Historic city squares with park benches beneath moss draped great oaks, beautiful architecture, coastal tropical islands and gorgeous beaches. If southern charm is what you seek there are plenty of great unspoiled destinations full of adventure yet for you to discover in Savannah Georgia. No matter if you’re looking for a romantic weekend with that special someone, a few days of history immersion or just an exit of entertainment on your way down Interstate 95. Bring your car or boat. The Savannah area of Georgia is certainly well worth getting lost in.
WHERE TO STAY
To plan your visit, consider the many options of hotels in and right outside Savannah itself. For a family, the Savannah/ Hilton Head International airport provides many convenient and modern options. They are also conveniently located right off Exit 104 on Interstate 95 in Pooler, Georgia. This is only a few exits from Historic Savannah and it has much to offer for families looking for a break on their road trip down South. We have stayed off this exit several times at the Spring Hill Suites and enjoyed our stay immensely. There is a Walmart, Sams Club and Publix in less than a 5 minute drive off the exit for anything you might need to stock up for the rest of your travels. Of course the Spring Hill Suites is a huge hit with the family having a free full hot breakfast that includes homemade waffles. This exit off 95 is up and coming with many family friendly entertainment options such as Surf Lagoon Water Park, Royal Cinemas and IMAX, Pooler Stadium Cinemas and of course the huge new Tanger Outlet complex. Between this and the plethora of restaurants available you can easily enjoy downtown Savannah and have the kids still happy till late in the day. Restaurants off this exit are plentiful. A few of our favorites are Sawa Hibachi , pizza at the Mellow Mushroom and for some southern fare try Shane’s Rib Shack. A really unique take away place we also enjoy is the Pie Society. It’s all British and all authentic. Homemade meat pies and desserts that will just melt in your mouth.
If you’d rather immerse your self in the pre-civil war era than there are many great choices downtown in Savannah’s historic district that we’d highly recommend. The city offers many beautiful spa hotels and B&B’s. The Hyatt on River Street is perfect for being in on all the action with many busy shops, restaurants and bars right in walking distance all evening till the early morning hours. River Street isn’t all there is to see though. I highly recommend a walk of discovery through Savannah’s historic squares and down streets of charming architecture to the famous Forsyth Park and its romantic fountain. Savannah has thankfully been preserved to this day and the downtown area is the largest National Landmark District in the United States. Enjoying this beautiful park and it’s fountain must include a peek at the elegant Mansion on Forsyth Park. This beautiful hotel and Spa is ideal for a special occasion of any kind. Their restaurant, the 700 Drayton , has a contemporary southern food based menu and is an elegant brunch or evening out. The luxury hotel is often a popular wedding venue and a wedding photographers dream being across the street from the beautiful Forsyth Park with its iconic fountain and Spanish moss draped live oaks .
HISTORIC SAVANNAH Dining
Webpages on Savannah’s historic buildings and park squares are plentiful. If you’re a history buff or just an admirer of architecture there’s no other way to see this beautiful city then on foot. Savannah also has a great Free Fare bus system called Dot Express Bus Shuttle. It’s a great way to get where you need to be if you have explored farther than you need to. Dot buses run every 10 minutes throughout historic Savannah. We would park for free by Forsyth Park on Hall Street and catch the Dot on Drayton Street saving a bundle on metered parking.
As you spend the day meandering through the city many look for the popular Paula Deen establishment The Lady and Sons and ask if this is the best place for the truly Southern food experience. Locals would debate this but for the Northerner wanting to dip their toes in the South this is a good way to start. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is also still a highly recommended experience for their warm hospitality and southern food. Plan your day accordingly though! You will need to queue up around 11 to get in for lunch here. For some good family fun, The Pirate’s House is also a popular dining choice. Actors dressed up as Pirates provide a thrill for the kids telling their stories of adventure on the high seas from long ago while you eat. More modern Gastropub options are also available and our favorite is always The Distillery. The menu is creative and delicious! Does an alligator appetizer sound interesting to you? Even if you’re not that adventurous there are plenty of other great choices such as fried pickles, burgers and pretty much anything on the menu. The beer selection will leave you having to say “I’ll take the The Sampler please!” It’s that extensive. There are so many choices in Savannah but these are truly some great options to start your day of discovery.
Enjoy your day of exploring! I never tired of it. Take a walk up River Street, mosey through City Market and shop along Broughton Street (my favorite shop being The Paris Market!) For something lighthearted take a free ferry ride on the Savannah Belles Ferry on River Street. It’s a day of discovery you’ll never forget.
SIDE TRIPS YOU’LL LOVE
If you can take the time, we highly recommend a day to go off the beaten path and out of Historic Savannah for some pretty amazing spots. The locals are very proud of Tybee Island for that southern untouched coastal feel. The lighthouse and area is a great way to experience that relaxed island southern feel. But for my money, venture a little more south to two of the other Golden Isles, St. Simons Island and it’s neighbor Jekyll Island. They are both hidden gems that offer beautiful unspoiled beaches, quaint villages, shops and historic landmarks such as the Fort Frederica National Monument and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This is the true Southern Coastal experience in my opinion. Each of these offer so much in beauty and history you might end up staying a week!
With good planning you are sure to enjoy your time in Savannah and all the Low Country has to offer. It is much more than a quick stop off the Interstate as you drive by. The best part of trying new and undiscovered places is the experience that you can’t buy. It’s the part that leaves an imprint on who we are that changes us forever.
– Contributed by author/editor Stephanie of StrayAdventures.com
Authors note: All of my statements and opinions are my own and not endorsed by payment.
