48 hours in Savannah
Where to stay, eat, drink, and play.
It’s my favorite city in the world! Or one of them, at least. Savannah holds such a special place in my heart for the last decade or so, since I went to graduate school there. I never got over how walkable the Historic District is and feel really lucky to have lived there for some really formative years. These days, I try to go back as often as possible and recently I got to spend a couple nights in the Hostess City checking out a hotel I hadn’t visited yet. I always love to share some of my most-loved spots, new and old, so keep reading and save this list for your two-day Savannah getaway.
In case you didn’t see it last year, here is a longer Savannah list I put together in 2021. The Fat Radish has since closed, but I think everything else on there is still accurate.
Things to Do
Check out the city’s squares and Forsyth Park, of course! Each lap around the park is about 1.5 miles and an easy way to get your steps in, although that won’t be a problem in this pedestrian-friendly city.
Grab an afternoon artisanal “cheese” platter at the plant-based Fox & Fig Cafe. I also love the chia with fruits and pepitas for breakfast.
Take a drive out to Wormsloe State Historic Site. I went in January for the first time—can’t believe it took me so long—and really loved being able to hike and explore it all with my dog. If the trees here look familiar, there’s a reason! You’ve probably seen Wormhole pics all over Pinterest and social media.
Catch the sunset at a rooftop bar like The Lost Square (at the Alida Hotel) or at the new Thompson Savannah’s Bar Julian (it’s a little out of the way, but worth the walk just for unobstructed views of the river—oh and let’s not forget its fantastic cocktail menu). The Lost Square also hosts a series of celebrations every full moon from 8pm to 10pm.
Stop in at Brighter Day Natural Foods Market for sparkling water and healthy snacks. Get drinks and hang out for a bit at Planter’s Tavern (a cool piano bar below the Olde Pink House restaurant). If you want to do it up, snag a reservation at The Grey, which I believe now has a prix fixe dinner menu, and a pre- or post-dinner res for beautiful cocktails at Artillery.
AD BREAK :)
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Where to Stay
A quick history lesson about Savannah: In the 1700s, the Port of Savannah began to import stones from all over the world, and these stones now line River Street and most of the Historic District. Along the cobblestone walkways you’ll find former cotton warehouses, mossy oaks and now also the boutique hotel, The Alida. The design-driven space celebrates the rich past and culture of its location on River Street and the hotel’s 173 rooms pay tribute to creative and go-getter spirit of Savannah—each guest room is adorned with a one-of-a-kind element created by SCAD students, which I love since I’m an alum.
While The Alida has been open since 2018, it took me nearly four years to visit due to that pesky little pandemic. And while I’ve spent some time in Savannah since then, I never really have a reason to venture to River Street, unless I’m showing first-timers around, of course. The Alida feels hidden in plain sight (unlike the new Thompson which is a bit removed from everything on the far east side of the river). It has an easy alleyway entrance with a lane dedicated to valet and a place for cars to load/unload.
The property’s food and beverage options, inspired by the hotel’s surroundings, combine Savannah’s Southern comfort with the bounty of the Lowcountry. Ordering room service was so fun and so easy here because I didn’t have to call or talk to anyone. So millennial of me. There’s a QR code in the room that takes you to the in-room dining menu where you can make your selections (chia is an option!). Once you enter your name, email and room number, you can place your order. All room service charges will show up at checkout.
My room was comfy and understated. It had a long, cushioned bench perched under a bay window with views of the Savannah City Hall building, River Street and Bay Street. I’m a huge fan of the bath products, too, which are sold in the lobby. The hotel collaborated with Red Flower on these for custom unisex amenities using five essential oils known to cure the symptoms of jet lag, fatigue and imbalance (Golden Amber, Blackberry, Vanilla Bean, Tennessee Wood and Lemon Rind). Pretty cool.
Other than that, the hotel has some fun programming you can learn about here including Sparkling Hour, Sunset Hour, live music, free coffee for hotel guests, and Single in Savannah—a happy hour geared toward people who are looking to meet new friends.
A few more pics from The Alida below include a nook in the hotel lobby, bath products in the rooms, the bar at Rhett and a cocktail/menu at Rhett.
