SAVANNAH TRAVEL GUIDE
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia, and in my opinion, the most beautiful. Dramatic oak trees covered in Spanish moss serve as the back drop to the city’s urban planning, art and architecture. Southern tradition and exemplary design are just a few reasons to visit and discover Savannah’s secrets.
MUST SEE
HISTORIC DISTRICT
The heart of the city, and a perfect destination for arts, culture, history, restaurants, cafes, museums, and monuments!
CITY MARKET
Between historic Ellis and Franklin Squares, the open-air, mixed use space is home to multiple shops, art galleries and restaurants. This is considered an anchor attraction in Savannah’s Historic District and is a must see!
PRO TIP: In the downtown historic district don’t be surprised when you order a beverage if the bartender asks, “Would like it for here or to go?” In this district, you can walk around with your drink!
The Paris Market and Brocante, 36 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
HISTORIC SQUARES
Savannah has twenty-two (of the original twenty four) squares and parks, equally spaced throughout the historic city center. Perfectly preserved, the squares retain the charm from the original 1733 plan. Chippewa Square is most famous for its scene in the film, Forrest Gump, where Forrest quoted the now infamous line,”Life is like a box of Chocolates.”
JONES STREET
Considered and often referred to as one of the prettiest streets is Savannah, the wide, tree-lined Jones Street is boasting with picturesque Greek-Revival architecture. Beyond Jones, other notable and picturesque streets include Rainbow Row and Bull Street.
PRO TIP: If you are only in Savannah for a short time, use the address’ below for quick highlights of Jones Street: 1 West Jones Street, Israel Tefft House, 5 West Jones Street, Eliza Thompson House, and 10 West Jones Street, Noah B Knapp House
TELFAIR MUSEUMS
Located in Savannah’s Historic District, Telfair Museums is comprised of three unique sites; Telfair Academy, Owens–Thomas House and the Jepson Center for the Arts designed by architect Moshe Safdie, and winner of an AIA Gold Medal.
RIVER STREET
Once rice and cotton warehouses, you can now find restaurants, late-night bars and tourist shops while admiring the views. Watch the larger than life cargo ships float into port, while enjoying a Praline from River Street Sweets. Walk down the cobblestone streets and check out the original bridges that connect Factors Walk or buy your postcards in one of the many shops along the river.
PRO TIP: When you walk into River Street Sweets, hot Praline samples are given out. They are so sweet, but a classic and traditional Southern delight. Nevertheless, a sample bite was enough sugar for me!
FORSYTH PARK
One of the most iconic images of Savannah is the fountain that sits within Forsyth Park. Stroll through the Spanish Moss covered paths towards the central fountain. Within the park, you will find monuments, an amphitheater, tennis and basketball courts, and open grassy fields.
FIELD NOTE: The fountain was purchased from a design catalogue but it is similar to the one in Paris’ Place de la Concorde!
ON MY NEXT VISIT:
Savannah Riverboat Cruises (The Georgia Queen)
Historic Home Tours: Harper Fowlkes House, The Armstrong House, The Gingerbread House, Mercer Williams House, The Pirates House, and The Olde Pink House
The Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (Founder of the Girl Scouts)
Lucas Theater for the Arts (Built in 1921 designed by Claude Howell)
EAT (& DRINK)
TREYLOR PARK, 115 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401
A local favorite eatery, with a young and creative vibe. The menu is crafted with familiar ingredients prepared in a new way. My favorite spot is the intimately sized, warmly lit outside bar.
TWO TIDES BREWING, 12 W 41st St, Savannah, GA 31401
This isn’t a restaurant- but it’s definitely a must if you’re looking for a fun and quirky brewery! With a casual and local vibe, this pet-friendly brewery is a one off experience as is it set in a historic home.
SANDFLY BBQ at the Streamliner, 1220 Barnard St., Savannah, GA 31401
With just a handful of 4-person booths that fit within a converted railway car, this unique dining experience serves up amazing southern style barbecue in the heart of Savannah’s Victorian District.
LITTLE DUCK DINER, 150 W Saint Julian St, Savannah, GA 31401
With gold accents, penny tile, and brown leather chesterfield seating, this diner yields a contemporary twist on traditional design. Reminiscent of early American diners the menu contains classic favorites with the drinks topped with miniature rubber ducks.
PRO TIP: Out-of-state tourists who are unfamiliar with local rules about alcohol sales, please plan for brunch drinks accordingly. We went early Sunday morning, and in the state of Georgia, you can not be sold alcoholic beverages until 11AM.
Wake up with La Colombe coffee and a rubber ducky.
VINNIE VAN GO GO’S, 317 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401
After a long day and a few drinks, don’t leave City Market without eating some of the best thin crust pizza in Savannah. At this cash only restaurant, it provides hot and savory pies worth the wait!
THE GREY, 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
A transformed Greyhound Bus Station, this restaurant is one of my favorite of all time. It is such a unique concept for a restaurant, and perfectly executed with details noted by its multiple design awards; James Beard Award Finalists -Outstanding Restaurant Design, Bon Appetite- Best Restaurant Design, Hospitality Design Special Judges Award- Best Restaurant Design, and Historic Savannah Foundation- Historic Preservation Award.
THE COFFEE FOX, 102 W Broughton St. Savannah, GA, 31401
One of Savannah’s most beloved coffee shops, with coffee beans from local roaster PERC. I ordered the Horchata Latte based on a few recommendations and blogs I read online, and it did not disappoint. It was perfectly spiced with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.
NOTE: Other Locations include Foxy Loxy Cafe,1919 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
BACK IN THE DAY BAKERY, 2403 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
This vintage bakery and espresso bar is set in Savannah’s Starland Arts District and the southern baked goods are worth the stop. In 2015 both Cheryl and Griffith Day were nominated and then voted semi-finalists for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Baker. Pickup a cookbook and lavender shortbread cookies or famous biscuit!
THE GREY MARKET, 109 Jefferson St, Savannah, GA 31401
Chef Mashama Bailey and restaurateur Johno Morisano opened this second spot in October 2018 in hopes to transforms the notion of the lunch counter. Stop by any time of day for a sandwich or grab a prepackaged snack to-go. Interiors designed by Parts and Labor Design.
GHOST COAST DISTILLERY, 641 Indian St, Savannah, GA 31401
On the edge of downtown Savannah, you can find the first licensed Savannah distillery since the prohibition. Tour the facility and aging room for free and learn about their use of American white oak barrels, and some of their special flavor notes first hand. Follow up with a craft cocktail or two in the tasting room.
ON MY NEXT VISIT:
Mirabelle Cafe, 313 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
Collins Quarter, 151 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
Soho South Cafe, 12 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA 31401
Belfords: Seafood and Steak, 315 West St. Julian Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Atlantic Savannah, 102 E Victory Dr, Savannah, GA 31405
Bell Street Taco, 1608 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
Leopolds Ice Cream, 212 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Olde Pink House, 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
SLEEP
To make your trip special, look into staying at one of Savannah’s small and notable boutique hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, or Airbnbs. We chose a renovated motel, The Thunderbird Inn, just a short walk to Savannah’s downtown Historic District and City Market.
The Thunderbird Inn is an iconic property with bold colors and kitsch decor that bring you right back to 1964 with Moonpies, RC Cola and Krispy Cream Doughnuts. Nevertheless, The Thunderbird Inn has maintained its charm with a notable preservation award and a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
BED + BREAKFAST
Hamilton-Turner Inn
The Gastonian
Kehoe House
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
The Alida Hotel
Mansion on Forsyth Park
The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront
Kimpton Brice
