24 Hours in Savannah

Savannah Georgia is one of the most charming southern cities ever and I’m ecstatic that it’s just a short  3 hour drive from us now living in Florida. Ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, quaint squares scattered around the city, unique boutique hotels and B&B’s, and incredible food around every corner ticks off all the boxes for me when I’m planning a quick weekend getaway. Thomas and I spent 24 hours in Savannah before heading to my family cabin in Georgia for Thanksgiving. Although I could have definitely enjoyed a couple more days there, I feel like we were able to explore, eat, shop and relax making it the perfect 24-hour getaway.

Here’s our itinerary if you’re planning a quick trip to Savannah! At the bottom of the post I included all of the restaurants and places I researched that we didn’t get a chance to go to but definitely on the list for next time.

24 hours in Savannah

11:00 am: Parked in front of our hotel – The Present – I love that it is tucked away on a quiet street but walking distance to literally everything  like Historic downtown which is just a 10 minute walk. The location isn’t the only thing going for it, this hotel has the best decor with not two rooms the same! Fun fact: it was once a brothel and then an artist’s studio before being transformed into this cute boutique hotel so it makes sense with all of the funky touches like the hilarious pimped out president portraits like Abe with his maroon suit and tiny earring!

12:00: We took the gorgeous walk from The Present into downtown to eat at the Olde Pink House, a Savannah institution dishing out the best southern staples. It was constructed in 1771 and changed hands many times after the war and was neglected for many many years before finally being purchased and renovated into an incredible restaurant. There’s so many cozy rooms to grand ballrooms in the house you can dine in. We had She Crab soup, fried green tomatoes, fried shrimp and oysters with the apple fennel slaw, and the juiciest fried chicken. So delicious – a walk was much needed after!

The rest of the afternoon: After lunch we walked along the Savannah River and then weaved our way into so many great little shops. Harper was my favorite boutique. Fun fact, my maiden name is Harper and if/when we have a little girl we will name her Harper so obviously I had to buy a few things! The cutest candles and a simple button down sweater dress for the bump went home with me.

We stopped into the The Paris Market which I could have spent hours in – beautiful home decor, dishes, glassware, Christmas decorations, baby clothes, literally everything. Then we wandered into the Book Lady Bookstore, a charmingly crowded store literally overflowing with books and where you have to duck your head to get into the doorway. If we had more time, I would have 100% cozied up in a little nook to read for a while.

4:30 – On our way back to the hotel we walked through several beautiful squares. Savannah houses 22 squares plush with greenery and shaded by huge live oaks, surrounded by charming churches, historic homes, quaint restaurants and shops.

We headed back to the hotel to relax a little and take our time before getting ready for dinner. We ended up going to Cotton & Rye and had the best Caesar salad, roasted local squash with pistachio creme fraiche, spicy glazed chicken, oysters, and a homemade beef pasta – SO GOOD, SO FULL. I have so many other restaurants on my Savannah list so it was hard to choose from but just more of a reason to go back! Being pregnant we didn’t hit the town and try all the fun cocktail bars Savannah has to offer (more like movie in bed at 10pm which is totally my jam these days) but those bars are on my list too for next time 😉

The next morning: We slept in a little before heading to breakfast at my favorite spot the whole trip – The Collins Quarter. Situated on a cozy street in downtown with outside tables, it is the perfect spot for brunch. We had the avocado toast with poached eggs, a smoked salmon bagel, and the granola. Sounds simple but they do it SO well. And the lavender latte was perfect. This place is a must! It does get crowded though so get there early – if the wait is too long they have another location in Forsyth Park down the road.

Recap:

Where to stay: The Present hotel

Where to eat: Lunch or dinner at The Olde Pink House, Dinner at Cotton & Rye, and Breakfast at The Collins Quarter!

Where to shop: Harper boutique, The Paris Market, The Book Lady Bookstore

Spots on the list for next time!

• They Grey – southern tasting menu featured on “The Chefs Table”
• Husk Savannah – Southern fine dining – Anthony Bourdain ate at their Charleston location in Parts Unknown.
• B Matthews Eatery – Brunch
• Treylor Park – Fun bar with unique combinations like PB&J wings
• Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room – No fuss communal tables with southern classics like fried chicken, Mac and cheese, greens, coleslaw, and more.
• Soho South Cafe – Brunch and a cute bar
• Six pence pub – if you need a good little English pub this looks like the spot.
• Garibaldi – beautiful Italian restaurant – lots of seafood dishes
• The Fitzroy – cute rooftop dining and good bloody Mary’s
• Wet Willie’s – grab a boozy slushy and walk down the river or back into town – open container city!
• Peacock lounge – underground speakeasy – great cocktails
• Hitch – sister restaurant to treylor park – get the prickly pear marg and the chorizo brunch tacos
• Jazz’d Tapas Bar – small plates, cocktails, lively and fun
• Vics on the river – good seafood, pretty water views

24 hours in savannah was my idea of a perfect little trip and I see many more quick getaway trips to savannah in our future! We are planning Charleston next so stay tuned! Some other fun guides I have is 48 hour in NYC, First-timers guide to New Orleans, or couples getaway guide to Palm Springs