In this “Under The Radar Destination” column, Travelocity spoke with Jennifer Nguyen, who offers some tips on why Savannah should be at the top of anyone’s travel list who wants to experience the best in Southern hospitality.
How did you come to be an expert on Savannah?
While my home is in California, I often find that my heart is in the South – and to me, Savannah embodies that unique Southern charm.
Where in town would you go to celebrate a special occasion?
My choice would be The Olde Pink House. Named for the beautiful shade of pink stucco, it’s one of Savannah’s most popular restaurants offering new southern cuisine in a sophisticated, yet casual setting. It is Savannah’s only 18th Century Mansion with outdoor dining and live entertainment nightly. Not only is the Southern-influenced cuisine always flavorful, it is also a popular destination for ghost hunters with many stating that James Habersham Jr.’s restless spirit frequently wanders around his old home.
What is a great small, local eatery that only locals know about?
If you’re trying to avoid hoards of tourists, try visiting Midtown, a quaint neighborhood with some of the city’s best restaurants such as Joe’s Homemade Cafe, Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Spice, bar.food and The 5 Spot.
What local venues are the best place to catch some live music?
For live music, one of Savannah’s most beloved live music venues is The Jinx, a bar that has hosted a number of local and national acts. If you’re looking for a dueling piano bar, stop by Savannah Smiles. For outdoor acts, check out the Wild Wing Cafe in City Market.
Savannah’s River Street shopping district. Credit: Visit Savannah
If a visitor wanted to do some true local shopping in Savannah (i.e. local products not available nationally), where should they go?
To pick up souvenirs for family and friends, head over to City Market or River Street. If you’re looking for something more low key, visit Sandfly, a trendy neighborhood near Isle of Hope that features many locally owned business. Art lovers should head to ShopSCAD, an eclectic store crafted by Savannah College of Art and Design students and faculty.
If a beer or wine aficionado came to town, where would you send them to sample locally made “beverages”?
Beer lovers in the area should add The Distillery on their to-do list. It has more than 100 craft beers and rotates a selection of 21 beers on tap. If you’d like to visit a brewery, there’s Moon River Brewing Company. For beer lovers who are also food lovers, check out Crystal Beer Parlor or Bier Haus for great food and wide selection of beer.
For those who are looking for a great restaurant with a good wine list, check out Elizabeth on 37th, another one of Savannah’s popular mansion restaurants or Circa 1875 Gastropub, which has one of Savannah’s original French Bistro menu.
Savannah’s charming Historic District. Credit: Visit Savannah
Are there any historical spots/museums/etc, that would help visitors to learn more about Savannah?
Savannah is full of rich history that started back in 1733 as the first city in Georgia. To learn more about the city, visit the Historic District, which is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States. It is more than 20 city squares filled with museums, churches, mansions, monuments and famous forts of the Revolutionary & Civil War eras.
If a visitor wanted to get a feel for the Savannah area, are there any tours, walks, excursions that you would recommend?
With so much rich history, you can tour the waterways, squares, mansions, forts and historic sites. There are also Revolutionary and Civil War landmarks, riverboat or dolphin tours from River Street or paranormal locations in one of America’s most haunted cities.
Walking beneath Savannah’s Spanish moss. Courtesy: Visit Savannah/Dylan Wilson
Other than what we have already discussed, what is a special place that you would take a friend visiting Savannah for the first time?
An unforgettable experience for a first-time visitor is seeing the famous and hauntingly beautiful cemetery, Bonaventure. It has incredible statues, impressive tombs and interesting “residents”. Some other tips for those heading to Savannah for the first time:
- Savannah allows to-go cups cocktails on the street as long as they’re under 16 ounces.
- Take a picture under the beautiful live oaks with hanging Spanish moss on the way to Wormsloe.
Jenn Nguyen is a SoCal gal who loves traveling, but somehow managed to never live further than 11 miles of her birthplace in beautiful Huntington Beach, CA.
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Myself and hubby will be in Georgia. Could u please send u places of history to visit. I would really appreviate. Looking forward heating from u. Thank u.