Byrd Georgia R. - Insiders Guide to Savannah & Hilton Head

An imprint of Rowman & Littlefield

Distributed by NATIONAL BOOK NETWORK

Copyright 2015 by Rowman & Littlefield

Insiders Guide is a registered trademark of Rowman & Littlefield

Maps: XNR Productions, Inc. Rowman & Littlefield

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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Available

ISBN 978-1-4930-1269-5 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-4930-1835-2 (e-book)

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

All the information in this guidebook is subject to change. We recommend that you call ahead to obtain current information before traveling.

Georgia R. Byrd, a native of the South, has been writing since her grandparents took her to visit Washington, DC, at the age of 8. It was there that she journaled every stop of a Grey Line Tour in a Reporters Notebook, which she still has to this day.

Her work with Savannah Magazine received more than 50 regional and national awards for editing, graphic design, and art direction. Her articles have appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Forbes, Southern Living, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Her dream of working for Forbes magazine came true, and she has since produced advertising supplements, consulted for Forbes TVs travel shows, and worked with yachting companies all over the world promoting yachts in Forbes. Her graphic design and marketing skills have included publication work for the Georgia Ports Authority and other Savannah clients. She is also an author and contributor to several tabletop books, including Megayachts of the World, published by Edisea, Ltd., and Romantic Days & Nights in Savannah (Globe Pequot). She is the coauthor of The History of Aviation in Savannah (Savannah Airport Commission) and Seasons of Savannah, published by the Savannah College of Art and Design. She has appeared on the Travel Channel, CNN, Good Morning America, and the Today Show as a travel and yachting consultant.

Georgia is married to advertising photographer Joseph Byrd, and is the mother of Whit, a police officer; and Ammie, a school principal.

Cheryl Lauer has called Savannah home for more than 30 years and is grateful to live in an area with a beautiful and vibrant historic district, which has become a national architectural showcase, and near the picturesque seaside communities of Tybee Island and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Born and reared in the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania, some days she is still in awe that her home now is surrounded by palm trees.

Cheryl has worked as a reporter in Atlanta and Savannah, retiring from the Savannah Morning News after covering news and feature stories mainly from the island communities of Chatham County. She has also written for the Savannah Magazine and the Georgia Ports Authoritys magazine, AnchorAge. She is pleased to return to work on the Insiders Guide to Savannah & Hilton Head, having served as the photography editor in the books first edition.

Cheryl and her husband, Michael Richter, live on Talahi Island in Chatham County. Their home is about 10 minutes east of the historic district and about 10 minutes to the beach at Tybee. Their son Cason, a home-schooled graduate, attends college in Savannah.

The goal is for this book to be a personal guide that will lead you through Savannah and Hilton Head Islands most popular attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, as well as those special places that only an insider could reveal. Before you leave home, purchase a camera bag, backpack, or purse large enough to accommodate this book, as well as your cameras, bug spray, and personal necessities. When you arrive, don your most comfortable walking shoes. Use this Insiders Guide as a constant reference as you explore our city and parts of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Arranged by subjects, it is recommended that you read this guidebook in full prior to leaving home. Highlight some of your interests and familiarize yourself with the areas history that is a vital part of her present. Rent the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, or better yet, read the best-selling book by John Berendt. Youll be enchanted before you ever step foot here, and your knowledge of the characters and places made famous by authors and screenwriters will be better appreciated. Delve into the history of the city.

The local area is divided into four geographical sections (Historic District, the Islands, Southside/Midtown, and West Chatham) with an explanation of the territory outlined in the Area Overview chapter. The maps are an excellent way to get a good sense of the geographical areas and hence guide you through the city by foot, carriage, trolley, or car. Within the chapters, restaurants, accommodations, attractions, and other points of interest are arranged alphabetically for quick reference. Another good way to find specific topics of interest is by looking in the extensive index in the back of the book. Youll note that the area code for almost every phone number listed is 912 (843 for places in South Carolina). Also look for InsidersTipsmarked with an i that let you in on local secrets.

This edition also reflects highways and roads that are identified by abbreviations. They include: highways, which are denoted by I- for interstate, US for appropriate two-laned (and highways that are not interstates) roads, SR (or an abbreviation of the state) for State Routes or State Highways. And if all else fails, ask a Savannahian for directions if youre lost. This is a city overflowing with hospitality, and youll find that no one is too busy to help you find your way.

Moving to Savannah or already live here? Be sure to check out the back of the book, where you will find the Living Here appendix that offers sections on relocation and real estate, retirement, education and child care, and health care.

Thanks to this guide book, visitors who fly through Savannah going to Hilton Head Island will understand that they are not in Hilton Head when they deplane in Savannah. The hour or so (depending on traffic to the island) drive to Hilton Head Island from the Savannah airport will become much less a trek of boredom as this edition also captures and highlights this popular tourist destination and offers some fun stops along the way. In turn, we have also devoted an entire chapter to Savannahs sister beach, Tybee Island, which is part of Chatham County but very separate and distinct from Savannah, and the neighboring islands.

Dollar signs indicate the average cost for a one-night stay for two adults, not including taxes, gratuities, or add-on amenities. Many establishments have both high-season and off-season rates, and they define season differently, so check current prices, usually posted on the facilities websites. Most establishments charge $10 to $25 extra for additional guests. Please inquire about additional fees when you call for reservations. Again, remember that reservations are essential.