If You Like
Eating Locally
Foodies have plenty of reasons to love dining in Savannah. An influx of young, talented chefs and entrepreneurs have helped put the focus back on locally grown food here.
Green Truck Pub. Don’t be fooled by the burger-and-fries-centric menu, because this place is a must-try. The Green Truck uses only grass-fed beef for its burgers, and everything else is made in-house, including the veggie burgers, salad dressings, and even the ketchup.
The Grey. James Beard–winner Chef Mashama Bailey creates Port City Southern dishes that have won national awards. The service is impeccable, the wine list renowned, and the city's best meal lies within its remodeled Greyhound station walls.
The Olde Pink House. The chef at the Pink House, one of Savannah’s most iconic restaurants, isn’t afraid to update local traditions, such as its “Southern Sushi,” which wraps smoked shrimp and grits in coconut-crusted nori.
The Savannah Bee Company. Its Broughton Street flagship store carries more honey-based products than you’d think possible. Its honey varietals are some of the most delicious you’ll find. There are also treats like honey lattes at the barista counter.
Strolling the Squares
With more than 20 to choose from, you never walk far in the Historic District before coming across a square, each with its own personality. Here are a few notable squares to look for as you stroll around downtown.
Chippewa Square. Travelers know this swath of green as the location for the bus-stop scenes in Forrest Gump. You won’t find the bench here anymore, but you will see the historic Savannah Theatre, several lovely B&Bs, and a great coffee shop.
Ellis Square. Situated at the west end of City Market, the square had been a parking garage for decades until a massive public project restored the public space, which now includes an interactive fountain, a visitor information kiosk, and public restrooms.
Lafayette Square. Here you'll find historic charm and plenty of trees. Flanked by two notable house museums—the Andrew Low House and the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home—as well as St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Lafayette is like a trip back in time.
Monterey Square. For a look at some of the city’s finest historic homes, including the famous Mercer House, which was the center of the action in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, head to Monterey Square.
Telfair Square. Bounded by the Telfair Museum, the Jepson Center, and the Trinity United Methodist Church, this park is a popular meet-up spot.
Shopping
If you believe that shopping is the great American pastime, you'll find the scene in Savannah’s Historic District incredibly patriotic. The Historic District hosts an eclectic selection of locally owned boutiques and national brands.
Antiques. There are plenty of amazing spots to find everything from 18th-century desks to mid-century modern baubles, but Jere's, Alex Raskin Antiques, or Picker Joe's are good places to start your hunt.
Broughton Street. Home to a variety of shops, you can find national retailers like J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, and Banana Republic, along with local favorites like the Savannah Bee Company, Paris Market, and 24e.
City Market. A four-block stretch of galleries, boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and artists' studios, this market is a stroller's delight.
The Design District. This stretch of Whitaker Street from Gaston north to Charlton has emerged in recent years as one of the city’s most stylish hidden gems, with local shops offering fashion, home goods, and more.
River Street. Although this stretch of Savannah has a reputation as a tourist trap, River Street Sweets sells incredible pralines and other treats. And if you need souvenirs like shot glasses or T-shirts, this is the spot.
