Back to Savannah, Pt. 5

Breakfast at the Hamilton-Turner Inn on this fine morning was an Eggs Benedict, which I ordered without the egg. Sorry…it's just one of my idiosyncrasies. I can't stand eggs. After feasting on that, naturally I went in search of my next meal: brunch at 700 Drayton with some friends.



The food is good here, the service so-so, but I definitely love the way they have rehabbed this former funeral home.



Located inside the Mansion on Forsyth Hotel, this restaurant was somewhat empty the day we ate here.





A few shots of the Mansion on Forsyth at night when it looks even more magical:







Nearby is the old Candler Hospital, which was recently rehabbed and repurposed as the Savannah Law School:



It doesn't seem as creepy as it once was when it sat vacant for years.



During that time, its main use was as a stop on the plethora of Ghost Tours that have permeated Savannah.



Before dinner (yes, another meal), I decided to take advantage of the amazing claw foot tub in my room at the Hamilton-Turner Inn.



I was unable to try The Florence on my last trip to town, but this time I made sure that I did.



Not located within walking distance to the Historic District, it's a bit of a trek.



This Italian Restaurant seems to be a fairly lively and hip hangout.





The food was good, but I can't say that I was bowled over by it either.



I would probably give it another try, but for now, it lays in the "meh" category for me.



Another restaurant that is a bit further down on Victory Drive was much more successful in capturing my heart. It's not fancy (and sure could use a bit of a restoration) but it's full of history that envelopes you as soon as you walk in. Unfortunately, I had left my camera behind on this jaunt with friends, so these cellphone shots will have to suffice.



Johnny Harris is a local haunt that has been around Savannah since 1924. The place was jam packed when we were there for lunch.



The pulled pork sandwich made a mess of my hands but it was oh so worth it.



Sadly enough, this local landmark is in serious danger of the bulldozer as the owners of the lot are interested in building. You can help by signing this petition: change.org/p/robert-mccorkle-save-the-johnny-harris-building

More Savannah photos at my main website.

Back to Savannah, Pt. 4

Despite the warnings about increased criminal activity, I took my time walking home after dinner. It was a quiet night that was perfect for taking a little extra time to capture some long exposure evening shots, such as these two on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Both of these buildings are run by the Savannah College of Art and Design, aka SCAD.



These ghosts of terrazzo tile intrigue me each time I see them, giving clues as to the retailers that once occupied these shops.



Levy's Jewelers sparkles at night with their ever-changing colored spotlights.



The Marshall House Hotel:



At the SCAD Library, this fly sculpture forever hangs upside down.



The SCAD Trustees Theatre:



It didn't matter that I'd already had dessert at The Grey; I was drawn into Leopold's Ice Cream.





This time, I tried the Ginger Ice Cream, which has become a new favorite.



Back on the road home, I continued to shoot photos, despite my belly being full of Ginger Ice Cream. The Owens Thomas House:



Colonial Park Cemetery. If only they didn't lock the gate at night.



I once dreamed of this vintage building and its condos on Lafayette Square being my retirement home. Until I got a look at the units inside.



The Flannery O'Connor childhood home:



Finally, back home to the Hamilton-Turner Inn. Another great day in Savannah closes.



More Savannah photos at my main website.

Back to Savannah, Pt. 1

Once again, I made the trek back to my very favorite Southern city, Savannah, Georgia. It had been almost a year since my last visit (how time flies as you get older), and I was excited to be back at my favorite B&B, The Hamilton-Turner Inn.

I stayed in the James Oglethorpe Suite, which afforded a beautiful view over Lafayette Square.



The recently remodeled bathroom was out of this world. Just take a gander at that tub!



The room itself was beautifully appointed and spacious:



After my red-eye flight, I had important matters to attend to, namely lunch at the nearby Firefly Cafe on Troup Square.



This is one of my favorite quiet little spots in Savannah where you can get a good meal:



while admiring the art on the walls, like this painting by James Dean called "Pete & Gracie".



It is based on a statue/gravesite in nearby Bonaventure Cemetery:



Two scoops of my favorite ice cream, Tutti Frutti at Leopold's, made me feel like I was home again.



More Savannah photos at my main website.

Rock 'n Savannah, Pt. 7

Today marks the end of my Savannah posts (until my next visit there, of course). What better way to start off a morning than a beautiful plate of fluffy lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes? Breakfasts at the Hamilton-Turner Inn are always delicious and sure taste great after a morning run through the historic district.

The next few photos are from the City Market/Ellis Square area.



This vintage postcard shows you The Old Market House, which once stood on Ellis Square. Replaced by a parking lot, it is now gone to the ages.



Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed a few years ago and replaced the hideous parking garage with an underground structure, restoring it to the lovely park-like area that you see here.



This statue of lyricist/songwriter Johnny Mercer (also the cofounder of Capitol Records) is a nice salute to Savannah's native son.



Back on Bay Street, for the last dinner of this visit, Vic's on the River was the restaurant of choice.



Typically, Vic's rates at least one meal per visit, thanks to its understatedly elegant interior, delicious food, and attentive service..



Traditional Fried Green Tomatoes are given zest with a tangy tomato chutney.



The Swordfish melted in my mouth.



The view from Vic's balcony is pretty spectacular, too. The river sure looks purty at night.



The next morning, I awoke at the crack of dawn (5am) so that I could get some shots of River Street as the sun was coming up and before it got too crowded with tourists and delivery trucks.



What I didn't count on was the sudden drop in temperatures.



Of course I got my photos, but narrowly avoided freezing my fingers off! The things photographers do to capture what they see; it's a perilous job! Here, the Westin is beautifully lit by the rising sun in the distance.



River Street is typically an area that I avoid because it seems too touristy and commercial. In the early morning light though, I have a deep appreciation for it.



Next, it was time to pack up my bags and catch a plane to Philadelphia. I was able to snap an aerial view of the windy city, Chicago:



a detailed view of the Pier:



Today I bid adieu to Savannah, but if you'll return tomorrow, I promise to take you with me to Philly!

See more Daveland Savannah photos on my Savannah web pages.