Check out my Savannah travel guide to learn more about vacationing in this wonderful city!  

Plan an Amazing Family Vacation with These Best Things to Do in Savannah 

Take a Walk through Forsyth Park 

Forsyth Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Savannah. There are thirty acres of space filled with trees, flowers, and a gorgeous fountain. I have found the best time to visit this park is in the early morning hours. There aren’t as many people. It’s quiet. And I can easily drink my cup of coffee while soaking in the silence.  

Now, of course, my kids are all grown up. So, they are usually walking in silence next to me drinking their own coffee. Or latte. Or whatever concoction they have recently discovered.  

Depending on the age of your kids, you may experience the same thing. Or you may find that your younger kids are more than ready to run off some energy. Thankfully, this is the perfect place to let that happen!  

There is a farmer’s market here on Saturdays. And open-air concerts are held in Forsyth Park throughout the year. We can always check the schedule of planned events when I am personalizing your itinerary if you are interested in attending one.  

Take an Old Savannah Trolley Tour 

The Old Savannah Trolley is a hop on hop off trolley that takes you to the most popular sights in the city. This is an excellent option if you want to find where everything is located. Or if you want to see many attractions in a short amount of time.  

A few of the places you will see at the fifteen different stops include the Sorrel Weed House, Juliette Gordon Low Home, Pirates House, and the Mansion of Forsyth Park. You will also see many of the squares in the city.  

Go Shopping at the City Market 

The City Market is a wonderful open-air market in Savannah. Shopping here is one of the best things to do in Savannah. The four blocks of the market are full of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You will even find a bar or two where you can grab a wine slushie or a beer to go.  

Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist 

This cathedral was originally constructed back in 1876. However, a massive fire destroyed that building in 1898. It only took two years to completely rebuild the cathedral and it has been carefully preserved ever since.  

This is one of the top historic sites to visit in Savannah and the United States. I recommend taking a self-guided tour. This will allow you to fully admire the stained glass, as well as the towering spires.  

Wander Along River Street 

River Street is a beautiful cobblestone street that follows the waterfront. The warehouses on this street have been transformed into different shops and restaurants. The riverwalk is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Savannah.  

I highly recommend going into the candy stores. These candy shops are known for their chocolate pralines. Don’t worry, they sell all types of candy. So, be careful if you let your kids go in there with you. It might add new meaning to kids in a candy shop!  

If you are looking to see this area from a different perspective, take a dinner cruise on the river. Dinner cruises, or sunset cruises, on the Georgia Queen are an excellent way to see the scenery and have a little downtime.  

Wander Around Bonaventure Cemetery 

Savannah is one of the historic cities that is full of ghosts. And you may feel their presence the most at Bonaventure Cemetery. There are more than one hundred acres to explore. So, you will be there for a while.  

They do offer tours one Sunday a month. We can try to arrange one, depending on your family vacation schedule.  

If you don’t want to take the time to go all the way to Bonaventure Cemetery, check out Colonial Park Cemetery. It is within walking distance of many of the squares in Savannah. This cemetery opened in 1750. Many of the people who died during the yellow-fever epidemic are buried here.  

There are many other haunted attractions in Savannah that you can check out during your visit!  

Explore Old Fort Jackson 

Does your family love history? What about cannons? Well, you can experience both when you choose to visit Old Fort Jackson in Savannah. This fort was constructed back in 1808 and additions were made in 1812.  

The fort has been carefully preserved, so it looks practically the same as it did back then. I recommend taking a self-guided tour to learn about the history of this fort. Just make sure you stay long enough to hear a cannon or two going off.  

Visit the Juliette Gordon Low Home 

If you have a Girl Scout in your family, you will want to take a tour of the Juliette Gordon Low Home. This museum is located in the house where Juliette was born. She also started the Girl Scouts from this house.  

You can take a guided tour of this house. However, it is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. So, let me know if you are interested in visiting and I will arrange for the tickets as I am planning your itinerary.  

Take a Ghost Tour 

There are ghost tours in Savannah during the day and at night. So, you can choose the one that will fit your family’s needs the most. I can help you find a ghost tour and make all the arrangements for you. This will ensure you don’t miss out on this best thing to do in Savannah during your family vacation.  

Want to really incorporate ghosts into your Savannah family vacation? Check out these historic inns in Savannah!  

Visit the Mercer-Williams House 

Have you ever read “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt? If you have, you already know some of the history of the Mercer-Williams House in Savannah.  

If you haven’t, this mansion was originally home to Johnny Mercer. Then Jim Williams purchased it. Williams was the only person in the state to be tried four times for the same murder, which occurred in this house.  

You can take a tour of the inside of this house. However, you will not be allowed access to the area where the alleged murder took place.  

Eat Ice Cream at Leopold’s  

Everyone needs to make sure they grab an ice cream cone from Leopold’s when they are visiting Savannah! This ice cream shop opened in 1919. The lines have been down the street ever since.  

This is one of those places you should arrive at early in the morning. They normally open around eleven in the morning and the line starts to form a half hour before that.  

While I normally don’t approve of only ice cream for lunch, I have been known to make an exception when in Savannah. Trust me when I say the kids will be happy and will eat every bite!  

Dine at the Olde Pink House Restaurant 

If you don’t have time for a ghost tour, let me recommend dining at the Olde Pink House Restaurant. This beautiful house has been transformed into a restaurant that has ghostly encounters.  

This restaurant serves authentic Southern cuisine. So, your taste buds will be dancing from the very first bite. Just don’t be surprised if you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It’s probably just a ghost or two trying to steal a bite of your yummy food!  

Eat Some Cookies 

When you are at the City Market, or down on River Street, you must stop at Byrd’s Cookies. This bakery opened in 1924. Their cookies are the absolute best!  

They have a large variety of flavors. Each cookie is the size of a quarter. You can sample almost every single flavor before making your purchase. Although, be warned that if you sample them all, you will go home with a bag of each. Or two bags of each, depending on the size of your family.  

Find Some Vinyl at Graveface Records and Curiosities 

Are you always looking for new-to-you vinyl? You may be able to find exactly what you’ve been searching for at Graveface Records and Curiosities. Inside, there are crates of records for you to peruse.  

If you are lucky, you may catch a show during your visit. You can always check the schedule before heading over.  

Relax at the Beach on Tybee Island 

Tybee Island is a gorgeous destination that is approximately twenty minutes from downtown Savannah. Spending time at this beach is one of the best things to do in Savannah.  

In between time in the sand and the water, you can browse the nearby shops and grab a bite to eat.  

These are some of the best things to do in Savannah during a family vacation. I can easily find others for your family, once I know what you are all interested in. Then I can personalize your family vacation itinerary, so you are only doing what you all want to while making those memories that matter.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Savannah or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter to continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

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Check Out the Historic Inns of Savannah 

The Marshall House 

The Marshall House is a beautiful historic inn right in the heart of downtown Savannah. Its centralized location makes it the best choice when you know you will be doing a lot of walking around the city. Plus, it is right down the street from Leopold’s Ice Cream.  

This historic inn was constructed in 1851. The Marshall House was used as a Union hospital during the Civil War. The rooms still have their original doors, floors, and many other architectural quirks. The clawfoot tub turned into a shower adds charm to the bathroom.  

You can learn more about the history of this inn by walking through the hallways. That is where historic photographs and other documents are on display. Oh, and before I forget to mention this, The Marshall House is haunted. So, it matches perfectly with Savannah’s ghostly atmosphere.  

Kehoe House 

Kehoe House is a beautiful inn located near Columbia Square and the Davenport House Museum. This inn was constructed in 1892. There are only thirteen guest rooms at this inn. So, you will definitely feel pampered during your stay. You can easily spend at least part of your day out on your balcony or on the covered side veranda. There is a private garden courtyard that is wonderful for relaxing too.  

East Bay Inn 

Many of the historic inns of Savannah were built in the mid to late 1800s. This includes the East Bay Inn, which was constructed in 1852. You will find this inn directly across from River Street. This makes it the best option for your family vacation if you know you will be spending a lot of time down by the river.  

Eliza Thompson House 

The Eliza Thompson House is an adults-only historic inn in Savannah. Therefore, you will only be able to stay here when you are on a family vacation with your adult children. This is the oldest of all the historic inns.  

The Eliza Thompson House was the very first home built on Jones Street, which is only minutes from Forsyth Park. Eliza and Joseph Thompson raised their seven children in the home before it was turned into an inn.  

The River Street Inn 

The beautiful River Street Inn was once an old cotton warehouse. This historic inn overlooks the Savannah River. All the guest rooms offer original pine wood floors, authentic fireplaces, and exposed brick walls. Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, which are perfect for capturing the views of the river and surrounding area.  

When you walk into the atrium, you will instantly see the grand staircase. Stand there for a moment and wonder what this space would have been like more than two hundred years ago when the building was used as a cotton warehouse.  

The Gastonian 

This historic inn of Savannah is actually two restored residential homes located on Gaston Street. The inn is located near Forsyth Park. There are only seventeen guest rooms here. They all have stunning chandeliers, working fireplaces, and private balconies.  

You can easily walk to any of the squares in the city, as well as River Street and all the restaurants and coffee shops from The Gastonian.  

Olde Harbour Inn 

The Olde Harbour Inn is in a wonderful location, close to the Savannah City Market and the Moon River Brewing Company. This inn is slightly more rustic than many of the others. That doesn’t mean you won’t fall in love with the tall ceilings and architectural details, though.  

The guest rooms at this inn are quite spacious and are considered more apartments than standard rooms. This extra space will allow your family to spread out more during your stay.  

Hamilton-Turner Inn 

The Hamilton-Turner Inn is near Lafayette Square in downtown Savannah. This building was constructed as a home for Samuel Pugh Hamilton in 1873. It wasn’t turned into an inn until 1997.  

This luxurious inn will have you thinking you should have visited this city much sooner. After all, you won’t be able to resist the four-poster beds and high-end finishes. Oh, and don’t forget the southern charm!  

These are my favorite historic inns of Savannah, but there are others you can choose to stay at during your family vacation. Simply tell me which historic inn will fulfill your families needs the most, and I will book your stay while planning the rest of your vacation in Savannah. Yes, it is as easy as that to mix luxurious accommodations with time at the beach and a few ghosts along the way.  

So, are you ready to book a family vacation and stay in one of the historic inns of Savannah?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book your next family vacation? Sign up for my newsletter and always receive all the valuable travel information I share.  

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As you walk around certain cities in the southeast, you may see shadows and feel cool breezes. You may also feel as if you are being followed.

Check Out These Haunted Southeastern Towns if You are Interested in Ghosts

Nashville, Tennessee

Normally, you would think that the streets of Nashville would only be filled with country music stars and the music they play. And that is true… But there are also ghosts on those city streets and within many of the houses deemed haunted in the area.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is another city in Tennessee that is filled with ghosts and haunted tales around town. Beale Street is one of the best places to have ghostly encounters. But ghosts will be around you wherever you are in this southern city.

Beaufort, North Carolina

Blackbeard once lived in Beaufort, North Carolina, so you know you will at least have a run-in with his ghost during your visit. Add in all the other pirates and the ghost ship sightings and you may be afraid to walk around at night. I recommend learning about all the different legends and mysterious events during your vacation in Beaufort, NC. It will have you yearning for more during your family vacation to this haunted town.

Charleston, South Carolina

The history of Charleston, SC is quite tumultuous. Every story you hear will be filled with bloody wars, raging pirates, and numerous disasters. There will be no doubt in your mind that ghosts are real by the time you have heard all the stories passed down through the generations in this area of the southeast.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is probably the city with the most ghosts in the southeast. In fact, it has been given the nickname of America’s most haunted city. Many people will vacation in Savannah specifically for the purpose of seeing one of the infamous ghosts.

All these towns in the United States’ southeast are haunted. While you could try to find the ghosts on your own, there are plenty of tours available. Each tour offers a unique look at the ghosts, the hauntings, and even the legends from years past. The tour you take in Nashville will look quite different than the ghost tour you take in Savannah. But in the end, you will have a sixth sense when it comes to ghostly happenings in whichever city you are in.

Are you ready to conquer a few fears and meet some ghosts in one of these haunted towns? Or are you ready to simply enjoy the paranormal that you have known to exist all along?

No matter how you feel about ghosts, you won’t disagree that the south is the best place to be closest to them.

A road trip to any of these southeastern US destinations can have you taking numerous ghost tours. I always say curiosity sparks imagination and that will definitely happen during this unique type of family vacation!

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation and explore these southeastern ghost towns?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you aren’t ready to plan your next family vacation, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you see all the travel information I share in the future.

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Check Out These 7 Stranger Things Filming Locations for National Georgia Day

Hawkins Cemetery in Stone Mountain, Georgia

Stone Mountain in Georgia is a gorgeous destination. It is also where you will find Hawkins Cemetery from Stranger Things. Hawkins Cemetery is actually Stone Mountain Cemetery. This cemetery was founded back in the 1850s. A visit there will have you visiting graves from the Civil War.

Of course, your family can also relive the scenes where Max talks about her relationship with her abusive brother and reckons with Vecna.

Stone Mountain Park in DeKalb County, Georgia

Stone Mountain Park is one of the most popular attractions in this part of Georgia. A visit there can include hours of entertainment for your family. A few activities include ropes courses, train rides, cable car rides, and fireworks.

If you are more focused on Stranger Things though, you will want to spend your day near the railroad tracks. That is where many of the outdoor scenes were shot for the first and second seasons.

Downtown Hawkins in Jackson, Georgia

The downtown Jackson area in Georgia is approximately 50 miles to the south of Atlanta. Jackson served as the backdrop for the town of Hawkins in Stranger Things. During a stop in Jackson, your family should visit Melvald’s General Store at 4 Second Street. Stops at the Probate Court Building, which was used as the Hawkins Library, and the Butts County Courthouse is a must too.

I also recommend visiting Lucy Lu’s Coffee Café. This little café opened in 2017, which was about a year after Stranger Things was released. Their menu includes Sheriff Hopper, which is a hazelnut and vanilla coffee. There is also the Demogorgon, which is a frappe with red food coloring.

Bradley’s Big Buy Grocery Store in Palmetto, Georgia

Bradley’s Big Guy Grocery Store is now a Piggly Wiggly, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this Stranger Things filming location. Quick tours are often possible at this grocery store. The main point of the tour is always the path Eleven took when she was stealing waffles.

You should still be able to figure out the locations in the store where scenes took place, even if a tour is not available on the day of your visit.

Hawkins Laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia

A trip to one of the bigger cities in Georgia is a must if your family wants to check out Hawkins Laboratory. A slightly rundown building on Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus was used only to show off the exterior of the laboratory. All inside scenes were shot somewhere different.

A visit to this campus will also allow you to see the building that was once the Georgia Mental Health Institute. That building is also shown in Stranger Things. Your family cannot go inside these buildings. But you can take quite a few pictures of the outside and the rest of the campus.

Starcourt Mall in Duluth, Georgia

Starcourt Mall from Stranger Things is actually Gwinnett Place Mall. This mall was closed prior to filming beginning due to a lack of stores and shoppers. The mall has never reopened but has continued to be used to film this show.

This is another building you are not allowed to enter. So, you will need to use your imagination to remember how it looked during the show. Oh, and Gwinnett County recently acquired the mall. They want to turn it into housing and offices. So, you may want to plan a visit sooner than later.

Hawkins Community Pool in Atlanta, Georgia

In Atlanta, the South Bend Pool was turned into the Hawkins Community Pool for Stranger Things. Your family can go for a swim at this pool during your vacation in Georgia. How amazing would it be to say you got to swim at an actual Stranger Things filming location? Talk about memory in the making!

These are the seven Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia. You can easily visit them all when you plan a vacation to celebrate National Georgia Day.

So, are you ready to plan to see some of these Stranger Things filming locations during a vacation in Georgia for National Georgia Day?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be directed to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a vacation in Georgia to see these Stranger Things filming locations, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Romantic Activities to Consider When Planning a Vacation in Savannah, GA

Walking Through the Historic District

As you walk through the historic district of the city of Savannah, you will find yourself passing by charming homes. The twenty-four historic squares only add to the charm, and I recommend you walk through them all. You can walk through this area at any time of the day. The evening hours really bring out the romance though. You can enjoy the setting sun, as you sit on a bench in one of the squares and unwind at the end of a long day. If you happen to be down by City Market at the end of the day, I highly recommend grabbing a wine slushie from the Georgia Tasting Room. It will taste amazing, as you sit and reminisce about the day.

Enjoy a Picnic Lunch

Packing a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of Savannah’s scenic spots is one of the most romantic activities in this city. A couple favorite locations to spread out a blanket include Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park, and Skidaway Island State Park.

Enjoy the Sunrise at Tybee Island

If you don’t mind a little sand, you can change that picnic lunch into a picnic breakfast out on Tybee Island. Watching the sun come up over the water is a spectacular sight you won’t want to miss while on vacation in Savannah, GA. You can either walk onto the Tybee Pier and sit under the pavilion or grab a section of the sand when you arrive. Once the sun is up, I recommend holding hands as you take a long walk on the sandy shoreline. Then write your names in the sand and take a selfie before you venture out on the next adventure of your day.

Take a Walk in Nature

After you arrive in Savannah, you will quickly realize that you will do a lot of walking during this vacation. One of my favorite walks is in any of the nature areas in this city. Wandering through the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will add romance to any day. And yet, so will visiting the wildlife over at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center.

Romantic Dinners

There are so many places to enjoy a romantic dinner while on vacation in Savannah, GA. 700 Drayton Restaurant can be found inside a 19th century mansion. This restaurant overlooks Forsyth Park, so you will have amazing views as you dine. Other romantic restaurants in Savannah include the Olde Pink House, Elizabeth on 37th, and Circa 1875.

Rooftop Cocktails in the Evening

After a nice romantic dinner, you can head over to the nearest rooftop restaurant to enjoy a few cocktails. Peregrin, a rooftop bar at the top of the Perry Lane Hotel, is perfect if you want views of Savannah’s historic district. However, if you are in search of views of the river, I recommend visiting Top Deck, which is above the Cotton Sail’s Hotel.

Enjoy a Couples’ Spa Treatment

Before you end your vacation in Savannah, GA, you must enjoy a couples’ spa treatment. There are multiple spas to choose from in this city, but the Magnolia Spa at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront stands out as one of the best.

These are a few of the romantic activities you must consider when you are planning a vacation in Savannah, GA. There are others and we can discuss those, as I am planning your next romantic vacation.

So, are you ready to plan a vacation in Savannah, GA and do a couple of these romantic activities?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a vacation in Savannah, GA just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter by clicking here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Top 5 Best Places to See in Savannah

Chippewa Square

There are twenty-two squares in Savannah. So, I understand if you simply cannot see them all. But you must take the time to see Chippewa Square. This square has always been popular. But it gained fame after being included in the movie, Forrest Gump. This square was designed in 1815. It is home to the historic Savannah Theatre, which is one of the oldest theaters in the country.

Tybee Island Lighthouse

The Tybee Island Lighthouse dates back to 1736. The tower of the lighthouse is 145 feet tall. There are three Light Keeper’s Cottages near the lighthouse, as well as a Summer Kitchen that was constructed back in 1812. You will find many archeological items within the Summer Kitchen. In addition to seeing the buildings mentioned above, you will also want to see the Tybee Museum in Battery Garland.

Fort Pulaski

Fort Pulaski is a mason fortification that is located on Cockspur Island. While this fort was used during the Civil War, it was also used as a prisoner of war camp. You can take one of the guided tours during your visit or you can simply start wandering around on your own. There are eleven different stops in all, but the ones you should pay the most attention to include the Visitor Center, Cemetery, John Wesley Monument, Contraband Camp, North Pier, and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse.

Bonaventure Cemetery

The Bonaventure Cemetery is located on the Bonaventure Plantation. While this was originally a private cemetery in 1846, it became public in 1907. There are many notable people buried in this cemetery, but many tourists also visit for the architecture and sculptures, as well as the old trees that line the roads. This cemetery was also featured in the book, and eventually movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Christ Church

Christ Church was established back in 1733 and it is often referred to as the Mother Church of Georgia. Worships are held in this church on Sundays, as well as Wednesdays. However, as with every other church, you are always welcomed to enter at any time.

These are the best places to see in Savannah and they must be on your itinerary during your visit. I can help you add these to your list of things to do, in addition to all the other items that pique your interest.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Savannah or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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