Savannah Highlights
River Street
Although arguably a tourist trap, River Street is incredibly beautiful. Savannah has really put some work into revitalizing this area and it will be well-traveled. There are plenty of souvenir and candy shops, as well as some historic seafood restaurants (overpriced, in our opinion, but alas). This is also the cheapest place to get to-go beers; a lot of the dumpier dives are down here and sell massive beers on the cheap, if that's your speed. There are river cruises available, which are recommended! But they tend to take up some time, so be mindful if you have other things you want to see.
Forsyth Park
The "Central Park" of Savannah - picturesque and quaint.
East Broughton Street
A shopping thoroughfare - some local shops peppered in with the big brands (Banana Republic, H&M, etc.), but there are also some good bars / restaurants in this corridor, as well. They made me put East Broughton, but there is a West as well. It's the same street and just as good, I promise.
Leopold's Ice Cream
Leopold's is a classic ice cream shop out of the early 1900s, though they do have both classic AND modern flavors. Founded by three brothers, one of them went on to become a Hollywood producer, so there is a bunch of film memorabilia on display, including a motion picture camera. Leopold's is probably the most famous thing about Savannah and it is omnipresent; you will see it everywhere. People will often wait in line for up to an hour for a cone, though we don't think this will be a problem in October.
Sorrel Weed House Museum
A historical mansion with extreme paranormal activity and demon in the basement?! There have been murders and suicides on the property. Tours available all day (nighttime for the adult-appropriate ones).
Treylor Park
Not an actual park. Absolutely DIRTY contemporary Southern food. There are now three locations, so it's not just this one. Every time we think of this place, we start salivating. Get the waffle fry nachos, you won't regret it.
Zunzi's
Zunzi's used to be a sidewalk sandwich shack that has grown into a full-on restaurant space, complete with a fun cocktail offshoot called Zunzibar. Words cannot describe how good these sandwiches are - they are South African-inspired flavor bombs and they melt in your mouth. Get extra Zunzi sauce and thank us later.
St. Neo's Brasserie
Best for brunch, but functions as an oyster bar from afternoon onward. Happy hour Tu-Sat 5-6pm. It's not upscale, but not casual, either.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
The best spot for classic Southern cooking. There is almost always a line down the block, but it moves quickly. Diner-style Southern food in a comfortable dining room.
1540 Room
Located within the DeSoto hotel. Spacious dining room, but reservation likely necessary. The menu is inspired from the global spice trade and therefore a bit eclectic.
Alligator Soul Restaurant
A unique, eclectic Southern farm-to-table experience in a converted grain house. The food is always delicious and interesting! This is always mentioned in the top of Savannah gastronomic experiences.
Common Thread
A Victorian mansion turned restaurant. Incredible, modern southern food and cocktails with flair. We ate practically the entire menu. This might be considered more upscale, but we did not feel out of place in shorts (in summer).
The Grey
In our opinion, this is the crown jewel of Savannah dining. They do delicious, modern Southern food in an elegant space. The restaurant is located in a former Greyhound bus depot and has kept some of the original accents. It's tough to get a reservation and is expensive, but it's worth the trip.
Riverside Biergarten
Low-stakes beer "garden" in the Riverside district. It's located right next to the promenade, with a view of the river directly. A good place to grab a beer and hang out.
Moon River Brewing Company
Haunted local brewery. The beer selection is good and they have a sizable outdoor space.
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck
A lively rooftop bar overlooking the river. They bump music all evening long and we've never seen it empty.
Myrtle & Rose
Technically billed as a "rooftop garden", this is the swankier, more upscale cousin to Electric Moon. It overlooks the river and has some delicious small plates available.
Alley Cat Lounge
One of our favorite cocktail bars in the city, with a speakeasy vibe. They serve a wide array of craft cocktails, but are best at slinging modern twists on classics from the Prohibition era. Their menu is a "newspaper" called the Alley Cat Rag, which comes out every six months and always has incredibly interesting stories about the history of alcohol. You might even learn something!
Artillery Bar
Swanky cocktail bar with a big menu of craft cocktails. It's stylish and serious, but fun. They do not take reservations; first come, first served.