Tag Archives: Georgia

Savannah: A Spellbinding Getaway

I lived in Georgia for a number of years, and one of the best parts about it was having so many unique destinations nearby to visit on my weekends off. All throughout the Peach State, North and South Carolina, and into Florida are beautiful cities bursting with history, culture, and that Southern Charm for which the region has come to be known throughout the world. Savannah–where you’ll find majestic oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, cobblestone streets from decades past, and horse-drawn carriages, all throughout a grid of historical and architecturally-fascinating buildings–is the oldest, and possibly most classic city in Georgia.

It’s a perfect place for a quick getaway this season, not to mention, the weather is perfect right now for a city where it’s best to blow around wherever the winds take you.

head stones savannah ga
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

While putting this together, I enlisted the help of a good friend of mine, Mike, who happens to still live in the area. He’s always had such wonderful, interesting stories to tell of his adventures. He shared his first trip to Savannah with me:

“[It] involved the ‘best walking tour ever’ created by a close friend of mine. This ‘tour’ revolved around a clover shaped pattern centered on a pirate themed t-shirt store that sold dollar pints. We’d get a pint for each hand, go off on our merry way, find adventure, loop back, get more pints, repeat; you get the picture. Objectively, it was not the best tour. As memory serves, it was a fantastic evening.”

I have gathered from his tales and my own experiences that there is no wrong way to do Savannah. Mike was kind enough to provide me with some tried and true suggestions before I returned to the historic district of Savannah, GA.

 

SEE

Bonaventure Cemetery is the most famous cemetery in Savannah and is over 200 years old and 100 acres in size, according to the Bonaventure Historical Society. Here, you can take in the sights of unique Gothic headstones and grave markers, some above very prominent individuals in history. Stopping by here is a must; it is absolutely gorgeous. Half of the graveyard is simply (while not simple at all) works of sculpted art so ornate you may forget you’re in a cemetery. The famous Bird Girl statue from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was once a huge tourist draw to the cemetery (although it is no longer here). Stop by the visitor center on your way in for maps and all the information you need.

Bonaventure Cemetery – 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah GA 31404

Photo courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society
Image courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society

You’ll find that there are plenty of tours to choose from–some walking, some in horse-drawn carriages–that will regale you with stories of the spirits that roam the city. A unique one is the World Famous Hearse Tour, which will take you around town in a real hearse, through cemeteries and historic districts, telling spooky tales to ensure the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Don’t worry, they promise on their website to keep it funny and lighthearted.

Hearse Ghost Tours – 412 E Duffy St, Savannah, GA 31401

kehoe
Image courtesy of Hearse Ghost Tours

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar, located near River Street, is a great way to start the evening. There’s lots of food, drinks, and limitless energy, coming from both the crowd and the pianists.

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar – 314 Williamson St, Savannah, GA 31401

 

EAT

As far as food is concerned, Bay Street and River Street both have plenty of dining options to choose from. While they definitely cater to tourists, they’re no slouches when it comes to food.

As for ‘secret’ spots, there aren’t many Savannah places that stay secret for long. You can find so many good things to eat in this city, and it’s one of those locales where you have your choice of price ranges, cuisines, and at the drop of a hat, can wander in any direction and find something tasty.

crab legs
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Tubby’s Tank House is a seafood restaurant that is considered ‘real’ Savannah. If you’re planning on having shrimp, crab, oysters, etc., Tubby’s is a great option. They have a giant deck overlooking the marina at the mouth of the river, providing a relaxing view while you dine on the waterfront.

Tubby’s Tank House River Street – 115 E. River St., Savannah, GA 31401

tubbys tank house restaurant
Image courtesy of Live Oak Restaurant Group

World Famous Clary’s Cafe – skip the celebrity cathedral of butter and check out this nostalgic cafe for crab eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, grits, and more. Another southern staple you can get here: sweet tea. Nowhere is sweet tea done as well as it’s done in the South.

Clary’s Café, 404 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31401

biscuits and gravy
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

For those with a sweet tooth, check out Lulu’s Chocolate Bar – a dessert restaurant, all items made from scratch, that also serves drinks and martinis (in chocolate variations, of course).

Lulu’s Chocolate Bar -42 MLK Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401

Also, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – because pralines; no need for further explanation. Keep in mind, you’re now in the part of the country where pecans are referred to as PEE-cans.

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – 225 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401

 

IMBIBE

Moon River Brewing Company is known for good food and craft beers like “Yoga Pants,” a pilsner with fruit aromas, and “Taterlicious!” an amber ale made with sweet potatoes. According to their site, Moon River is also regarded as one of the most haunted in the city and is Savannah’s only haunted brewery.

Moon River Brewing Company21 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401

beer glasses
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Molly MacPherson’s. Go there. Mention Kevin Barry’s (Irish Pub). Start a fight. Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub has the East Coast’s largest selection of single malt scotch whiskey, according to their site. Try the Shepherd’s Pie, a traditional Scottish dish, or the fish and chips, a favorite among return patrons.

Molly MacPherson’s – 311 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401

molly macphersons pub
Image courtesy of Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pubs

Vinnie Van Go Go’s Pizza for late night cravings – right in the middle of Bay Street and staffed almost entirely by SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) students, they will make you a heavenly slice. You’ll eat it right outside, standing, because its a busy joint. Cash only, of course.

Vinnie Van Go Go’s – 317 West Bryan Street, Savannah GA, 31401

savannah-collage-of-art-design-171121_1280
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

 

STAY

Elegant antique décor, luxurious amenities, and Southern charm await guests at the Marshall House in the Historic District. According to their site, ghosts have been seen in the hallways and foyers over the years, but they assure you that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Situated in a great location, the hotel is walking distance to River Street, a 200-yr old area filled with restaurants and shops, and just four blocks from Chippewa Square Park, the site of Forrest Gump’s bus bench from the 1994 film. The actual bench itself can be seen at the Savannah History Museum just 15 minutes away.

savannah river boat
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Discover Wine in Georgia

Think the birthplace of wine and it’s the rolling hills of France and the sloping Alps of Italy that likely come first to mind, but at the intersection of Europe and Asia lies a country where people have made wine for more than 8,000 years. It’s Georgia, full of dreamy landscapes, delicious food, and a rich wine history that should be on every oenophile seeking an off-the-beaten-path vacation’s must-visit list.

Start Your Georgian Wine Adventure in Tbilisi

Up-and-coming locales often take a bit of work to get to, and Georgia is no exception. The vast majority of flights arrive in the country’s capital city of Tbilisi. Check yourself into the trendy Hotel IOTA in Old Tbilisi for a couple days of city exploration and some time to get over jet lag.

georgia vineyard

Within a 15-minute walk from the hotel you’ll find something you want to visit: Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress for history buffs, the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Art Museum of Georgia for art lovers, and Puskin Park for those who just want some fresh air.

georgia wine table

And then there’s wine. By starting your Georgian wine adventure in Tbilisi you can get an introduction (or a refresher) on the country’s wine at the charming wine bar Vino Underground. Depending on the time of year you’re in country you’ll also want to plan on making your way to Vinotel, just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel. The restaurant has a lovely outdoor garden area for tasting wine and experiencing Georgian food.

Kakheti Wine Region

After a day or so in Tbilisi it’s time to venture outside of the city to Kakheti, Georgia’s eastern wine-making region. During the drive you’ll fall in love with the way the sunlight hits the rolling vineyards and while Kakheti is considered a day-trip from Tbilisi you’ll want to book a hotel or two in this area so you can make the most of your time. Here’s what not to miss while sipping and swirling. 

Schuchmann Wines Château

Beautiful vineyard views, a cozy wine bar, and a luxurious hotel—you’ll find it hard to leave Schuchmann Wines Château. Producing roughly 2 million bottles of wine a year, Schuchmann has a variety of Georgian wines to try including two sparkling, oak-aged, as well as wine made in the traditional qvevri method.

qvevri winemaking georgia

Qvevri Wine Museum

By this point of your trip you’ve at least heard the word qvevri, even if you haven’t seen one. The clay vessels, buried underground, are what Georgians have used to ferment wine for centuries. Qvevri is a winemaking method recognized by the UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In the village of Napareuli you can visit the Qvevri Wine Museum, learn about the fermentation process, how the qvevris are made, and more about Georgia’s grapes and wine regions.

Tour the Alaverdi Monastery

Georgian Eastern Orthodox monks have made wine at the Alaverdi Monastery since the 11th Century. Book a wine tour in advance and see the marani (wine cellar), marvel at the monastery architecture, and purchase bottles of wine, labeled with “Since 1011.” Papari Wine Region Georgia

Papari Valley

Papari Valley vineyard is straight out of a fairytale. Located up a sloping mountain, it’s not easy to get to, but if you can arrange a visit to this small winery in advance it will be one of the highlights of your trip. You’ll be stunned by the views from the rooftop, charmed by the husband, wife, and son who own and run Papari Valley, and the natural wines, using no artificial yeast, will forever change the way you think about wine.

Extending Your Georgian Wine Vacation

Georgia is one of those places that would take a lifetime to truly explore. Depending on the amount of time you have in the country a few other places to see are the David Gareja Monastery, the city of SighnaghiChateau Mukhrani Winery, and Georgia’s western region, where you’ll find a less-developed wine region full of wine makers specializing in small production, all-natural wine.

Premium Sushi is Taking Atlanta By Storm

Business and leisure travelers to Atlanta, GA have long been advised to pack their stretch pants. Why? Because the city’s cuisine has been equated for decades with fried chicken-and-waffles, gut-busting burgers and – more recently – snout-to-tail servings of pork.

But all that’s changing.

Atlanta’s hottest new restaurants emphasize sushi delights that aren’t so harsh on the waistline, but tug heavily on the purse strings with meals starting at $65 and rising as high as $350. Atlanta’s blossomed into the South’s cutting edge hub for corporations, entertainers, researchers and entrepreneurs. And the local “foodie” palate is swerving toward the rarest and rawest seafood money can buy.

There’s nothing new about an abundance of quality sushi bars in a city of Atlanta’s size. Still, no major city’s fine dining profile is being so swiftly re-defined by a singular style of eating.

 

Enjoy Exclusivity at Umi and Himitsu

As far as anyone knows, Umi is the only prestige sushi spot in Atlanta where you have to know somebody who knows somebody to get invited into its accompanying cocktail lounge, Himitsu. Chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s Franco-Japanese menu is so austere that prices aren’t even included on the menu. If you have to ask, ‘How much?’, you can’t taste his keen sense of slicing and spicing rolls, foie gras and veggies. Umi – with its bright and wide open floor plan and stark black walls lined with life-sized vintage photos of solemn-faced geishas – is the ultimate see-and-be-seen scene. And it takes individually-assigned key codes to enter the bar. If the tab doesn’t devour more than your budget can digest, Umi’s worth the price of every savory “nigiri” bite.

 

Finding Balance at Eight Sushi Lounge

Yes, you can indulge your taste for fine filets of raw fish and rice rolls in a setting that welcomes diners of varying ages and incomes. At Eight – near all of downtown’s biggest sports, arts and history attractions – the emphasis is on inclusion into the club of sophisticated sushi dining. Eight elevates itself above the rest with a Japanese take on Eggs Benedict, and rolls and plates infused with the flavors of Europe, Africa and South America.

Image Courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge
Ceviche / Image Courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge

For serious carnivores in the midst, Eight offers re-oriented preparations of steak and quail. The bartenders at Eight liberally experiment with Japanese beer, wine, sake and whiskey recipes.

Eggs Benedict / Image Courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge
Eggs Benedict / Image Courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge

Morphing Modern With Familiar at MF Sushi

Don’t call it “a comeback”. The Kinjo Brothers (chef Chris and accountant Alex) have been killin’ it for years. They’ve recently downsized from an opulent space in the high-rent Buckhead shopping district to the nouveau riche Old Fourth Ward enclave; closer to all the simmering action downtown. The flair for the dramatic at MF Sushi is the same as it ever was: There’s no such thing as a bad seat because diners either face the spotlit bar, spy through huge sidewalk-view windows, or bask in the glow of teardrop chandeliers and towering candles in the dining room. An “omakase” meal at MF Sushi – in which you trust Chris implicitly to slice the daily catch to delicate perfection – can last hours and cost as a much as a monthly car payment. MF Sushi sources only the finest ingredients, and the Kinjo brothers are so confident in their distinctive prep and presentation techniques that they’ve launched a signature collection of cookware.

Broad Strokes at Brush Sushi Izakaya

Brush is a Japanese gastropub offering a combination of authentic quality Japan pub fare and unparalleled chef-driven sushi. The subtle twist at Brush is that the dishes are made mainly from fish gathered mere hours away along the Florida Gulf coast and produce from suburban Atlanta farms. The exotic tastes derive from planning and preparation, as opposed to their far-flung origins.

Stir-Fried Mentaiko Udon / Image courtesy of Brush Sushi Izakaya
Stir-Fried Mentaiko Udon / Image courtesy of Brush Sushi Izakaya

The signature skewers at Brush are flavor-flamed over imported Japanese white charcoal. Daily delicacies at this chic cafe on the edge of downtown are seasoned with distinctive peppers, nectars and salts cured painstakingly on the premises and the cocktail menu focuses on traditional Japanese ferments as well.

Osaka Takoyaki / Image courtesy of Brush Sushi Izakaya
Osaka Takoyaki / Image courtesy of Brush Sushi Izakaya

License to Chill at Hayakawa 

When everyone calls you “Art”, your sushi must be good. Chef Atsushi Hayakawa lives up to his reputation as a certified Master of traditional Japanese techniques at his minimalist spot on the northeast edge of town. Temporarily closed for renovation and scheduled to re-open in January 2016, Hayakawa is favored by sushi enthusiasts due to its affordability, unpretentious and family-friendly atmosphere and Art’s finesse with his knife. Hayakawa’s “nigiri” method relegates rice to a background component, as opposed to a filler ingredient. Go there to get back to basics of food and rice wine honed for centuries on the Japanese lowland. Cell phones are banned and you sit where you’re told. At Hayakawa, you pay for a lesson in discipline.