Top Reasons to Go to Savannah

Intriguing Architecture: Close to half of the 2,500 buildings in Savannah have architectural or historic significance. The many building styles—Georgian, Gothic Revival, Victorian, Italianate, Federal, and Romanesque—make strolling the tree-lined neighborhoods a delight. The 19th-century Telfairs's Owens-Thomas house is a particular highlight.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: John Berendt's famous 1994 book about a local murder and the city's eccentric characters still draws many travelers eager to visit the places mentioned, including the Mercer-Williams House, where Jim Williams once had his lucrative antiques business.

Famous Southern Restaurants: Savannah's elegant, fine-dining restaurants, notably Elizabeth's on 37th and Olde Pink House, have well-deserved reputations. Garabaldi's has a beautiful interior and exquisite, contemporary Italian cuisine. And, of course, who hasn't heard of Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons from watching her show on the Food Network.

Historic Inns and Bed & Breakfasts: When most people dream of a trip to Savannah, they envision staying in a romantic old mansion fronting a prominent square, where they further picture themselves sipping wine on the veranda. It is an authentic and unique experience, and everyone should have it, at least once.

Savannah by Night: Savannah is known in the Southeast as a party town. If you can't have fun in the Big Savanne, then you simply may not have the capability to have fun anywhere. "To Go" cups make barhopping in this red-hot city a favorite evening activity. Nocturnal ghost tours are another popular nocturnal must-do.