I had a conference in Savannah, and it was my first time visiting this charming city. The timing of this conference was in May, a month known for its beautiful weather and vibrant blooms in Savannah. I was genuinely excited and took the initiative to do a little research before my trip. Like most people these days, I turned to Instagram and Google to gather insights and recommendations. Although I know many travelers rely heavily on AI for planning their adventures, I don’t use it that much myself, opting instead for a more personal touch in my travel preparations. While exploring the wealth of information online, I came across a new app called Rhyme. In the past, I would save social media posts and reels that caught my eye, showcasing things I wanted to do and places I dreamed of visiting. However, I found Rhyme to be incredibly useful as it extracts details about these places from social media posts and cleverly organizes them for you. This was the first trip that I used the app for, and I must say, I really liked the experience. It streamlined my planning and helped me discover hidden gems in the city. During my trip, I had a couple of hours of free time, so I maximized my time by following the places I had saved, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the local culture and enjoy everything Savannah had to offer. The ability to easily find and make the most of short windows of free time made my visit all the more memorable.
Hotel Bardo
There were a couple of posts on social media that I had seen about Hotel Bardo, and they mentioned there was a popular restaurant for lunch that garnered quite a bit of attention for its inviting ambiance and delectable menu options. Intrigued by the reviews, I decided to visit the hotel to grab a bite to eat, eager to experience what had captivated so many others. However, much to my disappointment, when I arrived, I discovered that the restaurant wasn’t opened for lunch. Despite this setback, from the little bit of the hotel that I had seen, it looked beautiful, with its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and inviting decor that promised a relaxing atmosphere. I found myself wishing I could have explored more and enjoyed a meal there, as the overall vibe of the place was incredibly appealing.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
For those who have followed me for a while, you know that I love to visit churches. I was once given the advice while visiting Italy to stop into the small local churches, where you can encounter stunning architecture, exquisite artwork, and an overwhelming sense of spirituality that permeates the air. Each visit to these hidden gems evokes a deep appreciation for history and artistry that one rarely finds in larger, more commercialized places of worship. That was some of the best advice that I have received, and I still carry that wisdom with me till today.
One of the highlights on my list to visit was the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, which surpassed my expectations with its breathtaking beauty and intricate details. Walking through its grand arches and admiring the delicate stained glass, I was captivated by the stories each element told. It is always great to take a step into a church, allowing the serenity of the environment to wash over me, offering a precious moment of peace and reflection amidst the chaos of everyday life. Each experience deepens my love for these sacred spaces, reminding me of the power of faith and artistry.
Mirabelle Coffee
Located across the street from the Basilica is Mirabelle Coffee. Even though I don’t drink coffee, I do love a good cup of tea, and I absolutely adore visiting coffee shops for their cozy atmospheres and delightful offerings. It is a cute coffee shop with a great tea selection that entices both tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. One of my favorite tea drinks is a London Fog, a comforting blend of earl grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, and I knew when I saw that one of the spring specials was a London Fog with lavender cold foam that I had to get this drink. The addition of the lavender cold foam elevated the experience, adding a floral note that complemented the drink beautifully. It was delicious and made for the perfect afternoon treat, inviting me to relax and savor each sip in the charming ambiance of the shop.
Paris Market
As I was exploring Savannah, I passed by Paris Market, which immediately caught my attention, and I knew I had to stop in to explore its charming offerings. This delightful boutique is the perfect store for anyone who considers themselves a francophile, filled with an assortment of unique items reminiscent of Parisian culture and style. It has a cute café area, complete with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries, which I regrettably didn’t have time to enjoy on this occasion. As I wandered through the various aisles, I was captivated by the array of treasures waiting to be discovered, from exquisite home décor to enchanting gifts. Be sure to visit the lower level of the market, where even more hidden gems and delightful surprises await, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Glory Days Vintage
One of the things that I have started doing while traveling is looking for thrift stores in the area, as each one offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and history. While researching Savannah, I discovered Glory Days Vintage, which immediately caught my attention. Upon stepping inside, I found a great skirt that perfectly matched my style, and I couldn’t help but admire all the eclectic vibe and carefully curated items throughout the store. From retro clothing to quirky home decor, there was a sense of nostalgia in every corner. The store is conveniently located in the back of Mid March, making it a hidden gem that any thrift enthusiast would love to explore while wandering the streets of this beautiful city.
Avalon
Across the street from Glory Days Vintage is Avalon, a charming store renowned for its extensive selection of unique items and vintage treasures. With shelves lined with everything from classic clothing to eclectic home decor, visitors could easily find themselves lost in a delightful world of nostalgia and discovery for hours on end. Each corner of the shop holds a story waiting to be uncovered, from retro accessories to rare collectibles that evoke memories of a bygone era. Unfortunately, during my visit, I only had a brief window of time, which left me longing for the opportunity to thoroughly explore and uncover their hidden gems, each radiating its own distinct history and character.
The Public Kitchen and Bar
A friend had recommended The Public Kitchen and Bar, a charming eatery nestled in the heart of the city. They don’t take reservations, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to eat there, especially during the bustling dinner hours. Fortunately, there were seats at the bar, and I was able to enjoy a great dinner while engaging in pleasant conversation with the friendly bartenders. It was a chilly evening, and a light drizzle fell from the sky; otherwise, I would have loved to have eaten on the patio, which offers a vibrant atmosphere and views of the street. I savored my meal of Hawaiian Butter fish, a delectable choice that is not a fish I see on menus often around here. The dish was beautifully prepared, with a perfect balance of flavors that left me wanting more. They are known for their shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish bursting with flavor, so I will definitely need to go back and order them on my next visit to explore more of their fantastic offerings.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Part of the Telfair Museums is Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a fascinating historical site that showcases the complex legacy of Savannah’s past. This stunning urban mansion, complete with authentic slave quarters, has been meticulously restored to reflect its original grandeur and significance. I took the tour, and it was an incredible experience—extremely well done, informative, and moving. The tour began in the stables, which housed the slave quarters above, allowing visitors to gain insight into the living conditions and daily lives of those who were enslaved here. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shared stories and historical context, enriching our understanding of the House’s significance in the broader framework of American history, thus prompting reflection on the themes of resilience, community, and heritage.
The gardens were meticulously restored to reflect what they would have looked like in that specific historical time period. The restoration team paid great attention to detail, ensuring that the plant species, layout, and features echoed the original designs accurately. However, despite these efforts to recreate an authentic atmosphere, the gardens ultimately lacked the vibrancy and character they held during the time when the family was actively living there, when the blooms flourished under careful cultivation and the laughter of children played among the hedges, creating a living tapestry of memories that restoration could not entirely revive.
We explored the house and learned some of the fascinating stories that lingered in its walls, each whispering of the lives that had filled it with laughter and memories. We saw the cozy rooms where the family slept peacefully at night, the inviting dining room where they shared meals overflowing with warmth and conversation, and the charming living areas where they entertained guests, creating bonds that would last a lifetime. Each space seemed to hold a piece of their history, inviting us to imagine the moments that had unfolded there, from quiet family gatherings to grand celebrations.
The basement portion of the tour allows you to explore the area where the slaves worked and serviced the house, providing a poignant glimpse into their daily lives and the challenges they faced. Meals were prepared and laundry was done here, with every corner echoing the stories of hard work and resilience. In this dimly lit space, you can almost hear the whispers of the past as you visualize the struggles and the small moments of camaraderie among those who toiled tirelessly in the shadows. Each artifact and historical detail contributes to a deeper understanding of the significant yet often overlooked contributions of enslaved individuals to the household and the broader context of the family’s history.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Ice Cream is always a good idea! On a warm sunny day, I passed by Leopold’s and knew I simply had to stop to indulge my sweet tooth. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and although there was a long line of eager customers, it moved quickly, filled with happy chatter and anticipation. As I scanned the many options available, my taste buds started to tingle; I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive selection of flavors. I loved that they have QR codes with the complete menu for you to scan while you are in line, making it easy to browse without losing my place. There were so many great gluten-free choices, each one looking more delicious than the last, and I was thrilled to discover that they even offered a gluten-free ice cream cookie sandwich, a perfect treat for anyone with dietary restrictions. As I eagerly awaited my turn to order, I could almost taste the delight of that creamy concoction.
Travel With Laughter 