The DeSoto - Savannah
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WHEN -
March to July is the most popular time to come. The flowers are in bloom from early March to early May.
Between mid September and mid November is shoulder season. The weather is more pleasant and prices and crowd numbers drop.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
So April is good to avoid the hurricane season and see the blooms or September is a bit warmer if you want to go swimming and prices should be lower.
STAY -
The DeSoto **** -
"Savannah's Hotel" is a local legend and treasured landmark that has played host to Presidents, Hollywood stars and local personalities since 1890. It was Al Capone's residence of choice when he was in town. Before you decide have a look below at the Historical and Romantic places available.
ABOUT -
Fly in via New York or Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta or any better flights you find. If you are already in the States there are direct domestic flights to 32 locations.
When you see how many things there are to see and do here you'll be thinking that you are going to need a month to get around to everything. So stretch the honeymoon out for as long as you can.
Savannah tops many lists for best city, friendliest city, most romantic city and also having the best food. It is the oldest city in Georgia which means it has a lot of history. It also means it is the most haunted city in the USA. Forrest Gump sat on a bench in Chippewa Park as he recounted his life story. Even Al Capone used to hang around the hotel back in the Prohibition days.
There are many beautiful old buildings here so you may decide to spend some time in the hotel then go to a classic old B&B. When you feel like a change head down to Tybee Island. If you want to continue the trip elsewhere you are well placed to head off in various directions.
You're going to love it!!
ADD ONS -
Hire a car and head off to Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Cajun Country, New Orleans, Florida, Florida Keys or all of the above. Or you could have a stopover in New York on the way through. Have a look at USA in 'Countries M - Z'
ROMANCE -
Champagne, fresh strawberries and chocolate on arrival
Then meet with the Sotherly Host concierge for tips on the city's most romantic experiences
Picnic in Forsyth Park - or visit the cafe
Stroll around the Historic District
Leopold's Ice Cream - since 1919, you'll have to line up but it's worth it - the signature flavour is Tutti Frutti
Horse drawn carriage ride - many tours available
Sorry Charlies Oyster Bar - during Happy Hour on the amazing roof bar
Ghost Tours - hold hands as you tour one of America's most haunted cities - options include a Haunted Pub Crawl, Cemetery Tour, and a Hearse Ghost Tour
SUNRISES & SUNSETS -
Romantic sunset river cruise - on a classic paddlewheeler
Sunset stroll at South Beach on Tybee Island
Rocks on the Roof - great river and city views from the rooftop of the Bohemian Hotel - there are many other rooftop bars along the riverfront as well
Coco's Sunset Grille - Tybee Island
BUDGET -
The US is not a cheap country to travel in. Accommodation prices in some cities border on the ridiculous. Meals and drinks can be more reasonable. If the dollar is strong against your currency it only gets worse. It's no different than a trip to Europe though.
HIGHLIGHTS -
Southern Hospitality
Excellent location - walking distance to many restaurants, bars, shops and attractions
Savannah has been winning awards lately for being one of the best cities in the US as well as having some of the best food.
Extensive art collection displayed throughout the property
PAMPER -
Savannah Day Spa - Couple's Blooming Romance Package
Marble and glass bathrooms
Free cookies
RELAXING -
Around the 2nd floor rooftop terrace swimming pool and cabana bar, fountains, lots of loungers and 2 fire pits. Lounge chairs submerged in the shallow end around a rotunda are perfect for sipping hand crafted cocktails.
VIEWS -
Most rooms have balconies with sweeping views of the city centre
FOOD -
Sunday Brunch
Buffalo Bayou - for coffee and breakfast treats
Proof & Provision - indoor / outdoor Gastropub
1540 Room - Savannah flavours, seasonal, smoky and spicy - book on weekends, ask the concierge when you check in
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Paris Market Cafe - coffee, macarons and cocktails
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - iconic southern eatery - line up at 107 West Jones Street for lunch - doors open at 11 am - sit at a table for 10 and wait as the dishes start piling up - menu changes daily so regulars can have something different every day - a rite of passage since 1943
Husk Savannah - sister restaurant to a famous one in Charleston - ask the concierge to help you with bookings for this one too
The Olde Pink House - at the Planters Inn, indoor / outdoor dining, southern classics and live music - start off in the downstairs bar
Savannah River Boat Cruise - dinner and gospel music
The Crab Shack - Tybee Island
DRINKS -
Champagne and cookie piano concerts in the lobby
Live music Saturday evenings
Pool Bar - hand crafted cocktail and light meals on the rooftop by the pool - Happy Hour
Pub Crawls
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Original Pinkie Masters - where Jimmy Carter leapt onto the bar to announce his running for president
The American Prohibition Museum - at the speakeasy on Friday and Saturday nights
SIGHTS -
Chippewa Square - made famous in Forrest Gump
River Street - restaurants, pubs, bars, shops, watch the boats or go to River Street Market
Old Town Trolley Tours - 100 points of interest, 15 stops and unlimited re-boarding
City Market - 4 blocks of open air shopping surrounded by warehouses with dining and more shopping
Cathedral of St John the Baptist - the most impressive building in all of Savannah
The Historic Savannah Theatre - the oldest continually operating theatre in the USA
Sorrel Weed House - a designated state landmark and beautiful antebellum (existing before the US Civil War) mansion and one of the mast haunted houses in the World! Possibly due to being built on the remains of dead soldiers.
ACTIVITIES -
Fitness Centre
Segway tour of the Historic District - or e-bike
Cooking Lessons - learn Southern cooking from Chef Darin
A day at Tybee Beach - dolphins, kayaking, fishing - make sure to have a long lunch at "The Crab Shack" enroute
The Savannah Golf Club - or the more infamous - Savannah Country Club
McQueen's Island Trail - cycling
SOUVENIRS -
The Crab Shack apparel, sauces and spices - at the Gift Shop
Honey from the Savannah Bee Company - as well as soaps, skin creams and other products
Salt Table - for an array of gift ideas
Byrd's Famous Cookies - sweet and savoury since 1924 - Key Lime Cooler is their best seller
Savannah River Street Treats - World famous pralines
Chocolat - by Adam Turoni / Peach Jam
Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse Cookbooks
TIPS -
· Lowest priced rooms don't have Mini-fridges
· Lower floors may experience noise from the street and higher floors have better views
· Ask for a room away from the elevator which can be noisy with people
· Fully renovated in 2017
HISTORICAL & ROMANTIC OPTIONS on Booking.com
The Inn on West Liberty **** -
Exceptional reviews
Kehoe House **** -
(Historic Inns of Savannah Collection*) - #3 Romantic hotel in the USA on Trip Advisor - Adults only in an 1892 haunted mansion
Eliza Thompson House **** -
(HIOSC*) - Adults only built in 1847 on historic Jones St with a courtyard, parlour, Koi Pond and Ivan Bailey fountain
The Presidents Quarter's Inn **** -
Historic Owens - Thomas House
Foley House Inn **** -
Garden, terrace, patio
Planters Inn on Reynolds Square *** -
Restaurant & Bar
VISAS -
At the moment 37 countries participate in the Visa Waver Program. They will need to go online and get a Electronic System for Travel Authorization. You will get 90 days on arrival.
Click here to see your requirements.
TRANSPORT -
The Savannah Airport is a 20 minute drive to the Historic District
Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) -
is a domestic airport with direct flights to 32 locations. The most convenient connecting airports would be -
One of New Yorks two airports if you are coming from Europe
John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) -
Both have a good coverage around the world
OR
Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) -
which has direct flights from 264 destinations in 38 countries and all continents except Africa. Good for Australians
OR
Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) -
has direct flights to 207 cities in 42 countries and 151 domestic flights to all continents except Australasia. Good for Africans
EXTRA -
See #50 The Appalachian Way in USA in 'Countries'.