While I love traveling the world and experiencing new cultures, there is also a special place in my heart for finding adventures within my own backyard. This past summer I got the chance to explore the south a little more with a trip to Savannah, Georgia.
The whole city is the epitome of the coastal grandma vibe. The historic town has preserved much of the city's original structures and layout, so parts of the historic downtown district are walkable. While the outside showcases the old southern charm, on the inside you’ll find great restaurants, stores, and other Savannah native specialties, like the Savannah Bee Company tour and Wilmington Island sailing.
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing getaway in the South, this is the perfect place to explore. We’ve built a guide for the ideal balance of a relaxing and exciting trip, and some must-haves to have in your luggage.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or in this case, you can even make that brunch. There is no better place to grab a quick bite before adventures than at Goosefeathers Cafe. With everything from small grab-and-go items to more elaborate Southern classics like cornbread waffles, this cute little cafe has a great variety on its menu. I personally give it high praise for the one thing I can’t start my day without—coffee. Aside from the great drinks, the baristas are super friendly so it's a great start to your day.
Since the whole city is known for its history and vintage vibe, this old-timey diner is the perfect place to dine for a quick lunch. The food is a great blend of southern and hearty classics, like their chicken and waffles, but also has a fusion twist with things like their Fried Risotto and Bi Bim Bop Bowl. But let's be real, the main reason you’ll want to go here is because of all the cute rubber duck-themed decorations inspired by the owners' love for their children or, as they call them, their “little ducklings.”
There is nothing like Southern hospitality and charm, and this tea room does a great job of capturing that. Owned by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this cute little tea room is a classy little place to enjoy and get dressed up in florals, frilly skirts, and gloves. As a SCAD alum, I know all about the school’s attention to detail when it comes to interiors and architecture, but I had to give it high praise for its attention to detail with food and drinks. My personal favorite was the cucumber cooler with the afternoon tea tower. It's a great nod to their southern roots, but also incorporates global elements to show the diversity of the school.
Savannah Bee Company Tour & Tasting
As someone who lives in the South, the Savannah Bee Company has established a pretty strong presence in a lot of cities across the region. However, visiting the actual site where a lot of their products are made was a pretty sweet experience (pun most definitely intended). Aside from learning about the beekeeping process you get to taste some of their products, including a Mead tasting if you’re over 21. It’s a fun little activity to get to know some of Savannah’s local delicacies.
Like I mentioned earlier, this Southern town is the epitome of the coastal grandma aesthetic, so a sailing experience is a must on the itinerary. The perfect time to book a slot is around sunset so you get great views with the ocean breeze. My girls and I packed some charcuterie and champagne to enjoy on the boat ride. Pack some speakers as well (and make sure it's fully charged) and just enjoy a fun little experience with your friends.
While this is a walkable city, the best way to explore isn’t by foot, but by segway. Since the city is a historical town that's maintained much of its structure throughout history, you’ll get the chance to segway across town and learn about historical homes and areas across the city.
You can’t talk about the history of this city without the haunted history. Savannah has seen wars and illnesses spread throughout the city, and in the process of preserving the structures, they acknowledge the spirits as well. If you love all things spooky, this is the perfect place for that. We recommend getting dressed up in your best vampy and gothic attire for these tours to make it even more fun.
Nightlife in Savannah is just as vibrant as the city is during the day. With streets of bars and fun places to go out dancing, one of the top spots that stands out is Electric Moon. This rooftop bar doesn't just promise fun times and cocktails, but also a great view of the city. It's the perfect backdrop to capture memories from the night that you may or may not remember the next morning.
While my trip to Savannah was a road trip, this is easily a place you can fly to as well. The plus side of making the drive meant more room to pack little things for experiences like a picnic basket for the sunset sailing or extra clothes to fit the theme of the excursions. Either way, these are some must-haves to pack while you’re out exploring this southern city.
