Azalea Inn & Gardens

What’s Not to Love at Sage Restaurant 31 May 2012, 2:36 pm

We showed up for lunch last Friday and were seated pretty quickly in the small street level dining room. Our waiter was very attentive and efficiently delivered the day’s specials. As is often our habit, we asked our waiter for his recommendations on the specials while also sharing with him what choices we were leaning toward. His recommendations were right on target for us with the Grilled Skirt Steak over Bibb Salad with a plum-balsamic reduction for me while Jake opted for the chef’s BLT. Lunch with ice tea for two and tip came to just under $30.

Sage is an easy walk from the inn, located at 41 Whitaker Street, just across the street from Paris Market on Broughton Street. There is no signage at present which can make it difficult to find but do your best not to miss it! Lunch is served from 11:00-3:00 Tuesday thru Friday, with Dinner Tuesday thru Saturday from 5:30 to 11:00; Brunch is also served on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00-3:00.

Azalea Inn and Gardens takes food very seriously and never stop in our quest to bring unique experiences to our guests, whether it’s a night away from the daily grind, or a romantic escape for the person you love most, or what the heck, how about Father’s Day in historic Savannah Georgia.  Call 912.236.6080 now to reserve your room at the best inn Savannah has to offer.

Dreamsicle Lemonade, a Pool, and Savannah… What else do you need? 26 May 2012, 11:28 pm

It’s summer, at least here in the South, and the warm sultry afternoons definately demand a long cool drink of something, well, Southern.  Sweet Tea is the go-to beverage for most picnic and hot weather days, but here at the Azalea Inn and Gardens we want more.  Dreamsicle Lemonade, a pool and Savannah … What else do you need?

This incredible summer beverage recipe was a gift to us from a happy Texas guest – who used to own a tea room – and got raves on her lemonade. So here’s to our Texas Beauty and to you, and to summer at the pool!

Dreamsicle Lemonade (Enough for a crowd of 32)

11 lemons (microwave for 15 seconds, individually, to draw up juices)

8 c. sugar

11 c milk

Wash lemons, cut off ends and quarter. Hand squeeze the juice from the lemons into a bowl.

In a blender coarsely chop the lemons, do not puree. Add the coarsely chopped lemons to the juice. Add 8 cups sugar, stir well and let sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the sugar to pull the juices out of the lemons. Finally, add the milk. Stir well again. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. We prefer to leave it for two days before using – if we can hold off that long.

Strain the concentrate to remove the rinds and seeds. (I strain and squeeze the mixture through cheesecloth.) Fill each glass with ½ cup lemonade mixture, ½ cup club soda and ½ cup crushed ice. Stir well.  You may optionally add ½ shot vodka or gin or even tequila.

Did you say you really don’t want to do all that work? Sitting poolside and sipping is all you want? No problem. Book a 2-day stay at our inn for arrival on any Sunday thru Wednesday, mention DREAMSICLE LEMONADE and a pitcher will be waiting for you (sans the vodka, however) to take poolside during your stay.

This offer ends on August 23, 2012 and may not be combined with any other offer or package.

Once in a Summertime Memory in Savannah 22 May 2012, 3:17 pm

Are you stressing already about the school getting out for the summer? We know you are longing for a getaway that doesn’t include the needs of others – just your needs – and what better way to unwind than with a once in a summertime memory with your BFF, mother, daughter, sister or cousin – in Savannah! The hardest part of this decision will be choosing your room.

No beds to make, no meals to cook, no clothes to do, no yard to mow, no weeds to pull. It will be the most delightful NO you will ever experience. Simply book two midweek nights checking in Sunday thru Wednesday, mention the secret getaway phrase* and this Savannah Summertime Memory gift package ($70 value) is yours!

• Savannah Trolley Tour for Two with OLD SAVANNAH TOURS – bringing Savannah History to Life for nearly 30 years
• Luscious Ice Cream Banana Split for Two to Share at LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM (since 1919)
• Admission for Two to JULIETTE GORDON LOW HOUSE – Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts and the woman who knew women deserved more equality.

Immerse yourselves in outstanding accommodations, picturesque settings, and V.I.P. personalized and attentive service. This special is only available from June 3 thru August 23 so book early!  Additional restrictions may apply.

Oh before I forget – your must mention GIRL SCOUT COOKIES to take advantage of this once in a summer-time package.

Azalea Inn and Gardens, Savannah’s bed and breakfast of choice – Call Now!!

A “Thank You” Worth Sharing 11 May 2012, 12:27 pm

Sometimes we are so touched by the lives of our guests that when we find ourselves the recipient of a “Thank You” worth sharing we can’t wait to do just that! Once a year, on the eve of Veterans Day, the bed and breakfast community across the United States and Canada donate room nights to both active duty and retired military as a way of providing thanks for the service they have given to their country. Our inn has always supported this effort as a way of honoring our parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles who have given service to our country through two World Wars, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year we are doing something different in conjunction with the B&B for Vets program – we are donating two nights a month to our local military by a special arrangement with the US Army – and we have enlisted the cooperation of two local restaurants, Leoci’s Trattoria and The Pirates’ House, who provide dinner in conjunction with their stay.

Last night, Azalea Inn and Gardens was honored to have two soldiers (and one husband) who provide the toughest kind of care to our active duty military. They work daily with Wounded Warriors as these soldiers struggle through healing, both physical, mental and emotional. The cadre of this special battalion of the military exhaust themselves to the point of breaking because they want no solider forgotten, no soldier to believe they don’t matter. Kristina has with over 12 years in active duty and is the single mom of an 11-year-old-girl; Kimberly has 16 years on active duty, is married with three children, a 12-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old; her husband was formerly on active duty.These exceptional young women we so extraordinarily grateful for our support that for just a moment we believed we could fly on angel’s wings. Let me share with you Kimberly’s letter.

11 May 2012

Dear Teresa,

I walked in your beautiful inn tired, frazzled and stressed out. I’m walking out today a more calm, relaxed wife, mother and Solider. My husband and I walked around the local squares, visited the Cathedral and went out for a romantic dinner! We loved it here so much we decided to hurry back and let our feet “dangle” in your pool at night. We laughed and just “enjoyed the moment.” Thank you for making it all possible. I am listening to the birds tweet to me on the patio right now…

Thank you for Everything!

Love, KRM

_________________________

B&B for Vets is sponsored and endorsed by BetterWayToStay, and the Professional Association of Innkeepers.

A Favorite Savannah B&B Breakfast – Eggs Pomodoro 8 May 2012, 3:22 pm

Two perfect servings:

1      large tomato, sliced and drizzled with olive oil

4       eggs, poached

4       slices ham, bacon or turkey bacon

2       biscuits (bake lightly and cut in half)

2       tablespoon freshly chopped basil or fresh made pesto

2       tablespoons greshly frated Parmesan Cheese

Prep:  Drizzle tomato slices with olive oil and bake at 350 until tomatoes are soft but not smooshy. Remove from oven and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 375.  Bake biscuits to light brown; don’t overcook.

Poach Eggs: Boil 3 cups of water in a large deep frying pan. While waiting for the water to boil, break eggs into individual small bowls and sprinkle with salt and pepper. When the water begins to boil add a sprinkling of salt and 3 Tablespoons of white or cider vinegar. Now gently lower the bowls into the boiling water and allow some of the water to come into the bowl and wrap around the egg, then slip the egg into the water; repeat with all eggs.  Turn the heat OFF. Cover the pan and set the timer for three minutes – you will have perfectly poached eggs if you follow this suggestion.

When the biscuits are done, let them cool slightly, then cut them in half and brush lightly with butter. Cover each biscuit half with the oven roasted tomatoes, ham (or bacon) and top with poached egg. Place a generous dollop of pesto sauce or finely chopped basil on top of the egg, then sprinkle with  parmesan cheese. Broil until cheese melts.

Serve immediately on a bed of mixed greens that have been lightly drizzled with olive oil or your favorite dressing. Creamy Georgia Grits make a nice side.

Still afraid to tackle the perfect poached egg? Book a stay at the inn between June 15 and August 15, and you may take a lesson from Kimberly, our assistant innkeeper, on the secrets of the perfect poached eggs. Just be sure to mention this offer when you book your stay at Savannah’s bed and breakfast of choice, Azalea Inn and Gardens.

Azalea Inn and Gardens Takes a Stand on an Important B&B Issue: To Doily or Not to Doily! 28 Apr 2012, 8:43 am

As a member of  PAII and a supporter of BetterWayToStay.com, Azalea Inn & Gardens has taken a stand on an important B&B issue: To Doily or not to Doily.

Please take a moment to educate yourself on this issue – help us to clear up one of most prevelent misconceptions regarding a Bed and Breakfast stay: It is not a visit to your post-war-era grandma’s house - many of us are Doily-Free.

“Innkeepers, the time is now to dump the doily. Enough of this Pro-Doily dribble; the B&B industry has suffered long enough saddled with archaic symbols. Doily reform must take place and the time is now. Don’t occupy Wall Street; preoccupy yourselves with doily prohibition. The No-Doily party supports capital punishment for doilies and we’re hoping you’ll sign up to support the cause.”

View our position here.:

Don’t listen to the doily pencil pushers. Disagree with doilies today!  Not sure what this Doily campaign is all about? Click here for more information and learn about Doily Decision 2012.

This has been a message from the Committee to eliminate doilies from every bureau.

Memorable End to Summer: The 5th Annual Craft Brew Festival in Savannah, GA 18 Apr 2012, 10:19 am

The last real weekend of summer, Labor Day Weekend, cries out to be the most memorable end to summer, and the 5^th Annual Craft Brew Festival in Savannah, GA is sure to linger as an outstanding memory of tastes and sounds and friends. Sponsored by VisitSavannah, the weekend kicks off on Friday, August 31, 2012 with dinner at the International Trade and Convention Center for a pairing of Coastal cuisine with Stoudt’s Brewing Company’s favorite craft brews.

Situated on the Esplanade of the Trade Center overlooking the Savannah River, the Grand Tasting Event, Saturday, September 1, is the grandest event of the weekend where you will have the opportunity to sample nearly 150 American craft beers. A beautiful color printed guide will show the location of each brewery over the festival site. Would you let summer end without food? Do not fear, there will be plenty of delicious beer festival food like soft pretzels, French fries and chicken sandwiches on hand. Are you feeling the vibe of those last hours of summer  yet?

The last day of the festival is the International Craft Brew Tasting which is just as it sounds, a plethora of craft brews from around the world. Without leaving Savannah or for that matter the US, you can take your taste buds on a hop-induced tour of the world!

If you are coming to Savannah before the festival, be sure to check out some of our own favorite brew-spots.  Savannah’s own local brewery, Moon River Brewing Company , can be found on West Bay Street, or for a larger selection of craft beers hop on over to The Distillery, a craft beer and gastro-pub located on West Liberty Street.

Book your Azalea Inn & Gardens room NOW for the 3-day Labor Day Weekend and be entered in a drawing to be held on August 25, 2012. One lucky winner will be given two tickets to the Grand Tasting Event and a second winner will receive two tickets to the International Tasting Event.

Azalea Inn & Gardens the bed and breakfast of choice in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah’s July 4th 2012 Fireworks Extravaganza 8 Apr 2012, 10:26 am

It’s hard to get excited about any holiday that falls on a Wednesday, but we take our celebrations seriously in the South and Savannah’s July 4, 2012 Fireworks Extravaganza will be no exception. Everyone knows that Savannah is the only place to be for St. Patrick’s Day – after all, we did hold the largest parade with the largest attendence in the WORLD just a few weeks ago – but we take all opportunities that come our way to have some fun. Did you know there are over 200 festivals throughout the year in Savannah – no kidding! We love our food, our beer, our wine, our art, our culture, our city – heck, we love it all – but most of all we love sharing! So join us on July 4, even if it is a Wednesday, and plan on spending the night – getting up for work the next day is much easier if you didn’t spend it in jail cause you had a wee bit too much fun – or better, take the next day off, meander our streets and enjoy this world-class destination.

This year, the Riverfront Association will throw a party as if it were a Friday night – there will be music, food, live shows, contests, and more, but best of all it is free! Mosey on down to Rousakis Plaza ’round about 5 p.m., bring a blanket and some snacks, oh, and don’t forget your radio! Yup, tune your radio to FM radio stations KIX 96.5 or Magic 103.9 for the choreographed music simulcast fireworks beginning around 9:15 p.m.

We are offering every local Savannahian the opportunity to enjoy the downtown atmosphere for the Independence Day celebrations – Stay two nights and the second night is half-price on either July 3 and 4, or July 4 and 5, 2012. Azalea Inn and Gardens is the B&B of choice when it comes to accommodations in Savannah Georgia.

Call us today at 912-236-6080 to take advantage of this incredible offer before all the rooms are gone!

45 Bistro – A Surprising Revelation 20 Mar 2012, 1:45 pm

I have been avoiding this restaurant for quite a while, nearly seven years to be exact, simply because of its location. I couldn’t possibly send my guests to a hotel restaurant because, well, because usually they are just okay and I take my vocation seriously. You would think that the opinions of two of my girlfriends would sway me, but until last night, not a chance.  45 Bistro turned out to be a surprising revelation nestled on Broughton Street in the first floor window front of a historic hotel.

So with apologies to my Wine-Chick friend, Lori, I tried dinner last night with another friend and fellow innkeeper, Shannon. Shannon must know every bartender in town and is enthusiastically greeted by one and all. I felt very privileged to be walking in her shadow. Bistro 45 is divided into the bar, dining room, and three private rooms which are used for various functions from intimate family dinners to wedding parties. We opted to sit at the bar (what a magnificent room) where bartender James remained attentive to us as well as the other groups scattered about the bar. He never failed to keep our wine glass topped off as Shannon and I discussed upcoming Savannah events and our individual B&B inns.

I left the ordering to Shannon and was not disappointed. First up was Roasted Ruby Beets – Belgian endive, praline walnuts, stilton cheese and roasted golden and ruby beets marinated in a champagne vinaigrette.  I LOVE beets and these did not disappoint. Next was GRILLED hearts of romaine with garlic croutons, shaved parmesan and their house made Cesar dressing. I don’t think I will ever have an ordinary Cesar salad again – grilled split romaine is the way to go. Our final course was a shared plate of Duck Two Ways – a succulent pan-seared duck breast and confit thigh topped with whipped Yukon gold potatoes, roasted beets and natural jus reduction.

When all was said and done we had consumed a bottle of wine, licked our plates clean, and converted a reluctant dining partner into a believer.

Azalea Inn and Gardens, a Savannah GA bed and breakfast inn, invites you to reserve your room today and begin enjoying the best food experiences in our city, which Travel + Leisure Magazineacclaimed as a “World’s Best City” in July 2011.

Call us today at 800.582.3823 or reserve online by clicking here.

Select Registry’s Distinguished Inns of North America Chooses Azalea Inn and Gardens 3 Mar 2012, 11:26 am

Select Registry is a collection of nearly 400 of the “finest country inns, B&Bs, and unique small hotels” on the continent, from California to Nova Scotia. Yesterday we were overjoyed to hear that these distinguished inns of North American chose Azalea Inn and Gardens for membership in this exclusive enclave – the very best the Travel industry has to offer! The official announcement will be in a few days, but we wanted to share this precious accolade of hard work with the people who helped us to grow – our guests who provided invaluable feedback and encouragement over the past nearly seven years. 

The journey began in 2001, though we really didn’t know at the time that we were being led here. Our first visit mesmerized us and we chose Savannah for our honeymoon in 2002 and we realized that 5 days were not and would never be enough. We returned yearly, several times a year, and always stayed in our “honeymoon” inn, and in 2005 we bought her – Azalea Inn – and in honor of Jake’s passion – we added “& Gardens” to her name.  We lacked many basic “innkeeper” skills but we did share a passion for food and wine, and I had (and still have) my Irish-rooted “gift of gab.” This city, this inn, seemed heaven made for us, and is truly the most delightful job I have held in my more than 40 years in the workforce.

We joined several Innkeeping groups as we grew into our jobs, the best of which hosts a yearly conference where I continue to learn and grown. Jay Karen, the leader of this group, Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII), encouraged me to join the elite group of Select Registry, and for more than two years I hemmed and hawed; were we ready?

Finally, on February 1, 2012, I spoke with Carol Riggs of Select Registry, asked questions, and made the leap – We Want to be Members! The first step is an exceedingly rigorous inspection which would be conducted within the next three to four weeks. You don’t know who the inspectors are until they check out – and though initially it seemed a bit scary – I would not have filed the application if I doubted our ability to pass this rigorous 200-point inspection – and besides I had at least two weeks to finish our winter “repair and replenish” list. Understanding that you must have a minimum of 175 points to be considered made me a bit queasy, but we plunged ahead with our plans. If you look at our Facebook page you will see some of the undertakings we planned and accomplished in January and February.

February 5 started out like any other Sunday at the inn – I prepped breakfast, bantered and teased with the guests, and cleared the table. My last check-out of the day handed me back our parting gift with the heavy words “I’m Rich with Quality Consultants for Select Registry.” I leaned over and began hyper-ventilating and laughing somewhat hysterically.  He gave us 180 points, a list of suggestions to enhance your experience at our inn, and wished us good luck – apparently the Board has to like us too!

Once again, thank you guests, thank you friends, thank you guests who have become friends – we love how you have helped us grow. If you have not yet experienced a Select Registry property, Azalea Inn and Gardens, a Savannah GA bed and breakfast inn, is one of only two properties in this beautiful city of Savannah.

Call us today at 800.582.3823 or reserve online by clicking here and begin experiencing what Travel + Leisure Magazine acclaimed as a “World’s Best City” (July 2011).