The South's Best Inn 2017: Foley House Inn

Guests of the Foley House Inn in Savannah, Georgia will find themselves in the catbird seat—an enviable position indeed. Located smack-dab in the Historic District overlooking Chippewa Square and Forrest Gump's famed bench spot, this gracious bed-and-breakfast stands just steps away from some of Savannah's most popular landmarks, both past and present. Its comfortable elegance and attentive staff offer the perfect retreat after a busy day of exploration, shopping, and dining adventures.

Originally built by wealthy widow Honoria Foley in the late 1800s as a private home, the two early townhouses were later combined to form the successful inn run by Mrs. Foley herself. After all this time, the bed-and-breakfast is still welcoming guests to the Hostess City. And in a city where ghosts are good for business, the current owner hints that Mrs. Foley's spirit remains interested in the enterprise.

Authenticity is the key to Foley House Inn, where each room is comfortably furnished with an eclectic mix of antique furnishings inspired by Savannah's colorful and varied history. Modern conveniences that would fascinate Mrs. Foley, such as flat-screen HD televisions and Wi-Fi are available in all rooms, which are priced accordingly. Choose from luxury, premium, deluxe, garden-level, and carriage house rooms.

All rooms have private baths with some featuring walk-in rainfall showers or deep Jacuzzi tubs. With the exception of carriage house rooms, flip-the-switch gas fireplaces encourage coziness during the colder months. For exceptional views, the 204 Stafford room offers a private balcony to survey the scene in the square, while the 205 Suffolk overlooks a courtyard with burbling fountain. A boon to those traveling with canine companions, most rooms are pet friendly.

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Foley House Inn invites guests to slow down and enjoy the timely treats made in-house by chef India Fireall. Starting with the complimentary breakfast, savor eggs made to order; sausage or bacon; and the special grits du jour, in addition to sweet offerings such as peach French toast. Later Fireall prepares beautiful sweets for teatime in the dining parlor. From 3-5 p.m., enjoy delectables like lemon pound cake, shortbread triangles, and brownies. Early evening signals the hour for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Guests may take their sustenance in the parlor, the courtyard, or the garden-room patio.

Just beyond the door, live oaks laden with Spanish moss filter the light on picturesque Chippewa Square. Surrounding the square historic churches, mansions and the Savannah Theatre offer a rich mix of architectural interest. The central statue of James Oglethorpe honors the visionary responsible for the Historic District's pedestrian-friendly system of streets and squares set forth in 1733. The bench where Forrest Gump dispensed chocolate-box wisdom was a prop, but there are plenty of real spots for sitting and people-watching. Locals, art students, tourists, and the occasional film or music star find common ground at Gallery Espresso, a favorite bohemian-style coffee shop across the square. From Chippewa Square, it's an easy walk to the restaurants and shops on the cobblestone streets along the river, or stroll down Bull Street to the iconic fountain in Forsyth Park. It's easy to see why so many folks at Foley House Inn are repeat customers.