Visiting Savannah, GA with Our Dog

When we tell our friends that Charleston is the best place to be in the spring, they always say, "Yes, but how about Savannah?" We are within a few hours drive of this picturesque Southern city and have fond memories of a visit almost 20 years ago. We wonder: Has it changed a lot? Let's take our Sheltie and go find out!

We use our AAA TourGuide to find hotels that allow dogs. The second half of the guide shows accommodations; the symbols and room rates are very helpful. The outline of a dog appears in the Westin listing and there is no pet fee, neither do they assign guests with pets to smoking rooms (they have no smoking rooms). We have stayed in Westins before and enjoy the luxury and amenities they provide at a reasonable price.

Our on-line reservation is easily made and we leave the next day for an exciting change of scene. Located across the river from Savannah, The Westin Savannah Harbor features a great view of the city and access to the convenient 90-second water ferry that shuttles back and forth across the river every 10 minutes.

With a friendly wag of her tail, Ica greets the desk clerk and receives cookies in return. We are shown to a spacious and comfortable room overlooking the Savannah River. The large bathroom is equipped plush robes and towels and quality toiletries of all types. Amazingly comfortable beds, blackout curtains, internet access, large TV, hair dryer, in-room safe, a coffee maker complete with Starbucks coffee, and a well-stocked refrigerator make us feel pampered. We are surprised and delighted by the dog bed and twin bowls filled with water and.....cookies!!! Ica is in heaven.

We quickly unpack and headed off to the ferry, where the captain comes on deck to greet Ica and give her ears and chin a good scratch while he tells her about his Sheltie. He points across the water to Vic's on the River which he recommends for a lunch with a view. Vic's passed our stringent cuisine test easily with their version shrimp and grits and their extensive wine list tempted us to try a crisp chardonnay.