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I have always wanted to visit Savannah, Georgia for many-a-reason the first of which is that no other city in the world is planned like it. So I, being a city planner + architect, had to see it. I was also looking for a city in the South so I could convince one of my favorite people to tag along with me on this journey, and sure enough it worked!
I called up Mel and said: "Hey, do you want to go on vacation with me?"
She replied: "yes."
I said: "Savannah or Charlotte?"
She said: "Savannah."
I said: "Done!"
Within 24 hours she and I had a trip to Savannah planned; airfare, hotel, and a few tours lined up.
Me, being the foodie I am, had a laundry list of places we had to eat while in Savannah starting with B.Matthew's Eatery. Here we had one of my 'had to eat dishes' the shrimp and grits, we also had a quiche they had on special that day. Both were delicious and generous portions. Neither Mel or I finished this meal, which would become par for the course on this trip. After lunch we meandered near the waterfront a few of the squares before taking off for Bonaventure Cemetery. Mel had booked a tour for us, which was both informative and educational. If it were left to me I would have simply wandered through the cemetery tour-less. Afterwards we returned to our B+B to freshen up and put on some warmer clothes, it was cooler than either of us had anticipated. Our hosts recommend we walk down Bull Street, through Forsyth Park, toward the water. This was a beautiful walk, and one I would recommend for anyone visiting the city; and if you could do it in the late afternoon that would be even better. We ended up at City Market at sunset, stopped by Byrd's to sample some cookies, grabbed a georgia sangria + sat outside listening to live music, before heading into Planters Tavern, attached to Olde Pink House which was one of my foodie spots. She + I lucked out with seats at the bar, but you have to be a hawk to get one of these. This place was crowded on a Monday night, given they did have a live piano player but that is besides the point. We had fried green tomatoes with creamed corn + I had some Georgia Peach Brandy which I was slightly afraid to try, but turned out to be my new favorite thing! We strolled ourselves back home and slept in the warm comfy king sized bed.
Day Two was less crazy, but perhaps that was because we had already gotten the lay of the land so no fear of getting lost, but nevertheless. We decided to go on a hop-on-hop-off 90 minute trolly ride around the city. It was informative (luckily both Mel and I love to learn + love history) and nice to be able to hop on and off; one down side is that it is slow if you're not interested in listening to the conductor anymore... Anywho! We got the package which included admission to 4 museums (and saved $1.50, whoop whoop!), but all joking aside I would recommend it. The museums were small but fun, and held my attention. We also strolled through the squares more on this day, and I cannot tell you how nice the people were. After the tours we grabbed a mushroom burger + salad from Green Truck, which typically has a line out the door so show up early, before our now nightly, rest + redress sesion at the B+B. We then walked back into the Historic District for a Mead Tasting at the Savannah Bee Co. This activity comes highly recommended from yours truly! Neither of us had tried mead before, but now that I have I think it should be enjoyed by the masses! This brings us to 8pm, and two 20-something ladies could not feasibly head back to bed quite yet, so after a failed success at finding live music, we stumbled upon a bar that had 'trivia night.' Trivia (we learned) was a great way to meet people so if you're in town on a Tuesday evening stop by Congress Street Social Club + play the locals at random trivia, grab a craft beer, and maybe make a new buddy.
Our last day in beautiful Savannah was only a half day. We went to the Massie Heritage Center which was by far our favorite of the museums. This exhibit focused on the architecture and planning of Savannah (which I loved), was located in an old school house (which she loved), was interactive, and simply well done. Upstairs is a test to see if you are smarter than an 8th grader. Sadly neither of us were. It just goes to show you the difference between what is taught in schools today vs. what was taught in yesteryear. I highly recommend this for all tourists + particularly if you are traveling with children! For our last meal we went on a Barbecue Hunt (when in Rome) and while our first choice (Wall's) was closed, we ended up at Angel's BBQ which was as to be expected. BBQ pulled pork - oh the meaty goodness, and a little bit of crazy sitting next to me.
Mel + I split paths that afternoon; I went to a Foxy Loxy's sister coffee shop The Coffee Fox for some tea + conversation with my new buddy, while she headed home to her family.
All in all Savannah was a wonderful city + a fun 3 day vacation with one of my favorite ladies. If you're looking for a weekend get away, you like history, or you just want to get down with the locals I'd say it is a definite must see. I love to walk, so if you're into walking, ghosts, + drinking in public you should definitely check out Savannah Tour Walks. Plus if you live in NYC (like me) Jet Blue now flies there for a whopping $75 each way!
So go get yourself a little Southern Hospitality and stroll your heart out.
Savannah, you were quite lovely indeed!
Until we meet again.
Nelli
