The Insider’s Guide to Savannah

Long thought of as Charleston’s smaller, low-key cousin, Savannah is coming into its own. Complete with galleries owned by just-graduated, soon-to-be-famous alums of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), coffee shops that turn into wine bars at sundown, an array of microbreweries, nationally acclaimed restaurants, and a burgeoning music scene, the city is a bohemian paradise, cloaked with romantic intrigue.

Move over Charleston — it’s time to visit Savannah. (Photo Credit: @dollfacebyjules)

When visiting Savannah, rest easy at the Kimpton Brice Hotel.

Greenery is everywhere — inside and out — in Savannah.

Will you even want to leave the Kimpton Brice?

Set yourself in the center of it all at the Kimpton Brice Hotel, where you can explore, soak in the culture, and (of course) make it back in time for Kimpton’s legendary wine hour.

Explore the Beauty of Savannah

Start your morning with a legendary nitro cold brew from Perc — a local specialty coffee roaster set in an industrial warehouse on the city’s east side — then set out to explore. Pedestrian-friendly Savannah is home to 22 block-long parks called squares, making it a great city to wander on foot.

Pro tip: The quiet, serene Whitefield Square, flanked by 19^th century Queen Anne homes and complete with a Victorian gazebo and blossoming azaleas, is a local favorite.

Savannah is known for its beautiful, mossy greenery. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki)

If you’re in town at the beginning of the month, the Tony Starland District is home to a Friday Art March, where nearly 20 galleries, restaurants, and boutiques open their doors for special events and exhibitions. There are plenty of opportunities to take photos of the iconic hanging moss in Savannah’s trees — snap your #WishYouWereHere shots in Forsyth Park, ideally on a Saturday morning, when the farmer’s market is in full swing.

Eat Like the Locals

Have a casual lunch at The Green Truck Pub, a gourmet burger-and-brew joint favored by locals. Try the Whole Farm burger — a grass-fed beef patty topped with cheddar, bacon, and a runny fried egg.

You can always order in, too. (Photo Credit: @bricehotel)

If looking for an incredible meal, make a reservation at Pacci — a neighborhood favorite.

Or maybe just enjoy a nightcap.

Make sure to make a reservation at The Grey, one of Savannah’s most buzzed-about restaurants, where chef Mashama Bailey draws rave reviews for her unique interpretations of regional favorites, such as clams and dumplings and baked purple peas. And of course, make sure to spend one evening sitting and sipping in the backyard courtyard at Pacci, a coastal Italian-influenced restaurant that’s a neighborhood favorite.

Shop Small in the City

Pop into Alex Raskin Antiques as much for the location as their collection of one-of-a-kind objects. Housed in the unrestored, timeless Noble Hardee mansion and encompassing several floors, walking in is like stepping back in time — with the option of stepping out with a set of Edwardian-style chairs.

Bring an extra suitcase for all of the unique trinkets you’ll bring home. (Photo Credit: @donnallydavis)

Treat yourself with a Savannah-made beeswax candle or luxurious Royal Jelly body butter from Savannah Bee, located on Broughton Street. Another can’t-miss stop right down the block is The Paris Market, a curated and eclectic mix of vintage home goods, books, and other trinkets.

Cheers to Savannah

Multiple times a year, the Savannah Stopover music festival is known for a good time with great drinks and live music options — check the calendar to see if one is happening while visiting the city.

Whether staying put at the Brice or enjoying one of our local recommendations — cheers to Savannah. (Photo Credit: @bricehotel)

Spend an afternoon at The Southbound Brewing Company, a microbrew where tours are offered and drafts suggested. You can even ask to take your drink in a to-go cup (yes, legally!) while you continue your exploration. Before the sun sets, make sure to head to the Wyld, a waterside hangout with cocktails, seafood, and can’t-miss sunset views.

Where to stay: Kimpton Brice Hotel