Today, Savannah is a popular tourist destination and one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cities in the United States. The squares are laid out to the original city plan, nineteen of the original twenty survive. The twentieth is being restored and will be open in 2008. Under the Spanish Moss draped trees (see picture below) you will find splendid examples of Southern architecture. Many of Savannah's famous houses are open to the public. Besides the charming squares there is Forsyth Park, home to one of the most romantic fountains in the USA.

DINING
Dining in the city is a true pleasure. In town you will find food of every persuasion including those that serve "Low Country Cuisine", the staple of Plantations. Don't miss out on the fresh seafood restaurants, the Flounder, crab and shrimp that come from Tybee Island fishing fleet are both fresh and tasty. Most restaurants will have one of these on offer. Not to be missed during the winter months is the roaring fire of the bar of the Pink House, one of Savannah's original houses. Stone walls, piano music and deep couches; tres romantic. Along Martin Luther King Blvd. can be found up scale restaurants serving old time soul food of the area.

DANCING and WINE
Some of the best wine in town, can be found at the bar in the Ballastone, the owner prides herself on her choice, you will see why after you have sampled her recommendations. If you are feet are in the mood to dance, then be prepared for a long night out. If you want to get really local try one of the Jazz bars, or if you have the energy - go Salsa - at one of the Salsa clubs near the river. More traditional dance clubs can be found downtown, the choice is endless.

SHOPPING
If antiques are of interest you, there are some real finds here. Jammed to the ceilings with odds and ends, some probably not looked at for years; however a trained eye and patience will reveal rewards. Savannah is not known for chain retailers, most of the downtown shops are small specialty stores. River Street and the Market Square are shopper's magnets. Savannah has quite a selection of home made candy stores. Again local specialties are worth looking for, try anything Pecan.

CULTURE
Savannah is blessed with a thriving Art College which equates to great culture. There are frequent film festivals, off Broadway reviews and plenty of Art Galleries, both private and public. There a quite a few museums, some devoted to art, some to the history of the area and one, just outside Savannah, dedicated to the Mighty Eighth, it's an air museum.

HISTORY
Savannah's Cathedral is a must visit, the stained glass windows and the gothic proportions have visitors coming back with tales of how beautiful the building is. There are plenty of walking tours and let's not forget the ghosts. Savannah claims to have a lot of them, if you see one, don't panic, they are friendly and probably a living friend or relative of a Ghost tour guide. Don't forget to visit one of the two Civil War forts in the area, wonderfully preserved.

FILM
Probably the two most famous films shot in the city are 'Midnight in the Goodnight of Good and Evil' and 'Forest Gump'. Here is a little known secret, the bench that Forest Gump sat and said "Life is like a box of Chocolates' is still on Chippewa Square. I would recommend buying a box of delicious local chocolates on River Street and have your photo taken eating them. Life does not get much better...

Enjoy your stay
We look forward to seeing you.

Jim and Jennifer Salandi
Innkeepers
The Ballastone Inn.

Oglethorpe Sreet, home to the Ballastone Inn.