Sean and I went to Savannah for an extended visit where I met his mom and stepdad for the first time. They drove up from Florida and stayed in a hotel downtown while Sean and I stayed with my friend Ryan at his house in Ardsley Park.
We had an action-packed, fun-filled long weekend, and I was NOT ready to leave that beautiful city when Sunday arrived. But I know we’ll be back soon, and I’ve got plenty of stories and photos to hold me over.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
We arrived in the morning, and I had to work remotely while Sean had lunch with his parents. I met them for dinner and we all had a nice conversation – then Sean’s mom announced she’d gotten us Cirque Du Soleil tickets! So fun – I’d never been to any Cirque show before. It was a wonderful experience – the performers are amazingly talented!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
On Thursday, we had lunch at Soho South Cafe (one of my favorite places in Savannah!) and I had the always-delicious tomato basil bisque. This cafe is in an old warehouse building, and you dine at shabby-chic tables amongst art.
After lunch, we took the dogs for a walk in the park.
Sean climbed this awesome tree.
I purchased tickets for the four of us to attend a Tea in the Garden at the Davenport House Museum. It was a neat event – not a Victorian High Tea, but an interactive, 1820s-style tea service, complete with characters in full costume. We learned about the history of tea, toured the house with our character hosts, and had a nice tea in the garden with homemade bread.
The gardens were just beautiful – quintessential Savannah with fountains, beautiful plants, and perfectly trimmed trees and hedges.
There was also this amazing arch of confederate jasmin that was in full bloom, which smelled amazing.
We went for dinner at the Crystal Beer Parlor (another favorite spot), and then walked along River Street. The weather was just perfect for being outside.
Friday, May 10, 2013
We got in line for Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room at 10am, and were seated right when they opened at 11am. The family-style lunch included just about every Southern-style side dish you can imagine: okra, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread dressing, beets, green beans, baked beans, cabbage, creamed corn, rice and beans, macaroni and cheese….you get the idea. The fried chicken and bbq pork were also fabulous. People were right when they said to where loose pants to this feast!
As we walked off our lunch, I snapped some photos of an old gate and some beautiful blooms.
Sean’s parents left after lunch to head back to Florida. Sean and I walked on Broughton Street and did some shopping before imbibing a bit at World of Beer.
That night we decided to try a bunch of different spots to sample food and drinks, rather than commit to one place for a big meal. We started by having a drink and appetizers in the tavern at the Olde Pink House (best place in the entire restaurant to dine, in my opinion – such a great atmosphere). We then grabbed a Basil Lemonade in a “traveler” (to-go cup) from Jen’s and Friends, and headed over to City Market to meet up with an old friend of Sean’s.
We checked out the new beer garden at Moon River before heading up to the top of the Bohemian Hotel for sunset. We ended up sharing a table with a couple who had gone to Sean’s alma matter, Stetson. Small world!
Bernie’s Oyster House was our final stop of the night, and we shucked our own oysters right there on River Street. Not the most glamorous dinner I’ve ever had, but it was tasty and a unique experience.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Beach day! I rarely visit Savannah without going out to the beach at Tybee. It’s so close, and there’s nothing better than the beach and the ocean on a hot day in the South.
After a half-day at the beach, we headed downtown to have some ice cream at Leopold’s. I had lemon custard, and Sean had peanut butter and chocolate chocolate chip. We had time to kill before dinner, so we wandered around Colonial Park Cemetery. No trip to Savannah is complete with a bit of the “creepy and haunted” factor.
Dinner that night was at Leoci’s Trattoria, a charming Italian restaurant just off of Forsyth Park. You definitely need reservations because they get busy! We sat on the patio outside, and enjoyed some sangria, fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic for dipping, and of course, pasta. I’ve been here before with Ryan, and I can say, after having tried about a half dozen different dishes, that the Pappardelle alla Nonna is the best. If you’re looking for a simple, homemade, and perfectly seasoned pasta dish, this is it. De-lish!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Time to go home – but it gets harder and harder to leave each time I come. 🙁
Even the pups don’t want to leave! We LOVE Savannah!
