment, plus music and film festivals help to celebrate Savannah as a fun-loving, get-out-and-go vacation spot.   

Stay tuned!  Romantic Inns of Savannah will have more Love Notes, sharing adoring to unforgettable adjectives that introduce romantic Savannah travel tips.

Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub

Introducing Savannah Romantic Inns’ Unique Points of View: National Savannah Landmark District

SAVANNAH, Georgia (February 10, 2013) – The wonder and romance of Savannah are legendary. Travel writers, guidebooks, and news often tout Savannah’s charm and point to the southern hospitality found in the historic city’s bed and breakfasts.

“It was the wise Helen Keller who stated, ‘The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart’. Savannah’s beauty is love at first sight. When travelers want more than a drive by tour, plus a bed and shower, we are here!” states Jackie Heinz, spokesperson for Romantic Inns of Savannah, and owner of Zeigler House Inn.

St. Patrick's Day. Photo (c) Bruce Tuten

"To revel in the heart of this historic city – to fully discover Savannah by heart -- travelers should and can get beyond the outside views of historic homes, into the heart of city life and into our lovable old inns,” Jackie adds.

The Association of Romantic Inns of Savannah wants more city visitors to discover the quiet small inns nestled in the National Landmark Historic District. “Our bed and breakfast guests become the extended marketers for the Savannah experience,” the sweet-tempered innkeeper insists.

The Romantic Inns are lovingly restored vintage homes nestled into picture-perfect residential neighborhoods downtown. Soft adventure travelers meet up in the inns’ home-like settings while they learn and explore more of Savannah’s secrets. Couples choose Savannah for a romantic weekend, eager to learn from the friendly insiders. Executives wanting a break from glass and steel love a home cooked meal.

From the noble cottages and stately homes, collectively, the innkeepers’ live up to the organization’s tag line -- Let Savannah Romance You. TM

These brief introductions only scratch the surface of 'let me count the ways'. They just may win over even the naysayer for a first-time bed and breakfast stay in Savannah.

Whitaker Huntington Inn and Forsyth Park Inn overlook downtown Savannah’s grand park, Forsyth Park.  Imagine strolling in the crossing sidewalks and stepping right into big events, like the greening of the fountain for St. Patrick’s Day festivities in March, and Savannah Jazz Festival in October.

Located on tree-canopied and mannerly Jones Street, Zeigler House Inn signals guests how to be first in line for Mrs. Wilkes boarding house lunch (4 houses from the inn). “Movie fans can visit film locations nearby, including Something to Talk About, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” she adds.

The 1895 Inn on Oglethorpe Avenue (originally South Broad Street) is consistently rated #1 among Savannah B&Bs on TripAdvisor.com.  Ideally located, the inn is steps away from the homes of Pulitzer Prize winning poet Conrad Aiken, the in-town Colonial Cemetery, and historic theatres.

Just east of Forsyth Park, two inns open their private pools in early spring -- McMillan Inn and Amethyst Inn at Sarah’s Garden (family friendly). The city’s central park was Mercer’s playground, and still the spot for bandstand events, Savannah Jazz Festival, and movies on the green. From Olde Savannah Inn

Catherine Ward House  you’ll be within a block or two stroll from the picturesque park for beautiful photos under the Live Oak tree canopies and at Savannah’s iconic French fountain. Hum one of Johnny Mercer’s lyrics while you roam -- Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, and Ac-cent-chu-ate the Positive.  

More iconic images of Savannah are the garden squares. Balconies overlook the namesake square of Georgia’s founder at Presidents’ Quarters Inn, voted “Best Savannah Inn” by Savannah Magazine readers for five years.  On Oglethorpe Square the inn’s neighbor is Owens-Thomas House considered by architectural historians to be one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America, plus and authentic slave quarters.  

Once seamen cottages, the cozy Green Palm Inn is just off Greene Square in a village-like setting, popular for small weddings on the green.  Of all the Romantic Inns it is nearest the Savannah River front -- considered the best kept secret for a sunrise run and great spot for a sunset walk downtown.

For the best of self-contained lodging, Savannah Villas bring travelers to beautiful lodging places on time-honored streets – Liberty and Broughton -- near Leopold’s Ice Cream (named among top-ten in the world). A catered breakfast and fresh baked treats from local artisans are delivered daily to the much-sought-after historic homes of Armstrong Cottages.  

"I live here. I work here. This summary makes me want to stay at each inn,” adds Diane McCray, co-owner of Green Palm Inn.  It is Whitaker-Huntingdon innkeeper, Bill Saxman who extends a heartfelt invitation so well. “On your next visit, stay in one of the historic Romantic Inns of Savannah homes, and enjoy Savannah's true ambiance when you are not exploring Savannah's historic sites and districts.”

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Copyright © Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub