Historic Military Sites In and Around Savannah

Photo from the GA Coastal Heritage Society

America's history is what has shaped her:  her freedoms, her laws, and her lessons.  Throughout her history, the military has played a large role in this development.  While Savannah suffered incidents of destruction, there are still historically significant military sights in existence today, and military buffs from all over the United States still come to take in the atmosphere, sights, and to remind themselves of lessons learned through our military events.

From her founding by British general James Edward Oglethorpe in 1733, to the British occupation during the American revolution, Civil War strife, and her ultimate survival of the blazing destruction that General William T. Sherman left in his wake on the way to our beautiful city, the city's past is both colorful and sometimes sad... but always interesting!  A sure bet for the start of your historic tour is Savannah's History Museum.  Here you can learn all about the different phases in the life here on the coast, and you can see a wide range of military artifacts including weapons, uniforms, and more.

Follow Savannah's history to Fort Jackson.  As the oldest brick fort still standing in the state, this fort was commissioned in 1808 by President Thomas Jefferson as a defense for our young country.  Located on an old Revolution battery site, the structure was initially finished in 1812, although later additions helped improve the Fort.  The Union Army captured Fort Jackson during the Civil War, and then fell into disuse after the War ended.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, located east of the city on Tybee Island, was completed in 1847.  This impressive structure features walls that are 11 feet thick and the traditional moat that was such a deterrent to attack at the time.  The fort was used by Confederate troops during the Civil War, but was overtaken after a long assault by Union troops using the then-new cannon artillery, causing a halt to shipping and prevented our city's prosper until the war ended.  The Fort was used as a prison, both during the Civil War, and during the years after.

The Fort McAllister State Historic Site in nearby Richmond Hill (10 miles south of the City's center) features  incredible earthworks created by the Confederates in 1861.  While the Fort was actively attacked by Union troops during the Civil War, much of the area has been preserved.  Besides its historic significance, the fort is set in some of the prettiest surroundings amongst live oaks on the banks of the Ogeechee River.

In the mid 1860's when General William T. Sherman occupied the city, he made his home (and headquarters) in the Green-Meldrim House on Macon Street here in the city.  While this beautiful abode is currently used as St. John's Episcopal Church's parish house, tours are given on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout most of the year.

Finally, Fort Screven was built on the north end of Tybee Island in the late 1800s with the name Fort Tybee, as an additional defense for the country during the Spanish American War.  It remained an active military location through both World Wars.  The Fort was closed in the mid 1900s and was sold to Tybee as a historic site.

What better way to enjoy a military sightseeing getaway than to stay at one of Savannah's historic bed and breakfasts?  Each has an atmosphere guaranteed to set the perfect tone for your stay.  Feel at home with award-winning hospitality and amenities to rival area hotels; and let your senses revel in the timeless beauty of our gorgeous inns.

Need a Last Minute Gift? Try a Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificate!

Looking for that perfect last-minute Holiday gift?

Why not give a great stay at your favorite Romantic Inns of Savannah member inn?

Our members pride themselves on offering the great Southern Hospitality that Georgia is known for, delicious breakfasts, and personalized service.  Area hotels can't hold a candle to a bed and breakfast experience!  Our beautiful inns reflect the history of our gorgeous city, and we invite you and your loved ones to experience it for yourselves.

Perfect for Christmas, New Year's, Kwanzaa, or a December birthday, Boxing Day, or even Humbug Day, gift certificates are available for most any dollar amount, whether you contribute to a total stay or give an entire night's getaway!  Contact your favorite RIOS innkeeper to discuss giving options, and treat someone with the gift of relaxation and a reason to get away to Savannah!

Go Back In Time at the Georgia History Festival in Savannah

Georgia is a peach.  But how did she get that way?  If you're a history-buff and want to know, then the Romantic Inns of Savannah cordially invite you to be our bed and breakfast guests during the activities surrounding the 2013 Georgia History Festival!

Photo courtesy of savannahnow.com

On February 12, 1733, the US colony of Georgia was founded.  To commemorate this very special day, the official Georgia Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at 10:30 am.  This is an especially big to-do for our school children who dress up and create banners in honor of the date.  Marching begins within walking distance of most of our member inns at Forsyth Park.  The parade then continues north on Bull street until it reaches City Hall, where the Mayor and other city officials will address attendees and choose their favorite banners.

But don't think that the parade is your only option to attend during the festival!

Colonial period lovers should not miss the Colonial Faire and Muster on the weekend of February 9-10, 2013.  Held on the grounds of Wormsloe Plantation, you'll see actors and vendors dressed for the period and offering experiences, wares, and food.  Muskets will blast, blacksmiths hammers will clang, and great food will be cooking on the fires.  This is a FREE event.

Photo courtesy of The GA Historical Society

Sunday February 13, 2012 marks the official Super Museum Sunday!  From noon until 4pm, a large percentage of our city's history, art, and cultural museums welcome the public in honor of the History Festival.  In fact, you can even venture out of town a bit since over 40 organizations up and down the coast will be taking part.  Admission to each and every participating location is FREE on this day.

The event is a great experience for history-lovers of all types.  However the celebration also benefits children who live in the state by providing interactive education.  It is common knowledge that young people learn so much more when they live the information.  GA History day supports this hands-on learning through participation in the many activities held during this multi-day celebration.  You will see children marching in Tuesday's parade, and families love to introduce their kids to colonial living at the Faire.

Of course there is no better option for area lodging than a relaxing bed and breakfast inn during this historic event.  Start each day off right with included breakfasts, take some snacks to much on during the day (may not be offered by all of our B and B members), and return to the comfort and friendliness of your beautiful Savannah home-away-from-home.

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!

Immerse Yourself In Technology at Savannah's Geekend 2012 Event

Savannah is historic.  She is beautiful.  She is haunted.  But did you know that she's also a geek?  Member bed and breakfasts of the Romantic Inns of Savannah invite you to be our guests during this year's Geekend at the Hyatt Regency from November 8-10, 2012!

To put it in layman's terms, Geekend is both a social and information-sharing conference of all things currently technical, including Internet, mobile applications, gaming, programming, social media, and more.  In essence, it is a meeting of innovators and participants in the world of computing.

Each year, BFG Communications hosts this conference filled with informational presenters, social functions,  networking, and development opportunities.  Bringing in more than 700 attendees each year, this gathering helps generate ideas, creativity, network links, and fun with like-minded people.

Should you attend Geekend?  Sure you should!  This event has something for everyone: Internet users, developers, think-tankers, artists, multimedia people... and pretty much anyone else who has ever even touched a computer!  Besides, Savannah is a beautiful place to visit in November: the weather is pleasant, the city is beautiful, the history is compelling, and there is so much to do!

This year's speakers and presenters include Sudjam developers (think Nine Inch Nails' iPhone app and website), David Carson (graphic designer for Nike, Pepsi, NIN, etc.), Kevin Curry (director for the Code for America Brigade, promoting technological development for the greater good), Charles Adler (Kickstarter co-founder), and Neal Holman (art director and producer for the "Archer" series on FX).

Passes are currently $225 for all keynote talks, workshops/lunch/coffee/conversation on Friday and Saturday, and admission to all after parties (for attendees ages 21 and over).  If you can show student or military ID, admission is greatly reduced to $85!  Want to help Thinking Cap Inc. provide grants to Savannah Public Schools and receive two Geekend t-shirts?  Then become a Big Bird attendee for $750.  Print your confirmation page (just in case), and you can pick up your badge as of Thursday, November 8th at noon (you MUST wear your badge to all events).  Group discounts are available for groups of 5 or more attendees (contact info@geek-end.com for more information).  Sorry, no cancellations, but tickets are transferable prior to November 1.

Need additional incentive?  MOO is offering free custom business cards to anyone attending Geekend in 2012!

So come take part in the future of everyone's electronic life at this year's event.  Choose lodging at your favorite Savannah B and B for restful nights in between the excitement, and a good breakfast to prepare you for each day.  We look forward to your visit!


Please note that by attending Geekend, you waive your right to any photos or videos taken of you.  From the Geekend website:

"YOU MIGHT BE PHOTOGRAPHED, VIDEOTAPED AND/OR BROADCAST ON OUR WEB SITES WITH NO COMPENSATION. By attending GEEKEND, you waive any injury or talent claims whatsoever and accept these terms and conditions. Specifically, you claim no copyright interest in your image if used as part of any websites, any video images, or any promotional materials for GEEKEND or others. By purchasing a badge, you hereby RELEASE ALL BROADCAST and TALENT RIGHTS."

Savannah Halloween Activities For 2012

Savannah Georgia is said by some to be America's most haunted city.  It is, perhaps, for this reason that the city doesn't bother with the usual Halloween haunted house attractions.  Why bother setting up something fake when you have the real thing?  However, there are still plenty of fun activities offered in our beautiful city in the Halloween Spirit!  Member B and Bs of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you to enjoy these less-traditional spook-tacular activities during your getaway.

What's Halloween without The Rocky Horror Picture Show?  From October 19, 2012 through November 2, 2012, the Bay Street Theatre invites you to again witness the spectacle that is Rocky Horror.  Brad Majors, Janet Weiss, Dr. Frankenfurter, and Rocky himself will all be there.  Will you?

Some of Savannah's favorite Ghost Tours are even more popular during October and Halloween.  While this is far from all of them, here are some of the more popular tours:

The Ghosts & Gravestones of Savannah Tour:  This 75-minute nighttime tour features a spooky trolley ride to explore both the Gribble House (the scene of a 1909 triple-murder), and the very haunted River Street Perkins and Sons Ship Chandelry - a location visited only by this particular PG-13-rated tour.  Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and no children under the age of 4 are allowed.

The Savannah Scary Ghost Tour takes you on a 90-minute trip to our city's most popular haunted locations, including the Colonial Park Cemetery, the Pirates' House, and the Hampton-Lilibridge House (one of the most haunted houses in Savannah).  You must make reservations at least 48 hours in advance for this tour.

The Sixth Sense Savannah Tour covers real-life locations of poltergeist, hag, exorcism, disembodied spirits, and more.  This 2-hour tour is offered at 7:00pm for families, and at 9:30pm for guests aged 18 and older only.

The Beyond Good and Evil Tour is a 90-minute walking tour to cemeteries, Calhoun Square, and the stories behind the popular book "Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil."  The stories are original, and the guide is very knowledgeable.

The Most Haunted House in Savannah tour takes you inside the Sorrel Weed House to explore the city's most haunted house first-hand.  Many reports of strange activities come from this particular tour.  Even TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society, as seen on SyFy) explored this location, making it their first Halloween special ever!

Special haunted tours do come out just at Halloween time:

• The Savannah Midnight Ghost Tour explores the back streets of Savannah after midnight.  The tales told are definitely for mature audiences only.  Available from October 26, 2012 through November 3, 2012.
• The Savannah Ghosts and Ghouls Tour is a family-oriented Halloween specialty.  Children 12 and under will be given a treat basket (please mention how many you are bringing), and with kid-friendly stories of some of the city's haunted locations.  Available from October 26, 2012 through November 3, 2012.
• The Halloween Ghost-Hunting Experience at the Sorrel Weed House is an interactive, guided hunt with some of the same equipment used by TAPS to investigate this very site.  Available from October 19, 2012 through October 31, 2012.  Group size is limited to 15 people, and the tour lasts 3-4 hours, starting at 11:30pm.  Guests are welcome to bring their own ghost-hunting equipment to the tour as well.

With the old, Gothic feeling of Savannah adding to the atmosphere, what better place is there to visit around Halloween than our beautiful city?  Your Savannah Innkeeper can help you find the perfect activity for your tastes and scare-level.  Welcome to a fun Halloween in Savannah!