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, 2011] — 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 with 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 with a 17-day musical arts marathon (March 22 through April 7, 2012) 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 purchase (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 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 provide 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.

Voted “Best Savannah Inn (2008-2011), The Presidents’ Quarters Inn (ca. 1855) is featured on the 2011 tour.  We are happy to share the newly released details for the exciting Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes 2011 event, sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Savannah, Georgia.

Saturday, December 10, 2011
Afternoon Tour: 11am-3pm
Evening Tour: 5pm-8pm
Tickets: $30 per person

Sunday, December 11, 2011
Tour of Inns **  Presidents’ Quarters Inn is featured historic inn. **
11:30pm-3:30pm
Tickets: $20 person
Contact: tourdirector@dnaholidaytour.com
Website: dnaholidaytour.com
Susan Reese, Tour Director
912-308-6755

The Holiday Tour of Homes will feature two home tours on Saturday, December 10th and an historic inn tour on Sunday, December 11th. The houses featured on each tour vary in size, architectural styles and periods representing the full range of Savannah’s historic downtown neighborhoods. They will be decorated according to the owner’s personal holiday tradition.

Tickets can be purchased on-line at dnaholidaytour.com and will be available for pick up on the morning of tour, Saturday, December 10, beginning at 9:30am. Headquarters will be open on Sunday, December 11 for Inn Tour ticket sales from 11:00am-2:30pm.

The tour headquarters will be in the lobby of the Savannah Visitors Center, 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the downtown historic area of Savannah. Upon ticket pick up, tour guests will receive their tour tickets and guidebook with map of the home and historic inn locations. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the tour at tour headquarters.

Funds from this event are used to maintain and enhance the historic district and to work in partnership with organizations that impact the community through education, safety, music, and children’s activities.

40th Annual Victorian Tea
Savannah, Georgia
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Location: 211 E. Charlton Street
Times: 3pm-5pm
Tickets: $20 per person
Contact: Susan Reese, Tour Director
Phone: 912-308-6755
Email: tourdirector@dnaholidaytour.com
Information & Tickets: savannahvictoriantea.com

The Downtown Garden Club will host its 40th Annual Victorian Tea in one of Savannah’s grand historic homes in the downtown historic district. Dressed in traditional Victorian garb, docents will be available to give guests a tour of the home and will be serving a traditional high tea. Enjoy music, tea, sherry, Victorian treats and sandwiches. The Victorian Tea will be held in conjunction with the Holiday Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 10, 2011. Tickets may be purchased on line at savannahvictoriantea.com.

It's easy to take part in "Daisies for Daisy" in Savannah GA to honor Mrs. Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low in 2012.

Just in time for Mrs. Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low’s birthday (October 31), Presidents’ Quarters Inn announces that the inn will champion Daisies for Daisy to honor the Savannah native.  Residents and businesses are being encouraged through word of mouth and social media to add vibrant daisies in landscapes and bouquets as visual applause to the founder of Girl Scouts during the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts in 2012. 

SAVANNAH GA (October 31, 2011) — Endearing names like “Daisy” are big in America’s Deep South.   Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, is among the most prominent.

Presidents’ Quarters Inn announces that the inn will champion the grassroots campaign – Daisies for Daisy (TM) – which is sprouting in Mrs. Low’s hometown of Savannah, Georgia, in time for the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts in 2012.  In her honor, the top-tier inn is the first business to plant daisies and add them to breakfast table posies.

THIS IS AN IDEA: GIVE A NOD WITH DAISY PLANTS

Without committee meetings or sign up sheets, the Savannah-based grassroots effort is sprouting without a playbook as a social word-of-mouth campaign.  “No one will need reports at the end of 2012 about how well city-wide businesses and residents rolled out daisies in grand Savannah style to honor ‘Daisy’ Low,” states Jane Sales, executive innkeeper.

The Daisies for Daisy idea came from marketing executive, Sandy Traub.  She received approval from Fran Harold, director, and Katherine Keena, Program Manager of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, before presenting the idea publicly.

WHAT SHALL WE DO TO HONOR DAISY LOW?

“At cookie drive time each January, it is clear how to support the young Girl Scouts and their programs.  It is not so clear how to applaud Mrs. Low and Girl Scouts during their 100th Anniversary celebration year,” states Ms. Traub.  “When one person then another plants daisies in window flower boxes, sidewalk gardens, and public spaces the swell of visual applause will begin to make the visual statement we hope to see. “

The Daisies for Daisy campaign is a grand reminder to give a nod to great forbearers, on whose shoulders we stand.  “As cheerleaders of Girl Scouts,  it’s a simple thing for anyone to add daisy flowers in gardens and breakfast tables to show we are thoughtful neighbors, celebrating in a respectful way the centennial year with Girl Scouts,”  states Jane Sales, executive innkeeper at Presidents’ Quarters Inn in Savannah.

“In the old South, visitors will notice the quirky southern nod. It’s a dip of the head slightly, and a look straight in the eye (or not).  Add the casual wave — a slow raising movement of the hand, only a few inches is more accurate — and you’ll catch the spirit of Daisies for Daisy.    It is southern shorthand for “Hello!”, “Welcome!”, “You’re Welcome”, “See you later”, or “Thank you”, states Mrs. Sales.

VISUAL, CONTINUOUS APPLAUSE THROUGH 2012

We are told the highest profile official Girl Scout activities will occur in Savannah during March 2012.

“We think it’s important that Mrs. Low’s hometown do something bold and fresh during the organization’s centennial year.  We are hopeful that daisy flowers can reaffirm how proud we are that Girl Scouts began in Savannah,” adds Sandy.

Tidbit:  The Juliette Gordon Low mansion is Savannah’s first National Historic Landmark.

LOCAL DAISY RESOURCES

This campaign is born with practicalities, too.  “Our efforts will fit the budget of our day-to-day activities,” adds executive innkeeper Jane Sales.  “We budget for landscaping and fresh flowers, so we will simply include daisies in our mix.”

The inn’s gardener shares that daisies bloom abundantly in late spring and early summer.  Kurt Oelschig, of Oelshigs Nursery (a wholesale-only business), advises that florist-quality daisies are available year around, and he points us to florists as an immediate source.

Sandy found gorgeous potted daisies at Hester and Zipperer last week, and has previously purchased Euryops Daisy Patio Tree (topiary, winter-hardy evergreen) at Fancy Plants in Savannah.

The inn offers a few recommendations:  add daisies to storefront wreaths and planters, business and home landscaping, restaurant and cafe tabletop posies, and special occasion bouquets and weddings.

Multiple colors of daisy blossoms can complement the southern gardens of hydrangea, Camellia sasanquas and azaleas, fragrant gardenias, jasmine and honeysuckle, and famed magnolias.

On our Presidents’ Quarters blog we will post where we find daisies locally.   We hope you will post comments about your local sources as well.

NO COMMITTEE MEETINGS.  NO SIGN UP SHEETS.

Savannah is a wonderfully creative place where old and new come together beautifully!  We look forward to being surprised by how showy the Daisies for Daisy blossom-fest will be to honor “Daisy” Gordon Low in our city .   Follow along in Twitter — @DaisiesforDaisy.   For more information, contact Sandy Traub, 912/398-9828 or email straub@spatior.com

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

Voted Best Savannah Inn 2008-2011

More deals for your best Savannah bed and breakfast getaway!  In late Fall 2011, travelers choosing to stay at the award-winning Presidents’ Quarters Inn bed and breakfast on Sunday through Thursday get more for their money! 

Added to the generous amenities, quiet enjoyment, overly spacious comforts, and private spot overlooking Oglethorpe Square, Presidents’ Quarters Inn delivers even more to its discerning bed and breakfast getaway guest! 

To encourage Sunday through Thursday Savannah lodging, executive innkeeper Jane Sales announces the historic inn’s “Savannah Wine + Tour Special“, good through December 23, 2011.

“WINE + TOUR SPECIAL” DETAILS

• On arrival, receive a complimentary bottle of wine or Champagne, plus up to two historic district tour passes (value $35).
• The late fall special is exclusive to guests booking after October 12, 2011.
• The Wine + Tour Special may NOT be combined with any other discount or special (such as Groupon or Living Social deals).

The added “Savannah Wine + Tour” amenities boost the top-tier historic inn’s generous inclusives, which feature daily Chef’s Breakfast, pre-dinner wine and hors d’oeuvres, nightly turn-down, bedtime cordial, and on-site free parking … a downtown Savannah luxury!

Downtown Savannah is less frenzied during weekdays with fewer tourism visitors.  In addition to top-tier events during the week — like the Savannah Film Festival (October 29-November 5, 2011) — there are art and mansion museums, galleries, the gamut of history to movie and foodie tours, boutique and antique shops, plus outstanding food and wine dining.

Savannah, Georgia, was named #7 in TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice Food and Wine Destinations Awards. “Every day in Savannah travelers may choose ‘Sunday Dinner’ fare, or light and refreshing Low Country fare, and artistically presented desserts and beverages found at the artisan bakeries, cafes, and pubs,” adds Mrs. Sales.

“Not just empty nesters and retirees are choosing a mini-vacation or an extended Savannah weekend getaway,” adds Mrs. Sales.  “We see families and international professionals taking advantage of our “Sunday in Savannah” special, which discounts their Sunday stay to 50% with 3-days’ lodging.”

Monday, October 24, 2011, 8PM: Across the bridge … Savannah Jazz Orchestra’s Sean Newhouse guest conducts Hilton Head Island’s symphony orchestra’s “Trumpets” http://ow.ly/6YIfE

More Sunday and weekday events, worth the trip to Savannah!

“Beyond Utility: Pottery Created by Enslaved Hands” at Jepson Center.

Civil War Flag Exhibit at Georgia Historical Society, Hodgson Hall.

“Bohemian Reflections”. Large-format photography of the Czech Republic by Jan Reich (1942-2009).

“Harmonic Discord” at Beach Institute and Telfair Academy

Presidents’ Quarters Inn invites you to tap into more of the inn’s ‘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.

Breakfast in the Courtyard

Voted BEST SAVANNAH INN 2008-2011, Presidents’ Quarters Inn steps up to share four ‘better-than-ever reasons‘ to get away to the “Hostess City of the South” in October 2011.   Appealing prices and FREE events make October an ideal time to visit internationally famous Savannah, renowned for architecture and history, Southern charm and hospitality. 

Best Savannah Inn 2008-2011

1. At Presidents’ Quarters Inn it is easy to tap into the familiar first impressions of America’s most beautiful city.  In the inn’s new video here, Executive Innkeeper Jane Sales introduces you to Presidents’ Quarters and the Oglethorpe Square neighborhood in the Landmark Historic District.

2. Appealing prices at Presidents’ Quarters Inn go beyond delivering great value. Inclusive rates at the 16-room private small hotel feature on-site parking, chef’s breakfast, afternoon wine hour, nightly turn down, and evening cordial. Request 50% off Sunday, with minimum 3-day stay!  Wake up to Sunday in Savannah! There’s nothing quite like the village feel on Sunday. 

3.  Free events in October, make Savannah worth the trip! The top-tier inn points to quality things to do, places to see, cuisine that is extraordinary, and where best to socialize. 

• October 1-2: 27th Annual Oktoberfest on the River. (Free entertainment)
• October 2: “Rock and Run”: Picnic in the Park in Forsyth Park, presented by City of Savannah. (Free)
• October 4: Revolutionary War Perspectives Lecture series, Savannah History Museum, 6:30 p.m. (Free)
• October 7-9: 22nd Annual Savannah Folk Music Festival (Oct. 7, Folk Fest in Ellis Square; Oct. 8 Notre Dame Academy; Oct. 8 Youth Songwriting Competition, Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church; Oct. 9 Forsyth Park)
• October 9: Annual Memorial of the American Revolutionary War Battle of Savannah in 1779, Battlefield Memorial Park. 7 a.m. Free.
• October 11: Revolutionary War Perspectives Lecture series: “Glory of Ireland: The Dillon Regiment at the Siege of Savannah” by Ruairi James Regan, Savannah History Museum, 6:30 p.m. (Free)
• October 13-15: Slavery and Freedom in Savannah Symposium, Telfair Museums.Pre-registration is required. (Free)
• October 14: City Market Fall Festival of Art. (Free) Enjoy demonstrations, lectures, music, food, beverages and a chance to win artwork from several of our City Market artists.
• October 18: Revolutionary War Perspectives Lecture series: “Naval Power during the American Revolution” by Scott Smith, Savannah History Museum, 6:30 p.m. (Free)
  

4. More culture rich, innovative, affordable (yet not totally free) things to do are convenient to Presidents’ Quarters Inn:

• October 6-9: 7th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival. Only 18 miles to the Georgia coast island where Blackbeard the pirate is said to have hidden his treasure.
• October 7: Rockin Acoustic Circus bluegrass music at Randy’s Pickin’ Parlor (Bloomingdale), 8 p.m.
• October 9: 2-3:30PM. Guided birding walk, historic Wormsloe Plantation with author Joe LaFleur. Meet at visitor center theater. $3.50-$6.00 912-353-3023
• October 10 (Columbus Day holiday): Golf with art creatives at 2011 SCAD Bees Classic Golf Tournament, Wilmington Golf Club. Open to public.
• October 13-15: Enjoy the cultural tradition of the 60th Annual Savannah Greek Festival’s food and entertainment.  
• October 15: St. Vincent’s Annual Historic Tour of Homes & Tea: http://ow.ly/6M1VV 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• October 15, 1924: Under American Antiquities Act of 1906, U.S. President Calvin Coolidge established Fort Pulaski National Monument. We hope you will visit this historic place in Civil War history, managed by the National Park Service.  Follow the fort on Twitter @FortPulaskiNPS.
• October 21: Brahms: A German Requiem, Presented by the Savannah Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m., Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
• October 22: Wag-O-Ween on Saturday, 12 – 5 p.m is for pet lovers and pups.  the event starts at Canine Palace – Abercorn and Hall streets. On Wag-O-Ween afternoon, most tourists downtown keep busy taking photos of trick-or-treating dogs in costume!  Over 80 businesses on the map.
• October 22: Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience (LIVE)
• - October 23: Gospel Brunch at Telfair’s Jepson Center blends the southern tradition of gospel music presented the modern art museum’s atrium overlooking historic Telfair Square.
• October 27: U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt’s birthday. The Archibald-Bulloch mansion on Orleans Square in Savannah GA was built by President Roosevelt’s maternal great uncle. The mansion is open for public tours.   #Savannah
• October 29 – November 5: One of the hottest tickets of the year is the Savannah Film Festival, presented by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
• October 29: The newly expanded and highly anticipated SCAD Museum of Art reopens to the public with Walter O. Evans Center for African-American Studies.
• October 30: Shalom, Y’all Festival in Forsyth Park. The Jewish food festival is presented by Congregation Mickve Israel, America’s third oldest Jewish Synagogue congregation.
• October 31:  If you plan to take a Halloween day or night tour in America’s most haunted city, book early!  It’s Juliette Gordon Low‘s birthday (founder of Girl Scouts).  Tour her Savannah birthplace mansion (Oglethorpe Avenue at Bull Street).

Tap into the Savannah conversation at hashtag #Savannah!  Follow Presidents’ Quarters Inn on Twitter, @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.   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.

Holiday Tour at Our Historic Inn in Savannah GA

Effortlessly on trend, and understated with refined city looks, Presidents’ Quarters Inn  in Savannah, GA will be featured Sunday, December 11, 2011, on the downtown Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes.  What a wonderful Sunday in Savannah this will be!

See the new inn video here, Executive Innkeeper Jane Sales introduces you to Presidents’ Quarters and the Oglethorpe Square neighborhood.

In 2011, the Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Holiday Tour of Homes is December 9-11.

This year’s Savannah holiday traditional tour  includes afternoon and evening tours of Historic Savannah Homes, plus a Victorian Tea in a restored Savannah mansion.  The Sunday tour features historic inns in Savannah, along with a special live Holiday Show at the historic Savannah Theatre.

Start your holiday season off  in Savannah!  If you have been eager to the see the inside of aristocratic mansions, the holiday tour is the time to see historic homes and historic inns decorated for the holidays!

Wake up to Sunday in Savannah, and make your stay even more special with a stay at Presidents’ Quarters Inn, voted BEST SAVANNAH INN / B&B 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008!  Request 50% off Sunday, with minimum 3-day stay! In the inn’s new video here, Executive Innkeeper Jane Sales introduces you to Presidents’ Quarters and the Oglethorpe Square neighborhood.

Follow Presidents’ Quarters Inn on Twitter, @PQInnSavannahGA and Facebook.   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.