(Many, many thanks to Heidi at Our Labor of Love for her beautiful photography.)
More photos from the poolside after-party and the s'mores-fest around the firepit, coming soon...
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Eat dessert first
Wedding festivities kicked off on Friday night with the ice cream social at Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah. (mmm...)
Monday, September 7, 2009
Our list of Savannah and Bluffton “basics”... to see, to do and to eat!
We've put together some ideas for your entertainment and dining pleasure in the Savannah and Bluffton areas while you're down south for our wedding... call or email us if you'd like more ideas.
Also make sure to check out this terrific and very comprehensive Savannah city guide from one of Carole's favorite design blogs.
Savannah Basics... to see and to do
Broughton Street
The main shopping street in historic Savannah and home to a few of Carole’s favorite stores: @home and Paris Market.
Colonial Park Cemetery
The Colonial Park Cemetery, which served as Savannah’s primary public cemetery from 1750 to 1853, is located in the heart of city’s Historic District and is a popular site for locals and tourists.
Forsyth Park
The first large park created in Savannah, it occupies 30 acres and is most well known for its spectacular fountain. The fountain is located at Gaston and Bull Streets.
In your wanderings around Savannah, you'll find many mentions of SCAD—which stands for the Savannah College of Art & Design. SCAD has been a leader in restoring, preserving and reusing many of Savannah's beautiful architectural structures. The campus consists of over 60 buildings around downtown Savannah, so you'll see the name everywhere.
Jepson Center
One of the few modern structures in Savannah, this stunning museum’s collection features modern and contemporary art by some of the most pivotal artists of the past fifty years. (Located at 217 W. York St.)
Oglethorpe Trolley Tours
A great way to get to know Savannah’s architecture, squares, as well as the city’s tales and urban legends. (All trolley tours leave from the Savannah Visitors Center on Martin Luther King Blvd between Liberty St and Oglethrope Ave.)
Architectural Tours of Savannah
tour fee: $20 per person (adult)
10am, 1pm, 3:30pm or 5pm (varies daily)
We did this walking tour last fall and loved it. The guide, Jonathan Stalcup, is a graduate of SCAD’s architecture master’s program, he is a font of knowledge about Savannah’s history and its many styles of architecture.
Outside Savannah
Bonaventure Cemetery
330 Bonaventure Rd., Savannah
(912) 651-6843
Many famous Savannahians are buried here, which is one reason this beautiful site has been a tourist destination for more than 150 years. Located on a bluff of the Wilmington River, the Live Oak tree-lined roads and unique sculptures make it a magical place to visit. Located a few miles from historic Savannah.
Fort Pulaski
The Civil War Battle of Fort Pulaski in April 1862 marked a turning point in mili-tary history. Located 12 miles outside of Savannah’s historic district near Tybee Island.
Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum
Meddin Ave, Tybee Island, GA
(912) 786-5801
Tybee is located 15 miles west of Savannah.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
711 Sandtown Rd, Savannah
(912) 395-1212
A local zoological park and environmental education facility.
Ruan Thai Cuisine
17 W Broughton St, Savannah
(912) 231-6667
Popular Thai food place.
Clary's Cafe
404 Abercorn St, Savannah
(912) 233-0402
A piece of Savannah history, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. Open for breakfast (served all day) and lunch, Clary’s closes at 4pm daily.
Parker’s Market Urban Gourmet
222 Drayton St., Savannah
(912) 233-1000
A great gourmet grocery that’s open 24-7 for food to go, or to eat on their outdoor patio. They sell wine, cheese, candy and gifts, too! In Savannah, everyone comes to Parker’s for everything.
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s
317 W Bryan St. (City Market)
(912) 233-6394
Delicious NY-style pizza with outdoor seating in the City Market area. Very popular; there can be a long wait for a table.
Belford’s Seafood & Steaks
315 W. St. Julian Street (City Market)
(912) 233-2626
Café GelatOhhh!
202 W. Saint Julian St. (City Market)
A spot for delicious gelato.
Also in City Market: Savannah Candy Kitchen and Tapas at City Market
Pinkie Master’s Lounge
318 Drayton St, Savannah
(912) 238-0447
Fun, cheap drinks at a Savannah institution, Pinkie Master’s is a legendary dive bar. Note: we did say DIVE bar….
Outside Savannah
The Crab Shack
(866) 789-CRAB
A great seafood eatery on the way to Tybee Island. Sit on the outdoor deck under the Live Oaks and take a look at their lagoon full of baby alligators—78 of them!
North Beach Grill
North Beach, Tybee Island
Park at Fort Screven and walk toward the beach, where you’ll find this casual cafe. Afterwards, take a walk on the quiet stretch of sand, where you’ll likely see horseshoe crabs and lots of dolphins.
A few cute Savannah shops
Paris Market & Brocante
36 W Broughton Street, Savannah
(912) 232-1500
Browse an eclectic collection of decorative items from around the world—Paris, India, Egypt—all beautifully displayed.
@home Vintage General
320 W. Broughton Street, Savannah
(between Marc Jacobs & American Apparel)
Called a “vintage general store,” the shop is filled with one-of-a-kind finds and vintage-inspired new items. From paper goods and ribbons to old-fashioned notions, jewelry and children's items.
E. Shaver Books
326 Bull Street (at E. Harris Street)
(912) 234-7257
With 12 rooms of books, this old bookseller is a Savannah classic.
shopSCAD
340 Bull St. (at E. Charlton St.)
(912) 525-5180
The Savannah College of Art & Design's retail outpost, where students, alumni and faculty sell their handmade wares—paintings and prints, handmade books, purses, jewelry and more. The store itself is a little work of art.
Bluffton eateries
Bluffton is a little harder to navigate because so many restaurants are tucked inside “plantations” (basically, neighborhoods behind gates) or in shopping centers. They’re identified below by location or shopping center. Most are on Hwy 278 (which is also called Fording Island Road).
Sea Turtle Cinema Shopping Ctr
(on Buckwalter Pkwy near Hwy 278)
(Kroger shopping center on Towne Drive off Hwy 278)
Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill
17 State of Mind Street (in The Calhoun Street Promenade)
(843) 757-6222
Okatie Ale House
25 William Pope Drive, Bluffton, SC (next to the Hampton Inn Sun City on Hwy 278)
(843) 707-2537
Jim n Nicks Bar-B-Q
872 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC (Hwy 278 near Simmonsville Rd)
(843) 706-9741
Kobe Japanese Steak House
Plantation Business Park—30 Plantation House Dr, Bluffton, SC
(843) 757-6688
Sigler’s Rotisserie & Seafood
12 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton, SC
(between Simmonsville Road and Bluffton Road on Hwy 278)
(843) 815-5030
Cornerstone Too
The second location of the popular, Cornerstone Grill. This recently opened restaurant is located in Rose Hill Plantation (golf club side), Bluffton, SC. (See the menu here.)
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
1019 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC
(843) 757-4667
(In the Best Buy Shopping Center, shortly after SC-46/Bluffton Road heading toward Hilton Head)
The Civil War Battle of Fort Pulaski in April 1862 marked a turning point in mili-tary history. Located 12 miles outside of Savannah’s historic district near Tybee Island.
Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum
Meddin Ave, Tybee Island, GA
(912) 786-5801
Tybee is located 15 miles west of Savannah.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
711 Sandtown Rd, Savannah
(912) 395-1212
A local zoological park and environmental education facility.
1414 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, SC
(843) 837-4339
Over 85 brand name outlet stores.
Savannah Basics... to eat
J. Christopher's
122 E Liberty St., Savannah
(912) 236-7494
Carole’s favorite place in Savannah for brunch or lunch. Absolutely delicious food!
The Olde Pink House
23 Abercorn Street, Savannah
(912) 232-4286
This is a splurge, but the food is amazing. Sit inside for a more historic experience, on the outdoor balcony for romance, or head downstairs to the Planter’s Tavern (my personal favorite)—they serve the same menu. They recently opened a great modern lounge that opens onto E. St. Julian Street.
Gryphon Tea Room
337 Bull Street (at E. Charlton St.)
(912) 525-5880
A café and tea room set in an old apothecary—and a SCAD haunt. (Right across the street from shopSCAD.)
Jazz’d Tapas Bar & Restaurant
52 Barnard Street, Savannah
(912) 236-7777
A great spot with delicious tapas and sangria. You can find this cute place a flight of steps down from the street, at the corner of Broughton and Barnard Streets.
Soho South Cafe
12 W Liberty St, Savannah
(912) 233-1633
A colorful lunch spot with outdoor seating.
Six Pence Pub
245 Bull St, Savannah
(912) 233-3151
This cute (and famous) British pub on Bull Street has appeared in a several movies.
The Express Café & Bakery
39 Barnard Street, Savannah
(912) 233-4683
A sweet place for a quick bite, right in the center of Savannah.
Gallery Espresso
234 Bull St, Savannah
(912) 233-5348
The oldest coffee house in Savannah—and the site of many meetings Carole had with her SCAD professors. At the corner of Bull and Perry Streets.
Cha Bella
102 E Broad St (at the end of Broughton St.)
(912) 790-7888
A local favorite for delicious, organic and seasonal food.
Zunzi’s Take Out
108 E York St, Savannah
(912) 443-9555
Fresh, delicious take out—a popular place with the locals. (Be aware: no inside seating.)
Savannah Basics... to eat
J. Christopher's
122 E Liberty St., Savannah
(912) 236-7494
Carole’s favorite place in Savannah for brunch or lunch. Absolutely delicious food!
The Olde Pink House
23 Abercorn Street, Savannah
(912) 232-4286
This is a splurge, but the food is amazing. Sit inside for a more historic experience, on the outdoor balcony for romance, or head downstairs to the Planter’s Tavern (my personal favorite)—they serve the same menu. They recently opened a great modern lounge that opens onto E. St. Julian Street.
Gryphon Tea Room
337 Bull Street (at E. Charlton St.)
(912) 525-5880
A café and tea room set in an old apothecary—and a SCAD haunt. (Right across the street from shopSCAD.)
Jazz’d Tapas Bar & Restaurant
52 Barnard Street, Savannah
(912) 236-7777
A great spot with delicious tapas and sangria. You can find this cute place a flight of steps down from the street, at the corner of Broughton and Barnard Streets.
Soho South Cafe
12 W Liberty St, Savannah
(912) 233-1633
A colorful lunch spot with outdoor seating.
Six Pence Pub
245 Bull St, Savannah
(912) 233-3151
This cute (and famous) British pub on Bull Street has appeared in a several movies.
The Express Café & Bakery
39 Barnard Street, Savannah
(912) 233-4683
A sweet place for a quick bite, right in the center of Savannah.
Gallery Espresso
234 Bull St, Savannah
(912) 233-5348
The oldest coffee house in Savannah—and the site of many meetings Carole had with her SCAD professors. At the corner of Bull and Perry Streets.
Cha Bella
102 E Broad St (at the end of Broughton St.)
(912) 790-7888
A local favorite for delicious, organic and seasonal food.
Zunzi’s Take Out
108 E York St, Savannah
(912) 443-9555
Fresh, delicious take out—a popular place with the locals. (Be aware: no inside seating.)
514 MLK Jr. Blvd (Corner of MLK & Gaston St.)
(912) 231-2385
A casual atmosphere with delicious barbeque.
Ruan Thai Cuisine
17 W Broughton St, Savannah
(912) 231-6667
Popular Thai food place.
Clary's Cafe
404 Abercorn St, Savannah
(912) 233-0402
A piece of Savannah history, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. Open for breakfast (served all day) and lunch, Clary’s closes at 4pm daily.
Parker’s Market Urban Gourmet
222 Drayton St., Savannah
(912) 233-1000
A great gourmet grocery that’s open 24-7 for food to go, or to eat on their outdoor patio. They sell wine, cheese, candy and gifts, too! In Savannah, everyone comes to Parker’s for everything.
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s
317 W Bryan St. (City Market)
(912) 233-6394
Delicious NY-style pizza with outdoor seating in the City Market area. Very popular; there can be a long wait for a table.
Belford’s Seafood & Steaks
315 W. St. Julian Street (City Market)
(912) 233-2626
Café GelatOhhh!
202 W. Saint Julian St. (City Market)
A spot for delicious gelato.
Also in City Market: Savannah Candy Kitchen and Tapas at City Market
Pinkie Master’s Lounge
318 Drayton St, Savannah
(912) 238-0447
Fun, cheap drinks at a Savannah institution, Pinkie Master’s is a legendary dive bar. Note: we did say DIVE bar….
Outside Savannah
The Crab Shack
(866) 789-CRAB
A great seafood eatery on the way to Tybee Island. Sit on the outdoor deck under the Live Oaks and take a look at their lagoon full of baby alligators—78 of them!
North Beach Grill
North Beach, Tybee Island
Park at Fort Screven and walk toward the beach, where you’ll find this casual cafe. Afterwards, take a walk on the quiet stretch of sand, where you’ll likely see horseshoe crabs and lots of dolphins.
A few cute Savannah shops
Paris Market & Brocante
36 W Broughton Street, Savannah
(912) 232-1500
Browse an eclectic collection of decorative items from around the world—Paris, India, Egypt—all beautifully displayed.
@home Vintage General
320 W. Broughton Street, Savannah
(between Marc Jacobs & American Apparel)
Called a “vintage general store,” the shop is filled with one-of-a-kind finds and vintage-inspired new items. From paper goods and ribbons to old-fashioned notions, jewelry and children's items.
E. Shaver Books
326 Bull Street (at E. Harris Street)
(912) 234-7257
With 12 rooms of books, this old bookseller is a Savannah classic.
shopSCAD
340 Bull St. (at E. Charlton St.)
(912) 525-5180
The Savannah College of Art & Design's retail outpost, where students, alumni and faculty sell their handmade wares—paintings and prints, handmade books, purses, jewelry and more. The store itself is a little work of art.
Bluffton eateries
Bluffton is a little harder to navigate because so many restaurants are tucked inside “plantations” (basically, neighborhoods behind gates) or in shopping centers. They’re identified below by location or shopping center. Most are on Hwy 278 (which is also called Fording Island Road).
Sea Turtle Cinema Shopping Ctr
(on Buckwalter Pkwy near Hwy 278)
- Paulie’s Coal-fired Pizza (843) 757-3500
- Outback Steak House (843) 757-9888
- Cheeburger Cheeburger (843) 706-9716
(Kroger shopping center on Towne Drive off Hwy 278)
- Atlanta Bread Company (843) 815-2479
- Truffles Cafe (843) 815-5551
- Ruan Thai Restaurant (843) 757-9479 (Delicious, slightly upscale Thai)
Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill
17 State of Mind Street (in The Calhoun Street Promenade)
(843) 757-6222
Okatie Ale House
25 William Pope Drive, Bluffton, SC (next to the Hampton Inn Sun City on Hwy 278)
(843) 707-2537
Jim n Nicks Bar-B-Q
872 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC (Hwy 278 near Simmonsville Rd)
(843) 706-9741
Kobe Japanese Steak House
Plantation Business Park—30 Plantation House Dr, Bluffton, SC
(843) 757-6688
Sigler’s Rotisserie & Seafood
12 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton, SC
(between Simmonsville Road and Bluffton Road on Hwy 278)
(843) 815-5030
Cornerstone Too
The second location of the popular, Cornerstone Grill. This recently opened restaurant is located in Rose Hill Plantation (golf club side), Bluffton, SC. (See the menu here.)
(843) 837-5765
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
1019 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC
(843) 757-4667
(In the Best Buy Shopping Center, shortly after SC-46/Bluffton Road heading toward Hilton Head)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Our registry
We've both had our own homes for years, and thankfully, have a lovely house of mostly matched items. There are only a few things we need, so we're registered at Crate & Barrel.
Gift cards would also really come in handy as we embark on married life together. With two cats continually tearing through our house, fur a-flyin', we've been coveting a mightily powerful vacuum (among other useful household items) at Sears, so gift cards would help us with this purchase. If you feel for our lovely neighbors, who are constantly subjected to every moment of our day-to-day lives, then consider the magic of a Lowe's gift card, so we can finally outfit our home in window blinds and curtains.
Thanks!
C & M
Friday, May 22, 2009
Accommodations
ABOVE: Savannah & Bluffton area map
BELOW: A more detailed Bluffton area map
(click to enlarge either map)
There are 3 areas you can stay, all within easy distance to the wedding festivities. You can stay in Savannah and enjoy a fun & historic Southern city (30 minutes from the ceremony and reception); or in Bluffton, SC which is closest and most convenient to the ceremony and reception; or by the beach on Hilton Head Island, which is about a 40-minute drive away.
Here are some hotels in those areas that we like...
{Click right on the name to be directed to the hotel's website.}
Urban scene (Savannah)
201 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA
Phone: 912.231.9700
Distance from wedding: 25 miles (about 40 minutes)
Ask for a river-view room - the view to Hutchinson Island and the river is amazing.
601 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA
Reservations: 888.465.4329 (888-HOLIDAY)
Front desk: 912.238.1200
Distance from wedding: 25 miles (about 40 minutes)
Quaint southern hotel right on Bay Street. Ask for a room off of Bay Street, as it can be loud.
Hilton Savannah DeSoto
15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA
Reservations: 912.232.9000
A little more expensive, but quite beautiful.
On the Beach (Hilton Head Island)
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & SpaTwo Grasslawn Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC
Reservations: 866.716.8108
Big resort-style hotel with 2 pools - and right on the beach.
Holiday Inn Oceanfront
One South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head, SC
Reservations: 843.785.5126 or 800.423.9897
Not as polished as the Westin, but not as pricey, either - and right on the beach.
Right nearby (Bluffton)
35 Bluffton Road, Bluffton, SC
Reservations: 1.888.HOLIDAY (1.888.465.4329)
Front Desk: 843.757.2002
Not a fancy resort, but you can't beat the price and proximity to the wedding festivities. We've set up a room block, so when you call be sure to ask for the Otypka Room Block (Code=OTY). Reservations must be made by August 24, 2009 to get the special block rate.
29 William Pope Drive, Bluffton, SC
Reservations: 843.705.9000
Also not a fancy resort, but nice rooms at a nice price and proximity to the wedding festivities. (A bit closer to I-95 and a few miles further from Hilton Head Island.)
Rent a Private House
There are 2 or 3 private houses for rent for groups of 8 or more people in Palmetto Bluff or Rose Hill Plantation - both in Bluffton. Call us for more information, or visit the Vacation Rentals by Owner web site and click on the Bluffton area on the map.
Berkeley Hall Golf Cottages
366 Good Hope Road, Bluffton, SC 29909
For more information, contact: Maren Waskow (Director of Catering): 843.815.8493 (cell: 843.368.8063; email: mwaskow@berkeleyhallclub.com)
Great location, lovely cottages, great pool, and terrific for a group of people who would like to share.
Reservations: 843.705.9000
Also not a fancy resort, but nice rooms at a nice price and proximity to the wedding festivities. (A bit closer to I-95 and a few miles further from Hilton Head Island.)
Rent a Private House
There are 2 or 3 private houses for rent for groups of 8 or more people in Palmetto Bluff or Rose Hill Plantation - both in Bluffton. Call us for more information, or visit the Vacation Rentals by Owner web site and click on the Bluffton area on the map.
Berkeley Hall Golf Cottages
366 Good Hope Road, Bluffton, SC 29909
For more information, contact: Maren Waskow (Director of Catering): 843.815.8493 (cell: 843.368.8063; email: mwaskow@berkeleyhallclub.com)
Great location, lovely cottages, great pool, and terrific for a group of people who would like to share.
For a Splurge...
476 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton, SC
Reservations: 866.706.6565
Front desk: 843.706.6500
Distance to wedding: You're there! The chapel on is the property & the reception is 8 miles away.
We hope this information is helpful - please call or email us for additional details.
We hope this information is helpful - please call or email us for additional details.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Flight info
Arrive into the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (airport code: SAV). Both Bluffton, SC, and Savannah, GA, are about a 20-minute drive from the airport.
There are plenty of daily non-stop flights from New York area airports. They are small-ish planes and fill fast, so book early.
Car rental: Enterprise, Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Alamo and National all have service counters at the airport.
*It's a longer trip, but if fares are better, you can also fly into Jacksonville, FL airport (airport code: JAX). From there, it's a 2-hour drive to Savannah, GA, and 2.5 hours to Bluffton, SC, straight up I-95.
*Another option is to fly into Charleston, SC (airport code: CHS). From there, it's a 2 hr 2o min drive to Bluffton, SC; and 2 hrs 15 min to Savannah.
Happy travels!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Weekend events
Here are a few details for the weekend:
Friday, September 25
11.30am - Rehearsal (for those in the ceremony - you know who you are!) at the Waterside Chapel at Palmetto Bluff.
7 to 9pm - Ice Cream Social at Leopold's in Savannah, GA
Saturday, September 26
Noon - Ceremony -- Waterside Chapel
1.30pm - Cocktails and afternoon reception -- Hampton Lake
6pm - Afterparty by the pool (& beach!)
We hope you'll join us!
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