Exploring Savannah: A Little Bit Lost, A Lot of Charm
okay, so i just got back from savannah, georgia. and my brain is still buzzing. seriously, the energy there - it's like the whole city is holding a secret, and everyone’s just kinda whispering about it. i'm trying to unpack it all, but it's a beautiful mess.
first off, the weather. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. a humid warmth that just wraps around you. it's a good kind of sticky. my skin felt like it was perpetually auditioning for a drama role. but honestly? it suits the town. it makes everything feel...alive. locals were saying it’s a good time of year for exploring, apparently. *June is the month.
i spent most of my time wandering. and that’s the whole point, right? just wander. i got gloriously lost in the squares - like, totally succumbed to the charm of Forsyth Park, pulled a few dead ends in Chippewa Square (where Forrest Gump was filmed - seriously, the spot), and just soaked it all in. the architecture is insane. all those Spanish missions and grand old homes. it’s like stepping back in time, but with iced tea and a slightly overwhelming number of squirrels.
Gear List (aka what i packed):
Comfortable walking shoes (essential - you’ll be doing a lot of walking)
Light layers (temperatures fluctuate)
Sunscreen (duh)
Hat (to ward off the sun and look vaguely stylish)
Reusable water bottle (hydration is key)
A good map (even if you don’t need it, it’s nice to have)
Camera (or your phone - photos are mandatory)
*Pro-Tip: don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. they're usually more than happy to help. i heard that the River Street Market is a must-see - someone told me that the seafood is unbelievably fresh there.
Someone I overheard at a cafe said: “Don’t miss the haunted tours. They’re surprisingly good for a city that’s always got a story.”
honestly, the food was pretty great too. tons of little restaurants tucked away on side streets. i had some amazing shrimp and grits - seriously, the best i've ever tasted. and sweet tea. oh god, the sweet tea. it’s like liquid sunshine.
Overheard Gossip: I heard that there’s a hidden speakeasy somewhere downtown, but it's a secret. Someone warned me that it’s not for the faint of heart! 😉
if you get bored, atlanta is just a short drive away. if you want a serious dose of history, you’re close to colonial georgia. if you’re into art? check out the local galleries. and if you’re feeling adventurous, there's a fantastic hiking trail nearby. check out Georgia Wild for info.
Another local told me: “Just be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. Savannah can be…intense.”
i’m already planning my return trip. i think i’ll spend more time exploring the cemeteries. apparently, they’re incredibly elaborate and steeped in history. and maybe, just maybe, i’ll find that hidden speakeasy. it’s a little unnerving, but totally compelling.
seriously, savannah is a city that gets under your skin. it’s weird, wonderful, and utterly captivating. go. just go.
Don't forget to check out TripAdvisor for local recommendations, and Yelp for restaurants*.