While traveling to Savannah, Georgia I knocked quite a few items off my Bucket List. And found quite a few more to add to yours.
1. Get Bug Protected
When you first arrive to Savannah head over to Nourish Bath Products and purchase a bar of Don't Bug Me soap. You can thank me later. This adorable bath shop was started by a serious crafter and her daughter. Thirteen years and three retails stores later they have created a success. I walked away with three bars of soap; the Hippie Chick, Vanilla Raspberry and Apparition Ale (made with the local beer). I have never smelled more delicious.
2. Orient Yourself With the City
Take a historic trolley tour with Old Savannah Tours to get yourself familiar with this beautiful city. There are 16 'on/off' stops to explore, but if you don't exit at any of them it will only take ninety minutes. Time well spent. And ask for Angel, she will put the most hilarious spin on history.
Photo Courtesy of Old Savannah Tours
3. Drink Absinthe at a Speakeasy
Mata Hari is a sexy speakeasy that only allows entry with a key, and if you read my post on "Drinking Absinthe at a Secret Savannah Speakeasy" you will know how to secure one. Once inside order an absinthe done the traditional way, by melting a sugar cube into the liquor and diluting with water.
4. Do a Honey Tasting
Savannah Bee Company is a shop where the passionate owner, Ted Dennard, is dedicated to redefining honey. And you can taste his efforts. Need I say more? Not really. But if your you need more, read about my 'Honey Tasting Experience at Savannah Bee'.
5. Eat Traditional Southern Cooking Served Family-Style
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, a former boardinghouse, has been serving homestyle Southern cooking in a family-style setting for 68 years. I think they know what they are doing. My memorable dining experience at Mrs. Wilkes included 22 Southern specialties, all of which I fit onto one plate. Success.
6. Sleep at a Historic Inn with a Ghost Story
This one shouldn't be too difficult considering Savannah is the most haunted place in the country. The group of four lovely B&Bs within the Savannah Inns all claim to have a ghost story. I stayed at the Dresser Palmer House, home to Madeline, a sweet female child ghost who leaves pennies for the guests. She didn't leave me any money.
7. Eat Tutti Frutti Ice Cream
Leopolds is a legendary ice cream shop that claims to be the creators of the Tutti Frutti flavor. They started their recipe in 1919 and can't find any record of Tutti Frutti prior. It is a unique flavor that tastes like a frozen fruit cake…but better. If fruit cake is not your thing, try the Guinness float made with Guinness ice cream.
8. Get a Taste of France
If you must escape from the Southern lifestyle for a nanosecond, go to The Paris Market to get a taste of France. There you will be engulfed in two-stories of charming French home goods. You will wish your suitcase was bigger.
9. Visit the Historic Squares
The 22 squares of Savannah, most named in honor of a person, are the heart of the city. These communal mini-parks are scattered through the historic downtown. Make sure to visit Chippewa square where the famous bench scene in Forest Gump was filmed. If you would like to preserve your "square visiting" memory head over to D. Luxe home boutique who sells different scented candles to represent each square.
10. Participate in an Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea should not only be reserved for a trip to Britain, the South are masters at it too. Drink the Emperors Bride at The Tea Room in Savannah. It is the most popular brew with pineapple chunks, citrus peels and thistle petals. And they do have those delectable tiny finger sandwiches. Bonus.
11. Get Inside a Novelists Mind
The Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home is a museum dedicated to this acclaimed novelist who wrote The Violent Bear it Away, among several other books. Why would you want to go o a this writers home? Because it is a unique look into the mind of an interesting girl. For example, when she was young she would write reviews of the childrens books she read, leaving notes on the pages. Needless to say, she was a bit opinionated.
12. Buy Original Art and Support an Art Student
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is arguably one of the top art and design universities in the Country and they have a gift shop in town, shopSCAD. The students and faculty showcase their work in this trendy boutique-style shop. I walked away with a unique lucky penny necklace.
13. Try a Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Many Southern restaurants will feature a pimento sandwich, but probably not as good as at Gryphon. It is a bonus that is is right across the street from shopSCAD (see #12) and also supports the students of the Savannah Art & Design Institute. That is probably why their food is so pretty.
14. Stroll Down the Most Beautiful Street in North America
Jones Street was voted one of the most beautiful in North America by Southern Living. And it is. Definitely, take a stroll along this quaint tree lined road. Mrs. Wilkes Boarding Room (see #5) is also located here. So, gorge first, then walk it off in beautiful style.
15. Picnic in the Park
Forsyth is a large city park located in the historic district of Savannah. You can't miss the large fountain in the center. Pack a picnic, pop a squat and enjoy a peaceful meal amongst the hovering Oaks and Spanish moss.
16. See a Drag Show with Lady Chablis
Lady Chablis is a famous drag queen entertainer who was featured in director Clint Eastwood's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and also an episode of Bizarre Foods. She sporadically, about once a month, performs on stage at Club One. Don't miss it.
17. Take a Ghost Tour in a Hearse
Just because a simple ghost tour wouldn't be creepy enough, take one where you will be riding in a hearse. The Hearse Ghost Tour of Savannah will tell you tales while touring the city in what once was a real hearse.
Photo Courtesy of Jilly
18. Segway Through a Cemetery
Bonaventure is the most famous and hauntingly beautiful cemetary with incredible statues, impressive tombs and interesting residents. Segway of Savannah will take you there in style, with limited walking. Yay.
Photo Courtesy of Tadson
19. Get a Unique Martini
Jen's & Friends is a dive bar with hundreds of creative martinis to choose from. And they come with edible accessories. My table sipped on the Rice Krispie Treat and Moon Pie Martini.
20. Buy a Box of Girl Scout Cookies
Who doesn't like to indulge in an entire box of yummy Samoas or Thin Mints. Savannah is home to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the founder of the Girl Scouts. Plan your visit during "cookie season" and buy a box…or two…from the troops out front. You can then tour the unique home, but, don't get crumbs on the carpet.
Photo Courtesy of sea turtle
21. Take in the Beauty of a Cathedral
View the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist from the inside and the out. There are no words to describe how beautiful the architecture, stained glass work and exquisite carvings are.
22. Sip, Shop & Stroll on Broughton Street
Savannah allows to-go cup cocktails on the streets, as long as they are under 16 ounces. Ask your bartender to make your drink a take out and spend the afternoon sipping while shopping the trendy boutiques on Broughton Street.
23. Take a Pedicab
After your sipping & shopping, let someone else do the driving. You will see Pedicabs throughout historic Savannah, mostly near River Street. Hop on, and they will bicycle you to your desitination. The fee is up to you to decide, though they say the average is $6-$9.
Photo Courtesy of Gee311
24. Eat Exotic Cuisine
If you want to get your fill on exotic meats stop by Alligator Soul. There, depending on the night, you will be able to munch on elk, bison, yak, ostrich of pheasant. This is an adventurous eaters dream.
Photo Courtesy of Alligator Soul
25. Drive Under the Oaks
The beauty of the live oaks with hanging Spanish moss in Savannah undeniable. For the best experience, drive under the oaks on the way to Wormsloe, an avenue sheltered in the impressive trees.
Photo Courtesy of Jim Liestman
Have you had any of these experiences? What will be added to your Savannah Bucket List?
Twitter Updates
Savannah is a beautiful town! Paula Dean's place is there, which has great southern food as well. Lovely town and definitely worth a weekend visit!
I did make it to Paula Deens store, but didn’t have the chance to eat at Lady & Sons. Next time
I have done most of them – Savannah is my favorite home away from home.
If you go, be sure to stay in the Historic District (my wife and I love Kehoe House). The Squares, shopping, River, libations, restaurants are all within walking distance. Park the car and forget about it until you are ready to head out to Tybee for a day at the beach or to eat at the North Beach Grill or Crab Shack. If you are a history buff, there is plenty to see – lots of majestic homes to tour (Owens-Thomas is one of my favorites), as well as forts Jackson, Pulaski and McAllister. For ghosts, I recommend a walking tour. There are a few tour companies, and they all seem to do a pretty good job. The Blue Orb tour at midnight is really fun.
I know I might sound like some kind of Visitor's Center troll – not true. I have just been visiting Savannah and Tybee since childhood, and really love the area.
GREAT suggestions! Lucky you for having such a lovely home away from home. I do love that Savannah is a “walking” town, that way you don’t miss anything!
Great post and great suggestions! I'll keep them on my bucket list for my trip to Savannah
Perfect! After you visit Savannah let me know if there should have been something else on the list
I also like to get a slice from Vinnie Van Go Go's on Bryan St. It's a cash only place and worth every penny! Or a sweet treat from Back in the Day Bakery.
Nothing better than a good slice!
VVGG is a must! Always our first evening meal in town. Also, if you can catch them open, Walls' Barbecue is really good. If you Google it, you will see stuff about it closing,but it was open again back in May 2010 when I last went there. It is not too far off Columbia square on York Lane. Follow your nose!
Other fun things to do – see a show by SCAD; go to a Sand Gnats game; take the obligatory Harbor Cruise; do not miss Savannah Candy Kitchen; drop by Wet Willies; hang out at the River and listen to the Trumpet Man….
#25 Drive under the Oaks: I've seen those Spanish Moss trees in FL. They're beautiful. That street, that photo = stunning. I'd love to take a stroll or slow drive along that road.
#24: I've been indulging in way too much exotic meat lately, so, I'm trying to go mostly vegan for at least the next week and ideally longer, wanna be good to my body, but wow, what a selection at that place. If I ever get there, I will have to try whatever they have on offer that night, unless I get more sensible and decide to go exclusively veg by then, slim chance since it hasn't happened yet. My adventurous eating mentality trumps the side of the mental make up that doesn't like the idea of murdering mammals and feeding my body with unhealthy flesh.
It’s hard for me to stay away from meat, especially a juicy burger. But, sometimes I will give my body a break and eat vegetarian. I haven’t tried the whole ‘vegan’ thing yet, but it’s on the list
PERFECT timing Annette. I'm going to Savannah in November and just starting my planning! You've got me plenty excited for all the eating I'm going to do.
You will have to let me know if you find any other gems. Have fun, it’s such a charming city.
Advice if you are going to Mrs. Wilkes: Skip breakfast! Get there around 10:30 or so, and you will likely be in the first group, if not first in line. Cash only!
The Pirates House – kind of corny, but good food and fun. I recommend the Chatham Artillery Punch.
That’s a good tip about skipping breakfast before heading to Mrs. Wilkes. I wish I would have
I've so enjoyed the posts on Savannah! Such a unique city, I really need to make getting there a priority.
Savannah is such a unique city that I hope you make it to one day!