If their names alone aren’t enough to intrigue you, then head to Sandfly and Isle of Hope for the fantastic shopping, superb food and breathtaking scenery. The historic neighborhood of Sandfly has become one of the trendiest areas in town, boasting a growing number of unique shops and outstanding restaurants. Nearby Isle of Hope, a residential neighborhood perched on the Intracoastal Waterway, features magnificent 19th- and early 20th-century mansions and gorgeous live oaks. Not to mention, it's the long time home of Gabe's wonderful family. Wormsloe Historic Site, a haven of natural beauty and rich history, is known for its striking mile-long entryway, which is lined on both sides by majestic live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Visitors can explore the tabby ruins of Jones' 18th-century estate, along with historic gravesites and a museum housing period artifacts.
It’s easy to forget how close the city is to the Atlantic coast. But hop on Route 80 heading east and in about 20 minutes you’ll be driving over the bridge to Tybee Island. With wide stretches of sandy beach, the tiny barrier island, just over three square miles in size, is a favorite retreat among sun-seeking Savannahians. Follow signs to the lighthouse, a black-and-white colonial-era tower with panoramic views of North Beach. Less crowded than other parts of the island, North Beach is also ideal for a swim, a stroll or — best of all — a lazy afternoon swing on one of the hanging wooden benches that dot this scenic stretch of Georgia seashore. We recommend stopping at Huckapoos for kitschy dive bar vibes and heading to the Crab Shack for seafood and great views.
Though not Savannah’s oldest cemetery, Bonaventure Cemetery is certainly its most famous and hauntingly beautiful in Savannah. Quintessentially Southern Gothic, it has captured the imaginations of writers, poets, naturalists, photographers, and filmmakers for more than 150 years. Part natural cathedral, part sculptural garden, you transcend time when you're there.
Telfair Museums offers a unique understanding of Savannah’s place in our collective American past through art, history, and architecture. Mary Telfair’s 19th-century vision has uplifted the people of this city and beyond for more than a century. Her legacy continues to inspire. Located in Savannah’s Historic District, Telfair Museums is comprised of three unique sites. Tickets include a visit to all three sites and are valid for one week from time of purchase. Jess highly recommends the Jepson Center for contemporary art works by Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Robert Rauschenberg, Cecily Brown, Frank Stella, Kiki Smith, and Richard Avedon among many others.
There’s an irresistible sweetness mixed into many of the shops along Broughton Street. At the Savannah Bee Company, honey specialists will guide you through tastings of white whipped honey and raw honeycomb paired with blue cheese. There are also scores of beeswax beauty products and a new bar area that pours samples of mead, the ancient fermented-honey libation. Nearby, Chocolat by Adam Turoni displays handcrafted confections that are as beautiful as they are unusual, like the “exploding” dark-chocolate truffles filled with Pop Rocks. Then walk over to Leopold’s Ice Cream, with retro décor and dozens of enticing flavors, like Thin Mints & Cream, a nod to the Girl Scouts founder and Savannah native, Juliette Gordon Low.
What can we say? This place is our jam. It's dark, small, crowded and loud. Everything you want in a tavern and a mandatory stop on our trips to Savannah. Try your hand at drawing your own Lincoln to be displayed on the walls or the roof. Down a pint or a shot and enjoy the close, close company of your barmates.
Green Truck Pub was founded on a simple premise: Savannahians deserve a casual place to eat and drink well. It's simple food the hard way- by handmaking everything from ketchup and pimento cheese to salad dressing and veggie patties. Eating well also means doing some good for the local economy by sourcing everything from meat to corkboards close to home. There are great selections for everyone from carnivores to vegans (seriously try the chili-non-carne regardless of your dietary preference) and lots of local craft brews to boot.