On Day three, Scott and I headed to Cascais to visit my childhood home. I knew this trip was deeply personal and nostalgic. After exploring Lisbon, we set off on a short train ride to Cascais, the seaside town where I spent part of my childhood from age four to seven. What unfolded was a mix of memory, discovery, and local flavor.

Taking the Train from Lisbon to Cascais

We started the day early, walking to the Cais do Sodre train station to catch the Lisbon to Cascais train. The ride is only about 40 minutes, making it one of the easiest and most scenic day trips from the capital. Our Lisboa card that we purchased yesterday for the tram, also can be used on local trains to Cascais and Sintra (assuming you purchased the correct time window – for us we bought 72 hours). You can also purchase a reusable Viva Viagem card for .50 euro and load it by zapping credit. Each one-way trip costs 2.30 euro. You cannot pre-book these train tickets.

Trains to run every 20 min from early the morning to late evening.

Before boarding, we grabbed a quick breakfast—just a pastry from one of the small stands at the station. Options are limited, but it was enough to fuel our morning adventure.

Visiting My Childhood Home

Once we arrived in Cascais, we walked uphill about a mile from the station to my old house. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel seeing it again after so many years. Surprisingly, not much had changed. The main home looked just as I remembered, though a new house had been built in the backyard. It didn’t stir the emotions I expected, but I’m still grateful for the walk down memory lane.

Cascais Mercado: A Place Frozen in Time

Next, we visited the Mercado da Vila, Cascais’ famous local market. This was the moment that truly moved me. The market looks almost identical to how it did 50 years ago. Walking inside, I was flooded with memories.

The Mercado offers:

• Fresh produce, flowers, meat, and seafood
• Specialty food vendors with coffee, honey, and pastries
• Artisan stalls with jewelry, clothing, and gifts

It’s a vibrant mix of tradition and modern flair, and one of the best markets in Cascais.

Jardim Visconde da Luz Park

After the market, we headed towards the water, only to run into another quaint street with more restaurants, local vendors and a carrousel. I did remember riding the carrousel as a child.

Exploring Old Town and Cascais Marina

From there, we wandered into Old Town Cascais in search of the spot where old photos were taken with my mother. Though we didn’t find it, exploring the cobbled streets and shady parks was a joy.

Since we didn’t find the location in the park where I had taken photos with my mom, we headed to Santa Maria Mansion and grounds to see if that might have been the spot. After walking around the grounds, we had no luck.

We then made our way to the Cascais Marina, a modern waterfront lined with high-end restaurants, designer boutiques like Ralph Lauren, and luxury yacht dealers including Sunreef Yachts, Azimut, and Volvo Penta. The marina sits just below the Cascais Citadel, a historic fort now repurposed as an arts district where local artists showcase their work.

Lunch in Old Town: Flamingo Hotel

When hunger struck, we circled back to Old Town. Just like in Lisbon, the streets were lined with restaurants, each host trying to wave us over. I wanted a shady spot, and that’s how we discovered the Flamingo Hotel Restaurant, tucked in a breezy alleyway.

We ordered:

Mussels and clams

Chicken Piri-Piri (warning: the sauce is extremely spicy!)

Bolognese Pizza

Scott loved the sauce, but I stuck to my chicken plain. During lunch, I chatted with an older waiter who revealed that a childhood photo I was searching for wasn’t taken in Cascais at all, but in Sintra at Café Paris. Conveniently, Sintra was our next day’s destination.

Cascais Coastline & Beaches

After lunch, we headed back to the train station walking along the coastline of the beach. It was packed with people and lots of beachcombers. During that time, it was high tide and the docks were under water!

My First Home in Cascais – Estoril Sol Hotel

As a child, I had the unique experience of living at the Estoril Sol Hotel in Portugal for six months before my family moved into the house we would eventually call home. I still have photos of myself by the hotel’s pool, a place filled with sun-soaked memories and the carefree spirit of youth. The Estoril Sol was once a glamorous seaside landmark, but it was torn down in 2006 and later replaced by a modern condominium building. Though the hotel no longer exists, its history — and my own connection to it — will always remain a special part of my story.

A Birthday Surprise in Lisbon

When Scott and I returned to Lisbon, the train station was just steps away from the infamous “pink street”, so we had to go find it. It’s pink alright! That called for a cocktail in the Center Square after a long day of walking.

Then at our hotel in Lisbon, I was met with a beautiful surprise—a birthday cake and a bottle of champagne waiting in our room. It was the perfect way to reflect on the day. While my childhood home didn’t evoke strong emotions, the Cascais Mercado did, reminding me how meaningful simple traditions can be.

Dinner at Malfamati

After a long day exploring Cascais, we celebrated my birthday with dinner at Malfamati Restaurant, a cozy little spot with only about six tables (reservations are a must—we booked on The Fork). The atmosphere was warm and unpretentious, making it the perfect place for a relaxed evening. We started with a small charcuterie board before moving on to our mains—Scott enjoyed a pasta dish, while I ordered the “torte,” which turned out to be more like a quesadilla than a traditional tart. The food was simple yet flavorful, and the service was excellent, making for a wonderful birthday memory in Cascais.

Final Thoughts

Day three in Portugal was less about sightseeing and more about reconnecting with the past. Cascais may have grown into a modern coastal hub, but its traditions—like the Mercado—remain untouched. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or planning a Lisbon to Cascais day trip, this charming town is worth the journey.

As always, thank you for following our blog and story! Be sure to subscribe to our blog and channel (see link below) and on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Breakfast at Hygge – Starting the Day Right

Scott and I had a long day scheduled exploring the Belem district on day two. There’s nothing better than starting your day with a really good breakfast, and Hygge did not disappoint. I ordered the croissant sandwich, which was buttery, flaky, and just messy enough to be delicious. Scott went with their breakfast sandwich, and we shared a cinnamon roll that was so good it probably should’ve come with a warning label. Coffee, pastries, sunshine—yes, Lisbon, you had us hooked already.

The Lisboa Card Hiccup

Here’s where our “efficient traveler” plan kind of fell apart. We needed to grab our Lisboa Card, which gives you access to trams, trains (perfect for our upcoming trips to Sintra and Cascais), and tons of museums. Easy, right? Well, no. Turns out you have to order it online and then pick it up at one of six locations. Rookie move: we didn’t grab ours at the airport. Instead, we found ourselves waiting outside the Codfish Museum in the city center until it opened at 10:00 AM. Lesson learned! Once we finally had the 72-hour card in hand, we hopped on Tram 15 and were officially Belem-bound.

Belem: Monuments, Missed Opportunities & Sardines Everywhere

First stop: the Monument of Discoveries. It’s an impressive tribute to Portugal’s seafaring history, and the views of the Tagus River are gorgeous. Along our way, we passed by a fairly new shipyard and marina. Scott and I were impressed that the shipyard had flower planter boxes! Looking at the ramp and haul out, we’re not sure what they use this for as there was no mobile lift?

The Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) in Lisbon was originally built in 1940 as a temporary structure for the Portuguese World Exhibition to celebrate the nation’s Age of Exploration. It was later rebuilt in 1960 in stone and concrete, marking the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death, who played a key role in Portugal’s maritime discoveries. The monument stands prominently along the Tagus River in Belém, shaped like a ship’s prow, with statues of Henry at the front and other famous explorers, cartographers, and patrons of Portugal’s voyages of discovery behind him. It remains a symbol of Portugal’s golden era of exploration and maritime heritage.

What was crazy at the Monument of Discoveries was how the ground or floor was laid out. They laid the tile in a way that the ground looked like it had hills, but it was in fact flat.

Belem Central District

From there, we walked through an underground tunnel over to the Jerónimos Monastery. Unfortunately, we hadn’t made reservations online (pro tip: you should!), and the line looked like it belonged to a sold-out rock concert. No way were we standing in that heat with 300 other people.

Next mission: the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery. Except… the line was literally wrapped around the block. At this point, Scott and I just laughed. Lisbon clearly wanted us to practice patience (or skip lines altogether). So instead, we decided to grab a cold beer when we found this pop up stand offering “Free Beer”. LOL.

The beers were so cold and refreshing on this unbelievable hot day! They reminded us of when we hiked to the top of the Fort on the island of Dominica and enjoyed freezer cold beers!

Next Scott and I wandered the Belem district, popped into the “original” sardine shop (spoiler alert: there are MANY “original” sardine shops). These sardines were not cheap and we paid about 15 Euro for each can. We bought boneless/skinless sardines in olive oil and then a tin of grilled octopus. We enjoyed these on our last night in Porto. They were delicious!

Finding Lunch

As we wandered through Lisbon, we noticed how the streets were lined with outdoor cafés and restaurants—most of them extensions of the buildings behind them. Each spot had a waiter stationed out front, menu in hand, ready to entice you to sit down. Choosing where to eat became part of the adventure, as we compared offerings and atmospheres while strolling along. Eventually, we settled on a casual place at Cais de Belém for a quick lunch. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was exactly what we needed to recharge. And no, we didn’t end up at McDonald’s—though we were amused to see one tucked among the more traditional eateries.

Since we didn’t get a chance to try a Pasteis de Nata at the original bakery, we were now on the hunt for an alternative. Luckily, redemption came in the form of Manteigaria, where we scored fresh-out-of-the-oven pastéis de nata. They were everything I had hoped for—crispy, creamy, sweet perfection. Honestly, worth every calorie.

Museum Shuffle & A Much-Needed Spa Break

Feeling re-energized, we set off for the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT). Except… joke was on us again. Our Lisboa Card didn’t cover entry, and the staff wasn’t about to let us slide in. Oops. Plan B: the National Coach Museum, which ended up being a total hidden gem. I had no idea ornate golden carriages could be so fascinating!

We spent a couple of hours wandering through history before heading back toward the waterfront.

As we worked our way back to the Aurea Museum hotel, we stopped in the Commercio Square to grab a bottle of wine for the room. We were shocked to see how crowded it was at 4pm! This photo does not do it justice.

By late afternoon, our feet were screaming at us, so the spa at our hotel became the next “museum stop.” The Turkish bath was exactly what we needed after miles of walking. Honestly, I could’ve stayed in there all night, but we had dinner reservations at a highly reviewed restaurant, Casa Tradicao.

Dinner at Casa Tradição – A Perfect Ending

Dinner that night was at Casa Tradição, and let me just say: WOW. I had booked it ahead through The Fork app, and we walked in at 7:30 PM to an empty restaurant. For a second, I thought I had messed up. But within the hour, it was buzzing, and we realized why—it’s that good. One note about most restaurants we ate at is that the menu is most often written in Portuguese, not English.

As soon as we sat down, the waiter brough out a couvert of olives and bread. This custom includes items like bread, olives, cheese, and pâté, which are not complimentary and are added to your bill if you eat them.

The menu looked amazing and we wanted to try everything. Our appetizers included chicken liver dusted in hazel nuts and a type of bruschetta with cured meat on top.

Next we ordered Shrimp Acorda that was amazing. The broth is actually “brain juice”. The term “brain juice” is an evocative way to describe the flavorful liquid that is squeezed from the shrimp heads, which adds a deep umami taste to the dish.

For dinner I ordered cod topped with crunchy straw potatoes that was gorgeous, and Scott had slow-roasted beef on the bone that melted in your mouth. Lastly for dessert Scott ordered a different version of a pasteis de nata with icecream and Port.

The service was five-star, the wine was fabulous, and it was easily one of the best meals we had in Lisbon. While there is no official 5-star rating listed for it, the restaurant’s reputation for outstanding culinary experiences and value for money makes it a top choice for many visitors to Lisbon.

We wrapped up the night wandering little alleys, sipping cocktails, and soaking in Lisbon’s evening glow. Then it was off to bed early—because Cascais was waiting for us the next morning, and we needed all the energy we could get.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our boating blog and our YouTube channel (link below). Follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Scott and I have been planning a European trip for over two years and we picked Portugal. We had originally planned to go back to Italy and visit the Amalfi Coast or go up to Puglia, but since he had never been to Portugal, we decided to spend 10 days there instead.

When I was a child, I lived in Cascais from the age of four until seven, almost four years. I lived there with my mom. So many people have asked me why and I covered this in one of our recent YouTube Videos. See link here. I was excited to go back and try and retrace some footprints!

The Flights

Our journey started in Miami where we flew to Madrid, Spain on American Airlines. We purchased premium economy tickets for $2500 each. Scott is a million miler, so we try to fly American as much as possible. Business class tickets were over $5000 each, so it wasn’t worth it to me to spend that much. The seats were comfortable, but the minute the guy in front of Scott pushed his seat back, that left all of 6″ between his seat and Scott’s tray. Not easy to get up to use the restroom that’s for sure! The meals were not the best, nor was the service. We flew out at 3pm, yet they treated the flight as if it was 10pm and only offered beverage service twice during the first seven hours. The amenity kit came with a blanket, a pillow, headphones and then a take home kit that came with lip balm, hand lotion, a toothbrush, eye mask and socks.

Then about an hour before we landed in Madrid they came around with “breakfast” which was awful. One interesting note about our flight into Madrid. We actually arrived 45 minutes early (thank God!) at 5:05am. We had to go through customs and the passport control before heading to our gate. That process took us about an hour! On top of that, Madrid’s airport does not have good signage, so it’s difficult to figure out what terminal your flight is at. We finally got to our gate at 6:40am, 5 minutes before we boarded!

We flew on Iberia Air from Madrid to Lisbon which is less than an hour flight. Luckily no one was between us, because the seats were tiny and only had room for two people in a row of three! Another strange note is that when we landed in Lisbon, we did not have to go through any kind of immigration or customs. No paperwork, nothing – we simply walked out! While it was easy to order an Uber, it was confusing as to where to pick it up at – perhaps we were just so tired?

Arriving to Hotel Aurea Museum

Our Uber ride from the airport to the hotel took about 20 minutes. We stayed at the Aurea Museum Hotel a 5-star hotel along the waterfront. Scott and I chose this location as we didn’t want to have to hike up a steep hill every night after dinner to get to our hotel. The room was nice and we had requested a view (we were celebrating my birthday) and unfortunately they gave us the worst view room possible. Oh well. Sadly, for the next 5 days the service was also lacking which was disappointing. More on that later.

Since we arrived at 8am, our room was not yet ready (we found this to be the case at all of our hotels and I think they literally wait until check-in time to give you your keys.) We checked our luggage and then headed off in search of breakfast. Just down street, we stumbled upon Portela where we enjoyed some amazing coffee, a ham and cheese danish and our first pasteis de nata! Pasteis de nata is a mini flakey pie crust (think Phyllo dough) with a custard filling and then torched on top (like a cream brulee’). This particular one was served cold and had a very lemony flavor.

In Search of Lisbon

I often get asked how we planned out our itinerary. Basically I knew the top sites through various websites and travelers and then mapped out what was close to each other. Knowing this would be a short day (by the time we went to breakfast, we had been up 24 hours already), we kept the day’s itinerary short and sweet. See below.

Morning Walking Tour (Alfama/Baixa):
• 10:00 AM – Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)
• 10:45 AM – Walk down to Rua Augusta Arch
• 11:15 AM – Stroll Comércio Square

Lunch & Exploration:
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Time Out Market
• 1:30 PM – Ride Elevador da Glória
• 2:00–3:30 PM – Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara + walk down Avenida da Liberdade
• 4:00 PM – Head to Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• 4: 30 PM – Hotel Memmo – rooftop cocktails
• 5:30 PM – Dinner – Pizzeria nearby

One thing to remember about Lisbon is that it is the city of 7 hills and all you will do is climb hills and stairs for days! Yes, you can take a “tuk tuk” or the trolley but we walked every where we went. One thing to remember is to wear very comfortable shoes that can handle cobblestone roads. Our shoes were destroyed after 10 days of walking.

Center of Lisbon

The first place we headed to after checking in, was the Commerical Center. The most central and important square in Lisbon is Praca do Comercio, also known as Commerce Square. This historic and large square overlooks the Tagus River and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, featuring the Rua Augusta Arch at its northern end. I was in desperate need of sunglasses and we hoped to find some shops – which we did.

Exploring Lisbon in Search of Miradouros

Scott and I headed straight up hill in search of the Lisbon Cathedral before we headed to our first Miradouro. The photos do not do this cathedral justice.

Miradouros

Miradouros are “viewpoints” and they are all over the city. Some have bars and snack huts and others have only benches. It’s definitely worth checking each one out if you can. There was some graffiti throughout the city but honestly, it did not bother us one bit.

Scott and I walked to a couple of Miradouros on our first day and then grabbed a cocktail at a wine bar to cool off. Keep in mind, when we were in Lisbon, the temperature was about 95 degrees every day.

Wrapping up our First Day

I knew there was a rooftop bar located in Hotel Memmo right above our hotel, so we went in search of it to have another cocktail. The views were beautiful and the service was great! Unfortunately I was just so tired, that I forgot to take more video or photos.

By now it was close to 5:30pm and we had now been up almost 32 hours. We had planned to do a simple pizza dinner and luckily there was a pizzeria just a few blocks away called Romana Pizzeria. The food and service was fantastic!

Our Room at Hotel Aurea Museum

Finally around 6pm, we checked into our hotel. We were celebrating my birthday and I told the hotel that. We selected this hotel not only for it’s location, but because it also had Turkish Baths and a spa. Turns out you have to make reservation to use the Turkish Baths (a small cold pool) and most days reception never answered their phone. We paid $25/pp to use the baths and were only able to get in twice.

There were quite a few other issues and for a 5-star hotel, we were disappointed. One note, their website says they have a bar on site, but it is actually a portable (think of a banquet bar at a wedding) that the front desk operates! While the room was nice, the coffee maker was on the fritz and our view was the worst of all of the rooms who had a balcony.

Here’s our “water view” balcony!

As always, thank you for following our journey. We’re excited to take you along our epic trip over the next few weeks throughout Portugal! Be sure to subscribe to our blog and our channel (see link below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #Boatingjourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

A very special Trip

This week, Scott and I are packing our bags and setting off on a very special trip — we’re headed to Portugal!

For Scott, it will be his first time experiencing this beautiful country. For me, it’s a deeply personal return to a place I once called home. I haven’t been back since 1972, when I was just a child living in Cascais with my mom. We lived there together for four unforgettable years, just the two of us. She and I were incredibly close, and even though she passed away 20 years ago, her memory lives vividly in my heart.

Now, decades later, I’m returning to retrace the steps of my childhood, to see the places that shaped me, and to reconnect with a part of my life that feels both distant and deeply familiar. It will be an emotional trip, filled with reflection and, I’m sure, a few tears.

As for why it was just my mom and me living in Portugal all those years ago? Well — you’ll have to watch our latest YouTube episode to hear the full story. I sat down and shared this piece of my past, opening up in a way I never have before. It’s a very personal episode, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch.

We’ll be flying out of Miami, connecting through Madrid, and then landing in Lisbon, where our adventure begins. From there, we’ll be exploring Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, and Porto — so stay tuned!

See the link below to watch the upcoming episode on August 10, 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/@BoatingJourney

Our third and final day in Savannah, Georgia, wrapped up our December getaway with more history, charm, and festive cheer. After touring the city, exploring the riverfront, and enjoying a ghost tour on our second day, we were ready for another day of discovery. Savannah truly shines as a holiday destination, and our last day proved just how magical this historic city is.

Morning in Forsyth Park: History and Local Culture

We started our day by hopping on the trolley and heading to Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks. The park, established in the 1840s, is famous for its expansive green spaces and picturesque layout.

On Saturdays, the park comes alive with a vibrant farmer’s market, where locals and visitors alike can browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and local art.

At the heart of the park stands the Confederate Memorial, a solemn monument dedicated in 1879 to honor those who served in the Confederate Army. This towering granite structure serves as a reminder of the city’s complex history.

Nearby is the park’s crown jewel, the Forsyth Fountain, installed in 1858. Its design was inspired by fountains in Paris and remains a favorite spot for photos, particularly when lit up during the holidays.

Strolling Through Historic Squares

From Forsyth Park, Scott and I made our way toward the Armstrong Kessler Mansion, a beautifully restored estate built in 1919 for Savannah businessman George Ferguson Armstrong. It later became the home of Benjamin and Nancy Kessler, who ensured its preservation. The mansion exemplifies the city’s rich architectural history.

We continued to Madison Square, created in 1837 and named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. This charming square features the Pulaski Monument, a tribute to General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and Revolutionary War hero who died during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. The monument, completed in 1855, is a stunning example of Savannah’s dedication to preserving its past.

Touring the Owens-Thomas House

Next on our itinerary was the Owens-Thomas House, one of Savannah’s most significant historical homes. Built in 1819, the home has remained largely untouched, retaining much of its original furnishings and structure.

Our tour began in the Carriage House, where the names of enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property are preserved on the walls—a powerful and humbling reminder of the city’s history.

As I mentioned in the last blog, the slaves lived in terrible conditions, while their owners lived an opulent lifestyle. The images below depict their entire home including their sleeping arrangements.

Notice in the image below that the ceiling has a blue hue, also known as “haint blue”. Haint blue is a pale blue or greenish-blue shade traditionally used in the southern United States, particularly in the Lowcountry, as a form of spiritual protection. Rooted in Gullah culture, the color was believed to ward off restless spirits, or “haints,” by tricking them into thinking the painted surface was water or the sky, which they could not cross. Often seen on porch ceilings, doors, and window frames, this tradition reflects a blend of African spiritual practices and Southern folklore, preserving a unique cultural heritage.

The Owens-Thomas Mansion

The courtyard garden, once a working space for the household, led us to the mansion itself. Inside, we were struck by the stark contrast between the opulence of the Owens-Thomas family’s lifestyle and the harsh conditions endured by the enslaved workers.

From the intricately painted doors designed to mimic expensive wood to the unique upstairs bridge adorned with wave-like patterns, the home is a testament to early 19th-century ingenuity and luxury.

In the basement of the home, they have created a sort of museum. It’s unfinished, but it showed how their cistern worked along with their sewer system.

Afternoon at City Market and Ellis Square

After the tour, Scott and I headed to City Market, which was transformed into a festive Christmas square.

A highlight of the market is the Haitian Monument, honoring the soldiers of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War.

No trip to City Market is complete without stopping at Byrd’s Famous Cookies, where we indulged in holiday treats. I opted for the savory pecan cheddar bites, while Scott satisfied his sweet tooth with classic cookies.

Adjacent to the market is Ellis Square, originally laid out in 1733. It has been beautifully restored as a gathering space and features a playful fountain that children (and adults) enjoy year-round.

Ellis Square, one of Savannah’s original squares laid out in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, was historically a bustling hub with the City Market at its center. Named after Henry Ellis, Georgia’s second Royal Governor, it was controversially replaced by a parking garage in 1954. In 2010, after significant preservation efforts, the square was restored as a vibrant public space with modern features like a fountain, seating areas, and a statue of Savannah-born lyricist Johnny Mercer, blending its historic significance with contemporary urban charm.

Savannah’s River Front

As the day wound down, Scott and I made our way to the Bohemian Hotel to enjoy a cocktail at Rocks on the Roof, a chic rooftop bar with spectacular views of the Savannah River and the city skyline. Watching the marine traffic, including a huge yacht ,was the perfect way to relax before dinner.

While the views were breathtaking, you could also see your breath, so we eventually moved inside. At the bar, the lights were made out of oyster shells.

Along the river front, you will find the Florence Martus statue, also known as the “Waving Girl”. As the story goes, she fell in love with a sailor and he was soon shipped off to sea. Every day, she waved a handkerchief or lantern to greet every ship entering or leaving Savannah’s port from 1887 to 1931 in hopes that her sailor would return, but he never did. The statue commemorates her 44 years of unwavering dedication and hospitality, making her a beloved symbol of Savannah’s welcoming spirit and maritime heritage.

Dinner at Boars Head Grill and Tavern

For our final meal in Savannah, we dined at the Boar’s Head Grill & Tavern, a cozy spot steeped in history. No this is not the lunch meat Boar’s Head. This charming eatery, housed in a building dating back to the 1800s, is Savannah’s oldest brick building on the riverfront. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays, adding to its warm ambiance.

Scott and I sat in the far corner and were accompanied by what looked to be a figure head. Historically, figureheads were carved wooden sculptures, often depicting women, mythical beings, or other symbolic figures, mounted on the prow of sailing vessels. Female figureheads were particularly popular and often represented ideals like grace, beauty, or protection. They were believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the ship and its crew on their voyages.

The food at the restaurant was absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed the creamy shrimp and grits, which were perfectly seasoned and rich with flavor. Scott savored the stuffed shrimp with linguine, a beautifully prepared dish that was both hearty and delicious. The drinks were festive, adding a fun touch to the meal, and the service was excellent, making it a memorable end to our culinary adventures.

Festive Evening Stroll

After dinner, we strolled through the Christmas Market on the riverfront, where the twinkling lights and holiday decorations created a magical atmosphere.

Our final stop was the Alley Kat Lounge, a hidden speakeasy known for its unique cocktails. This cozy spot was the perfect way to toast our Savannah getaway.

A Holiday Destination to Remember

Savannah captivated us with its rich history, vibrant culture, and festive holiday spirit. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, indulging in Southern cuisine, or simply soaking in the charm of the city’s squares, Savannah is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. We highly recommend visiting during the holidays for a truly enchanting experience.

As always, thank you for following our blog! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below) and also on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. We have some more great adventures coming your way in 2025! Cheers, Scott and Ally