While my loyalties may lie with rival city Charleston, South Carolina forever, I always enjoy myself in Savannah, Georgia. I’ve been a dozen or so times in my life and each trip, I discover something new. The tree-lined squares will make you want to photograph everything you see and the food will stuff you silly.
It’s the perfect destination for a girls weekend because there is no shortage of activities. While you may have to drive five or more hours from a major city, your first steps onto the cobblestone streets with your girlfriends will be worth it. Here are the five ways to have a great girls weekend in Savannah.
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Book a funky room.
Savannah has more accommodation options than you’re likely to find in any other mid-sized city that are perfect for you and your gals. Properties include quaint bed and breakfasts and chain hotels. But if you want something a little different and boutique, you’re in luck.
Thunderbird Inn is a blast from the past with a familiar neon sign and vintage furnishings. Andaz Savannah and Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District are both located on Ellis Square. Each has decor and features unique to this location, despite being part of a larger chain. Andaz has free snacks and drinks and a welcome cocktail as well as WiFi.
Furry friends are welcome at The Brice, a Kimpton Hotel, a sunny Kimpton property on East Bay Street. For a taste of luxury, The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa is a ferry ride away, while the Mansion on Forsyth Park offers cooking classes and an opulent spa in a historic home setting. Airbnb is also a great option for a group of friends.
Browse the shops.
Everything you want from a store, you’ll find it on Broughton Street. Start at Paris Market & Brocante, which resembles an independent Anthropologie with its own coffee shop, home goods, books and more. Kendra Scott down the street sells the designer’s best pieces that you can customize based on your favorite stones.
Indulge your sweet tooth at Chocolat By Adam Turoni, one of two shops by the young culinary school graduate. Whimsical chocolates and truffles make for the perfect gift for your friends or a souvenir for yourself.
Play tourist.
It’s not a trip to Savannah without at least experiencing some of the tourist attractions. Visit some of the notable historic homes like the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, home to the Girl Scouts of America founder, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, the former home of the writer, or The Mercer Williams House Museum, featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Embrace the arts at Telfair Academy, where the Bird Girl resides, or see what the artists of tomorrow are working on at the SCAD Museum of Art. Hop in the car to explore Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site‘s Avenue of the Oaks or relax on the sands of Tybee Island.
Eat. Eat. Eat.
As with Charleston, you’ll get endless suggestions for places to eat anytime you tell someone you’re going there. For breakfast, keep it light with coffee and pastries at Back In The Day Bakery, The Collins Quarter, or The Coffee Fox. Lunch can also be light.
Some of my favorites are Zunzi’s Take Out, Pie Society City Market, Fire Street Food, and Flying Monk Noodle Bar. The Conquistador sandwich at Zunzi’s is best enjoyed on a park bench and Pie Society’s chicken rosemary pie can be taken to go.
Make reservations for dinner to ensure that you and your crew get a table. Cha Bella serves up modern European dishes, while The Grey is the hottest ticket in town. The former bus depot crafts Southern dishes and cocktails. Classic Savannah suggestions are The Olde Pink House, The Pirates House Savannah GA and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Just bring your stretchy pants. And don’t leave town without brunch at B. Matthew’s Eatery!
Hit the town.
Start the night at a rooftop cocktail bar for the sunset. The Perch overlooks Forsyth Park and Rocks on the Roof and Top Deck Bar are both set above East Bay Street. You’ll find funky cocktails at Jen’s & Friends and Lulu’s Chocolate Bar. If you want a small bar with a big menu, Artillery and Alleycat Lounge are both favorites.
If you can find someone with a key, go to Mata Hari’s Speakeasy, a moody speakeasy. But if not, pay your respects to the late Lady Chablis at Club One, Savannah’s only downtown drag show.
I hope that the next time you’re considering a weekend with your closest friends, you check prices for Savannah. You’re sure to have a great trip!
On my most recent visit, Visit Savannah and Andaz assisted with my research.
What a fantastic post. These are some fascinating ideas. I really like to go out with my friends at night. Thank you, Caroline, for sharing this lovely article.
This is perfect timing. My hubby and I just moved to the US and we have a loooong list of places to visit. We couldn’t decide so I wrote all the names on pieces of paper, put them in a hat and had him pull one out – and Savannah was the winner! Even though this article is aimed at a girls’ weekend, I think it will be perfect for our visit as well :-)
That should be: we couldn’t decide which place to go to first!
That cocktail looks yummy!