I booked a flight to Savannah, GA one afternoon on a whim. I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going to stay and it was going to be my first solo trip. I had found out about Savannah while researching for cute places to visit during the Summer. Then a year later, I was on Instagram and one of the influencers I follow was taking a weekender trip to a cute little town and that prompted me to search for my own little town to visit, and again I came across Savannah. So I searched for flights for a date I was sure I didn't have any events at work and BAM! I found a $64 round trip flight and without giving it a second thought I booked it!! The feeling of freedom I felt as I booked my first solo trip without even discussing the pros or cons, without really knowing anything about the town... it was exhilarating! And terrifying all at once. It was the best decision and I don regret it one bit.
After I booked the trip, I told my boss and coworkers. One of them had read the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil which takes place in Savannah and I decided to purchase a used version so that I at least knew something about this place I was set to discover on my own.
I ended up booking a room at the cutest Victorian Airbnb! It was located in the Starland District, an up and coming artsy neighborhood. The Airbnb host explained in her instructions how it was not recommended to be out and about the neighborhood alone at night time. That was a bummer but I was more than okay with being back in the room safe and sound by sunset. I'm not one to party it up by myself in an unfamiliar place. So my plan was to wake up early and spend the whole day out discovering the "Hostess City of the South" and be home by sunset.
The Moss!
After almost missing my flight, I finally arrived in Savannah! I took my very first Uber (very nice guy but a bit weird and I was freaking out internally) and finally arrived at the cutest house. The neighborhood looked nice in the daylight which was a good sign. I checked in the house and wow how cute was it! My room was tiny but I truly loved it so much. It had one floor to ceiling window which gave me access to a private porch, one regular window, and a small desk which included the book I had purchased for the trip. The twin bed had the cutest stuffed bunny on the bed. Why? I didn't really care to ask. It gave it a homier feel. After I had settled in the room and made up my mind as to what I wanted to see first, I called my mom, and off I went!
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| Victorian Airbnb |
The first thing I wanted to see was Forsyth Park! It is now my favorite park in the world! Even on a gloomy, rainy day, it was a spectacular view. Trees lined both sides of the cement walkway. Benches were readily available all through the walkway and Spanish moss adorned almost every tree. At the end of my walk (at the north end of the park), I found a majestic fountain with yellow flowers all around. I later learned the fountain was erected in 1858 and apparently similar fountains can be found in other popular cities, so although the fountain is certainly stunning it is not unique.
Did Someone Say Tacos?
After I took in the scenery, I decided it was dinner time. And guess what?!? I found a taco place! I took a quick glance at the reviews and menu and headed over with a big smile on my face.
Bulls Street Taco is the name of the place. The place had a cool vibe and the food was delicious. I ordered the Street Taco Combo which came with 3 tacos of your choice and a side salad. I had one fish, one chicken, and one chorizo with a beer and a Mexican soda. I also ordered churros with chocolate sauce to go. The service was exceptional and I can honestly say I cannot wait until I go back!
Not All Those Who Wander are Lost? Is that how it goes?
I had been reading the book that took place in Savannah so by the second day, I had a few places I wanted to visit. The BnB had maps, I grabbed one, and off I went. I took what would become my regular morning walk through Forsyth Park and really took my time to enjoy it! Afterward, I followed my map to Monterey Square where I would find the Mercer House which is the main location on the Savannah book. The house is a museum on the bottom floor while the owner and her family live on the top floors. I made an appointment for a tour the next day. I was so excited! Then I decided to see how far I would make it walking towards the Riverfront. I would be walking past at least 4 other squares so I would have the chance to take some photos and take in the views. There are a total of 22 squares in Savannah and my plan was to visit all of them.
I made it to one square when I found a café full of college kids and I decided to have brunch. It was Clary's Café and I'm almost positive it was called Clary's Drugstore in the book.
Afterward, I decided to use the free public transportation instead of walking to the Riverfront. River Street is a very touristy area, but I loved it! There were lots of shops and restaurants to choose from. I spent a few hours sitting on a bench reading and people watching. After a while, the Georgia Queen River Boat arrived at the dock which happened to be located just right in front of where I was relaxing. So I decided I would take the riverboat tour the next day.
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| River Street |
Along the river, there is a statue called "The Waving Girl" which is in honor of Florence Martus. According to the book, Florence would go out and wave to every passing ship.
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| Florence The Waving Girl |
On my way back south to the BnB, I decided to try and hit most of the squares. It was then that I got lost and ended up in a cemetery. I didn't get to visit all the squares but the cemetery was eerily awesome.
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| Cemetery |
A murder in the Study with the Lead Piping... Or was it with the Gun?
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| The Mercer House |
The Mercer House, a Victorian mansion with 15-foot ceilings, it occupies an entire city block. But perhaps the most interesting detail of this mansion is the fact that a murder took place in the study.
The tour at the Mercer House, now called "The Mercer William House," started in the rear end of the house in what used to be the carriage house and what now is a gift shop. The tour took about 45 minutes to an hour and it took us through the courtyard and the first level of the house. This floor includes the study where the murder took place.
The Queen
The tour on the Georgia Queen took about an hour or so. I spent most of the time reading. It took us up river towards some ports and then back down passing the Talmadge Bridge, Waving Girl, and some sort of military area where they blow up a very, very loud "cannon". Tickets for the riverboat tour can be purchased at a store located on River Street. They can be purchased in advance or on the same day and they also offer lunch and dinner packages.
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| The Georgia Queen |
Lunch with a View
When I travel I try to visit and eat at local places and restaurants and try to avoid big chains. However, on this particular day, every restaurant was packed and I had to settle for a chain restaurant, Joe's Crab Shack. I had some sort of seafood plate with rice and shrimp/lobster mc& cheese. It was heavenly! I sat outside in the back with a view of the riverbank and the tiniest tugboats.
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| Yummy Lunch at Joe's Crab Shack |
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| Lunch with a View |
E Bay St which is located "above" River Street has beautiful buildings with one of them being the old Cotton Exchange building. That architecture! There is also a park with benches and a military memorial, and there are several restaurants as well.
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| Savannah Cotton Exchange |
Table for 1 please!
I had the best service, biscuit and breakfast of the whole trip at B.Matthew's Eatery. I seriously still dream about that biscuit.
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| Biscuit of my Dreams |
My last meal in Savannah had to obviously be tacos. I can't get enough. Located only a street away from my BnB back in the Starland District is this cool restaurant called, The Vault Kitchen and Market. The building used to house a bank which according to the restaurant's website used to be a staple in the community.
I had the fish tacos and my first martini since it was mentioned so many times in the book. I figured when in Savannah, right? The food was scrumptious and a perfect way to end the spectacular time I had in Savannah.
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| My First Martini |
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| The Vault Kitchen and Market |
I hope you visit Savannah, GA soon and LOVE it as much as I did! I honestly cannot wait to visit again. Maybe I'll go around Halloween time. I hear the have many fantastic and spooktacular haunted tours.
Tell me, have you ever been to the "Hostess City of the South?"
Safe Travels, Q
