Girl Scout Mecca with Mom
PrincessPalmTree
Grandma+Mom+Me=Over 140 combined years of Girl Scout Membership
Jun 8, 2006
based on 10 votes
Savannah, Georgia. Home of the original Girl Scout, Juliette Gordon Low. Mom had visited when she was a teenager on a scouting expedition (with her future mother-in-law!) and had always wanted to return as an adult. 35 years after her first visit, she and I returned for a long weekend Mother/Daughter adventure. Mom's only request was that we visit the Juliette Gordon Low House, that left plenty of time for me to pack in other sights and activities in the Historic District!
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Savannah
- Category: Recent trip
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Never been before, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Business travelers, Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with teenagers, Seniors, Students, Budget travelers, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: Historic District, Tour, Attractions, Museums, History, Restaurants, Food Finds, Shoppping
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1. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
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| Welcome to the South. Savannah's charm welcomes you from the start if you are arriving at the Savannah/Hilton Head Internation Airport. The open common areas between gates and terminals are far from the dimly lit, mini-mall style many airports offer. Here, common areas are arranged in a way that is reflecive of Savannah's famous park squares. Bathed in natural light, there are lamp posts, storefronts that display classic southern architecture, rocking chairs, and park benches. Our trip plans included only the historic district so we did not bother with a rental car. Looking at maps and our intended destinations we decided that everything would be in reasonable walking distance from our hotel. We also did not wish to worry about navigating in a unfamiliar city's traffic or pay for parking/rental on a vehicle that we would only be using to get to and from the airport. Instead we opted for a taxi that was air-conditioned and transported just the two of us straight to the hotel. Taxis from the Savannah Airport to specific destinations (Historic Savannah, Tybee Island, Hilton Head, etc...) run on a set fee schedule and current rates can be found on the airport website. Our airport to hotel transfers were $25 each way. |
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2. Savannah Inn at Ellis Square Historic District
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Ave price:
$151
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There are plenty of places to stay in Savannah and accomodations for nearly every taste. There is the flashy Westin Resort, Historic B+B's, stylish inns, and even a few value chains. We chose to be conservative in our hotel choice knowing that we would only be in it to sleep. Still, safety, comfort and reasonable proximity to River Street and our sights of choice was important. With an online special we reserved our room in the historic district for less thatn $100/night and were fully satisfied. We ended up in a mini-suite with kitchette and small living area with sleeper sofa. The pool and air conditioning were the most appreciative amenities after a couple of days of sight seeing in the uncomfortable humidity. Our location was perfect being just a couple of streets away from the popular River Street, the City Market and also a designated stop from the Old Town Trolley Tour (see below) |
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This was our first stop after dropping our luggage at the hotel and freshening up from our flights. We knew we wanted to begin our Georgia experience with afternoon tea, but did not realize The Tea Room would be such a treat. Unlike others we saw during our stay, there is nothing pretentious about this place. It is cozy and inviting combining tea shop with cafe. You can choose from a simple soup and salad, a pot of tea with crumpets, ot seven different tea services with food. We enjoyed the fixed price lunch which included soup, a sandwich, and an assortment of scones, sweets and fruit with either a pot of hot tea (your choice of flavor) or sweet tea. There is plenty to take in while you wait to be served and the experience is a wonderfully relaxing way to ease into southern comfort and hospitality. Menus and and impressive listing of tea offerings can be found on their website.
Lunch $12-16, Afternoon Tea $9-$30, Bulk teas $3-$21 per ounce. |
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There is no better way to get the local stories, history and gossip- not to mention to get oriented for the remainder of your trip- than the Old Town trolley Tour. I have taken thier tours in 3 different cities and have always been more than pleased. Old Town Trolley has on/off priviledges through its tour so that you can explore as you go or just ride the route straight through and then go back to spots on your own. I recommend starting early if you do plan to do some sight-seeing aided by the tour. You can easily pack in a day's worth of attractions using the trolley as your transport. Their website has route maps and also discounts for online ticket purchases (just present the printed coupon when you board the first time at any stop on the route.) Your ticket entitles you to one round trip and on/off at as many as the stops as you choose. It is best to look at the route map before you go to make the most use of your day.
Stops include:
Savannah Visitor's Center, City Market, Juliette Gordon Low House, Madison Square, Forsythe Park, Cathedral of St. John, Davenport House, Lucas Theatre, Pirate's House, The Marriot Riverfront, West River Street, East River Street, Exchange Bell, Day's Inn
Adult ticket $23.00 Online Price $20.70
Child ticket $10.00 Online Price $9.00
(Price includes tax and fees) |
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5. Savannah Candy Kitchen
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A few things to know about the Candy Kitchen:
1) You must go
2) You must go and
3) You must go
You can almost find the candy kitchen by smell alone. They are famous for fresh made pralines and warm, free samples to store patrons. The pralines are made right in the store as is the taffy, so there is no question about the goods being fresh. There is also the largest selection of penny candy I have ever seen in one place including a "fill your own" sugar straw contraption. You will find everything you would ever want in this place for homemade candies. Some of my favorites were the giant apples covered in caramel/chocolate/nuts, chocolate covered marshmallows, candied pecans, pralines in 3 flavors, pecan gophers, truffles, brittle, and divinity fudge. My teeth ache just thinking about all of that sugar, but that is quickly overpower by my mouth watering at the memory of the melt-a-way pieces of heaven. Best of all? The Savannah candy kitchen has a mail order business. A warning though- even though the pralines are great by mail, they will never compare to buying them fresh and warm.
Two locations in Savannah (River Street and City Market) and one just up the coast in Charleston, SC |
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6. Savannah History Museum
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A nice stop for history buffs and for anyone looking to get a better appreciation of what this city went through in the past to make it the colorful destination it is today. The famous "Bird Girl" statue resides here and also a number of old props from movies flimed in Savannah (Forest Gump's bench where he waited for the bus- FYI they changed the direction of traffic flow for the movie)
The museum is adjacent to the Visitor's Center and is a good stop for general orientation at the start of your visit.
$4.25 - Adults
$3.75 - Military, students with ID, seniors 55 and over, and AAA
Free - Children Under 6 free with parent or guardian |
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7. Roundhouse Railroad Museum
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Located near the Savannah History Museum and Visitor's Center, and part of the Coastal Heritage Society, the railroad museum is home to a a massive roundhouse complex with still functional turntable. There are scale models and full sized real things. This is a stop for any train or transportation buff.
$4.25 - Adults
$3.75 - Military, seniors 55 and up, students with ID, AAA, current and former railroad workers
Free - Children Under 6 free with parent or guardian |
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8. Casbah Moroccan Restaurant
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I've never been to Morocco, so I cannot say for sure if Casbah is authentic. What I can attest to is that this restaurant definitely gives you what you "think" a Moroccan restaurant should be like. The walls and ceilings are draped with rich burgundy fabrics and gold swaths giving the illusion of being in a large, luxurious tent. Metal work medallions and mirrors adorn the walls and there is a small area with craft and jewelery items for sale adding to the bazaar type atmosphere. The belly dancers perform at intervals and also come to the tables offering a service of temporary tatoo application. The seating was low and cushy with back pillows lining the seating and some tables with large floor cushions in lieu of chairs. Our meal was a fixed $27.00 option with appetizer, entree, dessert and sweetened mint tea. The meal was started with a hand washing at the table- since guests were encouraged to eat in the traditional manner withour utensils (A note- if you eat food with saffron in it with your hands, you will have yellow finger tips for a day or two) The food was pungent and flavorful and we truly savored every bite. The experience was unique and the menu was traditional without being indimidating to those uninitiated in North African cuisine. On atmosphere alone I would recommend Casbah, the great food was just a bonus. Check the website too before you go, sometimes they have special coupons for meals and/or drinks
Appetizers- $5-$8, Entrees- $16-$26, Desserts- $5 |
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9. One Fish Two Fish
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One-Fish Two-Fish
401 Whitaker St, Savannah, GA
(912) 447-4600
This unexpected find was a real treat. Mom and I came across it while wandering in the neighborhood of Mrs. Wilkes (see below). It is an eclectic collection of decorative home items along with some unique lotions/soaps and handmade jewelery. Mom came home with some great green tinted chianti glasses. This is the kind of shop you wander in and then always gravitate back to because you know you'll find something different each time you are in. It is also a wonderful place to find an out of the ordinary souvenier trinket to commemorate your trip. |
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10. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
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Originally a boarding house, Famous does not begin to describe Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room in Savannah. Locals eat here as much as the tourists. The food is served family style and grace is said before each seating. there are no reserevations so show up early if you do not like waiting. You will NOT leave hungry from the all you can eat feast of southern comfort food. The menu rotated through the week and can be found online. Mrs. Wilkes herself has passed away, but her tradition for southern food and hospitality is carried on by her familiy and faithful staff. The walls of celebrity photos attest to just how popular this place is, but popularity is nothing without the food to back it up. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room backs it up.
Lunch: $13 (1/2 price for children over 8)
No Charge cards |
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11. Vanilla, A Downtown Day Spa
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| Vanilla Day Spa has all of the usual spa offerings and is a nice spot in downtown to enjoy a respite from the heat and sight-seeing crowds that can form. If you want to book a package of any kind call at least a month in advance, earlier if at all possible. On arrival you are given a spa robe and slippers and then asked to wait for your appointment in a room with a soothing cream and brown palatte and overstuffed furniture. The lights are give off a warm glow and the iced water may include floating citrus fruits, fresh herbs or cucumber slices for a special touch. Personal lockers are in the changing room to secure your belongings and you tke the key with you on a wrist band. Treatment rooms are quiet and private. Don't forget to tip your therapist or aesthetician! |
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| Not quite as reknowned as Savannah Candy Kitchen, River Street Sweets still holds its own with most of the same candy offerings and comparable pricing. River Street also offers free samples of warm pralines and makes a number of candies onsite and in view. There are a number of guide maps that include coupons for discounts at both shops, also check online before you go for printable savings. |
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| City Market is made for exploration. There is Art, there is Food, there is Entertainment, there is Shopping. It is nearly an all in one destination to itself. City market is home to three of my favorite food related stops in Savannah: TAPAS, The Savannah Candy Kitchen and cafe Gelatohhh!. Check out the official website for a full listing of shops and entertainment schedules. |
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14. Cafe Gelatohhh!
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Cafe Gelatohhh
224 W Saint Julian St, Savannah, Georgia 31401-2514
Tel: (912) 236-7133
GelatOHHH! Says it all. Who needs lunch when you can sample so many decadent flavors of creamy, dense, melty pleasures! The cafe is in the area of the City Market and deserves to be a snack stop on everyone's list. |
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15. Tapas At City Market
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Tapas at City Market
912.790.7175
This small establishment sseats around 40 guests at once. The menu is admirable and diverse. While there are fun preparations of beef, shellfish, scallops, oysters. mussels and sausages- there is also alligator ribs, blackened frog legs, spinach terrine, peppered ostrich steak, wild boar, spring rolls, pate and a variety of raviolis. This little find exemplifies the essence of tapas with small dishes encouraging experimentation. |
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16. Fusion The Monkey Bar
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| Fusion gets my vote for funky, yes, fusion food. The decor is reminiscent of the south pacific with bamboo accents and unobtrusive palm prints. Fusion Monkey bar is described as "Asian Inspired and Martini chic" I think that is a fair and accurate representation of what you will find. We went for a self designed "sampling menu" by ordering a number of appetizers to get the widest sampling of flavors. |
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17. Huey's on the River
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| One word gives the #1 reason the visit Huey's on the river: BEIGNETS. If you do not know what they are, order them anyway and prepare to be addicted. These treats are usually associated with New Orleans, but Huey's adds a Georgia twist with a praline sauce accompaniment. Add a cafe au Lait to beignets and this great people watching River Front location and you have a spot for breakfast that you'll return too again and again. |
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18. Telfair Museum of Art
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The oldest art museum in the South. Among their notable collection of paintings and sculpture are a number of classical sculpture casts whose originals are in some of the most famous musuems in the world. Temporary exhibits represent a commendable array of artistic mediums and always include historical information on the form and its masters. The architecture of the Telfair is what impressed me the most. The geometry contrasts of the building are subtle but entrancing. A semi-circular window punctuates a rectagular porch, the Octagon Room brings visions of grand balls and sweeping gowns. The rooms are all restored with historical accuracy and is a testament to the Telfair Family's legacy.
Members: Free
Adults: $9
Seniors & AAA: $8
College students: $6
Children 5-12: $4
Children under 5: Free
Combination tickets: (Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences, the Jepson Center for the Arts, and the Owens-Thomas House.):
2-site combination ticket: $14
3-site combination ticket: $18 |
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This is a preservation in progress. Built and restored in the English Regency style, the Owens-Thomas House was kept within their family until 1951 when it was left to the Telfair Museum. The carriage house shows a short historical film and the servant's quarters. The main house, like the telfair, boast some unusually shaped rooms and outstanding decorative features. The tour includes the basement and the inner workings of one of the first indoor plumbing systems ever supplying toilets, showers, bathrooms, kitchens and the laundry. (because the pipes were lead, drinking water still came gravity fed from the cistern on the roof).
Members: Free
Adults: $9
Seniors & AAA: $8
College students: $6
Children 5-12: $4
Children under 5: Free
Combination tickets: (Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences, the Jepson Center for the Arts, and the Owens-Thomas House.):
2-site combination ticket: $14
3-site combination ticket: $18 |
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20. Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace
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Girl Scout Mecca. Troops travel from all over the world to visit an spend a day in the enrichment center. We took the tour of the house, which is neat even if you have no connection to scouting. The furniture, art and design are all original and the tour info is not overy Girl Scouty, focusing more on the architecture and design elements of the period.
For Girl Scouts, or visitors with scouts in their life- there is a special pin that you can only get at the JGL Birthplace shop on premesis. Scouts will tell you it is a small point of pride to have that special pin on your sash or lapel.
Adults (ages 21 and older), $8
Registered Girl Scout adults, $7
Registered Girl Scouts, children and students (ages 5-20), $7
Family (up to 2 adults and 4 children), $25
Children under age 5, free |
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21. Walls Bar-B-Que
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Wall's Bar B Que Restaurant -515 E York LN, Savannah, 31401 - (912) 232-9754
The address doe not lie. Walls is located on a "lane" and takes a little looking to find since it's plain white front blends right in with the residences on the lane. So why seek it out? Walls has arguably the best BBQ in Savannah. This is not a fancied up restaurant. This is a down home, hole in the wall, familiy business that puts out fantastic food at unthinkably low prices. We planned it timewise to stop for lunch on the day of our Trolley Tour (Get off at Stop #7) and had to wander just a little to find it. Get close though and the smell brings you the rest of the way. There are a few tables, a bookcase and a TV in addition to the open kitchen. We split a snack size order of ribs, a bbq pok sandwich coleslaw and potato salad. I think the fact that we literally licked our take-out containers clean is testament to just how good the food with how how it was 100% worth seeking out the obscure little gem. Also on the menu: deviled crab, fried fish, fried or BBQ chicken, red rice, collard greens, okra, fries and onion rings.
Sides- $1.40, Desserts- $1-$1.25, a la carte $2.60-$12, Dinners- $4.25-$7 |
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22. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
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| A massive effort went into the restoration of this stunning cathedral and it shows. |
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23. River Street River Boat Company
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We opted for the brunch cruise as part of our riverboat adventure. The brunch buffet was decent but did not really compare to our other restaurant choices. The cruise went up the river and little ways and the only real highlight was to get a view of River Street from the river to get a fuller view of the scenery. I would recommend skipping the lunch and just taking a narrated cruise if you are interested in the river front activities and views. For a view only? Skip the cruise and go hang out at the Westin for a while.
Narrated Sightseeing Cruise Fare: Adults $17.95, Children under 12 $9.95, Children 3 and under free.
Luncheon Cruise Fare: Adults $34.95, Children under 12 $19.95, Children 3 and under free. |
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"Dessert Only Guests Welcome Anytime!" is what they advertise. Seeing the dessert case I can understand why some people would go just for that. The Riverhouse is built into one of the old store houses and still has the original stonework walls and arches in the restaurant. We tried out the lump crab meat and the phenomenal Jamaican Pork Chop. Desserts include Banana Bread Pudding, Lemon Hazelnut Tart, and a to die for Praline Cheesecake.
Dinner: Appetizers- $5-$13, Entrees- $19-28, Dinner Features- $22-29 |
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Two dance floors, the cabaret Drag Show, great drinks, great fun and did I mention a great time? This place was made famous by the Lady Chablis, who played herself in a little movie about a big scandal in Savannah Society... When Chablis is in town the cover charge goes up, otherwise there are two shows a night with the late show reported to be much more sassy and raunchy... Go to the late show.
Cabaret-$25-35 if there is a special performer in town, otherwise a small cover charge for the dance floors and cabaret. |
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26. On another trip I would... (The must repeats)
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While we fully enjoyed everything on our trip there are a few highlights that are on my
"Must Do Again" list:
Make multiple trips to the candy stores and gorge on pralines
See the show at Club One (I'd go to the raunchier late show on a repeat trip!)
Eat at Mrs. Wilke's
Take the trolley tour to refresh my memory
Have lunch , or at least afternoon tea, at The Tea Room
Eat Beignets at Huey's at least twice
Roam the City Market
Shop for a special trinket at One Fish, Two Fish |
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27. On another trip I would... (The try to do next time around list)
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Tybee Island
Visit and old homestead or plantation
Possibly brave a Ghost Tour or visit a cemetery
Have a psychic reading or visit a voodoo practitioner (hey, when in Rome...)
Explore some new restaurants |
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28. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
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A little scandal goes a long way in Savannah. "THE BOOK" as it is called in polite company was written by John Berendt in the 90's and Clint Eastwood directed the movie version. Locals may scoff at the glamour seeking tourists who trek to Savannah just for a glimpse of the movie's romanticism, but they'll be happy to take your money anyway. This is a list of the bigger "book sights" to be seen and the websight has a map to guide you.
Mercer House
Lee Adler's House
Congregation Mickve Israel
Jim Williams' Antique Shop
Serena Dawes' House
Armstrong House
Oglethorpe Club
Forsyth Parkside Apts.
Joe Odom's 1st Home
Sweet Georgia Brown's
Joe Odom's 3rd Home
Hamilton-Turner House
Clary's Cafe
Troup Square
Lady Chablis' Apartment
Conrad Aiken's Homes
Southern Images Gallery
Joe Odom's 2nd Home
Chatham Courthouse
Club One
Hannah's East
The Savannahnow.com website above will get you up to speed in much less time then it will take you to read "The Book" or watch the movie, though I do recommend doing both either before you go or after you have been home for a few months and are in need of a little Savannah fix. |
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It is only a matter of time until I return to this fantastic historic spot. The trip that I took, I would be perfectly content to repeat step for step tomorrow. Savannah is one of my favorite destinations and is fille with history, culture, hospitality, outstanding food, great shopping, good times, a little scandal and a whole lot of fun for everyone. |
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Compliment PrincessPalmTree
