photo by Erica Robnett
Travel
Traveling to Savannah? Here’s the Only Guide Your Group Will Need
One of the most beautiful cities in the country, Savannah is famous for its cobblestone streets, towering live oaks and picturesque mansions from years past. But this southern beauty is so much more than a time capsule for America’s...
photo by Erica Robnett
One of the most beautiful cities in the country, Savannah is famous for its cobblestone streets, towering live oaks and picturesque mansions from years past. But this southern beauty is so much more than a time capsule for America’s beginnings. Thanks to an arts college dedicated to restoring the city’s iconic buildings and a new wave of creatives setting up shop, Savannah has transformed from a sleepy historic town to a young, thriving city ideal for every group getaway.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
Stay
Savannah’s accommodations are just like the southern city itself: arts-focused, thoughtful of its historical past and refreshed with modern amenities. Cozy bed and breakfasts, contemporary boutique hotels, mansion retreats—whichever you select, you’ll experience Savannah at her best.
Perry Lane Hotel captures the essence of Georgia’s first city by honoring its old roots and embracing the town’s artistic edge. Select from multiple dining options—one including an impressive rooftop scene—and check out the hotel’s explore packages, which partner with local businesses for exclusive tours and experiences.
Quintessential Savannah living looks a lot like the Hamilton-Turner Inn. The historic residence turned luxury hotel is beloved for its French Empire architecture and stunning interiors (we’re still swooning over the wallpaper). Each room is unique, and the house sits facing peaceful Lafayette Square in the heart of the Historic District.
Surrounded by historic churches, homes and museums, this modern hotel is a refreshing urban retreat. By day, recoup poolside or explore the trendy lobby’s library selection. By night, your group will love how close you are to Savannah’s nightlife off City Market.
For sweeping views of the Savannah River and direct access to popular River Street, look no further than the River Street Inn. Your group of sightseers will love how close the Inn is to some of Savannah’s most iconic attractions, and the home furnishings provide the perfect place to unwind after exploring.
This boutique hotel blends Savannah’s natural southern charm with modern trends by way of stylish furnishings and a popular rooftop bar. Spend your afternoons enjoying cocktails at The Lost Square, overlooking the renewed Riverfront neighborhood. By night, you’ll want to settle into your cozy-minimalist accommodations.
Leave it up to Savannah to make haunted hotels simply chic. Whether the elegantly restored Marshall House is home to happy haunts or not, you’ll be living the good life indulging in top-line amenities and exploring the hotel’s many historic artifacts from its 1851 beginnings. Take advantage of the hotel’s upstairs deck, overlooking bustling Broughton Street.
With its show-stopping location overlooking peaceful Forsyth Park, this upscale hotel, which is housed inside a historic mansion, is ideal for the glam girl group or couple’s retreat. At the Mansion, enjoy their on-site restaurant, intimate lounges and pool areas, all elegantly decorated with unique character and artistic charm.
This romantic bed & breakfast is housed in a restored mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. The grand exterior is enough to wow you, but the peaceful courtyard, cooked-to-order breakfasts and turn-down service are extra special touches that have landed the Kehoe House on many top hotel lists.
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Eat + Drink
In recent years Savannah has transformed from a quiet town with diner bites to a thriving culinary scene to rival the country’s most metropolitan cities. With many restaurants situated in historically preserved buildings, Savannah continues to seal its identity with one foot in the past and one foot in the future.
Experience an elegant evening of upscale seafood and land dishes in a 1771 (pink) house in the heart of the Historic District. Be sure to ask your server about the ghost experiences they’ve encountered—the home is known to be one of Savannah’s most haunted!
Housed in a 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey offers a romantic, art deco setting for a memorable dining experience whether you’re with your S.O. or group of girlfriends. Chef Mashama Bailey’s menu of Port City Southern food is not to be missed.
The Broughton Street ice cream parlor has been a Savannah tradition since it opened in 1919. Their award-winning, homemade ice cream flavors (we love butter pecan and peppermint) are delicious no matter the time of day. This is a must-stop!
Savannah native and esteemed chef Chris Hathcock crafted a culinary experience around the reinterpretation of Southern dining. The menu at Husk often changes depending on what’s in season, but southern staples of fresh fish, grits and pimento cheese are always incorporated with an upscale twist.
Inspired by Melbourne’s historic Collins Street, The Collins Quarter is Savannah’s very own neighborhood Aussie cafe and eatery. In stylish surroundings, enjoy a champagne breakfast with indulgent dishes of brioche French toast, baked eggs and traditional breakfast.
Stop in for seasonal dishes in a spacious, contemporary setting at Local 11ten, just down the street from Forsyth Park. If you’re just on the hunt for cocktails, head up to the rooftop bar for a cool hangout vibe. For the full experience, the main dining room and service are second to none.
Atlantic blends the old and new in an old filling station renovated with modern industrial decor. On the menu, flavorful share plates to enjoy family-style with a group of friends. Select a couple mains, a few veggie sides and craft cocktails to complete the meal.
Savannah’s prestigious arts college restored this stunning building and transformed what was once an apothecary into an elegant lunch spot with much of the original design still intact. For the total experience, order the Afternoon Tea for selections of Darjeeling and classics alongside light sandwiches and scones.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or a wannabe ghost hunter, Moon River is a must! Hang out in their relaxing beer garden and enjoy craft beers on tap and a full menu of American bites. Ask the staff about the ghost happenings—the building has been featured on a number of travel shows on haunted places in America!
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Savannah’s most popular restaurant feels like a visit to Grandma’s house more than anything. Dine family-style with other guests—unless your group is large enough for its own table—on filling plates of mac and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, and lots (lots) more. Past Presidents Obama and Bush have often frequented Mrs. Wilkes—be sure to get there early for a good spot in line.
From the same team that brought The Collins Quarter to Savannah, Fitzroy continues the nod to Aussie culture as an elevated pub offering comfort bites and drinks with a cosmopolitan ambiance. Here you’ll find bar-musts of cheese boards, chicken schnitzel and burgers, which you can enjoy on their relaxed rooftop or indoors in their cozy booths.
Step back in time to Prohibition era at this speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant. Save this spot for a special group dinner, where you can select the Tasting menu, which includes five courses of chef’s choice. To elevate, pair it with the beverage tasting to go alongside each course
This cocktail bar serves elevated bar food and drinks in a fun atmosphere complete with brass deer heads and classic movies playing on the TVs. Nosh on unique plates of pb&j chicken wings, chicken and pancake tacos, and grilled apple pie sandwiches. Wash it down with refreshing cocktails indoors or in their beer garden outdoors.
This laidback neighborhood spot serves no-fuss bar food and solid drinks in a cool atmosphere with exposed brick walls. Stop in for their popular daily brunch, with innovative dishes of pork belly donut slides and chicken and waffle gyros.
This cute lunch spot decked out with mix-and-match plates and colorful accents is perfect for a quick respite in the middle of sightseeing. Stop in for refreshing sips and standard lunch fare of sandwiches, salads and light appetizers to share.
For casual eats in an unpretentious local’s spot, Crystal Beer Parlor does the trick. The city’s oldest restaurant is known for their extensive beer menu—with 26 on tap—and juicy burgers.
Foxy Loxy is a favorite among locals and often packed with students when college is in session. In the morning you’ll find expertly brewed coffee, breakfast pastries and savory kolaches. In the evenings, the cafe often hosts live entertainment in their outdoor space, where you can unwind with wine and cheese boards.
Narobia’s skips the frills and focuses right on the food in a traditional “mom and pop” kind of way. Beloved among locals, there’s always a crowd and the breakfast eats—especially the shrimp and grits—are some of the best in the city.
Save this spot for a special occasion! Vic’s captures the essence of fine dining in a 19th-century warehouse with a curated menu of traditional southern dishes. With its prime location a block from the river, the restaurant is the total package with the perfect backdrop.
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This charming bakery has received multiple critic nods, including a James Beard nomination in 2015 and an outstanding NYT review from owner Cheryl Day’s best-selling cookbook. The biscuits steal the spotlight here, which often sell out daily so be sure to stop by early!
Experience
Sleepy Spanish moss, picturesque cobblestone streets, ancient live oaks—time slows to a stop in Savannah, where you can spend an entire afternoon sitting in one of its beautiful squares watching the day go by. But for the times you do want to set out and explore, the Hostess City to the South has a bounty of excursions that’ll do the trick.
Yes, it’s that tree-lined picture moment. The Wormsloe Site wows visitors first with the breathtaking entrance lined with grand live oaks and Spanish moss, then again with the ruins of the colonial estate of Noble Jones. There’s a museum and interpreters on-site to learn more about this historic treasure!
It’s about an hour and a half from Savannah’s center, but Jekyll Island is a day trip worth taking. With ten miles of mostly undisturbed beaches, a rehab center for endangered sea turtles and tons of nature paths, this island is an idyllic retreat into nature with quiet marshes and sleepy driftwood around every corner.
Considered America’s most haunted city, Savannah has its fair share of ghost tours to choose from. You can travel in a repurposed hearse, take a tour bus, or go on foot on a number of tours that share the haunted history of this old southern city. For a truly unique experience, pick a tour that takes you into some of the historic homes!
Just about a 30-minute drive out of Savannah’s town center is the peaceful beach community of Tybee. Check out the oldest, and tallest, lighthouse in Georgia, rebuilt in 1773, or head straight for the sand to unwind beachside. To refuel, stop by one of Tybee’s many seafood options running parallel to the beach. Hot Tip: To avoid the crowds, head to the far end of the beach where the mouth of the river meets the ocean.
Hop aboard the Savannah Belles Ferry, taking off from River Street at City Hall, for a fun, quick ride across the beautiful Savannah River. You’ll end up at Hutchinson Island, where you’ll find the Savannah Convention Center and Westin Savannah Resort.
This contemporary art museum features captivating student work, along with touring exhibits of work from highly-acclaimed professional artists, designers and more. Right now you can see collections from Karl Lagerfeld, Berta Fischer and Nicholas Hlobo.
Shop
Savannah’s shopping scene is in a field of its own, thanks to the city’s historic yet artistic identity. As you explore the Historic District, pop into local boutiques, antique shops and art galleries housed in historic homes with exposed brick and original wood floors. Then head down to Broughton Street, Savannah’s commercial street lined with even more local and global shops.
The Paris Market feels effortlessly Parisian with its artsy and eclectic dual-concept space. In the majority of the space, shop unique houseware, jewelry, antiques and gifts, then check out the cafe counter, which offers macarons, pastries and coffees to go.
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The Edition Shop offers contemporary styles changing with the season in a cool, welcoming environment. Right now you can find summer looks complete with straw hats, gingham print and chic slides.
This multi-level boutique offers trendy finds in a variety of styles. You’ll be able to find must-haves in casual-wear and formal, along with pretty accessories to complete the look!
Whether you’re looking to take back a piece of Savannah for your home or you and your group like to check out the latest in design trends, this lofty showroom is a must-see for innovative, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home.
Shop Red Clover for sweet east coast finds in a chic space. Here you’ll find a bit of everything, from jewelry and footwear to apparel and purses just off Chippewa Square.
Walk by and you may just miss it, but Satchel is a must-see in Savannah! The shop focuses on premiere luxury goods, all handmade right there in the store (which serves as part studio). You can shop already-made wallets, bags, and clutches or put in a custom order for a truly personalized experience.
The Future on Forsyth
Savannah, Georgia
Photo by Erica Nichols
Run by a SCAD Fashion graduate, The Future on Forsyth is a great spot for vintage apparel hunting. Cute sunglasses, costume jewelry, retro clothing--whatever you’re searching for (or didn’t know you needed), you’ll find it here.
This funky secondhand shop sells new and recycled retro clothing in an exposed brick building. Find vintage accessories, shoes and classic staples, along with a few statement pieces for fun additions to your wardrobe.
Savannah’s beloved antique shop is just as captivating on the outside as it is inside. Housed in a largely unrestored pre-Civil War home (complete with rusting window frames), Raskin’s antiques vary from large to small, but all are unique to the era and are situated in every corner of the rooms and hallways inside.
Custard Boutique
Savannah, Georgia
Photo by Erica Nichols
We love this stylish boutique for its giftables, statement jewelry and stylish apparel to complement all women’s body shapes. All products are either local, eco-friendly, or have a compelling origin story so each product is unique. Bonus Points: the owner’s sweet dog is usually in the store, swing by to say hello!
Two Women and a Warehouse
Savannah, Georgia
Photo by Erica Nichols
This expansive warehouse features 20 vendors with hip gems of updated furniture, artwork and unique home decor. This is a favorite among designers and visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind piece!
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ShopSCAD
Savannah, Georgia
Photo by Erica Nichols
ShopSCAD sells a curated selection of the incredible work from SCAD students. You’ll find jewelry, leather goods, paintings, apparel and more, all handmade and created by talented students at the esteemed arts university.
J Parker Ltd
Savannah, Georgia
Photo by Erica Nichols
Let’s hear it for the boys! For the men in your group, shop casual and formal-wear at this Broughton Street staple that carries well-known brands and hip giftables.
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