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A weekend of Southern hospitality: How to spend two days in Savannah, Georgia

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

Craving some Southern hospitality? A weekend in Savannah might just do the trick. Read on for tips on things to do in Savannah, as well as my suggestions for how to spend two days in Georgia’s prettiest city. 

If you’re looking to add a new destination to your travel list, look no further than Savannah. Why should you visit Savannah, you ask?  Well, after spending a weekend in Savannah, I must say that Georgia’s oldest city is most definitely a “peach”– it’s quaint, super gorgeous, and oh-so-Southern.

And speaking of gorgeous, the city looks like something out of a romance novel– its charming Historic District, beautiful gardens and tree-lined boulevards are nothing short of swoon-worthy!

Two days in Savannah: Why Savannah is the perfect weekend getaway

Do you only have 48 hours in Savannah? While there are many reasons to visit Savannah in general, there are a few that make it particularly great for a weekend trip.

For one, the city’s small size makes it very to explore within two days.  The majority of Savannah’s sights are concentrated in its center, which is easily navigable.

Secondly, it’s extremely historic.  Don’t be fooled by the Savannah’s beauteous exteriors– it’s filled with interesting monuments and attractions that essentially give you a two-day crash course on American history.

Third, it’s super relaxing and romantic AF. Savannah isn’t nicknamed Slo-vannah for nothing.  The city is a ridiculously chill, low-key, and deliberately moves at a slower pace.  This makes it the perfect weekend destination to unwind and discover– especially in the company of bae or boo.  After all, this, combined with the stunning surroundings, are perfect for canoodling with your loved one, no?

So without any further ado, here’s how to spend two days in Savannah! Here are a few of my suggestions for what to do and see on your weekend trip.

How to spend two days in Savannah Georgia

Head to Forsyth Park and roam the city’s squares

Did you know that Savannah is known as The Forest City?  It’s no wonder given all its picturesque greenery! Probably one of the most prominent of Savannah’s sights are the large oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that dot the landscape.  The largest and densest concentration of these are found in Forsyth Park.

Forsyth Park, which is the ultimate chilling, picnic, and photography spot, is thus a must-visit while in Savannah for the weekend.

Its gargantuan trees not only provide shade (a welcome respite from the city’s unbearable summer heat!) but also romance, intrigue, and majesty.

According to local lore, city planners started planting said trees in the early 19th century for both their functionality and beauty, so nowadays, they line nearly every street, park, and square in town.

However, I’d say the most impressive are found in Forsyth Park, so be sure go see them– as well as take a picture in front of the beautiful fountain.

And as you wander, make sure you hit up all of Savannah’s gorgeous squares!  They are 22 in all provide yet another great opportunity to take in the greenery and people watch.

Do a riverboat cruise down the Savannah River and explore the Riverfront area

Not gonna lie, I’m not a huge fan of boats. I went on a sailing trip to Croatia years ago and felt sick the whole time. But, when in Savannah, you’re kind of obligated to do a boat cruise down the Savannah River!

The Georgia Queen and the Savannah River Queen are traditional paddle-wheel riverboats that majestically hold court along the city’s historic waterfront. Holding 1,000 and 600 passengers, respectively, not only do they provide a unique perspective from which to explore the area, they’re also symbols of a bygone era.

Both boats offer live entertainment and a full dinner service, so if sailing the high seas doesn’t quite catch your fancy, perhaps the the food and performances will!  The fun doesn’t stop there.  After disembarking, you can “cruise” the nearby Riverfront area– filled with restaurants and shops, it’s a great way to reclaim your “landlubber” status.

 

Visit the Wormsloe Historic Site

While I’m not a huge fan of what this attraction represents (#painfulhistory), I would be remiss if I didn’t include a visit to the Wormsloe Historic Site in my two-day itinerary for Savannah.  A 15-minute drive from the city center, this former plantation is the oldest in Georgia, and a relic of slavery and colonial life.

The property is also absolutely stunning to look at. Nestled deep in the Georgia forest and flanked by a 1.5 mile entrance thick with oak trees and Spanish moss it harkens back to 18th century Georgia and the Antebellum South.

 

However, I will say that I was disappointed in the tour offered onsite. The 45-minute tour I was spoke exclusively of “colonial daily life” and made no mention of the enslaved Africans or indentured servants whose labour tending the crops made the plantation profitable*.  Nevertheless, Wormsloe is worth the visit.

*N.B.: When in Savannah, do the Freedom Trail Tour to hear the real deal about slavery and get information about the city’s black history.

Marvel at the city’s architecture

One of the best things about Savannah is its architecture. It’s super easy to make beautiful memories (and pictures!) as you stroll down its streets and take in its intricate structures.

The city was made for weekend wandering! While the houses in the Historic District are extremely photogenic– and will have you wishing you lived in them– my favourite building was actually St. John the Baptist Cathedral.  While it admittedly isn’t much to look at from the outside, the interior will knock your socks off!  It comes as no surprise that the place of worship is the most photographed landmark in town.

Eat your face off

It ain’t truly a weekend trip to the South if you didn’t indulge in the local cuisine!  Savannah’s scenery may be the main source of its popularity, but as it turns out the city is pretty savoury, too.  Over the course of your two days in Savannah, you absolutely must grab lunch or dinner at The Olde Pink House.  Not only is it one of Savannah’s most beloved restaurants, it’s also a top purveyor of  lowcountry fare.  Afterwards, indulge your sweet tooth at Leopold’s, the city’s most famous ice cream shop. Desperate for a coffee break?  Stop by the super chic Paris Market and Mirabelle Cafe to have a cup of joe in style.

Where to Stay in Savannah

While there’s loads of wonderful accommodation, I have to shout out where I stayed during my two days in Savannah: The Kehoe House. This historic bed and breakfast, built in 1892, is the city #1 hotel on TripAdvisor and it’s not difficult to see why.

The grounds are gorgeous, the staff hyper-attentive, and the food, prepared by a renowned local chef, divine.


Our cavernous room was also meticulously well appointed and even had not one, but TWO balconies upon which we could eat our meals! It totally made “breakfast in bed” take on a whole new meaning. Despite having a soft spot for more modern, contemporary properties, I fell in love with The Kehoe House.

The takeaway: You should visit Savannah… like right now

After spending two days in Savannah I can say that it’s a city I can see myself visiting again and again– it’s one of those places that feels like a warm hug.  The city is achingly beautiful, very easy-going, extremely tasty, and quite educational.  It’s the perfect weekend getaway for those needing a dollop of relaxation, romance, and Southern hospitality.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Georgia’s most beautiful city today!

Have you ever been to Savannah?  Do you agree with my recommendations for how to spend two days in Savannah?  And if you haven’t been, are you interested in going?

This post was produced in partnership with Visit Savannah, but all opinions and envy-inducing photos are my own!

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