Budget
Getting there: Hit the road to Savannah, about a four-hour, 250-mile journey.
Stay: The quirky, no-frills Thunderbird Inn has a vintage '60s flair and an ideal downtown location. Guests have a five-minute walk to the Historic District's City Market and River Street. Weekend rates for a king studio with a sleeper sofa are priced from $119-$133, including Moon Pies, Krispy Kreme donuts, and on-site parking. 611 W. Oglethorpe Ave. 1-866-324-2661; www.thethunderbirdinn.com
Eat: Find authentic Southern soul food at the Masada Cafe, a blessed cafeteria in the back of the United House of Prayer for All People. Lunch and early suppers include mac and cheese, fried chicken, pole beans, and desserts from sweet potato pie to German chocolate cake. Open from 11 a.m.; meals average $10-$15. 2301 W. Bay St., 912-236-9499.
Experience: There are more than two dozen ghost tours to choose from in Savannah, but only one picks you up at your hotel in an open-top hearse. Hear of the city's most notorious murders, suicides and other grizzly tales on the 90-minute guided tour. $15. 912-695-1578; www.hearseghosttours.com.
Moderate
Getting there: Pick up an economy through mid-size rental car at a non-airport location at weekend rates starting under $30 a day; www.BNM.com for details.
Stay: The casually elegant AVIA Hotel is across the street from a Savannah gem -- the newly restored Ellis Square in the historic district. Well-appointed guest rooms, from $309, are filled with special amenities such as walk-in showers, robes, make-up mirror, laptop safe, MP3 docking stations, radio, two-to-go Cuisinart coffeemaker and a refreshment bar with Dean & Deluca snacks. 14 Barnard St. 912-233-2116; www.aviahotels.com/hotels/savannah
Eat: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Alligator Soul, one of Savannah's best restaurants and known for its fresh, local, regional and organic fare. A little alligator graces the unique menu of Southern-flair cuisine (Hot Butter Rum Seared Diver Scallops with Jalapeno, Honey, Blue Cornbread, Andouille, Red Onion and Braised Kale; $29). Other entrees from $9-$32. Once a grain warehouse (circa 1885), the restaurant is located on Telfair Square, one of Savannah's first four colonial-era squares. 114 Barnard St. 912-232-7899; www.alligatorsoul.com
Experience: Nearly 300-year-old live oaks and majestic magnolia trees grace the Bonaventure Cemetery, a serene and stately spot along the Intracoastal Waterway. Cools your heels here or have a picnic while watching the anglers. Poet Conrad Aiken and singer/songwriter Johnny Mercer are buried here. Take a narrated 2.5-hour day tour of the 160-acre cemetery. $20. 330 Bonaventure Rd. 1-866-666-3323; www.bonaventurecemeterytours.com
Splurge
Getting there: Hop aboard a nonstop Delta flight at a walk-up, round-trip rate of $400 in economy class.
Stay: Each guest room of Armstrong's Bed and Breakfast Inns is unique and features luxurious goose down bedding, down feather mattresses and fine linens. All four of the inns are located in the Historic District, within walking distance to River Street, City Market and Forsyth Park as well as fine dining and shopping. Accommodations start from $250 and rise to over $500 per night during peak seasons. 912-232-9175; www.armstronginns.com
Eat: Go to the Olde Pink House for renowned Southern cuisine amid beamed ceilings and glowing fireplaces in an 18th century mansion. Evening appetizers $6.95-$13.95; entrees $19-$34.50. Also open for lunch. The Planters Tavern is in the cellar of the home and features live musical entertainment Tuesday-Sunday. 23 Abercorn St. 912-232-4286.
Experience: Enjoy an evening at the historic Savannah Theatre, built in 1818 and considered the oldest continually operating theater in the United States. Professional Broadway-style shows include "Southern Nights," a musical/comedy variety of pop, jazz and Southern rock. Tickets to most events range from $16-$35. 222 Bull St. 912-233-7764; www.savannahtheatre.com
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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