Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Savannah Scottish Games, Savannah Event



Savannah bed and breakfasts welcome you for the 36th Annual Savannah Scottish Games on Friday, May 4 2012 and Saturday, May 5, 2012!  Held on the campus of Bethesda Academy, this Savannah event celebrates the best of Scottish and Celtic heritage.

Friday evening features a Whiskey Tasting at Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub and Grille (tickets may be obtained in advance at both Pub locations, or may be purchased at the door), and the Piping and Drumming Block Party to celebrate the 'Night Before the Games' at the Congress Street Social Club.

Saturday brings a full day of competition and family fun.  Enjoy Heavy Athlete competitions, the USIR Highland Dancing southern Regional Championships, Pre-Premier Highland Dancing, gathering of Scottish Clans, Parade of Tartans, Tug-O-War, Border Collie skill demonstrations, Children's Activities, food, and music.

Learn about the different Clans at the Clan booths on the event grounds.  Wander through the Historical Encampment demonstrating the life of Savannah's early Scotch settlers.  Find your roots at the Genealogy booth.  Shop for your favorite goods from our vendors, whether the goods be Scottish or not.  Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Cynergy and the Savannah Ceili Band throughout the day.  But most of all, have a great time with the whole family!

Sunday, May 6, 2012 brings an optional worship opportunity for both Clansmen and attendees.  The Kirkin' o' the Tartans will be held at 11:00 am at the Independent Presbyterian Church at Bull Street and Oglethorpe Street in the Historic District.

Tickets for the event are available in advance at both locations of Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub & Grille, and at all locations of The Savannah Bank.  Tickets will also be available at the gate on Saturday.

Reserve your Savannah lodging for this unforgettable event, and enjoy a weekend of Savannah heritage and fun!  Cead mile fĂ ilte!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Savannah Haunted Tours, Savannah Sightseeing

With Savannah's beauty, rich history, and southern charm, is it any wonder the residents resist leaving?  But add in a few, less-ideal times in history, and you might just get some residents who CAN NOT leave!  Ghost hunting is a popular pastime, and Savannah's past, mystique, beauty, and charm make it an ideal destination for those who seek evidence of another form of life and death entirely.  Enjoy Savannah haunted tours during your stay at a Savannah Georgia bed and breakfast!

Named to be the most haunted city in the US by the American Institute of Parapsychology in 2002, Savannah is full of paranormal mystery and intrigue, both day and night.  The city is routinely visited by parapsychologists and both professional and amateur ghost hunters.

Among our more well-known haunted locations are the Bonaventure Cemetery, The Pirate's House restaurant, the Hampton Lillibridge House, Moon River Brewing Company, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Sorrel Weed House, to name a few.

Nearby Tybee Island boasts of its own spirits.  The north beach neighborhood is said to be home to a past resident.  Lazaretto, the quarantine area for colonial ships, passengers, and residents on the island's very western tip is said to be haunted.  And the Tybee Lighthouse Station has been named the most haunted place in America!

There are many local groups that offer ghost tours lasting between 75 minutes and 2.5 hours during the year.  Around Halloween, many longer and more in-depth hunts can be found in the area.

Even some of our member inns are rumored to have spirits of their own.  You never know who, or what, you might meet during your stay at our Savannah bed and breakfasts!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

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.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

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!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Savannah City Market, Savannah GA Shopping

The inns of Historic Savannah recommend a visit to the Savannah City Market during your stay in our beautiful city for some great Savannah, GA Shopping!

Just two blocks from River Street on Jefferson at West Saint Julian St, the City Market came to life during the mid 1700's when it became the social and commerce center of the city.  Fishermen and farmers brought their goods for sale, residents came to meet up and purchase goods, and many businesses offering daily needs of the residents were established here.  Three main market buildings came and went during the following 200 years before the Market was threatened to be eliminated for good.

But Savannah is nothing if not history-minded!  Thanks to the efforts of the Historic Savannah Foundation, the Savannah city Market is now back in business and seems to draw in both tourists and locals for good food, shopping, museums, galleries, and entertainment in this charming two-block area of shops, businesses, galleries, eateries, and attractions.

There are still sights similar to those in the early day, as horse-drawn carriages and friendly faces can be found even today.  Shops now offer everything from antiques, to Savannah-made gifts.  Restaurants vary from casual to upscale, and all offer some great tastes of the City.  Live music can often be heard throughout the area, and the clubs offer some of the best jazz in the city.

Fourteen galleries and twenty-one artistic studios will satisfy your taste of the visual arts.  Daily entertainment is also offered in the courtyards most days of the weeks, weather permitting.  Kids especially enjoy our dancing waters area, and many will brave the unknown patterns and the chance to get a little wet!  There is always something to do and see at the City Market!

Just a short distance from the market itself, you can take some time to visit the First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest 'black' churches in America, and enjoy her history and atmosphere.  You can also stop by the Ships of the Sea Museum and enjoy models of famous ships, a beautiful garden, and gift shop.

A number of special events take place in the City Market courtyards and establishments throughout the year.  Some of the more popular events are the Valentine's Day Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Holiday Open House, and annual New Year's Eve Celebration.

But make plans now to enjoy the City Market's Saint Patrick's Day events, beginning Friday, March 16, 2012, and ending at the end of Saturday, March 17, 2012.  If you aren't a fan of the huge River Street Crowds, the City Market is the perfect place to celebrate all things Irish!  You'll see lots of green, lots of dancing, and lots of fun!  Live music can be enjoyed between noon and midnight both days of the celebration.

If you aren't in town for a Savannah City Market event, please keep in mind that most area businesses close at 6pm during the week.  Restaurants and clubs are open later, of course!

So add the Savannah City Market to your To Do list during your stay at a beautiful Savannah bed and breakfast!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Billy Joel Dinner Theatre in Savannah, Savannah Event

Savannah bed and breakfasts invite you to enjoy an area event like no other during your stay this spring.  The Jewish Education Alliance is proud to present the Billy Joel Dinner Theatre in Savannah on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 5:00 pm as part of their 100 Year Celebration event. 

Preforming will be the band The Stranger, a six-piece band that features vocalist Mike Santoro, and contains some of the great musicians in the business.  Presenting an uncanny take on Billy Joel's music, you might just think that The Piano Man is there in the flesh.  Santoro's vocals paired with the talent of the New Jersey band's musicians translate Billy Joel's music to an unforgettable experience.

The event will be held at the JEA in the guise of an Italian restaurant.  Italian food, wine, and beer will be offered, creating the perfect setting for Joel's music.  Admission to the occasion is $72 per person.  You can purchase tickets by calling the JEA at 912-355-8111, or purchase online at savannahjea.org.  Tickets must be purchased by April 20, 2012.

So come join us for this JEA signature event, and enjoy a great getaway at your favorite historic Savannah inn!

Friday, February 17, 2012

St Patricks Day in Savannah, Savannah Events

Savannah bed and breakfasts invite you to experience St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, one of the largest and best of all area events and celebrations!

Some have said the festivities surrounding the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah are similar to Mardi Gras. However, Savannah hosts only one parade, and displays of public nudity will get you arrested in our beautiful city.  Festivities in our city are for the entire family.

A week's worth of activities lead up to the spectacular St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012:

Friday, March 9, 2012 at noon:  Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain.

Saturday, March 10, 2012:  Tara Feis Irish Celebration, featuring Irish music, dancing, crafts, food and other family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Sunday, March 11, 2012:  Celtic Cross Mass and Ceremony - this Celtic Cross Procession to Bay Street is "the parade before The Parade," honoring family, heritage, and history surrounding Saint Patrick's Day.

Friday, March 16, 2012:  Sergeant William Jasper Green Ceremony, honoring this Revolutionary War hero, and all servicemen and women, with special recognition for those of Irish descent.

Saturday, March, 17, 2012 at 8am:  Mass at Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist downtown before the parade.

Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:15am:  The Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade begins!

And what a parade it is!  The St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest annual city parade, and the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the United States, if not the world!

Savannah's 3-hour parade features over 350 units, including floats, bands, military corps, and other organizations.  The parade route winds through the National Landmark Historic District and within two blocks of our beautiful downtown lodging options - some of them are actually on the parade route itself!  And it is just a short drive/ride from our Tybee Island inns to the parade route.

Historic River Street is THE place to be during the "green season", as events will be held during the week leading up to the parade, and the days following.  But of course the entire city will be celebrating the holiday, so you can certainly opt to have a quieter visit in other parts of town, closer to your bed and breakfast Savannah accommodations.

The innkeepers of the Romantic Inns of Savannah will be happy to offer suggestions for both popular and more-subdued Irish-related destinations during your stay.  We welcome you to the celebrations!