A Spring WKND in Savannah
For my 35th birthday, I decided to take a semi-solo trip [because have you seen Taken 1, 2, and 3?] as a gift to myself.
I arranged to spend an entire 24 hours alone and have my best friend meet me the following day. My trip was flawless - no joke. I flew out of my local airport into Savannah and immediately fell in love with the Southern charm of the city.
As a girl from the South [cue Big Latto], who makes a mean cold glass of iced team [with lemon] and recently mastered her grandmother’s peach cobbler recipe, I recognize Southern hospitality with ease and Savannah was full of it.
Walking out of the airport felt like a whimsical scene from [insert your favorite Southern-inspired movie or memory here] The Notebook -- no lie. I mean I am a hopeless romantic but the airport had me at “hello”, I mean “Welcome to Savannah.”
After I waited a bit for my uber, I arrived at the newly constructed hotel -- Aloft Savannah. Things were just starting to relax a bit within the “new normal” of the pandemic, so check-in was a breeze and I was off to see the sights of the city.
A Girl’s Gotta Eat
Feeling famished, I knew a local eatery was the first stop [drinks required], so I opted for Moon River Brewing Company. A quick google search with a couple of recommendations from the highly hospitable hotel staff made my decision quick and easy.
The service was good, the food fit the bill, and I enjoyed my local beer-- “Yoga Pants - Southern-Style Pale Ale.
At the time, I’d been walking at least one mile a day, so a stroll down the historic squares, which did the body good.
I came across the cutest library filled with chocolate and definitely indulged.
Back at the Aloft
After making it back to my hotel, I freshened up for the night and enjoyed a nightcap at the bar downstairs. The bartender was a native to the area and put me on game [gave me “the real” about the Black culture in Savannah] and provided just enough banter and booze to set me up for a full day of shenanigans when the bestie arrived the next day.
A Full Day with the Bestie
This day was filled to the max and full of fun, so let me hit the high notes:
Brunch was AH-MAZING [cues Drake’s “Best I Ever Had”] at Collins Quarter. Order the French Toast friend -- you will NOT regret it.
Bar hopped like two college girls gone wild and even hopped on stage with a local DJ to let the whole spot know, “It’s my birthday!”
Briefly walked River Street and stopped by the cutest candy shop with workers making candy in real-time [talk about igniting the little girl inside of me, who always wanted to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory].
Took the quick drive to Tybee Island for photos and some quiet time at the ocean, which always makes me feel closer to God.
We ate dinner at The Grey, a dark, quaint Greyhound bus station turned restaurant conveniently located on MLK Boulevard. The food was shareable, and the scene was giving 50s-60s sit-in vibes [IYKYK]. Overall, I enjoyed this spot and would love to learn more about the history.
After dinner, we went to the highly recommend “Better Than Sex” dessert restaurant. It did not disappoint, okay! The desserts enhanced my senses and fully enjoyed the experience. [Five stars, would highly recommend].
My first visit to Savannah was excellent. Savannah is a true Southern city for sure. The food is delightful; everything I ate was worth writing home about.
A future visit to Savannah is a must, and I plan to bring my family, and maybe even my niece’s golden doodle can come along for the ride, as Aloft hotels are pet-friendly. My must-do list for my next Savannah must include this:
Spend a day at Hilton Head Beach [I know it’s in South Carolina]
Eat dinner at the Pink House
Visit the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters
I’m on a quest to visit more Southern cities as Savannah was perfect; where would you recommend I go next?