By: Tanisha Payton, Editor


At hearing the word ‘honeymoon’, the general image that comes to mind is of hot sand, swaying palms, bright, warm skies and crisp ocean waves. As lovely as that image is, today’s newlyweds are seeking a bit more of the unusual and off-beat to compliment the carefree days of perpetual newlywed bliss. In response to this desire, Showers shines its spotlight on locations we’ve singled-out for not only romance, but the coveted oddities that make a lovely or relaxing honeymoon even more memorable.

This Week’s Location: Sultry Savannah




For anyone who has read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the detail of gorgeous Spanish moss-draped oak trees and thick floral-scented breezes must have stirred a deep longing to see the place described in such delicious words. The real Savannah, Georgia certainly lives up to the lusciousness to which author, John Berendt attributes to this lovely city, but Savannah is so much more than visual and sensual offerings of the written word could ever hope to capture.

Established in 1733, Savannah is known as America's first planned city. Savannah has one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated in 1966) and attracts millions of visitors who enjoy the city's classic architecture and historic structures. Internationally labeled “Hostess City of the South”, Savannah does it’s best to live up to the title by offering more than 150 festivals a year, a tour for practically every possible interest, 45 historic inns that recall the charm and elegance of the old south, and countless venues to enjoy art, music, and theater.

For lovers of legend and fantasy, scheduling a day to visit the famed Pirate House, a restaurant and former tavern once frequented by Caribbean pirates (also the inspiration for the beloved novel, Treasure Island) will be certain to stir a thrill and satisfy that peculiar adventure-craving. If the supernatural or historic is more to you and your love’s taste, perhaps a stroll through one of the numerous city squares featuring monuments and gorgeous buildings marked with the noticeably similar blue/green hue (known to the locals as “Haint Blue”) will whisk you back to a time when Yamacraw Indian Chief Tomochichi (the rumored to be over 7-feet-tall) still walked the area and African slaves painted doorways and window sills to ward off evil spirits.

Or maybe you and your love have no particular purpose in mind? Maybe you just want to spend your time lounging, strolling or taking in the southern ambiance? Well, Savannah’s numerous diversions can help you do just that. Start the day with a walk around the reputed public gardens, swing by the latest exhibit from the graduates of Savannah College of Art and Design, and top of your morning with a mouth-watering southern breakfast similar to the Savannah native and cooking queen, Paula Deen’s.

By afternoon, you and your honey could head out to the sea to sample some Georgian coast fun at Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach. You could relax on the shore enjoying the Atlantic breeze, board a Savannah Belles Ferry to visit the outer Golden Isles of St. Simon and Jekyll (good for all of you history lovers), and get a taste of the eclectic yet flavorful Gullah, Savannah, and Coastal-mix cuisine. Then, once you have filled yourselves with scrumptious Savannah-style fair, an hour or two spent basking in aural pleasure via one of the numerous jazz and blues clubs to be found throughout the city is all it will take to set a sensual mood so sexy, it will have you both dancing long after the hotel room door closes.

Southern comfort, good food, and hot nights, what more could you ask for on your honeymoon?

For further information about the treasures and pleasures Savannah has to offer, please visit www.savcvb.com.

If your still not sure, check out a sample itinerary for your trip at: www.savcvb.com/visitors_itineraries.asp.

No passport? Not a problem for this domestic hotspot. South Beach, FL is fun, trendy and as romantic as you want it to be.

If you are a couple that wants to treat your honeymoon like a party, visit Opium Garden on Washington Ave. Between being swept away by the ambience and partying as a newlywed, Opium will provide a clubbing experience you will never forget. Or, if you truly want to be pampered and feel like there are no other people in the world, stay at Loews on Collins Ave. With direct access to the beach, an oceanfront pool and 6 restaurants in the hotel to choose from, you may never want to leave.

Loews Website
Opium Website

Honeymoon Hiatus

I may be partial to Jamaica because it has been a vacation destination for me since I was 2-years-old. Or maybe it is because we chose Negril for our honeymoon. Either way, if you are into complete relaxation and an unforgettable trip, you can not go wrong with Jamaica.

Tip:
Keep in mind this is a third world country and unless you are staying on a resort the entire time, you will not see a great deal of wealth or things you may be accustomed to in the states. Jamaica is beautiful and if you can appreciate the culture you will not regret the trip.

Things to do:
Montego Bay-Pork Pit, some of the best food on the island
Ocho Rios-Dunns River Waterfalls, it is beautiful and a romantic trip. Climb the falls and tell me about it!
Negril-Margaritaville has something for everyone. There is live entertainment, food, drinks and water sports. You will love it.

For your traveling needs, check out: Savvy Tours
They have great prices and they are powered by Travelocity.