Green Palm Inn recipes for B&B’s 4th of July picnic 2013 in historic Savannah GA downtown — Greene Square.

SAVANNAH Georgia (June 15, 2013) – Expressive phrases help to introduce a mid-June afternoon of 4th of July picnic preparation and photo-taking for Green Palm Inn bed and breakfast in historic Savannah, Georgia.

In Summer, Edith Wharton writes of “the beginning of a June afternoon,” “the June wind, frisking down the street”, preparing for “Old Home Week”, “and a gay confusion of flags, turkey-red, blue and white paper muslin”.

This historic Savannah B&B inn’s pre-July 4^th Summer Picnic spread felt like a grand day of “Old Home Week” to celebrate southern food and southern life in America!

Guests from Philadelphia Arrive at Our B&B in Savannah

Green Palm Inn B&B’s innkeeper Diane McCray prepping 4th of July picnic in historic Greene Square — Savannah historic District.

Bustling, we were gathering up the tasty 4^th of July picnic food and patriotic table-scape setting.  When fittingly, a couple arrived from Philadelphia – the American city where independence from Great Britain was declared — for a stay at Green Palm Inn, a top-rated bed and breakfast cottage in America’s 13^th original colony.

The arriving gentleman is in awe of the historic home’s character that is now a modern-day, 4-room bed and breakfast cottage.  “They just don’t make them like this anymore … with the high ceilings,” he began, while looking up and around, noticing and speaking of the home’s old bones, lovingly made fresh again.

“That’s the way historic Savannah is, you know,” says the jovial innkeeper, Diane McCray. “We take the best of the old and introduce something new.  There’s a wonderful character about this historical place that we don’t want to lose. Yet, we want to take full advantage of new trends and modern-day conveniences.”

A Red, White & Blue Holiday Celebration! 4th of July Menu and Recipes from top-rated Green Palm Inn Bed & Breakfast

After weeks of testing and tasting new recipes for lodging guests on the 4th of July, Diane had prepared an array of colorful, All-American fare in shades of red, white and blue.  Again blending old ideas with new personal touches, the celebratory picnic was spread.

The Menu: Green Palm Inn’s 4^th of July Picnic

King Arthur’s Flour® “Walter Sands Basic White Bread” Rolls with Barbecue Chicken
(We like Walls Barbecue or Wiley’s Championship BBQ, voted Best in Savannah)

Southern Pimento Cheese and Red Pepper Jelly Rounds
Diane McCray’s Pimento Cheese

Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

Mini Fruit Tartlets

William Sonoma’s Pound Cake Panini

Lite Summer Fruit Skewers with Krispy Kreme®
Donut Holes (alternate fruit with glazed donut holes)

Patriotic Macarons
(Maison de Macarons dipped 1/3 in red & blue sugar)

Fruit Infused Water
(Pineapple Stars, Red Strawberries, and Blueberries)

Southern Sweet Tea

Mini “God Bless America” Cake
(Cupcakes would be easier for picnic!)

On this June Afternoon, it felt like the 4^th of July!

Sparklers and accordion hand fans are on standby.  Greene Square’s canopy of Live Oak trees filters the afternoon sun.

grass was lush green from recent rains. Famously a friendly American city, neighborhood residents and city visitors stroll and pause to visit. Some take photos of the square, homes, and church. One, asking permission, snaps a picture of our table-scape picnic, too.

Patriotic holiday in Savannah at Green Palm Inn B&B’s 4th of July picnic in historic Greene Square — named to honor American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene.

It was a beautiful afternoon, seemingly made just for innkeeper Diane McCray to be engaged, yet again, as the resident southern storyteller.  A delightful couple pauses in the square, and Diane did not tarry a moment. As though on cue, this hospitality ambassador began telling of the Second African Church (123 Houston Street), anchoring the northwest Trust Lot of Greene Square.   (Checking out the reversible benches in the video.)

Were these nice folks her inn’s guests? No. They were delightful Savannah tourists who Diane was happy to greet and inform.

“It is the historical place where Union General William Sherman announced ‘Forty acres and a mule’ [January 16, 1865] during the American Civil War, and where Martin Luther King peached an early version of his famous ‘I have a dream speech’.  This is Greene Square, named to honor Major-General Nathanael Greene, second in command to General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. Famously, the tiniest house in the historic district is there [pointing to the little rust-colored State Street cottage]. There’s quite a lot of history in this place.”

Moseying by is Old Charlie, the beautiful twelve-year old golden retriever. He arrived only a short while ahead of two equally beautiful retrievers.  [Now that we think about it, it was definitely the golden retrievers’ afternoon in the park!] The neighborly pups brought their willing senior to twenty-something pals along for their visit in residential Greene Square.

Mini Fruit Tartlet (back right), plus ice cold summer fruit infused water (left) for holiday   picnic in Savannah

City sightseeing shuttles circled the square. Horse drawn carriages passed by at a slow prance.  Just enough of the tour guides’ narratives could be heard to know they were echoing Diane’s historical and patriotic tales about Greene Square.

Life is a celebration! 

We hope you’ll want to celebrate more of life, soon and often, and choose Savannah as the place.  We’ll have lodging, plus tips about “Savannah, the way you like” waiting for your visit at cozy Green Palm Inn.

God Bless America.  Happy 4^th of July!

###

Copyright © 2013 Green Palm Inn / Sandy Traub

July 4th southern picnic — (back) Red, White  and Blue Potato Salad | Green Palm Inn

Recipe: Red, White and Blue Potato Salad
Featured in the Green Palm Inn “4th of July Picnic Menu”, June 2013

• 1 cup chopped green onions, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound unpeeled small or baby red-skinned potatoes
• 1 pound small purple or blue potatoes, peeled
• 1 pound unpeeled small white creamer or White Rose potatoes
• 2 cups cooked fresh peas, or one 10-ounce package frozen, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese (about 6 ounces)
• Paprika

Preparation

Whisk 1/2 cup green onions and next 7 ingredients in medium bowl. Cover and chill dressing.
Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Place all potatoes in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Sprinkle with salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and boil until tender, 10 to 15 minutes (time will vary depending on size and variety of potatoes). Drain and cool to room temperature.

Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices and place in large bowl. Add dressing, peas, and blue cheese; toss gently. Cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Sprinkle potato salad with paprika and remaining 1/2 cup green onions.

Keep chilled and serve.

- frozen filo shells
Bake 7 minutes to brown lightly.
Cool.

- Kroger’s Private selection Tart Cherry and White Peach Fruit Filling.
Once tart shells are cooled, spoon to fill with Cherry & White Peach filling.

Top with a small dab of cream cheese frosting, enough to hold a blue berry garnish on top. Serve.

Copyright (c) 2013 Green Palm Inn, Savannah GA USA

July 4th picnic fare — (left) Southern Pimento Cheese and Pepper Jelly Rounds

Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese and Pepper Jelly Sandwich Rounds
Green Palm Inn, Savannah Georgia USA

- 1 block of Cracker Barrel Sharp or Extra Sharp Cheddar – grated
- Mayo – just enough to loosen
- garlic powder to taste
- 2 small jars drained pimentos
- red bell pepper (chopped) to taste
- 2-3 dashes Worshestershire sauce

Mix well and refrigerate covered.

TO MAKE THE SANDWICHES:
For rounds, cut center of sandwich bread (your choice) with biscuit cutter. For square sandwiches, cut crust off your favorite bread.

Spread the pimento cheese on bottom slice. Spread thin layer of red pepper jelly on top of cheese. Top with second layer of bread.

Optional: Use Panini pan to lightly grill sandwich. Or use non-stick pan to light toast on one side, then flip.

June and July are grand holiday times for an Independence Day celebration in this grand, patriotic American city — an historical place where American independence was won.  Savannah USA, on the Georgia Coast!

Grand Union flag of the United Colonies, January 1, 1776 | American Revolutionary War with Great Britain. Painting by Clyde O. DeLand

The British began leaving Savannah on June 20, 1782. The “United Colonies” — a term spoken by George Washington –  had won!  On June 20, 1782, Congress also adopted the Great Seal of the United States of America.

No need to be a by-stander here!  Green Palm Inn bed and breakfast will point out the All-American spots to savor America’s most beautiful city.  Psst! Don’t miss July 4th fireworks!

WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN SAVANNAH BETWEEN JULY 4, 1776 AND JULY 11, 1782?

Have you thought much about what transpired in the six years between the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 to when the British troops evacuated Savannah on July 11, 1782?

• We re-read the Declaration of Independence, dated July 4, 1776.  We notice the “u” is lower case — “Declaration of united States of America….”  Though a mighty wish for independence, does the typography tell us that union was  hoped for, but that the “United Colonies” perhaps was chiseled only in George Washington’s mind?
• We read of the stalwart men who became Georgia colony signers of the Declaration of Independence — Button Gwinnett, Lymon Hall, and George Walton.  Button Gwinnett is buried in Colonial Cemetery, downtown Savannah.  Downtown Savannah streets — Gwinnett and Hall — are named to honor those two men of history.

Spring Hill Redoubt at Sunrise, Tricentennial Park | Photo: Jim Byous Photography

Surely along the Georgia coast of America’s 13th Colony, we honor the Revolutionary War Battle of Savannah — December 29, 1778.  A statue honoring Sergeant Jasper is found along Bull Street in Madison Square. In Tricentennial Park Sites there is Battlefield Park, Savannah History Museum. Historical markers dot the downtown Savannah landscape.  Old Fort Jackson (once called Fort Mud) is just east off President Street on a small island.

• We read of the Patriots in Georgia — the ones reportedly who tarred, feathered and carted loyalists raiders (Kings Rangers) about the city in a wagon for hours.  Resource: Voices from Colonial America: Georgia 1629-1776 by Michael Burgan, National Geographic
• Known affectionately as the Liberty Boys, one of the patriots called today’s famous The Olde Pink House restaurant his family home. It was the prominent mansion of one revolutionary, James Habersham Jr., whose ghost is said to visit.
• We read of the French who became the mighty ally to America’s independence seekers.  General Marquis de Lafayette was George Washington’s Aide de Camp and representative of the French allies in the War for American Independence.
• In 1824 the returning hero Lafayette spoke from the balcony of Telfair Museums’ Owens-Thomas House, located on Oglethorpe Square.  The mansion is open for tours. Lafayette Square is named to honor General Lafayette.

“EVACUATION DAY: JULY 11, 1782″

In the RevolutionWarArchives.org we discovered this excerpt under the title “Evacuation Day: July 11, 1782“:

Remnant of Fort Prevost (post Revolutionary War, Fort Wayne) in Savannah downtown.

[In Savannah] “… June 20 the British and Hessian soldiers moved the whole of their heavy regimental baggage to the waterside below Fort Prévost.**  From June 22 to June 23 they began ferrying the heavy baggage down the Savannah River to Tybee Island in large boats and schooners.”

Fort Prévost, we discover, is the remnants of “The Old Fort”, located at East Broad and Bay Street.  Today tourists and locals dine in The Pirates’ House restaurant, and attend weddings and entertainment functions at Charles H. Morris Center.  Both are situated on the Old Fort grounds.

Fort Prevost –”Built on the Trustee Garden, dating back to 1733, by the English after they captured the city in 1779. Named for [the British brigadier general] Augustine Prévost. Other names applied to forts in this area include Fort Halifax, Fort Savannah, and Fort Wayne.”  Source: OurGeorgiaHistory.com

Interestingly, Augustine Prévost was born to a French Huguenot family that was originally from Poitou, France. His brother Mark was dispatched also to take part also in the Seige of Savannah.  After the British evacuated, Fort Prévost was renamed to Fort Wayne, honoring “Mad” Anthony Wayne.  It was Continental General Anthony Wayne, who on January 19, 1782, arrived in Georgia, crossing the Savannah River on horseback with orders to rid the state of the British in spite of being outnumbered 2 or 3 to 1.

As you see, on Savannah we cherish daily life that includes our rich American history. It could be said that our “Hostess City of the South” is part socialite and part doting historian — the one who invites you in to see and sense, to be in the moment and in the places where America’s history still takes place every day!

Aren’t you ready to declare a few days of independence and ramble about this All-American city where USA independence was won? Come discover Savannah’s rich city of heroes and historical places.

It’s truly one of America’s choicest lands of liberty here along the Georgia coast.  We love it and want to share it with you.

Diane McCray
Green Palm Inn, a top-rated B&B in downtown Savannah

Copyright (c) 2013 Green Palm Inn / Sandy Traub

Even if there isn’t a parade there are fireworks on the Savannah riverfront monthly, fireworks on 4th of July holidays, and frequently at the Savannah Sand Gnats baseball games!

Downtown Street Parades

On parade days in Savannah, celebrations are happening in the streets and behind the big spectator scenes in the famously-quiet, Savannah old neighborhoods.  There are gardens, people, and private party socials also on parade.

Did you know?  According to the 1907 Code of Savannah, Forsyth Park was known as Forsyth Place, bounded by Gaston Street on the north, Whitaker Street on the west, Drayton Street on the east, and the Military Parade Ground on the south.

“SEE how the flowers, as at parade,
Under their colours stand display’d ….”
– A Garden, by Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)

We’ll keep updating parade dates as soon as we get confirmations.  Meanwhile, here are holidays around which Savannah parades are normally scheduled.

And you thought the parade days were only for Veteran’s Day Parade, a Boat Parade, a Christmas Holiday Parade, and Big St. Patrick’s Parade!

• Tybee Island Floatillas – Water float ‘parades’ all summer. Check dates. ** something novel to do!
• 5th Annual Midnight Garden Ride – August 31, 2013, 8 p.m.
• Veteran’s Day – Monday, November 11, 2013 (Parade date also)
• Savannah Harbor Foundation Boat Parade of Lights - Saturday, November 30, 2013
• Thunderbolt Holiday Boat Parade – (Parade date TBA)
• Holiday on the River and Lighted Christmas Parade – December 6 – 7, 2013 (Parade date TBA)
• 7th Annual Tybee Island Toure de Lights Bike Parade! – TBA
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – January 20, 2014 (Parade date)
• Georgia Day Parade – February (Parade TBA)
• Tybee Island Mardi Gras Parade – February (Parade data TBA)
• St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2014 (Parade date TBA)
• Tybee Beach Bum Parade – May 2014 (parade date TBA)
• Tybee Pirates Fest Parade – October  10 – 13, 2013 (parade date TBA)

Pssst! Even when there isn’t a grand street parade, the beauties in Savannah – the flowers, the species, the architecture — are worthy of our parade rest every day!

• Tybee Island Tour of Homes – Saturday, June 8, 2013
• Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens — March 27 – 30, 2014
• Homebuilder’s Associations “Parade of Homes” – April 2014 (TBA)

“We do a lot of bird-watching up in the country, but we almost never have a chance to people-watch. There simply aren’t enough human beings up here: there is nowhere you can park yourself with a cup of coffee and observe the species on parade.”**  – Susan Orlean, author

** Pssst! Not so in Savannah!

Let us know when you’re ready for “The Softer Side of Savannah”, celebrated with or without a downtown parade!

Diane McCray, Innkeeper
Green Palm Inn
Historic Savannah bed and breakfast

The Spirit of Savannah by Michael Woloszynowicz

Update on June 18, 2013: Yes, we do have a July special!

Green Palm Inn’s July 2013 Special — book either the Sabal Palm or the Royal Palm for 3 nights mid week, July 2013, Sunday through Thursday stay, and get the 4th night free.  Normally $199 plus tax per night, now $159 plus tax per night for a 4 night stay.

Best Rates + Travel Adviser Assistance at top-rated bed and breakfast in Savannah 

Especially for summer vacations, it’s hard for us to get the “No” out.  Instead, our approach to discount travel in Georgia is to keep our Savannah B&B room rates inexpensive year around. Then assist soft adventure travelers and Savannah tourists to ‘maximize moments’ with travel adviser tips and local assistance.

We were pleased recently to see the phrase ‘maximize moments’ – though it is one we had not formally used before – in the UK Telegraph article, Luxury travel trends: 2013′s new developments by Lola Pedro. The article continues that “multiple, mix-and-matched experiences” are on trend, rather than “single experiences”.

Through hundreds of lodging inquiries weekly, innkeeper Diane McCray fields an endless variety of Savannah tourist questions.  Even just a few Savannah travel questions, with innkeeper Diane McCray’s answers, will only tease your imagination.

1. Where is a Savannah romantic place to propose?
   A carriage ride to Columbia Square fountain is the short answer. Diane orchestrated with Madison Tour Company to pick up a darling couple at the inn, ride to the nearby square, pause to throw a coin for good luck.  Right then, the husband-to-be dropped to his knew to propose. Meanwhile, Dee Thompson (tour guide, historian, horse-woman, and co-planner) was snapping pictures.
2. What are the best Savannah restaurants?
   Our favorite is Alligator Soul, a stand out among Savannah fine dining restaurants and romantic places.
3. What to do in Savannah? We’re planning a summer trip in July or August 2013.
   The short answer for Savannah’s long summer daylight hours: “Get to the water!” Spend the day on Tybee Island, the Georgia beach near Savannah.  Climb the Tybee Lighthouse. Stroll the beach. Take a sunset cruise. See the river channel where international ship arrive and depart. For travelers arriving by plane, the Savannah to Tybee Island shuttle is popular and inexpensive — $3/per person each way. Our guests simply plan their day around the shuttle’s schedule. Then, take in downtown Savannah’s social nightlife and a romantic dinner.
   

Even last minute getaways are easy with holiday travel tips from Green Palm Inn’s B&B in Savannah, Georgia.

TripAdvisor.com travel reviews report that the top-rated Green Palm Inn’s Savannah tips and recommendations are spot on. “We’re local in Savannah and this discount bed and breakfast inn in the historic district knows the best Savannah travel tips, personally,” says Diane.

When the inn talks about value-added lodging, it points to a couple of examples.  There was a tourist-related firm in New York City that charged $99 for an itinerary. We have read that some travel agents have begun charging a $150 retainer to assist travelers with destination travel.  Note: The lodging rates at Green Palm Inn are already discounted so we would not pay a travel agent’s fee – typically a percentage.

Now you know our insider’s secrets — how to be a top-rated, discount bed and breakfast at the same time!  

We’ll be so happy to welcome you to The Softer Side of Savannah!  Let us know when you’ll be arriving. It’s less hurried for your trip to Savannah in Summer 2013.

Diane McCray, Innkeeper

“Tourism does not go to a city that has lost its soul.” – Arthur Frommer

Memorial Day Flags at Green Palm Inn in Savannah GA USA

In the American southeast as we near summertime and the 4th of July, our thoughts turn to gratitude for Savannah’s blessings — its independent spirit, and resilience.  The spirit of the place (folk tales, rivers, woods, kindred spirits), and a sense of place (urban architecture, plantings, street culture) are generously portioned into the wonderful, rich mix that allows us to celebrate every day in Savannah.

Heritage is rich, deep and wide in Savannah, Georgia USA.

In the spirit of the great American song, “This Land Is Your Land,”  the spirit of Savannah and the choice sense of place we enjoy, require devotion and hard work.

Take in July 4th Fireworks along the Savannah River harbor. Horse drawn carriage tours perpetuate modern and colonial era stories.

A top heritage pick:  Savannah  waterfront

The heritage city’s tourism stories are kept accurate through the City of Savannah’s Official Tour Guide Manual and training.

On the streets, and in mansion- and art museums the spirit of Savannah is kept alive by passionate hospitality professionals and tourism marketers who include Green Palm Inn‘s own innkeepers,  shuttle and walking tour guides, chefs and restaurant servers, and our friendly city’s residents and officials.

Embracing natural, cultural, patriotic and historic treasures, southern culture and Savannah traditions are celebrated through food, art, film, dance, music, storytelling.  We work at it – making every day a quintessential American celebration, unique in Savannah.

Patriotic Savannah (c) Britt Reints

Consider the city’s vast multi-cultural heritage festivals — Scottish, Asian, Irish, Greek, Jewish, French, German (Oktoberfest), African, Blues, Jazz, Folk, coastal seafood, and more.

From cane-assisted seniors to young art students, pop culture fans, and cyclists, each clings double fisted to Savannah’s historical wonders and modern progress, and southern-slow paces that meet comfortably with the swell of creativity, places and stories.  Each adds to the rich tapestry in Savannah’s corner of America the Beautiful.

“This land was made for you and me.” Come visit us in Savannah, Georgia USA. You’ll discover the spirit of America’s beautiful southland here!

Copyright (c) 2013 Green Palm Inn / Sandy Traub

Eighth Air Force Patch

SAVANNAH, Georgia (May 22, 2013) – Thank you for honoring America’s World War II heroes, HBO, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks!

Hollywood’s champions of film and patriotism are developing a 10-hour HBO series based on the Mighty Eighth Air Force, activated during World War II in Savannah, Georgia in January 1942. We are following the HBO Eighth Air Force film news, and what we are reading so far is that Savannah filming will being in October 2013.

Get away for your USA holiday vacation this summer to visit the Birthplace of Eighth Air Force in Savannah, Georgia USA. Summer is significant to the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

On D-Day (June 6, 1944), over 2,300 sorties were flown by Eighth Air Force heavy bombers in the Normandy and Cherbourg invasion areas, all aimed at neutralizing enemy coastal defenses and front-line troops.

The historical marker begins,

“On 28 January 1942, the Eighth Air Force, was activated in the adjacent building, a National Guard Armory at the time. Having moved to England, the Eighth was ready on 17 August to test the theory that daylight bombing raids could be made with profitable results. Twelve B-17′s participated in this mission, striking the railway marshalling yards at Rouen, France, and returning safely to their home base….”

The designated birthplace is the Old Chatham Artillery building (now American Legion Post 135), at Bull Street near Park Avenue, just south of Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah.

Betty Bombers a themed WWII cafe near Forsyth Park, Savannah GA

There locals and travelers may dine on organic fare at Betty Bombers, All-American Mess Hall is a delightful canteen-type sandwich shop with a World War II theme. We recommend the delicious made-to-order hamburgers!

Architectural Note: Atop the American Legion building (Post 135, 1108 Bull Street, Chatham Artillery) is an American Eagle with wings spread perched on what appears to be an olive branch.  American’s foremost sculptor in the first half of the 20th Century, Lee Oscar Lawrie, sculpted Hyman Wallace Witcover’s eagle.

Get closer to the HBO new series’ story, any time! The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located in Pooler, a few minutes drive west of Savannah.

B&B innkeepers visit National Museum of Mighty Eighth Air Force near Savannah, Georgia USA

If you would like to just linger and reminisce over a simple lunch, dine on-site in the museum’s pub at Miss Sophie’s Marketplace — Monday – Friday  from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“Noble Spirit” evident in more patriotic Savannah places

The World War II Memorial – dedicated in 2010, is a Celebration of the Greatest Generation. The WWII Memorial [pic] is located on River Street on WWII Memorial Plaza. “Conceptualized and designed by Savannah’s own Eric Meyerhoff, this memorial [entitled "A World Apart"] is a visible symbol of a nation’s gratitude for extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness” writes the Veterans Council of Chatham County, Georgia USA.  Actor James Cromwell helped to raise the final funds — $180,000 of the $1 million campaign — to complete the memorial in Savannah.

“May God Bless America as a land of liberty for future generations,” says our B&B innkeeper Diane McCray.

“Do us a favor, please.  Thank a USA veteran every chance you get!  Come to visit whenever you can. We’d love for you to stay at our top-rated Green Palm Inn“.

Diane McCray, Innkeeper

Did you know? Statue of lady “Liberty” is atop Pulaski Monument in downtown Savannah, Monterey Square.

P.S. Did you know? During World War II (1941-1945), Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer was in California, developing songs, films and entertainment for America’s effort in World War II.  In 1942 Mercer cofounded Capitol Records in Hollywood with movie mogul Buddy DeSylva and music store owner Glen Wallichs. The company survived a wartime shortage of shellac (which was necessary for manufacturing phonograph records) to produce several hits, including Mercer’s “Strip Polka” and “G. I. Jive.” Source: New Georgia Encyclopedia 

Compilation and Concept, Copyright © 2013 Green Palm Inn / Sandy Traub

New Web site design | Green Palm Inn, Savannah Georgia USA

The owners of the top-rated Green Palm Inn, a 4-bedroom cottage inn in Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, are smartly braving the USA tough economy. They chose to jump confidently into strategic change and creative processes.

Happily, there is success!

“Our cozy cottage is more popular than ever,” shares co-owner and innkeeper Diane McCray. “How do I know that?  Wonderful travelers are changing vacation dates, saying ‘We want to stay with you!’  And, USA and international guests are staying longer — 4 or 5 days instead of 2 or 3.  I am so thankful!”

The top-rated inn’s The Softer Side of Savannah personality has melded with substantially bolder brand content. It evolves with the addition of more experiential taglines, Savannah Your Way, and “I [heart] Savannah” introduced on GreenPalmInn.com.

Owners Diane McCray and Gary Crews tapped Savannah-based strategist Sandy Traub to lead their strategic positioning shift.  “For Green Palm Inn, the question was never “Will we make a marketing upgrade or shift?”.  The questions were “when?” and “how?”.

In a discussion of “Why change?” Sandy points to Albert Einstein’s definition of Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  “The change process is a landscape of land mines dotted with important decisions and logistics. Yet selective, methodical change is good business, really necessary for competitive business development,” Sandy adds.

For Green Palm Inn, where were the new business opportunities?  “That’s where critical research and having a strategy first pay off,” Sandy insists.

Guest reviews on the mammoth travel site TripAdvisor.com were the first stop to find initial answers. “Green Palm Inn was and is doing many things right.  The challenge was to carefully pair the popular inn with up-trending travel segments,” Sandy concludes.

Nicasio Design LLC was selected to produce the new web site. Leading the development team, Chris Underwood took visual cues from the inn’s new logo designed by Savannah-based Kelly Applegate Design.  Travis Sawyer at Creative Approach brought in Earth-tone paper to emphasize the inn’s palm influence in printed pieces. Then, Chris combined the new branding, infused creative elements, and lead the Nicasio team in building the WordPress framework.

With new photos and content added, the end result delivers a feeling of familiarity in the cottage-cozy inn’s new, robust web site.

Experiential photo assets were produced by Guy Smith, Popcorn Octane LLC in Hilton Head Island, SC. That firm had produced the inn’s popular video, The Softer Side of Historic Savannah.  For inspiring, out-and-about city photos, the beautiful work of James Byous Photography captured innovative angles and fresh subjects that help to expand the inn’s storyline. Interior photography is by the award-winning Adam Kuehl. Palm photos are by Savannah native Nancy Heffernan, known most recently for Tybee Island photography.

“Our little inn’s web site is the inn’s go-to marketing core. I can now quickly and easily orchestrate our integrated marketing, including social media and my blog,” says Diane McCray. The inn is active in Google’s G+ and YouTube.com, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, and FoodSpotting.

Diane’s advice? “Know what problems you want your marketing to help solve. Wrap your head around what you like. Be concise about what you want, not only in look and feel, but business results.  Then, tap the best talent and professionals you can afford.”

This optimistic and happy innkeeper believes the old adage is true: first impressions matter.  “I wanted to convey sweet efficiency and a gentle welcome — the inn’s local charm, which complements the tourism story of destination Savannah, Georgia. Then, of course, I love a tad of that ‘walk around hooray spirit’ of Dixie.  Surely, I got all that was on my wish list!”

Copyright (c) 2013 Green Palm Inn / Sandy Traub

For more information, contact Diane McCray at Green Palm Inn — telephone 912-447-8901 or toll free 888-606-9510.