Georgia on My Mind… Savannah Weekend Roadtrip
Photos and Story by Felonice Merriman
Savannah, Georgia, is just a short drive up the coast from Palm Beach County and a perfect spot for either a family trip or a romantic couples-only getaway.
The southern food is fantastic here (three words – shrimp and grits). The history is rich (Do we have any Hamilton fans? We went to the house that Lafayette stayed at and gave a speech from its balcony to the people of Savannah.) Savannah is also the home to the largest historic district in the US. The buildings and architecture are so beautiful. The town is brimming with Southern charm and hospitality.
There is a variety of activities to take in during your stay. While we were there, we went on a ghost tour, toured the Bonaventure cemetery, took in art and history at the Telfair Museums and houses (there are three around the city, and you get in for one price). We also had the most fantastic food, from a low country seafood boil to oysters and shrimp and grits; the seafood is fresh!
The city is incredibly walkable – we parked our car and barely used it during our entire 3-day weekend. We also picked up some trolly passes and used them during our time to get across town. Speaking of walking, a little tip I learned from a local is that you can walk around the entire historic district with an open beverage (the adult kind) as long as it is in a plastic cup. Also, most restaurants and bars offer to-go cocktails.
So pack some comfortable walking shoes; you will need them and hop up the coast to the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia.
Accommodations: Presidents’ Quarters (Note: This summer they will be starting renovations and name change). They were an amazing place to stay – breakfast every morning in the courtyard (and they made it gluten-free for me) Wine Hour – every day from 5-6 PM in the courtyard. Their staff was the epitome of Southern Hospitality especially Maria and Brandon. They are also dog-friendly!
Restaurants: Vic’s on the River, Alligator Soul, Savannah Seafood Shack, Cha Bella
Attractions: Telfair Museums – The Telfair museum was the first museum in the Southern USA. The original Telfair museum is now called the Telfair Academy – It was the Telfair’s home that was turned into the museum. there is an audio tour that tells you about the home as well as the history of the museum and the pieces it holds. They now have “The Bird Girl statue” from Bonaventure cemetery that was made famous on the cover of the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The statue has been relocated to the Telfair Academy as too many tourists were disturbing the graves in Bonaventure. They have two other locations that are all included in the one admission. The larger Jepson Center (which is full of modern art and rotating exhibits). The Telfair also manages and gives tours of the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Arrive early as the Ownes House is a timed tour entry and only 10 are allowed into each space at a time. The slaves’ quarters give you a glimpse into the daily life and the history of how unfairly Blacks were treated during this time period. They have a wall inside the space where they listed all the enslaved that worked in the home. General Lafayette stayed at this home during his time in Savannah. He was an abolitionist and the mayor of Savannah at the time wrote to the citizens of the town to keep their enslaved off the street during his visit. He famously addressed the people of Savannah who were very excited about his visit from this balcony.
Bonaventure Cemetery Tour – Dawn of the Savannah Dead gave a great tour she is a local and has so many stories to tell! Each family plot has a story and she knew a lot of them. It’s a lot of walking about but very worth it. Famous graves including Johnny Mercer and little Gracie.