Romancing Our Guests: May Our House Always Be Too Small To Hold All Of Our Friends. – Irish Blessing

(c) Whitaker-Huntingdon Inn.

SAVANNAH Georgia (February 24, 2013) -- Recently we asked our Romantic Inns of Savannah innkeepers to share ways that each inn romances its guests.

We've omitted names in this post to share how Bill Saxman from Whitaker-Huntingdon Inn’s translates ‘romancing our guests’. His is a heartfelt example of extraordinary hospitality that began in 1995 and continues in 2013.   

“I don’t look at it as romancing. I just look at it as a way to treat guests staying in our home,” Bill begins.

“We try to make them feel at home and welcome them as we would a good friend or even as an extended family member, to the degree possible. In so doing we want to do our best to help them enjoy and experience Savannah. We do that by assisting them find or do what they express that they want to see and do during their visit. We also try to introduce them to something unique that they may not know about, something we feel that they may enjoy.

“For example, last week we received an e-mail for a previous guest and his wife wanting to know if we had three dates in March 2013 for a return visit with us. He stated that he thought that they were one of the first guests to stay with us when we opened the Whitaker-Huntingdon Inn in March of 1995. I had remembered that a third couple flew in from California (where he was working) and she flew in from Washington State (where they lived). He was coming to a convention and she was flying in to meet him in Savannah. The first two couples were from the northeastern and southeastern parts of the USA, respectfully.

“Debbie and I took that week's bookings as a positive "outlook" for our small new business, especially since the first three couples came from all four corners of the United States. I looked up our first guest book and he was correct about their first stay. So I was able to know which room they had stayed in during that visit by their nice note in the guestbook. 

“I replied back to him that we did have the same unit he stayed in before available during the nights he requested and that if he could stay a fourth night, we had it available, between our other bookings. He responded that they would like to stay the extra night and asked if I knew a 'Polly' [the lady’s name is changed for this blog], that he went to college with in the 1970's. He understood she had moved to Savannah and gotten married to a city planner, but that he did not know the man's name.

“Since I was an urban planner for the local planning commission for almost 40 years and he remembered that fact, he thought that I may have an idea who the man may be. I wrote back that I did not know of anyone at that time who could be that couple; but, I would try to find out who he was, since I had worked with or knew most of the planners that had worked in the city over the past few decades.

 “I then called a good friend that I had worked with and we compared notes and came up with a possible candidate. He was not employed as a planner, but we knew he had a degree in planning and could be the one she married since his wife was also named 'Polly'. Upon contacting our guest again with a name and some information about this person's work background he wrote back the following note:

"Yes, yes, yes! That's him & her!!!! Is there any way to get a phone number or an email?  Thanks a bunch!"

I checked the phone book and found their address and phone number and sent them off to him and he wrote back:  “I've already composed a letter to [Savannah area couple] that will go out on Monday. Thanks for the zip code verification."

I replied: "Glad we could find out who 'Polly' married and come up with an address and phone number for you. Let us know if we can do anything else and we will be glad to comply, if possible. It is 66 degrees and sunny here and the park is full of people. The local Saturday morning farmers produce market has started up again on the south end of the park, after being closed for over a month. They sell a lot of organic foods and are very popular with the local citizens and chefs. - Bill and Debbie"

He replied: “Your weather sounds great. Here it's currently 28 and our snow pack has reduced to 15. It is clearing and should be a fine day. Our local farmer's markets, which we also patronize, are months in the offing. We wonder if, while we're in Savannah, we could take you two out to dinner? Pick somewhere nice, eh? Maybe somewhere off the beaten tourist path with local cuisine.  I meant to mention that, in general, we eat anything for breakfast. No dietary restrictions."

Debbie and I are currently trying to suggest a good local restaurant that we think they will enjoy. We're eager to catch up on each other’s retirements and general interest over the past 16 years.”

May our house always be too small to hold all of our friends. – Irish Blessing
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Copyright © 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Bill Saxman

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

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!