“Savannah is a working city, with a bustling port and a full range of downtown businesses, but the business of the present is done in the physical context of the past…. Legions of tourists – on foot, in horse-drawn trolleys, on motor coaches – share the narrow streets with art students and ordinary citizens going about their business.”

Located in the American South on the Atlantic Ocean’s east coast,  our beautiful city in the Deep South is notorious as the town where genteel charm meets a brassy, classy arts scene … and there is much to talk about in between!

• The Ships of the Sea Museum expansion is due to open late spring or early summer.
• The new SCAD Museum of Art opened October 2011.  The forward-thinking, modern museum is housed in the historic railroad yards. Thus, it is a prize to see as you celebrate new times in Old Savannah this summer.
• Nestled in a small corner of the historic district, near City Market the new Maxwell’s serves up refreshing small plates until midnight weekdays, and 1:00 a.m. weekends.  Chef James Parker was formerly at Garibaldi’s, so you know the fare is fantastic!
• Mrs. Wilkes is an all-time favorite serving southern comfort food in boarding house-style.  President Obama dined at Mrs. Wilkes, enjoying a home cooked meal with diners who had absolutely no idea that Mr. President would be at their table that day.
• The popular Leoci’s Tritorria is a great spot for upscale Italian.  For a lovely, light meal,  smart diners will split a pizza ($14) and enjoy a glass of wine $15/per. Even add a Caesar salad and you’ve “traveled smartly” while enjoying one of Savannah’s great new hot spots.
• Leopold’s Ice Cream remains a tasty local’s favorite spot.  The cooling treat is especially worth the trip downtown in summer.  Watch for monthly flavors that might include Huckleberry Sundae, a tribute to Savannah’s star songwriter, Johnny Mercer.
• Enjoy the slower pace of Mr. Mercer’s hometown and its “Summer Wind.”  Ride out to Mr. Mercer’s “Moon River”.   Yes, there really is a Moon River near Skidaway Island and the newly opened Pin Point Heritage Museum, a tribute to African-American, Geechee culture.  It is the early home of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who spoke at the museum’s opening. Visit the new Johnny Mercer statue in Savannah’s newest downtown square, Ellis Square.
• Two “hip and historic” spots (literally to enjoy in the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening … or afternoon) are the historic Lucas Theatre and SCAD’s Trustee’s Theatre. Classic movies are on the big screens of the magnificently renovated movie houses, now vibrant cultural theatres.  And, the Savannah Theatre (the oldest in continual operation in America) features lively musical productions.
• Showcasing vintage and modern arts are the Telfair Museums — Telfair Museum of Arts and Sciences (the South’s oldest museum), Jepson Center for the Arts (a modern museum and cultural center), and Owens-Thomas House (featuring the most famous Georgian architecture in North America, and our Oglethorpe Square neighbor). A don’t miss for children is the Jepson’s ArtZeum — a cultural highlight for children.
• See places and hear the history of the American Civil War, commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial 2011-2015. Fort Pulaski is near and many of historic homes where Yankee General Sherman’s officers took residential headquarters are open as museums (viz, Green-Meldrim House) and restaurants, like the Olde Pink House.

Presidents’ Quarters Inn is happy to play its important role in the “New Old Savannah”, welcoming travelers to our reserved corner of the National Landmark District on Oglethorpe Square.  Except for Moon River and Fort Pulaski, the Inn is walking distance to all we introduce here.

Join us, please when you “Summer in Savannah.” (TM)  Let us know when you’re ready for a Savannah style time of your life!  For more information email  info@presidentsquarters.com or call 1/800-233-1776, international 1+912/233-1600.   Please follow us on Twitter @PQInnSavannahGA and LIKE us in Facebook.

Compiled and copyright (c) 2012 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia.

Come to Savannah USA to enjoy renown leisure of the American South.

Daylight Saving Time in the American South extended the daylight hours.

Mannerly and beautiful Savannah, Georgia in North America, is located along the 32nd Parallel.  Around the world the circumference of 32 N Latitude where Savannah USA is located are other subtropical and exotic places — Algeria,  China, India, Israel, West Bank, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tibet. In the United States there are Arizona, San Diego and Baja California, New Mexico / Texas border, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The 32N Latitude passes just south of Bermuda.

Why Not Savannah USA? It’s affordable and friendly.

Springtime is a fabulous time to be here and discover the joy of leisure amid the sites of historic architecture, the arts, beautiful gardens and partaking of Savannah style visiting and dining!  Beyond the fabulous visuals and tasty cuisine, there are many events that heighten the reasons to be in Savannah, soon.

So, what’s on the cultural horizon? 

Here are a few events that may interest you.

- March 22 – April 7:  In historic district venues, 17 days and nights of world-class music in historic district venues during Savannah Music Festival
- March 22-25: 77th Annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
- March 23: Low Country artist Ray Ellis in gallery for Spring Exhibition
- March 25: Women’s History Month at Fort Pulaski National Park Service
- April 2012: 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Pulaski, American Civil War Sesquicentennial 2011-2015
- April 5: Savannah Sand Gnats baseball, season’s opening game at historic Grayson Stadium.
- April 7: SCAD’s Broughton Street International Festival
- April 6: First Friday Fireworks on the River
- April 7: First Saturday on the River
- April 8: Easter Sunday. Attend a downtown historic church.
- April 10: Early Bird’s Preservation Tour of the Landmark District’s East Side, Davenport House Museum
- April 10 – 15: 150th Anniversary of Fort Pulaski National Monument
- April 13 – 15: Savannah International Animation Festival 2012, Coastal Georgia Ctr.
- April 14: Tybee Wine Festival
- April 14: SCAD Cinema Circle Film Series: “M” (1931), 7 p.m. Trustees Theater
- April 20 – 21: 37th Annual NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens
- April 20 – 22: Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf
- April 21: Savannah Philharmonic, A Night of Great Opera
- April 21 – 29: FREE admission days at Fort Pulaski National Monument
- April 23: French Soprano Sandrine Piau (LIVE) at Wesley Monumental
- April 28: 31st Annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival
- May 3–7: Tall Ships Challenge, anchoring on River Street
- May 4: First Friday Fireworks on the River
- May 4: SCAD Sand Arts Festival, Tybee Island
- May 4-6: 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts. “Come Right Over: 100 Years of Girl Scouting, Sojourn in Savannah Reunion IV”
- May 5: Early Bird’s Tour – 1820s Savannah: The Town Isaiah Knew, Davenport House Museum
- May 5: First Saturday on the River
- May 5: Annual Savannah Scottish Games
– May 12: Early Bird’s Tour – 1820s Savannah: The Town Isaiah Knew, Davenport House Museum
- May 13: Mother’s Day
- May 18-20: EVP Pro Volleyball Tour, Tybee Island
- May 19: SCAD Fashion Show, 4pm and 8pm
- May 19: Early Bird’s Tour – 1820s Savannah: The Town Isaiah Knew, Davenport House Museum
- May 19: Armed Forces Day
- May 22: National Maritime Day. Visit Ships of the Sea Museum in Savannah, where SS Savannah and Maritime Day began.
- May 26: Early Bird’s Tour – 1820s Savannah: The Town Isaiah Knew, Davenport House Museum
- May 28: (Holiday) Memorial Day
- June 1: First Friday Fireworks on the River
- June 2: First Saturday on the River
- June 17: Father’s Day
- June 19: Juneteenth, celebrating the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. Traditional Telfair Museums events TBA.
- June 16: JCB Mud Run (family running event)

Get Closer in Savannah.™

Presidents’ Quarters Inn puts you closer to Savannah’s best events and world-famous historical places.  More importantly, this historic Savannah inn puts you closer to the authentic Savannah experience. Let us know when you’re ready for a Savannah style time of your life!  For more information email  info@presidentsquarters.com or call 1/800-233-1776, international 1+912/233-1600.   Please follow us on Twitter @PQInnSavannahGA and LIKE us in Facebook.

Compiled and copyright (c) 2012 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia.

Factors Walk and Savannah River

Beginning as a British colony (ca. 1733) with immigrants from England and Europe, Savannah USA today is a place one can celebrate mini snippets of the world.  In springtime Savannah’s international mood and flavors are punctuated, especially in the Landmark Historic District.

In a 2012 filmed commercial jazz great Wynton Marsalis says the world-class Savannah Music festival  “is like a community festival that comes out of the environment”. It “brings the world to Savannah“.  And, “you can get a good plate of grits.”

Presidents’ Quarters Inn Hosts Savannah’s World Visitors

With plenty of southern style Spring socializing in our private courtyard, guest parking, overly spacious guest rooms, easy access elevator, free Wi-fi, chef’s breakfast, complimentary wine hour, and our staff’s exceptional local knowledge, Presidents’ Quarters Inn is an obvious choice for downtown Savannah lodging in this famous American city.  The historic district bed and breakfast inn is near downtown Savannah attractions, historic theatres, cultural festivals, entertainment spots, and the best dining in Savannah.

Timely multicultural events open a world of reasons for our bed and breakfast inn’s international focus here and now.

• International Women’s Day is March 8th.
• Girl Scouts from across the world convene in Savannah the week of March 12, 2012, the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts, founded in Savannah GA by Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low.
• St. Patrick’s Day Irish festivities on March 17th weekend.
• The 17-day Savannah Music Festival opens on March 22.
• And, SCAD’s International Festival on Broughton Street is April 7, 2012.

International cuisines dot the Savannah landscape and meld to form the artful, creative cuisine of the American South’s Low Country cooking.   Walk downtown’s main street — Broughton Street — or mosey a block onto side streets.  You’ll discover where spectacular world cuisine comes together at Alligator Soul.  French foods are at Papillote French Cuisine to Go or a Franco-inspired snack is at Paris Market.  Asian is enjoyed at Saigon.  Mexican is at Juarez on the corner of bicycle-friendly Price Street. Italian is in City Market at Garibaldi, Café GelatOhhh! (Savannah’s only authentic gelateria), or Vinnie Van Go Go’s (renown as Savannah’s best pizza place).  American B&D Burgers to Leopold’s famous ice cream, Paula Deen’s southern cooking,Jen’s & Friends martini bar and Olde Pink House thoroughly please, while Lulu’s Chocolate Bar offers showstopper desserts.  English tea is at Savannah Tea Room.  Moroccan fare is at Casbah. Scottish grub is at Molly MacPherson’s Pub.  As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, we cannot forget the popular Kevin Barry’s Irish pub on River Street.

Shops like Jere’s Antiques feature domestic and international imports (just off Bay Street). ShopSCAD on Bull Street offers international art students’ and alumni products.  Near Forsyth Park Folklorico is a little shop full of hand-crafted items like tin mirrors from Mexico, sugar bowls from Zimbabwe, Cambodian silks, and Sumatran wedding boxes.

Savannah’s iconic and timeless French fountain is in Forsyth Park.  Stroll along Factors Walk on “the strand” of Bay Street. It’s where English settlers, then immigrants from Austria, Portugal, Ireland, Germany arrived on the high bluff overlooking the Savannah River.  Historically Factors Walk is one of only two places in the world (the other being London) where the world’s price of cotton was set during the era of “King Cotton”.  Shipping warehouses stretch nine city blocks along the Savannah River harbor. You’ll notice the stones, formerly ballast stones from world ports, pave the cobblestone ramps from Bay Street to River Street and form the bluff’s stone wall.  Today the Port of Savannah is among the top USA import and export shipping ports.

Dine at The Pirates’ House, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, tells uproarious tales of colonial-era shanghaied sailors.  The low country food restaurant is located on the lands of the colonial Trustee Gardens.  At this northeast bluff just out of the historic district, food crops and botanical plants from around the world were first tested in research to learn what might grow and fuel the economy of Georgia, England’s New World colony (ca. 1733).  Rice, indigo, cotton and pine tree by-products were successful. Grape vineyards and Mulberry trees (for silk production) were not.

The American Indians taught settlers about corn, grits, watermelons, and squash.  Irishmen brought the potato.  African okra is in our southern gumbo and goober peanuts are in the fabulous peanut brittle at River Street Sweets. Benne Wafers and Benne Bits (made with sesame, a staple first brought to America by African slaves) are produced by Byrd’s Famous Cookies.

Savannah History Points to World Heroes 

“French, Polish, Native Americans, African slaves, free men of African descent [Haitians], Germans, Hessians, Austrians, Scots, Welsh, Irish, English, Swedish, and American and West Indian colonials also participated as individuals or whole units in this most culturally diverse battle of the war [the Battle of Savannah].” [Source: 44Diaries.com]

After General Marquis de Lafayette left the French legislature in 1824, United States President James Monroe invited him to tour the United States, partly to instill the Spirit of 1776 in the next generation of Americans and partly to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary. When visiting in Savannah on March 19, 1825, he lodged and spoke to the citizens of Savannah from Telfair’s Owens-Thomas House, our neighbor on Oglethorpe Square.

That mansion is famed as the best example of Regency architecture in North America.  More house museums like Telfair Academy of Art, as well as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) art galleries in historic restored buildings, showcase international artists and art works.

Hopefully you’ll see why everyday is a world celebration in Savannah!  Springtime, especially during the Savannah Music Festival (March 22-April 7, 2012), Savannah showcases to Savannah travelers just how inclusive our culture-rich, historic American city in the Deep South really is.  Get here if you can!

Get Closer in Savannah.™

Presidents’ Quarters Inn puts you closer to Savannah’s best events and world famous historical places, and closer to the authentic Savannah experience. Let us know when you’re ready for a Savannah trip!  For more information email  info@presidentsquarters.com or call 1/800-233-1776, international 1+912/233-1600.   Follow us on Twitter @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.

Compiled and copyright (c) 2012 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia.

Pat Conroy (in hat) at Presidents' Quarters Inn

We do host the most amazing guests!

Writers Pat Conroy and John Warley brought laughter, storytelling and enthusiasm to Presidents Quarters Inn in February 2012 during the Savannah Book Festival. We were honored also to host Walter Isaacson, author of  Steven Jobs (2011), who preferred a more private stay.

Southern Style “Visiting”

For our guests and for innkeeper Jane Sales, an avid reader, it was  the exuberant, endearing personality of famous writer Pat Conroy and his dear friend John Warley that brought an added dimension of sociality to Presidents’ Quarters Inn during the 2012 Savannah Book Festival.

At the same time five girl friends — originally from Greensboro NC, now living across the United States — were convening at the Inn for their annual get away turned slumber party. Right here in the middle of their Savannah, Georgia visit, unbelievably, is jovial Pat Conroy and his attorney-turn-writer friend!  By the time the festival came to a close, the five friends had become “the girls” who enjoyed dinner with Mr. Warley after Mr. Conroy left for home.

Pat Conroy, Jane Sales, and John Warley at Presidents' Quarters Inn, Savannah GA USA

With just the right amount of privacy in the inn’s courtyard [picture], Mr. Conroy [in hat] is the life of the party with John Warley.*

Oh, how we love the southern storytelling! 

Innkeeper Jane Sales tells of Mr. Conroy welcoming guests at the door, shaking hands, introducing himself and saying, “I’ll get my assistant for you”. The inn’s staff was his “assistant”. Priceless and charming!

Thoughtfully and bravely, breakfast selections during Mr. Conroy’s stay were from The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life, which he autographed for the inn’s library.  What great memories for personal journals!

Let us know when you’re ready to “get closer in Savannah”, beginning at Presidents’ Quarters Inn.  For more information email  info@presidentsquarters.com or call 1/800-233-1776, international 1+912/233-1600.

Compiled and copyright (c) 2012 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia.

*Amazon’s description: “John Warley is an award-winning writer who lives in the U.S. and writes in Mexico, where he tutors Chinese tourists in French.” Bethesda’s Child is Mr. Warley’s first novel. Pat Conroy wrote the preface.

We would like to stretch the conversation to the women behind the men, especially the women with a southern heritage.   From a guest information sheet at Presidents’ Quarters Inn, we have culled some tidbits talking about America’s First Ladies: the Savannah Connection.

Mrs. Woodrow Wilson

On June 24, 1885, Thomas Woodrow Wilson (later to be U.S. President Wilson) married Ellen Louise Axson in the First Presbyterian Church on Bull Street in downtown Savannah. Mrs. Wilson is described as “a lady of refined tastes with a fondness for art, music and literature”. Thomas Woodrow Wilson first saw her when he was about six and she only a baby. In 1883, as a young lawyer from Atlanta, “Tommy” visited Rome and met “Miss Ellie Lou” again — now keeping house for a bereaved father. He thought, “what splendid laughing eyes!”

The grandfather of America’s First Lady Mrs. Woodrow Wilson (Ellen Axson of Savannah), Judge William Law, lived the north townhouse facing President Street, now a part of Presidents’ Quarters Inn.

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s mother is Martha “Mittie” Bulloch Roosevelt. She is also the paternal grandmother of Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  Mittie Bulloch was a Southern belle from a slave-owning family in Savannah, Georgia.  Theodore Roosevelt, in his autobiography published in 1913, described his mother with these words, “My mother, Martha Bulloch, was a sweet, gracious, beautiful Southern woman, a delightful companion and beloved by everybody. She was entirely ‘unreconstructed’ (sympathetic to the Southern Confederate cause) to the day of her death.”

The great-grandmother of U.S. President George H. W. Bush and great-great-grandmother of U.S. President George W. Bush, Harriet Eleanor Fay was born in Savannah, Georgia, on October 29, 1829.

Mrs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, the niece of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and wife of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was an American political leader who used her influence as an active First Lady from 1933 to 1945 to promote the New Deal policies of her husband, as well as taking a prominent role as an advocate for civil rights.  She was born into a world of some wealth and privilege, as her family was part of New York high society called the “swells.”  U.S. President Harry S. Truman called her the “First Lady of the World” in tribute to her human rights achievements.  Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most admired persons of the 20th century, according to Gallup’s List of Widely Admired People.

Let us know when you’re ready for insider recommendations that help you to “get closer  in Savannah”, beginning at Presidents’ Quarters Inn.  For more information email  info@presidentsquarters.com or call 1/800-233-1776, international 1+912/233-1600.

Compiled and copyright (c) 2012 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia

In downtown Savannah, Presidents' Quarters Inn courtyard and balcony flowers

“Take a winter vacation in Savannah GA,” reminds Presidents’ Quarters Inn.  Today it’s 58F degrees in Savannah, GA.  It’s 23F degrees in New York City, NY.

Oh, but it’s not just the Winter weather that is warmer in sub-tropical Savannah, GA.  There are far more splendors that connect Savannah to warmth — an admirable attribute of the American South.  The folks in Savannah, Georgia do warm so well!

The warmest greetings await you at Presidents’ Quarters Inn, voted Best Savannah Inn (2008-2011).  The inn overlooks Oglethorpe Square, downtown.

Tall Ship on Savannah River where more will arrive during Tall Ships Challenge, May 2012

Sun-warmed places are found in  Forsyth Park, world-famous Savannah squares, the Bull Street corridor (named one of the Great Places in America), and the courtyard at Presidents’ Quarters Inn.  Don’t forget the brilliantly designed courtyard at the newly expanded Savannah College of Art and Design’s SCAD Museum of Art, and the picturesque riverfront along Rousakis Plaza, a river walk named to honor former City of Savannah Mayor John P. Rousakis

Warmer relations.  Savannahians are known for friendliness.  Savannah was voted #4 for “Friendly”, in Travel+Leisure’s “America’s Favorite Cities 2011” poll, and “Most Mannerly City 2009“.  It was the year that Charleston stepped aside for its sister southern town to the south.

Warm glow of downtown Savannah street lamps with a backdrop Savannah's centuries old forest

Warmer glow.  Street lights in the Landmark Historic District give off a soft glow, much like the gas lamps of years gone by.  Look at this fascinating night picture of Forsyth Park Fountain taken by professional photographer Tim Nealon.

Warmer notes.   Music takes place in historic venues, warmed not only by renovation but by rich legacies that honor culture pioneers who came before.

Warmer nature.  The birds, squirrels, flowers and trees do their part to warm the welcome.  Savannah’s forest is green year around.  In 2012 Presidents’ Quarters Inn is hopeful that citizens and business will showcase daisies inside and out-of-doors (Daisies for Daisy) to honor Girls Scouts Founder, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low.  Mrs. Low founded Girl Scouts in Savannah.   We are hopeful for a warm nod to Girl Scout visitors.

Downtown Savannah shopping

Warm faces.   The new Girl Scout cookie is named “Savannah Smiles” — a lemony delight to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting — and to give tribute to founder Juliette Gordon Low’s hometown, Savannah, GA.  Haven’t you noticed the pleasant southern smile, the tip of the head, and the barely noticed wave?   Where else will you see those warm faces of welcome, except in the Deep South, especially in Savannah.

Time-warmed tales.  Abundant southern stories warm the heart.  Bestselling author Pat Conroy will headline the fifth annual Savannah Book Festival by giving the Keynote Address on February 17, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Warmer touches.  Southern hospitality is at the core of delightful, unexpected warm touches you’ll discover in Savannah.  Leopold’s Ice Cream serves some of the world’s Top Ten ice cream, but you’ll find cheerful help, homemade soups and freshly made sandwiches.   You’ll love the service in restaurants like Wiley’s Championship BBQ.  Alligator Soul has the literal warmth of a fireplace, where dessert and cocktails make Savannah nightlife the warmest yet!  The Planter’s Inn pub inside the Olde Pink House offers the warm ambiance of Savannah’s old gentry’s pub.

Warmer responses.  Haven’t you heard the southern phrase, “Well, bless her heart!’  Even when the spoken word is crisp — as in, “She’s as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart” — or the response to an obnoxious drunk, “Well, bless your heart” seems to soften the blow of unpleasantness.

Warm hearts … and gentle people, or is it “dear hearts and gentle people“?  Presidents’ Quarters Inn offers a “Sunday in Savannah” 50% off special (most months of the year with a 3-day continuous stay).  It’s a special deal that we hope will entice travelers to stay longer and get to know Savannah better.

Get closer to Savannah! Call us to warm your mini-holiday or winter vacation in Savannah, GA.  Tap into the best things to do in Savannah with our daily posts in Twitter @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.   Conveniently, you can  book online or call the inn toll-free (U.S. and Canada) — 1/800-233-1776 or international +1/912-233-1600 during the business day.

Your “Best Savannah Inn” (2008-2011) lodging is ready with a warm welcome to beautiful Savannah, GA

Copyright (c) 2012 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia USA.

Lucas Theatre in Savannah Historic District

Music is a bright star in Savannah events during January, February, and March 2012.  We think these are among the unique Savannah vacation spots and best things to do in Savannah!

Get closer to the Savannah experience at Presidents’ Quarters Inn’s historic district lodging in the hub of downtown Savannah.  The historic inn, voted “Best Savannah Inn (2008-2011),  is walking-distance to all the character-rich historic Savannah entertainment venues.

The beautifully restored Lucas Theatre and SCAD Trustees Theatre, Johnny Mercer Theatre, and world-famous historic churches in downtown Savannah’s  Historic District are popular venues for the best things to do in Savannah GA.

You won’t believe the great line up of LIVE concerts and musically rich happenings in Savannah!

• January 13:  Romeo and Juliet, State Ballet Theatre of Russia
• January 13: A Streetcar Named Desire (starring Elizabeth Taylor. Alex North was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Music Score), Trustees Theatre, 7 p.m.
• January 20-21:  Cary Grant Birthday Tribute (3 movies: North by Northwest (1958; musical score by Bernard Herrmann); The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer (1947; music by Leigh Harline); Arsenic and Old Lace (1944; soundtrack tunes here)
• January 20-February 5:  Grease (LIVE), historic Savannah Theatre
• January 21:  Gregg Allman, Savannah Civic Center
• January 21:  Savannah Philharmonic, Chamber Concert, 5 p.m., Skidaway Island United Methodist
• January 24-28: American Traditions Competition (singing), Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wright Square
• February 1-16:  23rd Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival
• February 2:  Eric Church, Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour
• February 4:   Savannah Philharmonic, Afternoon Adagio, Olde Pink House
• February 6 : Opus Jazz (movie), Lucas Theatre, 8 p.m. Part of the Southern Circuit of Independent Film
• February 11: The Sleeping Beauty, The Columbia City Ballet, Johnny Mercer Theatre
• February 11:  Spring Awakening: Bruch & Schumann, Savannah Philharmonic, 7:30pm, Lucas Theatre
• February 12: Gypsy Jazz at the Westin, Coastal Jazz Association
• February 13: Acclaimed Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 6:30 p.m.
• February 14: Willie Nelson, Savannah Civic Center
• February 16: River Dance, Broadway in Savannah, Savannah Civic Center
• February 17-19: Savannah Irish Festival
• February  19: Walter Parks Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, Bluesy rock conquistador
• February 29: Spring Awakening (play), Lucas Theatre. Presented by SCAD’s Performing Arts Department
• March 1:  Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, SCAD’s Trustees Theatre
• March 4:  Chamber Concert,  Savannah Philharmonic, 5 p.m., Telfair Academy
• March 7-10: Savannah Stopover, 60 bands!
• March 12:  The Pink Floyd Experience, Savannah Civic Center
• March 17:  Lots of Irish music, St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Even more great music continues in Savannah’s beautiful springtime! Don’t miss Savannah Music Festival, March 22-April 7, 2012, plus Savannah Philharmonic’s A Night of Great Opera (April 21) and Season Finale: Schubert and Bruckner (May 19).

Call us to book your overly spacious Savannah B&B lodging at the “Best Savannah Inn (2008-2011) near the downtown Savannah‘s event venues — historic theatres, historic churches, and historic museums.  Let us know how we might help more with the best things to do in Savannah!   Also, tap into more of Savannah’s insider conversations and daily updates from the BEST SAVANNAH INN / B&B (2008-2011).  Follow Presidents’ Quarters Inn on Twitter, @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.   Either book online or call the inn toll-free (U.S. and Canada) — 1/800-233-1776 or international +1/912-233-1600.

Copyright (c) 2011 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia USA.

[SAVANNAH GA – January 4, 2012] — Presidents’ Quarters Inn is family friendly and popular with discerning families who are eager to introduce multicultural and ecological experiences to inquisitive children.  The multigenerational family vacation becomes a true southern getaway for the entire  family when even the well-socialized family pup is welcomed at the top-tier downtown bed and breakfast’s lodging.  

Savannah Music Festival:   Start early on March 1, 2012 (8PM, Trustees Theatre) when Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra celebrate the band leader’s 50^th birthday with a retrospective evening of world-class music.   The multicultural Savannah Music Festival‘s 2011 program follows (March 22 through April 7, 2012) with a 17-day musical arts marathon, featuring nearly 100 events.  Venues range from historic theaters to open-air downtown locations and historic places of worship; so, there are lots of opportunities to move around and explore.

Savannah has many museums and theaters as well as fun shops in the downtown and along River Street.   A don’t miss is the ArtZeum at Telfair’s Jepson Center.   Year around the Savannah Children’s Theatre entertains,  inspires and educates children & families.  In the springtime, the theatre’s special project in collaboration with the 100^th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of Historic Savannah, presenting DAISY’S ADVENTURES.

Regardless of age, there is no better lunch, light supper, or “just because” spot than Leopold’s Ice Cream (which also serves yummy deli sandwiches and homemade soups).  River Street Sweets or Savannah Candy Kitchen are a must for the kids who can watch taffy and pecan pralines being made fresh daily and scooped by hand.  Stop by for free samples.  Vinnie Van Go Go’s New York style pizzeria in City Market is a hot ticket (cash only).  Dine outdoors on the courtyard, where well-socialized pups are also permitted.

Avid readers will adore E. Shaver Booksellers — our favorite local book store,  located on beautiful Madison Square downtown.   Step into history by visiting and touring the historic mansions and house museums in the city, such as the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.  In 2012 Girl Scouts around the world will celebrate the organization’s 100th Anniversary, and invite the rest of us along!  Be sure to taste and pre-order (January through early February) or buy (after February 12, 2012)  the newest lemon cookie, Savannah Smiles, which honors the Girl Scouts’ founder’s hometown.

Horse drawn carriage rides weave through Savannah City Market and the downtown Savannah historic district are also popular.  Downtown trolley tours in the historic district are popular:
- Gray Line of Savannah: (912) 234-8687
- Old Savannah Tours: (912) 234-8218
- Old Town Trolley Savannah: (912) 233-0083
- Oglethorpe Trolley Tours: (912) 233-8380

The ghost tours are a novel way to do something different in America’s most haunted city:
- Ghost Talk Ghost Walk Savannah Walking Tour: (912) 233-3896
- Savannah Walks Ghost Tour: (912) 233-WALK
- Old Towne Trolley’s Ghosts and Gravestones: (912) 233-0083

Skidaway Island has the University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Open M-F 9 a.m. -4 p.m.; Sat noon-5 p.m.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises can be exciting if your family would like to try out a very different type of boat ride.

April 30, 2012 the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)presents  a  Sidewalk Art Festival in Forsyth Park.   This annual event draws thousands of people to watch SCAD students create chalk masterpieces on historic Forsyth Park’s sidewalks along with student and faculty art exhibits, food and children’s and youth areas for young artists.  A great day for a picnic in the park!

If your family is into sporting events, Savannah has the Savannah Sand Gnats, a minor league baseball team of the Chicago Cubs.  Beginning in April and running through early September, baseball games are pretty cheap and always fun to watch, especially with mascot Nate the Gnat pouncing about.  General admission is about $7.

And if you want to take you kids to the beach, Tybee Island is about a 20 minute drive and Hilton Head is 40-45 minutes away (both have nice beaches and can offer a full day of fun).  Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers beach discovery walks, live turtles and turtle talks, a waterways dolphin discovery outings, and the Turtle Trot Race (April 30, 2012).

Let us know how we might help more with kid-friendly and family friendly things to do in Savannah.  Presidents’ Quarters Inn invites you to tap into more of Savannah’s insider conversations and daily updates from the BEST SAVANNAH INN / B&B (2008-2011).  Follow Presidents’ Quarters Inn on Twitter, @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.   Either book online or call the inn toll-free (U.S. and Canada) — 1/800-233-1776 or international +1/912-233-1600.

Copyright (c) 2011 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia USA.

Christmas Window in Downtown Savannah 2011

Beautiful old Savannah churches open doors for Christmas Eve (December 24, 2011) worship, candlelight service, and/or caroling.

From all of us at The Presidents’ Quarters Inn in downtown Savannah, Georgia USA, we wish you the merriest Christmas filled with Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men, especially in this Holy Season.

Trinity United Methodist Church on Telfair Square.  ** We saw where volunteers are needed for Christmas Day Breakfast for downtown Savannah’s homeless community.  The free breakfast will be served from 7 am until 10 am on Christmas morning.  At 10:00, gather in the sanctuary for the singing of traditional Carols and Hymns.  To volunteer, call the church office at 912-233-4766.

Below are a few Christmas Eve events in Savannah that we verified today (December 23, 2011).  There is no particular order.

• Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (2 hours) at Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Lafayette Square.  Christmas Music 11:30 p.m. Doors open at 11 p.m.  Saturday, December 24, 2011.
• Downtown Savannah, Unitarian Universalist Church: Christmas Eve 7:30 p.m., Carol Service, Troup Square http://ow.ly/3ubLc
• Christmas Eve services, Lutheran Church of the Ascension on Wright Sq., 5:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.,  December 24.
• Wesley Monumental Church, Christmas Eve: 10:30 a.m.; 4:00 p.m. service geared for children, and candlelight service at 6:00 p.m. *
• Independent Presbyterian Church. Saturday, December 24, 2011, 5:30 PM – 7:00 p.m.. Celebrate the birth of Christ in worship and a candlelight vigil on the front lawn. *
• Christ Church Savannah (Anglican), meets at 207 Bull Street, First Presbyterian Church. December 24, 8:30 p.m. Christmas Music; 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Service
  
• Christ Church (Episcopal, Johnson Sq, ), December 24,  Carols by Candlelight beginning at 10:30 p.m
• First Baptist Church on Chippewa Square, Carol, Candles and Communion, Christmas Eve 12/24 5:30-7 p.m.
• Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church. (Henry St. & Waters Ave.) 7 p.m. Experience the Christmas story through scripture, music, dance, and Holy Communion. This is a very well attended service – suggest arriving by 6:45 p.m.
• First Presbyterian (Washington Ave), Christmas Eve Service: Christmas Eve service at  7:00 p.m.  12/24. Special prelude music beginning at 6:30 p.m.

From its colonial beginnings, there has been enthusiasm for social activities and theatrical events in Savannah.   In the 1800s, the theater season was in late fall and early winter, in contrast to England’s spring and summer, because of weather differences.  Until the modern era of air conditioning, summer theater was not practical in sub-tropical Savannah, Georgia in the American South.

“All that [was] the fashionable world of Savannah attended [theater].” — Savannah in the Old South By Walter J. Fraser writes, quoting William Gordon.

SAVANNAH THEATER IN 2012

Early in 2012, there are theatrical shows in Savannah’s grand, historic venues.  At Presidents’ Quarters Inn, you’ll be lodging downtown in the hub of the theater district!

January 20-21, 2012

- January 20 – 21, 2012: Lucas Theatre, Cary Grant Birthday Tribute, “He Never Gets Old”.  Showing: North by Northwest, Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer, and Arsenic and Old Lace

- February 9, 2012: SCAD Performing Arts Department presents The Dream By Vincent Brosseau

- February 17, 2012: SCAD Performing Arts Department presents Stop Kiss By Dana Son

- March 1, 2012: Trustees Theatre, Wynton Marsalis with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

CHECK THEATER AND PERFORMING ARTS VENUES FOR SAVANNAH THEATER AT ITS BEST!

Ellis Square
Al fresco theater in the city’s newest “entertainment” square. It’s where “City Market” once stood.  Fittingly, Johnny Mercer’s bronze statue is found in Ellis Square in downtown Savannah.

Johnny Mercer Theatre
Located in the Savannah Civic Center, the 2,506 seat Johnny Mercer Theatre is the namesake of the city’s native son, John Herndon Mercer, songwriter, lyricist, and co-founder of Capitol Records.

Little Theatre of Savannah
Founded in 1950, The Little Theatre of Savannah, Inc., is a nonprofit, volunteer-based community organization dedicated to the celebration of the theater arts. Recognizing the unique social value, expressive fulfillment and opportunity for personal growth that theater provides its participants, the Little Theatre of Savannah invites all members of the community to participate both on- and off-stage.

Lucas Theatre
The historic Lucas Theatre, originally built in 1921 as a downtown movie palace, offers visitors the opportunity to take a glimpse at Savannah’s past while enjoying the best in entertainment.

Mondanaro Theater
The 150-seat, black box Mondanaro Theater is located in SCAD’s Crites Hall, which houses the performing arts department.

Muse Arts Warehouse
Founded in 2010, Muse Arts Warehouse is a nonprofit organization committed to community-building through the arts by providing a venue that is available, affordable, and accessible to Savannah’s individual artists, arts organizations and the public. http://www.musesavannah.org/

Savannah Theatre
Award winning singers, dancers, and live band take you on a musical ride at the Historic Savannah Theatre. Savannah Theatre actors first performed December 4, 1818, with the comedy “The Soldier’s Daughter” and the farce “Raising the Wind.”  Famous architect William Jay designed the original site. He later designed the Telfair mansion, now the Telfair Academy art museum. In the glory days of gaslight theater in the 1800s, some of the nation’s best actors, including Edwin Booth, brother to Lincoln’s assassin, regularly trod the boards of its stage. Other notable visitors were Sarah Bernhardt, W. C. Fields, and Oscar Wilde. Today it is Savannah’s only fully professional resident theater, producing music revues with live singers, dancers and the most rockin’ band in town. Performances happen year-round, with several different titles and a holiday show.

Savannah Children’s Theatre
A non-profit, year-round drama theatre company geared toward offering elementary through high school students (and adults) opportunities for participation in dramatic and musical productions. /

Savannah Community Theatre
A full theater season with a diverse programming schedule, featuring some of Savannah’s finest actors in an intimate, three-quarter-round space. http://www.savannahcommunitytheatre.com/

Trustees Theatre
Contributing to the revival of the Savannah theater district, Savannah College of Art and Design restored the vintage WEIS theater (ca. 1946) to its former Art Moderne splendor, Trustees Theatre attracts major performers, and hosts the annual Savannah Film Festival and SCAD Fashion Show. The structure reopened as Trustees Theater May 9, 1998, with a performance by singer Tony Bennett.

Presidents’ Quarters Inn invites you to tap into more of Savannah insider conversations and daily updates from the BEST SAVANNAH INN / B&B (2008-2011).  Follow Presidents’ Quarters Inn on Twitter, @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.   Either book online or call the inn toll-free (U.S. and Canada) — 1/800-233-1776 or international +1/912-233-1600.

Copyright (c) 2011 Sandy Traub / Presidents’ Quarters Inn, Savannah Georgia USA.