“In an era of warp-speed, Twitterized communication, old-fashioned book festivals are booming, drawing readers and writers from all over.” –Marie Brenner, Travel+Leisure
Telfair's Jepson Center on Telfair Square, downtown Savannah GA USA
The Savannah Book Festival (February 15-19, 2012) is a gathering place (and hot ticket!) for an abundance of book lovers. It takes place in the stunningly beautiful, downtown surroundings where socialites and commoners alike once wrote and read by candlelight, and strolled through Savannah squares.
Please, remember the Festival takes place near Valentine’s Day, on Presidents Day weekend. We encourage early reservations at Presidents’ Quarters for Savannah Book Festival. Our downtown lodging rates cover your overly spacious room with a private bath, on-site parking, Chef’s breakfast for 2, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvre, nightly turn down, and a pillow-top sweet. Call to make your early reservations at the “Best Savannah Inn / B&B” (2008-2011) — 800/233-1776.
The Festival will take place during 4-days, the week leading up to Presidents Day, February 15-19, 2012. The most requested author for the festival, Pat Conroy, will headline the fifth annual Festival. Mr. Conroy will deliver the Keynote Address on February 17, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church.
An advocate of ‘all things Savannah‘, happily Presidents’ Quarters Inn in Savannah, GA joins notable businesses as a Festival lodging sponsor. “We encourage cultural travelers to take part in the traditions of southern storytelling, the slower pace, the Low Country cuisine, and renown ‘visiting’ [socializing],” states Jane Sales, executive innkeeper. Daytime and nightlife happenings are highlighted for the inn’s guests, awaiting at check-in on pillow-top cards; plus, the staff has ready recommendations for restaurants and personal places of interests to each guest.
Invitation from 2012 Savannah Book Festival Sponsor, Presidents' Quarters Inn
“We love the art of literature,” states Jane, an avid reader of print and Kindle books. “Famously, the Inn’s colonial-era Trust Lot overlooks Oglethorpe Square. It is a place where the old-fashioned connections — people meeting people — have been taking place since the 18th Century.”
The Inn’s stately mansions (ca. 1855) are rich with stories of great statesmen, heroes, and business pioneers residing, entertaining and meeting. “We are eager to do our part, and more, to bring together the best book writers, avid readers, and literary travelers for the February 2012 festival,” Jane reiterates.
Before arriving, Presidents’ Quarters Inn offers a few tips:
Draw on inspiration from the past, people, and literature. Savannah’s rich literary tradition is highlighted in the Hill Press publication of Literary Savannah, featuring 37 Savannah writers. View C-Span’s online video of Savannahian’s Preston Russell, discussing his book Savannah: A History of Her People Since 1733. More+ C-Span Savannah videos and interviews, featuring feature the history and literary life of the community.
Check the weather a couple of days ahead of you trip. Friendly Savannah, culturally rich, also has no snow! For President Hoover’s visit to Savannah in December 1933, Time magazine wrote, “Sunshine and blue skies met him.” We expect that also in February 2012! Average Savannah temperatures in February are High 64F and Low 41F, according to weather.com
Getting around. Walking is the easiest way to explore Savannah. In the South the slower pace is more frequently called strolling — unless you are walking at faster, in a punctuated stride for cardio benefits. The City of Savannah offers many transportation suggestions for travel to and around the Savannah area, here.
What to wear? Layered clothing is best. Long pants with a light sweater or jacket are ideal for before noon, a late afternoon stroll, or an evening out. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. A warm scarf or hat might be in order for the out-of-doors.
Don’t forget the camera! Savannah, its architecture, its food, its sunrise and sunsets, and its village-like vignettes with smiling, friendly, international people are beautifully photogenic.
What is abuzz around town?
- During 2012, Girl Scouts are celebrating the organization’s 100 year anniversary. In Savannah, you will want to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and read the new authorized biography by Stacy Cordery. It’s due for release late 2011 or early 2012 from Viking/Penguin.
- In February 1994, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil hit bookstores. “Mercer House” is open for tours. Tour company narrators will share points of interest throughout the city for this book as well as for movies made in the Landmark Savannah Historic District.
- Nationally, the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011-2015) is being celebrated. The Savannah area boasts many historical places of interest, including Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski National Monument.
- February is Georgia History Month. February 12th is Georgia Day, the date the first settlers arrived on the Savannah bluff.
- Food is always abuzz! With über emphasis on local, Presidents’ Quarters will make recommendations based on guest preferences.
- Grab your phone, text your friends and plan your fabulous Savannah Book Festival getaway in America’s most beautiful city!
Make your literary escape to the welcoming charm of the award-winning Presidents’ Quarters Inn. Let us know how we may help, now or anytime, to make your visit to Savannah memorable! Call the inn’s staff 800/233-1776 or email info@presidentsquarters.com; web presidentsquarters.com
Four times voted BEST SAVANNAH INN / BED AND BREAKFAST by readers of Savannah magazine (2008, 2009, 2010 AND 2011).
Copyright (c) 2011 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn
