Things to do in Savannah, Georgia in one day!

Hello my fellow traveling friends!

Instead of painting my house and getting it ready to sell, like I should be doing, I’m eating a macaron and writing this blogpost on a little city that has SO much charm and beauty… Savannah, Georgia! I wish I could bottle up the feeling I had while exploring this city and give it to each and every one of you or at least let you taste some of the deliciousness from this blackberry, lavender macaron from Marche de Macaron! Yummy, that is definitely the right word to describe my short but sweet little trip to the beautiful Savannah! Here are my favorites: 

Places to Explore in Downtown Savannah

First off, let me start by saying although you can enjoy most of downtown Savannah by just walking, taking in the sights by a trolley was quite pleasant! The trolley gives you not only sixteen stops that you can get on and off again as many times as you’d like, the driver also gives you a great little history lesson along the way! I used Old Town Trolley Tours during my stay. I was pleased with the service mostly, however, my main complaint was that their brochure stated that they arrive at least every 20 minutes at each stop…I found that wasn’t always accurate. Once I shared my complaint to Cathy, one of the representatives with the company, she not only wrote down my complaints, she gave my mom and I an extra day pass and informed me to send in my complaint to the company for a full refund…we will see what happens. Regardless, I would use this company again because I was impressed with the customer service after I explained my experience and loved touring the city by trolley!  

The Squares

There are just over twenty lovely parks placed all around the downtown area of Savannah! They were my favorite part to see and explore! Beautifully tree filled parks, some with fountains and monuments with a special historical story to each one. A great place to find some shade or rest a bit. I found them to be quite charming and wished a had more time to explore each and everyone! Forsyth Park was the largest of them, but I found Lafayette Square to be my favorite! Lafayette Square has a more intimate feel with a beautiful fountain in the center and my favorite feature was the views from there looking onto my next place for you to explore…Cathedral of St. John the Baptist!  

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This Catholic Cathedral was just breath taking! It was closed the first day I tried to pay a visit. I almost thought just looking at the beauty of the outside was satisfying enough, but decided to go back the next day to see the inside. I’m so glad I did! It turned out to be the most beautiful place I laid eyes on in Savannah! I felt like I was transported somewhere in Europe once I stepped inside…definitely a must see!

There are also many museums to explore like Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA.  

Best Places to Eat in Savannah GA

There were so many choices! I had done some research and found great reviews for The Olde Pink House, named after the brick started to bleed through to the outer plaster walls changing the color to pink over time. I love eating at places with rich history and culture as long as the food doesn’t disappoint. The Olde Pink House definitely acceded my food expectation! My mom and I shared the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer, then I had the crispy duck with vegetable crepes, and my mom enjoyed their boiled lobster tails (I had a taste, of-course). Delicious! Our server, Elise, was very pleasant and attentive, after dinner she even took the time to show us around the 1771 home that was originally owned by James Habersham Jr. Make reservations as soon as possible, and if you want a more romantic setting, asked to be seated on the bottom level. In the early eighteen hundreds The Pink House became Planter’s Bank and you can still see the vault in the basement. The vault now houses wine and is a private dining room. 

 Pie Society

I discovered this place online, but thought it was only a “sweet” pie kind of place because of the name and hadn’t considered it as a place to have a meal. I didn’t realize that you could have lunch here until the concierge at the hotel gave us the referral as a lunch place to consider. So glad we took Cathy’s advice! It was absolutely delicious! I had the steak and potatoe pot pie and unashamedly devoured its contents in no time! My mom and I also shared a toffee banana pie…AmAzing! Gill, the owner, runs this little gem along with her son and they are both from Staffordshire, England. When I asked her how she likes Savannah, she mentioned that she loves the weather and the sunshine. Well, Gill, if you are reading this, I love your pies and so glad that Savannah brought you here to America!  Pie Society

 Leopold’s Ice Cream

Founded in 1919, Leopold’s Ice Cream is a great place to grab some homemade ice cream. The cute movie themed ambiance and vintage vibes were a nice touch, but I didn’t need much convincing to try this place out. I mean, homemade ice cream? What more convincing could you possibly need?! Haha!  

 Marche de Macarons

I found this little macaron place by happenstance. After eating our delicious ice cream at Leopold’s, my mom and I were wondering about trying to find our hotel when I gazed into the storefront windows and feasted my eyes upon the most beautiful little circles of fluffy heaven, MACARONS!!! I just had to go in…I just had to buy one of practically each flavor before leaving to take home to the rest of my family…it was just the right thing to do! Wink, wink!  Marche de Macarons

 Where to Shop in Downtown Savannah

There were plenty of shops located in downtown Savannah. Maybe you would like to stroll down River Street and pop into some of the many souvenir shops along the cobble stone drive near the river? Another place to check would be near city market, my mom found the sweetest lace parasol. Both of these places were fine but did seem a bit “touristy”. I wished I had more time to explore more of the off the beaten path boutique style shops that I saw as I was exploring by trolley, maybe next time?

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District. I decided on this hotel because I have grown to know what to expect from the Hilton Hotels and because of the location. Great location and a lovely rooftop view of the city along with a pool, nice touch for sure! When I visit Savannah again, I might try a B&B or Airbnb.com…I have a few spots on my radar. Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading, friends! I would love to hear any of your suggestions on places to go while in Savannah! Just leave a comment below. Happy Travels!