Savannah, Georgia: I'm in a Peach State of Mind & Savoring Sweet Memories

Savannah, Georgia had me completely smitten! Between its undeniable Southern charm & hospitality, history, good eats, and memorable experiences, this sweet Georgia getaway gave me plenty to reminisce about. So, let's take a little trip down memory lane to relive some of my favorite Savannah moments with you! 🍑

Several years ago, I was trying to figure out the perfect Mother's Day/birthday combo gift for my mom, when a $333 trip to Savannah, Georgia, popped up via my Expedia filtered searches.

Now, if you know anything about me, then you KNOW that I'm a sucker for numbers & signs...and $333 per person?! Oh, the universe couldn't have made it any more crystal-ball-clear haha!!

The timing of the trip fell right around Mother's Day and Mom's birthday, so I hit up my little bro, we split the cost evenly, and just like that, our gift to Mom became a family getaway to Savannah, GA! And what a sweet little getaway it turned out to be!

It was the kind of place that practically invited you to wander, explore, and see what was waiting around the next corner. And we definitely wandered! Savannah felt timeless and full of life, with so much history interwoven, seamlessly, into the rhythm of the city.

From the moment we arrived, Savannah charmed me. The Spanish moss-draped trees, picturesque squares, cobblestone streets, and beautiful historic architecture, made the city feel romantic, timeless, and enriched with stories. Its natural scenery creating that unmistakable Southern backdrop Savannah is known for, making even an ordinary stroll feel like an experience within itself. There was something about the atmosphere that encouraged you to slow down your pace, take it all in and truly appreciate your surroundings.

MY HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Savannah Airport. The hotel was also only about a 5-minute drive from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, which made arriving and getting settled in, incredibly easy and super convenient!

Now, for $333 per person, covering airfare, hotel, ANDDDD car rental (???), I obviously managed my bougie expectations and was not expecting the Ritz-Carlton haha! BUT, just so ya know...Ya girl is STILL going to make sure to filter those hotel results to 4-stars or more when booking. The hotel itself made a great first impression, and our room felt more like a spacious loft-style suite than a standard hotel room. Again, score! Haha!!

There was plenty of space for all 3 of us to spread out comfortably without feeling like we were living on top of one another. And, after long days of exploring, it was nice to come back to a room where we could actually relax, get dressed, unpack and enjoy the space without everything feeling cramped. So, I must say I was pleasantly surprised, and it made the stay feel even furthermore like a win!

The hotel also had an on-site restaurant, Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern, which was extremely convenient whenever we wanted a meal or drink without having to venture back out. Between the spacious room, central location and easy dining access, the Hyatt Place made for a very comfortable stay for our Savannah getaway.

EXPLORING SAVANNAH

Strolling Through Savannah's History, Heritage, & Heart

This charming Southern city offers so much more than just the scenery of a picture-perfect-postcard. From peaceful parks and fascinating history to soulful entertainment, waterfront views, and even a relaxing beach escape to Tybee Island, each experience revealed a different side of Savannah's personality.

Some of my favorite memories of Savannah weren't tied to a specific landmark at all. They were found somewhere between the destinations, and simply taking in the city's unmistakable elegance.

Whether we were wandering through one of the city's historic squares, admiring centuries-old homes or simply making our way from one destination to the next, the scenery never stopped impressing me.

It reminded me that not every memorable travel experience has to be tied to a ticketed attraction or carefully planned itinerary. Sometimes the most enjoyable moments come from simply wandering a stunning city, letting curiosity be your guide as you take in its character and savor the sights, sounds, and unexpected moments, that you could not have planned. There was no pressure to rush from one attraction to the next or stick to my typical itinerary. Actually, not gonna lie...there were times i rushed them HAHA!! BUT, it was those unhurried moments that allowed us to experience the personality of the city in a way that no brochure or guidebook ever could! Looking back, they're every bit as meaningful to me as the attractions themselves. It was that timeless charm that made Savannah feel unlike anywhere else I'd visited. So, in this post I illustrate several moments that made our getaway so special.

Forsyth Park & Historic Squares

Naturally, we couldn't leave Savannah without paying a visit to one of its most photographed landmarks: Forsyth Park. If Savannah has a picture-perfect-postcard masterpiece, Forsyth Park is it! With its famous fountain, towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and beautifully landscaped grounds, Forsyth Park perfectly captures the timeless charm that makes Savannah so unforgettable.

First African Baptist Church

One of the most meaningful experiences of our trip was a guided tour visit to the First African Baptist Church, an extraordinarily important piece of Savannah’s Black history.

The church itself was beautiful, but this tour visit offered far more than beautiful architecture. Touring the sanctuary gave us an opportunity to learn about the church’s history, the people connected to it, and the role it reportedly played in the Underground Railroad.

Inside, we saw the sanctuary, historic pews, and the small holes cut into the wooden floorboards. During the tour, we were told that the holes provided ventilation for enslaved people who once hid beneath the church.

 The holes in the sanctuary floorboards were one of the most powerful details shared during our tour. Standing there and seeing those details in person gave the experience a weight that photographs and history books simply cannot evoke. It was humbling, educational, and one of the moments from Savannah that stayed with me long after the trip ended.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Another major highlight was our Gospel Dinner Cruise with Savannah Riverboat Cruises.

The cruise combines music, dinner, entertainment, and views of the river into one lively evening experience. The gospel performances brought so much warmth and energy to the dining area, while the river offered a peaceful backdrop as we sailed down the Savannah River.

And because this getaway was partly a birthday celebration for my Mom, the reservation card even included a handwritten “Happy Birthday Chantal!” How sweet is that?!

And, much to my surprise, this Southern all-you-can-eat buffet was every bit as enjoyable as the entertainment. The fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes, were all flavorful, and denoted a meal that felt authentically Southern. Having been on several dinner cruises before where the food tasted MEH...mediocre at best, this one by far exceeded my expectations and made the evening even more memorable.

We cruised aboard the Georgia Queen, enjoying the dinner, gospel music, and views. The combination of music, food, and time together, made it feel like such a wonderful family experience for Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day. The gospel performances brought so much warmth and energy to the evening, while the views from the water allowed us to see Savannah from an entirely different perspective.

Even more meaningful was seeing people of different races, backgrounds, ages and beliefs come together to enjoy an evening of gospel music, worship & praise, fellowship, and celebration. It was a beautiful reminder of how people can come together to create a genuine sense of connection. It felt soulful, joyful, and perfectly fitting for Savannah. The food, worship, and entertainment, are absolutely worth it! Trust me on this one: Book the cruise!

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

One of the most breathtaking stops during our trip was the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Even years later, I still remember walking inside and immediately looking up in complete awe. The soaring ceilings, intricate architecture, and stunning stained-glass windows made it one of those places where you naturally fall quiet and simply take it all in. Whether you're religious or simply appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, it's absolutely worth visiting.

Bonaventure Cemetery

No trip to Savannah would've been complete without a visit to the famous Bonaventure Cemetery. I'd been wanting to see it ever since learning it was featured in the opening scenes of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Between its centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, elaborate monuments, and hauntingly beautiful scenery, it felt like an outdoor museum, as well as a cemetery. We spent some time slowly driving through the grounds, taking in the peaceful surroundings and admiring the incredible history.

And, that's when things got...Interesting...

As we were leaving, the car radio suddenly turned on by itself. Then, out of nowhere, Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London," started playing. My mom, my little brother, and I, all looked at each other in wide-eyed shock before collectively deciding, "Let's GIT outta here!" To this day, we still laugh about it and joke that Savannah's spirits were simply saying hello in their own unforgettable way.

PEACHES, PRALINES, & PLENTY OF GOOD EATIN'

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront & Rocks on The River

Naturally, food played a starring role in our Savannah experience. From unforgettable truffle fries overlooking the Savannah River to buttery pralines on River Street and comforting Southern classics aboard our gospel dinner cruise, every meal seemed to complement the city's warm hospitality.

And so, speaking of memorable bites, our stop at The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront deserves an honorable mention. I'll explain more in a bit. If you've learned anything about me by now, you know that I can't resist beautiful design, especially that of a hotel...Yes, even if I'm not staying there! Haha!! Between its eclectic Southern vibe, gorgeous riverfront setting, and beautifully curated interiors, I completely understood why it is so popular.

So, for more context in terms of the highlighted culinary memory that has stayed with me all these years: Somewhere between admiring The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront and realizing we were starving, we wandered into Rocks on the River (on the rooftop of the hotel), and accidentally discovered what are still, to this day (in my humble opinion), the best truffle fries I've ever eaten, all while taking in the riverfront views. I'm not exaggerating when I say I'd still fight someone over the last fry 😂. To this day, I still haven't found another order that quite measures up (I'm serious...just ask my friends as I've subjected them to many of my truffle fry critiques anytime I see it on a menu & decide to order it haha), which says a lot considering how much I love food! 😂

River Street

Of course, no visit to Savannah would have felt complete without sampling its famous pralines. We stopped by the iconic River Street Sweets, where the smell alone was enough to lure us inside. Rich, buttery, and packed with Georgia pecans, these classic Southern treats were every bit as delicious as their reputation suggests and made for the perfect sweet indulgence while strolling along River Street. 

Savannah has a way of making its food feel like an extension of the destination itself. Whether it was a memorable waterfront meal, classic Southern comfort food or a local confection enjoyed between sightseeing stops, every bite added another layer to an already unforgettable trip.

Cobblestones to Coastlines: Tybee Beach & The Crab Shack

After soaking in Savannah's history and Southern charm, we ventured outside the city for a change of scenery. Our quick little escape to Tybee Island & Tybee Beach (approximately 17 miles (25-30 minute drive) outside of Savannah, gave us the chance to experience a completely different side of the area.

The ocean air, fresh seafood and slower beach-town pace provided a quirky, eclectic-contrast to Savannah's historic streets and busy riverfront. It was the perfect opportunity to unwind, take in the shore views, and enjoy an even more laid-back side of the Peach State.

Of course, no visit to Tybee Island would have been complete without a stop at The Crab Shack. Between the casual coastal atmosphere, fresh seafood, and waterfront scene, it felt like a true Tybee Island experience.

The modest restaurant was every bit as memorable as the food itself. Was The Crab Shack fancy schmancy? No. Did the food completely blow me out of the water? Also no...haha!! But that's okay (!!!) because not every restaurant has to be a culinary masterpiece. Sometimes it's more about checking out a place that's become part of the local experience. Between the quirky "shack" setting and cracking into some seafood with my family, I'm glad we went.

Leopold's Ice Cream

Naturally, I had to make my way to the legendary Leopold's Ice Cream. As a foodie, I couldn't pass up one of the city's most iconic sweet spots. After a day of sightseeing, it was the perfect way to cool off while experiencing a Savannah tradition that's been serving homemade ice cream since 1919.

Between the old-fashioned charm, enjoying a sweet treat, and one last opportunity to soak up the city's nostalgic atmosphere, it was easy to see why Leopold's Ice Cream has remained a Savannah favorite for generations. It also ended up being the perfect way to end our of excursions on a sweet note. Besides...vacation calories don't count! 😂

Sam Snead's Oak Grill & Tavern

While we made it a point to experience many of Savannah's celebrated restaurants throughout the trip, we also found ourselves returning to Sam Snead's Oak Grill, conveniently located right on our hotel's property. Sometimes, after a full day of exploring, the last thing you want to do is hop back in the car in search of dinner. It was nice having a reliable dining option just steps from our room, and before long, we found ourselves back there more than once. Between the tasty cocktails, hearty American fare, and the pure convenience, it became one of our favorite places to unwind before calling it a night.

A SWEET TASTE OF THE PEACH STATE

Savannah's Southern charismatic charm and it being nicknamed the Peach State later inspired one of my signature cocktail recipes: The HAWT & Sweet Georgia Peach.

And yes, the "W" in "HAWT" is intentional. It's my little playful nod to that quintessential, warm, Southern-twang accent. The cocktail beautifully & cleverly blends the flavors of sweet peach, bold bourbon, and a little unexpected heat from Tajín...I mean cause Georgis is hawt after-all and I'm still an island gyal at heart hehe. It's sweet, spirited, slightly spicy, and full of Southern personality & flavor.

In many ways, the drink reminds me of Savannah itself. The city is beautiful and refined on the surface, yet full of rich history, vibrant character and just the right amount of unexpected flavor. So creating this delicious peach-inspired cocktail became my own little way of bottling up the sweetness of that Georgia getaway and bringing a taste of the Peach State home with me to the Big Apple. Oh, ANDDD, I pair it with another Southern summer dining classic...Peaches & Cream! Now, all this talk about peaches, cream, and apples has got me hungry 😂.

FINAL THOUGHTS...

Savannah completely charmed me. What began as the best travel deal became a meaningful family getaway filled with beautiful scenery, cultural experiences, soulful entertainment, Southern flavors, and special memories with my mom and little brother.

The city gave us so much to enjoy. We wandered, learned, ate, explored, and allowed ourselves to experience Savannah at our own pace.

Between the historic squares, old-world architecture, Spanish moss, River Street energy, soulful music, pralines, Tybee Beach, seafood, and Peach State inspiration, Savannah was every bit as special as I hoped it would be. It was sweet, soulful, timeless and just a little HAWT. And honestly, what more could I ask for?

Well, there you have it guys! My hawt Savannah, GA tea! I hope this post helped or inspired you to look into going and booking your trip!

And, keep an eye out for the latest blog posts & IG series, which will feature some delicious recipes that I learned during my stay!

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