Ready and Roam / Savannah, Georgia
Plan
Best time to GO: March- June or September-NovemberThe best time to visit Savannah is in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is still mild. Another good option is the fall, when the sweltering temps and the crowds of summer diminish and room rates are a bit more reasonable. My daughter and I visited in May, and although the weather did climb into the 90’s for a few of the days, we were comfortable walking under the shade of the city’s majestic oaks. An ideal location for our Mother/Daughter trip, we walked, talked and gawked though this beautiful, historic city.
Stay
The Kimpton Brice / reservations
We loved that this hotel was located in the Historic District and walkable to many notable sites. A mix of modern and storied, the lobby is full of abstract art, stylish seating, and rows of bookshelves arranged by color. They offer a nightly happy hour with free drinks and snacks, and a comfortable outdoor space with a pool. I didn’t see many kids there during our stay, mostly 20 somethings and couples- just an FYI.
The Marshal House/ reservations
Located in historic Savannah, the Marshal House is bursting with old world charm. Dating back to the 19th century, the four-story home served as a hospital during the Civil War and is rumored by some to be haunted, by friendly ghosts. Now beautifully restored, the hotel maintains many of the gorgeous original details. It even has a classic Southern veranda, complete with rocking chairs.
Historic Home Rental / booking through vrbo
There are a ton of great options available, if you prefer to go this route. And if you do, we insist you consider this lovingly decorated, charming home. In the heart of the Historic District in a residential neighborhood next to Crawford Square, it’s in excellent proximity for walking downtown to shops and restaurants. It sleeps a family of four comfortably and offers a pretty private garden.
Explore
Wormsloe Historic Site / website
A colonial road lined with hundreds of Oaks, the entrance to Georgia’s oldest plantation will take your breath away. We would know, because we inadvertently walked it, after we had our Uber driver drop us off at the main gate instead of in the parking lot. At the end of the road you will find the Wormsloe visitor center, where you can watch a short film to learn more about the plantation and tour the museum. We grabbed a map and walked the scenic nature trail, stopping to visit the 'tabby" ruins, the oldest standing structure in Savannah, built in 1736.
Mercer House / website
This historic mansion is the scene of the crime that is recounted in the popular book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The tour doesn't cover the murder, rather the history of the house and the antiques from Jim William's private collection. It's an incredible property, but one that is owned and occupied (Part-time), by Jim’s sister Dorothy, so you won't see the whole thing.
Owens-Thomas House / website
Built in 1819, this home was the first to have running water in all of Georgia, even before the White House. It remained part of the same family for 120 years until 1954, when the last owner donated it as a museum. Our guide did a wonderful job providing insight into Savannah society, as well as the relationship between the occupants and their slaves. A truly remarkable property that is a must see for all historic home lovers.
The Sorrel-Weed Mansion / website
This peeked our interest as it is coined 'the Most Haunted Place in Savannah.' My daughter and I both love a good ghost story and this one happened in an old house, so it was a win/win. We bought tickets for the evening show, and walked over after a late dinner. Neither of us saw any evidence of paranormal activity during on our house tour, although we REALLY wanted to. The story of the family that once lived in the mansion is fascinating, in part because the woman telling it was an incredible storyteller and true believer.
Savannah’s Rainbow Row
A ridiculously charming row of historic homes, trimmed with pretty pastel shutters and cute little front stoops. Just short walk from our hotel, we made sure to walk this street as often as we could, admiring the unique homes dating back to 18th century. You can even rent one of these beauties during your stay.
Forsyth Park
There are 22 parks situated around the city, if you are walking everywhere, like we did, you will easily have the opportunity enjoy many of them. Forsyth is a city staple, in the center you will find a large fountain surrounded by a ring of Oaks, the perfect reprieve from the hot sun. This is also where you will find the Forsyth Farmers’ Market on the park’s south end, open on Saturday’s from 9-1. A great opportunity to try local food, produce and people watch.
SCAD Museum of Art / website
Warmly welcomed in by staff, they considered my daughter a prospective student and let us visit for free. Creativity at its best, the exhibits were thought provoking. The students are docents so you are able to ask question and talk to them about their experience. And don't forget to take a walk though their lovely outdoor space before you go.
SCAD Story / website
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Savannah College of Art and Design and viewing the SCADstory, an immersive 4D experience that tells the story of the founder Paula Wallace, who in 1977, decided to sell everything she owned and pursue her dream of starting an art and design college. The visuals and creativity of this experience coupled with the narrative of creating something against all odds, truly knocked our socks off. If you find yourself in Savannah, you need to go and check it out. In fact, the entire building is designed to perfection and worth a tour. Don't forget to take a peek at the gift shop, shopSCAD, packed with original art, jewelry and decor all of which are made by students or alumni. Then walk across the street to the the Gryphon for tea service and snacks. This gorgeous cafe was originally an apothecary and is, as you might expect, staffed by students.
The Wyld Dock Bar / website
We had an Uber take us to the Wild Dock Bar after our visit to the Wormsloe Historic site, because they both sit on the outskirts of town. This cute, al fresco eatery sits on the banks of Country Club Creek and the Savannah Marshlands. We sat dockside, ate oysters, sipped lemonade and watched the boats go by. Had it been a little cooler, we would have spent some time on their cute bocce courts.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist / website
Called the ‘Sistine of the South’ the gorgeous Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Georgia, dating back to 1799. The enormous temple has two ornate steeples, embellished with carvings and gold details. Inside you will find colorful stained glass and spectacular painted murals. Pictures don’t do it justice, you really must go see it for yourself.
Shop
Capital Bee Company / website
This store is as cute as a bug's ear, and the owners are both informative and kind. Stop in and sample fifteen unique flavors at their honey tasting bar and learn more about their passion for honey and their mission to share only the best with their customers. You will also find local art, home decor and tasty treats. A perfect spot to grab a gift for yourself and a friend.
PW Short General Store / website
If you can, I encourage you to pop into this upscale shop and roam around. It’s quite a treat, reminiscent of general stores of the past, a one stop shop. Here you'll find everything from kitchen and bar ware to gardening tools, art and local delights. You can even grab a cold soda or a popsicle from the icebox on the way out.
E. Shaver, Bookseller / website
I love to frequent independent book stores when I get the chance and this neighborhood gem has a great selection. You’ll also find nooks and crannies in abundance, resident cats and even a tea room.
Devour
Cafe M / website
This adorable French patisserie was recommended to us by friends and we liked it so much we ended up going back twice. The quiche is creamy perfection and the Smoked Salmon Sandwich is out of this world. Situated near Savannah's famous River Street, after you get your fill, you can take a stroll by the river to see the old cotton warehouses, now home to restaurants, galleries, and local boutiques.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room / website
Mrs. Wilkes is the ultimate in Southern Dining experiences. Once you get inside (our wait was close to an hour), you are seated at a communal tables and mounds of soul food are served to you family style. You take some and pass it on, just like you would at home. The delicious entrees keep on coming, until you are all so full you can barely move, and then they start bringing out dessert. When you are done, you say farewell to your new friends and clear your own plate. Open everyday from 11-2, we arrived at 10:15 and there was already a line down the street. Bring cash because they do not take cards and there isn't an ATM close by. My advice would be to grab cash and a coffee, so you can sip while you wait.
The Olde Pink House / website
When this home was built in 1771 the exterior was white, but overtime turned pink when the color of the brick bled through the plastered walls. A Savannah staple, The Olde Pink House serves classic southern food in a grand space. Make reservations in advance or sneak into the Planters Tavern downstairs for a drink and a snack. Adjacent to the restaurant you will find accommodations from the same owner's at the Planter's Inn.
Rtip: Go at sunset and get a few pictures in the garden, the light against the pink hue is pretty spectacular.
The Grey / website
Situated in a 1960's greyhound bus station, no detail was overlooked in renovating this stunning space. We made reservations several weeks in advance and could only secure a 9 pm dinner spot. We were so hungry that we arrived early and were seated in the more casual diner bar, where we enjoyed a snack while we waited for our reservation in the dining room. The dinner service was spot-on, the ambiance was warm, and the food was delicious. If it’s still on the menu, get the potatoes and the sour cream side.
Cotton & Rye / website
Beautiful space, great cocktails and big portions of comfort food. The chicken wings, mac and cheese and cornbread were all richly delicious. We even had the good fortune of witnessing a proposal two tables over.
Leopold’s / website
Founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, Leopold’s is an ice cream institution in Savannah. I suggest any flavor that includes roasted Georgia Almonds, like the “Savannah Socialite.” You'll likely wait in line, but it will be worth it.
Take
It was hot, so I took a few dresses, comfortable sandals, a wrap for the evening, a belt bag for hands free strolling, and a good book. In this case I brought Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil so I could absorb as much as possible before touring the house.
