SAVOR: The Southern belle of culinary fame has made Savannah, Georgia a must-see on every food lover’s map. Paula Deen’s signature restaurant, The Lady and Sons, anchors Savannah’s downtown; a line forms early for a coveted seat in this haven of delectable Southern cuisine. Do you want to learn more? You can take the Paula Deen Tour and hear the heartwarming story of Paula’s rise to fame. Would you like a seat at the taping of one of Paula’s shows seen on the Food Network? They are shot in Savannah at her brother’s restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House. This is your opportunity to sample some authentic Southern charm, all in good taste. After all, several pats of butter always help the food go down!
www.ladyandsons.com
www.unclebubbas.com
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL: For an excellent casual meal, you can’t beat Zunzi’s. Walk up to the busy counter, place your order along with the locals and wait for your huge plate of food to arrive. There are a few tables outside, or take it with you and find a seat on a park bench in one of Savannah’s historic parks. (Oglethorpe Square is just steps away!) Kudos to Zunzi’s for fast service, great prices and selections to fit all tastes, such as hearty lasagna, meatloaf that’s better than mom’s, and an amazing portobello mushroom sub.
www.zunzis.com
SHOP and STAY: Travelers flock to River Street, where the city’s cotton exchange/warehouse district has evolved into a tourist mecca with nine cobblestone blocks of shops and restaurants in a scenic location on the sultry Savannah River. Enjoy some great Savannah fare at The Chart House; arrive early and ask for a table by the waterfront. Spend the night at the welcoming Hyatt Regency Savannah. The accommodations are lovely, the service is superb and you are sure to spark a touch of romance when you request one of their king rooms with a view. Make a sweet stop at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, a store that will bring you back to your childhood, complete with Necco Wafers. Georgia’s oldest city sparkles with southern flair down where the action is on River Street.
www.chart-house.com
www.savannah.hyatt.com
www.savannahcandy.com
TIME FOR TEA: What better way for a travelgirl to experience the South than by spending time in a cozy teahouse? Swing by the Savannah College of Art and Design campus for a break at the Gryphon Tea Room at 337 Bull Street. This was once the home of a turn-of-the-century pharmacy; today it’s the place to sit and steep in the history and ambiance of Savannah. The tea collection is just right for travelers: everything from Madagascar Vanilla to Tibetan Raspberry. Don’t worry, the classic blends are there too, along with herbal choices and decaf — there’s even a scented “night blooming jasmine” tea. Enjoy afternoon tea, go for breakfast, or make your own teatime, complete with sandwiches, scones and sweets that match the unique décor and high quality of the establishment.
www.scad.edu/savannah/visit/tour/aux_gryphon.cfm
SIGHTSEE: The city’s wild side welcomes families and all animal lovers at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah, a few miles drive from the historic district, off the Islands Expressway. Wander along the nature paths and raised boardwalks for some fresh air and a chance to see bald eagles, bison, turtles, wolves, bears, panthers and more, all living in large natural exhibits. It’s a wonderful educational treat for kids and a refreshing contrast to the bustling city streets for adults.
www.oatlandisland.org
SIDE TRIP: Just a short drive from Savannah’s city streets sits Tybee Island, a delightful vacation destination complete with beach breezes, a lighthouse meant for climbing, an historic fort and an atmosphere that’s both romantic and family-friendly. Ride bikes, enjoy homemade ice cream, take part in a local festival or simply kick back and relax while you watch the dolphins frolic in the sunset. The tiny island holds several hotels and bed & breakfasts, but your best bet is to rent a home with a view — and a kitchen! Try Tybee Vacation Rentals for advice and options. Upcoming events include a Labor Day Beach Bash and an October Pirate Fest.
www.tybeevisit.com
www.tybeevacationrentals.com