The Perfect Getaway: A romantic long weekend in Savannah
With incredible food, fascinating history and walkable streets to explore, this Southern city is the ideal romantic escape for couples.
By Cassandra Brooklyn | May 9, 2024
There are few cities in the South that are as charming, beautiful or filled with sensational dining experiences as Savannah. Add in a diverse mix of history, culture and attractions and you have yourself a well-rounded getaway that caters perfectly to couples. From romantic strolls along the Savannah River to picture-perfect rooftop views and candlelit dinners, Savannah is calling you and yours. Here’s a couples-focused itinerary in Savannah to get you started.
Friday
Morning
Arrive in Savannah and drop your bags at The Drayton Hotel Savannah, Curio Collection by Hilton. Your charming home away from home is perfectly situated in the Historic District, so all you have to do is step outside and you’re right in the heart of the action. Head a few blocks away to take in the views of the Savannah River or explore the Historic District’s many mansions, riverside bars and eateries.
Afternoon
Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes because Savannah is a city best explored by foot. About a 15-minute walk from your hotel is the Gryphon Tea Room, where Southern hospitality and tradition meet modern innovation and elegance. Enjoy a traditional tea service while surrounded by mahogany bookcases and stained glass or make a meal out of it with dishes like gulf coast shrimp and herb-encrusted goat cheese salad.
Evening
Can’t decide if you want to explore the city’s music and culture or take it easy on your first night? How about all of the above? Board a Savannah Riverboat Cruise and sightsee from your seat (or from the breezy deck) while you take in the harbor view and city lights underneath the magic of moonlight. Local culture can be experienced during every aspect of this tour — you’ll savor Southern flavors in the buffet dinner, while local entertainment sets the mood.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Saturday
Morning
Rise and shine early on your first full day in town to ensure you get first pick at the farmers market at Forsyth Park. Choose from locally grown fruit and fresh baked goods for breakfast, and perhaps a loaf of bread with some cheese, meat and veggies for lunch. Next, find one of Savannah’s characteristic moss-hung oak trees and park yourself underneath it for a romantic picnic and some people-watching. As one of the oldest urban parks in the country (dating back to 1841), Forsyth Park is the perfect place for a romantic stroll.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at City Market, consisting of four blocks of restored warehouses that have been converted into bistros, bars, art galleries and quirky studios. You’ll need at least a few hours to fully explore the numerous art studios and independent shops selling everything from shoes and handmade soap to jewelry. Look out for the weekend live music series, which takes place in the City Market Courtyard from 1- 4 p.m.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Evening
After all the shopping, quench your thirst by grabbing a drink at the Congress Street Up Speakeasy or doing a wine tasting at the Georgia Tasting Room, both in City Market. For dinner, head just around the corner to Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks. As the name implies, this eatery specializes in surf and turf, and many locals would suggest ordering crab cakes, fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. If the weather’s nice — and it often is — you’ll want to request a table on the airy patio.
Sunday
Morning
Though it’s hard to find a bad meal in Savannah, some restaurants stand out above the rest. The Grey is certainly the cream of the crop and an excellent choice for brunch. Housed inside a 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey, one of the most celebrated Black women chefs in the country. Expect deeply layered dishes, soulful flavors and comforting recipes crafted with unexpected ingredients and traditional Southern staples alike.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Afternoon
About a 10-minute walk from your hotel are the Telfair Museums, comprised of three buildings dedicated to history, art, architecture and culture. One of the museums, the Telfair Academy, is the oldest public art museum in the South (opened in 1886). Further your cultural explorations at the SCAD Museum of Art, which features rotating contemporary art exhibits, artist talks, film screenings, performances and more.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Evening
Be sure to get back to your hotel before the sun sets so you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree panorama from the rooftop, including the best view of City Hall’s iconic gold dome. Next, head downstairs for an elevated-yet-casual dining experience crafted by St. Neo’s Brasserie executive chef, Stephen Sleyo. Tucked underneath the restaurant is The Vinyl Room, a moody and intimate lounge where you can quench your after-dinner thirst with classic cocktails and impressive whiskeys.
Monday
Morning
What better way to start your final day than with a taste of the best biscuits money can buy? Before leaving town, make your way to B. Matthew’s Eatery, which is just three blocks from your hotel. Not only do they offer the rare opportunity for brunch on a Monday (who said brunch is just for the weekend?), but they also happen to serve award-winning biscuits that are arguably some of the best in town.
Afternoon
If you’re looking for a relaxing farewell to the city, grab a scoop from Leopold’s ice cream shop and make your way back to the hotel for a last view of the Savannah River or a quick drink at the rooftop Pendant Terrace and Bar. If you prefer to pack in one final activity, join an architecture tour to see the city’s beauty through another lens.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Until next time!
Sadly, it’s time to pack up and head for home. With so many interesting neighborhoods and delectable dining experiences around town, a long weekend getaway simply isn’t enough time to savor everything Savannah has to offer. Whenever you’re ready to return – and we’re confident you’ll want to – Savannah will be here ready and waiting with open, moss-hung arms.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Visit Savannah
Hero image courtesy of Visit Savannah.
Cassandra Brooklyn is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in travel, accessibility, sustainability and all things outdoors. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she now lives in New York City but escapes to adventures around the world as often as possible. As the caregiver of a disabled parent - and as a hyper involved auntie of three - Cassandra is especially passionate about accessible, inclusive and multi-generational travel. She's the author of the cycling guidebook, Cuba By Bike, has contributed to multiple guidebooks about Egypt, Portugal and the United States, and has bylines in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Forbes, The Daily Beast and Lonely Planet, among others.
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