When you picture a Southern Belle from the 1700s, do you picture a gorgeous gown with giant bustles and long, exaggerated trains? Can you hear the sound of her petticoats swishing as she delicately fans herself as any respectable Southern Belle would do?
Savannah is the essence of that type of beauty and charm. Its streets are lined with ancient oak trees dripping in Spanish moss that form a beautiful arch over historic lanes like Jones Street. Parks and squares are dappled all throughout the city. The ancient Victorian homes are breathtaking.
Out of all the southern cities, Savannah just may be the cream of the crop. Its history is mesmerizing, with everything from Civil War battles to the creation of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Come here for a little while, and you’ll want to stay forever. That southern hospitality is no small thing. Here, people will treat you right, welcome you with open arms, and show you what it feels like to belong – even if just for the weekend.
Where to Stay
Part of the magic and majesty of Savannah is the fact that many of their historic Victoria homes have been converted into luxury bed and breakfasts. They’re dotted all throughout the city, and each one is more sumptuous than the next.
While the city has plenty of hotel chains, like The Hampton Inn, if you’ve made it this far, you might as well fully immerse yourself in its beauty by checking into a B&B for a few nights and enjoying all their bells and whistles. Here are some of the most highly rated B&Bs.
Forsythe Park Inn
Forsythe Park Inn is a gemstone in its own right. But, its proximity to Forsythe Park affords it an extra dash of class. All the old-world touches are marvelously paired with every modern amenity. You’ll start your day with a savory breakfast, recharge your batteries in the afternoon on a rocker overlooking the park, and then sip and savor their offering of evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
The Gastonian
It’s amazing that people used to call these buildings home. The Gastonian consists of two beautifully restored 1868 residential homes. Every guest room is perfectly appointed, and their evening cocktail hour is equally enticing, especially when paired with the roaring fireplace in the lounge. Here, the staff will make you feel like you’re right at home, showcasing southern hospitality at its finest.
The Ballastone Inn
Now, for one more glorious B&B. The Ballastone Inn dates back to 1828 and actually served as a former bordelo. How’s that for some history? Located in the heart of the Historic District, staying here puts you within walking distance of some of the lovely restaurants and shops we’re about to discuss. The sunlight simply pours through the windows in this building; the bedding is cloud-like, and their breakfasts and evening cocktail hours are unbeatable.
Where to Eat
Since the entire city’s southern hospitality is on point, you just know you’re going to tuck into some of the most savory meals of your life. Let’s take a tour of some exceptional eateries.
The Olde Pink House
We’ll start with a top-shelf option, The Olde Pink House. What you’ll want to do here is start your evening down in the basement pub. It’s rumored to be haunted by the man who commissioned its construction back in 1771, James Habersham, Jr. He died under suspicious circumstances not long after its completion. Today, there have been several reported sightings of his spirit, fully bedecked in Colonial garb. All the tall tales aside, the food here is absolutely splendid. It’s southern cuisine at its finest and worth every last dollar.
Collins Quarter
If you sleep in one morning and miss your B&B’s breakfast, don’t fret. Brunch at Collins Quarter is out of this world. They brew some of the finest coffee in the city and serve up delectable Australian delights. Things get quite packed here on a Sunday, with friends and family pouring out onto the sidewalk to enjoy the food. If you go with their poached eggs, a cup of coffee, and a mimosa to top things off, you’ll sail through the rest of your day on cloud 9.
Gallery Espresso
Now for a quick mid-day pick-me-up. Located right off Chippewa Swaure, one of the many small parks or squares throughout the city, you’ll find an eclectic blend of mix-matched furniture, area rugs, world-class coffee, and other snacks at Gallery Espresso. Come here for a bagel and lox, some soup, or a salad, and just enjoy the moment. You’ll be sitting in the city’s oldest coffee shop, run by friendly staff, and can partake of the city’s quintessential coffee culture, even if just for an hour.
What to Do
Brimming with museums, parks, art galleries, and shops, it’s difficult to whittle this down to a small handful of things to do. Mixed in with everything else you hope to see, don’t skip past these three destinations.
The Paris Market
From The Ballastone Inn, Collins Quarter, or Gallery Espresso, it’s a quick walk to Broughton Street – the street where all your shopping dreams will come true. You have some big brand names on this street, like L’Occitane, but you also have plenty of unique boutiques to explore – and The Paris Market is the best of them all.
The displays here are ever-changing, much like a museum exhibition. You’ll find everything from candelabras to scarves, to luxury perfume, to stationery. It’s a glorious display of all the finer things in life within two neatly displayed stories of another historic building in this beautiful city.
River Street Sweets
Really, the goal here is just to get you down to River Street. As you stroll along its cobbled walkways and gaze out over the river, you’ll feel instant calm and peace. While you’re here, be sure to visit River Street Sweets. Loaded with tasty treats from floor to ceiling, everyone’s sweet tooth will be satiated here. Then, walk along the water, check out the open-air market, River Street Market Place, and watch the sunset from the rooftop bar at The Bohemian Hotel.
Tybee Island
About 30 minutes away, you have easy access to one of the Atlantic’s prettiest beaches. The drive to Tybee Island is almost as beautiful as its shorelines. You’ll drive through the lowlands and take in the sights of the area’s beautiful marshes. When you arrive, you might want to visit the lighthouse. Then, in terms of finding easy parking, head over to Chatham Avenue Beach Access point. The crowds and waves are calming, making for that soul-healing experience we all seek at the sea.
A True Southern Belle
Indeed, Savannah is a true Southern Belle. She boasts elegance, charm, and class by the boatload. The staff at your B&B will welcome you home; the shop clerks in every art gallery and boutique will be happy to assist, and the world-class cuisine will stay with you forever.
Wherever you’d like to travel next, we have a destination guide on tap to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Come check them out! Here’s hoping we’ll get to clink our mimosa glasses at Collins Quarter one day!