Reflections on Savannah & Charleston: History, Hospitality & Hints of the Lowcountry

Both Savannah and Charleston will beckon you with their picturesque waterfronts, gorgeous tree-lined squares, charming cobblestone streets and colorful Rainbow Row houses. It’s easy to explore the historic sites of these cities and learn about their significant place in Black and slave history. With their renowned culinary scenes from Lowcountry classics to innovative farm-to-table creations, both cities offer a quintessential Southern experience that will captivate you.

Must-see places in Savannah, Georgia

The first thing we did was have a guide take us on a walking tour. You will never know the history just by reading about it. The walking tour of the historic district showcases such places like Forsyth Park along with dozens of other squares and parks.

Next, tour the Mercer Williams House. This historic mansion was the site of the famous Savannah murder depicted in the book and film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." However, it also has connections to the antebellum era and the legacy of slavery.

Do not miss the First African Baptist Church. One of the oldest Black congregations in the country, this church has roots dating back to the 18th century when Savannah had a significant free and enslaved Black population.

On your tour, make sure you take in the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Tour Mickve Israel, the only Gothic-style synagogue in North America. It is also one of the oldest in the United States, as it was organized in 1735 by mostly Sephardic Jewish immigrants from London who arrived in the new colony in 1733.

Visit River Street. This lively waterfront district was central to Savannah's maritime economy, including the trade in enslaved Africans who arrived through the port.

Image 1: The the Cathedral of Basilica of St John the Baptist

Must-see places in Charleston, South Carolina

Have a guide and take a walking tour to see the beautiful historic houses and learn the history of this city.

Tour Fort Sumter. This is the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. You take a ferry ride to the fort to explore its well-preserved remains and learn about its role in igniting one of the most consequential conflicts in the nation's history. If you take the first ferry in the morning, you will be there for the flag raising, or if you take the last one of the day, you’ll see the flag being lowered for the night. Ferry reservations required.

Charleston’s newest cultural landmark, the International African American Museum, was 20 years in the making, opening in July 2023. The museum illuminates the contributions of African Americans to the fabric of American society while also acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery and systemic oppression. Located on the site where nearly half of all enslaved Africans brought to North America first stepped onto American soil, the IAAM offers immersive exhibits, interactive displays and educational programs. Reservations required.

Take a ghost tour. Charleston is renowned for its rich history and haunting tales, making it a perfect destination for ghost tours that offer a spine-tingling glimpse into the city's eerie past.

Plantation visit

You have several historic plantations to choose from that provide a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural past and history:

• Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, is renowned for its stunning gardens, preserved plantation house and Living History program that offers insights into the daily lives of enslaved Africans and plantation owners.

• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the oldest plantations in the South, and features beautiful gardens, a historic house tour and a focus on the Black experience through exhibits and guided tours.

• Boone Hall Plantation, with its picturesque Avenue of Oaks, offers guided tours of the plantation house, slave cabins and Gullah culture presentations. It's also the site of the front of the house in the film "The Notebook."

• St. Michael's Church stands as a historic landmark and a symbol of the city's enduring spiritual legacy. Founded in 1751, this iconic church is one of the oldest in Charleston and has played a central role in the city's religious and cultural life for centuries.

• Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim synagogue is the oldest synagogue in continuous use for Jewish worship in America, founded in 1749.

Image 1: Pineapple fountain lit up at night at the river; Image 2: The church where George Washington prayed. The last pew is where he sat.

The Andaz Savannah hotel sits along the riverfront, occupying a site that would have been central to Savannah's commercial and shipping activities throughout its history. This physical proximity to the water underscores the city's identity as a coastal hub and the vital importance of the river to Savannah's growth.

The Wentworth Mansion in Charleston was constructed in the 19th century and, during the Civil War conflict, the mansion was commandeered by Union forces and used as a hospital. Touring the mansion with its 24 original stained-glass windows provides a connection to the realities of the opulence of Charleston's elite class prior to the Civil War.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Georgia and travel to South Carolina. In need of further inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Marin Moneypenny's guide, Girls Trip to Savannah, Georgia.