Art, Culture, & History in Savannah, GA
May 16, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Savannah, VME
A unique slice of Southern heaven awaits in Georgia – Savannah! Established in 1733, Savannah is a city full of art, culture, and history around every corner. Take the City Market, a four block area in the heart of the Historic District that has been renovated to capture the character and authenticity of the city’s original open marketplace. Stroll through the market to see artists at work in their lofts, open-air cafes filled with delicious smells, and theme shops filled with souvenirs to remember your trip by. You also won’t want to miss a visit to River Street, which borders the gorgeous Savannah River, to stroll, ship-watch, shop, eat, and much more! What else should you add to your itinerary?!
See the city from the water aboard the Savannah Riverboat Cruises! Featuring several cruise options including sightseeing cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, murder mystery cruises, moonlight cruises, and more, the Savannah Riverboat Cruises have something for every age and preference. On each cruise, the captain steers the large boat past the Talmadge Bridge, Fort Jackson, and, of course, the beautiful city of Savannah. Most cruises include a full buffet including yummy southern food favorites, classic desserts, and drinks. Live entertainment is also included depending on the cruise. For a full list of cruise types, visit our website.
No visit to Savannah would be complete without tasting Paula Deen’s fabulous southern food. The Georgia-native developed her style of cooking while living in Savannah with her two sons. When she was sick of dead-end jobs, she started a catering service in her own kitchen called “The Bag Lady.” She used her two sons to deliver the food until the business was simply too big to operate out of her home kitchen. So in January 1996, she opened her own restaurant in downtown Savannah called “The Lady & Sons.” The Paula Deen Culinary Tour offers guests the chance to visit the eateries that Paula frequented while she perfected her own cooking. Of course, you’ll stop at her restaurant, The Lady & Sons, and her brother’s restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, where you’ll grab a bite to eat for lunch. You’ll also get the chance to visit nearby Bethesda where Paula married her current husband in 2004. Learn all about Paula Deen’s career success on your trip to Savannah! For more information about the tour, visit this link.
All of this and more awaits in the fabulous city of Savannah!
Savannah’s 13th Annual Low Country Home & Garden Show
Savannah Historical Experience Tour
Take some time to immerse yourself in the rich history of Savannah on the Savannah Historical Experience Tour. Along the tour, you will see stunning views of the city while learning about its extensive and interesting past. This three hour tour includes sights of the Historic District, Victorian District, Thomas Square, the Beach Institute, and many more landmarks. To learn more about the Savannah Historical Experience Tour, follow this link.
Explore all Savannah’s Historic District has to offer and visit seven restaurants and specialty food locations including Lady & Sons (owned by Paula Deen), and six other alternating restaurants on the Savannah Foody Tour. The restaurants’ staff and owners will demonstrate how these delicious dishes are made, and all food items are included with the price of the tour.
On this tasty tour, you can choose to walk through parts of the Historic District or take a bus tour for even more sights. Between stops, your informative guide will tell about Savannah’s rich culinary history and how international flavors have influenced it. To learn more about the Savanna Foody Tour, click here.
Escape the Cold in Savannah
November 9, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Savannah, VME
Mild winter temperatures make Savannah a great getaway destination is the winters at home feel a little too cold. The southern city is home to a long and haunted history. Diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant waterfront downtown district, and of course famous Southern hospitality make Savannah a welcoming, fun place to visit.
Ghost Trolley Tour with Pirate’s House and Dinner
Savannah is one of the south’s most haunted cities, and you can try to catch a glimpse of something spooky for yourself on the Ghost Trolley Tour. The tour includes the infamous Pirate’s House, Georgia’s oldest building and the site of mysterious disappearances. Today, the Pirate’s House is home to a restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delicious Southern-style meal. Experienced guides will share the tales of Savannah’s dark past as you stop by the city’s haunted places.
If ghosts aren’t for you, take a more relaxing tour of Savannah aboard a riverboat! The authentic paddlewheeler brings to mind the glamor of the Old South. There are a variety of cruise options, from dinner and dancing to refreshing brunch cruises.
You’ll experience true Southern hospitality at any of Savannah’s hotels. Take a look at our selection of places to stay.
Enjoy the Seafood Festival in Savannah
October 16, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Savannah, VME
This weekend, enjoy tasty seafood at the Seafood Festival! The festival began in 1985 as an outlet for local restaurants to offer seafood fare and give local non-profits the chance to fund raise. Since then, the festival has grown to feature more than 30 local restaurants, 45 booths selling one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, awesome performers including Gregg Allman and Eddie Money, and carnival rides. Clearly, this festival is jam-packed with fun! Don’t miss this awesome event on October 19 and 20 in Savannah, Georgia.
Next, enjoy a fantastic evening cruising the Savannah River aboard a beautiful Savannah Riverboat. Choose from a variety of different cruises including sightseeing, dinner, history, and many more. The Dinner Entertainment Cruise will take you on a two-hour journey complete with a buffet dinner while you enjoy the Riverboat entertainers. Enjoy a romantic night out under the stars aboard the Moonlight Entertainment Cruise. With several other options including fun seasonal cruises, you will have no problems finding the perfect cruise for you and your family! For more information on the different cruises, sailing times, and ticket prices, follow this link.
Forrest Gump, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The Longest Yard – all seemingly different films which is true but they do all have one thing in common. They were all filmed in Savannah, Georgia! The southern town has been the location of more than 85 Hollywood movies. We’re not talking about rinky dink movies either. The iconic park bench that Tom Hawks sat on in Forrest Gump is in Savannah’s historic Chippewa Square. Hanks spends 80% of the film on this bench that now resides in the Savannah History Museum. Most recently, the Nicholas Sparks book adaptation The Last Song was shot in Savannah. Enjoy ice cream at Leopold’s Ice Cream Shop featured in The General’s Daughter and The Sum of All Fears. The tour also offers you the chance to see the homes of stars that live in Savannah including Clint Eastwood, Sandra Bullock, and Ben Affleck to name a few. For more information, click on this link.
With a plethora of lodging options, you will be able to find the perfect hotel for you. Choose your desired amenities including a continental breakfast, a pool, conveniently located, pet-friendly, and more options.
Savannah Jazz Festival September 23-30
September 18, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Savannah, VME
Mark your calendars for the Savannah Jazz Festival going on September 23 until September 30. Celebrate jazz, America’s truly original art form, with different bands and performers for the whole week! The festival welcomes musicians from around the world, namely European and African natives who have to come to embrace this soulful music. The festival is free to the public. This amazing event should not be missed!
Ghosts & Gravestones of Savannah
After the festival, head over to the Ghosts & Gravestones of Savannah Tour to learn why Savannah, GA is known for being “America’s Haunted City.” You will not want to miss a chance to hear the spooky, spine-tingling stories yourself. If you have what it takes, then board the trolley for a scary adventure through the streets of Savannah. Visit the historic city’s ancient cemeteries, antebellum mansions, and former battlegrounds that have been host to some of the bloodiest tragedies in America. Many of the stops will take you off the trolley and into the ominous buildings to experience the presence of the paranormal. They include the Marshall House Hotel that once stashed amputated body parts under the floorboards and the Shrimp Factory that once chained slaves to the walls. For ticket prices and booking questions, refer to this link.
Once you’re good and scared, take the time to enjoy some yummy food on the Paula Deen Culinary Tour. Lasting four hours, the tour will take to a couple Paula Deen’s favorite restaurants that she visited as a young chef when developing her own style and flair. Then you’ll have the chance to stop by her very own restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, the perfect eatery to enjoy Deen’s famous southern cookin’. Aside from the food portion of the tour, you will also have the chance to delve into Paula’s personal life on a trip to nearby Bethesda, MA, where she was married. Check out ticket prices and a full itinerary of the tour at this link.
Savannah offers a variety of hotels and several historic bed and breakfasts to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quaint B&B or a comfy hotel room, you are sure to find the perfect resting place after a long day of fun in Savannah, GA. For a list of hotels in Savannah, click here.
A Historic Look into Savannah Vacation
Get a historical look inside Savannah, Georgia this summer with a vacation package. You’ll get two nights’ lodging at the hotel of your choice, plus one evening on the Evening Haunted Trolley tour and one day on the Historic Savannah Trolley Tour. You can fill your vacation with a historical adventure. It’ll be an enlightening experience for everyone, with both contemporary and traditional Savannah atmospheres.
The Evening Haunted Trolley tour will take you on an adventure through some of the more mysterious and terrifying tales in one of the most haunted cities in America. You can hear the stories of Alice Reilly and other spooks, as well as look for the spirit of Nathaniel Greene.
On the Historic Savannah Trolley Tour, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of the most notable and popular sights in the city. The area is filled with fascinating attractions, like the Savannah Theatre, Madison Square, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, City Market, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and more. You’ll get to hop on and off at any of the attractions you’d like to see more of.
Stay nearby your tours at The Dresser Palmer House, the Mansion On Forsyth Park or the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, which are all located less than a half-mile away from the starting point of both tours.
This A Historic Look into Savannah package will give you all of the historical and haunted insight into the city that you are looking for. You’ll also get those two nights in a comfortable hotel room of your choosing. Get the most out of your Savannah vacation with these two incredible tours.
Return to the 50′s at the Historic Savannah Theatre
The sounds of the 1950s come back to life this August at the Historic Savannah Theatre. From August 1-24, the theatre presents their hilarious, musical, talented, exceptional, rocking, bopping, twisting show, “Return to the 50’s.”
This show will present more than sixty of your favorite songs from your favorite decade. Listen to the sounds of Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley as you can’t help but dance along to the beat. The talented cast brings to life this incredible decade of music with a rocking band, elaborate costumes, comedy antics, great dance numbers and sensational voices. A state-of-the-art sound and lighting system create the perfect backdrop to the unbelievable talent of the performers.
The Historic Savannah Theatre has been presenting shows since the early nineteenth century. Though the theatre burned down in 1948, it was rebuilt with an even more beautiful style, one that it still has today. The theatre has welcomed stars such as Fanny Davenport, Julia Marlowe, Otis Skinner, Henry Irving, Oscar Wilde, Lillian Russell, Sarah Bernhardt, Edwin Booth and more.
Other shows that are currently running include Jukebox Journey, which only takes the stage for a few more select dates, and Savannah Live, the brand new variety show. Any of these three shows, and all of the other ones the theatre presents throughout the year, is sure to be one you will never forget.
While you’re staying in Savannah for the show and other activities in the area, make sure you choose a hotel that accommodates to your needs. The Hilton Savannah DeSoto has an onsite restaurant and an outdoor pool, as well as free high speed internet, for guests to enjoy. The Planter’s Inn puts you in an atmosphere of old-fashioned Southern hospitality, with a modern touch. The hotel’s onsite bar and restaurant will give you delicious meals and drinks, while you are sure to enjoy all of your in-room amenities as well, like your own coffeemaker, refrigerator and more. Best of all, both of these hotels are less than a half-mile away from the theatre.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Savannah this summer, be sure to make some time for a Savannah Riverboat Cruise. There are a variety of different cruise options for you to choose from, everywhere from a sightseeing cruise to a murder mystery cruise. With any option, you will receive an evening or afternoon filled with entertainment and spectacular sights.
The River Street Riverboat Company was first established in 1991, and has been growing tremendously since then. The cruises allow you a choice of options, mouthwatering meals and a whole lot of culture and beauty. There’s no better way to see the sights of Savannah than on a scenic cruise.
If you’re looking for a delicious meal, choose from the Dinner Entertainment Cruise, the Saturday Luncheon Cruise, the Sunday Brunch Cruise or the Gospel Dinner Cruise. On the Dinner Entertainment Cruise, you’ll get the opportunity to dance to some of the most popular hits from the 50s as you dine on an impeccably-prepared meal. The Saturday Luncheon Cruise gives you two hours of beautiful views and a heavenly buffet, while the Sunday Brunch Cruise delivers an appetizing meal every time. Stand on the deck of the ship and stare out at the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding area, then indulge yourself in the exquisite dishes. The Gospel Dinner Cruise gives you the chance to enjoy some of your favorite Southern classics while you munch on the vast array of food prepared in the buffet.
Mix in a little more excitement in your cruise with the Civil War Experience Dinner Cruise & Fort Tour, the Murder Mystery Cruise or the Moonlight Entertainment Cruise. On the Moonlight Entertainment Cruise, you’ll get the chance to take in all of the romance and the relaxation on an hour and a half cruise down the Savannah River. Music from the 50s and today will be playing as the sun sets over the water and the stars reflect on the surface. The Murder Mystery Cruise and the Civil War Cruise both add in a little more adventure. Try your hand at detective work as you track clues and attempt to solve a murder, or watch performances, listen to storytelling and dance along to music all as you dine on a southern-style buffet.
Finally, you can just get a little relaxation in when you take the Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise. For an hour and a half, you’ll see sights such as the “waving girl” statue and learn all about the history of the river and surrounding area.
Each of these cruises offers you the opportunity to see the sights of Savannah in a unique and breathtaking way. The Savannah Riverboat Cruises are truly exceptional, with an award-winning staff, fantastic food and incredible music. Stay at The Dresser Palmer House, the Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District or the Best Western Plus Savannah Historic District, and be less than a mile away from your cruise.
Sights, Food & Terrors: Top Savannah Activities
Savannah, Georgia is full of history, architecture and life, and this summer is the perfect opportunity to explore all of it for yourself. There’s a reason Savannah has been dubbed the “hostess city of the south” – it accommodates to all visitors. So whether you’re attracted to Savannah’s peaceful and scenic setting, the mouthwatering southern cuisine or all of the terrifying spooks of the city’s past, spend your summer vacation in Savannah.
When you climb onboard a Savannah Riverboat Cruise, you are always in for a treat. Live entertainment, great food and spectacular sights all combine together for one incredible afternoon or evening. If the beautiful Savannah atmosphere appeals to you, the Sightseeing Cruise, where you can hear about the riveting history of the area as well as see some of the most notable sights, including the “Waving Girl” statue, may be the perfect choice for you. Head in for a brunch or luncheon cruise and spend time on the river with a delicious buffet. Track down a killer on the Murder Mystery Cruise, or learn about Savannah’s fascinating history in the Civil War Experience Dinner Cruise & Fort Tour. Even just this one activity has something for everyone to enjoy in Savannah.
But if you are looking for something a little more food-based, the Savannah Foody Tour or Paula Deen Culinary Tour may be the preferred activity for you. Each tour will treat you to some of the culinary delights the city has to offer, including a visit to one of the queen of the Food Network’s own restaurants, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House or Lady & Sons. Sample some of the delicious treats, see the sights of the city and leave the tour full. If you want to taste the flavor of the South, either of these two food-centric tours give you the perfect chance to do so.
Savannah has been listed as “America’s Most Haunted City.” When you take any of the several ghost tours the city offers, you will understand why. There are seven different haunted trolley and walking tours that will take you through some of the most haunted areas in the city. Your guide will tell you all of the terrifying tales of the city’s past. Walk through graveyards, one of the most haunted buildings in the city and The Pirate’s House, the oldest building in Georgia. You’ll hear the tales of some of the most notable spirits in the area, such as Anna, the ghost who haunts hotels in Savannah. On the Evening Haunted Trolley Tour, you’ll even get the chance to explore the “Dead House,” the tunnel underneath the Candler Hospital. Beautiful by day, Savannah’s terrifying past comes to life when the sun goes down.
Whatever your tastes, Savannah has something for everyone. Besides these three incredible options, you can also catch a show at the Historic Savannah Theatre, get a history lesson on a trolley tour or grab some drinks on the Savannah Martini Tour. Whatever you crave this summer, Savannah has something to fill your appetite.
While you’re visiting the area, make sure you stay close to all of the action. If you’re in town for a peaceful ride on the river, book a room at the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District or the Doubletree Hotel Savannah Historic District, both less than a half-mile from the Savannah Riverboat Cruises. When you’re sitting in your hotel room and your stomach starts to grumble, you’ll be happy you booked a room at The Dresser Palmer House or the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, both of which are nearby the starting point of the Foody Tour. Hotels near some of the haunted activities include the Staybridge Suites Historic District, Hampton Inn Savannah-Historic District and Comfort Suites Historic District, among others – if you enjoy getting your pants scared off.
Visit Savannah this summer and fulfill all of your desires during your summer vacation. With something for everyone to enjoy, from troublesome tales to scrumptious snacks and more, your stay in Savannah is bound to give you everything you need.
