Last week I was blessed to take a "girls' getaway" trip to Savannah with my wonderful friend, Jill. Of course, I took my baby, Will, along as well because I am his only source of food at the moment! My 5 yr old, Aaron, stayed home with his Dad, who is a wonderful man for encouraging me to take this short vacation, which was much-needed. Thank you, Boog! (yes, I call him "Boog" or "Boogie". Sorry.) And, I missed you so much, Aaron! (That was tough...taking one and missing the other...).
But, it was time to get away for a couple of nights, and Jill and I had a wonderful stay right in the heart of Savannah at the Hampton Inn, right on Bay St. The hotel was nice, our rooms were fine, the price was right, and we were in a great location for walking to many attractions. There is so much more to Savannah than I have realized before!
We enjoyed eating some delicious meals. Those especially of note include Vic's on the River & A.J.'s on Tybee Island (worth the drive out there for the beautiful sunset alone!).
Our first evening in Savannah we walked along the riverfront, and were enticed into a lovely restaurant named "Vic's on the River" by a sweet-talking lady out front. Vic's was a little bit upscale, which we weren't quite ready for...we went in without a reservation and with a 3 month old baby in tow. It became apparent that we were "outcasts" when they seated no one else around us within a 5 mile radius (it seemed). Oh well, at least we enjoyed privacy and a delicious meal! A good way to start off our vacation, especially with a nice walk around Reynold's Square to end the day.
The next morning, our first and only full day, we had breakfast at the hotel and then ventured out toward the City Market. Our goal: shopping and art galleries. We found both...but now realize that we need a full week to even scratch the tip of the iceberg in Savannah!
I have been to Savannah many times in the past, but only for short day trips, hopping over from Hilton Head. This time, I found so much more to fall in love with in this city. I mean, I love Charleston so much, and love to take day trips and vacations there...but I now realize that I need to spend some more time getting to know Savannah better. Savannah has so much to offer... art, shopping, architecture, tours, theater, history, mystery, local character, and more. She (Savannah) has been called "the Southern lady with the dirty face". I agree... she has great "bones", but just needs to be tidied up a bit. I believe that much has already been done, and they are in the process of polishing her up even more. It is exciting to be exploring Savannah while they are in the process of such exciting growth.
Jill, Will and I lucked upon "The Lady & Sons" restaurant (Paula Deen's establishment) at lunchtime, with no line in sight. We had not even planned to eat there, but couldn't pass up the opportunity. We had heard that you needed to arrive to "line up" by 9:30 a.m. in order to be seated for lunch, but we were seated immediately, and enjoyed a lunch of her chicken salad sandwiches, with which she famously began her business, "The Bag Lady". We enjoyed ourselves, and topped it off with a visit to her store next door, buying gifts and trinkets we didn't need and taking each others' pictures with her lifesize cardboard cutout. Hey...we are tourists, and fans...we can't help it!
We spent the rest of the day wandering through myriad shops and galleries. One of our favorite shops was "Terra Cotta". This is an upscale boutique on Bernard Street that carries unique clothing and bath/body products. The owner was kind enough to allow me to breastfeed William in one of her dressing rooms - thank you so much! But...I scared Will to death when I jumped sky high and screamed when her cat scurried under my legs! I didn't know she had a cat...I had no idea what it was! Too crazy.
I really enjoyed talking with so many of the artists downtown who were working in their studios. I am thinking about taking some classes on painting, (I'm convinced I'm destined to become an artist :)) and they were so patient in answering my endless questions. I bought a couple of paintings, with no particular place in mind to hang them in my home. This is a habit I have, for which my husband wants to strangle me. He has warned, "No more art until what you have is framed and hanging on the wall, and you know exactly where the next piece is going!" Ha. Ha.
One interesting thing to note...we observed that some of the local artists and business owners are not so enamored with Ms. Paula Deen. Just a warning...be careful how you gush about Paula in front of native Savannians...they might be quick to inform you that she is not the ONLY attraction in Savannah, you know! Whew! Excuse me!
Our first (and only) full day ended with the drive to Tybee Island and dinner at A.J.'s on the marsh. What a dive, with great food and an unbelievable sunset! We enjoyed our meal from the dock, with great fried shrimp and great service. Don't forget to try the yummy spinach-artichoke dip appetizer. You'll learn that my husband and I adore "dives"...we actively search them out and become loyal patrons. I'll share a blog on my favorite "dives" one day soon... Maybe I'll get to take Guy Fierri's place on the Food Channel...:). The "final ending" of our day came when we arrived back at the Hampton Inn only to realize that I had left my stroller at A.J.'s! So, we drove all the way back to Tybee to get it. So much for our plans of settling in with some chocolate and enjoying a movie!
The next morning was check out. We drove around Savannah, enjoying the scenery, and attempting to gain a better perspective of this city and all she has to offer. Again, we were so impressed with all that we have missed here on previous trips, and can't wait to get back to explore further. We stopped at a quaint little Mexican restaurant off of Abercorn, near the mall, can't remember the name of it...for lunch. It was good, fresh. And then we headed home.
I was so thankful for such a great trip, and some special time with my friend. She is such a blessing to me! And Will was a wonderful baby on this trip...I was so grateful for that, and for all of the patience Jill had for us with all of the feedings and changings and everything! Thank you so much, Jill!
I hope you'll think of Savannah next time you want an interesting trip with a taste of the South! And ladies, I highly recommend a "girls' getaway" with your BFF on a fairly regular basis. Your husbands will thank you for it! :)
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