Georgia On My Mind
My husband knows the way to my heart is not diamond heart pendants, red roses, or stuffed bears holding chocolates. For Valentine’s Day, all it takes to make me happy is a nice dinner. But I never want to go out ON the actual holiday, so we always end up doing something a few days before or after. This year that something is going to be not one, but several nice meals. In a different city.
Ravi and I are taking a trip to Savannah! Neither of us have ever been and both have always wanted to go. I’ve already started researching and have a few things on my list, but haven’t really come up with a final game plan. So I thought I should take advantage of this forum and ask for your help. Have you been to Savannah before? If so, what are your favorite things to do? Places to eat? Drink?
Here’s a few of the restaurants and bars that are on my radar so far:
Breakfast: Firefly Cafe, B Matthews Eatery
Lunch: Vic’s on the River, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Zunzi’s
Dinner: The Olde Pink House, Elizabeth’s on 37th, Sapphire Grill, Cha Bella, Local 11 Ten
Drinks: Molly McPherson’s, Seed Eco Lounge, Circa 1875, Rocks on the Roof
We don’t plan on going to all of these, and are completely open to adding to the list if there is someplace that’s a must. If you’ve been to any of the ones listed above, I would love to get your feedback – both positive and negative. We’re also contemplating doing a ghost tour or an architectural tour, so if you have any experiences with tour companies, please let me know.
We don’t leave until late next week, so you’ve got plenty of time to comment. Help a girl out!
Photo Credit: The Gardens of Savannah by Patrick Fowler1
Vic's on the River is a definite 2 thumbs up from me. We ate there when we visited last year and were very happy with the atmosphere, service and most importantly, the food! I have heard great things about the Wilkes' dining room as well. Have fun – Savannah is a great city!
You are going to fall in love with Savannah! I loved it when I went this summer but would have loved it better sans the oppressive humidity, so you are getting the best of both worlds. I was there just for a night with my boyfriend and his fam on the way to vacation and we took one of the walking ghost tours. I was skeptical at first but SO SO fun. You must do it! Also- I'm a huge fan of reading books set in places I'm going. So if you're weird like me…pick up Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I can't wait to go back!
Hey Jacklyn- do you know which ghost tour it was? they have both walking tours and pub crawls. Which did you do?
DrDrama- thanks for sharing your thoughts on Vic's. It has now been added to my MUST do list!
Vinnie Van Go Go's on City Market has great atmosphere and great pizza. Also be sure to check out Moon River Brewing Co. (named after Savannah's own Johnny Mercer who wrote the song Moon River) and Churchill's Pub (they have a rooftop lounge!).
Have fun and take lots of photos
You should absolutely go to J. Christopher's (I would know how fabulous it is, because I used to work there :) ), Cha Bella, Zunzi's (the Conquistador sandwick rocks!) and Rocks on the River. The Bohemian is an absolutely beautiful hotel…you will love it!
I am from Savannah, and have lived here for 23 years, so if you have any other questions, feel free to ask me…@RebekahNale on Twitter.
You will love Firefly! It is owned by a friend of mine. I actually went for lunch last week. I also recommend Belford's in City Market for dinner. They have excellent food. I live in Savannah and work in the hospitality industry, so if you have any questions, I am @stayinsavannah on Twitter! You are going to love it here!!!
We went to Savannah last March. http://foodallaputtanesca.blogspot.com/2009/03/sa… Everywhere we went was WONDERFUL! You're going to have a great time.
Isn't there a J. Christopher's in Franklin? Unless it's a same name – different company type place, you should skip that and go somewhere you can't get at home!
Ooh, J Christopher's is a chain? If so, then I don't want to go there. Only local joints for me!
If the weather's nice, you can't go wrong with either Bonna Bella Yacht Club or AJ's on Tybee. Both have lovely dock seating and the food is fantastic.
Everything else you have on your list is spot on!
Susannah suggested I hop on over and share my two cents…
I used to live in Savannah (11 years – 7 of those in hospitality) and was just back there for a week in November. I'd definitely try to visit Mrs. Wilkes and Zunzi's for lunch time. There's normally a line at both places, but they move quickly and it's worth it.
I'd check out Architectural Tours of Savannah as an option as well.
I think the list is a great start and it'll keep you pretty busy. It's also good that you're getting a chance to sneak in before the spring tourist season starts.
I'll see if I can't direct a few more folks who currently live there over here – not making any promises. I hope you enjoy the trip! I'm on Twitter at @acnatta if you want to talk any more.
J. Christopher's is a chain based out of Atlanta. For breakfast or lunch or brunch check out: Soho South http://www.sohosouthcafe.com/menu.html or B. Matthews http://www.bmatthewseatery.com/pages/menu.php. Also, Firefly Cafe is a local favorite and if the weather is nice, the tables outside are a must! If you are shopping around downtown, on Broughton & Barnard Sts. on Ellis Square, you will find Express Cafe & Bakery, a great spot to check out for a quick and delicious lunch. (Breakfast too!) Papillote is also a delight on Broughton St.
For drinks, definitely Seed Eco Lounge. Circa 1875 is a cool place and just last weekend they have started serving food. Also, a new wine bar: Sugar Daddy's just opened on Jefferson St., it is a lot of fun with a low-key atmosphere! @Amy_Brock
My sis lives in Savannah! When we visit we love going to Mrs. Wilkes. Yum! Have a blast!
Are you sure?!?! Each one is different, and this one has "Savannah flair." You should try it!