Skip to main content

Find the Soul of the South in Savannah, Georgia

Ray Charles didn’t croon about Georgia for naught. While we are big fans of the Peach State and the capitol Atlanta, Savannah is our spot when it comes to kicking back and slowing down. Why? Well there are the intimate little parks, laid out by the founder of Georgia, James Oglethorpe to lounge in. There is the burgeoning food and bar scene that could soon rival it’s sister city Charleston. SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) students add a whole bunch of pizzazz to this once sleepy town with their art shows, fashion shows, and general street style. Finally, located two hours north of Florida, the weather can be a huge lure for snowbirds who need a little sunshine and color when blizzards are whipping through the North.

Contents

Now that summer is here, it is the perfect time to head down to The Hostess City of the South. Here are some of our favorite places to hang our hat.

Recommended Videos

Stay

The Brice

This former Holiday Inn has been revamped into one of our favorite hotels we have passed out in. The vibe is fun, pets are allowed, there is free wine every evening at 5 pm, and the restaurant is top drawer. All the staff is very accommodating and the outdoor lounge is always good for people (and pup) watching.

Savannah Georgia Downtown
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Do

Walk

Whatever you do, keep away from the Riverwalk. It is the ‘mall’ of Savannah with every tourist and loud child vying for the taffy shop. The squares are what this city is known for so just walk around, through, up and down ‘em. For the more adventurous take the short drive out to Bonaventure Cemetery. You can’t get more Southern Gothic than this place.

Cemetary
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Broughton Street is the main drag, so take a stroll down this street and you are sure to find something you fancy. Some of our top picks are below.

Prospector Co.

It’s rare to find a men’s grooming shop in such a small town but Prospector Co. started in 2010 and their store on Broughton Street is a great spot for gents to hide out and shop while your gal is burning a hole in her credit card at all the lady shops.

Savannah Bee

Savannah Bee Company - About the Brand

Can’t get more local than this! Founder and beekeeper Ted Dennard has a passion for bees and his little idea back in 1999 has exploded into a global honey brand. The store has a wide range of artisanal honeys as well as honey grooming, beauty and hair products. Or favorite is the honey for the grill. No explanation needed.

Downtown Savannah, Georgia cityscape with street signs
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Paris Market

OK – while this verges on a “lady shop,” they have books you may enjoy and some good grooming products. But if you can cope with the flowers in the front (man up!) there are some great finds in this eccentric shopping destination. Added bonus: the coffee shop with outdoor seating.

Byrds Cookies

Baking cookies since 1924, they became famous for packing their delicious treats in tins for tourists to travel with. The cookies are still the bomb and the tins are the perfect gift for mama (with cookies!).

Byrds savannah georgia
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sherman’s Civil War Headquarters

Love him or hate him, it’s always interesting to see where historic figures did their thing. Upon the invitation of the owner himself, General William Tecumseh Sherman used the Green-Meldrim house as headquarters when the Federal army occupied Savannah during the Civil War. Take a tour and learn more about the War while laying eyes on some seriously good architecture.

SCAD Museum of Art

Located in a former railroad depot from 1853, this is one of the South’s premier contemporary art museums with exhibitions of globally recognized artists as well as SCAD’s talented students.

Carlos-Cruz-Diez-SCAD-Museum-of-Art
Carlos Cruz Diez at SCAD Museum of Art/Facebook Image used with permission by copyright holder

Eat/Drink

Lunch

Gryphon

Built in 1925, this former apothecary has all of its original shelves and stained glass and has been handsomely restored as one of the most Instagramable places to dine.

Gryphon
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Their menu ranges from chicken salad to pork tenderloin and peanut butter and honey sandwiches (holler!) and since you are in the South you have to order iced tea.

Cocktail Hour

The Marshall House

Originally built in 1851, it served as a hospital for soldiers towards the end of the Civil War and during the yellow fever epidemics. Marshall House was expertly restored in 1999. We love this old hotel for a pre-dinner cocktail. The bar is a little eccentric and you may happen upon some equally odd-ball locals having their usual while reading some old tattered novel, probably written by a mad cap family member of yore.

Dinner

The Grey

The Grey Georgia
The Sizzling Smoky Pig/Facebook Image used with permission by copyright holder

Reserve this place for your big night out. This is one the most exciting spots we have dined in anywhere in America. The location is a 1938 Greyhound bus terminal that has been restored to all of its glorious art deco chrome and wood glory. The bartender makes a mean martini and the food is off the chart. Oysters, Seafood Boudin, and Roasted Yardbird are just a few of the items we love (although menu changes seasonally).

Cotton & Rye

While The Grey is the glitzy night out, Cotton and Rye is still sophisticated but a tad more relaxed. Occupying a 1953 bank building, the owners have added a massive outdoor area so you can eat under the stars. While we aren’t mad at their Piggy Pappardelle and Cheeseburger, their veggies are fresh enough to order as an entrée. Succotash anyone?

Cotton & Rye
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Brunch

Collins Quarter

A little slice of Australia right off Wright Square, this has become one of the best brunch spots in town. Try their nearly world famous smashed Avocado on local Beaufort artisan toast or their hangover helper, Biscuits and Gravy.

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Your ultimate guide to delicious winter camping meals
Stay warm with these winter camping meal suggestions
Man winter camping with a green tent

Many discard the idea of winter camping because of its challenges, but despite the cold temperatures, this winter activity is actually pretty fun. As long as you're warm and well-fed, winter camping can be a great opportunity to connect with nature. In this guide, we'll give you the expertise you need to cover winter camping meals so that you and your crew stay full during your adventure.
General tips for preparing winter camping meals

Keep it simple
Winter conditions can make even the most basic tasks more challenging, so it’s essential to stick to simple, straightforward meals. Complex recipes that require a lot of chopping, have multiple steps, or need delicate cooking techniques can be difficult to manage when you’re cold and tired. Instead, focus on one-pot meals or recipes that can be pre-prepped at home.

Read more
From art to outdoor adventures: The best of Santa Fe
Explore 'The City Different'
Sky view of Santa Fe

Perched high in the desert of the American Southwest, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a city as rich in history as it is in charm. Founded back in 1610, it’s the oldest state capital in the U.S., and you can feel that deep blend of cultures -- Native American, Spanish, and Anglo -- everywhere you go. Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe stands out with its unique adobe architecture, bustling art scene, and laid-back vibe.

Whether you’re into art, food, or history or are just looking for a cool place to explore, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Think world-class museums, mouthwatering New Mexican food, and quirky shops perfect for one-of-a-kind treasures. We’ll take you through some of the best things to do in Santa Fe, from savoring the local cuisine to diving into its cultural gems and hitting up the best shopping spots.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Read more
What happens if you miss a connecting flight? These travel tips will help you save your trip
Follow these tips if you miss your connecting flight
Woman at airport

Making a connection between flights is often a seamless experience; your plane lands on time, you grab your carry-on, and you make your way over to the gate to board your connecting flight to your destination. Sometimes, you even have time to grab a quick meal at the airport. Other times, you may find yourself running full speed through the airport to make it to your plane. Missing connecting flights is an unfortunate aspect of frequent air travel. But what happens if you miss your connection? Navigating the aftermath of a missed connecting flight can be intimidating and challenging, but with the right travel tips, you can make it to your final destination with minimal stress.
Missing a connecting flight: The common causes

Several things can cause a traveler to miss their connecting flight. These factors range from airline-related issues to personal oversights. Generally, an airline will not sell you a ticket if they don’t believe you can make your connecting flight, but flight delays of even a few minutes can quickly cascade into missed connections. 

Read more