Haunted Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia

Do you remember the first time Mom or Dad read you a scary story and you felt both thrilled and chilled at the same time? Think back to a moment in time when you were fearful and longing for safety, yet you needed that creepy feeling to continue. Most people can't seem to get enough of these emotions, and I am no different, for my curiosity of fear is never ending. It was this thirst for the supernatural that led me to The Pirate's House in Savannah, Georgia. I shall warn you, that if you are like me and want to see if that scary story your parents once told you could have a glimmer of truth to it, then please continue reading.

The Pirate's House restaurant was merely a stop on our family trip to Disney World. The SUV was complete with husband, two sons, 11 and 18, and even Grandma. And I can tell you this.... we were all enthralled with our visit to this haunted eating establishment. I had seen The Pirate's House showcased on a television show featuring haunted places in America. Since, we were driving from New Jersey to Florida, why not stop over in Savannah, Georgia? After all, it is on the way to Disney World. Savannah is a quaint southern city but nothing could prepare us for the experience we were about to embark upon. At dusk, we drove to the restaurant, and the glow of the lights on the wooden slats of the restaurant's exterior was extremely inviting. As I gave our name for the reservation, I double checked that we would be seated in the "Herb Room". My family was unaware that I had requested this room for its particular reputation of ghostly "happenings". The matre de escorted us to our table in the Herb Room....the only table in the small private room. The size of this room reminded me of my own dining room at home. At the end of the room was a wooden staircase leading upstairs to an attic. The white walls and elegant dining set were aglow with candle light. A fireplace was on one wall with a mantle that held different sized pitchers for serving drinks. These were for decorative purposes only. The funny thing is that when the waitress introduced herself, she asked if we were too cold in this room. Grandma and my younger son were both chilly so she lit the fire in the fireplace, explaining that sometimes this room had an unusual chill in the air, and this was one of those times. She said that while she was preparing the table prior to our arrival, she felt as if someone was brushing past her. This happened occasionally, and that meant the room would be cold the entire evening. The resident ghost was here! Now, for someone looking for the thrill and chill of fear, I'd say I was accommodated.

It seems as if swashbuckling pirates, back in their day, would sneak off through the basement stairs and the attic staircase. They would gather their treasures and smuggle them onto awaiting ships in the harbor, located mere steps from the restaurant. Usually, while in drunken states, these pirates were sometimes attacked on their way to the river. Some were believed to have even been murdered within the house. For years, employees have seen ghostly figures dressed in pirate attire, felt sudden cold chills, found utensils, plates, glasses, and decorations, in different positions, and have heard footsteps when no one was there. Well, that night, my family and I did not see any ghostly figures, or hear heavy pirate boots dragging along the wooden floor. But the chill in the room was undeniable. And remember the different sized pitchers on the fireplace mantle? Believe me when I tell you that when we first entered the room all of the pitchers were facing to the right. As dessert was served ,one of the pitchers was facing left... and no one had touched it...that is, no one we could see. Ahoy maties, I think we just witnessed something chilling....a ghost.....the supernatural.........a fear........ a night to remember.

We stayed for hours not just to experience that wonder of fear and excitement that we had all experienced as children, but to learn that these pirates were real and are still inhabiting this house. In addition, the food and service were probably among the best ever experienced. It is one of those once in a lifetime restaurants that you will never ever forget. For all of us, Grandma, husband, two sons, and me, this was an experience we can sit back and reflect on when days are darkened by our failing economy, by the stress of our world, and by the everyday ups and downs called life. Everyone needs an escape, and I hope that by writing this, those who read my words will also have a few moments break in their daily lives. After all, isn't that the purpose of putting words on paper? If I have interested you for only a moment, then my words have indeed found the right readers.