Curator’s statement
Savannah, Georgia has long been known as a beautiful, historic southern city (and the step-sister to Charleston.) Today, Savannah is much more than southern charm and history, it feels electric. The city is expanding rapidly with new chic hotels, fantastic restaurants and hip rooftop bars. But if culture and history are your thing then Savannah delivers— visit several small-but-well-curated art & history museums, historic churches and even the first Jewish synagogue in the United States. It is reputed that during Sherman's March to the Sea, the General believed Savannah too beautiful to destroy and in turn presented the city to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift!
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Where to stay in Savannah
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Things to do in Savannah
Museums
SCAD Museum of Art: Small yet sophisticated contemporary art and design museum
Telfair Museums: Three distinct museums offering very different cultural experiences from The Jepson Center with its contemporary art to the historic Telfair Academy with 19th and 20th century American & European art to the Owens–Thomas House & Slave Quarters featuring one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the South.
Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum for the maritime enthusiast.
Tours
Savannah has no shortage of tour offerings, ranging from trolley tours to midnight ghost tours, but I have found many to be rather touristy (read: tacky.) However, Genteel & Bard offers a more sophisticated option for southern history storytelling and ghost tours.
Shopping
Savannah has a broad range of shopping options to satisfy most visitors, but a couple of my favorites are from the young creative new talent in Savannah:
Satchel (4 E. Liberty St:) A special leather goods store founded by SCAD graduate, Elizabeth Seeger.
Chocolat by Adam Turoni (236 Bull St or 323 W. Broughton St:) Magnificent handmade chocolate delicacies.
ShopSCAD (340 Bull St:) A one-stop shop for a wide range of creative works by SCAD students, alumni and faculty.
Places to eat & drink in Savannah
Savannah has become quite a foodie destination in recent years with the addition of celeb-chef places like the The Grey and Husk, but there is already so much written about them. There are also the classics like The Olde Pink House and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I want to share my favorites that are off the typical tourist path in Savannah:
Rancho Alegre: Delicious Cuban food in a casual, unfussy space with live music on most nights.
The Vault: Located in the up and coming Starlight District, here you'll have consistently fresh and flavorful Asian dishes.
Bar Julian: This lovely rooftop offering at the new Thompson Savannah hotel is a bit out of the core historic district, but walking-distance. The Middle-Eastern slant at the brunch menu is a welcomed surprise and the food is delicious.
The Wyld: Located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah, this super casual dockside spot has beautiful sunsets and views of the grassy low country marshes. Definitely worth the short drive if the weather is nice.
Travel Advisor
Martha Pearlstone
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