The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning any future trips.
Savannah, Georgia — a city of small boutiques, spooky history, trees strewn with Spanish moss, and prohibition-era speakeasies where you enter a vodka soda lover and leave a (potent) Chatham Artillery Punch connoisseur.
Upon entering The Alida Hotel, you'll be hit with luxury in the form of fresh-smelling (definitely expensive) candles — the scent perfectly captures the essence of the hotel itself, a brightly lit property with oversized bay windows and decor best described as "put-together person designs their room."
Drool over stunning historic homes with Architectural Savannah, the ideal way to stroll through cobblestone streets and cram your noggin with fun facts. Who regrets not studying architecture at SCAD now? Even though I barely passed high school geometry? Moi.
Telfair Academy is three levels of thought-provoking art housed in a converted historic mansion, my favorite piece being Cesare Laurenti's "La Parabola" that spans an entire wall. This is also where you can view the iconic bird girl from Midnight of the Garden of Good and Evil, moved here from Bonaventure Cemetery.
This city is very, very haunted — and what better way to feel slightly spooked without disrupting your inner scaredy cat than a comedy ghost tour? Hop on a party bus where a hysterical guide will have you ~die~ laughing about the ghouls that call Savannah home (especially with a drink in hand, which you stop for midway through the tour).
Of course, no getaway to Savannah would be complete without a coffee-in-hand stroll through Forsyth Park. Rows upon rows of mossy trees will have you googling “how to plant” before you even get to the piece de resistance of the 30-acre property, the iconic fountain.
Shopping in Savannah = truly a delight. The city is a celebration of local businesses and antique treasure troves, ignoring bigger chains in favor of small shops that span everything from trendy clothing and stationary boutiques to rows upon rows of vintage.
If velvet couches, intricate candles, chocolate tins, and vintage mirrors sound like your idea of heaven on earth, welcome to The Paris Market. Sit down for a cup of java and eat a colorful macaron before roaming both levels to shop. It’s a morsel of Paris in Savannah, which obviously works.
Bonaventure Cemetery is the first image that comes to mind when I think of Savannah (though I'm not sure if that's a shared experience because morbid is my middle name). Operating since the mid-1800s, this sprawling patch of 160 acres is dense with mossy trees and ornate tombs that evoke a rich slice of history.
Enter the American Prohibition Museum a boring vodka soda drinker (I'm guilty) and leave a spirits expert. How? By taking a cocktail class at the authentic speakeasy housed inside — you'll be pouring iconic Savannah bitters and concoctions in no time, all while learning city history along the way.
Dedicate at least a half day to Tybee Island, located only 20 minutes from the heart of historic Savannah. Grab a towel, soak up that UV, and stroll the boardwalk for a quick slice of summer. Too cold to swim? There's plenty of bars along the shore to keep you entertained.
Savannah has open container laws, aka sunset walks accessorized with a Mint Julep (or several) are in your future. But if you're looking for a sit-down spot? Alley Cat Lounge is awesome — their bar menu is categorized by moods and spirits, plus the expert bartenders are chock-full of recs.
Savannah is jam-packed with awesome bars — other honorable "where to drink" mentions include Savoy Society, Peregrin Rooftop at The Perry Lane Hotel, Abe's on Lincoln, The Original Pinkie Masters, El-Rocko Lounge, and Bamboo Tiki Room.
Dine in The Olde Pink House, a blessing for folks who love delicious cocktails and creative food, a curse for people already lusting over pastel homes they can’t afford. Pecan crusted chicken, shrimp and grits sushi, scallops seared to perfection…if the decor isn’t enough to win you over, the food is proof of love at first bite.
Little Duck Diner is known for cocktails garnished with a rubber duck, hence the name. I highly recommend the Lavender Bubble Bath Bellini, because it's not just for the Insta, folks — the drinks *taste* just as delightful as they look.
Chocolat by Adam Turoni did what I once thought was impossible: They improved chocolate. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted with unique ingredients that are far more luxurious than the [insert competitor brand bar] you stuff in pumpkin baskets on Halloween. Please look at the below PIECE OF CHOCOLATE that resembles Aslan from Narnia.
Circa 1875 will have you saying ~oui oui~ before the first bite even grazes your lips thanks to a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of, well, 1875. Buckle up for French cuisine that tastes delicious in a setting that doesn't feel pretentious.
The Collins Quarter houses delicious dinner staples and inventive cocktails in a cozy atmosphere (cozy in this context means candelabras at every table). Settle in for chorizo nacho starters, braised short rib mains, and a house-infused grapefruit mule.
Grab quick and delicious vegan eats at Fox & Fig Cafe. With a choice of smoothies, meat alternative burgers, grain bowls, and pancakes dusted with espresso powder, there’s truly something for everyone. Every last bit of it delicious.
