5 Can’t-Miss Sites in Savannah
Savannah has so many fantastic experiences it's hard to just pick a few. Read on for our top 5 suggestions to give you a flavour of the unique history and culture of this beautiful city.
No. 1 - City Market
Savannah’s City Market is one of the city’s most popular spots and a must visit experience by day or night. Four blocks in the heart of the Historic District have been renovated to capture the authentic atmosphere and character of the city’s old open marketplace. The market features artists working in their lofts and exhibits of works for sale. There are also restaurants, open-air cafés, theme shops, and stores offering crafts, accessories, and gifts. Shop for souvenirs and dine on delicious creole shrimp as you sip a refreshing peach sangria. Live music often fills the nighttime air with several of the clubs featuring some of the best jazz in the city.
No. 2 – Davenport House Museum
Located on Columbia Square, the Isaiah Davenport House was built between 1815 and 1820 and is an exceptionally fine example of Federal architecture. It was the proposed demolition of this home that served as a catalyst in the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation. It features a fine collection of Davenport china and period decorative arts and is one of Savanna’s oldest brick structures.
No. 3 – River Street
Bordering the thriving river port, River Street imparts old-world charm. The nine-block brick concourse is ideal for strolling and ship-watching. More than 75 boutiques, galleries, artists’ studios, restaurants, and pubs are housed in one-time cotton warehouses that have been restored to their rustic beauty. There’s also an old-fashioned open-air market to stroll around and plenty of places to grab a tasty meal or ice-cold beer or cocktail. And no River Street dining experience is complete without sampling the fresh beignets from Huey’s!
No. 4 – Jepson Center for the Arts
Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center presents highlights from the museum’s modern and contemporary collection and also treats visitors to an ever-changing array of exceptional artwork—from classical European masters to daring emerging artists. The Jepson Center also features a hands-on children’s museum space, daily drop-in studio activities for all ages, and unique shopping. Housed in a modern building covered with glistening white Portuguese stone, the centre consists of two separate structures connected by a glass bridge with an atrium and sweeping, three-level staircase that provides access to its expansive galleries.
No. 5 – Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s is an ice cream parlor circa 1935. Much of the décor is original including the original soda fountain, soda fountain cover, back bar, sundae holders, banana split boats, and malted milk dispenser–all of which are still in use. Even the old Philco radio and the wooden-interior phone booth from the old store are being used!
The parlour offers a vast array of flavours to suit all taste and includes vegan options and has attracted many celebrity visitors over the years including actors and even presidents!
