Road Trip to FL – Day 6 in Savannah

We had planned to head right from Tybee Island to Savannah in the morning but we stayed for a couple more hours on the beach.  It really is lovely there and the new friends we made were staying until 11, so we did as well.  We even found a couple of sand dollars – I’m told that some days they are all over the beach (I’ve never found a sand dollar!).

After a lovely morning we headed on a nice, easy drive for 20 or so miles to Savannah.  Travel & Leisure recently rated Savannah top city in the country so I knew I had to see it for myself.  I found several garages full but with iPhones it’s always easy to find parking.  We parked just a block off Bay – the road that is right before the riverfront area.  It’s a great central location for touring many areas of the city.

We were starving and asked some locals which place was not so touristy (I know we were in the tourist area 😳).  We were told Dockside has some really good seafood and they were right.  I had a really good grilled mahi mahi.  We sat right along the river and watch a gigantic cargo ship go by.  We then ran into the Christmas shop nearby to buy tickets for the hop on, hop off trolley tour ($28.80 for adults and $11.25 kids 4-12 if you buy online) and you can actually get it $2 cheaper there.  These types of tours are always my favorite because if you decide you want to see something or need something (bathroom, food) just get off, then get back on when you want.

Ellie was bored almost immediately and I KNOW better (so many tours abroad) that I usually bring my iPad and headset to keep her occupied.  I gave her my cell instead (thank goodness for iphones).  The tour was about 90 minutes and I really learned a lot.  Did you know that Savannah was built with 24 squares and still had 22 of them?  They remind me of Europe.

On the tour we went by Leopold’s Ice Cream and were told it was THE PLACE for ice cream.  We finished the tour then took a pedicab for a few minutes (really my favorite way to get around because so personal).  Our driver took us to Leopold’s where there was a line out the door (and that was a slow time).  Leopold’s is a family institution that’s been selling ice cream since 1919.  The service is great and the ice cream amazing!! They even have flavors like lavender.  We met the owner (Stratton Leopold) who is a fascinating man – he’s a movie producer and has so many credits to his name.  There is movie memorabilia from films all around the shop.  REALLY neat experience all around.  He is really hands on – bussing tables and chatting up guests.  Would love to go back and have a long chat sometime – sure he has fascinating stories to tell!

We got in the car just as rush hour hit (5ish) so it took a little while to get out to 95 and we headed to Florida!  Plan was to head to Orlando but we were both so beat that we decided to spend night in St. Augustine.  I’ve never been and heard great things.  It was almost 8 so I just booked us into the Hilton Doubletree and walked next door to Raintree – a local favorite.  OH MY GOSH, I am not a big meat fan but the blue cheese crusted filet was to die for!  The meat melted in my mouth, it was incredible.  It’s a really cute place with indoor and outdoor dining and lots of little lights.  We sat in the bar area (also nice) so as not to disturb anyone’s romantic evening.

Wow, what a day! I’m going to need a vacation after this trip … 😳