Skip the pet sitting and book yourself and your pup a trip to the doggy-friendly city of Savannah. This coastal destination is full of pet-accessible hotels, restaurants, curiosities, and walkable riverscapes. Here are some of the best spots to explore with your fluffiest family members.

Hotels with southern hos-pet-ality

There’s more pet-friendly fun in downtown Savannah than you and your pup can fit into a single day. Luckily for y’all, there’s also no shortage of dog-friendly hotels in the Savannah Historical District either. If your pup is feeling regal, there’s the DoubleTree by Hilton with luxurious guestrooms that beat any dog bed, a poolside lounge, and fresh cookies when you arrive. Or, if upscale modern is more your style, book a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn where you can chillax in a heated pool and split some room service snacks with your furry friend.

Woof through Wormsloe’s trails

What better place to stretch your two (or four) legs than the natural, low country trails at Wormsloe State Historical Site? As you and your pup walk and wag along miles of shaded Savannah scenery, you’ll discover a rich history of ruins, riverfront views, and a picturesque picnic area. For puppy parents in search of more immersive fun, don’t forget to sign up for one of Wormsloe’s Fido-friendly, historical events and hikes too.

Puppy in the Pedicab

Dog walking? How about dog riding? If you and your well-behaved canine companion are looking to explore Savannah while beating the heat, your best bet is to ride with Savannah Pedicab. Catch some wind in your hair as Savannah Pedicab’s tiny taxis pedal you to popular historical sites, restaurants, or anywhere else in town you and Fido want to refuel at. Whether you’re looking to make a single stop or to see all that city has to offer, Savannah Pedicab’s tours have availability from half an hour to a full day of fun. All you have to do is go online or call ahead to book your cab.

Rover on River Street

Leash up your furry friend and stroll down River Street for a day of fun in the heart of Savannah. As you catch a breeze off the Savannah River and take in the city’s enticing sights and smells, you’ll want to make stops along the way at Savannah’s many doggy-friendly destinations. For starters, there’s The Black Dog General Store, if you’re looking for goodies for human and canine shoppers. Or, if your pup is craving a sweet snack, be sure to stop by Leopold’s Ice Cream for a Doggie Sundae.

Bark or buzz at Savannah Bee Company

What do dogs, humans, and bees have in common? They all love honey! And no one knows this better than the pet-friendly Savannah Bee Company, a honey-themed store located on River Street. For human shoppers, Savannah Bee Company provides a variety of sweet drinks and snacks, like their mead and honey (free samples included). If your best friend needs a treat too, don’t worry. There are plenty of honey ginger biscuits to go around.

Chow and chill at Cha Bella

Hungry after a day on the town with your hound? Check out the delicious, locally-sourced seafood and farm-fresh ingredients at Cha Bella, one of Savannah’s tastiest dog-friendly restaurants. Then, soak in the evening ambiance on their swanky, pup-approved patio. While you settle in and peruse Cha Bella’s local wine and beer selection, the restaurant’s staff will even provide your Fido with his own water bowl to sip from.

Beware, Blue Orb Ghost Tour

Finally, the Blue Orb ghost tour may not be for scaredy-cats, but leashed dogs are more than welcome to join in this spooky Savannah adventure. Once you’ve booked your after-dark, guided tour with Blue Orb, you and your fur baby will be in for a fright as you learn about and walk through the haunted history of Savannah. The tours offered through Blue Orb last about one-and-a-half to two hours, and they’ll take you right through the darkest graveyards and eeriest houses in Georgia’s oldest city. BOO! Or rather—BARK!

Ready to get your paws on some dog-friendly, Savannah fun? Book your Stay Today!

The Pirates' House

• 20 E. Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401
• Get Directions
• (912) 233.5757
• Visit Website

Since 1753, The Pirates’ House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirates’ House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Here seamen drank their grog and discoursed, sailor fashion, on their exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said. The entire family will enjoy Savannah’s most intriguing restaurant. At the Pirates’ House, our most precious treasure is our food, acclaimed for over three decades. Our extensive menu includes dishes for all tastes and our varied selection of scandalous desserts is sure to delight. Like a tale of the high seas, The Pirates’ House rambles in all directions. We operate 15 separate dining rooms each with a distinct charm all its own.

The who, what & where of Saint Patrick’s Day.

We celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17th, the anniversary of the death of Ireland’s patron saint as well as the fifth-century arrival of Christianity to Ireland. This is Saint Paddy’s origin story.

The Saint • His father was Roman, his mother British, and they all lived in what is now part of modern-day Wales. So yeah, Patrick wasn’t Irish. His name wasn’t even Patrick. It was Maewyn Succat. Imagine celebrating Saint Succat’s Day. Maewyn preferred to go by Patricius, and it stuck. Now get this. As a child, the famed Apostle of Ireland wasn’t much of a Christian. Only after an unpleasant kidnapping did Patricius find God.

The Pirates • When he was just 16, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders. For six years he was enslaved, learned Irish customs, and converted to Christianity. Then, as Patrick testifies in his Confessio, an angel appeared with an inspiring message, “You have fasted well. Very soon you will return to your native country.” A few fervent prayers later, he escaped home.

The Return • Having returned a more enlighted Christian, Patrick dedicated his life to studying the faith. Another holy vision later and he was determined to spread the good word to the Irish. So, he bravely journeyed to the land of his captors, bringing a big ol’ rainbow pot of Christianity with him. While not warmly welcomed at first, eventually, Saint Patrick baptized thousands and helped establish over 300 churches.

Symbols, Myths and Legends

Shamrock Icon • When Saint Patrick was preaching, he often used the three leaves of the clover to teach people about the Holy Trinity, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.

Snake Myth • Patrick had nothing to do with driving snakes out of the country. How can we be so sure? There were no snakes in Ireland. The myth may have arisen as an allegory for Saint Patrick driving out pagan beliefs to pave the way for Christianity.

Corned Beef Baloney • Some say we celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with corned beef because Patrick presumably ate the salt-cured meat on his voyage home after escaping his captors. False. Seems more likely that Irish Americans introduced the classic dish with a side of cabbage many years later. In fact, the traditional Saint Patrick’s Day meal eaten in Ireland is actually lamb or bacon.

Green Fact • From head to toe (or at least a pair of shamrock socks), you best be wearing your finest green on Saint Paddy’s Day. But why? In the late 1700s during the Irish Rebellion, soldiers wore green in contrast to the British red. The soldiers sang, “The Wearing of the Green”, and the color of shamrocks became Ireland’s signature color. Across the pond a couple of centuries later in 1962, Chicago canonized green on St. Paddy’s Day by dying their river a lovely shade of emerald.

Leprechaun Legend • Prior to Christianity, many of the Irish believed in the Celtic religion, and leprechauns were often featured in Celtic folklore. The stories tell of fairy-like creatures fond of pinching people for not wearing green and guarding pots of gold at the end of rainbows.

Celebrations

In the beginning • Before it was rebranded Saint Patrick’s Day, the commemoration of Patrick’s death and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland was dubbed “Feast Day” and took place on March 17, 461 AD.

In Ireland • In the early twentieth century, Ireland declared Feast Day a national holiday. Over the years, a more popular name emerged and March 17th has been celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day ever since.

In the United States • The first Saint Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America and was commissioned in 1601 by the Spanish vicar of the colony that is now Saint Augustine, Florida. Some of the largest celebrations in the world continue annually in American cities where Irish immigrants originally flocked. Port towns like Boston, New York, and Chicago. Of course, the best place to get your green on (showing some bias here), is Savannah, Georgia.

In Savannah • Over half a million revelers will descend upon this historic city overflowing with charm and Irish heritage. For everything you need to know about planning the perfect visit, check out our complete guide here.

The Pirates' House

• 20 E. Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401
• Get Directions
• (912) 233.5757
• Visit Website

Since 1753, The Pirates’ House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirates’ House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Here seamen drank their grog and discoursed, sailor fashion, on their exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said. The entire family will enjoy Savannah’s most intriguing restaurant. At the Pirates’ House, our most precious treasure is our food, acclaimed for over three decades. Our extensive menu includes dishes for all tastes and our varied selection of scandalous desserts is sure to delight. Like a tale of the high seas, The Pirates’ House rambles in all directions. We operate 15 separate dining rooms each with a distinct charm all its own.

Without a doubt, Savannah does indeed host one of the largest and liveliest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in America. The parade is not to be missed. Over half a million will be there with green on. But why is the luck of the Irish felt here all year round? Let’s take a closer look at the other side of the rainbow in Savannah, without any further Irish cliches.

The Origin Story

To understand Savannah’s love affair with Ireland, you have to go back. Way back before Georgia was a state. In the 1730s, Irish immigrants seeking religious freedom were many of the area’s first settlers. The colony’s second royal governor, Henry Ellis, was himself of Irish descent. Immigration intensified during the land rush of the 1830s and 1840s. Then, in 1845 when the potato famine hit Ireland, the hard-working Irish fled to Savannah in mass to become the primary source of labor throughout Georgia’s growth. In the later part of the 19th century, when the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution pushed many north, cities like Boston and New York began to turn the Irish away in favor of American-born workers. In contrast, Savannah’s burgeoning shipping, agricultural, and railroad industries embraced the influx of resolute Irish workers.

Accompanying the centuries-long rise of the Irish population, Irish heritage has strongly impacted Savannah’s rich culture and civic pride. From a walk through Emmet Park to see the Celtic Cross to a stroll through the Old Fort Neighborhood to feel like a member of the original Gaelic working class – you can easily feel the Irish influence any day of the year.

Pro Tips: The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist hosts Saint Patrick’s Day mass typically the Sunday prior. Saint Patrick’s Day also gets a formal kickoff during a ceremony celebrating Irish heritage at the Celtic Cross in Emmet Park.

The First Parade

What is now a spectacle with several hundred thousand in attendance, the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah began as a private affair. On March 17 in 1813, the Hibernian Society of Savannah, a group of forty-four Savannah gentlemen on a mission to care for Irish immigrants, marched in a private Saint Paddy’s Day celebration. Over a decade later, the President of the Society invited all local Irishmen to join in a public procession. The popularity of the Irish commemoration continued to grow, and in 1870 the first Grand Marshall was appointed to lead the seasonal events. Other than a half-dozen interruptions, like the Civil War and the Irish revolution, the parade has marched on for over two centuries.

The Grand Marshall

On the last Sunday in February, the parade committee will continue the tradition of electing a new Grand Marshall, a tremendous honor. It’s also a huge commitment. This year’s electee will attend nearly sixty events over four weeks. Certainly the most famous among them is the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17.

Witness History in the Marching

Be a part of this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day events which actually extend over several days. Check out our complete guide here. The city’s population will grow five-fold for the festivities, so visit StayinSavannah.com to book your hotel now.

The Pirates' House

• 20 E. Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401
• Get Directions
• (912) 233.5757
• Visit Website

Since 1753, The Pirates’ House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirates’ House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Here seamen drank their grog and discoursed, sailor fashion, on their exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said. The entire family will enjoy Savannah’s most intriguing restaurant. At the Pirates’ House, our most precious treasure is our food, acclaimed for over three decades. Our extensive menu includes dishes for all tastes and our varied selection of scandalous desserts is sure to delight. Like a tale of the high seas, The Pirates’ House rambles in all directions. We operate 15 separate dining rooms each with a distinct charm all its own.