Surprising Savannah Has Much to Discover

Savannah is ready to surprise you.

Tourists planning to visit Georgia’s oldest city may expect to walk beneath haunting Spanish moss or check out charming city squares. But did you know the city has a bustling, family-friendly waterfront? Here are a few options for enjoying this Southern gem that you might not have known about.

Budget

Stay: You don’t have to go far from the waterfront for an affordable hotel room. Less expensive options include SpringHill Suites Savannah Downtown/Historic District and the Best Western Savannah Historic District. Both are centrally located and offer complimentary breakfast.

Do: Stroll down a pedestrian promenade for scenic views of the Savannah River, meander through the gothic beauty of Bonaventure Cemetery then check out the city’s historic squares – inviting green spaces that date back to the city’s early days as a Colonial British settlement.

Dine: Vinnie Van Go Go’s has you covered for pizza, Goose Feathers Cafe has breakfast sandwiches all day long and Huey’s brings the flavors of New Orleans to the riverfront. Other options include Ta Ca Sushi & Japanese Fusion, B&D Burgers and Bella Napoli Italian Bistro.

Mid-Range

Stay: Visitors looking to rack up reward points with a national chain can choose spots like the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District. For a localized touch – and a potential brush with the supernatural – check out the Olde Harbour Inn or the Eliza Thompson House.

Do: Any city with roots stretching back to the early 18th century is bound to have a few good ghost stories. As such, several tour operators offer spooky explorations. Some are family-friendly while others, like haunted pub crawls, are for more mature visitors.

Dine: Savannah is home to one of the nation’s largest ports, so it makes sense that it boasts great seafood restaurants. Downtown options include River House Seafood and Chart House, which offers waterfront dining and modern design in a historic masonry building.

Luxury

Stay: Savannah has nine AAA Four Diamond hotels. They include a 19th century mansion (Kehoe House), a bed and breakfast in a restored antebellum inn (Ballastone Inn), and an antique-laden mansion serving complimentary breakfast and evening wine and hors d’oeuvres (Hamilton-Turner Inn).

Do: Take a carriage ride through Savannah’s historic district. There are options for groups, families and couples, including moonlight romance packages that include roses and a visit to a local tavern for a drink. There’s even an option to stop at one of Savannah’s squares to pop the question

Dine: Elizabeth on 37th is one of Savannah’s most awarded restaurants. The eatery blends Southern charm, accomplished service and a sophisticated menu with imaginative creations featuring local seafood, poultry, beef, lamb and pork, according to a AAA inspector.

Have you visited Savannah? Leave a comment to let us know about the experience. 

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