When a friend heard we were heading to Atlanta, he encouraged us to take a side trip to Savannah while we were in the area. At first we thought we wouldn’t have time, but changes to our flights ended up giving us a few extra days to explore. Since we were traveling on points, the airline rescheduled our return multiple times before the trip and unexpectedly extended our stay—fortunately, that allowed us to see more of the area before heading home.
If you plan to visit Savannah, a little research beforehand will make your trip smoother. We learned this the hard way, but our experience still left us with many memorable moments.
What We Did in Savannah:
- We ate at Paul Deen’s restaurant, Lady and Sons. To sample Southern cooking, we shared a large plate of shrimp and grits and enjoyed a complimentary appetizer—an unexpected salty pancake alongside a fresh cheese biscuit. Both were delicious, and while the meal lived up to the restaurant’s reputation, I’m not sure I would spend the money to return. The little gift shop, however, was charming and worth a look.
2. We strolled through inviting shops we had never visited before, including Anthropologie. Even though we didn’t buy anything, it was fun to browse curated displays and gather decor ideas—there’s a unique creative energy in some of Savannah’s storefronts that makes window-shopping a pleasure.
3. We wandered through several of the city’s 25 town squares. Each square felt like a manicured pocket park—quiet corners tucked into the urban fabric where live oaks draped with Spanish moss created a truly Southern atmosphere. Seeing the moss-draped trees up close was a highlight for us.
4. The architecture in Savannah is remarkable. We admired stately columns, intricate brickwork, and the impressive scale of many historic buildings. The combination of classic proportions and ornate details made walking the streets feel like a continual discovery of beautiful facades.
The columns, the brickwork, and the sheer massiveness of some structures are unforgettable.
5. We wandered past rows of historic homes with herringbone brick sidewalks and broad porches. The porches, often fitted with ceiling fans, seemed like the ideal place to relax on a warm afternoon and sip sweet tea. Observing the craftsmanship and decorative details on these houses was one of our favorite ways to soak in Savannah’s character.
6. One quiet memory we treasure is sitting on a park bench where the famous Forrest Gump bench once stood (the original is now in a museum). My husband and I enjoyed coffee together, watching the city move around us—a small, simple pleasure that felt especially meaningful.
A Few Things We Wish We Had Known Before Arriving in Savannah
To help you prepare, here are some practical tips based on what we learned:
- Savannah can be very busy. If you’re picturing a quiet, empty town, plan differently—downtown sidewalks and popular attractions often feel crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.
- The River Walk is popular for a reason, but it can get very crowded. If you prefer quieter strolls, expect people and activity along the waterfront and consider visiting early in the morning or exploring less-traveled squares farther from the river.
- The layout of multiple small squares and one-way streets can be confusing. Studying a map before driving or parking will save time and frustration.
- Don’t rely entirely on phone GPS for walking directions: our device would sometimes give odd routes or tell us to backtrack. A paper map or a clear printed route helped us navigate more confidently.
- Street parking can be free on weekends (at the time we visited), but finding an open curb space often requires circling the block multiple times. We found underground parking garages more convenient despite the cost.
- Choose your accommodations with distance in mind. A hotel listed as “near downtown” might still be a 15–20 minute drive away depending on location. Being close to the historic district will maximize your time exploring on foot.
Overall, Savannah was not a negative experience—far from it. It surprised us with its lively atmosphere, rich architecture, and warm Southern charm. If you prefer quiet relaxation, parts of Savannah might feel busy, but for visitors who enjoy vibrant streets, historic places, and lots of activity, the city offers many rewards. For us, the bustling city led to another discovery that suited our pace perfectly: Tybee Island. More on that to come.
