For Christmas we decided to take it easy and leisurely eat at our favorite dining places (and a few new ones) in Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Staying at Disney’s Hilton Head is our favorite place to lodge amidst the trees and enjoy cool but still sunny weather this time of year. Last night we arrived just in time to dine at Robert Irvine’s Eat! His menu boasts a blend of the south, British fare and American cuisine with a twist. Delicious and very reasonably priced.
Pickled butternut squash for an appetizer, blackened grouper on a bed of tomato havarti grits and sweet potato bread pudding, caramel sauce topped with Tabasco ice cream – unique combinations and yes, they all worked – delectably!
Thar be good eats ahead at the Pirate House in historic Savannah
Built in 1733 and serving swashbucklers and civilians alike. My favorite is the southern buffet to try a little of everything. Although I can get past ham hock in veggies, I savored the Mac and cheese and fried chicken.
Savannah is such a unique city. Colonial inspired architecture, every building unique, cemeteries as the final resting place for Revolutionary soldiers and southern hospitality that doesn’t compare. This is my fourth visit to Savannah and it’s these things the food and vibe of the people that brings me back. Said to be the most haunted city in America, well I believe it. From the quiet, eerie feeling you’re being watched at night and the ghost stories told by tour guides to the draping Spanish moss over the trees of every city square, it’s a little spooky at night. Of course at the end of our tour guide’s stories it’s hard for me not to smile when he says an exaggerated, “ain’t that sum thing y’all?”
Every inch of the historic district has a story. If you visit Savannah I highly recommend a trusted favorite and take the hop on, hop off Old Town Trolley tour. You get a surplus of rich stories plus you and hop off, explore and rejoin the tour trolley at your leisure. Ghost tours are fun too. We enjoyed the open hearse tour. Hey, might be your only chance to ride in one, that you’d remember anyway. Bring your walking shoes because by far the best way to uncover the city is by walking up and down the streets visiting the city squares.
Hilton Head Island is beautiful. Only 20 miles from Savannah, this island is dotted with Resorts set amidst an infinite number of trees. It’s golf city, but as a non-golfer, I like the hunting and fishing lodge theme and feeling of Disney’s Resort. Its so relaxing and i enjoy being in nature without an annoying tent to put up. Walking, shopping and dining in Harbor Town is also a relaxing hot spot. One of the most photographed lighthouses is the heart of this area of the island.
Christmas weekend in these two spots was just amazing. Special menus everywhere and lights adorn every home and then some! The cool weather is perfect for this Southern Californian who now lives in Florida and has no desire for a white Christmas (unless it’s the movie!). Merry Christmas Y’all!
Karlynn Holbrook 