St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

No matter when you head down to Savannah, you'll always have a good time in the historic city. That's particularly true on March 17, when Savannah hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country. River Street, a cobblestone way that runs alongside the Savannah River, becomes party central, while crowds also gather in and around the bars and restaurants of nearby City Market. The festivities begin with a parade on the morning of March 17 and continue until long after the sun has set. Here are 10 reasons you should make the four-hour drive to Savannah to celebrate St. Patrick's Day:

1. Wear your green feather boa, your green-and-white striped tights and your green Bozo wig without feeling ridiculous. No matter how elaborate your green ensemble is, someone at this celebration will be sporting a more extreme costume than you are.

2. Recapture your best spring break memories (or lack thereof) with thousands of other people who are partying just as hard as you.

3. Walk the streets with a glass of beer in your hand (we know that's one of your favorite things). Though there are rules governing outdoors alcohol consumption in downtown Savannah, taking your drink with you when you leave a bar is allowed. Just be sure it's in the right-sized plastic cup, that you're wearing a bracelet that shows you're over 21 (they'll be sold throughout the party zone for $5) and that you don't get arrested for public intoxication or indecency.

4. Collect shiny green beads. Just remember to obey the laws regarding decency. And yes, that means no flashing. Don’t say we didn't warn you.

5. See green everywhere you go—from the parks and squares that dot the city's downtown area to the fountains that are dyed for the occasion.

6. Find the best spot to watch the St. Pat's parade, which has a certain small-town charm. Not to mention an incredible amount of Irish pride, as evidenced by the many families that march in the parade. It gets started at 10:15 p.m. March 17 and takes a few hours to wind its way through the streets of downtown.

7. Pin on your "Kiss me, I'm Irish" button. Be aware that at this street party, people are going to take you up on that offer.

8. Call on the power of the shamrock, which has always been your lucky charm. And who knows, you may finally find the gold at the end of the rainbow here. At the very least, you should see someone wearing a believable leprechaun costume.

9. Accept a drink from a stranger (just don't take their candy or get into a car with them). In the past, we've shared beer with strangers, but refused to take a full cup from a guy dressed like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. You've got to draw the line somewhere, right?

10. Get in touch with your spiritual side and/or find forgiveness at the St. Patrick's Day Mass held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Set your alarm clock to make it on time, though, because the service starts at 8 a.m. on March 17.