South - Looking for savannah, ga recs

7 women plan to descend upon the Savannah area in early October. We range in age from 56-73. One w/Parkinsons and may need to rest during the day. So we are looking for 3/4 bedrooms, centrally located hotel, B & B, or estate. We hope we can forego renting a car and use our feet or public transportation. Looking for fabulous food recs as well. Things to do that are in the "Do Not Miss" category. Thx for all your help.

For a hotel, I'm a huge fan of the Avia...it's more or less in the middle of everything. The hotel is a short distance from the waterfront area and City Market.

a car can be useful if you want to got out to Tybee Island to see the lighthouse...

Bubba's restaurant is outside of town (on the way to TI) and is tasty. There was also an interesting Tea Room off one of the many squares in the old section of the city. Paula Deen's restaurant is well regarded. Alligator Soul was awfully good.
We stayed out at the (than) new Marriot by the airport. It was only a ten minute drive into town. Good facility.

As a fan of history, I rented a car when I visited Savannah so I could see Tybee Island and the confederate forts that were outside the city so it might be in your best interest to do this. Also, Paula Deen's restaurant lives up to its hype. Best fried chicken ever.

Mrs Wilkes for lunch is a must. Check it out on TripAdvisor. Here is the restaurant website: http://www.mrswilkes.com/

Just some quick thoughts:

Owen Thomas House is probably the one home that best personifies the history and culture of Savannah. Savannah History Museum is in the old railroad station – a good history of Savannah and the area. If you are into ships and maritime, there is a Ships of the Sea Museum.

If you read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, then you have to visit the Bonaventure Cemetery; the parents of the author (Conrad Aiken) are buried there (long story – dad Aiken killed his wife, then himself), Johnny Mercer (the songwriter) is buried in the cemetery. Danny Hansford, the blonde "hustler" in the book, is buried in the cemetery next door (Greenwich). The Mercer House (where the murder in Midnight took place … and it's also the house of Johnny Mercer’s great-grandparents) is on Bull St. Jackie O wanted to buy the house but the family would not sell it.

Lady and her Sons is Paula Deen’s restaurant. Make reservations for one of the nights you are there--or just drop by for lunch. They serve lunch and dinner …. Sunday lunch is a buffet – a little bit of everything. (Here … and anywhere in the South, Iced Tea is served sweetened, unless you ask otherwise.)

I agree with the recommendation to try Mrs Wilkes Dining Room, which only serves lunch – at family-style tables shared with strangers …. delicious!

For traditional Georgia BBQ, go to Wall’s.

All of these are downtown in the historic district.

On the River, try the Shrimp Factory … good seafood and you can watch the boats come and go.