5/26/2010 SAVANNAH WITH GLORIA AND DEAN BY ALEXIS PORTER

JUST A LITTLE HISTORY

Contributing blogger: Alexis Porter

We all enjoyed the company and hospitality of Gloria & Dean. Gloria is originally from Atlanta, and has the most charming southern accent, and stories. She gave us hints on her “must do list”. They drove us from their home on Troup Square to the riverfront and had a tour of Quest.

GLORIA AND DEAN'S BEAUTIFUL HOME IN HISTORIC SAVANNAH

We followed Gloria’s recommendation and had cocktails and apps at the Top of the Rock, an open air bar on the roof of the Kessler Hotel. Fabulous views from the 9th floor roof, and my favorite new martini “the Pomegranate Sunset” (we found all the fixings before leaving town).

ROCKS ON THE ROOF

LEVEL WITH THE TOP OF A HUGE FREIGHTER

Weds morning we all piled into a Taxi to get supplies for the satellite radio system at a Loews, it soon became a hilarious ride. Our driver, Leslie of the Midnight taxi, had us cracking up so, after about 5 minutes I put my iPhone on record for the rest of the trip. A Forest Gump drawl with his own take on life.

We had and 11:30 appt to meet the Horstmans at their home and walk 6 blocks to a Savannah landmark, Mrs. Wilkes restaurant. Forewarned of long line to the entrance, Gloria and Dean brought us to the back door for local. Imagine being called to Thanksgiving dinner at a table set for 10 (friends & strangers) sweet tea poured and some 24 side dishes ready to pass around. (don’t start eating till dishes have gone round) THEN, the best fried chicken ever joins the table, with BBQ and New Brunswick stew and meatloaf. Finished off with a little banana pie.

MRS. WILKS TABLE WAS READY AND WAITING FOR US

BLURRY PHOTO OF THE HUNGRY GROUP

THE REMAINS OF CHICKEN PLUS 24 SIDEDISHES!!

As we waddled away, Gloria walked part way with us giving more of her personal tour. Thanks for making our Savannah trip so personal and special. We continued down Bull St and the beautiful town squares of Historic Savannah into downtown and to the river.

THANKS GLORIA AND DEAN!!!!!!

Craig had a camera emergency, with another 20 minute taxi ride to a camera store, and a to Byrds cookie store.

We all wanted to see (and drink) one more sunset from the roof, and spent another night at the Rock.

We are having a wonderful, once in a lifetime cruise, thank you D & J.