Young and innocent in Savannah (Atlanta, Tybee Island: good hotel, home, safe area)

[k. bart]

I am a mom of a 20 year old daughter. (she is a college student and employed at the same place since she was 16) She and a friend are planning a trip to Savannah. Living in Metro-Atlanta, I know that there are places one should not visit after sun down. Are there areas of Savannah that my daughter should avoid and what are they? She has saved her money and wants to really stay in luxury one night and eat at Lady and Sons and sight see. My daughter is level headed and not going for the night life and clubin! If you can, please recommend a safe area and a place for me to get some tranqs while she is gone!

[gt6974a]

For tourist it's pretty much safe, just watch out for the NW side of Savannah, Tabby Isaland is really nice and fun place to visit

[ellie]

Downtown can be pretty sketchy after dark unless one knows which streets to walk down and which ones to avoid. It took me a few years to really know those kinds of things.

I have a friend in the restaurant business and she and the other management absolutely will not allow their waitstaff to walk uncompanied to their vehicles after closing.

During the day, downtown is safe enough, but one must always be aware of one's surroundings and the others on the street. It is the same in big cities. If you see something or someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, steer a different course. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into a conversation with the kind of person who should not be talking to you under ordinary circumstances, that goes for any race or gender of person.

At night, she should stick to the Bull St. and Abercorn corridors. Popular tourist areas are also popular for predators. River Street is touristy and should only be visited during the day, or with a trusted male friend of a larger than average size. City Market is pretty much the same. Broughton St., where many of the restaurants are located, is pretty safe between Barnard St. and Price St. Early evenings before 9 pm; things are much safer.

Locals, including college students, have much more flexiblity and leeway in travel once they know the ins and outs of the area.

I agree about staying on Tybee Island. It's a safer place at night. However, it's a long 12 mile drive from downtown and at night there is always the chance someone else on the road has been drinking. Or, maybe she should stay in one of the better B and B's or a good hotel. Then she can get detailed advice from the concierge, who can also keep an eye out for her when she comes home in the evening.

This is not intended to scare you, but is only in the interest of keeping your daughter safe. Women will probably never be as safe as men no matter how far equality goes. We are smaller and will always be seen as potential victims, regardless of our skills and preparation.

[Joss]

Have her stay at the Hyatt on Bay street at Bull. They have a parking garage and it is right in the middle of where she will want to be.... walking distance easy. Party and walk back. Lots of people.