Travel to Savannah, Georgia – Episode 918

Hear about travel to Savannah, Georgia, and the vicinity as the Amateur Traveler talks to Yvonne Johnson about her adopted hometown.

Why should you go to Savannah?

Yvonne says, “Savannah is just this perfect mix. There’s beautiful weather if you come at the right time, and there’s great history, and there’s great restaurants, and there’s just so much to do, and I’ve raised my children here, and I have guests all the time, and I just love entertaining here.”

Yvonne suggests a diverse one-week itinerary in Savannah, Georgia that covers history, culture, dining, and outdoor activities. Here’s a summary of her recommendations:

Day 1:

• Old Town Trolley Tour: Take the trolley for a narrated overview of Savannah, exploring the city’s historic district and landmarks.
• Savannah History Museum: Located in the Central of Georgia Railway Station, this museum showcases local history and movie memorabilia like Forrest Gump’s park bench.
• Georgia State Railroad Museum: Visit this working roundhouse and explore the engines, miniature train displays, and a children’s museum.
• Ships of the Sea Museum: Explore maritime history in this mansion-turned-museum with ship models and antique collections.
• Dinner at Carey Hilliard’s: Try their famous barbecue and award-winning sweet tea.

Day 2:

• Forsyth Park: Stroll through this 30-acre park with its iconic fountain, Confederate memorial, and live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
• Sentient Bean: Start your day with coffee at this cozy cafe near Forsyth Park.
• Bull Street Walk: Follow Bull Street from Forsyth Park through the historic district, passing landmarks like the Armstrong Kessler Mansion, Congregation Mickve Israel, and the Gryphon Tea Room.
• SCADstory and St. John’s Cathedral: Visit SCAD’s 4D storytelling experience and the impressive St. John’s Cathedral.
• Bookstores and Cafes: Browse E. Shaver, Bookseller, The Book Lady Bookstore, Gallery Espresso, and Chocolat by Adam Turoni for unique gifts and treats.

Day 3:

• Tybee Island:
  • Tybee Island Lighthouse: Climb 178 steps for panoramic views.
  • Tybee Island Marine Science Center: Explore exhibits and pet stingrays.
  • Fort Screven: Discover the fort’s history, especially its role in WWII.
  • Lunch at Huc-A-Poo’s: Enjoy giant slices of pizza.
  • AJ’s Dockside: End with a sunset dinner or a paddleboard ride.

Day 4:

• Broughton Street: Walk this vibrant shopping district, stopping at Savannah Candy Kitchen for pralines, Globe Shoe Company, Kayak Kafé, Byrd Cookie Company, and The Paris Market.
• Theaters: Check out the Lucas Theatre for the Arts or Trustees Theater for performances and film festivals.
• Ghost Tour: End the day with a spooky walking ghost tour in haunted Savannah.

Day 5:

• Auspicious Bakery: Start your day with croissants at this local favorite.
• Wormsloe State Historic Site: Walk the avenue of live oaks and explore the Noble Jones estate and tabby ruins.
• Fort Pulaski or Fort James Jackson: Visit either fort for Civil War history and scenic views.

Day 6:

• Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum: Learn about Savannah’s civil rights history with insightful guides.
• Rancho Alegre: Enjoy Cuban cuisine and live jazz.
• First African Baptist Church: Visit this historic church that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
• Lulu’s Chocolate Bar: Indulge in desserts and cocktails.

Day 7:

• Loc’s Chicken & Waffles: Savor a Southern breakfast with Vietnamese influences.
• Drive through Bethesda Academy: See the campus of the U.S.’s oldest orphanage.
• Pin Point Heritage Museum: Learn about the Gullah community and the area’s oyster and crab canning history.
• Skidaway Island State Park: Explore trails, boardwalks, and Civil War trenches, along with Native American shell middens.

This itinerary blends Savannah’s rich history, cultural sites, and scenic beauty with great food, charming cafes, and outdoor exploration.

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Show Notes

Visit Savannah
ParkSavannah Mobile Parking Payments
Old Town Trolley Tours
Savannah History Museum
Georgia State Railroad Museum
Ships of the Sea Museum
Savannah Jazz Festival
Savannah Music Festival
Carey Hilliard’s Restaurants
Forsyth Park
The Sentient Bean
Confederate Memorial Day
Armstrong Kessler Mansion
Congregation Mickve Israel
Gryphon Tea Room
SCADstory
St John’s Cathedral
E. Shaver, Bookseller
The Book Lady Bookstore
Gallery Espresso
Chocolat by Adam Turoni
Doki Doki Ice Creamery
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
Gallery 209 Savannah
True Grits – Nautical Gifts and More
Plant Riverside Savannah’s Entertainment District
Ole Times Country Buffet
Visit Tybee Island
Tybee Light Station & Museum
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Fort Screven
Tybean Coffee Bar
Huc-A-Poo’s Bites & Booze
Latitude 32
T.S. Chu Department Store
Spanky’s Beachside
Tybee Pier & Pavilion
AJ&’s Dockside on Tybee Island
Bruton Street
Globe Shoe Company
Kayak Kafé
Byrd Cookie
The Paris Market
Foxy Loxy Cafe
Lucas Theatre for the Arts
Trustees Theater
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
15 Spooky Savannah Ghost Tours
Auspicious Baking Co.
Wormsloe State Historic Site
Fort James Jackson
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Origin Coffee Bar
Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant
First African Baptist Church
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
City Market Savannah
Haitian Soldiers at the Battle of Savannah (1779)
Vinnie Van GoGo’s (Pizza)
Loc’s Chicken and Waffles
Bethesda Academy
Pin Point, Georgia
Pin Point Heritage Museum
Skidaway Island State Park
Hilton Head Island
Webb Military Museum
SCAD Museum of Art
Telfair Museum

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