Three Days to Savor SAVANNAH!
ABOUT SAVANNAH
Nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South” and known for its charming squares (all 22 of them!) and weeping willows, this big, small town is the perfect destination for a long weekend. We like to fill our Savannah days with amazing food, creative drinks (and the ability to take them in a “cup-to-go”), gorgeous landscapes and lots of exploring. There is history, well-preserved architecture and southern culture everywhere you look and the locals radiate southern charm and hospitality.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
The Savannah airport just might be the cutest little airport we have ever been in! Getting in and out of the airport is a breeze (and there are two Leopolds ice cream vendors without the lines you will experience downtown…more on that later). Southern hospitality starts the second you step off the plane here- we walked out to grab a taxi and were told by the “taxi lady” that there were not any available so they would be happy to shuttle us downtown for free! We were dropped off at the door of our hotel 25 minutes later. Only in Savannah!
We like experiencing Savannah without a car- the city is so walkable and there is always Uber/Lyft if your legs give out or for any further away destinations you may want to visit.
WHERE WE STAYED
We have made several trips to Savannah and we love checking out new places to stay. Here are three of our favorites, all leaning more towards chic interiors feeling both Southern and modern.
Kimpton Brice- A great location (and a former Coca-Cola bottling plant) with a pool, nestled in the historic district between the riverfront and Washington Square (which is a charming place to sit on a park bench and drink your nightly hosted happy hour wine from the hotel!). We love the outside tree drenched courtyard and the friendly front desk staff. The gym is tiny here so we took our workout to the turf poolside first thing each day. The bikes available for complimentary use is a nice amenity and the beds are super comfy!
Perry Lane Hotel- Situated in the middle of the city just steps from Forsyth Park we think this is the most cosmopolitan, detail oriented, LUXE stay. The daily amenity fee provides a curated selection of extras that really set this property apart. “Rosé all Day” is a reality here where complimentary sparkling wine is available ALL DAY! Local cookies in the guest rooms, coffee from their coffee kiosk, luxury car service within 2 miles, etc. The rooftop pool with skyline views is gorgeous and is located next to our favorite Savannah rooftop bar, Peregrin, which has turf for games and fire pits for cool evenings. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for your hotel stay this is your place!
The Alida- Located in the River Street neighborhood in a converted warehouse. A great location if you like to be on the river in the heart of activity. We love their rooftop bar (The Lost Square) and all the amenities that come with the hotel like champagne at the reception desk, a gym with Peloton bikes, the outdoor rooftop pool and evening snacks in the lobby bar.
FOOD AND DRINK
Savannah’s food scene is NEXT LEVEL. And, thanks to their open container laws you can take your drinks “to-go” as you stroll the historic district and feel like you’re doing something you’re not supposed to in the best sort of way! Visit any bar, diner, coffee shop or restaurant in Savannah and chances are you will strike up a conversation and make a local friend. Savannah’s friendly, approachable locals are full of tips and suggestions, even if you’re not the chatty type we think you will agree! Here are some of our top choices (reach out to us if you’re looking for a specific type of food as we have many more suggestions!).
FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:
Husk- With a local ingredient driven menu that changes regularly you will find modern Southern food with a unique edge here. We love their happy hour- it’s usually our first destination of the evening. If you can, show up when they open at 5:00 p.m. you’re almost guaranteed a spot at the bar where you can indulge in their craft cocktails, the BEST oysters with a unique fennel spritz bottle and my all time favorite Pimento Cheese with Husk pickles and crackers!
The Olde Pink House- If you can only dine at one restaurant in Savannah this is your place. Classic Savannah in style, located in an 18th century mansion and open for lunch and dinner. Reservations in advance are a must here. The bar is open for walk in’s though and offers the same menu- definitely your strategy if you can’t grab a reservation. Must orders include the Southern Sushi, Corn Bread Fried Oysters, Calamari, Cheese Plate (with Savannah Bee honeycomb!), Shrimp and Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes. Honestly, everything is amazing here!
The Collins Quarter (at Forsyth)- An iconic Australian inspired cafe that is always at the top of both locals and visitors brunch list. With two locations (the downtown location has a slightly different menu but less seats), you must have brunch here while in Savannah! The Park location is perfect to combine with a Saturday morning farmers market stroll. We love their creative coffee’s (see my recipe for the Espresso Tonic inspired by TCQ) and the Spiced Lavender Mocha is also a favorite. Their Avocado Toast and Zucchini and Corn Fritters are the BOMB!
Treylor Park- This place is so much fun! Multiple locations all with a slightly different menu. Our favorite is the Bay Street “Treylor Park-Savannah” location purely because it’s the location with Popcorn Shrimp on the menu (their version gives a whole new meaning to “popcorn + shrimp!). Don’t miss the Avocado Fries, Shrimp and Grits Tacos and all the signature cocktails (the margaritas are awesome and tons of local craft beers). Open till 1 am- a perfect late night option!
St. Neos Brasserie- This French inspired seafood and oyster bar has the best brunch! Seriously, the most amazing biscuits with a rhubarb compote…everything was so good that we will make a point of having dinner here on our next trip!
Little Duck Diner- This diner is described as “retro chic” and is a favorite for all day breakfast but also has a great casual lunch/dinner menu. If you’re in Savannah on a Monday go here for “Mimosa Monday” where they float a little yellow rubber duck in your Mimosa- so cute!
Starland Yard- Total local flavor. Rotating food trucks, live entertainment, a great Neapolitan Pizzeria and the Yard Bar for craft brews, wine, cocktails and frozen drinks makes this the perfect destination for a sunny afternoon.
Wyld Dock Bar- If you have a car or don’t mind an Uber ride this is the perfect destination to take you just a bit outside of downtown Savannah for amazing food and local atmosphere. Perched on the edge of the Herb River, The Wyld Dock Bar is framed by a beautiful salt marsh and is all about location. The perfect place to unwind at one of two outdoor bars, soak in the sunshine and order up plates of local shrimp, local fish tacos and lots of cold drinks! Highly recommend.
DESSERT DESTINATIONS
Leopold’sIce Cream- A Savannah tradition that we strongly encourage you not to skip! Despite the long lines to get a scoop, Leopold’s is worth the wait. Never, have I ever gone back three nights in a row for ice-cream at the same place! And, both embarrassing and charming at the same time, we were recognized by the third night by the young employee manning the door, ha! If you absolutely can’t handle the line while downtown be sure to at least grab a scoop at the airport on your way out.
Chocolate by Adam Turoni- Two locations in the heart of Savannah (and one in Charleston). We like “The Dining Room” store on Broughton Street (which is an Alice in Wonderland themed chocolate tea party) but wander into “The Library” on Bull street if you pass by it as well as they both present a world of chocolate that is so unique! You are invited to take a silver tray and hand select your own chocolates from the cabinets and tables. The Savannah Honey Chocolate Bar, nut butter cups and truffles are perfect take home (or eat in your hotel room!) souvenirs.
Back in the Day Bakery- Adored nationally and locally in Savannah this is THE bakery to visit when in town. Located close to Starland Yard (we think this is a great pairing!). A beautiful new space recently re-opened with an awesome selection of pantry provisions in addition to all the yummy baked goods.
COCKTAILS
Peregrin Rooftop Bar- Southern elegance on top of the Perry Lane Hotel. FAVORITE roof top bar in Savannah. Awesome skyline views, fire pits for chilly evenings and they even have mini cups of Leopold’s ice cream for late night dessert!
The Lost Square Bar- Another great rooftop bar (above the Aldia hotel) on the Savannah Riverfront. Great craft cocktails, small plates and views.
Two Tides Brewing- Directly behind Starland Yard (described above). Beer Slushies, free pinball and plants for sale…this is a local place you should check out!
Hop Atomica- A bit more on the east side but not too far from Starland Yard. A fun neighborhood gastropub with great beer.
Moon River Brewing Company- A daily happy hour from 4-7 and also know as one of the most haunted places in America and THE most haunted place in Savannah?! We didn’t see any ghosts but did have a great flight of beers!
Wet Willies- Two locations (City Market and River Street) this is the iconic slushy drink that you grab in a cup-to-go to stay hydrated and happy while you walk the streets of the historic district! There are so many flavors which you can mix and match and the employees love giving you free samples of them all.
THINGS TO DO
There is no shortage of cultural experiences while in Savannah. We highly recommend learning more about Savannah black heritage, visiting a few indoor and outdoor museums and the 8 historic Savannah sites that everyone should see.We like to lead you to a few activities that might not be popping up in your standard research when planning a trip- here are a few of our favorites.
Savannah Bee Garden Tour- If you are interested in going beyond honey tastings and learning more about the amazing world of honey bees this is your experience! The staff does a fascinating presentation about bees as you view them from a glass hive they have in the shop and then you get to visit the garden where you can experience active bee hives and even hold a piece of honeycomb. If you have a car this is a quick, under 20 minute drive from downtown. We used Uber to get there which was no problem but plan ahead for giving a little extra time to get an Uber ride back to town!
Ghost Tour- Explore the haunted streets of Savannah (it is ranked in America’s 10 most haunted cities)! Ghost City Tours leads four unique walking tours that are so entertaining and full of fun Savannah facts and history. It’s great evening entertainment!
Bike Tour- We love a good bike tour that covers lots of ground in minimal time. This tour was full of Savannah history and gave us an introduction to many of the squares, important architecture and parks that make this city so special. Many of the “must see” spots in Savannah are covered on this 2 hour tour. The Pedal through history bike tour is the perfect way to start your trip!
MARKETS/SHOPPING
The most popular shopping street in Savannah is Broughton Street and you will find that there are lots of independent boutiques and small family run shops throughout the downtown area. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a major creative influence in the city and you will see work from both alumni and students all around you. Here are some of the Taste Journey favorites.
Forsyth Farmers Market- A Saturday morning must and the perfect way to pass the time while waiting for a brunch table at Collins Quarter! Local pecans, honey, fresh watermelon juice, peaches and baked goods are just a sampling of what you might find. You can even find edible souvenirs that are the right size to carry on the airplane!
Capital Bee Company- Love this sweet honey boutique on Broughton Street- lot’s of gifts items as well as an open honey bar to sample all their rare mono-floral honeys. Their 3 oz. jars are great gifts and can be taken on the plane. Obsessed with their bee pollen and raw frosted cinnamon honey!
Savannah Bee Company- The original! If you don’t have an opportunity to do their Bee Garden Tour please make sure you visit one of their shops. They have so much passion for bees, bee keeping and honey!
SCAD shop- This shop features exclusively the artwork and designs of students, professors, staff and alumni of SCAD. Be sure to check out the Arts Cafe for a coffee across the street!
The Paris Market- A shop and cafe that is a tribute to flea markets of France. Home decor and one-of-a-kind treasures that are a tribute to France as well as the world. Grab a macaroon and a French press coffee while you browse!
24e Design Co.- This is one of those stores that you just need to take an inspirational walk around. “This is not furniture for the meek”!
The Edition Shop-The boutique we pop into first on Broughton Street. Thoughtfully curated from the best brands!
One Fish Two Fish- Favorite “style” store in Savannah. Their newer location is in Savannah’s “design district” on Whitaker Street where you can wander into several other stores we love.
PW Short General Store- Also on Whitaker Street. A modern general store concept with lots of cool kitchen and barware items as well as leather goods, art, sunglasses and furniture.
Asher and Rye- Lifestyle brand shop with Scandinavian influences. So many pretty things! Across the street from One Fish Two Fish.
Hannah E.- Small but packed with beautiful things! Our favorite design district women’s apparel and gift boutique.
I’ll leave you with a recipe for a drink we discovered while having brunch at The Collins Quarter. One of the few non-alcoholic drinks consumed over the long weekend! It was so surprisingly refreshing and unique I had to get the recipe from our server. Perfect for a sunny morning or afternoon pick me up!
The CQ Espresso Tonic
Ingredients:
1 double espresso
Tonic Water (a high quality one!)
Ice cubes
1 orange (zested), cardamom, and a mint leaf for garnish
Process:
Place ice cubes to fill a glass and fill 2/3 full with Tonic Water (we prefer Fever Tonic- use a high quality one). Leave enough room for the espresso and the slightly bubbling that will occur when you slowly mix before sipping!
Slowly top tonic with the double espresso (or single of you prefer!), rub the rim of the glass with the zest of an orange and sprinkle the top with a dash of cardamom. Garnish with a mint leaf and a straw for sipping.
Cheers to Savoring Savannah!
