So after all the hype with Jon my daughter had begun to plan the next weekend. This made for a fun mother – daughter day as I observed what I have heard of in phone conversations.
Our first destination was the print shop where a 30 by 5 foot banner was made. How interesting..
Then on to Coney Island for me as Jeanie continued her job duties.
The Wonder Wheel
Two Views From The Top
Next… time for a swim in the Atlantic, see you tomorrow..
Enjoy!
My daughter works on this weekend event which runs from April through November in 3 areas of New York/New Jersey. While my visit was planned to support her on a house closing last minute the seller pulled the plug and I had a plane ticket.
The Calm Before the Storm
Set Up and Vendors
So something wonderful happened instead. Jon Batiste was coming to a Smorgasburg site! Think he is the cat’s meow, as he is a wonderful humanitarian besides being a talented musician, etc.. etc.. And it was confirmed by Jon – I asked him – that yes he was the Juilliard student who came with his band several times when I was a psych nurse at the former St. Luke’s Hospital. Once you see those Jon Batiste eyes you never forget him.
DRUMROLL>>> HERE HE IS! and me too.
And Jon also likes to cook, so he brought Southern friends to distribute their garlic oysters – YUM!
He also has a new album..
And if you recall he won Album of the Year with his Album last year.. and an Oscar as well.
He also has begun a line of hot sauces.
Some closing pics…
I’m over the moon…
Attended this “farce,” at the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway directed by Jason Alexander. When the reviews state you laugh for two hours straight they aren’t lying. What a hoot!!!!!!!!!! And by going to the box office for this unusual Monday night performance*, found a $49. ticket with no fees!!!!!!!!!
Eric McCormack, of Will and Grace royalty, stars in this comedy of infidelity and lust and is stellar as is the entire cast. The comedic timing of all was perfection with the gags and surprises along the way enlightening an already phenomenal script. The staging is simple so surely this will be on the road soon.
Hat’s off to Sandy Rustin, the writer, let’s hope she gets her pen going, and writes more frivolity.
We certainly need it!
*Broadway is lights out on Monday normally, but I checked anyway and found this jewel.
Hope you find it as well soon – we all need a good laugh.
View From the House to the Slave Quarters
The Slave Quarters
The first owners built the home, (1816-19), to express their prestige and wealth, however, this was short lived when a fire, financial panic, and a yellow fever outbreak occurred in Savannah. 10 percent of the City’s population died with the owner loosing his wife and 2 of his 6 children. Destitute in 1822, the home was sold to a politician, and large land owner. The growth of indigo and rice continued on the property with slaves handling this work. Owners were also involved in the slave trade for income, however with the laws of 1808 and 1836, importation of slaves became more difficult, though methods were discovered to avert the law.
The Home..
The Parlor – it was here that the owners often conducted business.
The Music Room and Schoolroom where children learned.
In the basement there is much information about the inhabitants of the home, original letters from the owners as well as the slaves. Many of the letters and items written by the slaves is heart wrenching as it describes the tortures their owners dispelled upon them for no reason or minor infractions.
This home was bequeathed to the Telfair Museum in 1951, and holds much historic significance. General Lafayette stayed at the home during his farewell tour.
The Thomas-Owens House is a Savannah must see. Tours fill quickly, so make reservations.
Here is another spot I missed on my previous visits to Savannah. What a wonderful collection of impressionist’s paintings, sculpture, and scenes of Savannah. The Museum’s benefactor was Mary Telfair, (1791-1875), pictured below, is known to be the first woman to bequeath a museum. She donated her home and art to create an Academy of Arts and Sciences. Classes are still given at the Museum.
The Collections
There is an interesting exhibit of Bonaventure Cemetery at the Museum. This is where Mary is buried separate from her family due to “rifts.” Mary was born in Georgia to a wealthy family, and never married. She was well read, and in her philanthropy donated to varied causes.
Statute From Bonaventure Cemetery
While this statute is often interpreted as the child weighing good and evil made popular in the named book, The Garden of Good and Evil, the child is merely offering food and water to the birds.
The Sculptures
Sorry lost my notes on these sculptures and paintings, however, simply enjoy them anonymously!
The Impressionists
The Armor
What artistry on these military costumes..
Neck Covers -how ornate
Headgear
Wouldn’t want to butt heads with a soldier wearing this..
Another Sculpture Display..
Richmond Barthe Exhibit – what exquisite works from this man born in Bay St Louis, MS. (1901-1989). He lived and worked throughout the world and is known for his artistic work portraying diversity and spirituality. As a gay black man during this era he faced many obstacles, however, his work is acclaimed and transcends all obstacles. In his later years he returned to America living in Pasadena, California, continuing his work with the assistance of close friends from the arts.
Have passed this sign several times, and never was able to make the visit. Was glad I finally made it here, and even more glad that my arrival was early in the day due to the oppressive heat.
Fort Pulaski was named for Count Casmir Pulaski, a Polish American Revolutionary War hero who lost his life at the Battle of Savannah in 1779. It has gone through a varied history being an American fort, then captured by the confederates during the Civil War, and quickly returned. Later it housed fleeing slaves who joined the Union fight, and also confederate political prisoners. Let’s check out the Fort in pictures..
Officer’s Mess
Cannons
Quartermaster Supply Room
The General’s Lodgings
Was interesting to hear that the General’s wife/wives were allowed to stay in this Fort. The women often decorated, and humanized their living quarters. They also participated in some of the tasks at the Fort. Prior to my many Fort visits had never heard of the women’s role while living at these forts.
Laundry
The Fort also has an extensive movie, and indoor exhibit explaining the Fort’s prominence. Outside the Fort is an exquisite walk through the beautiful Tybee Island. Tybee is a unique nature area to visit. Bring good walking shoes, and bug spray to further enjoy your walk through sites you will only capture here.
View From The Riverboat
On this day took a 90 minute riverboat cruise on the Savannah River. Was unaware this port is the third largest in the United States after Los Angeles, and Long Beach, California. The narration was interesting filled with facts and corny jokes, but overall do not recommend this event, and definitely do not purchase the buffet luncheon. I have had better hospital food. YUCK, and for the price I cringe… Even found the
the staff a bit challenged, however, what do you want for a 110 degree day? Traveling in these temperatures make any trip grueling and tiring. And for those who don’t believe in climate change you will probably endorse the republican candidate vivek, who surely has his fortunes in fossil fuels, and his head in the sand.
GO JOE BIDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
All that aside, there are shops in this area with paid parking from frustratingly slow machines handling the fare. Perhaps they too are having heat distress?? But even the shops were not all that intriguing and prices exorbitant so recommend a quick walk through this area and in the evening check out this part of the River’s shore —-
What a great spot for an evening drink or just to explore. These 2 properties/hotels, District Live, and the JW Marriott, mirror each other with a varied intrigue. They reside on the former lands of the Savannah Power Plant. The District Live property showcases everything from Blackbeard portraits,
to a museum collection of guitars and drums..
Note the Dale Chihuly globe in front of the guitars. Love his work, especially in gardens.
Both properties have museum quality exhibits and gift shops for those with fine taste, and large wallets.
More of the exhibit of Gretsch musical instruments which famous musicians play globally.
The JW Marriott
The JW Marriott is the former Powerplant which during its operation, 1912 to 2005, electricity generation was tripled in Savannah. And as the plant was a beloved mainstay residents did not wish to see “her” demise. After much consideration the Savannah Entertainment was birthed.
Actual hardware from the Powerplant
The JW gives homage to precious stones, and dinosaurs, of which you will rarely see elsewhere.
But perhaps the most intriguing part of the Hotel was the Bao Bab Lounge. In this lounge much African art is on display.
And will end with a favorite of mine owing to the eclectic nature of the JW..
What a great night and visit to this area. While at the properties take time to view the videos and read the displays as it is a captivating look at the history of the area.
I completed my visit wondering the Riverwalk on a rainy, dark evening, and came across a bust of this gentleman.
A Well Deserved Tribute.
There are several historic cemeteries in Savannah. Since I had already been to the Bonaventure, and the local cemetery in downtown Savannah decided to visit this smaller jewel of a cemetery. There are Expedia tours for all the cemeteries, however, I prefer exploring alone.
Was pleased to visit the grave of Juliet Gordon Lowe, founder of the Girl Scouts, as that was the happiest memories of my youth.
Juliet Gordon Lowe’s home is open to the public. It is a phenomenal tour.
There also were some interesting stones in Laurel Gardens.
The Jewish portion of the cemetery..
And while I was unable to find Nathaniel Hawthorne’s resting place I did locate James Pierpont, who is known for writing Jingle Bells, and The One Horse Open Sleigh.
Next: Mrs. Wilkes for lunch
Stopped here for lunch and what an amazing fare! This restaurant is on 107 West Jones Street, in Savannah, and one not to miss, but bring your appetite as there is much to chow down…
Another amazing lunch and no wait- what more can a girl ask for! Hours are 11-2, Monday through Friday and bring cash as Mrs. Wilkes’ does not take plastic.
Stayed at this lovely boutique hostel, The Isetta Inn, for $49/night via my friends at Expedia. Was very pleased with my accommodations in The Screenwriter Room. It was a bit of a challenge for me as those who have read my blog know I am a technology nincompoop. All information for the reservation is done via text including codes for entry to the house and room as well as a UTube video explaining the process and services. No one is present at the hostel except the cleaning staff in the morning and early afternoon. Check in is at 3 pm.
Guess this is the way of the future so glad to have had this experience.
Never too old to learn and actually, it is quite an efficient process.
My second floor room had a window which opened to the second floor porch. During this era property taxes were based on the number of closets and doors in a home. That said, a window was used to gain entry to the porch in lieu of a door.
The Foyer – chandeliers are throughout the hostel.
There are 2 homes on this property with an adjoining walkway between the homes. Bicycles are available for hire, and a full kitchen is included in each home. In each room there is an informative binder explaining things to do in Savannah as well as places to dine. Adequate and clean bathrooms are available on each floor of the homes.
And for those television junkies I do not recall seeing them which is not to say they aren’t present or available. Hostel Wifi is strong, and there is adequate street parking which is safe and free.
Loved this venue.
The common rooms in the home.
And this little gem resides in the back yard of the house. What a hoot!
You never know what you’ll find when you travel.
Needed to be out of my condo for 3 days as I refinished the bathtub. For anyone who has undertaken this adventure believe you understand. It is quite a process – scouring the tub, then sanding, and removing fixtures. After removing all remnants of dust from sanding and allowing time for the tub to dry, the spray paint is applied. Need to wear a mask and goggles for this job. Surprisingly, this was the easiest part of the process. The smell of the paint necessitates home departure for 3 days as it is ghastly.
Cost for all products – approximately $120.
But the results as they say in the Master Card commercial – Priceless…
See for yourself.
And I also did the sink..
On to Savannah……
Upon completion of this home remodeling adventure I began the trek to Savannah, a 3 hour jaunt north.
Arriving in Savannah I dined at the Pirate House for lunch, make reservations. For a reasonable cost ($20), they have an amazing buffet with the usual suspects of Southern Fare – fried chicken, fish, collard greens, etc… The service is wonderful and decor interesting, (it actually was a pirate house), making a great start of a pleasant Savannah visit.
Next: Fascinating Lodgings
Young Retiree Needs a Life 