Lately, I've recieved quite a few emails and tweets requesting tips about things to do in Savannah. Over cocktails last weekend, fellow SCAD grad student Kelsey and myself decided to help these readers out with our versions of an ideal visit...
TRIP 1: KELSEY
1. Savannah is famous for its historic buildings, and has an unnaturally high vacation rental to hotel ratio. If you do your research, you can find a beautiful and affordable vacation rental, like this one, that you'll be able to make your own during your stay.
2. Down on River Street, grab some beignets at the New Orlean's style cafe Huey's. While they're no Cafe du Monde, the side of caramel pecan sauce to drizzle on top puts them up there as one of my favorite breakfast treat.
3. After your sugar-induced food coma, it's best to keep a little active. Walk around on River Street and take a look at the enormous ships, and then head to Broughton Street where you can shop till you drop at Savannah boutiques. A favorite of mine is the Paris Market, a beautifully curated shop filled to the brim with everything French.
4. For lunch, my pick is most always The Olde Pink House. The BLT salad is a slice of heaven, and the peach glazed flounder is a house specialty and an absolute must. Please please share the pecan basket for dessert, handmade on premise, it combines praline with fresh vanilla ice cream, mango purée, chocolate ganache, and fresh berries. It's my favorite dessert. Ever. They have a special drink list, all of which are seriously tempting. My go to is the pink lady, a mix of raspberry vodka, and homemade lemonade, topped off with a few berries.
5. Here's where Savannah gets particularly fun, with it's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, you can head to Tybee Island in under 30 minutes. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a vespa at Motorini, and head out to the beach in style.
6. After you've had your share of sun, head to the relaxed yet elegant Tybee Social Club (menu) where you can snack or feast on tapas style tacos or margartias, although my favorite drink there is the scientist – a combination of citrus and rosemary flavors.
7. Scoot back to town, and get ready for a wild night out. Grab a drink to go at a dive bar like Pinky Masters, and walk around with your drink in hand. End your night singing karaoke at Hang Fire, and sip on a scorpion tea – I don't really want to know what goes in to this drink, but it's tasty and potent! If you're in for a more relaxed night out, Perch, the bar above Local is at the edge of Forsyth park, and boasts one of the best cocktail menus in town.
TIPS: I would suggest not to pack many heels for your trip to Savannah. With the brick roads and sandy terrain, you'll have a hard enough time wandering the streets in flats! Bring a large and light scarf around with you. While the weather is usually hot and humid outdoors, the air conditioning indoors is frigid.
Stay tuned for Trip 2 NEXT WEEK with Lis Sartori!
