T R A V E L// 📍Savannah, Georgia

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Go to a place that you can only visit in history books? Well, if that is you... I have the perfect travel destination that is like a time machine back to the days of the Southern Belles.

Today, we are going to take a trip down to the epicenter of southern charm; Savannah, Georgia.

History has been brewing in this southern city since the year of 1733; when English army member and well known Philanthropist; James Oglethorpe discovered what is now known as Savannah. It has quickly become a massive port for the south; as well as becoming a major tourist spot for individuals from all over. It holds some of the most breathtaking views, delicious down-south restaurants, and eerily beautiful ghostly encounters. So, here are some of my top pick Must- See Destinations for the charming city itself.

HISTORIC SPOTS:

Savannah as a whole is covered in history, which makes it hard for me to narrow down to just a few destinations. But the following places are by far the most beautiful, history filled tourist spots in this Southern Get-Away.

Starting out in one of the most well known spots in Savannah; Forsyth Park. This stretch of land is surrounded by Southern Live Oaks, Historic landmarks, and the most picturesque of all: the famous Forsyth Fountain.

This well-known sighting is easily the most beautiful spot in Savannah. It is surrounded by historic buildings which call for stunning Instagram-able pictures; and is known to hold beautiful weddings. The prettiest time to visit this breathtaking park is in the spring; when the flowers are blooming, and the warm sun illuminates this stretch of land. Next time you find yourself in this charming city; be sure to visit Forsyth Park.

Only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Forsyth Park; you will find yourself walking a-top cobblestone streets that make you feel like you’re in a movie. Surrounded by Blue waters, giant ships, and delicious restaurants; is the stunning River Street. The cobblestones here come from all over the world; and are a quintessential piece of Savannah‘s history. This gorgeous street is also a paranormal paradise. It is known to have many guests; some of which you might find are from a completely different era. River Street holds incredible restaurants, and many secrets. This beautiful road is considered by many “the heart of Savannah”; which is why I encourage to take a stroll down it the next time you’re in town.

Next up on my list of Must-See Spots is the Savannah History Museum. This brick building holds some of the most important information regarding Savannah‘s past. Sadly, it is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but as soon as it reopens you definitely need to add this to your Savannah bucket-list. This museum is home to exhibits showcasing the Southern City’s History starting all the way back in 1733- to present. It even holds a car that pre-dates the Ford model A. Make sure to visit this intriguing museum on your next trip to Savannah.

Plantations are a huge part of the Southeast’s history. So big; that there were a whopping 46,200 of them. Today, we fight for the equality of black lives and understand that black history is important. Which is why I believe that it is important to visit these homes of the south and inform ourselves with the history of them. That is why, next on my list, is The Wormsloe Plantation. Only 15 minutes away from Savannah’s historic district you will find one of the oldest plantations in the South. The Wormsloe Plantation was once the colonial estate of carpenter Noble Jones. Jones came to Georgia with James Oglethorpe in 1733, making this destination a historic epicenter. Here, you will find many historic facts, and activities helping inform you of the plantations past. So, take a trip to this stunning estate and submerge yourself with the history of Georgia’s roots.

RESTAURANTS:

Southern Cuisine is one of the main factors making Savannah such a visited city. Southern Hospitality is not only found in the people, architecture, and landscape; but it is also found in the food. This next list of restaurants are some of Savannah’s “not so hidden gems”.

What better way to attract a travelers eye than making your restaurant a bold color. The Olde Pink House (pictured above) is exactly that. The bold pink color not only is a great picture spot, but it is also a huge tourist destination. This pink building is home to some of Savannah’s most popular southern dishes. The menu includes; fried green tomatoes, shrimp, deep dish chicken pot pie, and many other options. It is very popular due to its 4.6 star rating which is why I am including this southern restaurant top of this list. This pink retreat is host to many visitors from all over the world; but I wouldn’t be so surprised if you were to spot a few see- through individuals. The Olde Pink House is one of Savannah‘s haunted attractions, making this a paranormal seekers playground.

Many people are aware that pirates walked the streets of Savannah back in the day; however, many people aren’t aware that you can enjoy some southern cook’in at what was once a “pirates tavern and inn”. The Pirates House is by far one of the most incredible places I have ever been able to visit. The food is classic southern dishes; but the experience is what makes this visit worth the while. Inside this gray and blue building you will find yourself immersed in history. The Pirates House is known for holding the oldest home in Georgia. It is also sitting on a plot of land that was once the “trustees garden“. Taking a tour inside of this beautiful place is truly like taking a step back in time. I must warn you though, you can’t be frightened if you catch a glimpse of someone from the past. This restaurant is known to be home to some friendly ghosts. Next time you’re in Savannah; be sure to check in here at The Pirates House. You will not regret it.

If you find yourself really in the mood for a Southern Feast, take a stroll over to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Here you will find all of the south’s most famous dishes and you might be a little overwhelmed by the portion sizes. Some of the “at home cooking” includes: fried chicken, beef stew, macaroni and cheese, butter beans, mashed potatoes, and many more. The history of this charming eatery starts back in 1943 when a young Sema Wilkes turned a boardinghouse in the Historic Savannah District into a comfortable lodging house that served “good ole southern comfort food”. Next time you’re in the Historic District of Savannah be sure to stop by Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for a meal that is sure to hit the spot.

Next but certainly not least, on our Must Visit Restaurants list we have a fan favorite; Alligator Soul. This cozy restaurant that “might be a little hard to find” is located in the basement of a colonial- era grain warehouse. The menu here is a little bit more on the “exotic“ side. However, according to some Savannah tourists this restaurant is a “hidden gem”. Popular picks from guests are: Shrimp and Grits, Charcuterie Boards, and the Oyster Rockefeller. Although the menu is a little “exotic” it is for sure a must when you take your southern getaway.

GHOSTLY DESTINATIONS:

This next section of Must See Spots is by far my favorite. Savannah is known by many as the Paranormal Epicenter of the United States. It has been featured in many paranormal tv shows; and is a paranormal investigators dream. So, here are my top picks for Ghostly Destinations.

If you’ve been to Savannah before... you have obviously heard of Bonaventure Cemetery. This graveyard is located about 12 minutes outside of downtown Savannah. It is known by thousands due to the amount of famous people buried here; but also due to the extreme paranormal activity. This eerily beautiful cemetery is home to massive Southern Live Oaks, Hand-carved Statues, and many unseen entities. Paranormal activity in this stunning graveyard is not unheard of; in fact, its quite a normal thing. Hundreds if not thousands of paranormal accounts have happened on property. While on your visit to this ghostly destination be sure to visit ”Little Gracie”. Gracie died of pnuemonia (which was very hard to cure at the time) at the age of 6. She has been seen in Bonaventure Cemetery multiple times. Her story is sure to impact you. While on your trip to this beautiful place; you must be sure to bring a phone charger or two, or maybe six; phones and all electronics are known to go dead while in the graveyard.

Architecture in Savannah is quite possibly some of the most beautiful in the world. The homes surrounding this gorgeous town are known for their beauty; however, there are plenty of houses that are known for more. The Sorrel Weed House is one of these homes. The stunning orange brick home may seem normal from the outside, but once you step inside it is a completely different world. The Sorrel Weed House has been featured on countless paranormal TV shows; most popular being Travel Channels ”Ghost Adventures”. The home is also featured in the beginning scene of “Forest Gump”. Taking a visit here you are sure to have a least one paranormal experiences. So, next time you’re visiting the charming city of Savannah; be sure to visit this eerie home.

In Savannah you are bound to run across some historic hotels and inns; however you might be surprised when you find the oldest. 17 Hundred 90 Inn is the oldest running hotel in Savannah. Built in 1821-1823 (estimated) it has a whopping 14 rooms; which at the time was quite large. Here at 17 Hundred 90 a young woman named Anne jumped to her death from room 204. Guests have reported having their items move or simply disappear, sheets have been tugged from an unseen individual, and the lights have gone out by themselves at random times. There are also many reports throughout the rest of the inn as well as the tavern that is attached. This inn is definitely a must see for any paranormal lover.

Lastly on our list; we have The Marshall House. Once used as a civil war hospital for wounded Union Soldiers; it is understandable that they are going to have a ghost or two. It is said that on the basement level of the hotel that

a Union Soldier missing an arm haunts the hotel. Guests have reported seeing the man and then the man quickly disappear before their eyes. This now hotel; has many artifacts displayed on the third level that were found during a renovation of the hotel. Many guests have admitted that they enjoyed learning about the history of the hotel as well as the civil war through the artifacts displayed. So, even if you are not a paranormal fan taking a trip to this hotel is worth the visit because of the deep history.

I hope that this list of places/ attractions has helped you put some things on your bucket list; and that it has encouraged you to take a trip to Savannah, Georgia. It is by far one of the most intriguing places in the South and the United States. So, next time you’re thinking of visiting a charming city full of history... Savannah is the place for you.