I had the pleasure of visiting Savannah this past weekend, while at a work conference. With my trusty bike and my iPhone, I managed to hit almost all of my favorite spots. I thought I’d share a few of them, for those of you who have never been to Savannah (or would like to try some new places).
Definitely my favorite place to eat in Savannah. It’s small, with a bistro/cafe feel, and the food is incredible. My favorite dishes are the Bouchée a la Reine (Puff pastry cup overflowing with a creamy medley of chicken, mushrooms, onions and spinach) and the Crab and Mango Tartine (an open-faced sandwich topped with crab meat, mango, avocado and a spicy sauce on toasted brioche).
I usually grab a bottle of sparkling berry lemonade and add a macaron to my order (the nutella flavor is mind-blowing), then take everything to go. I love eating out of their brown boxes while people watching in nearby Ellis Square.
A short walk down the street from Papillote, The Paris Market is stocked with all sorts of goodies. From vintage letterpress type to retro candy, handmade children’s toys, recycled composition books, and more, it’s a lovely place for inspiration. The prices can be on the higher side, but there are plenty of small discoveries that won’t break the bank. I usually walk away with at least a fun new piece of stationery and some clove gum. The stock changes regularly, and the owners will gladly show you their favorite items.
Another great spot for people watching, Vinnie’s has the best pizza in Savannah. Their crusts are perfectly crispy and the slices are huge. The wait for tables can get pretty lengthy at peak weekend times, but there’s plenty to see while you wait. One thing to note–they are cash only (they’ll happily point you to their ATM inside), so check your wallet before you go.
It’s hard to feel more like a local than when you’re standing in line at Zunzi’s, especially if it’s during the lunch rush. One of Savannah’s favorite to-go spots, they only offer outdoor seating, but the gigantic sandwiches are worth braving the frenzy of the ordering line. It moves fast, so watch a few people order and then make your pick–you really can’t go wrong. Everything is fresh and delicious, with an international flavor.
If you’re looking for a higher-end dinner out in the evening, Circa 1875 offers two flavors of dining–their bistro-style dining room, and the connected gastropub. Both serve the same delicious french menu, but the atmospheres contrast nicely. I ate at the pub, which is dark, cozy, and made me feel like I was back at the edges of London. Their menu selection is generous and the food was so very delicious.
If you feel like dinner in Savannah needs to reflect the history and culture of the town, then the best stop is at The Olde Pink House. Be sure to make reservations (a few days in advance, if possible), because their classic high society southern cuisine is no secret. The house itself is fun to wander through, and truly makes you feel like you’ve slipped a century behind. As with any popular restaurant in a tourist town, the service can be on and off, but we had a great experience with a funny and attentive server.
The prices are on the high side, but Shop SCAD is a great place to browse and get a peek at what SCAD students and alumni have been working on. The walls host a wide variety of fun and beautiful art prints, and there are always interesting takes on industrial design. Next door, you can slip into the SCAD admission offices and take a peek at their current exhibit–anything from local paintings to original cartoon illustrations from national publications.
I happened upon this sweet fabric shop while riding my bike to Forsyth park, and I’m so glad it was on my path! Owner Maria is refreshingly helpful and doesn’t mind if you’re just poking around, oohing and ahhing at all the gorgeous fabrics. Her selection changes constantly and she’s always ready to order anything you can dream up. The shop is decorated with lots of fun vintage pieces and is worth a look even if sewing isn’t your thing.
While I don’t usually make my purchases at specialty yarn shops, a stroll through Wild Fibre never fails to inspire me. They have a great selection of beautiful yarns, including unspun alpaca fibers, silk ragg yarn, and felted tweed. They offer weekly classes and lots of project ideas. I really wish I could wrap this shop up and transport it to St. Augustine!
Used books, galore. A few steps below East Liberty street, you’ll find this cozy hideaway filled with books from floor to ceiling. Like the best used bookshops, it’s a maze of nooks and crannies, with strategically placed comfy armchairs and stools. If it’s a cold or rainy day, you could happily spend hours searching through their immense catalog of books. The Book Lady also hosts frequent events–Poetry Readings, local clubs, and more. Check out their schedule before you visit to see what’s happening during your stay in Savannah.
Since 1975, Esther Shaver’s has offered a carefully curated collection of books. The shop is nestled in the corner of Madison Square, and they specialize in regional books. If you’re looking for a long-ago published Paula Deen cookbook, or a collection of Savannah’s most interesting stories, this is the place. Even if you aren’t, take a few moments to browse–you might learn a few things about Savannah that you won’t get from any tour or guidebook.
Of course, a Savannah classic. The park is gigantic, and best enjoyed with a good pair of walking shoes or on a bike. Don’t miss strolling by the classic fountain near the front.
“The House,” as locals refer to it–this is the main setting of John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It’s been around for generations, but eccentric owner John Williams transformed it into an antique lover’s paradise. Take the tour; it’s worth every minute (even if you aren’t an avid fan of the book). The Carriage House Gift Shop is also a great place to find unique gifts. Not your average museum gift shop, its selection is updated and modern, with treasures that will make Etsy shoppers drool.
Even if you don’t have the time to do all the historic sights of Savannah, try to make it to the Telfair Museums. Your museum pass includes admission to the Jepson Center, the Owens-Thomas House and the Telfair Academy. It will give you a great overview of Savannah’s history (as well a look at more modern exhibits and student art). They also offer some great special events throughout the year that are free and open to the public.
Those are my Savannah picks! I still have plenty of exploring to do (next time) and would love to hear your “can’t miss” spots.
We kicked off the month with a baby shower for our friend Allison, whose baby boy will be arriving any day now!
To celebrate our anniversary (it was September 29th), Mr. Jones and I got tickets to see Death Cab for Cutie in Orlando. It was hands down the best show I’ve ever been to in my life. And completely worth the fact that my car broke down on our way from the hotel to the House of Blues…
(This is post-show, after running to shelter through the pouring rain while we waited for Caleb’s brother to pick us up.)
Since the show was on a Saturday, and they couldn’t tow my car until Sunday, we spend most of the next day wandering around Orlando with the other Mr. Jones (Caleb’s dad). We were so glad he could come pick us up from Orlando, and that my car (on its 240,000th mile) still lives!
October is the perfect time for picnics with friends on the fort lawn at Castillo de San Marcos. I’m hoping that some of the warmer weather will creep back in, because the past week has been chilled by the wind and dappled with rain.
The weekends were also perfect for bike rides, including trail riding through 
When the weather finally did take a turn for the cold, I loved spending time with cider, good music, an inspiring friend, and lots of art projects.
Carving pumpkins also got checked off my fall list, and Mr. Jones came up with a pretty amazing skull (sadly, not pictured).
We closed out the month by celebrating our friend Melissa’s birthday at a killer Halloween Bash. In case you can’t guess, we went as Calvin and Hobbes (if only my hair had been blonder). There were lots of amazing costumes and tasty treats, plus the perfect mix of old and new friends.
Buzz Buzz