Kehoe House, Savannah, Georgia

It is very easy to drive straight into the Old Historic District from the Interstate. We arrived in Atlanta and rented a car at the airport. The first thing we learned is we should have flown to Savannah and rented a car there. Atlanta is a massive airport with the car rental shuttle off site and it was a very slow process before heading out on the 3 – 4 hour drive.

None-the-less arriving at the Kehoe House made it worthwhile. Reception welcomed us even though we were hours late with Sparkling wine and big, helpful smiles.

The Kehoe House has 13 rooms, some with private balconies and all with personality, named after a famous person from Savannah. The house itself was completed in 1892 for William Kehoe, his wife and 10 children for a cost of $25,000. The lot was $950.00 (that is not a typo).

The house was a Funeral Parlor after the Kehoe family left, then Joe Namath owned the home for 2 years in 1990. After an extensive reno, he sold it and the historic house later opened as a B&B.

Breakfast is made to order from their daily menu, and each evening wine and hors d’ oeuvres are served before you head out for dinner.

Savannah is very walkable, and in fact it is recommended.

It was founded by Edward Oglethorpe in 1733 and today Savannah is an outstanding example pf English City Planning Principles – grids of streets with rectangular park like squares.

There are 21 squares remaining today. Originally, they held a water well for local families and livestock. Today many have spectacular fountains, peaceful tress and benches to sit and cool off or read under.

Spanish Moss from the Candler Oak Trees isn’t moss at all, but it drapes the oak tress giving Savannah its haunting beauty and mystery.

This trip we read the famous book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” while we walked around and located famous streets and as best we could find the homes of the characters.We did a very interesting house tour of the star character Jim Williams (1930 – 1990) a respected antiques dealer. The Mercer Williams House was being closed later that day for a private family function – his sister had passed away. The family still has private residences upstairs. The book was published in 1994 and the movie made in 1997.

Other house tours included The Davenport House Museum and the Owen – Thomas House. Both very respectfully described life as it was, for both the gentile families and the slaves working for them.

Not to be missed are long walks and/or runs in and around Forsythe Park and the River Boardwalk.These are only a very few recommended restaurants from a list of many possibilities. Because there’s only so much you can eat!

The Olde Pink House – a house that has a long history, bank, law office, tearoom speakeasy, home. Bar downstairs and dining up. Sometimes you can get into the bar downstairs without a reservation, not upstairs.

The Moon River Brewing House – more history, bank, bar, hotel, Post Office and hospital during the Civil War. Sit outside and enjoy a brew and some bar food.

The Pirates House – conveniently located 1 block from the river, built in 1753 housed Pirates upstairs while they partied on the main floor. Pub style food is their specialty. (no available link, but it does exist!)

Leopold’s Ice Cream – don’t let the long lines deter you. A family business since 1919 it is some of the best ice cream you will have.

Chive Sea Bar and Lounge – is a must. See our full review: Chive Sea Bar and Lounge

17 Hundred 90 Inn and Restaurant is right across a narrow alley like street from Kehoe House. Have a drink downstairs or dine upstairs. Built in the 1800’s, the address is 1790. The Inn has 14 private room with antiques and ghosts to tuck you in.

Six Pence Pub with the bright red telephone booth outside is a British Pub with some of the best Shepherd’s Pie and all the other typical English pub food.

Vic’s on the River serves up traditional Southern food and live piano nightly.

Clary’s Café is mentioned many times in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” – go for breakfast all day or lunch.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room was recommended but Gluten Free me wasn’t about to chance it. Communal style food served in an active Boarding House, one menu, one price, cash only. (no link available, but it does exist!)

Savannah’s Heritage Society is very active, and many old homes and buildings are being preserved, in addition to the fact it was a gift to President Lincoln after the Civil War – read not burned like historic Atlanta was.

Bring the most comfortable shoes you have. Stay as close to the river or Historic District as you can and explore. Walk on the sunny side of the street in the morning and shady when the temperatures rise. Have coffee in one of the squares and stroll through the Colonial Park Cemetery.

There are plenty of sight-seeing options, hop on – hop off, trolly and walking tours; during the day or nightly Ghost Tours. Savannah is full of ghosts and ghost stories, many inns and restaurants love talking about their ghost or two!

It is worthwhile to take the car for a 25-minute drive to Tybee Island for a long beach walk and explore the hippy dippy town and all it has to offer. Sit on the sidewalk and sip and coffee or beverage. Wander into any random place for lunch that someone suggests.

Return and park the car again. Walk Savannah and all it has to offer until it’s time to leave.