Georgia on my mind
We started off our trip with a direct flight to Atlanta with Delta airlines. I was upgraded to Comfort class on the outbound and to Business class on the inbound which is always a bonus. The service was excellent and couldn’t fault it at all. Flat beds will be added to the Dublin – Atlanta service from 22nd November.
On arriving in Atlanta we then took a short flight to Savannah, again with Delta. This took just under 1 hour. We drove up the beautiful Georgia Coastline through the winding salt marshes to the famed Jekyll Island.
We stayed in the Jekyll Island Club Hotel for 2 nights. This hotel was just amazing; you’d almost expect Scarlet O’Hara to glide down the avenue leading up to this old style hotel. This Victorian clubhouse was once used by America’s wealthiest families. It would be perfect for honeymooners or weddings. The next morning we took a glorious morning stroll on Driftwood beach. This beach is like nothing I have ever seen before. By Law 65% of the Island must remain undeveloped, this commitment to nature makes Jekyll Island a perfect place to enjoy all the flora and fauna that makes the Georgia coastline so unique.
We then took a drive to St Simons Island, which is another Island on the golden isles. It’s known for its laidback atmosphere and family friendly environment. We visited the famous Lighthouse and walked up the 129 steps (who’s counting!!) so some amazing views of the Island.
After lunch we did some shrimp fishing. Now this wasn’t one I was looking forward to at all, but as it turned out, it was one of the best excursions we did. It was so much fun, educational and informative. We boarded the Lady Jane and spent the next few hours learning to fish for shrimp and whatever else we caught! The next day we departed for Savannah, which is about an hour and 30 minutes from the Golden Isles. On the way we stopped in Tybee Island, which is only 20 minutes from Savannah. Tybee Island is probably the most laid back location on the south east coast. It is known as “Savannah Beach”, and if you are planning a trip to Savannah then you must take in Tybee Island for a few days.
After our fab lunch at the “Crab Shack”, where the elite eat in their bare feet, great food and a great atmosphere, we then did the Bonaventura Cemetery tour. Now when I saw this on the itinerary, the first thing I thought was who would want to visit a cemetery on their vacation. As it turned out, this was one of the most interesting tours we did. I could have spent days here. This is a must if you are visiting Savannah, it is beautiful and enchanting. It actually feels like you are walking through a fairy tale. The tall trees draped with Spanish Moss, swaying over the Tombstones. I was intrigued by the whole place.
After our tour and all our walking, it was time for cocktails at the famous Rocks on the roof, which is a roof top bar on top of the Bohemian Hotel. Dinner was then in the Old Pink house, this was fantastic and you definitely have to eat here.
On our second day in Savannah we went for lunch in Mrs Wilkes Boarding house. A decades old tradition in Savannah, you’ll arrive to find the tables crowded with platters of fried chicken, cornbread dressing, sweet potato soufflé, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits. Its southern style eating at its very best. This place only opens from Monday to Friday for 3 hours for lunch but be prepared to queue for your lunch.
We spent our second night at 109 west, this elegant historic home is ideal for rental for both leisure and business travel lodging. Located conveniently in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. This exquisite home is perfect for Savannah weddings, large parties, family reunions, etc. In its entirety the vacation rental sleeps up to 26 people in 10 bedrooms.
Savannah is really one of the USA’s southern jewels, from beautiful squares to historic house, unforgettable restaurants and an eccentric cast of characters that could be straight out of a novel. We tried to capture everything that makes Savannah so special.
Our final part of our trip ended with 1 night, 2 days in Atlanta. We staying in Buckhead and the location was perfect for doing tours and shopping. Lenox shopping mall would be the main shopping centre here with all the big name brands. We also did the CNN Tour, the aquarium and the world of Coca Cola and then finished off with lunch at the Sun Dial restaurant which is on the 72nd floor of the Westin hotel. The restaurant and bar is a revolving observatory with fantastic views of the city as you dine.
Overall, this trip was not just fascinating and exhilarating but also very interesting. If you would like to visit the Deep South then please get in touch.