Savannah, Georgia | Adventures with Shelby
Travel,  United States

Highlights of Savannah, GA

May 29, 2020 /

I spent a weekend in Savannah on a girls’ trip a few years ago and we had such a blast!  Savannah is full of Southern charm and beautiful draping Spanish moss. This city is easy to explore by foot over a few days time, making it a perfect weekend destination. 

Historic District

The Historic District is a great starting point for exploring the city. Savannah has 22 historic squares, each with its own charm and character. Take a stroll around the district and take in the Colonial style houses, old lampposts, trolleys, and horse-drawn carriages.  

Forsyth Park

Spanning 30 acres, this park cannot be missed when visiting Savannah!  This park is the first thing I picture when I think of this city. Forsyth Park is filled with beautiful oak trees swept with Spanish moss, providing ample shade if you are visiting in warm weather. The fountain in the North end of the park is iconic of Savannah.

Mercer House

The Mercer-Williams House Museum is in the Historic District, just north of Forsyth Park in Monterey Square. Built in 1868, construction of the Mercer House was paused during the Civil War. 

This house is said to be haunted due to many tragedies that have taken place there. The Mercer-Williams House is now famous for its mention in the non-fiction novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil about the murder of Danny Hansford by his lover and employer, Jim Williams. Tours of the house include the gardens, first floor of the mansion, and the Carriage House gift shop. 

Riverfront

Savannah’s riverfront is a bustling shopping area. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and pubs all housed in former cotton warehouses. The restaurants with outdoor seating offer beautiful views over the Savannah River. The sunsets on River Street cannot be missed!

Savannah’s African-American Monument on River Street is one of the only sites that acknowledges the city’s role in instituting slavery. This area is considered the most haunted part of Savannah.

Ghost Tour

Savannah is supposed to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States! Considering Savannah was built on top of a Native American burial ground and was the largest port in the Atlantic Slave Trade – it makes sense that it would be haunted!  There are plenty of ghost tours available throughout the city. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s pretty fun to hear local ghost stories and get a little spooked! Some walking ghost tours also allow you to bring a drink (the Savannah Historic District allows open container).

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is a 20 minute drive outside of the historic city center. You can explore on your own or book a tour. This cemetery is also famous for being in the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The cemetery was formerly Bonaventure Plantation where enslaved people produced timber and bricks.

Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site is a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Savannah. It is the colonial estate of Noble Jones from the 18th century. Jones arrived with the first group of settlers from England. Check out the website for entrance fees and hours.

The entrance itself is breathtaking! There are some cheeky colonial impersonators on the site, but my favorite part was exploring the walking trails that follow the property and surrounding swamp area.

 


Have you visited Savannah before?  Share your favorite parts of the city below!

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