Steeped in Southern charm complete with cobblestone streets and oak trees draped in low-hanging moss, Savannah is a definite Southern belle -- but with a fire in her eye. While colonial buildings and cotton warehouses districts call to the city's refined history, its college co-eds and lively inhabitants steer her more toward the likes of naughty New Orleans. Perhaps this is why Lonely Planet says she is referred to as "a beautiful lady with a dirty face." But like any lady of character, Savannah can entertain, amuse and win over almost anyone, making it the perfect place for a weekend trip.
For a truly different perspective of Savannah, hop on board one of Savannah's riverboat cruises. A wide selection of sailings cater to almost anything, from brunch, lunch and dinner cruises to historic sightseeing, wildlife and romantic moonlight cruises. Live entertainment, Southern-style cuisine, harbor views and the river breeze make for a memorable day or night excursion. If you prefer to stay on land, take a lazy stroll through mossy oak tress along the banks of the Savannah River. Or find yourself on the beaches of nearby Tybee Island. Just 15 minutes from Savannah central, you can feel sand between your toes or a sundowner drink between your lips.
Start at the Savannah Visitor's Information Center and grab a few maps to get acquainted with the city. Choose to embark on a self-guided walking tour or buy tickets for the Old Town Trolley's 90-minute narrated tour. Crisscross the city as you discover filming locations from the movie "Forrest Gump" and admire the iconic Southern architecture. If you'd like non-traditional tour transportation, jump onto one of the Segway by Savannah Tours or wait until nightfall to crawl inside a hearse and discover haunted Savannah. Walkers take note: Savannah is one of only three cities in the United States that allows open containers, meaning you can take a glass, er, cup of wine or refreshing mint julep on the road with you.
Occupying more than 60 of the city's buildings, the Savannah College of Art and Design has a major presence and impact on the city -- no doubt making sure this charming Southern city doesn't become too sleepy of a town. See what the students are creating inside the shopSCAD, an impressive gallery that hosts everything from traditional letterpress stationary to pillowcases, jewelry and children's books. Meanwhile, the historic district's Telfair Museum of Art displays works new and old housed within three structures -- two historic sites and a modern building. The permanent collection is housed in the Telfair Academy, while contemporary works can be found in the Jepson Center, and classic 19th-century period rooms fill the Owens-Thomas House.
Savannah's historic City Market has origins dating back to the 18th century as a place where farmers and traders did business. Sitting on the same exact spot, the City Market is now full of tons of vendors selling food, unique crafts, clothes and gifts. Refuel your shopping exploration with a bite at one of the many restaurants or a snack from a sidewalk vendor or take a break with a cool drink while you listen to some live music. You can also peruse the unique boutiques along Broughton Street for funky fashions or one-of-a-kind furnishings. Book lovers can search the shelves of E. Shaver Booksellers, a local favorite, for different used titles. Maybe you can even find a worn copy of John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," a nonfiction work set in 1980s Savannah.
