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My husband's company is sending him back to Columbia, SC for the month of May and our son and I will be travelling with him. We plan to spend a weekend (or two) visiting Savannah while we are there. I'm writing to ask for your suggestions on places to visit - especially historic areas to tour -and restaurants to try (we are not picky eaters). We'll most likely be staying at a hotel on the riverfront, so anything within walking distance will be most appreciated.
I've got another question based on some other posts I've been reading. Is the riverfront a safe area? What about Savannah in general? Are there areas we should avoid? Will we need to bring our firearms (we're driving, not flying, and are both experienced and licensed to carry). Just need to know since our boy will be with us and his safety comes first. Many thanks for your help!
No need for sarcasm. As I said, my question was based on reading some of the other posts on this forum - posts which seem to suggest a violent crime problem. We have no intention of putting our boy into harm's way and if such a problem exists, we either will not come or come prepared, if necessary.
As I know nothing about Savannah, I am seeking honest and respectful assistance. Anyone else?
Have you ever wondered how thousands of people can visit here without incident, have a great time, and never consider carrying a gun on their vacation? It seems that you've already convinced yourself that a gun will be necessary for your peace of mind.
The whole gun-toting mindset people have gotten themselves worked into here in this fine country is a little excessive. The fact that it is perfectly legal to do so means you should go ahead and knock yourself out. You never know when you will encounter a mentally ill person on the street and have to show him or her who is boss.
Now that I'm done having fun at your expense...
Good question for you is what you, your husband, and your son are interested in eating? Personally, I stay away from most of the restaurants on River Street since they tend to cater to the kind of tourist who will never return. If it looks big and touristy, it probably is. If it smells like Pinesol or spilled beer, don't eat there.
There are a number of decent restaurants along Bay St. that you and your family might enjoy. Several are chains which you'll be able to identify. Others like Moon River Brewery and Cilantro's are local. B Matthews on the eastern end of Bay is also good.
If you're still worried about crime, just keep your head up and pay attention to what's going on around you. Generally, tourists are more in danger of getting run over from not paying attention than they are of getting robbed.
Last edited by ellie; 04-10-2010 at 08:39 AM..
Reason: which or that...always forget my grammar rules
Haven't convinced myself of anything except if all Savannah-ites are as petty, rude and judgemental as you, I'm thinking we'll head to Charleston instead. Had you bothered to actually read my posts, you'd have realized my question was based on what I read on this forum about your fair city and not any preconceived notions, especially considering we've never been there. It does, however, seem you've got quite a few preconceived notions of your own, since you're much more interested in passing your own biased judgement than providing constructive, polite assistance to a person who was legitimately interested in visiting your city.
By the way, "gun-toting" as you put it, is my God-given right as an American citizen and you better darn well believe I'm going to exercise it. Especially if it comes down to a situation where my family's well-being is at stake.
Enough said. Not wasting any more time on this ridiculous discussion. I hope you and all the other thousands who've visited your fair city have a lovely day - just be on the lookout for us "gun-toters." You never know when we might sneak up behind you and say BOO!!!
I can't imagine wanting to visit a place...and bring along a child...that I think is soooo crime infested that I should wonder if I should carry a gun. I also wonder if all the other tourists that come here each year feel as you do.
A gun is not necessary. In the places that tourists will visit, there is always a minor risk, but nothing greater than going to public places in many cities. You will be able to tell the areas of town that are not terribly safe solely by their appearance. And you can always use the self-preservation instincts that you have--if you don't feel comfortable, get out of there.
As long as you are smart and keep your head about you, there is not much threat for your safety. However, if you'd like to bring your gun for your own peace-of-mind, you are correct that are certainly free to do so (as long as your permit covers carrying in GA).
There are literally HUNDREDS of restaurants and sights to visit. You can get some recommendations by looking around the Savannah threads here or your hotel concierge can help you out (just tell them what you're looking for--and nothing too touristy).
Hope you have a wonderful trip and that it doesn't get TOO hot before you get here.
Ummmm, there have been tourists killed here walking in the historic district. If I was licensed to carry, I would without question. Do I think Savannah is safe? Yes, if you aren't stupid, but I grew up in New Orleans and with a mother that taught us to avoid trouble by looking at what people were doing. If you stay on Riverstreet and Bay Street, it is pretty safe. You can also take pedicabs to and from places if you want to avoid walking around. City Market is fun to visit, they occasionally have live bands there on the weekends. Of course, Lady and Sons is around there. Not all people that live in Savannah are rude.....but then again I'm not really from here.... If you want to get a cab, head out to the beach....fun and lots of restaurants there as well
Have you ever wondered how thousands of people can visit here without incident, have a great time, and never consider carrying a gun on their vacation? It seems that you've already convinced yourself that a gun will be necessary for your peace of mind.
The whole gun-toting mindset people have gotten themselves worked into here in this fine country is a little excessive. The fact that it is perfectly legal to do so means you should go ahead and knock yourself out. You never know when you will encounter a mentally ill person on the street and have to show him or her who is boss.
Now that I'm done having fun at your expense...
Good question for you is what you, your husband, and your son are interested in eating? Personally, I stay away from most of the restaurants on River Street since they tend to cater to the kind of tourist who will never return. If it looks big and touristy, it probably is. If it smells like Pinesol or spilled beer, don't eat there.
There are a number of decent restaurants along Bay St. that you and your family might enjoy. Several are chains which you'll be able to identify. Others like Moon River Brewery and Cilantro's are local. B Matthews on the eastern end of Bay is also good.
If you're still worried about crime, just keep your head up and pay attention to what's going on around you. Generally, tourists are more in danger of getting run over from not paying attention than they are of getting robbed.
Spot on, Ellie. To the OP, pay close attention to the last sentence here. The Historic District is a SAFE place and you are more in danger of getting run over by a car than shot by a thug.
Now, I'm sure this will upset you even further by saying this, but I'm going to be frank and say get your head out of your butt and realize Ellie has a sense of humor and is trying to HELP you. We all are!
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigafan
Ummmm, there have been tourists killed here walking in the historic district. If I was licensed to carry, I would without question. Do I think Savannah is safe? Yes, if you aren't stupid, but I grew up in New Orleans and with a mother that taught us to avoid trouble by looking at what people were doing. If you stay on Riverstreet and Bay Street, it is pretty safe. You can also take pedicabs to and from places if you want to avoid walking around. City Market is fun to visit, they occasionally have live bands there on the weekends. Of course, Lady and Sons is around there. Not all people that live in Savannah are rude.....but then again I'm not really from here.... If you want to get a cab, head out to the beach....fun and lots of restaurants there as well
Read the above statement. Key words are "GETTING RUN OVER BY A CAR" which is why they were killed. Because they walked out in the street without looking. BTW, it's not just River & Bay Streets that are safe. It is quite safe all the way down to Forsyth Park. Some areas it goes beyond that. Generally, though, the touristy areas are safe day and night.
PS: Stay AWAY from the tourist trap called The Lady & Sons, Paula Deen's place. Over-rated, over-priced and mostly canned food heated from heat lamps. A MUCH better alternative is Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House.
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If you want to get a cab, head out to the beach....fun and lots of restaurants there as well
