Savannah Family Vacation – know before you go!
This Southern coastal town is a great spot to explore with kids.
WHAT TO DO:
There are several trolley tour options:
Old Town Trolley Tours is the orange trolley. They are not A/C but the streets are shady and the windows lower. There is free parking at their lot in town. This has a tour guide on board so between hoping on and off at each of the 15 spots you will hear the history of Savannah.
Old Savannah Tours are the white trolleys. They also have an on and off style with history shared while riding.
The Dot is the free version. They have less stops and no history but you can still get around and hop on and off as you wish.
Riverboat Tours are a fun way to see the city on a piece of history. You can choose to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner, or a sunset cruise.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a beautiful free stop. Stroller friendly.
SavTours.com offers walking tours and private guides.
For a rainy day The Escape Company has several locally themed rooms. For $7 off each ticket use code ESCAPE7
Saturday 9-1 there is a year round Farmers Market at the South end of Forsyth Park. Do NOT leave without a cold brew pecan coffee from Tuck Coffee Co or by any means a blondie cookie from Good Graham. It is gluten free and paleo but it STILL might be the best cookie to grace your face.
Owens-Thomas House is part of the Telfair collection so if you visit here you received free admission to the Telfair Academy (the oldest art museum in the South) and The Jepson Center showcasing modern art. This city house of a plantation owner is an interesting stop. Not stroller friendly but my kids ages 6-11 stayed interested in the whole 50 minute guided tour exploring life of slaves and the privileged 200 years ago.
You can list the home of Girl Scouts founder or visit the Mercer home made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. (If you haven’t read this, you are missing out)
Tybee Island is a fun stop. The Tybee Lighthouse and Museum are a must. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a huge news facility with hands on learning and great programing. You can rent bikes from Tim’s or beach chairs and more from Burkes Beach Rentals. Keep your eye out for sharks teeth!
WHERE TO STAY:
This cute VRBO is right in town and boasts family friendly amenities.
The Cotton Sail Hotel
Housed in a cotton warehouse from the 1800s, some of the 56 rooms at The Cotton Sail have balconies overlooking the river. This is a Hilton property. Free wifi. Fitness center. Crib rentals are offered.
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District
Guests rave that hotel staff made their children feel like VIPs at this 252-room hotel housed in a historic building. Cribs are offered. Parking is available for $45 per day. Wifi and gym are included.
Olde Harbour Inn
A stay at this historic inn with just 24 rooms includes a complimentary wine and cheese reception nightly for the grownups, free snow cones for the kids and nightly turndown service with ice cream treats.
Savannah Marriott Riverfront
This 387-room property, right on the river, recently underwent a full renovation.
Outdoor pool, breakfast available, connecting rooms available.
The Plant Riverside District was created out of the original 1912 power plant and is now a space for The JW Marriott with great rooms, dining, and entertainment. They have an INCREDIBLE art collection. The rooftop views are not to be missed.
WHERE TO EAT:
The Pirate House – is an activity married with actually good food. Perhaps the best gumbo in town! CALL for a reservation (open table doesn’t know this) and ask when the pirates will be there if you want to amplify the experience. Make sure you look for the oldest house in Georgia, the Herb House, which is part of the building. You can also see the tunnels used to transported kidnaped drunk bar goers who would wake up on a boat. You’re a pirate now!
The Olde Pink House – built in 1771 and serving food that stands the test of time. The flounder with apricot glaze is memorable.
Leopold’s Ice Cream. It’s a thing. You wait in a long line (it moves quick) for ice cream that makes you forget about the wait.
Husk is southern food done exceptionally well. Locally sourcing ingredients and rediscovering traditional fare is at the heart of all they do.
Gryphon Tea Room at SCAD is a marvelous spot to enjoy high tea service.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. At 11am doors open for lunch serve. Its home cooked southern food that would make any southern momma proud. The Manu changes daily but its always Southern, always yummy and always $30 per person. CASH only so come prepared or they have an ATM.
Back in the Day Bakery – Southern Living approved and will not disappoint. The French ham and cheddar spicy pastry is ABSURD! Forgive the webpage, it’s useless. Clearly they spend their energy in the kitchen. You can order their goodies on Goldbelly too.
Grab a cup of coffee (we loved the Rosie the Riveter) at Nine Line Black Riffle. Started by a local military man and his wife, they are unapologetically patriotic and work tirelessly to support our veterans. They have a wall of badges and coins from law enforcement and military that have stopped in and it sure does make you think how much people in service give to all of us.
Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Comment below.
