Savannah oh la la !

"Rule # 1: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know" John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"

I booked a flight to Savannah, GA one afternoon on a whim. I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going to stay and it was going to be my first solo trip. I had found out about Savannah while researching for cute places to visit during the Summer. Then a year later, I was on Instagram and one of the influencers I follow was taking a weekender trip to a cute little town and that prompted me to search for my own little town to visit, and again I came across Savannah. So I searched for flights for a date I was sure I didn't have any events at work and BAM! I found a $64 round trip flight and without giving it a second thought I booked it!! The feeling of freedom I felt as I booked my first solo trip without even discussing the pros or cons, without really knowing anything about the town... it was exhilarating! And terrifying all at once. It was the best decision and I don regret it one bit.

After I booked the trip, I told my boss and coworkers. One of them had read the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil which takes place in Savannah and I decided to purchase a used version so that I at least knew something about this place I was set to discover on my own.

I ended up booking a room at the cutest Victorian Airbnb! It was located in the Starland District, an up and coming artsy neighborhood. The Airbnb host explained in her instructions how it was not recommended to be out and about the neighborhood alone at night time. That was a bummer but I was more than okay with being back in the room safe and sound by sunset. I'm not one to party it up by myself in an unfamiliar place. So my plan was to wake up early and spend the whole day out discovering the "Hostess City of the South" and be home by sunset.

The Moss!

After almost missing my flight, I finally arrived in Savannah! I took my very first Uber (very nice guy but a bit weird and I was freaking out internally) and finally arrived at the cutest house. The neighborhood looked nice in the daylight which was a good sign. I checked in the house and wow how cute was it! My room was tiny but I truly loved it so much. It had one floor to ceiling window which gave me access to a private porch, one regular window, and a small desk which included the book I had purchased for the trip. The twin bed had the cutest stuffed bunny on the bed. Why? I didn't really care to ask. It gave it a homier feel. After I had settled in the room and made up my mind as to what I wanted to see first, I called my mom, and off I went!

Victorian Airbnb

The first thing I wanted to see was Forsyth Park! It is now my favorite park in the world! Even on a gloomy, rainy day, it was a spectacular view. Trees lined both sides of the cement walkway. Benches were readily available all through the walkway and Spanish moss adorned almost every tree. At the end of my walk (at the north end of the park), I found a majestic fountain with yellow flowers all around. I later learned the fountain was erected in 1858 and apparently similar fountains can be found in other popular cities, so although the fountain is certainly stunning it is not unique.

 

Did Someone Say Tacos?

After I took in the scenery, I decided it was dinner time. And guess what?!? I found a taco place! I took a quick glance at the reviews and menu and headed over with a big smile on my face.                                                                                                                                               
Bulls Street Taco is the name of the place. The place had a cool vibe and the food was delicious. I ordered the Street Taco Combo which came with 3 tacos of your choice and a side salad. I had one fish, one chicken, and one chorizo with a beer and a Mexican soda. I also ordered churros with chocolate sauce to go. The service was exceptional and I can honestly say I cannot wait until I go back!

Not All Those Who Wander are Lost? Is that how it goes?

I had been reading the book that took place in Savannah so by the second day, I had a few places I wanted to visit. The BnB had maps, I grabbed one, and off I went. I took what would become my regular morning walk through Forsyth Park and really took my time to enjoy it! Afterward, I followed my map to Monterey Square where I would find the Mercer House which is the main location on the Savannah book. The house is a museum on the bottom floor while the owner and her family live on the top floors. I made an appointment for a tour the next day. I was so excited! Then I decided to see how far I would make it walking towards the Riverfront. I would be walking past at least 4 other squares so I would have the chance to take some photos and take in the views. There are a total of 22 squares in Savannah and my plan was to visit all of them.

I made it to one square when I found a café full of college kids and I decided to have brunch. It was Clary's Café and I'm almost positive it was called Clary's Drugstore in the book.

Afterward, I decided to use the free public transportation instead of walking to the Riverfront. River Street is a very touristy area, but I loved it! There were lots of shops and restaurants to choose from. I spent a few hours sitting on a bench reading and people watching. After a while, the Georgia Queen River Boat arrived at the dock which happened to be located just right in front of where I was relaxing. So I decided I would take the riverboat tour the next day.

River Street

Along the river, there is a statue called "The Waving Girl" which is in honor of Florence Martus. According to the book, Florence would go out and wave to every passing ship.

Florence The Waving Girl

On my way back south to the BnB, I decided to try and hit most of the squares. It was then that I got lost and ended up in a cemetery. I didn't get to visit all the squares but the cemetery was eerily awesome.

Cemetery

A murder in the Study with the Lead Piping... Or was it with the Gun?

The Mercer House

The Mercer House, a Victorian mansion with 15-foot ceilings, it occupies an entire city block. But perhaps the most interesting detail of this mansion is the fact that a murder took place in the study.

The tour at the Mercer House, now called "The Mercer William House," started in the rear end of the house in what used to be the carriage house and what now is a gift shop. The tour took about 45 minutes to an hour and it took us through the courtyard and the first level of the house. This floor includes the study where the murder took place.

The Queen

The tour on the Georgia Queen took about an hour or so. I spent most of the time reading. It took us up river towards some ports and then back down passing the Talmadge Bridge, Waving Girl, and some sort of military area where they blow up a very, very loud "cannon". Tickets for the riverboat tour can be purchased at a store located on River Street. They can be purchased in advance or on the same day and they also offer lunch and dinner packages.

The Georgia Queen

Lunch with a View

When I travel I try to visit and eat at local places and restaurants and try to avoid big chains. However, on this particular day, every restaurant was packed and I had to settle for a chain restaurant, Joe's Crab Shack. I had some sort of seafood plate with rice and shrimp/lobster mc& cheese. It was heavenly! I sat outside in the back with a view of the riverbank and the tiniest tugboats. 

Yummy Lunch at Joe's Crab Shack

Lunch with a View

E Bay St which is located "above" River Street has beautiful buildings with one of them being the old Cotton Exchange building. That architecture! There is also a park with benches and a military memorial, and there are several restaurants as well. 

Savannah Cotton Exchange

Table for 1 please!

I had the best service, biscuit and breakfast of the whole trip at B.Matthew's Eatery. I seriously still dream about that biscuit. 

Biscuit of my Dreams

My last meal in Savannah had to obviously be tacos. I can't get enough. Located only a street away from my BnB back in the Starland District is this cool restaurant called, The Vault Kitchen and Market. The building used to house a bank which according to the restaurant's website used to be a staple in the community. 

I had the fish tacos and my first martini since it was mentioned so many times in the book. I figured when in Savannah, right? The food was scrumptious and a perfect way to end the spectacular time I had in Savannah. 

My First Martini

The Vault Kitchen and Market

I hope you visit Savannah, GA soon and LOVE it as much as I did! I honestly cannot wait to visit again. Maybe I'll go around Halloween time. I hear the have many fantastic and spooktacular haunted tours.

Tell me, have you ever been to the "Hostess City of the South?"

Safe Travels, Q

Oh Hey Boston!

A "weekender" trip to Boston was just what my friend Judi and I needed after a season of hard work! She had a free stay at the Taj Boston and was awesome enough to invite ME to explore the city she so much loves. To be honest I never had Boston in my Travel To list and I just don't really know why. Boston is such a nice city full of history and charm! From museums to parks, I had the best time exploring!

We stayed for two nights but only spent one full day (that just means I have to go back ;) and explore some more), so I will list the places we visited and the places we didn't get to visit.

Food:

-I love to take advantage of when the hotel offers breakfast!! So we had breakfast at the hotel both days and it was simple and perfect.

-Lolita Back Bay: we arrived at Boston on Cinco de Mayo and wanted to have some tacos for dinner (I can eat tacos all day every day!). We googled where to eat and found this super cool Gothic Mexican Restaurant. They played Puerto Rican music the whole time we were there (not sure if they thought it was Cinco de Mayo music but I didn't complain since the music reminds me of home ♡). The restaurant was a whole experience! First, the server brought us a palate cleanser infused with tequila (umm what?! how cool is that!). We ordered an avocado toast that was to die for (I almost did die because of how spicy it was) and it was so good, Judi (my favorite chef) ended up creating her own version once we were back home! I ordered the Mahi tacos. I try to eat tacos at every new place I visit and these tacos did not disappoint! One of the best tacos I've ever had the pleasure of eating! Judi had the pork tacos. Every time I go out to eat with her, I'm scared she's not going to like the food (she's a great chef and can't help but criticize the food). To my surprise, she LOVED it! For dessert, we ordered some giant churros. The best part came with the check... a giant cotton candy WITH pop rocks on top and temporary tattoos!! Was I five years old? Well, I was drinking a watermelon mojito, so no. But I did feel like a very happy 5-year-old!

-We had lunch at a place called Cheers which was located at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. I'm not from here so I had no idea it was referencing a television show, but the food was good!

- I love pasta and I'm so glad Judi is Italian and so we spent an hour or so walking around the North End of Boston aka an Italian neighborhood. We walked and walked looking for the perfect spot. We really couldn't decide where to have dinner and in the end, decided to eat at the Dolce Vita Ristorante. We were standing outside the restaurant looking at the menu when the (owner? manager? chef? who knows) came outside and asked us to come inside and have a meal in his "house". We couldn't resist the offer and were also famished so in we went. I had pasta with calamari and it was great! For dessert, I asked for the Creme Brule. Sadly the server said it wasn't creme Brule but more like a flan which was delicious but not what was advertised.

In conclusion, Lolita was the BEST restaurant! Can't wait to go back!

Things to see/visit-

-Boston Public Garden: This beautiful park was our view from our hotel room. There is something about how the park's nature and city landscape look together that I absolutely love! It's like they don't belong together but can't help but be fantastic together. My favorite thing to do in new places is people watching. I love sitting at a park with a good book and not being able to concentrate on what I'm reading because watching the locals and tourists go about their day is more fascinating.

-Faneuil Hall Marketplace: A cool shopping center with lots of restaurants. Walking around this place I saw some huge lobsters and almost everyone seemed to be eating said lobsters.

-Boston Duck Tours: Since we were only there for one full day (and I had never heard of a duck tour), we decided to take a tour and see Boston that way. Our tour guide, Dr. Quackenstein, and the driver Peggy were awesome and made our tour a fun-filled one! My favorite part was when the car turned into a boat and in the river, we went! Yes, I am a five year old at heart.

-Science Museum: NERD ALERT!! We bought the tickets for the museum because we got a discount if we paired it with the duck tour. I love museums and this was amazingly fun and they had 2 adorable tiny monkeys!! What's better than tiny monkeys??! We spent a few hours on the kid's interactive activities floor (told you I was a five year old!). I kept saying I wish I was smarter and knew more about science so that I could appreciate everything even more. But we still had a really nice time.

-Boston Holocaust Memorial: It was completed in 1995 and it's composed of 6 glass towers. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of the Jewish men, women, and children killed by the Nazis. If you look closely at each glass pane you can see numbers etched in the glass. There are 6 million sets of numbers etched between all the glasses on all 6 towers. These 6 million sets of numbers represent the six million Jews that were killed in Nazi camps. You can visit this memorial at any time as it is located in an open area. I loved stumbling upon this monument.

-North End: Did someone say Italian food? Yes, please! I'll have everything! We had coffee at the cutest little cafe (Cafe Vittoria) and walked and walked looking for some sort of dessert that Judi wanted (with no luck). And while we were walking I saw 2 gentlemen sitting and drinking coffee speaking in Italian (what an amazing language. It sounds so beautiful!) and a lady yelling at who I think was her husband (in Italian of course), it was magical.

Places we wanted to visit-

-Fenway Park: go red sox! (don't be fooled, I know nothing about baseball).
-New England Aquarium: I love the ocean! However, Judi is allergic to all things ocean and I would prefer if she didn't die so we skipped this one.

-Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: I really need to learn more about American history. Judi thought I would get bored here (not true. I love learning!) plus we didn't have time.

-Harvard: (Yes, I know it's technically not in Boston but hey close enough). I was REALLY looking forward to going to Harvard and sitting on a bench with a book and just pretend like I went there. Not missing this next time I go to MA.

-Edgar Allan Poe Square: The square is located near where the birth of the writer took place.

So there you have it... a small list of places to see and eat. Have you ever been to Boston? Tell me, what other places should I visit on my next trip?

Safe Travels, Q