A Weekend in Savannah

The Kehoe House is a bed and breakfast that boasts a prime location in Savannah's romantic Historic District. A landmark in historic Savannah, the 13-guestroom Kehoe House radiates Southern charm and hospitality with comfort and world-class amenities. The 15,000 square-foot home was built in the Renaissance Revival style and is constructed of red brick, terra cotta moldings, and iron. Mr. Kehoe was determined that anything that could be constructed of wood, could be constructed of iron. All verandas, outside staircases, railings, trim, and the Corinthian columns are made of cast iron.Eighteen fireplaces appoint the interior, with high ceilings, intricate moldings, and heartwood pine floors throughout the property. It also has a modern elevator servicing all floors, a double parlor, music room, formal dining room, unique artwork, antique mirrors, Grand Bohemian Gallery, executive boardroom, and a top-floor 2,000-square-foot meeting room. An intimate side garden and a private garden courtyard highlight the beautifully landscaped grounds. The Grand Bohemian Gallery features unique jewelry, glass art, and artwork.

Take in some Southern charm and explore the history and architectural treasures on a specialized Savannah sightseeing walking tour.

This dainty cafe is located within the Savannah Fine Arts Gallery, and is open six days a week for lunch only. Choose from a pleasant menu of light and artful creations, including quiches, sandwiches, salads and soups. Daily lunch specials are posted daily, but the grilled salmon club sandwich and roasted portobella mushroom burger are longstanding favorites. Hungry museum-goers have also been known to pop in for the desserts alone, which are legendary on the Savannah art scene.

You'll have to look a bit for this charming shop, as it is situated on the ground floor of a private residence, but it is worth the search. Musty and full of character, the dim boutique carries the city's best selection of antique maps and engravings, old and historic texts and other curiosities from days of yore. If you're interested in local lore and legend, this is a great spot to come looking for hidden Savannah secrets.

Operating for 26 years in the same location on River Street, Gallery 209 is an artist co-op featuring approximately 30 local artists, all who must work a day and a half in the gallery each month. Artists throughout two floors of gallery space organize their artwork, which includes watercolors, oils, pastels, engravings, fiber art, ceramics and woodwork. Jewelry by local goldsmiths is displayed in the cases at the front of the gallery. Most artists provide some biographical information and many offer note cards featuring their work.

This annual fundraiser for the Historic Railroad Shops Complex, operated by the Coastal Heritage Society, is a two-night celebration of blues and barbeque. Held within the antebellum buildings of the roundhouse repair shops, the operational turntable and an impressive collection of steam engines and railroad cars restored on-site, the festival is a feast for the senses. Live blues music by well-known local, regional and national acts and the smell of mouth-watering barbeque fills the air. A wine and beer garden is another highlight. Admission is free. See Roundhouse Museum calendar for complete yearly particulars.

Georgia’s historic coastal islands offer everything from haute to honky-tonk and a pristine national seashore.

Drive by the Sea Kayak Georgia center on Tybee Island and you cannot help but feel the spirit of adventure. A large compound with kayaking equipment everywhere invites you to partake in the action. Focusing on kayaking instruction and guided tours of surrounding coastal areas, Sea Kayak Georgia also offers kayak rentals to individuals familiar with sea kayaking, or who have taken a safety and rescue class, offered daily. Other classes teach basic to advanced kayaking skills.

Wormsloe Plantation is worth a visit if only to see the welcoming mile-long driveway lined with huge live oak trees. Located approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Savannah, the plantation was established in 1737 by Noble Jones, one of the first British colonists who arrived in Georgia with General James E. Oglethorpe. A plantation house built in 1828 stands at the site, as does the remains of the original house built by Noble. A museum displays artifacts.

Six miles southeast of Savannah is the 500-acre Skidaway Island State Park, a barrier island and a perfect day-trip for the Savannah visitor wanting to get to know the natural ecology of coastal Georgia. Facilities at the park include a museum, picnic shelters, a playground and observation towers. Tent, trailer and RV sites are available. Two nature trails provide visitors a chance to view the spectacular environment and watch for wildlife, especially shore birds. There is a charge of $2 per vehicle daily for parking.

Founded in 1773 by Georga Liele, the first Baptist in Georgia, this church remains the oldest Black church in the U.S. Once part of the Underground Railroad, it has served as home to the congregation ever since. Participants in the early Civil Rights Movement in Savannah held weekly meetings at the First African Baptist church, and the church remains an important part of African American history in Savannah, Georgia, and the U.S. A unique feature of the church is its collection of stained glass windows depicting African American subjects.

Budding artists in Savannah find an outlet to showcase their works through the Chroma Gallery. Featuring contemporary and fine art, prominent works include lavish landscapes. The tonnes of canvases hung on the walls also contain industrial and botanical works. Sticking to the traditional oil painting methods, the gallery features works of over 15 regular artists around the area. A modest collection of glass and jewelery art is also on show.

Opened in 1886, after wealthy art collector Mary Telfair left her estate and belongings to the Georgia Society, this is the oldest art museum in Southern territory. Made up of three buildings, with very different, but equally fascinating architecture, the art and cultural artifacts inside are not the only jewels to see. The Telfair Academy has a neo-classical design and offers a glimpse into 19th century life. The Owens-Thomas House is a national historical landmark given to the museum in 1951. The newest 2006 Jepson Center offers a 64,000-sq. foot space, bringing modernism to the century-old museum. From art classes, to rotating and permanent collections, this museum offers visitors a chance to transport themselves in time. Visit the museum store on the way out, or even rent out space for a private party. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and $4 for children. Group rates are available.

As with many local chefs, owner and head cook Paula Deen is partial to crab, and it shows on her menu. If you're of the same mind, you'll delight to house favorites that include such festive surprises as crab burgers. Crab cakes, shrimp dishes, and the full range of more traditional Southern favorites are also available, including a macaroni and cheese that is known as the city's best. Placed prominently in a turn-of-the-century building just off the market, this laid-back eatery is one of the most popular in town.