Indulge the senses during Savannah’s
fall lineup of stellar events

The Savannah Film Festival presents a full range of cinematic creativity from students and professionals.

There’s never a shortage of things to see and do in Savannah, but autumn heralds a bounty of festivals that attract revelers from near and far. Not surprising for a city steeped in culture—food and the arts are recurring themes.

In late September, the city heats up even as the mercury begins to fall during the 27th Annual Savannah Jazz Festival (Sept. 20-28). Recognized as one of the most popular of the nearly 200 festivals the city hosts each year, this weeklong celebration of jazz showcases a variety of genres performed by international, national and local talent. It’s a soulful experience when fans of down-home “gutbucket” blues and Dixieland mingle with lovers of traditional swing and melodic standards. Indeed, this is one week when everyone speaks the same language—music.

The beat goes on in October, although it takes a decidedly different rhythm for the Savannah Folk Music Festival (Oct. 10-12). This fest is in its 19th year, and for good reason—it fills the city with family-friendly music aptly in tune with the town’s old-fashioned Southern hospitality.

Myriad cultures are honored through festivals that celebrate longstanding traditions while serving up fabulous fare. Oktoberfest (Oct. 3-5), the 57th Annual Greek Festival (Oct. 16-18), the Shalom Y’All Jewish Food Festival (Oct. 26) and the 27th Annual Seafood Festival (Oct. 31-Nov. 2) put food and fun on the agenda nearly every weekend.

The Tybee Island Pirate Festival (Oct. 10-11) lures swashbucklers of all ages to the quaint seaside locale known as “Savannah’s beach.” As hordes of pirates and buccaneers converge on the barrier island, merriment prevails, turning the typically peaceful island into a rollicking adventure land. The crowd gets decidedly more civilized for the 12th Annual Festival of the Arts (Oct. 18-19), also on Tybee Island.

Independent film buffs may want to plan their escape to Savannah Oct. 25-Nov. 1, when the 11th Annual Savannah Film Festival presents a chance to rub elbows with producers, directors and actors from around the globe.

Music, food, the arts—whatever your tastes, an escape to Savannah promises to be remarkably satisfying.

To help you savor the full flavor of Georgia’s first city, AAA Escapes has put together an enticing package. Enjoy Southern hospitality at the award-winning Mulberry Inn, situated in the historic heart of downtown. During your two-night stay, enjoy:

• Buffet breakfast in the Courtyard Cafe
• The Inn’s signature Afternoon Tea with delectable pastries and a live pianist
• Old Savannah Trolley Tours one-day trolley ticket (additional tours available)
• All hotel taxes & service fees

The Mulberry Inn has all the charm, class and amenities you would expect from a AAA 3 Diamond-rated hotel. And there’s no better time to plan an escape than during Savannah’s bustling festival season. Package rates start at $239* per person.

To book or for more information, call your local AAA office or visit AAA.com/AAAEscapes

*Rates per person/double occupancy subject to availability and seasonal rate changes.