Savannah has a unique open container law that allows people to walk around with open alcoholic beverages in the Historic District. Drinks must be in a plastic 16 ounce clear cup. The area permitted is River St. out to Jones St., and MLK Blvd over to W. Broad Street. You must be 21 and carry a valid ID with you (Savannah bars require each person entering to show an ID whether you are drinking alcohol or not). The Downtown Savannah Historic District is very easy to walk around, approx 30 minutes to walk from River St. to Forsyth Park. The city is flat walking except for the "Stone Stairs of Death" that lead from Bay Street down to River Street. Anyone not up to treking down historic steps between buildings: Go to the Bohemian Hotel on Bay St. (look for the gold dome topped city building, Bohemian is to the left) Inside the Bohemian lobby, take elevators on the left down to the River Street level (there are nice bathrooms downstairs across from the restaurant bar).
One of our favorite breakfast/brunch spots. The Forsyth location is across street from the wedding venue. A great spot to grab a bite after visitng the Forsyth Park Fountain or Saturday's farmer's/arts market. This location is larger than the original on Bull St. and can accomodate larger parties both inside and out. They accept reservations on Resy or call ahead.
Next to the DeSoto, a favorite lunch or dinner spot with sidewalk and indoor seating. Put your name in at the sidewalk stand. Go for a walk or visit neighborhood shops and they will text you when it's time to walk back. Seats at the bar don't need a reservation.
A great choice to sample southern cousine for lunch or dinner. Located on Bay Street overlooking River Street, eat in their historic building or down on the sidewalks of River Street.
Pizza!! Slices big enough to soak up all your open container beverages! Located at the end of City Market, a 5-10 minute walk from wedding hotels. Open till 10 or 11pm Fridays & Saturdays. Bike delivery is available.
What started as a food truck has grown to multiple locations. This spot in town is a 'beachy sports bar'. Sit outside at picnic tables, try one of their award winning sandwiches (the Conquistador & the Godfather are famous) along with beach style drinks. Happy Hour drinks daily 4-7, bar snacks 10-11pm.
One block from the DeSoto. Well loved by locals, this breakfast spot open till 2 gets hopping. Put your name in at the door.
Another local favorite, Clary's became famous after being featured in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". The food is good, the locals and setting is even better. Clary's is an old -school breakfast diner taken care of by long time staff. On your way back to your hotel, walk down Jones Street.
An easy place to hop in for bakery items, breakfast or lunch close to hotels.
Burgers, burgers, and burgers (though the rest of their menu is just as good!) A quick Uber ride from downtown. Combine it with a trip to Two Tides Brewery!
Savannah's newest 'foodie' restaurant serving coastal Italian cuisine located at Hotel Bardo. Reservations required, though if you are lucky enough you can snag a seat in the bar area. Highly recommend!
Mexican food & Margs, what else is there to say? A local favorite and definitely one of ours!
Established in 1919, the current location on Broughton Street (next to the historic SCAD Theatre..look for the large vertical SCAD sign) serves handcrafted ice cream made in Savannah. The line usually goes out the door but moves fairly quickly. Stratton Leopold, the current generation running the family business, is a member of the Hollywood film community. Check out posters of films he has produced hanging on the parlor walls.
Rooftop bar in the eclectic boutique Bohemian Hotel. Located on Bay Street overlooking River Street, this is a great spot for sunset drinks, appetizers and view of the Savannah River. Take lobby hotel to the Roof and enjoy the view!
Off the beat small dive tavern with a cool twist paying homage to our 16th President. Make sure you add your Lincoln sketch to the orignial art guests tack to the walls, and look for vintage Iobst or Miller artwork while you're at it!
Worth stopping for drinks in the cellar tavern of this 1771 historic mansion. We recommend stopping by and picking up a "Pink Lady' for sippin' in the squares.
Hip little brewery in historic Savannah house. Head up the outside stairs to the 2nd floor tasting room along with multiple small rooms filled with table games to enjoy relaxing with friends.
Historic little dive bar, cash only. Cheap PBR's and colorful locals.
Don't leave Savannah without stopping in for a praline sample! Check out the back candy counter for their handmade treats and our family favorite, the Gopher! A second location is down on River Street. (River Street Sweets on Broughton St is NOT the same company!)
Everything bees and honey! A fun store to visit, the staff is awesome and loves to share tons of info. Sign up for a honey tasting, or even better one of their Mead tastings. The pours look small, but the sips are potent! A great spot to pick up a locally made gift for home. (They have a second location on River Street)
Take a relaxing walk down Jones Street, lined with oak trees, antebellum mansions, and cobblestone streets. A block down from whereJones St. intersects Whitaker Street is a nice collection of boutique stores on Whitaker ( Custard Boutique, Bottega Bellini, Peaches, Tandem Art +Design, PW Short)
A great way to learn Savannah history and learn layout of the historic area. Two companies run tours: Old Town Trolley : hop on/hop off trolley tours, 2 day ticket option Old Savannah Tours : narrated one day tour, lasting approx 75 minutes. Purchase tickets for either company at their websites, through your hotels, or in person.
General Ogelthorpe founded Savannah in 1733, designing the city's neighborhoods around 24 squares. Chippewa Square is at the center of the downtown historic district and General Ogelthorpe's statue stands center. Forrest Gump's bus bench scenes were filmed at the square's northern side, where Bull St. and Hull St. intersect. The bench now sits in the Savannah History Museum on MLK Blvd across from the Courtyard Marriott.
Love history? Bonaventure is full of it and worth the trip. Set on over 100 acre bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, the cemetery was established in 1846. Lined with 150 year old oak trees covered in Spanish Moss, the sculpture, architecture, folklore and history are well worth signing up for the walking tour. Transportation to the cemetary is often offered through the tour company or your hotel. (Tour companies now also offer golf cart tours for those not up to the 45-60 minute walk.)
A trio of well curated museums: The Jepson Center & Children's Art Museum, Telfair Academy, and The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. The Bird Girl statue from the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" is now homed at Telfair Academy of Arts.
Erected in 1873, destroyed in a 1898 fire, and rebuilt in 1899, this beautiful Cathedral, an active house of worship, is open for the public to visit, unless there is a religious service taking place. Docent led guided tours are typically available 9-11am and 1-4:30pm, Monday-Saturday. Sunday 1-4pm. Docent tours on weekends have limited availabilty, contact the church office for info 912-233-4709 or office@savannahcathedral.org Wheelchair access is available on Harris Street. Typical Mass schedule: Saturday- 12 Noon & 5:30pm, Sunday-8am, 10am, 11:30am, weekdays-7:30am, 12 Noon
Pedal powered pub crawl tour! Each pub bicycle seats 15 guests over the age of 21. The pub stops aren't as great as before, the fun comes more in biking with beverages and friends.