Savannah: Local Vibes From a Returning Local

Tours & history

Historic Day tours showcase Savannah’s deep history, architecture, and Southern charm. A variety of ways to experience the history include carriage rides, trolley tours, and guided walking tours. My personal choice is the trolley tours! The guides are so friendly and can recommend other local spots to discover.

Take a short ride outside the city to uncover Fort Oglethorpe. Georgia’s oldest brick fort that was constructed between 1808 and 1812 to defend the city during the War of 1812. Discover every corner with cannon firings and costumed interpreters. Another must-visit historic site is Wormsloe Historic Site. Walk the iconic oak-lined avenue and discover ruins, forest trails, and live history demonstrations. The entrance to Wormsloe makes for the perfect Instagram shoot!

Once the sun goes down, the city truly comes alive. Experience Savannah’s eerie side with ghost tours. Theatrical trolley rides and candlelit walking tours are the fun and spooky way to learn about the city’s haunted past. Looking for a walk in the park? Stunning and hauntingly peaceful, Bonaventure Cemetery offers insight into Savannah’s past amid beautiful Southern Gothic scenery. I always opt for the walking ghost tours! Some of the tours go into historical houses, like the Sorrel-Weed House (my go-to house) and the Mercer Williams House Museum.

Culture & landmarks

With so many landmarks to explore, here are a few of my favorites! SCAD Museum of Art & Telfair Museum is a nod to Savannah’s thriving arts scene. See contemporary and historic pieces by both local and international artists. JW Marriott Plant Riverside District is a modern marvel set in a restored power plant—explore art, fossils, boutiques, rooftop views, and more. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth the visit. Being a SCAD alumni, the SCAD Museum always has inspiring new exhibits and a cute cafe to relax at.

Local tip: There is so much more to explore by walking! Savannah has 22 historical squares, each with its own trademarks. Forsyth Park is another way to soak in the city’s charm with its famous fountain! When I was a student, I would have a picnic and work on my homework in the park.

Shopping

There is shopping everywhere you go! City Market is the center of the city’s shopping. Browse galleries, enjoy live music, and sip cocktails at the multiple bars and restaurants along the market. One unexpected place to grab a drink is the American Prohibition Museum. After learning about the area’s Prohibition history, stop by the speakeasy for drinks, chats, and antiques—one of my favorite places to grab a secret drink! Right down the street is Broughton Street. Find fashion, antiques, artisan goods, and locally made treasures in cozy stores along the street. My personal favorite is Paris Market. The store is full of unique knickknacks, plus some amazing home decor and apparel. Stop by their small cafe with a walk-up window. I always pick up a macaroon and chai latte.

Local tip: Walk around with a drink and shop until you drop! In the downtown area, it is allowed to walk around with an open alcoholic drink. Remember to drink (and shop) responsibly.

Iconic & historic dining

You can find history all around you in Savannah, but it’s not every day you have the chance to dine with it! My top three favorite places to eat in the city are The Olde Pink House, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, and The Grey.

Located in Reynolds Square, The Olde Pink House is an 18th-century mansion that blends traditional charm, elegant Southern cuisine, and ghostly folklore. A must for first-time visitors and for returning locals!

Local tip: Visit the side patio for lunch! Enjoy a Pink Lady cocktail while enjoying the sun and breeze of the city! I recommend the pulled pork sliders—they are served with a small bread basket.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is family-style dining at its finest. Enjoy classic Southern comfort food in a cozy 1870s townhouse on picturesque Jones Street. Get there early—the line forms quickly!

Local tip: The early bird gets the worm (or the delicious food!) I suggest arriving about one to two hours before they open. If you need a coffee while you wait in line, there is a cute brunch spot down the street called Clary’s Cafe.

Set in a restored 1938 Greyhound station, The Grey is a James Beard Award–winning restaurant that delivers soulful, elevated Southern cuisine in a space that honors history and progress. With delicious rotating dishes and stunning cocktails, this is a go-to place for a romantic date night. Plus, it is located blocks away from City Market and River Street for an after-dinner stroll or nightcap!

Southern-inspired with a modern twist

Treylor Park is playful and unexpected. This quirky spot serves creative spins on Southern favorites in a retro-casual setting. Don’t miss their PB&J chicken wings. My personal favorite are the nachos! The waffle fries make a difference, and the sauce is finger-licking worthy. Try it with the whole family!

Husk Savannah redefines Southern cuisine with a seasonal, daily-changing menu that celebrates local ingredients and low-country traditions. Housed in a stately 1890s building, experience elegant dining in the large bar room upstairs or a more intimate setting in one of the private dining rooms. Their oyster bar is always fresh and has an array of options for lovers (and non-lovers) alike!

Savannah has some of the best seafood in the state (my personal option!). What better way to experience it than in a glam 1920s-inspired lounge! Chive Sea Bar & Lounge serves seafood-forward, Asian-Southern fusion dishes. Private booths, a vintage-style bar, and top-shelf cocktails complete the vibe.

Local tip: All three restaurants above (plus more around the city) have bars with a first come, first-served approach! I love sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartenders. Most of the bars offer the full menu, which means you don’t have to wait hours for a table!

International flavors

When we think of Southern food, we think fried chicken and cornbread. In Savannah, several restaurants fuse comfort food with their native flavors. My favorite place for this is Fire Street Food, a vibrant, casual favorite near Chippewa Square blending Asian and American comfort food. It’s known for its pad Thai, lemongrass chicken, and fresh sushi.

Another favorite comfort food of mine (I ate this a lot in college!) is the Flying Monk Noddle Bar. Located in the heart of Broughton Street, this place is a noodle-lover’s dream, with dishes spanning Vietnamese pho, Thai drunken noodles, Chinese stir-fry, and Japanese ramen—all made fresh to order. Happen to be sick? I recommend the white elephant soup, my go-to to send away the runny nose, sore throat, and headaches!

If you are looking for something more familiar, stop by Collins Quarters, an Australian-inspired café with Southern charm. Enjoy an indulgent all-day brunch or romantic evening dinner. Think avocado smash by day, candlelit cocktails by night. Everything here is amazing and the vibes are on-point! Such a great stop for Instagram-worthy foodie posts!

Honorable mention: My absolute go-to place for pre-dinner drinks and a view is Peregrine Rooftop Bar at the Perry Lane Hotel, which towers over the Historic District and Chippewa Square. Enjoy creative cocktails and a lively yet elegant atmosphere. Froze is my favorite drink in the city! Sipping this while watching the sunset is unmatched.