Hilton Head and Savannah

[srp1103]

We will be staying at HHI for the first time during our Spring Break March 14 - 19. My plan is to do a day trip to Savannah on St.Patrick's Day. From what I have been reading St. Patrick's Day is a huge event in Savannah. Has anyone been to Savannah for St. Patrick's Day? I would love to go to the parade and I am interested in a touring plan of sorts. I know there will be an overwhelming amount of people, so I am looking for strategies as to where to park, what time to arrive, and where to watch the parade. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Stacie

 

[123Disney]

Sounds like fun. I'd like to know as well

 

[SusieBea]

Where's our Disboard friend, Conan the Librarian, who's located in Savannah??? He's always full of info of this kind ....

 

[chum]

Savannah is the second largest St. Patty's parade in the country.
I've been to 3 parades when I lived there and 3 after I left and they are worth it and good family fun.
You can still find a big party on River St and City Market after the parade but since these are scheduled during the week they are not as crazy as they used to be when all events took place over a weekend. Don't get me wrong as you'll still see many tipsy folks wobbling on the cobblestones by the river and even worse as the day rolls on.

Parking is a major pain in the rump but you'll find a spot if you come before the morning mass at St John's Cathedral. The parade will start soon after mass.

Here's the schedule.

I'm sure Conan can hook you up with some extra tidbits.

There are shuttles that run to/from HHI-SAV and even water taxi's.
That info has not hit my radar yet but usually shows up in the local papers a few days prior to the parade.
You can drive but you'll just have to be in SAV early or come later and plan on walking a good distance to the parade route.

 

[pilk706]

I think Savannah's parade and festivites tops NYC. I was lucky enough to march in the Savannah parade a couple of years ago... the atmosphere was awesome! You'll have a great time!

 

[srp1103]

Wow! Thanks! The pictures are gorgeous! I am hoping I can convince my husband to go to mass at St. John's that morning. Only problem is we will need to get on the road at 7:00 AM at the latest, as mass begins at 8:00 am. Did you get married at St. Johns? I am more excited to see the church than the parade. If we go to mass is there a parking lot for the church or are we still looking for street parking. I should check into the shuttles and water taxis that might make things a bit easier. Any advice on where to sit for the parade or are you pretty good anywhere along the parade route?

Thanks again for your response!

I am now keeping my fingers crossed that the cold snap comes and goes before we arrive.

Savannah is the second largest St. Patty's parade in the country.
I've been to 3 parades when I lived there and 3 after I left and they are worth it and good family fun.
You can still find a big party on River St and City Market after the parade but since these are scheduled during the week they are not as crazy as they used to be when all events took place over a weekend. Don't get me wrong as you'll still see many tipsy folks wobbling on the cobblestones by the river and even worse as the day rolls on.

Parking is a major pain in the rump but you'll find a spot if you come before the morning mass at St John's Cathedral. The parade will start soon after mass.

Here's the schedule.

I'm sure Conan can hook you up with some extra tidbits.

There are shuttles that run to/from HHI-SAV and even water taxi's.
That info has not hit my radar yet but usually shows up in the local papers a few days prior to the parade.
You can drive but you'll just have to be in SAV early or come later and plan on walking a good distance to the parade route.

 

[chum]

I would park west of Bull St. Parking anywhere west of Bull St. allows you a clear path before, during and just after the parade to head back to HHI.
My choice location would be around 100 West Jones St. on either side.
The city suspends the parking meter fees for that day so don't worry about feeding them. I would then walk a few beautiful blocks east to Abercorn St where you can grab a coffee and/or breakfast at Clary's. From there you can head north to the cathedral or hang at Clary's.
If you go to mass then as soon as you walk out you'll have a front row seat for the parade and the same goes for Clary's. Bring some lawn/beach chairs or butt pads. If you hit Savannah after the parade starts then you will have a very hard time finding a place to park and I could not begin to tell you where to go as it's a crap shoot.
If it is a cold and possibly rainy day then I would stay on HHI. If it looks like a sunny and warming up kinda day then go for it!

 

[srp1103]

Thanks for the great information Chum! I truly appreciate it!

Stacie

 

[fieldsfamof4]

will be coming to the area in June, any suggestions for activities for that time of year?