Exit to Savannah

I’d like to blow all of my credibility as an expert on visiting Savannah, Georgia right off the bat:

I’ve been there once for about two hours.

That being said, I loved every minute of it, took copious notes, and am eagerly planning my return.

I don’t know much about what to do in Savannah, Georgia – but I can tell you with confidence where you should start your trip to this small southern town.  (And you should listen to me because the second I pulled into Savannah I asked a tour guide where I should go if I only had an hour to spend there.  A novice who asks an expert is almost as good as an actual travel expert.)

Head to River Street.  Immediately.  River Street is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or a daytrip in Savannah.

Savannah River Street

River Street is a narrow cobblestone road that runs along the Savannah River on the northeast edge of town.  You’ll want to drive very slowly and watch for the trolly tours.  Trust me on the drive slowly bit.  (And also?  Wear a bra.  I’m serious.)  Street parking is limited, but you’ll find several small parking lots with reasonable meter rates.

River Walk long Savannah River

Although I pulled down River Street to find a place for lunch, I was instantly distracted by the river walk.  I live 20 minutes from the ocean and white sandy beaches.  I am not easily impressed by water, especially something as mundane as a river.

But something about this water and this river is so calming.  Words like “rolling” and “rambling” come to mind when you stand along the banks.  The bridge that spans the river and the massive ships that sail under it are beautiful.  I know this because I took approximately 152 pictures of said bridge and said ships.

Once I managed to tear myself away from the water, I found a new love across the street.  (What can I say?  I’m fickle.)

Gift shops.  No.  Gift boutiques.  Block after block of cute little storefronts with handmade jewelry, tacky souveneirs, and knick knacks galore.  You could spend hours wandering in and out of these shops.

River Street gift shops

Of course at some point, you’ll need to eat.  This is an especially good idea if that was the excuse you gave for driving 20 minutes out of your way in the first place.

River Street Restaurants

Apparently someone named Paula Deen has a restaurant in Savannah and she’s kind of a big deal.  But if you didn’t wake up early enough to get your name on a reservation list for dinner and you’d like to find a place you can walk in and get a meal, River Street offers several options.  All of them specialize in seafood.  Personally, I recommend River House Seafood & Bakery becase that’s the only place I ate in Savannah (and it was fabulous).

As you head further down River Street, you’ll find more shops, more places to walk, and a famous statue.

The Waving Girl Statue in Savannah

The Waving Girl Statue is a tribute to Florence Matus, a Savannah resident who used to live along the river and waved at the ships as they sailed by.  No one knows why she waved at the ships, but the story is part of local Savannah legend.

Spending time along River Street in Savannah is definitely more about seeing than it is doing.  Fortunately, “seeing” is often much less expensive than “doing”, which is why Savannah is a great place for a cheap vacation.  It’s a slow paced destination that can provide the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation or a romantic getaway.

All photos by Britt Reints.

Just because money is tight does not mean that you have to sit at home and stare at the walls. There are plenty of free activities to keep you and your family busy. Why not challenge yourself to find the most interesting free activity? Here are some suggestions to get you started on your path of Free and Exciting Things to Do in the Midwest.

In Kansas, try the Fashion Museum, a museum that covers 100 years of style, from 1870-1970. Or visit one of the many free activities in Amelia Earhart’s birthplace of Atchison. Click on the Other Attractions option on Amelia’s Birthplace Museum for a listing of free and/or inexpensive activities.

In Omaha, visit a replica garden of Mt. Vernon Gardens, that half-size replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The estate sits on top a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and is said to be reminiscent of the view from the original Mount Vernon of the Potomac. Or visit the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, a museum and visitor’s center that showcases the Mormon Trail from Illinois to Salt Lake City, with a Mormon temple and cemetery adjacent to the Center.

In Illinois, you can see a cube made from 1 million dollars and learn how to properly identify fake bills at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for history buffs in Illinois, as it is the birthplace of Abe Lincoln. For a list of free Abraham Lincoln sites, visit the Springfield Visitors Center web site. If a more rural take on Midwestern history interests you, then check out the Deere and Company World Headquarters.

In Michigan, honor those who fought, lived, and died during the Holocaust by visiting the Holocaust Memorial Center. For more history specific to the state, try the Michigan Historical Museum, where you can get a sample of arts and culture, research your family’s history, and discover much about Michigan’s past.

In North Dakota, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site features exhibits, trails and a film that explore the culture and history of the villages where Sacagawea once lived. Or stop by the North Dakota Heritage Center, where a giant marine lizard greets visitors at this kid-friendly history museum.

Clearly there are plenty of options for those of us who are trying to tighten the belt and watch our budget. If you want to continue entertaining yourself and your family, you can pinch pennies at the same time by enjoying so much of what the beautiful Midwest has to offer. So load up the kids and head on out!

Golf is said to be the game of kings, but if you’re on a broke budget, finding ways to get your lovely walk spoiled with a round of golf can be harder than marrying into the monarchy.  Here are some ways you can practice your stroke that won’t leave you broke.

Community Courses – Many towns have community courses that are much more inexpensive than the local club and don’t require monthly membership.  Even my hometown of Redlands has a community course!  They might have a limited number of holes or not be the best course, but it’ll get you swinging that 9 iron again!

Driving Ranges – If all you need to do is keep in shape so as not to embarrass yourself for the yearly company golf tourmaent, hit your local driving range.  You can frequently find a place where you can hit a whole bucket of balls for $5-$10.  Plus- no walking!

Be Schmoozed – Many companies and charity organizations want your business and your money.  Play hard-to-get and you could easily find yourself sitting in a two-person golf cart with them picking up the green fees.  Be nice though, don’t hang them out to dry if they’ve picked up the tab, listen to their pitch.

Join a Club – Ok, so country clubs were once the prerogatives of WASPS around the would, but now they’re social organizations that many people can afford to belong to.  Get the kids some pool time, your wife some tennis lessons and yourself a discounted green fee.  Check around to see which nearby town’s club will be in your budget.

Expense it – If you’re good enough not to embarrass yourself, take clients golfing or get yourself sponsored in a charity tournament for a chance to write off your green fee.  Take these opportunities to golf such great places as Pebble Beach and PGA course close to home.

Take a class – Many pro courses and community colleges offer reasonably priced group classes that include course time during class and discounts during non-class time as part of their cost.  Remember, the larger the class, the cheaper the fee will be. Bonus- your stroke will improve as well!

So don’t let the pinch in your pocketbook interrupt your smooth follow-through with your swing.  Tee up!

* Thanks to  Shayan (USA) for the great photo!