Relaxing Away From The Cold In Savannah

At Clary's Cafe, Savannah

The biggest and best eclair I have had the pleasure of sharing with Janet. We managed only one half.

The sayings go: In Charleston SC they ask What is your Family. In Atlanta they ask What Do You Do. In Savannah they ask What Do You Drink.

Drinking seems to be allowed in the streets, at least where we were. If you have not finished your drink in a bar, they will pour it into a paper cup, and you can go on to the next place.

We recommend reading the book and/or seeing the Clint Eastwood movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil as a precursor to your visit to Savannah.

We loved our stay at the Presidents' Quarters in the historic district. Right behind it was our favorite go to Pub called the 1790 Tavern. Sit at the bar and order Fried Green Tomatoes and Crab Cakes and chat with the locals. The tavern is also well known for its Planters Rum Punch. which we loved.

We went to the evening Compline at the local Anglican Cathedral.

We had tea at the Gryphon Tea Room owned and operated by students of the Savannah School of Art and Design, a very famous art school. Do not fail to browse in its shop across from the Tea Room.

Another great place to eat is the Crystal Beer Parlor where I recommend the deviled crab and sweet potato fries. Lots of locals.

Savannah is built around 24 squares. We walked through most of them from one end to the other. Charlton Street and many other streets have magnificent mansions which you can visit. It is also fun to take the Pedicabs or bicycle rickshaws if you are tired of walking. Apparently, the fee is whatever you wish to give.

We walked by the Mercer House where Jim Williams lived. He was a well known antiques dealer and was tried for murder. There are many silver shops in the historic district. 

We had Sweet Tea, a southern drink, at Clarys Cafe which also figures in the book and is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch (especially if you like eclairs).

For a really delicious and gracious place to eat, I recommend Alligator Soul. The shrimp and grits are to die for. Lovely service. 

We walked Bay and River Streets and had a morning cappuccino at the Paris Market. We bought pecan pralines, a southern specialty.

Do not miss the Jepson Museum. Incredible modern architecture and great gift shop. It is part of the Telfair Museums of which there are three. At the Jepson, there is a nice cafe, too. We visited all three.

Another place that we ate at was the Olde Pink House. A bit touristy but it is said locals eat here, too. We liked Alligator Soul better.