Savannah
Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city and it has so much rich history and charm to it. This city is gushing with beauty from its cobblestone streets, to the riverfront, the iconic 22 squares, and the gorgeous Spanish moss draped trees. It is also one of the most haunted cities in the U.S, so be prepared to be SPOOKED (more on that later)! We had an entire southern trip planned, driving from Charleston to Hilton Head and ended in Savannah. Be careful planning you trip, and picking a good time to go. August is one of the most hottest months in the South! We knew this going into it, but it was the best time for us to take work off. Almost everyday was 90-100+ degree, and let me tell you, that southern heat is on a whole 'nother level! I thought I was used to hot weather and humidity, but I was wrong. Prepare to be sticky icky the second you step outside, and pack flowy/light clothing,
Another cool thing about this city that we learned once we got here was the open container policy. You can basically walk around the entire city with a drink as long as its in a clear container. There is so much to do and see here, and everything is within walking distance. I recommend staying here for at least 2 nights to explore.
Places to Stay
The Marshall House - An old historic hotel on Broughton Street located right in the heart of Downtown Savannah. The Marshall House Hotel opened in 1851, and this hotel is boasting with colorful history. It was served as a hospital during the Yellow Fever Epidemics of the mid 1800’s, and as a Union Hospital during the final months of the Civil War. But what comes with a rich history, also comes with a haunted story……………..
My husband booked all of our stay during our Southern trip while I was away on a backpacking trip. He knows that I love a cute historic hotel, so he picked this one. When I came back, he told me where we were staying and I did a quick google search and found out it was haunted. I was wayyyy to spooked to read about it, so I told myself I would wait until after we stayed there to read up on why it was haunted; otherwise I would freak myself out more than I needed to. During the Noble Jones Walking Tour, our guide ask us where we were staying and we told him the Marshall House, and he stated that the 4th floor is the most haunted floor…… and that’s where our room was….GREAT…
IF YOU DARE TO READ, continue on. During our stay here, I couldn’t sleep for 3 nights. I slept for a few hours but would wake up in the middle of the night (around 3am) and couldn’t fall back asleep. I woke up to what sounded like a party in the hallway and doors slamming multiple nights in a row but I’m pretty sure there was nothing there. There were also a loud sound of a heavy ball rolling on the floor (almost like a bowling ball of some sort). One night, I even felt a light touch on my leg…..I was way too scared to even look around me in the dark so I had the bed sheets over my head the entire time and sweating too death but too scared to move a flinch. I didn’t want to see anything in the corner of my eye or even feel anything on my face. I woke up my husband numerous times, but he’s such a heavy sleeper that he would just go right back to sleep.
Finally, on our last day after checking out, I read about The Marshall House and was reading other people’s experiences and they had very similar encounters; many hearing loud noises in the hallway, door knobs turning, or loud bangs. Some people have also seen an armless figure walking around looking for a doctor, or a little boy hanging out in the bathroom. Feel free to google all the other scary stories, that’s just a few of them.
Besides from my spooky encounter, (my husband slept amazingly by the way… I’m still bitter haha) it was overall a great stay. But seriously, everything in Savannah is haunted so you’re likely to encounter something elsewhere too, or you can just be like my husband who sleeps through everything. The Marshall house is historic and a must see place to check out. Even if you don’t stay here, just walk through the lobby and the hangout area. Every evening they offered free happy hour in the Lounge area and played old classics on their record player. We always stopped by for a few glasses of wine and even took some to-go and walk around downtown. There was also free breakfast included, with a breakfast buffet every morning.
Eliz Thompson House - The Inn is located in a quiet corner of the city’s historic district with an authentic Savannah atmosphere. Built in 1847, Eliza Thompson is the oldest inn in Savannah. This home was first build for Eliza and Joseph Thompson and their 7 children. It has 12 rooms in the “main house”, and 13 rooms adjacent in a “carriage house”. It’s the perfect B7B for a romantic getaway
Hamilton-Turner Inn - This luxury and elegant hotel is located just off Lafayette Square. All of my southern luxury decor dreams are found here.
The Ballstone Inn - A romantic and luxurious Inn located on Olgethorpe Ave and nearby some amazing restuarants
Places to Eat
The Olde Pink House ($$$) - This is one of the finest dining establishments in Savannah located right on Reynolds Square. Make reservations ahead of time because this is Savannah’s most popular restaurant. I recommend the Woodford Mule and the whole fish of the day (which was flounder), and the fried chicken. Every meal here is true southern staple of Savannah
A little history on the Olde Pink House: In 1771, a man named James Habersham Jr. began the construction of his elaborate mansion. The mansion’s structure was made of red bricks, which were then covered with white stucco and overtime the red bricks would bleed through turning the mansion a shade of pink, hence the name. He kept painting over it with white paint not wanting to be the entertainment of the neighborhood and it wasn’t until 1920’s when a women turned it into a tea room and embraced its true colors. Habersham lived here from 1771 to 1800, and he held many secret meetings here which helped to secure the independence of the 13 colonies from England.
In 1881, the Pink House became the Planter’s Bank, the first bank in Georgia. You can still see the massive cast-iron vaults with dungeon like doors that are currently used as wine cellars, and you can also make a special reservation to dine in this room.
Ghost Stories: Of course, another ghost story here that I heard on my walking tour is that many women who go to the bathroom in the basement come out saying someone held the stall door closed, menus and glasses of wine are knocked over and spilled when there’s no way of falling, and bar workers are hit on the head with bottles while their backs are turned and no on is standing behind them
Husk ($$$) - If you read my blog on Charleston, then you will know how amazing this restaurant is, and there’s another location in Savannah! What I love most about this place is that they have a rotating seasonal menu based on locally sourced ingredients, so you’ll likely try something new every time you go. We got the squash caesar salad, corn bread (of course), pork tortellini and the pork chop.
The Pirates House ($$)- Savannah’s World famous Pirate house is located on one of the most historic spots in Georgia (also very haunted). It started as an inn for seafarers back in 1753, and became a meeting point for pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. On our ghost tour, we learned that there’s apparently an underground tunnel running from it’s basement leading to River Street. Once the preferred drinking spot for sailors, it was also a spot to catch people unaware. Sailors would drink until they passed out but would wake up and find themselves on a ship in the middle of the sea. Today the Pirate’s House is said to be one of the most haunted locations in Savannah, thanks to the murders, fights, and the stolen criminals that once drank here. People have witnessed seeing apparitions wandering the upper rooms, and hear loud footsteps.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (SS) - I was so bummed that this place was closed for renovations when we went since we’ve heard such amazing things about it from a friend. It’s a must try ultimate homestyle Southern cooking served family style.
Savannah Seafood Shack ($$) - Located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, also right across the street from the Marshall House. This is a finger-licking good seafood shack at reasonable prices. They have low country boils, friend and steamed seafood, po’boys, crap cakes, you name it. I loved it so much, I came here twice. I recommend the tacos and the snow crab legs
The Fizeroy ($$) - This restaurant offers Australian inspired pub food and has amazing cocktails and a rooftop!
Collin’s Quarter ($$) - There are two locations in Savannah, Bull Street and Forsyth Park. Come here for their decadent champagne breakfast or delicious lunch and dinner paired with wines and craft beers.
Leopold’s Ice Cream ($) - The best ice cream you will ever eat, and you know me, I LOVEEEE dessert. The line that wraps around the building at all hours of the day is worth it, I promise. This place has been around since 1919! It was started by three brothers from Greece who created a secret formula of ice cream and it has remained unchanged today.
Better Than Sex ($) - A speakeasy style dessert spot with some of the most creative desserts and names. If you’re not a sweet-tooth, try some of their great offerings of cocktails and wine
Things to See
Jones Street - Take a walk around Jones Street, one of the most picturesque streets in the U.S and voted the prettiest in Savannah. Admire the architecture and quaint brick-paved streets and deep shades of live oak trees.
Bonaventure Cemetery - No Savannah trip is complete without visiting the most famous Savannah cemetery, voted top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world! This is a place where death and beauty meet
Wormsloe Plantation - A breathtaking avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones.
Owen-Thomas House - Built as a beautiful Regency style mansion in 1819, you can walk through the Owen-Thomas House, along with its adjacent gardens, carriage house, and slave quarters. Explore the complicated relationship between the most and least powerful people in the city of Savannah in the early 19th century.
Telfair Museum- if you purchase a ticket to the Owen-Thomas House, it also gives you entrance to the Telfair Museum as well as the Jepson Center. The Telfair Museum is the oldest public art museum in the South founded in 1883 by Mary Telfair. It houses nineteenth-twentieth century American and European collection of paintings, works on paper, sculptures and decorative arts.
Walk Riverstreet - Walk along the riverfront situated along the Savannah River and take a walk through history. This river played an integral part in Georgia as the main location for goods coming into the city in the 1700’s. There are so many cool shops and restaurants along the river
Forsyth Park - Take a stroll around the park on a nice sunny day and enjoy the iconic fountain.
The Paris Market- On the corner of Broughton Street, the Paris market is a mecca for all things whimsical, inspiring and delicious with a cute café inside. Its filled with all of your antique dreams
Tours
Ghost & Gravestone Ghost Tour - Taking a ghost tour is a must in Savannah and a great way to end your night. If you’re looking for something to do, I highly recommend taking this tour and learning about the all the haunted spots. The trolley picks you up on River Street and takes you around the city including two of Savannah’s most haunted venues, the Andrew Low House and the
Noble Jones Walking Tour - If you want to learn all about Savannah from a true historian, this tour was one of the best tours I’ve ever done. Our tour guide knew everything about Savannah, including all dates and timeframes. We even fact-checked him and he was spot on. The tour started at one of the 22 squares and we walked around each square while he explained all the significant people/landmarks/buildings. It was over 90 degrees walking around the city during the hottest hour of the day. Prepare for the heat, and bring water (our tour guide also provided water for us).
