Weekend in Savannah with toddler - recommed? (Perry, Hampton: estate, hotels)

[werlidm]

My husband and I are looking at driving down from Athens (Ga) to Savannah for a long weekend over Mem Day with our toddler. It's been many years since I've been to the city, so would love to have some local recommendations. I guess I have a couple of questions:

1. Recommendations for local restaurants that are family friendly--close to downtown? We don't do chain restaurants, but we also don't want to have our toddler be a problem with fellow diners. Of course since we eat at like, 5:00pm!, I don't think we'd conflict with serious diners. Big fan of good coffee, breakfast too!

2. Recommedations for downtown hotels--more like a chain hotel, since don't think B&Bs are set up for toddler. Want safe, clean and walkable to downtown/cool stuff/squares, etc.

3. We want to go to the large historic beautiful cemetery that I went to years ago--seems like it was out near the marshland, crushed tabby roads, etc. We love exploring, plus is a great place to wander for a kid. I don't think this is the garden of good/evil cemetery (am thinking that is more in town)? Any help here?

4. Recommendations for historic estates to see--thinking Wormsloe ?? Is that family friendly? Others?

5. Finally the beach. I guess we'd go to Tybee--are there public facilities where we can change into suits, etc. Shade anywhere?

THANKS SO MUCH!

[ellie]

1. Recommendations for local restaurants that are family friendly--close to downtown? We don't do chain restaurants, but we also don't want to have our toddler be a problem with fellow diners. Of course since we eat at like, 5:00pm!, I don't think we'd conflict with serious diners. Big fan of good coffee, breakfast too!

Plenty of restaurants downtown. I always see families at Carlitos on MLK. Good coffee and food at the Sentient Bean on the southern end of Forsyth Park (the big park). More like Athens than anywhere. Gallery Espresso at Bull and Perry (I think) also has excellent coffee and pastries. Breakfast at the Firefly Cafe is good but busy after 10am. You can sit outside. I like Sakura on Broughton for casual Japanese. It's like an anime diner - sort of. Not expensive.

I could make a long list of places to eat. Part of the fun is exploring. You'll be fine.

2. Recommedations for downtown hotels--more like a chain hotel, since don't think B&Bs are set up for toddler. Want safe, clean and walkable to downtown/cool stuff/squares, etc.

I recently attended a meeting at the Hampton Inn on MLK. It's fresh and new and within walking distance. There are a few new ones on MLK, Liberty, and along Bay St. The city has more hotel rooms than it needs except for St. Patrick's Day and there's a recession. You can probably negotiate a price. You'd be better on a non-holiday, but give it a try.

3. We want to go to the large historic beautiful cemetery that I went to years ago--seems like it was out near the marshland, crushed tabby roads, etc. We love exploring, plus is a great place to wander for a kid. I don't think this is the garden of good/evil cemetery (am thinking that is more in town)? Any help here?

Bonaventure Cemetery. On Bonaventure Rd. near Thunderbolt. It is the one from Midnight but it's still cool. It's on the Wilmington River. Afterwards go to Desposito's for local seafood.

4. Recommendations for historic estates to see--thinking Wormsloe ?? Is that family friendly? Others?

Yes to Wormsloe. Check out the Bluff in Isle of Hope, which is nearby. So beautiful. The Roundhouse Railroad Museum downtown might also appeal to a toddler -and a husband.

5. Finally the beach. I guess we'd go to Tybee--are there public facilities where we can change into suits, etc. Shade anywhere?

Even though it's crowded, the only shade and changing facilities I know are at the pier. Might be hard to find parking. If you don't like crowds walk a few blocks south past the rock jetties. Much more relaxed and prettier. Fanny's on the beach is a good place to eat if you're on that end of the island. Look for the three story restaurant. I forget what message they've painted on the front, but you'll know it when you see it.

Or go to the north end near the lighthouse. Large parking lot, maybe public facilities. N. Beach Grill is good.

THANKS SO MUCH!

You're welcome. Have fun.

[werlidm]

Thank you for your advice--it's VERY much appreciated! We are looking forward to our trip very much.

Have a great day.