A weekend in July of 2022 found us exploring the streets of historic Savannah, Georgia. We flew down on a Friday and back early Sunday so we really didn’t do much other than wander through the streets and parks, while enjoying time together and relaxing. We also ate. A lot.
About Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, established in 1733 is the oldest city in Georgia. It was originally part of the British Colonies. Situated on the Savannah River, bordering South Carolina, this city was an important port during the Revolutionary War and also the Civil War. Historic Savannah is a beautiful area with 22 town park squares, victorian homes, historic buildings, and also a river district. We only had a short time in Savannah so therefore decided to walk along the streets and see the historic sights with the hope of returning again someday to explore the town more thoroughly.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Noted to be the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the state of Georgia, it was built in the 1870’s. Unfortunately a fire in 1898 destroyed it but was rebuilt to the glory we see today.
Historic Jones Street
If you are in Historic Savannah strolling on the streets, historic Jones Street is a must. During breakfast our waiter directed us to this street, assuring us it is the most beautiful street in the area. This street is lined with stately trees trimmed in moss, not to mention beautiful historic homes. Walking along the paved brick sidewalk I could picture days gone by as folks for years have promenaded up and down this charming area. For more on Jones Street you can check this link.
Town Parks
As I mentioned above, there are 22 town park squares in this area. Each one is unique and also dedicated to someone or has some historical connection. The shady parks offer a refuge during the hot southern days. Some of the parks have statues whereas others have fountains. The location of the largest and most famous fountain is Forsyth park. I loved the plaques located throughout the parks and the historic district which give information and details about the places, people, and history of Savannah.
River Street
River Street in Savannah is a historic street that runs along the Savannah River. It is a historic area that once housed cotton warehouses. You can now find shops, restaurants, pubs as well as scenic views of the river. River Street also has a busy night life scene.
Where We Dined
Boars Head Grill and Tavern
The Boar’s Head Grill and Tavern is located along the Waterfront in a 1780 cotton warehouse. It has the feel of an old pub. We ate lunch here and it was excellent. Steve had fish and chips and I had a salad with blackened chicken. We shared a piece of Jack Daniels Chocolate Pecan Pie for dessert and it was as decadent as it sounds.
The Pirate’s House
This restaurant is not only a lot of fun and very historic, but is delicious as well. The Pirate’s House has been an Inn and Tavern since 1753. This is a place where pirates actually hung out. There are tunnels under the building that lead to the river. Pirates would kidnap men by getting them drunk, hauling them through the tunnels and consequently force them into labor on their ships! The building is original and is built around the oldest home in Georgia, called the Herb House. The Herb House was built in 1734. We not only enjoyed the dinner here but enjoyed the overall experience. Not surprisingly, Steve had shrimp and grits again! I ordered fried chicken. Comparatively, the baking powder biscuits were the best I have ever tasted! Check out The Pirate’s House at this Link.
Alligator Soul
All things considered, Alligator Soul took dining to a whole new level. We ate here our second evening and it was fantastic. The ambiance was that of an old speakeasy, especially since the restaurant itself is in the basement. Service was impeccable and the food was amazing. Steve had shrimp and grits and I had a filet (well done per my request). The bread here was amazing. I do not remember what the dessert is but it was delicious. You can see more of Alligator Soul at this link. * Travelers tip– Make reservations early. I made mine about a month ahead of time and there were few spots for two left.
Where We Stayed
The DeSoto
The DeSoto is in historic Savanah and walking distance within everyplace mentioned in this post. We enjoyed our stay here. The view from our room was very nice and the balcony was a great spot to sit and relax on. We took advantage of the outdoor pool here as the weather was steamy. In addition, we also enjoyed breakfast each morning. We will make this our base again if we return to Savannah. You can read more about The DeSoto at this link. *Travelers Tip- Ask for an upgrade. We fortunately were upgraded as long as we didn’t mind being in room 1313 on the 13th floor. We took it and just check out that view!
Conclusion
There is so much more to do and see in the streets of historic Savannah than we experienced during our short time here. All in all we had time to relax and completely enjoyed doing not much of anything.
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Follow these links for more of my posts from the Historic South
Historic Charleston Restaurants, SC
A Photo Tour of Historic Charleston
Nice overview of Savannah! It has been on my list for a while. Mike has been there, but only for business and didn’t get to do any exploring. I loved reading your comments and seeing your beautiful photos. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist looks as beautiful as some of the European churches you’ve shown in other posts. The Pirate’s House is now on my radar too. Thank you for sharing Savannah through your eyes.
We did enjoy our short stay! The Cathedral did remind me of Europe. The pirate house was pretty cool. I have heard from a friend since I’ve been back they do tours of the tunnels under the house there at certain times, I think combined with dinner. If I go back that is definitely going to be something I try to do!!
great stuff
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Thanks!!
Wow your trip looks amazing! I’m 100% all over that food!
I hear you! Eating is such a fun part of traveling, That’s why we walk everywhere we can! Lol
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Very nice tour!
Art
Thank you!
Looks like a great place to visit Lori. I can imagine it would be steamy in July. Not sure I would be a shrimp and grits fan, but the restaurants and food look fabulous. Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well. Allan
It was a hot trip, Allan, but still fun. I kept thinking about the women from long ago who wore those long hot dresses! I am not a shrimp and grits fan at all but Steve sure does love the dish and orders it every time we are in the Deep South! Lori
Never been to Georgia, but it interests me in going one of these days! Savannah is certainly a charming city, with lots of colonial influence and architecture. Great place to visit and feel as if you stepped back in time! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Charming is the perfect description for Savannah! It was our first time here so we really were in awe! Lori
Note to self, don’t read this blog at night when the urge to snack after seeing the food pics overcomes common sense. 😳😁
The food is beyond amazing in Savannah. I might have to add some Jack Daniels and chocolate to my pecan pie recipe at Thanksgiving!! Lol
Beautiful photos of a beautiful city. Haven’t been, but always thought it would be wonderful to visit.
We enjoyed the area!!
Absolutely gorgeous church.
I agree!!
We visited Savannah for a day last November and had a wonderful time. The Omicron variant was just starting to become cause for concern, so we didn’t end up eating out as we were worried about being able to return to Canada. Clearly we missed out. The food looks delicious!
That is too bad you had to worry about returning to Canada. Sure wish all of this Covid would just go away! We did enjoy Savannah!
What a great post!
Thank you!
I’m not sure if you read my post Should I Stay or Should I Go: Savannah, Georgia, but we ultimately decided not to go there this October because if we wait a year, we can get in a 5-day trip rather than a 4-day trip. Seems like more time down there is warranted. Looks beautiful – can’t wait to go!
I will check yours out next! 5 days would be great!
I just went back and reread your post. That’s where I got the idea not to get a rental car! It worked out perfectly!
Oh wow, so glad I could help, even if it was accidental. 🙂
It was a great help….with the price of car rentals I’m not sure we would have went if we had to add a car rental to the budget!
Wow it looks absolutely amazing. I’d love to visit! I particularly love Historic Jones Street – wow 🙂
Historic Jones Street was my favorite too. We ended up on it more than once just to enjoy the shaded walk and beautiful homes.
I always love these beautiful houses from another era, it’s a direct contact with the past. Thanks for making my memories come alive.
I love these homes too!! So much character
I think you did quite a bit more than you think you did. 🙂 Beautiful pics. Thanks for the tour!
It was a fun weekend!
Wow, it’s wonderful
We had a great time!
Savannah looks like a lovely city to visit, Lori. I’ve always liked Spanish moss hanging from the trees, and the Cathedral architecture, cobblestone streets and delicious local cuisine are all very appealing. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Savannah was quite charming for all the reasons you mentioned, Phil. I could almost picture life there a couple hundred years ago!
Wow too funny I was simply scrolling down looking for music an saw the picture an thought that looks like Savannah Georiga. An I saw it was I smiled. One of my if not my favorite places to spend some days. I usely go in late fall but now late spring
It’s sooooo interesting an beautiful.
It was our first time to Savannah and we loved it!!!