An Instagram Guide to Savannah
Cobblestone streets. Horse-drawn carriages. Swoon-worthy, "fall-in-love-all-over-again" architecture. Beautifully manicured squares every few blocks. Enough Spanish moss to cover an entire city. Add all of this together and you get one of the most Instagram-worthy cities in America: Savannah, Georgia.
Get ready to run out of storage on your phone because you will be snapping photos to your heart's content. While you could find a photo opp on practically any block in historic downtown, here are a few of our favorite stops to 'gram:
1. The Olde Pink House
A staple for locals and tourists alike, The Olde Pink House offers Southern cuisine in a large (pink stucco covered) Colonial mansion, built in 1771 for one of Savannah's founding-family members, James Habersham, Jr., who is known to haunt the restaurant and converse with guests.
While we didn't choose to dine at the mansion, as it wasn't our specific taste palate, we took advantage of the pink exterior and beautiful greenery for some quick snaps.
2. The Collins Quarter
For all you foodies out here, Collins Quarter has the most beautiful natural light streaming in through their windows, and the most beautifully served food gracing their dinnerware.
Highly recommend the Avocado Smash (heirloom tomatoes, anyone), the Bacon and Egg Roll, and the Spiced Lavender Mocha.
3. Lincoln Street & East Gaston Street
What did I tell you about those random streets being fine as all hell?
This spot, right across the street from The Gastonian, featuring dark bricks, a variety of lush greenery, and deep green shutters, had feet-stopping power. And *click* goes the camera.
4. The Grey
Located in a refurbished 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey offers a version of Port City Southern food that will have you licking your lips constantly.
We grabbed lunch here at the tail end of their lunch period, where food is served at the Diner bar found in the front of the restaurant, and had almost the entire space to ourselves.
5. The Wyld Dock Bar
There's no shortage of incredible food in historic downtown Savannah, but we couldn't help put head to the outskirts of town to grab some fresh seafood at The Wyld, located by a creek and surrounded by marshes.
It's great for groups (they even host weddings), and we enjoyed the outdoor dock as well as the little landing you can walk down onto for photos. In the photo to the left, you can see one of those famous daily Georgian storms heading ominously towards us.
6. Jones Street
Known to be the prettiest street in all of Savannah (and even the entire country, according to some sources), Jones Street really does take your breath away with the canopy of Spanish moss-covered trees.
Walk off all the Southern food you're consuming and take in all the historic houses under much needed shade.
Directions Here
7. Lincoln Street & East Huntington Street
During the summer months, the beautiful white flowers blossom in these trees and rain down onto the sidewalk. Set against the deep red brick, you can't help but radiate Southern charm.
There are plenty of inns on this intersection as well, should you want to wake up to architecture this beautiful.
8. Leopold's Ice Cream
Never have I had such large chunks of ginger in ginger ice cream before. Despite the long lines to get a scoop, Leopold's is still worth the wait, although eat your cone inside in the AC to avoid your ice cream disappearing within seconds, thanks to the Southern heat.
Jeremy opted for their famous Tutti Frutti ice cream, rum ice cream with candied fruit and fresh roasted Georgia pecans, a classic Leopold's recipe since 1919.
9. Owen-Thomas House
While we didn't get to the Owen-Thomas House before it closed in the mid-afternoon, we were still able to appreciate a view of the gardens and the exterior architecture (it is known to be one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the country).
The only way to explore the grounds is via tour, so be sure to arrive early and on time!
10. Lincoln Street & East Macon Street
Oh hello, background that matches my shirt perfectly. With bright pink flowers dotting the greenery and white paint fading away from these bricks, I had to stop for some quick snaps. You don't get scenes like this in New York City.
11. Alex Raskin Antiques
If you love antique shopping, Alex Raskin Antiques is a must-see. Located in one of the last unrestored mansions of Savannah, if not the last, you'll find yourself in a maze of antique finds filling the entire building from head-to-toe.
Be sure to stop by when they're open for the rugs always hanging outside, tempting you to take them home with you in your carry-on.
12. Lincoln Street & East Park Ave
We were both surprised to see so many palms in Savannah, which makes sense when you remember how humid and hot the city is (and it never lets you forget it). So excited, we had to take plenty of jumping photos.
13. Forsyth Park
Of course. Forsyth Park. One of Georgia's most beautiful parks, boasting it's famous fountain, Forsyth Park sits on 30 acres of land in the historic district. It's a nice change of pace from busier city parks, as everyone moves a bit slower and takes the time to soak in the peaceful greenery.
15. River Street
Once cotton warehouses, Savannah's famous River Street is now home to breweries, inns, restaurants, galleries, and local boutiques. Not to mention Savannah is still one of America's busiest ports, so you'll see all the ships in action. It makes for a lovely evening stroll (especially with boozy slushies from Wet Willie's in hand).
14. Tybee Island
A quick 20-minute drive outside of Savannah, you'll find yourself at Tybee Beach where you can rent bikes and ride them along the Atlantic shoreline. Be sure to stop by the Tybee Island Light Station and then make your way all the way down to the Pavilion. Summer-y photo opps are a plenty with pleasant beaches and quaint beach homes.
Some additional stops outside of the historic district, on the southern outskirts of Savannah, include:
Bonaventure Cemetery: Savannah's oldest cemetery, right on the edge of Wilmington river, home to a few famous people and known for it's beauty (a lot of tourists will host their wedding here).
Wormsloe Historic Site: A beautiful site to see, Wormsloe Historic Site is home to ruins of a Colonial estate, beautiful gardens, and its famous oak-lined driveway.
Jen's Note: We considered adding Rainbow Row (vacation rentals) but we felt like it didn't capture the historic charm of Savannah quite as much. But if it's your jam, check out these pastel-covered row houses, which you'll see all over Pinterest. Go earlier in the day, before the afternoon sun casts harsh shadows on the building.
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