Considering a city where “downtown” is only about 1.52 square miles with just under 500,000 metro residents, it’s a miracle Savannah has become the destination it is. Gorgeous southern charm oozes from the cobblestone streets, ghost stories are traded like dollar bills and Spanish moss sways blissful in the wind. The land of southern gothic beckons for you. Here’s what you should do!
Forsyth Park
Six blocks long and two wide, Forsyth is like a smaller, more southern Central Park. Moss-draped trees line the park’s main path, cutting north to south through the greenery. The park’s centerpiece is a Parisian white fountain spewing water in every direction. It almost looks out of place backed by the gothic green. At night, the warm yellow glow from the lamps illuminates the moss, somehow making it even more charming. Walking through the park and not falling for Savannah is nearly impossible, so I dare you to try.
The Mansions
Savannah is a walking city. Taking to the streets shows you the houses and the buildings that make the city so spectacular. Giant mansions painted in brilliant colors sit behind towering palm trees. Large gothic fences line the property. Pillars uphold house’s lofts. Dedicate some time to wander, or miss all this! The blocks between Oglethorpe Avenue and Broughton Street are some of the best for mansion spotting. Also swing by Jones Street, constantly regarded as one of the prettiest streets in the country. Touring a period-set house is also fun. One of my favorites is the Mercer-Williams House, setting for the legendary Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
The Squares
Not to sound like a broken record, but I could write about the beauty of Savannah’s squares for days. Like the mansions, the best way to see them is on the ground, walking around. While all of them possess some kind of beauty, a few stand out for specifics. Chippewa Square is home to the Forrest Gump bench. Reynolds Square is surrounded by pastel pink houses. The fountain in Columbia Square is really pretty too. There’s a pretty cool sculpture in Troup Square. Telfair Square is a beautiful front lawn for the namesake museum behind.
Ghost Tour
Here is MY ghost tour of Savannah!
Whether it’s one led by a “ghost expert” or one you set yourself on guided by me (see above), the ghosts are some of Savannah’s biggest celebrities.
Beaches
A coastal city, Savannah is nestled among so many wonderful beaches. From Hilton Head Island and the Golden Isles, the gorgeous sands have been called some of the nation’s best. The closest beaches are on Tybee Island. 20 minutes outside the city, the cute little town isn’t even three miles long. There is a pier jutting out into the ocean and a square with a few boutique shops. A lot of the little bungalows are hidden behind an oasis of green. Be forewarned, a lot on the island closes early and they are ruthless with parking tickets. The Crab Shack remains one of the city’s most fun places to eat with waterfront views and a gator-filled pond.
Plant Riverside District
This newly developed area is, surprisingly, right on the river. With brick streets and brick buildings, the area used to be home to a 1912 power plant. A lot of historic power plant parts are preserved, like the twin smokestacks. The area is anchored by the gorgeous JW Marriott. Check out the lobby; there are a ton of cool prehistoric displays. The Boabab bar inside the hotel has some great, albeit pricey, African-themed cocktails. I’m pretty sure the fountain outside the hotel does a nightly show. The strip of path next to the river also offers a close-up view to the Talmadge Bridge. There’s a couple other shops and hotels along the strip. Savannah Tequila Company dishes out quality margs and the luxury Alida boutique hotel is the city’s best place to stay.
Food
Like nearby Charleston, Savannah is another foodie Mecca. Start your day with the monstrous biscuits from Two Cracked Eggs. Specialty lattes from The Coffee Fox should follow, paired with their pastries. The flatbreads from Treylor Park (Hitch) are delicious, especially the Hawaiian one. For a cheap(er) eat, the pizza from Vinnie Van GoGos is good. Anything from Leopold’s Ice Cream is worth the wait. The city’s iconic pralines are worth a taste. I loved my BBQ Pork Mac-n-Cheese from B. Matthew’s Eatery, but ask for the collared greens on the side.
Franklin’s Coffee
I decided to separate this place because of my adoration. Franklin’s is the most adorable coffee shop dishing out some of the city’s best coffee. Vines creep around the windows of the shop, which sits below street level. With a tiled floor and clean interior, the mural along the back wall just feels right. Their lemon bar latte is heavenly and one of the city’s ‘can’t miss’ items.
River Street
River Street, against the Savannah River, can only be reached by scrambling down old and rocky stairs. The cobblestone streets are preserved with an old rail running down the median. It’s home to iconic shops like Savannah Candy Kitchen and Savannah Bee Company. In the spring, pretty gardens frame the side of the road. Outside of shopping and dining, there’s quite a few upscale hotels.
Broughton Street
People (me) generally call this the ‘Fifth Avenue of Savannah.’ Stately architecture houses a lot of chain retail stores. Lululemon, Urban Outfitters and Vineyard Vines all take up residence alongside Savannah shops like the flagship Savannah Bee Company and Frankie and June Surf Shop. The Gutstein Gallery displays SCAD students’ art. One of the country’s most haunted hotels, The Marshall House is also on this street.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
For a natural take on the area, visit this NWR! Concentrated around the Savannah River, it is home to a number of animals in its marshes and woodlands. It serves as a sanctuary for migrating birds. Other wildlife include the American Alligator, people have seen up to 25 on one visit, and bobcats. There’s quite a few trails around the refuge ranging in length from half a mile to almost four. Start your visit at the visitor center.
Fort Pulaski
This island fort is on the way to Tybee Island. It was completed in 1847 and acted as the city’s defense from Atlantic invaders. During the Civil War, its singular battle won the Union control of the fort. Years later, it was used as a destination for escaping enslaved people on the Underground Railroad. Now, the fort is open to the public. The dark interiors have cannons overlooking the marsh. It’s fun to wander around the musty interior, but is far from being the East Coast’s best fort.
Bars
Guys, Savannah has the GOOD kind of OPEN CARRY. You can order drinks from a bar to go and walk around the city with them! The Alida Hotel has a fantastic rooftop bar with a great view. Starland Yard is like an open-air food hall set within old shipping containers. The sexy, gold interior of Peacock Lounge is a great place to grab an Old Fashioned or one of their imported beers. The iconic Artillery, sitting in an 1800’s-era building, is filled with references to Savannah’s military history. Pinkie Masters is still a cash-only bar decked with rainbow Christmas lights. For cheap margaritas go to Tequila’s Town.
SCAD Story
As much museum as it is experience, this multimedia show retells the story of SCAD. It’s almost like a museum, but with projections and immersive sets. The 30 minute show is free, with donations taken at the end. While you’re there, walk around the campus a bit and check out the different galleries showcasing students’ art. ARTS Cafe on the school’s campus serves pretty good coffee.
Bonaventure Cemetery
When you read southern gothic, what do you think of? Oak trees dripping with Spanish moss? Stately white gravesites? Giant iron gates also hanging with Spanish moss? This cemetery has all those. I like to think it was the entire inspiration for the aesthetic. Don the bugspray before even thinking about walking around this waterside cemetery. The rows of rocky graves rest under swaying Spanish moss. Some of the popular graves include the resting site of young Grace Watson. Her gravesite has a statue of the small girl. Watson’s spirit has been seen wandering around the cemetery… Lyricist Johnny Mercer is also buried here.
And there you have it! Savannah!
Turquoise Skies 