6 ways to stay cool during a midsummer stay in Savannah
Savannah welcomes visitors with open arms, but during the summer that warm southern hospitality may feel more like a sweltering heatwave. Here are six ways to stay cool in the city’s hotspots while simultaneously quenching your thirst for Savannahian culture, art, history and locally brewed refreshments.
1. Cool off while slipping back in time
A great way to immerse yourself in Savannah’s rich history and culture while staying cool is by visiting our museums. Start at the Davenport House, a preserved American Federal-style house. Here, visitors can step into the 1820s and learn how both free and enslaved residents experienced life in this historic household. If you’d rather remain in the present, the SCAD Museum of Art is a premier contemporary art museum that features emerging and established international artists through commissioned works and rotating exhibitions. Need a place the kids will be entertained too? The Jepson Center is a strikingly modern building filled with art, hands-on activities and plenty of educational opportunities for children. Just a few blocks away, The Telfair Museums were originally constructed in 1819 on the site of the former colonial Government House and the official residence of Royal Governor James Wright. Today, the property features three nineteenth-century period rooms and houses nineteenth- and twentieth-century American and European art from the owner’s permanent collection including paintings, works on paper, sculptures and decorative arts. The best part? All the museums are within walking distance of StayinSavannah.com preferred hotel partners!
2. Escape the heat in an Escape Room
Test your teamwork skills in an (air-conditioned) escape room. Fun for the whole family, an escape room is, essentially, one big game that uses a series of puzzles, riddles and clues that when solved lead players to the exit. Whether you are a first-time escaper or long-running Game Master, this is a great spot to stay cool and have fun. At The Escape Company, located directly behind the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District and Doubletree Hotel Savannah Historic District, you can choose from a variety of rooms that range in difficulty and adventure. Complete a search and rescue mission in The Cavern, escape Alcatraz or see if you can survive A Night in Greyside Manor.
3. Catch a seaside breeze on Tybee Island
Just a short 15-minute scenic drive from any of our preferred hotel partners in Savannah, Tybee Island is a place where coastal charm meets laid-back beach vibes. Known as one of the most quirky and colorful beach towns in the country, this three-square-mile enclave is jam-packed with local shopping, dining, lodging opportunities, bike trails, white sand beaches and sunset-crowned saltwater marshes. Tybee Island is an ideal getaway any time of year but this gem shines in the summer. Enjoy breakfast at the classic diner-style Sunrise Restaurant before shopping for souvenirs at the Shoppes of 1207. Sunbath at North Beach, paddleboard on the Back River and toast to a day well spent at The Deck Beach Bar.
4. Enjoy a frosty summer treat
Founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, Leopold’s Ice Cream serves up “Good Things to Eat, Good Things to Drink” to tourists and Savannahians alike. All of Leopold’s super-premium, award-winning ice cream is handcrafted in historic downtown using original, secret recipes and techniques handed down by the family. Many of their toppings and ice cream ingredients, and all of their sandwich meats and salads are prepared from scratch by a Leopold’s chef, so you’re sure to find something memorable here. Leopold’s is also sold in our hotel gift shop at the Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Riverfront and Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District!
5. Stop in for a refreshing brew
Beat the heat while staying in the spirit of the town at Ghost Coast Distillery, Savannah’s first distillery since prohibition. Honoring the ghostly spirits of Savannah, the distillery prides itself on crafting the finest liquors that embody the city’s unique past and vibrant future. More of a beer guy or ghoul? Grab a brew in one of the oldest, most historic and genuinely haunted buildings in Savannah, Moon River Brewing. Here, visitors are invited to experience the history and spooky ambiance while enjoying excellent food and hand-crafted beers firsthand. Both breweries are located only 2 blocks from the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District and Doubletree Hotel Savannah Historic District. Whether you are new to Savannah or just passing through, you’ll find a warm atmosphere and a great selection of food and spirits at our local breweries.
6. Let the (air-conditioned) theater entertain you
Sit back, relax and enjoy a show in one of the United States’ oldest continually operating theatres. A walk or short pedi cab ride from any of our preferred hotel partners is The Historic Savannah Theatre which first opened its doors on December 4th, 1818, and has since served as a live performance venue as well as a movie theater. After enduring several fires and undergoing multiple renovations, today the theatre hosts regular performances of a variety of shows and music revues. Visitors can enjoy classics like Grease and newfound favorites like Elf. While you’re there, be sure to tour the museum’s artifacts, newspaper articles and photographs from the past.
Ready to stay cool while enjoying your Savannah summer? Book your stay today!
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