Ever since I returned to Savannah last year I’ve been wanting to bring Andy back to experience the charm that this beautiful city exudes at every turn. (And with our newly-approved TSA Precheck status, we were anxious to try out an expedited airport experience.) We arrived at the DeSoto Hotel in the middle of the gorgeous Historic District early in the day. While Andy settled in for a siesta, I made a quick run to the Broughton Street shopping area to find a signature scent for this Savannah trip. Every trip begins with a scent selection and an itinerary. Andy and I both do well with a relatively structured plan ~ it appeals to my Virgo nature and his police background. For this vacation I made a little peach-blossom itinerary card and set some tentative dinner and excursion ideas down.
As soon as we arrived, the magic of Savannah was in effect ~ azaleas were in bloom everywhere, and the low-country smell of the river ~ a very distinct odor that borders on good and bad, and which I’ve come to adore, rolled over the breezy warm weather. Rainstorms had been forecast for every.single.day. we were scheduled to be there, so I kept my expectations low. Somehow I had to believe that Savannah’s enchantment would not be dampened by rain. As I looked out toward the river, the wind kicked up, but it was warm, and there was no rain.
At the fragrance store, I couldn’t decide between two very distinct Jo Malone bottles ~ a Southern-tinged ‘Honeysuckle & Davana’ or a Limited Edition ‘Willow & Amber.’ I’d favor the Willow and save the Honeysuckle as a gift for my Mom.
The walk back to the hotel was filled with trees hanging heavily with Spanish moss, some also lined with swaths of little ferns. Everywhere life hung and peeked, and in the multitude of squares that led through the historic area, camellias of all kinds were in full bloom.
We took our cocktails at the top of the Bohemian Hotel ~ an outside balcony ran around the edge, where revelers were already celebrating the weekend and the sunny, warm weather. Dinner reservations weren’t for another hour, so we settled in at the bar and enjoyed the bourbon and all that sweet Southern hospitality.
Our Georgia journey had begun…
