Everything You Need to Know About Savannah

It’s no secret that the city of Savannah has a certain charm to it. Whether it’s a rich history, vibrant arts culture or great food and drink, something about Savannah draws people in and keeps them in love with the city. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the many aspects of this Georgia port city and help visitors and locals alike gain a better understanding of what makes it so special.

A Rich History Looms

Savannah was founded in 1733 and was the original capital of the Province of Georgia. This makes it the oldest city in the state, and its rich history is still felt today. Multiple buildings in its Historic District date back as far as the 18th century, giving the area a flavor unlike any other American city. Buildings demonstrate a mix of Colonial, Georgian and Victorian architecture and have been preserved to honor the city’s long past. The National Park Service considers Savannah’s full historic district a National Historic Landmark.

When wandering the streets of Savannah, one can easily feel the spirit of early settlers like James Oglethorpe, who experienced firsthand the city’s beauty and inspired others to make it their home. Oglethorpe originally designed Savannah upon an optimal urban plan (the first European-style planned city in North America), the grid layout of which can still be observed in its downtown area today.

Savannah in the Modern Age

Although Savannah retains much of its historic charm, it is also a metropolitan hub of art and culture that attracts visitors from all around the world. A full creative scene has erupted in recent decades, and that is embodied by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). For more than 34 years, SCAD has been providing creative opportunities in Savannah to students of all backgrounds.

SCAD offers more than 40 areas of study, ranging from animation to architecture to performing arts, so students have access to a wide variety of resources to ensure that they have an education tailored to any individual’s particular interests and career goals. The opportunities for creativity don’t end with education, though; SCAD also runs 9 galleries located in Savannah featuring works from both established and aspiring artists, making the city a great place for aspiring creatives to explore their craft.

Famous Local Arts & Culture Attractions

Savannah’s arts scene is supported by endless attractions ranging from nightlife fixtures to world-renowned film festivals. Two mainstays are The Lucas Theatre for Arts and the Savannah Music Festival—both happening consistently every year. The Lucas is host to an array of music and theatre activities, spanning genres from classic rock to opera plus film festivals and exhibitions through its Lucas Exchange program featuring unique artwork from local and visiting artists. The Lucas website offers updated schedules and tickets for each respective event.

The world-renowned Savannah Music Festival lasts over two weeks in late winter or early spring each year, drawing thousands of people to experience a creative smorgasbord of world-renowned musicians from many genres, playing out of multiple downtown venues with some also offering outdoor shows. It’s truly an amazing experience for any music enthusiast and provides year-long cultural stimulation for locals through its Digital Concert Series at various theaters throughout Savannah. The festival’s website will get you regularly updated with information on current events and applicable tickets.

Great Food & Drink Spots

Savannah locals know that their two favorite things coincide with great food and drinks, something they can find no lack of downtown, in the Sports & Entertainment area near SCAD or near other surrounding areas like City Market or Forsyth Park. The options are nearly limitless for those looking for local venues for great dining experiences or interesting bars for drinks, whether you stop by a nearby eatery or make your way out to Tybee Island for something by the beach.

From bars like Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian Hotel to restaurants like The Grey at Congregation Mickve Israel, there are plenty of great places to dine—not to mention less formal but equally enjoyable spots like Clary’s Café, where they serve breakfast all day long. Fans of craft beer won’t be disappointed either—visitors can find breweries in multiple locations around town such as Service Brewing Company on Liberty Street or Moon River Brewing Company right across the street from The Lucas Theatre just off Bay Street.

For those looking for something unique to do while grabbing a drink or two, you can try out something called a “Boo” crawl—nominally similar to pub crawls but with an additional spooky twist as your group makes its way through multiple stops that are reported for their paranormal activity or ghost sightings over the years. It’s a fun adventure for those inclined to explore on foot (with beverages) and get to know some of the area by foot at night. Check out Savannah Beer and Boos Haunted Pub Crawl for more information on a guided walk through some of the most haunted places around town!

All in all, Savannah is an incredible place that often surprises those who take their first steps into its unique atmosphere — whether they arrive looking for rich culture and booming creativity or just some amazing food and drink experiences counted among history’s most treasured American cities like few others can be. If you’re looking for adventure in Georgia, there is no better place to start.