A Destination in Review - Savannah, GA

Probably the city most credited for my "travel-awakening" is Savannah, Georgia. In the past 4 years, I have managed to visit Savannah 3 times, each trip being a Girls’ weekend with one of my best friends from college. Though I have yet to take a solo trip to Savannah, this city would be perfect for any traveler, whether solo, in a group, or looking for a romantic getaway. Its rich history, inspiring Fine Art’s culture, laid-back Southern charm, and amaaaazing food all make it a top destination that will not disappoint! There is an array of great hotels, ranging from the reasonably priced chain, to the extravagant-beyond-belief, located within the Historic District. Because of the layout of the Historic District, anywhere you stay in the area will give you access within walking distance to entertainment; shopping, dining, night-life, and plenty of site seeing!

A few things you won’t want to miss while you are there:

Paula Deen’s famous buffet, The Lady & Sons! - As a Food Network fan, this is initially what brought me to Savannah. I thought this would be the highlight, but I had no idea the other charms this southern jewel had waiting for me. If you plan on dining here, you will want to join the line on Congress St before 9am to get your lunch reservation. (They do not take phone reservations, except for parties over 10.) You won’t have to wait for long to put your name in as the line moves quickly & then you’ll be able to do some sight seeing with your morning. Reserving your space early is a much shorter wait then showing up closer to lunch when you are already hungry. Plus this is the south… It gets hot in the afternoon so you’ll be happy you choose to do your waiting in the cool of the morning.

City Market – This is a lovely little area with several restaurants and galleries situated in the heart of the district. While you are here, I recommend stopping in at Belford’s Seafood and Steaks around lunch time for some sweet tea and a Savannah delicacy known as She-Crab Stew! It is a creamy-buttery-melt-in-your-mouth experience beyond comprehension. I found the service at this restaurant was mediocre, but the stew is well worth a slightly inattentive waiter. Afterwards, save some room for dessert and head across the way to the Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for one of their famous Pecan Pralines or Chocolate Pecan Pralines. On a Friday or Saturday evening, City Market is also a great place to hear live music and a have a small serving of Italy’s sweetest treat at Gelat-Ohhh! 

River Street –From Bay St, walking down steeply inclined stone steps that date back to the 1700’s, (there is also an elevator if your knees don’t permit the hike) you’ll feel immediately like you are entering another period in time. All the way up and down the Savannah River, you’ll find lots of shopping, restaurants, and of course…pubs. You’ll find opportunities for karaoke, dancing, and belting out an old Irish drinking song or two. You’ll also notice the lack of open-container laws in the area. Bars there do not seem to be offended if you walk in still holding a beverage from another establishment & I was shocked when a restaurant actually offered me a to-go cup for my beer… This city of the south appears to have gotten rid of its “blue laws” a long time ago. 

Other Savannah Establishments & Attractions Worth Mention:

Me, Colleen, and a Candy-Appletini at Jazz'd Tapas Bar

Jazz’d Tapas Bar (Barnard St) - Jazz'd closes earlier in the evening, but it has a very classy atmosphere and is great for lighter fare and tasty cocktails. On occasion you will catch a live blues band or Crooner there to entertain you.

Fried Green Tomatos at Vic's On the River

Vic’s On the River (River St) - You'll find incredible southern gourmet food and a charming atmosphere. The staff here will make you feel like part of the Southern Gentry as you relax to the  melodies of their live baby grand piano player! I recommend trying the Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade and for dessert the Sweet Potato Crème Brule!

Sweet Melissa’s (Whitaker St) - The perfect place for your late night pizza craving!

SCAD Campus and Surrounding Art Galleries - You’ll also find quite a bit of shopping in the area around W Broughton St—including both retail chains and unique resale/ vintage shops.

The Dolphin Tour Boat

Savannah River Dolphin Tours – I was thoroughly surprised by how exciting this tour was! The guides will take you out several miles where you’ll get a great view of the city from the river as well as some of the out lying islands along Georgia and South Carolina’s coast. If you’re lucky like we were, you’ll also get an up close and personal greeting from a pod of wild dolphins! 

Things I Will Pass On Next Time:

Savannah Trolley Tours – It is fun to ride around in the trolley, but our tour guide, while knowledgeable about the city, was less than charismatic. If you can’t handle lots of walking this may still be a good option for you, but I recommend spending the few extra dollars for the “on-off” tour so that you can exit the tour at various points to explore the most interesting areas.

Savannah River Boat Cruise – I really looked forward to this excursion, but it was a sore disappointment. The river boat is beautiful from the outside, but the inside is quite dank and outdated...dirty even. I knew we’d made the right choice to skip the dinner cruise and opt for a moon-lit tour as soon as we made it up the river (toward the industrial end for some reason.) Our appetites were quickly ruined by a pungent sulfur smell that wafted from the shipping yards. If the tour owners manage to renovate the boats’ interiors and start taking the boat in the other direction, down the river, I think it could have real potential.  

For those of you who have been to Savannah, what did I miss? Please comment on the blog to share your favorites as well!