Georgia has more than just peaches up its sleeve. Take a jaunt to Savannah and you'll see that the Peach State is brimming with Southern charm. Travel to the Southeastern coast for beautiful parks, breathtaking architecture and plenty of food, music and fun. It doesn't matter what you see or do in this historical city, you're never far from a Savannah favorite.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast destinations prevail among many other accommodations in Savannah. It is not unusual to find these types of lodgings at the top of many best-places-to-stay lists. While it may be easy to find one in the historic garden district of the city (throw a stone and you'll hit one or two), Azalea Inn & Villas in Forsyth Park captures Savannah's greatest attribute—its Southern hospitality.
As Georgia's first city, Savannah's second greatest attribute lies in the historical architectural elements the early colonies were known for. Standing on the front steps of the buildings that comprise Azalea's Inn & Villas, guests will immediately notice much of the original architecture remains unchanged. Choose from either guest rooms at the inn or a villa. The guest rooms offer the amenities of a traditional bed and breakfast, while the villas are meant to be vacation rentals. Be sure to check out the onsite restaurant with “reinvented Southern cuisine,” according to innkeeper, Teresa Jacobson. AzaleaInn.com
If all-inclusive is more your cup of sweet tea, the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa is located on the waterfront of the coastal city and has everything you've come to expect from such a resort—deluxe suites, a fitness studio, secluded beach access and a spa. Savannah's landscape outside of the city streets is a natural-known habitat for golfers. The Westin Savannah has a topnotch link in the long chain of courses teed up throughout the city. The club at Savannah Harbor is a 7,288-yard, par-72, 18-hole course. Fore! Marriott.com
Make Like a Tourist
There's more to explore in Savannah than just the historic district. Even land lovers will get a kick out of a Savannah River cruise. Reminiscent of the good old days, the paddle-wheel riverboats of the River Street Riverboat Company offer a variety of cruises made for sightseeing and dinning. From the 600-passenger Georgia Queen to the 1,000-passenger New Georgia Queen, these traditional red, white and blue boats can be reserved by small and large groups—or just a simple booking for two. Enjoy cruises specifically for sightseeing, dinner entertainment, special luncheon trips, Sunday brunches, Monday night gospel entertainment, beautiful sunsets or moonlight entertainment. Dining locations onboard include indoor and al fresco options. SavannahRiverboat.com
While you're in Georgia, hop over to Tybee Island just 20 minutes away from Savannah. Whether you're in the mood to explore land or sea, it's the ultimate destination for a day trip. Enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores or spend the day strolling the historic squares, sampling confections from local bakeries and sweet shops. Don't forget your swim gear—you can also explore the breathtaking coastal waterways via paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis. VisitTybee.com
Savor a Taste of the South
Secret recipes, famous soda shop jerks and a whole lotta ice cream put Leopold's Ice Cream on Savannah's map nearly one century ago. Three Grecian brothers—the Leopolds—traveled to America in 1919 to learn the art of candy and dessert making from an uncle already in the United States. What happened next was pure confection magic. Leopold's Ice Cream opened shop in downtown Savannah and serves its famous ice cream to sweet-toothed locals and visitors alike. Of course you'll find traditional favorites such as chocolate, pistachio and sorbets behind the counter, but Leopold's is also known for creating the original Tutti Frutti flavor. But sweets aren't the only delights on the menu; the eatery also serves up a selection of sandwiches, salads and soups. LeopoldsIceCream.com
While Cotton & Rye is considered fine dining, the restaurant was designed to be welcoming and unpretentious. Serving dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the eatery's fare includes American favorites such as fried chicken, hamburgers, mac and cheese and grits to name a few. But with ingredients indigenous to Savannah, the moderately priced starters, greens, main courses and desserts boast the classical flavors of the South. Pair all this with live music playing in the background and you've got another Savannah favorite. Reservations are recommended. CottonAndRye.com