Signing Up for Lunch
Savannah’s a short drive from Hilton Head Island, so it’s a great day trip if you want a day away from the Island while you’re there.  I thought I’d go to The Lady and Sons for lunch, which means arriving early to get in line.  Signup for lunch starts at 9:30am.  I arrived, parked, and joined the line of Paula Deen fans, quietly waiting for 9:30am.  I’d chosen Tuesday for Savannah, thinking that might be the lightest day for crowds at the restaurant.  I was in luck and got an early seating for lunch.  That done, I  headed off for a walk until lunchtime.

Juliette Low’s Birthplace and Finding a Great Shirt
Downtown Savannah is great for walking through her squares, around City Market and near the riverfront.  I headed over to Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace on E. Oglethorpe Avenue.  As every Girl Scout knows, Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to see her girlhood home.  Groups were waiting outside, clustered outside the gates waiting for the next tour to start.  Peeking through I could see a lovely garden.  There’s a large gift shop open to the public as well.  I was glad to see so many young girls waiting to see her home, along with older women recalling their scouting days. 

Savannah is a stylish city, and I recalled great shops from my visit there a few years ago.   As the shops were opening I headed into several filled with clothes, gifts and items for the home.  In Terra Cotta I found a great shirt – a new favorite to wear everywhere.  This made my day and happy with my purchase I walked back toward the restaurant, stopping at Kitchens on the Square and The Paris Market to look around – both shops I’d seen on my previous visit to Savannah.  I also went in to Go Fish near The Paris Market filled with shoes, dresses and jewelry, but looked at my watch and had to say I’d be back after lunch.  It was time to eat.

Lunch at The Lady and Sons
At The Lady and Sons I went through their gift shop to wait for my table.  The shop is filled with everything Paula Deen – books, aprons, pot holders, kitchenware, herbs, rubs, spices, mixes – and everything else created with love and enthusiasm by Paula and her team.  In a nicely decorated waiting area with comfortable seating and Paula’s shows running on two television screens I waited to be called to my table.   It was a great way to get in the mood for lunch at her restaurant.

Paula’s staff is very friendly and welcoming.   I was led to a table and immediately taken care of by a young waitress who brought biscuits and hoe cakes to sample.  I ordered unsweetened ice tea and although there are lots of tempting items on the menu I was set on the buffet for lunch.  I loaded my plate with fried chicken, collard greens and macaroni and cheese.  Heaven.  Once in a while you just have to let yourself enjoy comfort food, and this is comfort food at its finest.  Sitting at the plain wooden table, with the friendly waitress refilling my glass and asking if I’d like more biscuits or hoe cakes, I could feel myself back at my grandmother’s table as a child, and realized this is what Paula wants everyone to feel at her restaurant.  I’m glad I had the chance to come to this famous place, and experience the heart of Paula’s hospitality – a welcome smile, a plate of delicious food, and someone to make sure you’ve got what you need.  I look forward to returning.

A Quick Stop at Go Fish Before Heading Back to Hilton Head
With just a little time left before heading back to Hilton Head, I walked over to Go Fish to take a closer look at their shoes, clothing and jewelry.  Go Fish is a Fair Trade store filled with very colorful, stylish and beautifully made items from around the world.  If you like things that are unique and different – and who doesn’t – Go Fish is the place for you.  It’s a growing chain with stores around the US, and the one on W. Broughton Street is run by two very friendly, helpful women running a lovely store, and very committed to Fair Trade.  If you’re in the neighborhood you won’t regret dropping in.

Heading back to Hilton Head and the beach, I decided that on my next visit to Savannah I’d like to explore Tybee Island and areas outside the city.  But I’ll always make time for a walk around downtown to see the shops and the squares, and a stop at Paula Deen’s restaurant.  It’s like visiting an old friend.