Are you ready for a slow Savannah saunter?
I recently spent a weekend exploring Savannah, a city I’ve long adored for its rich cultural heritage and edgy art scene. Most of the world was first captivated by the city’s southern swagger in John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the obscure truth-is-stranger-than-fiction account of the murder of one of the city’s most revered socialites. Discovering the depths of Savannah’s sultry soul will likely take you a few visits (and keep you longing for more), but read on and we’ll give you a quick CliffNotes version of our favorites things to see and do.
Charleston’s edgier sibling is also the oldest city in the state of Georgia, first established in 1733 by British General James Edward Oglethorpe. Savannah was the first US city to be built on a symmetrical grid of squares and it grew to become the leading North American port for cotton and rice. Just before Christmas 1864, Savannah fell to General William T. Sherman who presented the city to Abraham Lincoln as a Christmas gift, sparing it from devastation.
Today, the city is home to one of the largest historic districts in the United States, replete with neatly stacked townhomes, steepled churches and towering live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Savannah will scintillate you with its colorful past, scandalous tales and unhurried pace. So grab a cocktail and let’s set out on a lively southern sojourn.
1. Get on the Grid
Walking is the absolute best way to explore Savannah. The city is built on a grid system comprised of 22 beautifully manicured squares canopied with live oaks, vibrant magnolias and flowering dogwoods. Our favorites? Calhoun Square, Johnson Square, Monterey Square and Telfair Square.
2. Revel in the Architecture
Savannah is a gem for architecture lovers, featuring buildings in a host of different styles including Georgian, Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Second French Empire and Italianate. Fancy a guided walk? Look no further than Architectural Tours of Savannah for an fantastical 90 minute tour led by a SCAD graduate.
3. Linger over Lunch
There are few things better than a long lunch in a stunning city and Savannah has no shortage of great restaurants. Try the Olde Pink House, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room or my favorite, Vic’s on the River for crawfish beignets, blackened redfish and chilled rosé.
4. Seek out Savannah’s Art Scene
You’ll see a host of easel-toting young artists in the garden city, usually en route to Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), one of the country’s premiere art schools. Head to the university’s gallery boutique, SCADshop, at 342 Bull Street, to pick up the original designs by students and professors.
5. Festival!
Every year, Savannah hosts a lively calendar of events. Highlights include the Savannah Music Festival and Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens in spring, Savannah Jazz Festival in September, and Savannah Food & Wine in November.
6. Chase Ghosts of the Past
A short drive out of the city center, at the end of a residential neighborhood, you’ll find the historic Bonaventure Cemetery. Wander past live oak-lined pathways and unique statuary in this peaceful sanctuary featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
7. Shop Local
The city is replete with charming shops and galleries. Head to The Book Lady Bookstore, Savannah’s only independent book shop, tempt your taste buds with decadent truffles from Chocolat by Adam Turoni or sample over 200 varieties of salt from The Salt Table
8. Explore Savannah’s Charming Churches
Since being established in 1733, Savannah has warmly embraced faiths of a number of different religions. Exploring the many houses of worship around the city is something not to be missed. Must-sees include Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, First African Baptist Church and Christ Church Johnson Square.
9. Stroll at Sunset
Make sure to stroll the squares of Savannah close to dusk, perhaps even with a little prosecco, thanks to Savannah’s open container law. The city takes on a magical glow as the sun sets.
10. Grab a Nightcap
After a full day of exploring, why not make one final stop to breathe in and savor Savannah. Head to the swanky Bohemian Hotel and take the elevator to the top floor to Rocks on the Roof for tasty tapas and chic cocktails with expansive views over the river.
Then it’s time to return to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, so that tomorrow, you can get up and do it all over again!