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The late night doughy slices offered up at Sweet Melissa’s, the bohemian pies baking over at Mellow Mushroom, these are just a few options that greet any pizza lover walking Savannah’s side streets. But these viable venues pail in comparison to what awaits you over at Vinnie Van Go-Gos.
Nestled along the back end of City Market on Franklin Square, this pizzeria has been voted best (pizza) in …
Savannah has no shortage of bars and clubs to occupy the evening hours, but come daybreak, there are decidedly few decent breakfast and brunch options. But, luckily, you know about VisitSouth’s great inside travel tips, and therefore now know about J. Christopher’s.
Located on Liberty St. in downtown Savannah, this breakfast and lunch shop is open from 7am-2pm and serves up some of the best brunch and lunch in city …
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With no official zoo, aquarium, or children’s museum listed on any travel brochure or website, Savannah might not seem very child-friendly on paper. But these attractions do exist (if you know where to look for them) and make for a special and unique experience on your next family vacation.
While there is no city-run zoo, Oatland Wildlife Refuge is a one-of-a-kind walk-through animal habitat free of concrete motes and Plexiglas and allows …
During these balmy nights of midsummer, one of Savannah’s favorite pastimes is getting the whole family together and heading on out to the ballpark to watch the local Sand Gnats in action.
A single-A feeder team for the New York Mets, the Sand Gants always have young, energetic talent filling out the roster, which make for quality games night after night. That, along with nightly promotions like ‘Dollar Mondays’ ($1 …
Savannah doesn’t see too many big bands these days. With an aging event center, and the more populace Atlanta just up the road, the big names tend to skip us over on their national tours.
While they may seem like a dagger in the heart of the Savannah musicscape, it has actually help to foster a devoted and ever-growing music scene. Revered local groups and up-and-coming bands from as far away as California love …
With a commanding four-story façade of cast iron arches, high ceiling balconies, and iconic green shutters, The Marshall House has become a downtown landmark and makes for great accommodation option during your next visit to Savannah.
Credited as Savannah’s first hotel, the Marshall House was originally constructed in 1851 on the corners of Broughton St. and Drayton St. It was the principle accommodation of the city for over 50 years …
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With miles of beaches and riverfront surrounding Savannah, most people tend to overlook the extensive amount of lake access that proliferates the county.
And while they flock to the tidal flats and sand dunes with there deck boats and beach chairs, the plentiful 3-4 acre size lakes, most of which are encompassed by city parks and hiking trails, are left alone. But one person’s loss is another’s gain, as these locations are an uncrowned …
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While Savannah provides a host of activities and diversions on land, we should not forget that she’s surrounded by water, both a river and an ocean, which include attractions of their own. One such draw is Dolphin Magic Tours.
Departing daily from the docks at 313 River St. (on the East end, just in front of the Shrimp Factory) this two-hour guided tour takes you down the Savannah River, past …
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Every October, the red carpets are rolled out on the sidewalks of Broughton Street, the spotlights fan the city walls, and film stars and enthusiasts from around the world descend on downtown for the Savannah Film Festival.
Put on by the Savannah College of Art and Design, the festival Features everything from pre-release Hollywood features to cutting-edge independents and draws big names (such as Michael Douglas, John Waters, and Jane Fonda) and …
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Recently receiving honors from Savannah Connect Magazine for best restaurant and wait staff, the Olde Pink House is one of the town’s top spots for food and drinks.
True to its name, the Olde Pink House inhabits an 1800th century two-story mansion on one of Savannah’s city squares. And, with its elegant Victorian décor, original hard wood flooring, and colonial-era table and chairs, you really do feel like your dining in antiquity. …
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After a long day of sightseeing and walking tours, there is nothing more enjoyable than sitting back in one of Savannah’s shaded corners with an ice-cold beer. But, while you can garner a no-thrills draft at any five n’ dime on River Street or City Market, there is only one place where you can get a local quality-crafted brew and that is Moon River Brewery.
Crowned as the first Historic landmark in Savannah, the Wayne-Gordon (Low) House, birthplace of the famed founder of the Girl Scouts of America Juliette Gordon Low, draws thousands of visitors and scouts every year.
Located on Bull St. and Oglethorpe Ave. in downtown Savannah, this majestic double story English Regency house was once the home of Savannah Major and future Chief Justice James Moore Wayne before Juliette’s grandfather …
With PGA tour courses and a rich history that inspired films like The Legend of Bagger Vance, Savannah has long since been a golfer’s haven. And, with over 15 clubs within 10 miles of downtown there are plenty of courses to choose from that fit everyone’s skill level and budget.
If you have the right connections, you might be able to pencil yourself in on a scorecard over at the
Just across the street from Colonial Park Cemetery and close to all the other major downtown attractions lies The 1895 Inn; a recently restored bed and breakfast that has been receiving a lot of praise from its guests.
Set in a Queen Ann high-style Victorian on Oglethorpe Ave, the inn offers four well-appointed guest rooms, each complete with a queen size bed and private bathroom. All rooms come with a …
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This year’s 4th of July falls on a weekend, and with Savannah’s famous two-day firework show (Saturday and Sunday), it affords a prefect opportunity to get the family and friends together and come down and participate in all the fun.
To start things off, Tybee Island will be putting on a beach fireworks show at the Pier and Pavilion on Saturday, July 3rd. The first rockets won’t be set off until …
While many of Savannah’s downtown bars stay open well into the early morning hours, most of the restaurants and café’s close before midnight. And, if you’re like me, after an extended evening out on the town (maybe having a few drinks along the way), you need a post-party snack before you pack it in. So, here’s a list of some of the top late night eateries in the downtown area.
There’s Wild …
A secluded cove along a wind-swept beach; a century-old oak grove draped in Spanish moss; or a historic church old as America itself. These are just a few venues that make Savannah a prefect place for a destination wedding.
If you are looking a little piece of history mixed in with your nuptials, head out to the ramparts of Old Fort Jackson. A restored Civil War fort sitting on the banks of the Savannah …
You’re in Savannah for the weekend and are staying at one of the great accommodations located downtown. You've just awoken from a refreshing night's rest and you’re ready to hit the town for a full day of sightseeing, but your stomach is grumbling and you know you’re going to need something to nibble on before you head out. And that’s when you remember that I recommended Harris Baking Company, and both you and …
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A city by the sea, Savannah is surrounded by salt marshes, rivers, and the ocean. So it comes as no surprise that it also boasts a healthy assortment of aquariums displaying the wide variety of marine life found the area.
Along with a large selection of aquatic pet shops like Exotic Underworlds and the Coastal Aquarium, there is the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Located on the beach, this center …
Looking for a place to stay during your next trip to Savannah? Someplace that carries the same historic feel and authentic look as the rest of the city? Then you’ll want to check in to the historic Planters Inn, one of Savannah’s top downtown accommodations.
Perched on a shaded corner of Reynolds Square, this 60-room luxury hotel is centrally located and just a few blocks from City Market, Broughton St.,
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Memorial Day weekend is upon us once again, and with it a steady stream of travelers making their way to Savannah for the long weekend.
While temperatures will be nearing the 90s, the humidity will still be relatively low, making for perfect picnic whether. And with lots of outdoor options, all of Savannah will be filled with holiday cheer.
Some like to grab a picnic blanket and claim a plot of grass out …
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About 45 minutes up the coast from Savannah lies an island paradise that the whole family can enjoy. One of a string of beach-lined barrier islands buffering the eastern seaboard, Hilton Head Island, SC is only 12 miles long, but is packed full of adventure.
If you’re looking for an island retreat, Hilton Head has an array of accommodations and restaurants to fit anybody’s budget.
While Savannah’s music scene may not be as prominent as tune towns like Austin or Memphis, there is one place where you can always find smooth sounds filling the downtown air after dark: Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Featuring local legends like Jeff Beasley, Eddie Wilson, and Trae Gurley during the week and big bands such as the Georgia Kyle Trio, Bottles and Cans, and the Bluesonics on the weekends, locals and visitors …
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It’s heating up here in Savannah and the community is gearing up for another summer of fun on the beach. To kick things off, the Beach Bum Parade and the EVP Pro-Am Beach Volleyball Tournament are coming to town (May 21st and 22nd respectively) in what is shaping up to be a wild weekend on Tybee Island.
The fun starts on Friday with the Beach Bum Parade. A parade just like any …
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With an unhurried Southern pace and a warm spring breeze, Savannah is the perfect place to visit this time of year for a relaxing weekend away-from-it-all. And, what better way to unwind then at one of Savannah’s world-class spas?
There are many proprietors to choose from throughout the city, from small boutique health spas such as the Vanilla Day Spa (! East Broughton St.) to large hotel relaxation centers like the Mansion’s
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Move over New York, on May 15, the fashion world’s spotlight beams down on Savannah for he annual SCAD Fashion Show.
In one of the top school fashion shows in the country, students battle it out on the runway in front of some of the top names in the fashion world such Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley and renowned international designers Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, Tom Ford, Vera …
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Savannah has a reputation as being a progressive town with a diverse community, an international art school, and many modernisms of a budding metropolis. But make no mistake, she’s still a SOUTHERN town at heart and what would a Southern town be without its BBQ?
There are a host of options awaiting anyone looking for a tangy rib plate or a smoky pulled pork sandwich in this town. Downtown notables include Blowin’ …
Two new jewels have recently emerged along the northwest end of the historic district in downtown Savannah.
The first is the long-awaited reopening of Ellis Square. One of Oglethorpe's original plazas, it was converted into a parking structure in the 1950s but has now been restored to a grassy mall with water works for the kids, shaded patio seating along its perimeter, and a parking garage below.
With a string of riverfront brasseries, corner cafes, and upscale bistros throughout the downtown area, Savannah has no shortage of eateries. But not all restaurants are created equal, and epicureans should beware: Some are far better than others. The Soho South Café is one of the those better places.
Open for lunch Monday-Friday days a week and for brunch on Sundays, this artsy cafe serves up mouthwatering dishes that will have you …
The rear gardens and slave quarters
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Savannah has always been known for its abundance of period architecture and historic homes. One of the most famous of these buildings is the Owen-Thomas House. A residence of grand opulence, it was one of the first in America to have indoor plumbing (a few years before the White House).
Built in 1819 by the notable English architect William Jay, the house is a classic example of British Regency design …
With eye-lulling skylines and clear, balmy nights, Savannah is the prefect backdrop to sit back with a cocktail and watch the sun melt into the horizon. And, with an abundance of rooftop bars to choose from, you're afforded that opportunity at many different locations throughout the downtown area.
Across from the Hyatt on Bay Street, Churchill's has a cozy rooftop terrace. While the views aren’t great—mostly office buildings and distant bell towers—they …
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The PGA tour returns to Savannah for the annual Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Tournament, to be held Friday, April 23 through Sunday the 25th at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa.
Known as ‘the tournament that launched the champions tour’ (a compitiion for elite golfers over the age of 50), the Legends of Golf is a favorite among players and fans. Located on Hutchinson Island in the middle …
NOTE: Now opperating under its new name - Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. (SACGC)
Curator Dyanna Byers calls the Chatham County Garden Center and Botanical Gardens “the best kept secret in Savannah.” And with good reason. Because if you’re not paying attention, you’ll pass right by it and not even know it was there.
The center lies down a nondescript commercial block in midtown Savannah, discretely out of street view—and …
With spring in full bloom and the thermostat already bobbing in the high 70’s, folks are pulling out their beach chairs and boogie boards and heading out to Tybee Island.
Recently voted the cleanest beach in America, the gentle surf and soft sand of Tybee offers mile after mile of pristine coastline, backed by the small town feel of a mellow island community. And, with no shortage of seafront villas, resort hotels, …
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Founded as a colonial port town, early Savannah attracted migrants from all walks of life. And, as a testament to the religious fervor of those early days, those migrants were sure to bring their religion(s) ashore with them when they landed here.
As a result, Savannah’s skyline is adorned with Gothic steeples and bell towers of historic churches and temples of all faiths and denominations; some of which with histories as old as the …
With his commanding 6’5” stature and a personality twice that size, it’s pretty hard to miss Savannah Dan. A former police officer and longtime resident of the city, this Southern gentleman leads leisurely paced walking tours through the hallowed squares and past the classic 19th-century homes of the historic district.
He delights visitors with amazing stories, humor, and bits of local knowledge revealing "the history they don’t know" about the city: the …
‘Serving coffee and community’ is the motto at Savannah’s Sentient Bean, a small, hip coffee house that backs up to the southern rim of Forsyth Park. Living up to that creed, they supply only fair-trade brews and teas, use organic ingredients in their menu offerings, and offer a full social calendar of weekly events ranging from Indie movie nights and live music to poetry readings and educational forums.
Are you planning an extended trip or vacation to Savannah and want something a bit homier than the traditional inn or hotel? Well, be sure to check out the friendly folks over at the Suites on Lafayette before your next visit.
With 10 luxury-style apartments sharing the tree-studded Lafayette square with restored antebellum mansions and grand, gothic cathedrals, the Suites are a perfectly located accommodation in the heart of Savannah’s historic district.
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The grass is beginning to speckle green, the stiff evening air is easing into warm breezy nights, and flowers are emerging from their winter cocoons. Yes sir, spring is coming to Savannah; and with it, music revelers from all over the world for the 2010 Savannah Music Festival.
The 18-day event (March 18-April 3) has made a name for itself by offering world-class music in intimate and historical settings. While …
It doesn’t look like much from the outside. If you didn’t know any better, you’d just presume it another elegant, yet unassuming, house fronting the oak-lined sidewalks of Jones Street… that is, if it weren’t for the hundreds of people lined up outside the front door.
That front door would be to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where, every day starting at 9:15am, a line forms for some of the best …
With its sleepy southern intonations and easygoing residents, Savannah has always been known as quaint and quiet get-away. But, come St. Patrick’s Day the city takes on a much more outgoing and euphoric tone.
With one of the oldest and largest parades in the US, the whole city comes alive with green flowing fountains, Gaelic drinking songs, and 400,000 plus party-goers filling every bar, restaurant, and street corner in town.
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Owning over 20 acres of prime real estate in historic Savannah, Forsyth Park straddles Bull St. and the lower reaches of the downtown area at its north end and the beginning of the Victorian District at its southern tip.
Starting at the north end, a main concrete walk, interspersed with runners, dog-walkers, and fellow strollers takes you past the iconic Forsyth Fountain and through a shaded grove of old oak …
Founded during the ‘restoration years’ of the late 1970s, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has purchased and renovated over 60 buildings throughout the downtown area and is as much a benefactor to the historical preservation of the city as the historical and heritages societies have been.
Being one of the premier art schools in the country, Savannah serves as the perfect backdrop for those studying at SCAD and …
With a myriad of parks, museums, and historical monuments spread throughout the downtown area, Savannah can seem a little daunting for the first-time sightseer. But alas, have no fear; Carriage Tours of Savannah (CTOS) is here.
With a fleet of carriages and impressive horses, CTOS is the oldest carriage tour operator in Savannah and a prefect way to get your bearings on what there is to see and do downtown. …
Located just a few miles from downtown, yet tucked away among the secluded salt marshes and maritime forests of the barrier islands, Skidaway Island State Park is the perfect site for your next camping trip to the Savannah area.
The 588-acre park has 87 spacious campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as group sites, all set in the recesses of shaded oak groves and shoreline palmetto thickets. Running …
Gazing out on the rolling greens and sleepy oaks of Forsyth Park stands the majestic Mansion Hotel. Which, for the 5th year running, has been enshrined on Conde Naste Traveler’s Elite Gold list.
Opening in 2005, this boutique hotel has quickly become the fashionable place to say in downtown Savannah. Part of the Kessler Collection hotel chain, this restored redbrick Victorian welcomes you with a stylish lobby, sated with antique chairs, museum-worthy …
Savannah: where the serene meanderings of a small Southern community meet the hustle and bustle of a beachside destination. Be it the historic architecture of early America, the charming city squares and parks that speckle the downtown, the romantic riverside restaurants, or the tranquil beach community of the islands, whatever your pleasure may be The ‘Hostess City of the South’ has a little something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, stay …
Just off the river, but aloof of most of the tourist foot-traffic from downtown, lies the Mulberry Inn. Tucked away on the eastern side of Bay St. this European-style boutique hotel makes for a graceful stay during your next visit to Savannah.
Restored to its original historic elegance, the hotel is filled with antique furniture, original artwork and reclaimed pine floors and if one didn’t know any better, they would think they were …
Carnival season is just around the corner and with it comes the 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Tybee celebration; the place to be for the festival here in Savannah. With a sundry of beach bars, and easy-going residents that frequent them, Tybee Island serves as the prefect backdrop for this vivacious affair. And both locals and travelers alike go all-out for this event, with crazy costumes, colorful body paints, and a… healthy supply of spirit-lifting libations to …
If you find yourself ambling through the tree-dappled squares of downtown Savannah around lunchtime and you want a quick bite that allows you to get to your busy site-seeing schedule, Zunzi’s Takeout & Catering is your Graceland.
Just off of Oglethorpe square on E. York St., this whole-in-the wall serves up delicious lunch specials from 11:00am-6:00pm everyday (closed on Sunday). If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, try their Conquistador – baked …
When it comes to sports bars, Savannah is in no short supply. Whatever your preferred viewing setting might be—a gritty dive bar like the backroom at McDonough's, a family-friendly atmosphere like Beef’O’Bready’s out on Wilmington Island, or the polish of an upscale establishment such as the Bohemian rooftop—this city’s got something for everyone. But there is one bar that manages to cater to every sport-lovers …
Much like the fountain in Forsyth Park or the Waving Girl Statue on River St., Elizabeth on 37th has become an iconic image of Savannah. Widely considered the best restaurant in town, this fine-dinning establishment takes a California cuisine approach to low-country cooking—using only fresh, locally-produced ingredients in all their Southern-inspired dishes—and the results have garnered them great reviews and a top-25 posting in Food and Wine.
A candle-lit table for two overlooking the river, a horse-drawn carriage ride through breezy town squares, an evening stroll amid the antebellum houses and gas lamps of downtown; these are just a few of the activities that make Savannah one of the South’s top romantic destinations.
As is the case with any lovers’ retreat, there are plenty of accommodations catering to amorist sensibilities. There is The Gastonian, with its private …
While many come here to escape the bitter cold that other Eastern states have to endure during these harsh winter months, Savannah can get its fair share of chilly afternoons. So, if you find yourself strolling through the downtown squares, donning a scarf and buttoning up your wool coat, head straight for Gallery Espresso; where you’ll be greeted with a warming cup O’ Joe and a relaxing café atmosphere.
Set …
Few people think of a graveyard as a tourist destination, but, much like La Recoleta in Buenos Aires, Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery draws scores of camera-toting tourists every year.
Made famous by ‘The Book’ and the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this burial site claims over 100 acres of shaded shores along the Wilmington River and serves …
Halfway between downtown Savannah and Tybee Island, along the final stretches of the Savannah River, lies Fort Pulaski National Monument. Completed in 1847, the fort was perched on an island bluff in the middle of the river; a perfect defense against foreign naval attacks. But, as history would have it, the first assaults came from land, as Union and Confederate soldiers batted there in the early years of the Civil War.
Today, it is …
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