A Must-Do June Event: The Savannah Asian Festival

Plan your visit to Savannah during the weekend of June 23-24, and catch the 17th Annual SavannahAsian Festival, a celebration of Asian culture.  Savannah inns look forward to hosting your visit!

While statistics say that only 2 percent of the Savannah population are of Asian descent, that's actually nearly 3000 people holding great respect for their ancestry and cultural history!  It is in this spirit that the Department of Cultural Affairs has teamed with Asian-American volunteers to present this annual event to everyone of Asian descent, and to the general public.

Now in it's 17th year, the Asian Festival  will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Savannah Civic Center MLK Arena.  The free-to-the-public festival features live stage performances from a variety of Asian cultures, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural displays.  Area restaurants will provide authentic food for purchase.  Shop the cultural marketplace featuring arts, and crafts including paintings, paper, clothing, accessories, and henna body painting, to name a few.  An educational workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea will also be offered.

Children will enjoy their own activity area, where they can learn more about Asian cultures through martial arts demonstrations and hands-on activities.  Origami paper folding is one popular children's activity offered along with Diwali treasure boxes and  Asian flag making, among others.

Whether you are of Asian descent, or you have an appreciation for all things Asian, this festival should definitely be on your list of things to do in Savannah.  Contact your Savannah B and B innkeeper for more information about the event, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Attend SavCon, A New Event For Transformers Fans

The Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you as our guests during the first Savannah SavCon Transformers Convention!  This first installment of what we hope will become an annual area event for fans of the Transformers Franchise.

Held from June 22, 2012 through June 24, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Savannah, the event features Hollywood stars and voice actors from the Transformers entertainment industry.  Event activities include autograph sessions, dealer booths, an art contest, costume contests, and a variety of panel sessions.  Of course, you will see the amazing costumes of the general attendees each day (costumes optional for attendees).

This year's special guests include a team of voice actors including Neil Kaplan, Daniel Ross, Greg Berger, and Lee Tockar (meet them at autograph sessions).  Pre-registrants have the opportunity to attend a concert featuring Tailirine Irene, a Savannah Native who entertains with techno-geek rock/rap/musical performances.

Panel speakers/topics include:

- Cosplay for a Cure, showcasing costumes and taking donations for Cancer awareness.
- East Coast Cosplayers, discussing costume creation and implementation.
- Transcostumers, discussing the creation of costumes seen all over the country.
- Ragin Nation "LIVE", discussing movie direction and video vlogging, among other topics.
- "Randall Ng, My Animated Life: Blood, Sweat, and Gears," regarding Randall's career in gaming and animation.
- Voice Acting Panel, all about careers in voice acting, by voice actors Neil Kaplan, Daniel Ross, Greg Berger, and Lee Tockar.
- "Transforming Transformers: Making Transformers Funny," featuring Transformers humor by Jon Bailey Crumpton, a voice-over artist and impressionist.

While rooms may be available at the Hilton, we find that many convention-goers prefer to get away to a more hospitable and relaxing atmosphere of a Savannah bed and breakfast inn.  So book your room now to enjoy both great Savannah lodging and an unforgettable SavCon Convention!

Area Residences Shine During the Tybee Island Tour of Homes

The Romantic Inns of Savannah look forward to hosting your stay during the 15th Annual Tybee Island Tour of Homes, happening on Saturday June 9, 2012 from 10am - 4pm.  Just east of Savannah, Tybee Island is easily accessible by car - just a 25 minute drive from most of our Savannah inn lodging members.

During the tour, you will see homes of all sorts, each with its own uniqueness and character.  The tour allows Tybee residents to show off their beloved living spaces, and it lets visitors admire the sights, get ideas for their own homes, and enjoy some time on beautiful Tybee Island.

The event takes place rain or shine, and lunch is included in the Tour ticket price.  Tickets are $30 in advance, or $35 on the day of the Tour.  Purchase tickets at Gayle Bolton’s Gallery By The Sea on Tybee Island, the Atlantic Beacon Gallery on Tybee Island, or at Shaver’s Bookstore in Savannah.  Gale Bolton's Gallery also sells tickets over the phone at 912-786-7979 - a valid credit card is needed to complete your purchase.

Proceeds from the Tour benefit the Tybee Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry, and the Tybee Island Maritime Academy Charter School.  The Tour Lunch will be served served at St. Michael's School gym at 714 Lovell Avenue, between 11am and 2pm.

Plan your June Savannah getaway now, and take a peek at some great homes during the Tybee Island Tour of Homes.  We will have your room ready and waiting for your return to your beautiful Savannah inn of choice.

Especially for Train Lovers: The Roundhouse Railroad Museum

Does the sight of twin-tracks make you smile?  Do you get giddy with the sound of that distant whistle?  Does your heart beat in time to the cadence of a locomotive?  Do you stare longingly at the end of a train, knowing that today's children will never feel the delight at the sight of that red caboose?  If so, Savannah's Roundhouse Railroad Museum is a must-see during your stay at a bed and breakfast in Savannah, GA!

Both a State Museum and a National Historic Landmark, the Roundhouse is a railroad-lover's dream, and a popular area attraction.  In 1850, ground was broken on what would become the largest existing railroad terminal and repair shop complex in the US.  The Central Railroad had offices and buildings that handled passengers, goods, maintenance, and manufacturing.  Of the original Central of Georgia Railway complex buildings, thirteen still stand today - five with permanent exhibits.

The Roundhouse proper is one of those thirteen buildings left, and the turntable is still operational on-site.  Visitors can also see steam and diesel locomotives, a variety of rail cars (including cabooses!), the 126-foot smokestack, model railroads, and more!

The Museum is open from 10am to 4pm daily for self-guided tours.  Pricing is $10 for Adults, and $6 for Children 6 and under (children 1 year and under are free).  Admission includes a train ride and any extra onsite activities that may be happening that day.  The Museum is at the very northern corner of downtown at 601 West Harris Street.

When you plan your Savannah bed and breakfast vacation, make sure to plan some time for the Roundhouse Railroad Museum.  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah look forward to your visit!

Enjoy the Armed Forces Festival this Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend brings Savannah's annual Armed Forces Day!  In honor of the holiday, innkeepers of historic Savannah, GA inns would like to extend our gratitude to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, families of those who are serving/have served, and anyone who just appreciates everything these brave men and women do for our country!  We invite you all to be our guests for the weekend of May 25-27, 2012 and for tribute and thanks during this annual Savannah event.

This free, family event kicks off at 9am on May 25th with a welcome ceremony honoring men and women in uniform.  The River Street event continues with patriotic music performances, arts and craft booths, DJ music, food concessions, and more!  This event benefits the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation which provides emergency relief assistance to soldiers and airmen serving in the Georgia National Guard, and to other qualified military members living in Georgia.  The event is open from 9am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sunday.

Pair this with the charm of River Street, and you have a great excuse to spend this celebration weekend in Savannah.  So make plans to stay at your favorite Savannah inn, and have a safe, sound, and patriotic Memorial Day weekend!

Tybee Island GA, Savannah Attractions

Visit Tybee Island, GA During Your Stay

Just 20 minutes east of Savannah is Tybee Island:  Savannah's Beach.  This Savannah attraction is a laid-back beach destination for the entire family that lets you get away from the city for the day, with the knowledge that your comfortable Savannah bed and breakfast awaits your return.

Tybee Offers Great Savannah Attractions

Want to hit the beach?  While the Savannah River isn't a great place to hit the sand, Tybee Island features 3 miles of uninterrupted public beach for the entire family to enjoy!

Fishing is an ideal activity around the island.  Fish off of piers, take an off-shore or deep-sea charter, or fish right on the beach!  Please note that Georgia does require a fishing license.  Luckily, Georgia hunting and fishing licenses are available from nearly 400 license agents in many sporting goods stores, marinas, bait and tackle stores, hardware stores, etc throughout the state.

Wildlife abounds in the salt marshes on Tybee Island.  If you are a bird-watcher, this is the place to see during your stay in Savannah!  Pelicans, terns, plovers, gulls, terns, skimmers, and more call Tybee Island their home during at least some of the year.

Need a bite to eat during your Tybee Island visit?  Over 25 eateries offer everything from sandwiches, to pizza, to (of course) fresh Gulf seafood!

The art scene is alive and well on the Island, as locally-created paintings, jewelry, and more are offered at shops and galleries throughout the island.

Destination attractions on the Island include the Tybee and Cockspur lighthouses, Tybee Marine Science Center, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Pier & Pavillion.

Tybee Island is a great day-trip destination during your extended Savannah getaway!  Enjoy a full day of everything Tybee Island has to offer before returning to your Savannah, Georgia bed and breakfast for a good night's rest in preparation for the next day of your Savannah adventures!

Savannah Tea Room, Savannah Lunch, Savannah Activities

Looking for a little something different for lunch or afternoon Savannah activities?  Why not try the Savannah Tea Room, a delightful change-of-pace in the North Historic District.  This Savannah lunch and tea location features a full lunch/brunch menu as well as offering tea service from single pots to full Afternoon Tea.

Voted one of the 10 Best Tea Rooms in the U.S. by USA Today, The Tea Room brings an elegant escape to everyday life.  Crystal and China are the norm, and the service is top-notch without pretentiousness!  Despite what you may think, there is no 'dress code' for the Tea Room.  And even when you get a to-go cup, complementary shortbread and fruit for the tea are offered.

The lunch/brunch menu features quiche, sandwiches, and many quality salad offerings.  Be sure to check out their Chef's Special when you visit, as these are always tasty treats!  All entrees come with soup, fresh fruit, sweets, and tea.  This is certainly service that you will find in very few Savannah eateries!

Looking for a great way to celebrate an engagement, a birthday, or just enjoy time with the girls?  Plan a girls' getaway weekend at your favorite Savannah, GA bed and breakfast and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at The Tea Room!  From a single pot, to Lunch Tea, to Children's Tea.  And of course, three levels of Afternoon Tea Service are offered which include the benefit of additional treats including their clotted cream and scones: to-die-for good!

At this point, we could go into a complete discussion of 'proper' tea etiquette and history, but we'll leave that to you to discover, if you are inclined to have an over-the-top tea experience.  Many a bridal shower, bridesmaids' parties, mother/daughter outing, and other events actually play this point up at the Tea Room.  You can make your visit whatever you'd like it to be!

The Savannah Tea Room provides a memorable and enjoyable experience that you should not miss.  The innkeepers at your favorite Savannah bed and breakfasts can give you directions and tips for the Tea Room.  We hope it makes your stay in Savannah even more complete!