Ultimate Guide to Savannah

Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with it’s charming 22 squares, astonishing architecture, as well as museums and historic sites. Springtime in Savannah is particularly special with the azalea’s in bloom! We were lucky to visit Georgia’s oldest city in the month of March. Although we arrived after St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah is known to have one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the world.

Squares & Parks

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is Savannah’s oldest park, established in 1841. It covers over 30 acres of landscape with many large trees as well as monuments and sculptures. The large fountain in the center of the park was installed in 1858.

Chippewa Square

One of the most well-known squares in Savannah is Chippewa Square. If you’ve seen the movie, Forest Gump, the scene where Forest is waiting for the bus is filmed on a bench in Chippewa Square. The bench is now in the Savannah History Museum, but we were able to see a replica of the bench inside the Sorrel-Weed House.

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square was named after a French general of the Revolutionary War who served under George Washington. His name was Marquis de Lafayette. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is on the northeast corner of the square. And, the Andrew Low House is also located on the square.

Washington Square was named to honor our nation’s first president, George Washington. In the center of the park is a plaque that honors the Washington Fire Company. Today, the square is surrounded by historic homes and buildings.

Battlefield Memorial Park

In 1779, the battle of Savannah took place in the Revolutionary War. Battlefield Park is a memorial to the 800 troops that died or were wounded in the battle. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park. And, located next to the park is the Railroad Museum.

Museums & Tours

Mercer-Williams House

Most of the historic homes in Savannah use the original family name of the home, followed by the more prominent family name. We toured the Mercer Williams House, which inspired the novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The home was originally designed for General Hugh W. Mercer however, construction of the home was interrupted by the Civil War. The home was sold and was not completed until 1868 after being purchased by John Wilder. Then in 1969, James Williams bought the property and began restoring it after it sat vacant for about a decade. Today, the home has many of the priceless antiques and artifacts that came from Mr. Williams private collection. Two tragedies took place in the home, and the home is said to be among the most haunted in the country.

Sorrel Weed House

Our favorite tour was the history tour of the Sorrel-Weed House. In the 1830’s, the home was built for a wealthy merchant named Francis Sorrell. Henry Weed took possession of the home in 1862. The home also has a reputation for being haunted. It was also the first home to be designated a state landmark in Georgia.

We enjoyed learning about the architecture, such as the stairways and columns, as well as the pineapples on the iron fence outside. The aspect of southern history is shown in the Sorrel Weed House Carriage and Museum. Did you know that the opening scene in Forest Gump was filmed on the rooftop of the Sorrel-Weed House?

Telfair Museums

The Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters are all part of the Telfair Museums. Admission to one provides admission to all 3. We toured the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters one afternoon. The guided tour provides an insight into 19th century Savannah along with the wealthy families that lived in the mansion. We learned that the Owens family owned the home for 121 years. The tour began in the original carriage house, which included the slave quarters. We were also able to see each room in the home and how it was used in the 1800’s.

The following day, we visited the Telfair Academy. This mansion was built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair. Mary Telfair, Alexander’s sister, gifted the home to the Georgia Historical Society in 1875. Her request was that the home be opened as a museum. It was the first museum in the United States founded by a woman, and it opened to the public in 1886. Today, you’ll find a number of galleries, sculptures, and artwork on display. An exhibit on the Bonaventure Cemetery along with the iconic Bird Girl statue is also inside.

American Prohibition Museum

The American Prohibition Museum covers a historical period of the United States from 1850 to 1933. We did the self-guided tour through the experience, learning information on prohibition and it’s effects on society. The museum’s exhibits, artifacts, and displays portray what life was like during this unsettling time. When we finished the tour, we enjoyed a cocktail at the museum’s Congress Street Up speakeasy inside!

The Davenport House

The Davenport House was established as a historic museum in 1963 by the Historic Savannah Foundation. Visitors can take a guided tour of the home and learn about the architect, Isaiah Davenport, and the historical role of the home.

Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe is well-known for it’s stunning, 1.5 mile live oak lined avenue. The site includes a visitor’s center, gift shop, and trails. Visitors can also take a tram shuttle down a large portion of the oak-lined road to a museum. The formerly named Wormsloe Plantation became Wormsloe Historic Site when over 500 acres of the property was donated to Georgia.

In 1736 Noble Jones was granted the land by James Ogelthorpe. Jones built a home on the property around 1739. Today, visitors can see the ruins that remain from the tabby home. The property has been passed down through generations of Jones’ family, and was even a working plantation during the Civil War era.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the United States in her hometown of Savannah. Here visitors can see a glimpse into her life and home through a guided tour.

Riverfront

Savannah’s Waterfront includes many historical sites and monuments as well as a number of restaurants, hotels, shops, and galleries. Savannah’s historic River Street is over 300 years old. And, for over 200 years, cobblestone streets have lined the riverfront. Many locals and visitors flock to this popular area! From rooftop bars to riverboat sightseeing cruises, there’s something for everyone here.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Originally a plantation with it’s location situated along the banks of the Wilmington River, the Bonaventure Cemetery is the burial place for many prominent citizens. In fact, a burial statue is featured on the cover of the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The city of Savannah has owned the public cemetery, formerly Evergreen Cemetery, since 1907. We took a 2:00pm Saturday tour from the Bonaventure Historical Society. There are also walking tours as well as ghost tours offered at Bonaventure.

Waving Girl Statue

Florence Martus was known as Savannah’s Waving Girl. For 44 years, she would wave a towel or handkerchief at every passing ship during the day. At night, she would wave a lantern. When ship captains spotted her, they would sound their horn. It was said that Florence claimed to have waved at ships because she was lonely. In the early 1970’s, a monument in her honor was placed overlooking the waterfront in Morrell Park.

Savannah Bananas

We visited the stadium and store for the Savannah Bananas baseball team. The team is well-known for it’s fun, entertaining way of playing “Banana Ball.” We have yet to see a game because their tickets always sell-out fast. But while in Savannah, we stopped at their store and were able to go out onto the field and sign the Banana wall.

Food & Drink

Leopold’s

Leopold’s ice cream parlor was founded in 1919. I enjoyed a scoop of one of the original flavors, Tutti Fruitti, in a sugar cone. My husband had a scoop of the Savannah Socialite in a sugar cone. What a treat on a warm, sunny afternoon!

Artillery

For a casual place to enjoy a great cocktail with happy hour specials, we came to Artillery before dinner one evening.

Vic’s on the River

After a long day of sight-seeing, we were in the mood for casual dining. Vic’s was recommended by our inn so we chose to dine here. With views of the Savannah River, fresh local seafood, and southern cuisine we can see why this is a popular place! We enjoyed french onion soup and each had seafood entrees.

The Olde Pink House

I made reservations well over a month in advance to dine at the Olde Pink House on one evening in Savannah. The grand Georgian-style mansion was built in 1771 and was turned into a bank after the Civil War. It then became an attorney’s office, bookstore, and tea parlor but the character of the mansion’s beauty remains. Located across from Reynold’s square, The Olde Pink House is a very popular establishment, and a must when in Savannah.

Rocks on the Roof

Located on the rooftop of the Bohemian hotel, this rooftop lounge overlooks the riverfront. It’s the perfect spot for a happy hour cocktail and sunset view!

Service Brewing

We enjoy finding local craft breweries when we travel, so we made our way into Service Brewing one afternoon during our time in Savannah. What a great local spot to enjoy a beer! It’s very spacious and has a great beer selection. And, not to mention it’s veteran-owned!

Crystal Beer Parlor

Located in an old family grocery store, Crystal Beer Parlor was another recommendation from our inn. On our final evening in Savannah, we made our way here. The variety of food options, with reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere can’t be beat! And, they have delicious sandwiches along with their famous Creamy Crab Stew.

Huey’s

We couldn’t come to Savannah and not stop in Huey’s for their famous beignets! Huey’s on the River is located in an old cotton warehouse. When strolling the riverfront, you’ll find Huey’s right next to Vic’s on the River.

Treylor Park

We tried this fun, unique restaurant in Savannah! With a creative menu and even a beer named Cooter Brown, Treylor Park’s comfort food is just what we needed. And, it’s a popular spot so be prepared for a wait!

River Street Sweets

Since 1973 River Street Sweets has been making candies. The pecan pralines and saltwater taffy are some of the favorites. We purchased their world famous pralines to take back home!

The Pirate’s House

The Pirate’s House started as an inn and tavern for sailors in 1753. Two hundred years later, The Pirate’s House was opened as a tea room in 1953. The historic establishment then became a modern restaurant that still operates today. There are several structures on the property, including the Herb House, which is said to be the oldest building in Georgia.

Where to Stay?

There are a number of hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts in Savannah. We chose to stay at the Azalea Inn Bed & Breakfast in the historic district. We couldn’t have picked a better place! With it’s Victorian-style charm, cozy parlor area and inviting dining space – it’s the perfect place for couples. We experienced true southern hospitality with a delightful breakfast each morning as well as snacks and treats in the evening. Located just a little just a little over a block away from Forsyth Park, it was just what we needed to relax after exploring Savannah.

VRBO also has a selection of places to stay in and around Savannah’s historic district. And, there’s more locations to explore near Savannah! Tybee Island is a short 20 minute drive from Savannah. Also, around an hour away is the beautiful town of Hilton Head, South Carolina.

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