A Girl’s Guide to Savannah: Everything You Need to Know
Savannah has my heart. This is a city I can visit over and over again. It is as inviting as it is charming. Storied as it is fun-loving. While Savannah is charmingly quaint, the city is also vibrantly dynamic. It is a party town and a popular destination for bachelorette parties and girl’s trips. But, the historic district is too romantic for words, with its mossy oak trees and manicured squares.
The food. The food. Savannah is one of my favorite food cities of all time. Give me all the Southern comfort food until I physically can’t eat anymore. Food is the true heart of the city and Georgians wear their hearts on their sleeve.
I can’t write about Savannah without mentioning ghosts. I’m not a spooky girl, but Savannah is a mysteriously haunted city, and ghost tours are hugely popular. Again, not for me, but the haunts tie into Savannah’s rich history.
Whether you’re traveling to Savannah for a romantic holiday, mother-daughter food tour, or girl’s trip bender, there is always a good reason to visit Savannah. I promise you’ll fall head over heels in love with Savannah and be saying, “Bless your heart” by the end of your trip.
A Girl’s Guide to Savannah
River Street
There is no shortage of things to do and see on River Street, Savannah’s iconic waterfront destination. You will find classic Savannah shops like River Street Sweets and Savannah Bee Company. There’s also River Street Marketplace, an outdoor marketplace filled with shops selling everything from souvenirs to jewelry to hot sauces. My favorite part of this area is watching the beautiful riverboats cruising the river. The two classic riverboats on the river are The River Queen and the Georgia Queen— they are romantic and classically Savannah.
Antique Shopping
I’m somewhat of an antiquing globetrotter— it fills me with effing joy!!!!!! Okay? Okay. But seriously, Savannah is a great city for antique shopping. Savannah is an old city with lots of history and that rustic Southern charm translates to its vintage shopping scene. If you look in the right places, you’ll find beautiful treasures around the city.
Savannah’s Beautiful Squares
Savannah’s squares and parks are the heart of the city. The 22 squares throughout Savannah perfectly encapsulate Savannah’s old-world beauty and charm. The mossy oak trees and manicured gardens against the historical buildings are truly perfect. Chippewa Square is regarded as one of Savannah’s prettiest squares, but they are all truly lovely. Wandering through Savannah’s downtown, you are going to fall in love with these little slices of heaven.
Forsyth Park
Savannah’s most prominent green space, Forsyth Park, is a dream. The romantic fountain, ironwork, and looming trees make you feel like you are in an old movie. And, because of its beauty, the park is actually home to many movie scenes (like in Forrest Gump and my personal favorite, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil). Forsyth Park is a true whimsical vision in the heart of the city, and no trip to Savannah is complete without it.
Tour a Historic Home
Savannah’s old-world Georgian architecture is a beautiful timepiece. The preserved houses within the historic district are so emblematic of Savannah that you’re just not going to experience these kinds of homes anywhere else.
A good one to visit is the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum. Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts. The Gordon family’s Georgian-style townhouse is a classic example of Savannah’s classic historic architecture.
Eat Your Heart Out
Vic’s On the River
Vic’s On the River is elevated southern comfort food. It’s the kind of place where I’d love to celebrate an anniversary or graduation— it’s celebratory and classic. The location is romantic, right on the Savannah Waterfront, and the menu packs a punch. At Vic’s, I’ve had one of the best French onion soups I’ve ever had, and don’t get me started on their fried green tomatoes. Big-time drool. While in Savannah, order a spritz at Vic’s and enjoy an afternoon by the river.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of the most classic Savannah eateries. Actually, it is the quintessential Savannah restaurant. Family-owned since its opening, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room infuses lots of love with its southern dishes. There will always be a wait to eat here, but embrace the queue— it’s part of the experience. Once sat down, you’ll see everything is served family style. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal you’ll never forget.
The Olde Pink House
The Olde Pink House is Savannah at its finest. This restaurant is a blend of whimsical and classic colonial. Savannah is elegant and charming without pomposity— just like The Olde Pink House. Its culinary reputation precedes itself because the food is unbelievable. However, one of my favorite parts of this restaurant is the cellar tavern. Here you’ll find live music, ice-cold martinis, and a laid-back night out.
Little Duck Diner
If you plan on brunching once in Savannah, it has to be at Little Duck Diner. Little Duck Diner is a classic American diner meets boozy brunch spot. I mean, there are cocktails with literal rubber duckies floating in the glass. It’s an all-time classic.
The Grey
As a huge fan of the Netflix show Chef’s Table, I was very excited to eat at The Grey.
Having watched the episode about Chef Mashama Bailey, I was emotionally invested in her story and the restaurant’s fascinating history. The Grey is located in a converted art-deco bus station, but the unique environment isn’t the only thing that makes this restaurant stand out. The menu is stellar and structured around the seasonality in Georgia— it’s regional food at its finest. From oysters to turnip cake, The Grey is a love letter to Savannah.
Savannah Sips
Artillery Bar
The Artillery Bar is one of the best cocktail bars I’ve been to in a very long time. The cocktail menu is beyond, but I opted for my tried and true martinis: dirty to start and espresso to finish the night (the walk back to my hotel room was FUN). The interior is moody and grand (kind of Harry Potter-esque), and I can see this being a great date night spot. Also, they serve top-notch bar snacks, which I found to be a very spiritual experience.
Rooftops
Above the cobblestone streets and historic homes of Savannah, there’s a whole different scene waiting for you: rooftops. Savannah’s rooftop bar scene is varied, light-hearted, and fun. Keep in mind that rooftops charge for their views and ambiance. In other words, don’t expect the best cocktail of your life, but do expect the high prices.
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck: a lively adult playground featuring lawn games
Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar: Dreamy atmosphere with a botanical influence
Peregrin: the historic district’s best rooftop with unbeatable views.
