Plan Your Next Trip to Savannah Georgia
Savannah Georgia is one of my favorite cities! Our daughter Rebecca went to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and we absolutely fell in love with Savannah while she was there! It’s a charming Southern city with so much history as well as fabulous restaurants, hotels and shopping! Rebecca, who lived in Savannah for five years put this guide together for me because she knows the ins and outs of the city so well. I hope you enjoy and will use this post as a reference for planning your next trip to Savannah!
Stay
Perry Lane
A relatively new hotel in Savannah, Perry Lane is a beautiful luxury stay set just slightly away from rowdy downtown. Two buildings face each other across Perry Lane, inside, you’ll find a beautiful space that is expertly decorated, adorned with an expansive art collection, and complete with a library, cozy leather chairs, and tropical wallpaper. The hotel has everything you could possibly need - a sit-down restaurant serving modern French bistro food with a Southern flare, a wine shop and wine bar, a deli and gelato stand, a coffee bar, and even a mini-market. You’ll also find a rooftop bar and pool on the top of one tower and The Wayward in the adjacent tower, which serves fantastic cocktails and has eighties arcade games. They even welcome you to the hotel with a chilled glass of champagne! This is one of our favorite places to stay in Savannah!
Images below from cntraveler.com
The Drayton Hotel
In the Historic District of Savannah is The Drayton Hotel. The exterior is traditional but the inside is modern and vibrant with colorfully upholstered furniture and lush green plants. The rooms are airy and uniquely designed with a vintage flair and the hotel bar is fabulous! They also have a brasserie, Saint Neo’s, that serves southern seafood and a lovely Rooftop Bar. Downstairs has a Cocktail Lounge with an extensive craft cocktail list, and a small coffee stand is located in the lobby so you can grab a cup of joe as you head out to explore the city!
Images from thedraytonhotel.com, cntraveler.com
Alida
Just a few blocks from Broughton St, the Alida is a beautiful boutique hotel with a stunning lobby, pool, rooftop bar with a large fireplace, and sleek guest rooms. They also have a signature scent that you can purchase in their well-curated gift shop along with other unique finds. With cozy rooms and easy access to shopping, restaurants, and more, the Alida is a beautiful place to stay in downtown Savannah!
Images below from thealidahotel.com
JW Marriott
Located in Plant Riverside, a newer development on River Street, The JW Marriot is a beautiful new hotel with sweeping views of the river and easy access to shops, restaurants and so much more! The lobby is filled with giant geodes and other beautiful stones and such a fun hotel in the middle of all that Plant Riverside has to offer.
Images below from marriott.com
The Westin Savannah Harbor
Located across the river, the Westin is a beautiful hotel that is great for family trips or if you are looking for a quieter location away from busy downtown Savannah. Complete with a restaurant, Starbucks in the lobby, and a great pool with outdoor bar. They also have an expansive golf course and luxury spa. You can easily drive over the bridge to spend a day in downtown savannah or take the free water taxi that will pick you up right on the hotel dock. The Westin is a spacious and lovely place to stay!
Images below from marriott.com
Eat
Local 11 Ten
A long-time staple in Savannah, Local 11 Ten is a go-to each time we visit the city. Located on Bull Street at the top of Forsyth park, they serve southern flavors using local and seasonal ingredients such as fresh seafood, vegetables and herbs from Savannah's own local farmers. The atmosphere is contemporary yet elegant and they have a great wine list and the food is delicious! There is also a rooftop bar open in the warmer months that is the perfect place to grab a cocktail before dinner.
Images below from www.local11ten.com
The Grey
Housed in a restored 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey offers delicious food, wonderful wine and great service that is familiar and elevated. Chef Mashama Bailey, who has been featured on Chefs Table, infuses food memories from her childhood in Georgia and experience working in top kitchens in New York into each dish they serve. Located on Martin Luther King Boulevard in the heart of downtown, this is a must-have meal when visiting Savannah.
Images below from thediasporicdish.com, thegreyrestaurant.com
Husk Savannah
Owned by Sean Brock, a very successful southern chef who you may have see on Chefs Table, Husk is an elevated southern dining experience that highlights heirloom crops and southern food at its very roots. Located in a beautiful restored home on Liberty Street, Husk offers some of the best food in Savannah in beautiful and comfortable environment. They also have a beautiful bar on the second floor, a great place to enjoy a cocktail or have lunch!
Images below from husksavannah.com
Olde Pink House
Considered one of Savannah’s greatest restaurants, The Olde Pink House offered upscale southern food in a beautiful classic Savannah atmosphere. The restaurant is in a historic old pink home, hence the name Olde Pink House, and occupies multiple stories of the building. From gorgeous dining rooms to a cozy underground tavern, I highly recommend visiting the Olde Pink House for dinner when in Savannah. Be sure to book reservations in advance as this is a very popular spot.
Images below from markfinlay.com
The Collins Quarter
If you are looking for a brunch spot, the Collins Quarter is the perfect place! With 2 locations in Savannah, Bull Street, and Forsyth Park, The Collins Quarter serves dishes with an Australian influence and everything is unique and delicious. They also have wonderful coffee and cocktails and even a walk-up coffee bar where you can grab a drink while you wait for a table. They also offer a wonderful dinner service and great bar in the evening.
Images below from downtown.thecollinsquarter.com
Vic's on the River
Vic’s on the River is a delicious southern riverfront fine dining experience. With an extensive dinner menu featuring local seafood classics such as the pecan-crusted flounder, jumbo lump crab cakes and filet mignon, there is something for everyone! The spacious dining rooms are simply decorated but retain some of the original historical features like high ceilings, wide windows with river views, beautiful chandeliers, and hardwood floors. This is a great dinner spot or nice lunch or dinner downtown.
Images below from exploregeorgia.org, opentable.com, vicsontheriver.com
Cotton & Rye
This upscale southern restaurant in Savannah’s Starlight District offers a creative menu with a unique twist on southern classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. The environment is casual with a bright and airy dining room and a charming patio.
Images from cottonandrye.com
The Green Truck Pub
This burger joint is a little way out of downtown but they have the best burger around! With locally sourced grass-fed meat, homemade veggie burgers, and even homemade ketchup, pimento cheese, and salad dressing, this is the best spot for a filling casual meal you can feel good about!
Images from greentruckpub.com
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
A truly unique dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves family-style meals of homemade fried chicken and cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins, and biscuits. A line forms each morning in front of the entrance on West Jones Street and at 11 o'clock, the doors open and the crowd finds seats at one of the large tables-for-ten shared by strangers. There is one seating each day so arrive early to be sure you get in! The menu changes daily but the food is always delicious, homemade and as southern as can be!
Images below from visitsavannah.com
Leopold’s Ice cream
Opening in 1919, Leopold is to this day THE ice cream shop in Savannah. Conveniently located on Broughton Street among the shops and restaurants of downtown, there’s nothing better than a delicious ice cream cone in the hot southern heat.
Images from www.tripadvisor.com
Drink
Myrtle & Rose
One of my favorite rooftops in the city, Myrtle and Rose is inspired by the flowers used in the crowns often worn by muses in classical mythology. This rooftop garden is feminine and romantic, with breathtaking views of both the Savannah River and charming historic downtown. On Sundays, enjoy a delicious brunch or spend an afternoon with your girlfriends enjoying a cocktail or a bottle of rosé!
Images below from plantriverside.com
Peregrin
Located at the top of the Perry Lane Hotel, Peregrin is a relaxed and fun place to grab a drink whether you are staying at the hotel or not! With charming bistro furniture, delicious cocktails and sweeping views of the city, this is such a great spot!
Images from perrylanehotel.com
Artillery Bar
Artillery is a beautiful and cozy cocktail bar with historic charm and modern glamour. The perfect place to stop in for a for a glass of champagne before dinner or a nightcap. Wear your best when you visit, you will not find t-shirts and flip-flops in the elevated establishment but you will find delicious drinks, attentive bar tenders and a wonderful atmosphere!
Shop
The Paris Market
In a beautiful building on a corner of Broughton Street, The Paris Market is one of my favorite shops in Savannah! Inside you will find two floors of carefully curated antique and modern goods for the home, and so much more! On the first floor is a small café that Architectural Digest named “The Most Beautiful Coffee Shop in Georgia.” Grab a coffee and a macaroon as you explore the space! From hand-crafted jewelry, coffee table books, french soaps and perfumes, and a lovely children’s sections to a beautifully decorated table filled with stunning tableware, decorative objects, linens and candles, there is so much to look and all is wonderful! Southern Living selected Paris Market as “the South’s Best Shop” stating: “Like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, prepare to get lost in a wonderland of the most incredible goods.” The Paris Market is a must visit while in Savannah!
Images below from theshopkeepers.com
Savannah Bee Company
You have likely seen Savannah bee company honey in many places by now as the company has grown greatly over the years, but Savannah is its true home. With a location on Broughton Street and one on River Street, Savannah Bee Company has every type of honey you can imagine as well as body care and products for the home. Stop in and try some samples and take home a taste of Savannah.
Images below from visitsavannah.com, google.com, perrylanehotel.com
Brick House
Brick House is a beautiful shop inspired by the French countryside. With an eclectic mix of highly curated products for the home, kitchen, and garden including vintage finds and handcrafted items, this is a lovely shop to stop in while exploring historic Savannah.
Images below from brickhouseliving.com
The Printed Peach
If you love Lily Pulitzer, this is the shop for you! They offer a full assortment of the best and brightest Lilly Pulitzer collections, as well as brands like Stoney Clover Lane, Kenzie Collective, Teleties, boutique jewelry, gift, accessories, and more!
Images below from instagram.com
ShopSCAD
ShopSCAD is beautiful store on Madison Square that sells one-of-a-kind pieces that are the works of current and alumni SCAD students. You'll find paintings, jewelry, home decor, books, stationery and so more! Be sure to stop in and support these talented students!
Images below from scad.edu, visitsavannah.com
Copper Penny
Copper Penny on Broughton Street offers a well curated selection of women's clothing and accessories from well-known brands such as Trina Turk, Amanda Uprichard and Micheal Stars.
Terra Cotta
Nestelled into historic downtown, Terra Cotta is a beautiful boutique with a lovely selection of women's clothing, accessories, handbags, and shoes. Lifestyle and baby items, artisan jewelry pottery, leather goods, and more!
Hygge
Hygge is a fully sustainable shop offering everything from slow fashion and handmade jewelry to items that are designed to be reused, to home goods and pet gear - all eco-friendly! The aesthetic is minimal and neutral and worth stopping by if you are interested in sustainability.
Images below from paprikasouthern.com, indiegogo.com
Experience
Mercer Williams House Museum
The Mercer-Williams House was designed by John S. Norris, the grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer. Construction began in 1860 but was suspended due to the Civil War. The house was then sold before it was completed in 1868, no Mercer ever actually lived there. The home was eventually purchased by James Arthur Williams, an antiques dealer and historic preservationist. Mercer House is best know for the scene of the 1981 shooting death of Danny Hansford by, Jim Williams, a story that is retold in the 1994 John Berendt book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The house is also featured in the film adaptation of the book, released three years later. The house if beautiful and has such an interesting history!
Images below from mercerhouse.com
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The birthplace Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of the Girls Scouts, is now a museum that offers guided tours and shares the fascinating life and world-changing legacy of Juliette Gordon Low. Worth a visit especially if you were a Girls Scout!
Images from exploregeorgia.org, juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org
The Jepson Center
Part of the Telfair Museum group, the Jespson Center is a beautiful modern building with works from notable American artists including Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and Cecily Brown. A fantastic museum to visit if you are interested in art or looking for an indoor activity.
River Street | Plant Riverside
Savannah Georgia is an active port and has been since 1744. River Street is a destination in city, but with the development of Plant Riverside on the west end, the area has become even more desirable. Plant River Side is a newly restored area with beautiful hotels, shops, restaurants and more, all with sweeping views of the river. As you head east on River Street you will fins more historic buildings and shops including the Savannah Candy Kitchen and souvenir shops. You may even see one of the large containerships making its way into the port!
Images below from visitsavannah.com, savannahswaterfront.com
Bonaventure Cemetery
A Beautiful Cemetery located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, just a twelve minute drive east of Savannah. The cemetery's prominence grew when it was featured in the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, and later on in the movie, directed by Clint Eastwood. The famous Bird Girl statue that used to be in the cemetery has since been moved the the Telfair Museum, but with its beautiful live oak trees filled with Spanish moss and unique cemetery sculptures the cemetery is a tranquil and wonderful place to visit.
Images below from visitsavannah.com
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! If you’ve been to Savannah and have a favorite place to eat, stay or shop…let me know in the comments! Have a great day!