I fell in love with Savannah the first time I set foot in the downtown area. The riverfront, the buildings, the churches, the squares, the cute little shops… I loved it all! I journeyed back to Savannah to celebrate my birthday last year, and I fell in love with this southern city all over again. Here are some of my favorite spots:
Once the location of “Grand Lady of the Bay”, the Hotel Indigo is in the heart of downtown Savannah. It is only a stone’s throw from the Lady & Son’s, River Street, and many other great landmarks. If you are going to Savannah with another couple, or you just want to splurge, book a loft suite. This two story hotel room has one bedroom downstairs, a living room with a pull out couch, and an iron spiral staircase that leads up to a loft bedroom. This is also a great option for a family of 5-6 people or a girl’s weekend. However, I would highly recommend not sleeping upstairs if you plan on having a lot of drinks, as the spiral staircase is very steep and the only bathroom is downstairs.
Chippewa Square:
Every time the movie Forrest Gump is on TV, I have to watch it. Each time I watch it, I find something new that I have never noticed before! If you love Forrest Gump, then you have to take a stroll to Chippewa Square, which is where the bus bench scenes are filmed. The famous movie prop bench has been moved to the Savannah History Museum and there is now a “Chippewa Square” sign where it once sat.
Paula Deen’s restaurant, Lady & Sons, is a must visit for anyone going to Savannah. Making reservations online is highly recommended. The buffet is great if you want a variety of food or to try it all, but I highly recommend the Chicken Pot Pie. This delicious dish is rather large, so it might be best to split with another person. Of course, you have to get dessert and take a look around the gift shop!
This natural bath products store is located on W Broughton Street. I accidentally stumbled upon this gem while trying to find a restaurant a few years ago. All products are natural and handmade. They have a wide variety of items including soaps, lotions, bath bombs, lip balm, and bath salts. Each scent is magnificent, but Hibiscus is my favorite. I try to stalk up whenever I am in town. They also have natural bug repellant, which keeps the bugs away without all the harsh chemicals. Further, their staff is amazing and will answer any questions that you have as well as recommend a wide variety of products for your needs. This is a great place to treat yourself or buy some gifts for family and friends!
I can’t lie that the main reason that I was drawn to this historic restaurant is because pink is my favorite color. The exterior of the building is so beautiful and makes for amazing photo opportunities. The inside of the home is gorgeous as well. If you want to have a fancy dinner in Savannah, I recommend making reservations at the Pink House. The food is delicious and the setting is even better.
Since it was my birthday, it was only natural that I wanted to have cupcakes for breakfast! Right around the corner from Hotel Indigo, I found this cute little cupcake shop. They had an amazing assortment of absolutely yummy cupcakes. If you are looking for something sweet, or the dessert menu at Lady & Sons does not appeal to you, head to this little bakeshop.
A little bit further away from downtown, but worth the walk or drive, is a cute independent bookstore, The Book Lady. If you love to read, you HAVE to make a stop. Even if you don’t like to read, it’s worth the stop just to see all the new and used books in this boutique gift shop and how many are packed into such a small space! The staff is also very knowledgeable if you are looking for something in specific.
More Savannah:
If you love the paranormal, you probably know that Savannah is known as the most haunted city in the country. There are a lot of “haunted” restaurants and bars to check out and many tours that you can take!
For a relaxing afternoon, head over to Forsyth Park. There is plenty of spaces to have a picnic or to lay down and read a book. If you enter the park from the north, a beautiful fountain greets you. If it’s open, take a walk around the Fragrant garden. The garden has plants whose fragrance and texture appeal to those with limited vision. It is gorgeous and peaceful and another place that is beautiful for photos.
Finally, no trip to Savannah would be complete without a trip to River Street. Before walking down to the river, be sure to check out Jere’s Antiques. This giant warehouse is filled beautiful antique furniture, including pub furniture and complete home bars. There are many beautiful stone staircases that lead down to River Street but be careful – they are also very steep! Once on River Street, you will find many great restaurants and stores. Be sure to check out the Savannah’s Candy Kitchen where all the candy is displayed in barrels and if you love Christmas, make sure to visit A Christmas on the River and pick up an ornament from Savannah to remember your trip!
Savannah is a wonderful southern city that has many unique offerings. If you love St.Patrick’s Day, Savannah has one of the largest parades in the country. They even dye the water in the Forsyth Park Fountain green. Otherwise, I would recommend visiting in the spring when the flowers are blooming and the weather is cooler. Overall, Savannah has something for everyone, which is what makes it one of the best cities in the South!
