Savannah Three-Day Weekend Itinerary

Lunch at the Mansion
We pass Forsyth Park with its famous fountain and stop at one of Savannah’s most luxurious hotels. Even if you aren’t splurging on a stay, come for lunch at the elegant 700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park Hotel & Spa. Servers make you feel like royalty, but the luncheon menu includes such down-to-earth offerings as a Fried Green Tomato BLT ($11). I enjoy a fresh Low Country Salad with baby hearts of romaine, goat cheese, and Georgia shrimp ($13). If you can fit it into your trip, stay over for one of 700 Kitchen Cooking School’s popular classes. (Call ahead for times and prices.) www.mansionon forsythpark.com or 1-888-711-5114. Rates at the hotel start at $309 for two.

Late in the afternoon we stroll along the riverfront to buy pralines and watch the candy-makers at work at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Beside the water, someone plays “Moon River” on a saxophone. At a nearby kiosk, we sign up for a ghost tour starting at the Pirates’ House restaurant that evening.

We head off to an early dinner at Garibaldi near City Market. The restaurant doesn’t get trendy crowds, but some locals say it’s one of the best in the city. We dine upstairs in the mirrored Grand Ballroom. I order the Poached Pear salad ($9) and the Crispy Flounder in apricot-shallot sauce ($25). It’s a wonderful fusion of flavors. www.garibaldisavannah.com or (912) 232-7118.

Watch Out for Orbs
“Does anyone know what orbs are?” ghost tour guide Mark Stephens asks when we arrive at the Pirates’ House restaurant. A waitress dressed as a pirate shows us a photo of tourists standing in the rum cellar. Hazy lights surround them. Each one, Mark says, is a ghost. We also learn about what Mark calls “residual hauntings--ghosts going about their lives as if they don’t know they’re dead.”

We head into the historic district to hunt for more orbs. Mark says the American Institute of Parapsychology ranks this as the most haunted city in America. I believe it. There’s even a ghost cat that roams one of the homes. Ghost tours practically bump into each other (the city offers at least 10). We liked our walk with Old Savannah Tours. www.oldsavannahtours.com or 1-800-517-9007.

I don’t really believe in ghosts--except for a close encounter I had once in Virginia--but a Savannah ghost tour is the spookiest fun I’ve had since I got too old for trick-or-treating.

Join the Breakfast Club
On our last morning we drive out the Islands Expressway to Tybee Island. The scenic road crosses over the marshes past Fort Pulaski National Monument. We sip coffee during a morning meal with locals at The Breakfast Club. (912) 786-5984.

Then we take time for a stroll on the beach. We inhale the delicious salty air and enjoy our last glimpse of a lovely season in Georgia.

For more information: Contact the Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.savannahvisit.com or 1-877-728-2662.

Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.