Savannah Vacation News

Savannah River Crossing

For those of you that frequently ask, accessing the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center on Hutchinson Island is very doable from your Historic District Vacation Rental Home just across the Savannah River. Cross for free on our Southern Belle Ferries, the Juliette Gordon Low Ferry, the Susie King Taylor Ferry, and the Florence Martus Ferry with a river crossing schedule taking place like clockwork according to an article in the Savannah Morning News.

“They operate 362 days a year — every day but Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s — but they can’t run in fog or lightning. They cross the river about every 20 minutes, but have to stop and wait for huge container ships to pass. When one ship is running, it operates a triangular route among the Westin, Marriott and Hyatt. When demand is higher, one boat operates between the Westin and Marriott and another goes between the Westin and Hyatt.”

Riders on the Savannah Belles made 69,000 trips across the river in July, the most in a one-month period ever in the ferries’ 11-year history. Jimmy Gunby III, director of marine operations, said July Fourth falling on a Monday caused more people to be downtown for a long weekend. Families love the free boat ride. People describing the ferries that cross the Savannah River use words such as “key,” and “vital” and “essential.”

Many people say they’re just plain fun. “The ferry is definitely more fun than a bus,” said Mike Pino of Franklinville, N.J. He attended the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association meeting in Savannah last week with his wife Gerry. “I think it’s pretty neat.” The couple was among five people who rented a Savannah vacation getaway rental house in the Historic District and used the ferry to attend the convention.

All the more reason to book all of your downtown Savannah Vacation Rentals through Savannah Getaways when attending conferences at the Westin or conventions at the Trade Center across from the historic district on Hutchinson Island.

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals at Savannah Jazz Festival

Here we go again music lovers. Since it’s inception back in 1983 some twenty eight years ago, the Savannah Jazz Festival is just around the corner in the month of September one mo’ time. This year’s free music event in keeping with scheduling for the last full week of September falls on September 18th through September 25th this year. Most of the jazz musical groups can be caught in Forsyth Park in the southern portion of Savannah's Top Ten Destination nationally, the Landmark Historic District. But the number of other musical venues throughout the landmark district continues to grow.

This year’s line up of accomplished jazz performers features Paul Martino, Wycliffe Gordon, and fellow Savannahian Howard Paul of Benedetto Guitar fame among many others. A friendly reminder to make your Savannah Vacation Rental reservation early through Savannah’s recognized Top Vacation Rental Management Company “that goes above and beyond” in delivering value vacation rentals to a discerning public and Trip Advisor/Flip Key Elite rated rental resource award for calendar year 2011, Savannah Getaways.

Rarely do we have any availability left for this event if you wait to book at the last minute in the month of September (remember what happened for the Rock and Roll Marathon – we sold out within a week of issuing a similar warning for this November 3 - 6 weekend event), so make your plans early if you plan to stay in a Savannah vacation rentals lodging option. And don’t forget to bring your music loving pets as we are picking up some very nice pet friendly accommodations in close proximity to Forsyth Park.

Prix Fixe meals at $$$ off during Savannah Restaurant Week

Part of the charm of Destination Savannah is our award winning cuisine for all you foody lovers out there. In celebration of this, many of Savannah’s finest restaurants are participating in a ten day celebration that started in the month of July featuring a Prix Fixe dinner menu for only Thirty Dollars per person at participating restaurants. The Savannah Morning News has done a nice job of promoting a culinary adventure through downtown Savannah highlighting some of the low country’s tastiest eating establishments.  Read about their foody promotion below:

This 10-Day celebration of Savannah’s restaurant scene pays homage to the culinary heritage that makes our city unique — and is held in tribute to the restaurants that are becoming such a vital part of Savannah’s tradition of hospitality! From Friday, July 29 – Sunday, August 7, each participating upscale restaurant will offer a spectacular 3-course, prix fixe dinner menu for only $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity).

It’s an opportunity that would have likely been heralded by Englishman James Oglethorpe, who is credited with identifying the site of present day Savannah and laying out its now famous and inviting squares. Those defining moments ultimately contributed to the development of Savannah and was the catalyst for our now ever-expanding array of dining options and remarkable chefs. Reservations are recommended. Peruse the participating restaurants to learn more about their offerings and how to book your table.