You’re probably already more familiar with this small town on the coast of Georgia than you think. Savannah, Georgia, has been featured in popular films like Forrest Gump and The Last Song, but there is much more to this vacation hot spot than just pretty scenery. Savannah has something for every type of traveler looking for a weekend away.
For Romantics
Book a room in one of Savannah’s many bed-and-breakfasts, such as Rousell’s Gardens. Savannah’s buildings and homes are arranged around 21 squares, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Enjoy the dogwoods, Spanish moss, and boughs of magnolias. Forsyth Park is the perfect place to stop for a quiet picnic beneath an old oak tree. But don’t just stick to the streets; get to know the waterways of Savannah on an evening boat cruise. Many cruises offer entertainment, dinner, dancing, and a full evening of fun on a classic riverboat.
For Thrill Seekers
Savannah is considered by many to be the most haunted destination east of the Mississippi. Almost every building found in the historic district has a ghost story behind it. About 30 different ghost tours are offered in Savannah. One of these tours, Hearse Ghost Tours, even picks you up in an open-top hearse to give you a spooky ride around town. After your tour, a walk through Bonaventure Cemetery—one of the hallmarks of the city—is sure to get your skin crawling. If you’re really feeling brave, you can even stay in one of Savannah’s many haunted hotel rooms.
For Artistic Types
Artists may already know about Savannah because of its prestigious school, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which boasts more than 10 galleries with impressive displays of student art, alumni art, and rotating exhibits. At the Paris Market in Savannah’s historic district, you can add to your collection with an assortment of trinkets from around the world. Plan your stay around one of Savannah’s many music festivals if you want to enjoy some sounds of the South while you’re there.
For History Buffs
The architecture alone, all built in the Greek Revival and Gothic styles, will transport you back to the antebellum South. Many battles of the American Revolution and Civil War took place in historic Savannah. Some of the battle sites are open to visitors, and you can learn about them in the Savannah History Museum. Because of Savannah’s major restoration campaign, the city is home to one of the largest preserved historic districts in the world.
No matter what type of getaway you’re looking for, a weekend in Savannah will not disappoint any member of your traveling party. Whether you spend the night in a haunted house or treat yourself to a posh bed-and-breakfast, Savannah is sure to be the perfect place to take a break.
—Danielle Cronquist
Photo Credits (from top):
Jeremy
Alex Cheek
I love Savannah! It’s one of my favorite places to visit,and my family went there a lot growing up. The city’s beauty is truly difficult to put into words. One of the last times we were there, we did one of the more kid-friendly ghost tours…and it wasn’t all that scary. Maybe next time we’ll see more ghosts. ;]
I spent my last two years of high school in Georgia but I never got the chance to check out Savannah. But this article helped me feel like I actually had the chance to make it here. Very interesting and descriptive.