EVERYDAY EXCHANGE TRAVELS: SAVANNAH VISITORS GUIDE (PART ONE)
Ah, the Deep South. There are so many places to visit that are great for a weekend getaway. From the Golden Isles to the Low Country there is a wealth of vacay-worthy spots. Today I'm talking about a few lesser known Savannah gems! The picture of antebellum hospitality, Savannah is nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South and has also been dubbed "America's Most Haunted City." There is so much history and with that history comes beautiful architecture and deeply rooted stories. And the Spanish moss--everywhere! So dreamy.
History Buffs Unite:
Little known fact about me - I love history and I always try to learn a little bit about the places I visit. Savannah is a gold mine of information about America's history. This time around I chose to visit a small museum that isn't widely advertised called The Pin Point Heritage Museum. The museum is located in the old A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory and it gives you a glimpse into the little known, little talked about Gullah/Geechee culture first hand. For nearly 100 years, the community of Pin Point was quietly isolated on the banks of the Moon River just south of Savannah. It's a community drenched in American history and deep rooted family ties. The people of Pin Point are direct descendants of slaves brought to America from Sierra Leone, Angola and other West African countries. We took the tour and walked the grounds of the old crab factory right there on the marsh. It's quiet and slow and rich with stories of a heritage that we don't often hear about. It's the ultimate Americana.
Make sure to swing by Wormsloe Historic Site right down the road to see the most road lined with Spanish-moss covered live oaks. It's breathtaking!
Where to Stay:
The hubs and I stayed overnight at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa which is right on the Savannah River. Make sure to request a river view room. You can watch larger-than-life barges float on down the river and get a one of a kind view of the city. They have a ferry that runs around the clock to take you across the river (a fun highlight of the trip). Highly recommend this hotel. It's gorgeous, the service is great, and it's ideal if you're bringing a family along (hello, pool next to the river) or on a romantic getaway (swanky river view restaurant & bar). Did I mention the SPA? I rest my case.
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Dinner on the Town:
If you're looking for a great dinner recommendation that isn't flooded with tourists, Pacci Italian Kitchen is the place. This rustic-chic kitchen and bar is perfection. Every single meal I've had at Pacci has been delicious and the service is next to none. Make sure to try one of their yummy signature cocktails (I like the Calypso and the Savannah Breeze). You will not be disappointed!
Snack on the Go:
You are sure to work up an appetite as you cruise around downtown checking out all the sites of old Savannah. We popped into Pie Society to grab a quick bite. With savory & sweet pies, quiches, cakes, breads and afternoon tea, this traditional British-style bakery hit this spot. You could really go here any time of day depending on your mood. Super friendly and helpful, they walked us through our options and we grabbed a couple of "pies" to split. Delish.
Downtown Must-Go Spots:
Get your caffeine fix at The Coffee Fox. This ultra-hip spot is a favorite of tourists and locals alike and the coffee is spot on. Even the staff oozes coffee-culture-cool.
Stop by The Paris Market for unique gifts and gorgeous home decor. I could spend hours in this store. Think Joanna Gaines meets Restoration Hardware. A match made in (my own personal) heaven.
There's so much to see in Savannah. It's definitely a weekend trip at least if you want to hit all the shopping and the historic spots. I'll be sure to do another post with more suggestions because there are certainly plenty of options when you visit Savannah!
Talk soon,
Casey