My Favorite Savannah Things to Do

I’ll be adding to this list as time goes. That’s the only way I can have peace of mind about it, because I’m sure I’ll think of more as soon as I hit the publish button.

But here’s what I can think of for now. And as a heads up: everything on the list ain’t black-owned, but a lot is.

Downtown:

City Market: Most locals ain’t coming out there ’til after 11pm. Before that, it’s just tourists, mainly. I like it either way. Depends what kind of vibe I’m going for. Look at art in the galleries, get a Willie Dazed sample from Wet Willies, three samples from the Byrd Cookie Company (triple chocolate, regular scotch oatmeal, and peanut butter and chocolate chip), and a praline from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. And Belford’s is a Black-owned steak-house in City Market.

Ride the ferry: Especially if you got your daiquiri in hand and the weather nice. It’s fun (and free) to do with the kids or your boo. It crosses the Savannah River between downtown’s riverwalk and Hutchinson Island. Quick trip, but about a 30-minute break from walking.

River Street: You just got to. If you ride the ferry, then you’re right there anyway, and it’s close to City Market. I don’t really go in any of the shops. Maybe Savannah Bee for honey or the other Wet Willie location to get a daiquiri. One of my favorite restaurants down there is Vic’s on the River. Plant Riverside District is cool too–full of bars, restaurants, and pretty backgrounds for pics. Hanging around outside of Plant Riverside, on the river side, is cool too. There’s a pizza restaurant called Graffito and oh my.

Museums and art galleries:

First African Baptist is hella informative and much of its history is still in-tact, including holes in the floor board that were patterned to look like religious decor but was actually so Black folk on the run could breathe while hiding.
Beach Institute is my favorite Black-owned gallery.
SCAD Museum of Art (open to the public) pretty much also has a fascinating exhibit, and they own a few different galleries throughout the city, so be sure to check out the website.
Jepson Center (which has all kinds of events throughout the year).
Civil Rights Museum
Sabreee’s Gallery, which is owned by a Gullah woman who integrates her culture all up and through her work.
Indigo Sky Community Gallery, another Black-owned art gallery that I love
The Diaspora Marketplace is another good stop.
Le Pouf Art Gallery by Tafy LaPlanche too! She’s incredible.
Sulfur Studios also have some bomb on view residencies that are open to the public.

Tybee Island: That’s where the beach at and all kinds of lil beach shops and bars and whatnot. I like it best real early in the morning or real late at night.

Food:

This part is the most daunting, because how do I even organize it? I’ma just go with the restaurants I GOTTA have when I touchdown:

Dottie’s on Broughton Street for fancy soul food in a gorgeous environment
520 Wings
Narobia’s Grits and Gravy
The Vault, Fire Street Food
Naan Appetit
Jalapeños for Mexican
Tricks BBQ
The Olde Pink House
Fox and Fig Cafe (vegan).
Here’s a list of black-owned.

Cafes:

I’m not a coffee drinker, but I love a good cafe.

Foxy Loxy is my favorite.
Sentient Bean is another good one, right by Forsyth Park.
Savannah Coffee Roasters is nice too.
Maté Factor is a hidden gem!
If you’re into tea, Ashford Tea Company is the place to go! Black-owned and he blends them himself and offers tea tastings!

Parks:

Forsyth is my favorite and I think that’ll probably be the majority vote with all the oak trees and the fountain and the whole area (although I don’t like that it’s named after John Forsyth Sr.). Forsyth has a farmer’s market on Saturdays from like 9am-1pm. Walk around and just wander, if you have time to.
Daffin Park is another beautiful one, mostly locals and has a dog park.
Lake Mayer is another favorite of mine, especially for long walks/runs; half of the track is padded for less impact on your joints. Feed the ducks. Let the kids play at the playground. Or just sit by the water.

Sankofa House Savannah: Where I go when I need some spiritual loving on a one-on-one basis or in community. They also have plenty events throughout the year.

Tours: It’s plenty of ’em, but I can only personally vouch for Dayclean Journey Tours. It’s a Geechee tour. I’ve been on Jamal’s tour at least six times, and I’d still tag along again. Also look into Vaughnette Goode-Walker.

Starlandia: This is one of the areas I’ve seen change before my eyes. Very recently, it feels. But it’s a nice walled-in outdoor vibe with nice murals to take pics in front of, a full bar, good food options. Pizzeria Vittoria is great, but food trucks also alternate. Events too, though I’ve only been to a few open mic nights.

Plant Riverside District: This is another new area, opened a few years ago. Plenty of restaurants and bars and it’s right there on the river. And there’s beaucoup photo opps.

Walking Trails: Skidaway Island has a BEAUTIFUL walking trail. You’re right there on the marsh.

If you from Savannah, live in Savannah, or been to Savannah, and wanna add to the list….comment below.