Historic Savannah may not be very large, and essentially you can get around on foot, but there is just so much to see! As I recommended in my Designing Savannah post, I highly encourage you to book a hop on hop off trolley tour. The Old Town Trolley Tours are amazing, but there are other companies to choose from as well. So if you only have a short amount of time to spend in Savannah, as I did, the trolley tour is the best way to get around and it has stops in all the must see spots. And what are the must see’s you ask? Read on for my favourite Savannah spots if you only have 36 hours to spare.
Day One
Morning:
Start your day by taking a peaceful morning stroll through the tree lined paths of Forsyth Park. Grab a coffee at the cafe located near the centre of the park then was over to the Scent Garden on the opposite side to drink it in silence enveloped in wonderful floral fragrance. When you are done head to the north end of the park to see the Forsyth Park Fountain, Savannah’s most photographed icon.
To see some amazing Victorian and turn of the century style architecture take a walk around the park as well. Admire Magnolia Hall, my personal favourite, the Forsyth Park Animal Hospital with some serious curb appeal, the Old Telfair Hospital, and the Mansion on Forsyth Park where you can browse the art gallery and have lunch in style.
After Lunch:
After your indulgent lunch head north to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. An impressive structure with an even more impressive interior. Take a peak inside, you won’t be disappointed. Then cross the street and walk a block north to the Colonial Park Cemetery. A little creepy yet beautiful, with lots of ghost stories and local legends to keep you company.
Once you are ready to continue on I recommend heading back towards your hotel. While you wander take in the beautiful historic architecture around every corner and the park squares. Spend a few hours in your hotel basking in the truest Southern hospitality and charm while you get ready for the evening. There are lots of places to stay at in Savannah but to get the full experience I highly advise to spend the night in one of the historic inns, you will not regret it. A few options include 17Hundred90 Inn (the one I stayed at and you can read all about here), Kehoe House, Olde Harbour Inn, and Hamilton-Turner Inn.
Evening:
For the evening head over to River Street and Factors Walk. There you can emerge yourself in the full history of Savannah as you explore the stairways, bridges and catwalks all connected by narrow streets paved with ballast stones. Check out the elegant Savannah City Hall with its 23 karat gold dome, as well as the historic Cotton Exchange before turning your attention to the Savannah River to watch the sun set over the bridge.
Many restaurants line River Street so there is no shortage of dinner options. I’ve eaten at both Lizzy’s Tequila Bar & Grill and Joe’s Crab Shack and was not disappointed. Enjoy your meal!
Day Two
Morning:
Spend your morning enjoying the comforts of your historic Inn. The stay in Savannah is as much of the total experience as the sights. After breakfast and check out head over to the City Market. There you will find many activities to choose from depending on your interests. The City Market is lined with local shops, restaurants, art galleries and museums. Wander around to take it all in or choose one or two things to explore deeper. Maybe you want to check out the American Prohibition Museum that just opened in the summer of 2016. Or maybe you enjoy art and would like to see the Telfair Museum of Art or the Jepsen Cener for the Arts. Or maybe you’d prefer to take in some other cultural exhibits at Ships of the Sea Museum or check our the Haitian War Monument at Franklin Square. Or maybe you just want to relax for a bit at Ellis Square and take in all the bustle of the city.
Do non of those peak your interest? Maybe shopping is more your style? Hit the pavement on West Broughton and shop till you drop!
Afternoon:
After your super busy morning/afternoon settle in for a delicious late lunch/early dinner at on of the many restaurants in and around City Market. Enjoy a relaxing meal then get some desert at Byrd’s Famous Cookies in the City Market or at Leopold’s Ice Cream on East Broughton Street, the best ice cream in town.
With your stomach full of goodies and your heart filled with Southern charm, it’s time to wave goodbye to Savannah like the Waving Girl did for 40 years. But like me, you’ll want to go back as there is so much left to see.
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