great food, historical stuff up the wazoo, and an established drinking culture if you are so inclined.

I would not be opposed to indulging in a few drinks here and there, but am more interested in the food, history and cultural life. Thanks!

Lovely people. I don't understand how they vote for republicans.

It just seems like it would be. I'm not sure why I have that impression, but it seems like the population would be a little more educated.

of years. highly recommended.

chatham county in 2016. now he's a never trumper.

As I said elsewhere, it did not seem conservative.

I got some coffee at the Savannah Coffee Roasters to take back to my boyfriend, and the nice woman at the checkout counter said, 'y'all know that's whole beans, right hon?" or something like that. I said, yes, I was taking it back to Seattle, and she said, "you take that coffee back to Seattle and you tell 'em it's the shee-it!" I've laughed over that for ten months.

If you haven't already read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", do (in fact, I re-read it before I went). It really gives you the flavor of the place, and it's a super easy read.

when I’m in Tennessee, near the Smokey Mountains.

How ? Can we move this area to a blue state?

like everywhere else. Savannah is more urban the the surrounding region.

And took a day off to drive the rental out to Savannah. Drove around, along the river, out to Tybee Beach. Didn't stay long and didn't even get anything to eat there. It looked nice, if a bit sleepy. That's all I can say.

I just love historical places and old architecture. I'm not really looking for a party town, just a relaxed time with good food, history and beautiful surroundings.

Now go 25 miles outside city, and it’s Deliverance.

I had a feeling it was a more liberal place than the rest of Georgia.

Midnight In the garden of good and evil? Kind of explains Savannah. Maybe for a weekend.

I lived in SC, never went.

I would only go for about 4 or 5 days. Maybe take a day trip to someplace else one of those days. Any suggestions?

I’ll ask my daughter.

In the movie, they have a woman character who was known to shoot her husbands. When my family was living in South Carolina, my husband went to get his haircut. Lady Barber was telling him about her last marriage, and you guessed it, she shot home. Told my hubby, oh he will never bother me again.

We agreed, these people are real. I’m from New York, so I was always confused.

Will give some suggestions when I gather names for ya.

I lived in Savannah in the late 1970's - this a must.

River Street is the rowdy bar scene - cool and lots of fun.

Especially on St. Paddy's Day

Will do!

like Mardi Gras, replete with drunken revelers, green beer, green fountains, green rivers, etc. Otherwise it is a beautiful city, laid back friendly people, great old buildings, parks, churches. I think springtime would be best, esp. when the flowers are blooming in the parks.

Glad I had extra notch on my belt for expansion.

Thank you!

Going late March, early April is best, everything will be in bloom and it won't be too hot. Make sure to check out Bonaventure Cemetery, it's historic and amazing. Have a great time!!!

You are selling me on it!

Went to many historical houses that we loved seeing.

Thanks for your input!

headstones attached to a side wall of the cemetery. He told us that when the Union soldiers
invaded Savannah they set up their tents in the cemetery. But the headstones were in the way so they removed them and put them aside. When the war was over, no one knew where the headstones belonged, so they attached them to the wall. After the tour we went back to the cemetery and spent quite a bit of time there. It was fascinating. Many children didn’t live long back then. Anyway, I think you can tell I love Savannah!

I am now looking very forward to it. I am a big history buff and love to hear all the stories, even though that one is very sad. It seems like such a beautiful place, and almost a bit haunted.

My wife's cousin lived there until he died about 10 years ago. Before that we went every summer and stayed at his place and he would take us to all the cool historical places and points of interest. I loved that man more than a lot of my own blood relatives. I never got tired of Savannah and now I'm thinking it's been too long. At first I was too sad to go but I miss a lot of the places and people (Especially the Boiled Peanut Guy who had a stand near Sandflea for decades. We went there first and last every single trip and often a few times during).

Having a personal tour guide who lived and breathed the area and was huge history buff is the best ways to see it but we also did a lot of the horse and carriage tours and ghost tours over the years and those were always fun and informative.

If you get a chance I've had just about everything on this menu - we remember when it opened and it's been great ever since. I've never had a bad bite of food here and almost all of them were stupendous.

http://www.sweetpotatoeskitchen.com/menu

The rest of the Georgia family lives in Warner Robbins and they would often meet us out in Savannah to do touristy things and they were big fans of Love's Seafood and I won't argue with them because it is damn fine seafood.

Great recommendation! Now I am really looking forward to the trip, especially the history and "ghost" tours! I love that stuff! Also can't wait to try the amazing food at the restaurant you recommended! It all looks excellent!

It wasn't scary, but we got to go inside some places we wouldn't otherwise had gone into.

was the walking ghost tour of various bars and breweries.

I can't verify any of the ghosts were there but there was plenty of spirits!

hell. But the people and the food were swell. Sounds like a nice trip, have a good time!

We are planning to go in early April, so hopefully it won't be too hot at that point.

I learned this, because when I was on Parris Island, SC, in boot camp, cruise ships from Savannah would ply the scenic waters of the sound, watching us do pushups in the sand.

Seriously, though, Savannah is a great city. I highly recommend it.

Thank you for the recommendation. I appreciate it!

It’s equally beautiful and historic and quite close to Savannah

Thank you for the suggestion!

Everyone was friendly and warm when we were there. April should be a perfect time to go.

By that time of year I will have had enough of the New England weather, although so far it has been fairly mild. However, I am looking forward to a break in the south to someplace that is not a beach.

Hauntingly is a perfect word. I think that is what draws me to it so much. There is just something about those old southern towns that seem so mysterious and preternatural to me. I don't know what it is that appeals to me so much.

Thank you!

if you can get past the fact that Kevin Spacey is one of the lead actors. I have had to learn to separate the actor, from the body of work. He is the lead in some of my favorite movies.
It's based on a true story, there's also a book.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a 1997 American crime drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack. The screenplay by John Lee Hancock was based on John Berendt's 1994 book of the same name and follows the story of an antiques dealer on trial for the murder of a male prostitute.

They are both pretty good. I've also visited several times. If you are looking for a unique yet, historical trip Savannah is the place.

I'm home sick today so I think I will watch it this afternoon. Thanks for the recommendation!

It's become a little touristy of course. They offer some sight seeing tours. Lots of old homes interlaced with quiet parks with old oaks and hanging moss. Wonderful eating establishments. Some pricey some not so much. March thru April you will see the beautiful flowering of the azalea bushes. I have family down there.

seem to make up a modern day fairy-land to me. I have wanted to see it for so long, but nobody I know has ever wanted to go. Thank you for your recommendation! I appreciate it!

It's a long trip, and I like the train, but it's not cheap and I might rather spend the time in Savannah than on the train. I will have to look in to it.

but it is such a beautiful place with a rich history. I easily fell instantly in love. There's a boardwalk and clubs, and tons of good food. And they say there are lots of ghosts, too. Go. I think you will love it.

I know the ghost thing is silly, but I have to admit I am fascinated by places that are "haunted". There is just something about them that draws me. I didn't know there was a boardwalk, but I am looking forward to that as well!

Thanks again!

Apparently they don't call it a "boardwalk" but a "river front walk" Regardless, it's wonderful.

Have lots of fun!

I would love to hear of your adventures!

It was a wonderful experience. I went in April, and it was lovely. The people were more than friendly, the food was terrific, and the drinks were flowing. I only wished I'd stayed longer.

It's pretty walkable, depending on where you stay, but we did need cabs a couple of times. If you are like me and want to boycott Uber and Lyft, and you're down on the riverfront, just take the elevator up to the next street, where there's a hotel, and you should be able to get a cab.

I am so grateful to everyone who has chimed in with their advice and experience. I love to travel! My only curse is that I hate to fly, but I have a free ticket if I want one. I may suck it up this time. I could take the train, but it will take a day and a half off my trip each way if I do and I am not sure I want to give up that vacation time even though I have 5 weeks this year.

Thanks again for your advice!

I had to wait there about an hour and a half for my sister. It's set up like a city square in Savannah, and as you can imagine, it's full of golf stores and golfers abound. I got some coffee and then went and sat out in the main area, which is sunny and full of light. A musician showed up, a local-seeming guy with a guitar, and started singing about getting on a boat to go out shrimping, and I swear, the tears came to my eyes.

Savannah has a rich history dating to the earliest days of colonization with treasures, shipwrecks, pirates and entrepreneurs. It's a lovely smaller city with great restaurants and parks.

Hilton Head Island is a short drive away and the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge is just to the south. The coastal areas are lovely, too.

Georgians are mostly good people, just as one finds most everywhere.

The only decision now is whether to fly (which I don't like to do) or take the train (which takes too long). Thank you for your input!

You mentioned long train ride. Go to the Amtrak website to see what the trains are from where you live to Savannah.

Personally, I love a long train ride. I've done two in recent years, and will be doing another one in April, from New Mexico to Seattle. I've booked a sleeper car, which in my opinion is just wonderful. Plus, the fare includes meals, and if you take into account you have a mobile hotel room, it can actually be quite the bargain.

I have never been to Savannah, so I can't offer anything on the city itself.

to take the train or confront my fear and fly, which will give me more time on the ground. I will have to do a little more research into pricing and timing.

Thank you for your advice!

My daughter goes there at least once a year with her Brazilian husband and mother in law and they never have had issues. They love it there. I've never seen anyone open carrying either there or where I live in FL either. Savannah is beautiful, azaleas probably won't be blooming in April, but the hydrangeas will and think red buds are in bloom then too?

The one thing that worries me about the south is guns. I have never seen anyone open carry in San Francisco, NYC or New England and I am grateful for it (all places I have lived). Guns just terrify me. That is why I told my friend I wanted to go to Savannah instead of visiting her and her husband in Texas. She told me people walk around with guns in her town and I really don't want to be around that at all.

Thanks lark!

Seriously, though, when I was in Weatherford, TX (small, rural town) last year for 3 days, I didn't see one gun. Of course I didn't go to a Walmart or any stores actually, but I was so happy that none of my redneck cousins brought guns to the Reunion.

I loved Nassau, but petty crime is high and you may see police with automatic weapons, but otherwise a great trip.
Someone I met had traveled to the island of Eleuthra and said the cap driver that picked them up had left the keys in the car, wallet on the dash, and money in the cup holder. The driver told them that no one there locks their door.
A trip I really want to make. Savannah isn't bad (I wasn't able to do much over the couple of days I was there, but I'd much rather try the Bahamas than anything in the U.S. south.

How far is Charleston from Savannah? I would definitely be into a day trip if it's only a few hours.

Thank you!

I haven’t been in a few years, but I enjoyed the classic architecture (reminiscent of Charleston and NOLA) and great restaurants. There’s also a cool old fort there, Fort Pulaski, that’s worth an excursion if you like that sort of thing: https://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm

If you get a rental car (and have enough time), you could consider side trips to Tybee Island, Charleston, Edisto Island, Cumberland Island, the Okefenokee Swamp.... clearly, you’re gonna need a couple of months!

Don’t worry about gun-totin’ rednecks. They’re in the small towns and rural areas, not the Blue cities.

Have a great time, and let us know all about it! You may even get hooked on grits!!

The architecture is a huge draw for me and I just love the history. I am not very familiar w/ southern food but I am adventurous and willing to give everything a try. I would love to see the islands as well!

Isn't Cumberland Island where JFK got married? I could be wrong, but I think it was somewhere down around there.

Good to know about the lack of guns and the fact that it's a blue city. It's a few months away, but I will definitely report back!

is where JFK Jr. got married, yes. It’s a nice place for a day trip. You go over on a ferry and traipse around through forests of ancient live oak trees, maybe hanging out on the beach or looking for painted buntings in the marsh.

It’s cool to go to a place with no paved roads, no billboards or stores or restaurants, and very little vehicular traffic. There are some cool ruins there, too, and some wild horses (unfortunately they’re malnourished and mangy — it’s not a good habitat for horses, but the tourists love them, so they’re still there).

Cumberland is an island about the size of Manhattan, with 500 or fewer permanent residents (I think that number is still current). See wildcumberland.org for more info on the ecology and efforts to protect it.

On the other end of the spectrum is St. Simons Island, a lovely little beach town with great restaurants and easy access to the Atlantic. From there you can take a drive over the causeway to Jekyll Island, another beautiful spot with plenty of nature viewing.

So does St. Simons Island and Jekyll. I am so looking forward to it! Thank you so much for your suggestions!

You know the architecture is gorgeous when a ten year old notices and still remembers it 34 years later. It was beautiful- the wrought iron, beautiful buildings, trees and gardens. It’s where Juliette Gordon Low founded the first Girl Scout troop, and ours went down there for a few days for some anniversary. Can’t remember the exact occasion, but I’ve always wanted to go back. We saw an alligator hanging out in the drainage ditch at our hotel, too!

I suppose there is always a trade off. Still, it sounds completely worth it. I am really looking forward to it!

when the only wildlife we had ever encountered were deer, possum, and raccoons.
Don’t know how much our troop leaders enjoyed hearing six little girls shrieking bloody murder, though. Or the alligator, for that matter.

Have a wonderful trip!

You mentioned guns in your post. One of my sons just graduated from a college there, and had been living in Savannah for several years. Avoiding gun violence can be challenging there, according to him.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.savannahnow.com/news/20190824/savannah-crime-numbers-show-32-uptick-in-violence-in-2019%3Ftemplate%3Dampart

Savannah crime numbers show 32% uptick in violence in 2019

Is this in the historic heart of Savannah or the outer unsafe neighborhoods? Like Boston, I have never seen anyone with a gun in Boston Proper, but there are always reports of gun crimes in the outer neighborhoods, which I have never been to.

I feel very safe where I am, but there are places within a few miles that I would not set a foot in due to gun violence. I am wondering if it's the same in Savannah. I would think that if it was that dangerous, the tourism industry would suffer greatly.

was told when I first got there not to move downtown due to violence. There are parts for tourists, and parts not so much.
I thought it was very rednecky; by the time I left I couldn't wait to go.
Have you considered Charleston? Or, if you wind up going to Savannah, you could always drive over to Charleston if you get bored.
Either way, enjoy!

I think I would probably stay in the touristy areas, but would love to check out Charleston as well. Is it really that violent?

there are in every city you go to. Right around downtown is safe, and the locals depend on tourists and are very friendly. Lots of historical stuff walkable to downtown, and there are tours you can do that explain what you're seeing. If you have a car, Tybee Island is fun; you can spend a day walking and shopping around there, and it's on a nice beach.

As i said in another post, its just like any city of size; learn where NOT to go. Tourist areas are generally safe & full of people doing their thing.
But i wouldnt be out walking at 3AM either.

but I have been to Charleston, SC numerous times (and I'm going again on the train for the Spoleto Festival in May).

I think you'd love Charleston and would not have the same concerns about gun violence. Charleston will be beautiful in April. The historic district is fabulous for walking. Window boxes should be in bloom on many of the old houses. Lots of excellent restaurants.

When I go from Raleigh, I go on the train and enjoy the ride, which doesn't take much longer than driving, and I don't have to fight the trucks and crazy drivers on I-95.

For you, it would be a long train ride to either Charleston or Savannah, on the Palmetto out of NY. If you decide to fly, JetBlue has a direct flight from Logan to Savannah. Both JetBlue and Delta have direct flights from Logan to Charleston, SC.

Maybe I will reconsider and go to Charleston instead. I will have to look into it. They both seem so lovely, it's hard to decide. I really appreciate your input!

Loaded with history, cool architecture and the big mossy oak trees...……...

Thank you!

I spent a couple of days there. Old Savannah is wonderful. It’s far enough inland so hurricanes haven’t blown things down and the citizens were obsequious enough to the Union so it wasn’t burned. The food is great, the Spanish Moss is amazing, and you can drive up and down the coast to some lovely places.

Sadly, The Lady Chablis died a few years back. She was something else.

Lady Chablis just cracked me up. She was such a character! Love your description of the city! Thank you!

and found it lovely, and, after Atlanta, peaceful.

Juliette Gordon Lowe, founder of the Girl Scouts of America, was born there and her old home is now available for tourists to visit. The Bonaventure Cemetery (source of the cover of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil&quot is there.

But Charleston does have the Spoleto Festival as at least one person has mentioned. And Charleston has more of a reputation for fine dining (not that I had any complaints about the food in Savannah.)

I am getting so many good recommendations. Thank you so much for your advice!

as others have posted,don't come during St. Pats week and weekend....later in march,I believe the 26th through april 11 is the savannah music festival...just about any kind of music , dance..though tickets run out early...people very friendly and more progressive than not.as long as you don't venture out of the city very far in which case you may want don your maga hat...on a brighter side ...it is also steeped in Gullah-Geechie culture. I live one hour to the north in SC..can't comment on crime from my own many visits there..just have to watch where you go....at times will watch the evening news from savannah and seems like there's always news of a shooting....but its very highly traveled tourist site and don't remember hearing about any troubles involving them
overall it is well worth the trip

I think I am looking at early April. That seems like the best time weather-wise. Also don't plan on leaving the DT proper area. Sounds a little scary from what I have heard. Appreciate your advice! Thanks again!

I live in a very historic area of Boston and I just love older cities. I am so fascinated by the older, well preserved parts or our nation's cities. They are so charming and cozy. It reminds me of Europe, but we have our own special architecture and design.

If it's still around, try the Pink House for dinner. The Black Turtle Bean soup was to die for.

Appreciate it and will definitely check it out!

Just seeing the live oak trees and magnolias and the old rustic Southern homes will keep you busy. Get maps and literature before you go. Much of the best parts to see in that part of the southern East coast is out of the way up and down U.S. 17 (the Intercoastal Highway), so you should do lots of homework beforehand.

Tybee Island Beach is nothing fancy but worth the trip to see the ocean. And, what the hell....it's not that far to Hilton Head (I was not impressed, LOL - too damned exclusive for this country boy). I've heard the St. Simons Island area further to the South down by Brunswick is nice.

I was in Savannah on several field service trips back in the 90s in some huge paper mills. One of my hobbies wherever I traveled was finding small local restaurants, typically on the recommendations of the plant maintenance folks I worked with. I found a tiny, out of the way family-owned seafood joint in East Savanna that was to die for. Seek out the recommendations of everyday locals.

Sand gnats and mosquitoes will quickly welcome you, LOL. Carry bug spray, a big straw hat and loose-fitting clothes.

This is a good place to start: https://www.visitsavannah.com/

KY.......

Appreciate the recommendations! I am now looking very forward to the trip! However not looking forward to the sand gnats and mosquitoes! I will take your advice on the bug spray, straw hat and loose fitting clothing!

Thanks for the link! Hope all is well with you!

if so, buy one..$$$$ but gorgeous.

Watch the movie or read the book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' a true story about the area and shows off its beauty.

If you like history & plenty of cool bars & restaurants, you'll like it. Good food & good crowds. Dont believe any BS about "right wingers & guns". The only way you'd know who they are is if you ASKED one. Unless u see a hat or shirt.
As for Texas, I LOVED San Antonio & the riverwalk area. Austin was OK, but i liked SA better
Dont base where you visit by who the area voted for, for Gods sake. Go where YOU want to go & think would be a nice trip. It usually will be

but avoid July and August. It's like a European city, folks are friendly, not as conservative as the surrounding area. It's hope to a large art college, so there are art events and venues all over the city.

I went to Austin with some friends a few months ago. Great town, great people. Everyone that I know who has lived or visited there says it is not like the rest of Texas. I actually had to keep reminding myself that I was actually IN Texas.

Here's my wife's cousin, aunt and mother resting at the fort:


And some stairs I liked lol


And this was labeled "cannon hole" only I don't remember why. Maybe because I was looking out one or at one..


after further review, I think I am probably looking out one and at one just like it down at the other end with the drawbridge between them.

Very nice B&W's!

I haven't been there in many years but it will still be beautiful.