48 Hours in the Hostess City
Whether you’re a history buff, bookworm, beer lover, or art aficionado, Savannah’s riverside culture and rich history have a little something for everyone. Though you might not be able to squeeze all the sights and tastes of this iconic and historic Southern city into 48 hours, you can always come back for more.
FRIDAY
Cruise through Savannah with Kelly Tours | 1:00 PM
If only there was a way to explore Savannah’s cobblestone streets and Southern scenery without having to walk the whole way. Luckily for you, there’s Kelly Tours–Savannah’s premiere trolley tour. Hop on and hop off at your own pace as Kelly Tours takes you past the city’s sweeping riverfront views, mossy Victorian-era mansions, and centuries of history with knowledgeable tour guides. Sign up for your tour, and see all that Savannah has to offer.
Savannah Art by Savannah Artists at Shop SCAD | 3:00 PM
Looking to get your hands on some authentic Savannah culture–but want something that’s actually from this century? ShopSCAD is your one-stop shop for local art and fashion, made by the talented students and alumni from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Here, you can browse the store’s extensive catalog by category (paintings, holiday-related items, books, and more), or you can browse for your favorite artists online or in person.
Grub at the Green Truck Pub | 5:00 PM
Do you want your first taste of Savannah to be as authentic and memorable as the city? For a hungry and thirsty traveler, there’s no better spot to grab a Southern dinner than the Green Truck Pub. Help yourself to a heaping pimento cheeseburger, coleslaw made just right, and a local beverage to quench your thirst. This bustling hotspot doesn’t make reservations, so go in the early evening to beat the crowds.
SATURDAY
Sunny Morning Stroll at Forsyth Park Farmers Market | 9:00 AM
Start your second day in Savannah bright and early at Forsyth Park Farmers’ Market. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or ingredients for a homemade, Georgia-grown afternoon picnic with the family, Forsyth’s unique vendors (dozens of farmers, bakers, beekeepers, and brewers) will have you covered. As you browse this outdoor market, snack on sweet breads and Georgia pecans, hummus and popcorn, peaches, and oranges, and even take home a few bottles of Southern-style hot sauce.
Cats, Classics, and Comfy Chairs at E. Shavers Booksellers | 11:00 AM
Bookworms and history buffs alike will love E. Shaver Booksellers, the oldest independently owned bookstore in Savannah. Dating back over 30 years, this store features a wide range of novels, giftable items, and even a few resident kitties, all across the 12 unique rooms. E. Shavers makes for a great shopping stop before lunch. Check out their schedule ahead of time and drop in for an event or book club meeting, or maybe even meet an author.
Olympia Café, a Taste of Greece… in Georgia | 12:30 PM
When you think of travel destinations for Greek cuisine, Savannah probably isn’t high on the list. But Savannah’s Olympia Café has truly been a part of the local culture for the last 20 years with its riverfront views and top-rated cuisine. Olympia’s menu includes authentic Greek dishes like gyros, delicious desserts like baklava, and 32 flavors of ice cream. Plus, the café provides a wide selection of menu options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners.
Take a Trip to the Past at Telfair Academy | 2:00 PM
It’s not every day that you can find 200 years of living history in one building, like at Telfair Academy. Right off the Savannah River, this historic governor’s mansion, built in 1819, has dozens of rooms, galleries, and halls plucked straight from the past, featuring paintings, sculptures, and recreations of Southern living from the 1800s and 1900s. Guided tours of Telfair Academy are available from 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week, and last about 45 minutes.
Pour Yourself a Drink at the Prohibition Museum | 4:00 PM
Who said drinks and history lessons can’t mix? Check out the Prohibition Museum in downtown Savannah for a guided tour of America’s prohibition era with 35 wax figures and over 1,000 real-life artifacts. The best part? At the end of this 45-minute tour, you’ll get a chance to break your own dry spell and fix yourself a custom-made alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage at the museum’s 1920’s-esque speakeasy.
Art Deco Dinner at The Grey | 6:30 PM
Southern seafood in a 1930’s Greyhound-bus-themed dining room is about as unique, retro, and tasty as it gets. At the Grey, you’ll feel like you’re in another century (but with air conditioning) as you enjoy old-fashioned cooked oysters, red rice, dry-aged ribeye, and a variety of French wines to pair. For a seat on this soul food bus, you’ll want to have a reservation and a dressy casual outfit for the evening.
SUNDAY
Brunch at Goose Feathers Café | 12:00 PM
That was a busy Saturday, so sleep in and get a late start to your Sunday at one of the best brunch spots in town where all the breads and pastries are made from scratch on-site. The ambiance at Goose Feathers Café combines Lower Manhattan’s urban Greenwich Village with the Left Bank of Paris. Try a fresh sweet preserve-filled or chocolate-stuffed butter croissant. Yum! Their hearty oatmeal is homemade, the eggs benedict are a staple, and the breakfast panini is simply delicious. Don’t leave without trying their freshly baked carbs.
Treasure Hunt at Picker Joe’s Antique Mall | 2:00 PM
Why not take a piece of Savannah’s history back home? Whether you’re looking for a salvaged piece of Southern decor to spruce up your home or a classic piece of jewelry to gift, chances are that Picker Joe’s Antique Mall and Vintage Market will have something you can’t pass on in their inventory of over 35,000 items. But don’t be overwhelmed. The store’s staff of history buffs will help you pick out the perfect piece to take home.
Ice Cream at the Legendary Leopold’s | 4:00 PM
But, before you leave town, don’t forget to wander into Leopold’s for something sweet. This century-old ice cream and soda parlor is the old-fashioned cherry on top of any Savannah adventure. Here, treat yourself to a scoop or three of authentic, Georgian butter pecan ice cream and a tall glass of freshly-squeezed lemonade. Or if you’re in the mood for something cozier, grab a Cocoa Leopold—your favorite ice cream flavor dunked in a cup of Leopold’s signature, homemade hot chocolate.
Ready to see just how fast a fun 48-hour in Savannah flies? Book your Stay Today!
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