A Sisters’ Getaway: 24 Hours in Savannah, Georgia
My sister and I love exploring new cities together, and Savannah, Georgia had been calling our names for months. While we're known for our ambitious out and back day-trips, this time we decided to slow down and savor the experience with an overnight stay. Spoiler alert: we should have stayed longer!
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Accommodations: The Eliza Thompson House
For our Savannah stay, we chose the historic Eliza Thompson House on Jones Street. Built in 1847, this boutique bed and breakfast is the oldest inn in the Historic Inns of Savannah Collection and was the first house built on the now-famous Jones Street.
Stepping into the Eliza Thompson House felt like stepping back in time. The inn features 25 unique guest rooms, each telling its own story through carefully curated antiques and period details. This was the perfect location. We could walk to everything from this location, and the complimentary breakfast gave us all the fuel we needed for our boutique shopping adventures.
Pro tip for travelers: The inn's location in the heart of the historic district means you can park your car and walk everywhere, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
Boutique Shopping Bliss
One of the highlights of our Savannah adventure was discovering the city's incredible boutique shopping scene. We spent hours wandering through unique shops, each offering treasures you simply can't find anywhere else. Fashionistas love combing Broughton Street for high-end designs, and we quickly understood why.
From locally-made jewelry to vintage finds and artisanal goods, every shop felt like a treasure hunt. The beauty of boutique shopping in Savannah is that each store reflects the city's character. It’s a blend of Southern charm, artistic flair, and historical significance.
Historic District Wandering
Much of Savannah's charm lies in meandering through the Historic District's verdant squares, all 22 of them. Each square has its own personality and history, perfect for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities. Don't miss Chippewa Square, famous as the spot from Forrest Gump where he sat with his box of chocolates, which also serves as a common meeting point for various walking tours.
Ghost Tours and Haunted History
I love doing a ghost tour in every city that I visit. Savannah is known as "America's Most Haunted City," and the ghost tours here are legendary. You can choose from walking tours that uncover chilling legends, true tales of tragedy, and the restless spirits said to haunt this historic city, or opt for trolley tours like the popular "Ghosts & Gravestones" tour. Although my sister isn’t the biggest fan of ghost tours, I am somehow able to convince her to join me on these adventures.
Iconic Attractions You Can't Miss
Forsyth Park: A scenic green sanctuary perfect for relaxation and home to the iconic fountain you've probably seen in movies
River Street: Ranked the top tourist attraction in Savannah, this cobblestone street along the Savannah River offers shops, restaurants, and river views
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: An excellent example of French Gothic architecture. Open for self-guided tours with a suggested $2 donation.
Bonaventure Cemetery: The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah
Mercer-Williams House: Located on Monterey Square, this historic mansion was made famous by the bestselling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" that was adapted into a movie. Originally built for General Hugh W. Mercer (great-grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer), construction began in 1860. Visitors can tour the first floor and see Jim Williams's impressive collection of 18th and 19th century furniture, English and American portraits, and Chinese export porcelain.
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Foodies crave specialties in gourmet shops, and the city is famous for everything from traditional Southern cuisine to innovative farm-to-table restaurants. Don't miss Leopold's Ice Cream for a sweet treat! For those wanting to explore Savannah's food scene with exclusivity, consider specialized food tours that showcase the city's culinary heritage.
Our Savannah adventure reminded us why we love traveling together. The Eliza Thompson House provided the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort, while Savannah's boutique shopping scene gave us plenty to explore and discover together. The pace of an overnight trip allowed us to truly soak in the city's atmosphere and create lasting memories.
Planning Your Own Savannah Getaway
Whether you're planning a day trip, overnight stay, or extended vacation, Savannah rewards any amount of time you can give it. The city's walkable historic district, diverse attractions, and welcoming Southern hospitality make it perfect for sister trips, romantic getaways, or solo adventures.
For overnight stays: Consider historic accommodations like the Eliza Thompson House for an authentic experience
For day trips: Focus on the Historic District and pick 2-3 key attractions rather than trying to see everything
For shopping enthusiasts: Allow plenty of time for Broughton Street and the various boutiques scattered throughout the historic area
Sometimes the slower pace of an overnight getaway is exactly what you need, and in Savannah's case, it turned into the perfect sister adventure.
Our Savannah getaway reminded us that the best travel memories aren't always about checking off a list of attractions. They're about those spontaneous moments of discovery, the laughter shared over unexpected finds in a boutique shop, and the quiet conversations while strolling through moonlit squares. Savannah has a way of slowing you down and making you appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
Whether you're planning your first visit to this enchanting Georgia city or you're a seasoned Savannah traveler looking for new experiences, remember that every corner of this historic city has something special to offer. From the grand mansions of the Historic District to the quirky shops along River Street, Savannah invites you to create your own adventure at your own pace.
Here's to discovering new cities thoughtfully, embracing the unexpected detours, and making memories that last long after you've returned home!
