I love Savannah!  I’ve only been twice but I can’t wait to go back!  It’s only a 4 hour drive from my house in North Carolina.  Savannah is a true southern city with amazing food, kind people, full of history, filled with southern charm AND it’s close to the ocean.  Tybee Island, GA is only a 20 minute drive away from downtown Savannah.  It has gorgeous beaches and a lighthouse!

The first time I went to Savannah was for my 40th birthday in October.  The weather was perfect and I was able to take my dog.  We stayed at Forsyth Park in an Airbnb that allowed pets.  This part of Historic Downtown Savannah is so quiet, and Forsyth Park is absolutely stunning!  It is 30 acres with a beautiful fountain, lots of grassy areas for people to enjoy, an auditorium and it’s surrounded by live oak trees full of Spanish moss.  This park is quintessential South.  

Let’s talk about the food in Savannah.  Some of the best meals I’ve ever had have been in Savannah.  Shrimp and grits is a staple in the south but the best I’ve ever eaten is at The Public located at 1 W Liberty Street.  In fact, my last trip to Savannah, The Public was my first stop, even before the Airbnb.  It’s that good!  They have indoor and outdoor seating and a great wine menu.  

Best shrimp and grits you will ever eat!

My favorite restaurant in Savannah is called Local 11 Ten.  It’s located at 1110 Bull Street at Forsyth Park.  The menu is full of local food and very creative dishes.  The last time I was there, I had this peach dessert.  It looks like a peach but the peaches are actually in the center surrounded by whipped cream and the outer crust is white chocolate and they painted it like a peach!

They also have the best macaroni and cheese EVER and I don’t like mac ‘n cheese typically.  They have amazing mussels.  Their menu changes constantly so go give it a try.  You’ll love it!

One thing I always do when I’m traveling is talk to the locals and get their recommendations on things to do and places to eat.  Local 11 Ten was recommended to me by the owner of Le Chai wine store located at Forsyth Park.  He has some great wines from all over Europe.  My favorite wine from his store is the Meinklang frizzante rose.  It’s a sparkling rose.  My friend Ferran’s dad used to own the Asheville Wine Store in Asheville, NC (before he retired) and when I told him about this wine, he told me that he had actually been to this vineyard and said wonderful things about it.  Go visit Christian and tell him Ferra from Charlotte sent you!  He won’t steer you wrong when it comes to wine or restaurants in Savannah.

One thing mom and I enjoy doing when we travel is finding a place for tea (since neither of us like coffee).  We found the best place in Savannah!  It’s called Gryphon and it is adorable and the best place for afternoon tea and treats.  They also serve lunch and brunch but we just had afternoon tea.

One of my other favorite restaurants that I’ve discovered in Savannah is B. Matthews located on Bay Street.  They have the best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever eaten!  Ask for the gravy on the side so your biscuit top stays nice and crispy.  

Mirabelle is also another wonderful place for breakfast.  It’s located right across the street from St John’s Cathedral.  They serve Belgium street waffles and they are to die for!  

I’ve seen a lot of cathedrals across Peru, Italy and the US but St John’s Cathedral is gorgeous and it just feels so special when you walk in.  I’ve been in it twice and it brings me to tears every time.

Another must-do is walk down River Street.  There are several cute shops and candy stores where you can get yummy pralines and caramel popcorn.  You can also watch the giant container ships coming and going.  Did you know that the Port of Savannah compensates for $103+ billion in imports/exports for US?

Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah is Tybee Island. I have fallen in love with Tybee Island. The beaches are clean and gorgeous. Tybee is famous for the Tybee Lighthouse!

So that’s a wrap on Savannah, for now. There are so many other things to do and places to eat. I can’t wait to go back and experience them all!