One of the cool things about Savannah is the plethora of tours available for tourists who are interested in history, or "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" (I know novels are supposed to be underlines or italicized, but my computer is being weird today), the novel by John Berendt (published in 1994), or in old cemeteries. We had taken a tour with Gary and Susan during our March trip when we had found a half price Groupon (coupons available in most cities for entertainment, restaurants, and services) and bought it. While we had a really good time on that particular tour, as we were walking about, we saw another tour group walking with a man in a white straw Panama hat and a light seersucker suit. He looked interesting. I decided that we would take another tour with Dick and Susie, and so I scoured the travel brochures at our hotel until I found the one that had the picture of the guy in seersucker: Savannah Dan!
We made our reservations for Monday, and made preparations to meet him at 10 a.m. on Johnson Square. Right away, I knew that this had been a good decision. Savanah Dan is knowledgeable, humorous, and loves not only Savannah history, but history in general. We walked around town with him and listened to tales about Savannah's squares, historical houses, legends, and founding fathers, as well as Forrest Gump, which was partially filmed in Savannah. The only thing that Savannah Dan did not know, and he really couldn't know, because he is much too young, is that long ago, the peanut butter sandwich cookies sold by Girls Scouts were named Savannahs - probably because the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, was from Savannah. I cannot rate this tour too highly, and I advise those visiting Savannah find Savannah Dan and take his tours. For those who do not want to walk, he offers a carriage tour as well.
The most important tip Savannah Dan gave us was to go to Leopold's (already went) and order the Savannah Dan chocolate malt. This concoction is made with chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, chocolate syrup, and malt. Max went out on a limb right before he left and ordered one, and I have to tell you that it is worth the million thousand calories it certainly must contain.
Mr. Dan also told us about "sock monsters," somewhat like the monkeys of the same name, only monsters. These are unique children's toys constructed from socks, stuffing, and clever appliques representing eyes, nose, mouth, and so on. These monsters are created by a former SCAD student, and are sold only at a design shop on Broughton (the main shopping drag in downtown Savannah): 24e (located at 24 East Broughton). These things are darling, and I bought two for my favorite two children, who shall remain nameless at this time. I don't want their parents to spoil the surprise.
Susie and Dick struck out on their own, and Emily, Max, and I had some down time at her apartment, discussing the upcoming year and her plans to get a job - you know, the real life stuff that gets in the way of all the fun we used to have! She had some feelers out, and was unsure of what would come her way, but it was good family time. For dinner, we went to Circa 1875, a little French bistro that is one of my favorite places to eat. The food is not the best food that I have ever eaten, but it is good. The wine list is full of French wines, the decor is lovely and French without being kitschy, and the atmosphere is delightful. It is just a fun place to go, and that night was no exception. Emily always has the duck confit cassoulet, and for once, I did not share it with her. Max always has the lamb shank, and I usually have what is left over. It was a great place to go on our last night together for a while in a great town.
Max was to leave the next day, and Emily and I were going to spend two more days on our own before I headed back to Sedville.
Savannah Dan - $15/person, one tour daily except Sundays during the summer, two tours daily except Sunday all the rest of the time. You can reach him to make reservations at www.savannahdan.com.
Next: Mother/daughter time
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