There is something special about the South, perhaps it is the beautiful Spanish Moss that hangs from the trees, the historic preservation of the architecture, or the southern style of food which is rich with comfort and tradition. We recently spent a weekend in Savannah, Georgia a city that is loaded with history, beautiful architecture, and manicured parks. My husband and I decided to travel without the kids for a romantic weekend getaway, but the city offers so much to do for couples and families alike. I would highly recommend Savannah as a destination for an extended weekend vacation. In this article I will share the sites, tastes, and experiences that made me fall in love with Savannah.
BREAKFAST BITES
Goose Feathers Cafe is a cozy cafe offering all day breakfast and lunch. Enjoy both cold and hot breakfasts and depending on your appetite choose from light to hearty options. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this is a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or an organic tea. On the day we visited Goose Feathers Cafe we both stuck to lighter options. I enjoyed a warm Cream Cheese filled croissant and a delicious iced coffee while Doug chose a bagel. Two of the menu items that caught our eye were the JP Deluxe: Jalapeno & Cheddar Cornbread Waffle and the Chatham: Loaded Breakfast Potatoes with Sausage. Right in the the historical district there is lots to do and see after your meal!
Maple Street Biscuit Company is the perfect place to start your morning if you are looking for comfort food with a twist. Enjoy a Vanilla Maple Bean Latte paired with a delicious biscuit breakfast. The flaky biscuits at Maple street are beyond good, and they offer a bunch of different combinations including chicken or eggs with gravy or house made jelly flavors. I really enjoyed The Farmer: a flaky biscuit, all-natural fried chicken, pecanwood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese topped with fresh house-made apple butter and Doug had the Risky Biscuit: flaky biscuit covered in house-made sausage gravy with a kick. Obviously, I tried his order also and it was so yummy! Be sure to get there early if you do not want to wait in line.
Rise Biscuits & Donuts is a delicious little takeout spot that serves delicious biscuit combinations that are formed like a sandwich with a variety of options, ranging from chicken to guacamole, stuffed between two warm and buttery southern biscuits. While we went for the biscuits the donut options looked delectable as well! Had we been traveling with our two little girls, they would have been all about the donut selection. I chose the Bacon, Egg & Cheese: Crispy, nitrate-free, Applewood- smoked bacon with fried egg and American cheese on a biscuit. Doug chose the Avocado Toast: Closed faced with guac, tomato, fried egg and Boom Boom sauce on a toasted biscuit and the Nashville Hot Chicken: Tossed in Nashville Hot Sauce and topped with pickles. Note… two orders was very filling for my big guy.
BRUNCH & LUNCH SPOTS
One of the prettiest spots in downtown Savannah is Forsyth Park, so what better than to enjoy a brunch or lunch in a gorgeous park! We absolutely loved our brunch and drinks at Collins Quarter at Forsyth. With a great brunch menu, and a bunch of fun cocktails, this is the perfect spot to grab a drink and a meal while in Savannah. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available so you can enjoy the views of the park while you eat. I went with the Avocado Toast: smashed avocado with radish, heirloom tomato, feta, poached egg, on three seeded toast and the Strawberry Fields Mimosa: strawberry, lemon, bubbles. The feta and radishes were a great addition to the avocado toast and I will definitely be trying to recreate at home. The Raspberry French Toast also looked amazing! Doug had the Pork Belly Beni: Tempura pork belly, caramelized pineapple, red curry hollandaise, fried shallot & garlic, poached eggs, on toasted sourdough and it was beyond delicious. I would love to go back to try the dinner menu!
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: Another popular brunch spot in Savannah is Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Located on Jones St., an area people say is the most beautiful street in Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes is open Monday- Friday 11-2 and cash/ venmo only. We tried to get a spot but unfortunately they were full by the time we arrived so make sure to get there early if you want to get a spot. The menu changes often but you can be sure you will get some awesome homestyle Southern food served family style (pre covid, indoor seating is currently closed).
DELICIOUS DINNERS
Husk Savannah: The Husk restaurants are phenomenal! We first ate at the Husk in Charleston (twice!), so we knew we had to book a reservation at the Savannah location and it was just as amazing. One of the things we love most about Husk is their ability to pair tastes and ingredients you would never think to put together but were absolutely delicious to experience. Husk sources the ingredients used in their dishes locally and frequently updates their menu to ensure the dishes are fresh and of the highest quality. We started our meal with the Chicken Liver Pâté & Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi. Both of which tasted absolutely incredible. For our main course I had the fresh off the boat Grouper and Doug had the Heritage Pork with a side of Cornbread. My mouth is watering just thinking about this meal. I would say whether visiting Savannah or Charleston, Husk is a must- be sure to book reservations early as they do fill up.
The Olde Pink House– A restaurant set in a historic home from the 1700’s is the perfect setting for a romantic date night. Next to the beautiful Reynolds Square Park, we enjoyed delicious cocktails while waiting for our table. We started the meal with a Pink House Platter so we could try out a few of the appetizers. For our entrees Doug had the Bacon Cheddar Burger: Tillamook cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, brioche, French fries and I had the Jumbo Sea Scallops: herb butter, mashed potatoes and mixed beans. Let me tell you, my scallops were incredible! For dessert, I highly recommend trying out the Praline Basket: Almonds and pecans, vanilla bean ice cream, mango-citrus puree, seasonal fruit, it was absolutely delicious!
Vic’s on the River was the perfect restaurant to end our Savannah trip. The river front area is a bustling part of Savannah with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. With gorgeous views of the river and a live pianist, we had a romantic dinner accompanied by excellent food. We started out with the Fried Green Tomatoes: goat cheese, tomato chutney, balsamic glaze and the Fried Calamari: pickled peppers, feta, citrus chili glaze. Both were delicious and the addition of the Feta to the Calamari was something new I absolutely loved. Our entrees consisted of Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: Parmesan risotto, grilled asparagus, crispy leeks, chilled mustard cream and the Fried Oysters: French fries, southern coleslaw, cocktail sauce and I would certainly go back and eat both meals again if I could.
HAPPY HOUR
Peregrin is an open air rooftop bar at the Perry Lane Hotel with stunning views of the sunset in the evening. With a menu offering both food and delicious cocktails this is the perfect place to grab drinks or a bite to eat.
The Grove is a great spot to stop and grab a drink on the trendy rooftop bar in City Market. Offering lunch, dinner, and drinks this is a great place to check out. Reservations recommended.
District Seafood is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or some drinks after your walk along River Street. During our visit we enjoyed some live music, lunch, and drinks while taking in the river views.
CAN’T MISS COFFEE SHOPS
Black Rifle Coffee is a coffee company with a mission. The coffee shop is a veteran owned business that gives back with every purchase. With coffee beans imported from Columbia and Brazil you get freshly roasted coffee that is the perfect compliment to a morning or afternoon stroll along the river front!
The Coffee Fox is a coffee shop located in the historic downtown of Savannah offering you fresh espresso drinks and delicious pastries. The Nitro Cold Brew was super delicious and gives you an extra boost of caffeine!
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop is a coffee shop founded by two parents who wanted to open up the possibilities for those with developmental disabilities. The delicious coffee paired with the friendly staff makes it a must try while visiting Savannah.
DELICIOUS DESERTS AND SWEET TREATS
I hope you brought your sweet tooth with you on your trip to Savannah. Between the delicious desserts offered at many of the restaurants I mentioned and these next sweet treats I am going to tell you about you will leave Savannah satisfied.
Chocolat by Adam Turoni offers absolutely incredible hand made chocolate truffles displayed in gorgeous chocolate ateliers. We visited the Chocolate Library located on Bull Street. We also walked past the chocolate Dining Room on Broughton Street and just the displays in these stores are so beautiful. I highly suggest checking out one or both of the locations during your stay in Savannah.
River Street Sweets is an absolute must while visiting Savannah! Truth be told, we may have walked by a few times just for the pecan pralines. The family owned candy shop located on River Street is the perfect spot to get yourself a sweet treat or a yummy gift. Oh my goodness- the pecan pralines are out of this world! Honestly, we might need to order some and have them shipped because we just finished the last of our box and I miss them already.
Byrd’s Famous Cookie Company is another must stop while you are in Savannah. This delicious cookie company dates back to 1924 when Benjamin Tillman “Pop” Byrd, Sr., at the age of 28, began baking his famous Scotch Oatmeal cookies. Still run by 4th and 5th generation family members these cookies taste like they were made in your grandparents kitchen. Head on over to one of the locations at City Market or River Street to try one of the many cookie flavors for yourself.
SPOTS TO SHOP
The Paris Market is a beautiful boutique and café which offers a little bit of everything. Enjoy an espresso, tea, or glass of champagne, or a pastry in the beautiful café which will make you feel like you are sitting in a Parisian café. Here you will find unique pieces ranging from jewelry and accessories to vintage home décor and art. This two level shop in a beautiful historic building is the perfect place to find a little treasure for yourself or a gift for someone else. This unique shop has something for everyone.
The Satchel is a cute little shop that offers handbags and hand made leather goods made in house. This is the perfect space to pick up a purse, wallet, or sandals. You can also create your own custom bag where you can choose your leather, linings, and hardware. I am still thinking about a gorgeous alligator bag I saw in the store.
Savannah Bee Company is another great place to stop in for a sweet treat or a locally sourced honey. With locations on both River Street and Broughton street you are likely to pass one of the locations while you stroll through Savannah. Offering honey, gifts, beauty and wellness products, this is the perfect spot to grab a Savannah souvenir.
TYBEE ISLAND
Tybee Island is a small town on the Georgia coast located just 20 miles away from downtown Savannah. We chose to Uber from Savannah and we were dropped off at the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. Built in 1732, this 178 step lighthouse offers 360 degree panoramic views and at a cost of $10 per person also offers you admission to the Tybee Museum located in Battery Garland of Fort Screven. We then strolled down the beach to the Tybee Pier & Pavillion.
On the way back to Savannah we stopped at The Original Crab Shack and it was everything I imagine a southern crab shack should be! For just $3 you can buy food to feed some of the gators in the Gator Lagoon or visit the collection of tropical birds. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy a sunset while you dine on your low country boil or go for the shrimp and crab cakes like I chose. Doug went with the ribs and said the meat fell right off the bone. This is a great place to check out if you are in the Tybee area.
Our weekend trip to Savannah was absolutely incredible, we ate so many delicious meals, saw so many beautiful historic spots, and made memories together that will last a lifetime. I hope this little guide helps you enjoy your trip to Savannah just as much as we did.