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Trip Snapshot
Objective
To check out the historic southern city of Savannah.
When We Went
February 2020.
It was bit chilly and rainy, but nothing a light jacket and pair of boots couldn’t handle.
Length of time
This was a quick weekend trip for us.
Map
Here’s where we were:
How We Got Around
Car
We drove down after work on a Friday and hardly moved the car for the rest of the weekend (we walked everywhere).
Our Airbnb had free parking on site. If you stay downtown, I’d look into this as parking may not always be available (or free).
On Foot
Downtown Savannah is one of those cities that is designed to be walked, it’s the perfect way to see the city.
DOT Shuttle
The Department of Transportation provides a free shuttle that runs almost continuously downtown. Although we ended up walking everywhere, this would have been an easy and convenient option as well.
Where We Stayed
Airbnb
We stayed in an adorable home we found on Airbnb, conveniently located across the street from beautiful Forsyth Park and the DOT shuttle service.
Built in the 1870s, it’s creaky wooden floors and tasteful decor added to it’s old-time southern charm.
The housing downtown is very compact, we were in the lower unit of a two apartment home and had neighbors above us and on all sides. Despite this our stay felt quiet and private.
We had access to a shared courtyard area outside.
Food
Staying downtown opened up a seemingly endless list of places to grab a bite or drink, all within walking distance from where we stayed.
Bayou Cafe
A two-story bar on the riverfront with live music – we stopped in for a catfish sandwich and cup of jambalaya.
Ordinary Pub
A delicious brunch spot that boasts bottomless mimosas.
Open Container Laws
You can carry open containers in Savannah, meaning you can take your drink with you to go.
The guys sporting their to-go-sas:
What We Did
The Squares
Savannah has one of the largest downtown areas I have seen. The riverfront was a little over a mile walk from our Airbnb and Forsyth Park, but that entire walk was considered part of the historic downtown district.
With 22 legendary historic squares dispersed throughout downtown, walking the streets was nothing short of delightful.
Charming.
A bit of a whimsical vibe, even.
Fountains took the prestigious center of some squares.
Monuments were in others.
Others showcased confederate soldiers.
Treasures and oddities from the past dotted the streets.
We encountered disintegrating stone steps, sketchy back alleyways, and check out this phone booth:
The landscaping in Savannah was immaculate, hedges and gardens were meticulously up-kept.
It was refreshing to visit a place with so much green visible in February.
Dreamy architecture was overlaid with live oaks and Spanish moss. (The moss is actually invasive, but the like oaks are a hearty bunch.)
We walked down Jones street, the origination of the phrase “keeping up with the Jones'”.
Buildings were accented with intricate rod iron.
A peek of a romantic courtyard could often be seen behind the fanciest of houses.
The Riverfront
Savannah is a port city, so needless to say there is a flurry of activity by the water.
The riverfront is full of shops, bars, restaurants, and a nice view too.
Wormsloe
It was about a 15 minute drive west from downtown Savannah to Wormsloe.
As soon as we left downtown we quickly reached the regular part of the city… and everything was pretty normal looking. Average. Nothing special. The charm faded away.
When we pulled up to Wormsloe, however it was back on full force.
400 magnificent oaks line the entryway:
Wormsloe is a colonial estate that was built in 1736 by Noble Jones. It was a fortified home to guard against Spanish invaders. All that remains now are bits of the foundation, the tomb in which the family is buried, and the trees they planted while they were here.
A few of miles of trails got us up close and personal with the flora of the area.
The Perfect Place to Waste Time
Savannah is the place to go if you feel like fooling around without a strict agenda – I was very content just meandering around and admiring the picturesque city, with a drink in my hand if I so do please.
The Travelberry 