Why it’s awesome: Savannah is one of the most historic cities in the South. From the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum (Low founded the Girl Scouts) to The Telfair Academy, a museum that showcases quintessential 19th century Southern living, you’ll be surrounded by history wherever you go. This charming coastal city is also packed with quaint shops, authentic restaurants serving up Southern comfort food and more.
What to do: Walk along the Savannah River and watch the sunset. Shop and eat in Plant Riverside District, which offers free live music, strolling magicians, high-flying cirque shows and family-friendly festivals all year. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, completed in 1873, is one of the city’s most iconic structures. The First African Baptist Church is also steeped in history. This historically important church gave slaves a place to hold baptisms and services for the first time and was used as a safehouse for escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad Network. A visit to Old Fort Jackson is a must for those interested in military history. Animal and nature lovers should plan to spend the day at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which lies on the border between Georgia and South Carolina and covers more than 31,000 acres. Besides wildlife watching, there’s plenty of hiking, fishing and biking. A visit to Savannah means you’re not far from Tybee Island, just half an hour from downtown by car. The island is full of charming bed-and-breakfasts and inns with sea views.
Where to eat: With 14 restaurants, bars and lounges on the riverfront, Plant Riverside District is a popular destination for food and drinks. Located atop the district’s Power Plant building, Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + The Moon Deck has lawn games and a slide. Perched on the roof of the district’s Three Muses building, the Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden is inspired by classical mythology. Savannah is known for its British and Irish inspired pubs, many of which you’ll find in the city’s Historic District.
Where to stay: Once the site of a 1912 power plant, Plant Riverside District along River Street has been restored to a massive destination with hotel rooms, event space, restaurants, lounges and a quarter-mile river walk. There are three hotels: Power Plant, Three Muses and The Atlantic. All are part of the 419-room JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Don’t miss the 135-foot-long chrome-dipped dinosaur in the Power Plant lobby. Plant Riverside District also offers the Ultimate Dinosaur experience for ages 6-12 upon request. With Dusty the Dino Ranger by their side, kids can travel back 150 million years to learn about dinosaurs hidden throughout the area’s Generator Hall.