Savannah has to be the most beautiful, chicest cities I have ever been to. It feels like Brooklyn’s upscale genteel sibling. Obviously the architecture is incredible. The Spanish moss draped trees are breathtaking and the abundance of little squares, inspiring. In addition to all of the historic eye candy, I have a feeling the Savannah College of Art and Design plays a huge role in setting the fun and cool tone of the city.
To Stay:
There is no shortage of places to lay your head in this city. The heart and soul of Savannah lies in the historic district so staying in that area is a must. Here are a few favorites:
The Marshall House- 123 E Broughton St.
Set in a landmark building dating to 1851, this hotel is located on a main thoroughfare filled with restaurants and shopping.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park- 700 Drayton St.
Housed in a Victorian Romanesque mansion that used to be a private home, this hotel is where you go for a top dollar experience. The stunning Forsyth Park is right across the street set in a beautiful Victorian neighborhood.
The Brice- 601 E Bay St
Located across form Emmet Park and a block hotel, this boutique hotel is the chicest and most artistically minded place yet. The rooms are contemporary and the restaurants are fantastic in their own right.
Eating and Drinking:
Every block has a place for consumption that is more charming than the next. It’s hard to pick a few, but here they are.
The Grey- 109 Martin Luther King Blvd
Set in a refurbished Greyhouse bus depot, The Grey has maintained the buildings’ integrity while adding a few modern touches. It’s probably the most beautifully designed space I have been to in a while. A large outdoor space is open during the day if you need a break from all of that fantastic interior design. The food and drink menu is quite elevated serving a variety of farm to table specialties.
Soho South Café- 12 W Liberty St
This Daniel Reed restaurant has captured the perfect shabby chic vibe. Housed in an old automobile factory, the front room has a vintage bar and huge window to look out. The back room is set in a huge loft-like space with trees, hanging lights and enough mismatched chairs to go around. This place oozes charm. The large menu covers all comfort foods and classic Southern favorites.
The Coffee Fox- 102 W Broughton St
You will wish your town has a cute and charming coffee shop like this. Selling locally roasted brews, pastries and desserts, The Coffee Fox also offers cheese, wine and beer. It’s eclectic style and arty atmosphere makes this a great place to tuck in for the afternoon and people watch.
Planters Tavern- 23 Abercorn St
This tavern located in the cellar of the famed, Olde Pink House, Planters is steeped in history. The building was originally a residence and then housed Georgia’s first bank and is the perfect dark, cozy spot for a few drinks. With a full wine and cocktail menu, food can be ordered from the superb Olde Pink house upstairs.
To Do:
Wormsloe Historic Site
Take a short trip to the outskirts of Savannah and head to the Wormsloe Plantation. The main attraction at the site is a 1.5 mile long oak avenue. It’s worth the trip just to get pictures of the towering oak trees covered in Spanish moss. You’ll feel transported back in time with every step. Be sure to check out their walking trail, historic site and fort ruins.
Sightseeing tours
There is no shortage of ways to get to know Savannah’s rich history. Take your pick of tours from walking, bus, carriage and even a riverboat cruise to gain a vast overview of the city from it’s skilled historians.
For me, the main draw of Savannah is the incredible architecture. I did something I have never done on a vacation before- I attended an open house. Instead of walking the neighborhoods wondering what these beauties looked like inside, I received a glance up close.
