CS & GS came over to spend the day with us. This time popping into Savannah we had two goals. 1. See the inside of the JW Marriott and 2. Go to a hot spot for lunch.
The JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is located in the heart of historic Savannah on the riverfront. The original power plant has been repurposed as a contemporary riverside retreat while still looking like a power plant. The lobby is HUGE, housing a chrome-dipped dinosaur, and many gem gourds on display which were amazing. Here are some pics:
There was also a cool bar in the lobby:
Back out onto the street, the buildings were just as cool as the last time. The stairs getting from the river walk to the upper street were steep but manageable.
Next stop lunch at The Crystal Beer Parlor. In the early 1900’s, what was to become the Crystal Beer Parlor opened as the Gerken Family Grocery Store. Sold in the early 30’s to William “Blocko” and Connie Manning, The Crystal was one of the first American eating establishments to serve alcohol after the repeal of Prohibition. (Probably because the booze was already on the premises) It’s rumoured that Blocko ran illegal hooch and operated a speakeasy during Prohibition.
Native Savannahians still talk about The Crystal. Some got engaged there, had their first date, or first beer there. Many of the pictures on the walls depict scenes from Savannah’s past and some of her more famous and infamous citizens. There is also a photo album in the Monroe room, which is lovingly named after Monroe Whitlock, who, along with A.G “Smitty” Smith, were servers here for almost 45 years. During COVID the restaurant almost closed. When the citizens heard this, they set up a Go Fund Me page to keep it open. HOW COOL IS THAT!! You have to love a place to make that happen. The meal was great and our server Emily was excellent. The word “no” was not in her vocabulary. We had extra crab dip and instead of more chips, we wanted toasted pita instead. Not only did Emily deliver, she brought two plates of pita “just in case”. We started with fried green tomatoes, crab dip with homemade chips and onion rings. GS had a BLT, CS had a smash burger. Barb a Greek salad with blackened chicken, and I had a N.O.G.S burger. Here are a few pics of the place. No pics of the food (I forgot)
Glad we went and so happy to get together with friends a final time. Tomorrow we are off to St Augustine Florida. We are packed up (as packed up as one can get) and ready to head out in the morning!!
ON THE ROAD AGAIN !!