On the breezy coast of south Georgia, Savannah is the state’s first recorded city, dating back to the arrival of British General James Oglethorpe in 1733. As the history goes, he envisioned a beautiful place for fresh starts and freedom. Creative leaders have been drawn to the city’s square grid, subtropical landscape, and centuries-old architecture ever since.
The pace may move a bit more slowly here, but there is never a dull moment below the lush live oaks. After all, the Hostess City is known for its eccentric neighbors, robust social calendars, and roaming parties (thanks to the open-container policy). While there are plenty of popular destinations attracting millions of tourists every year, our friend, Savannah-based writer Colleen McNally Arnett, has compiled a local’s guide to strolling the city in style.
WHERE TO MEET OVER BREAKFAST
The latest from the family behind Two Tides Brewing Co. and Third Wave Spirits, The Laundry reimagines American classics in a retro, laundromat-turned-diner setting. Spread across two levels, it’s part hipster Waffle House, part comfort haven—offering everything from healthy-ish bites to fried chicken and waffles with bourbon barrel–aged maple syrup. Pair it with a mug of their own Float Coffee.
This laid-back Thomas Square eatery wows with an ever-evolving lineup of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. The main draw, however, may be a tie between the housemade bread and the warm hospitality of owner Nastasha Gaskill, who doesn’t seem to know a stranger.
WHERE TO GRAB A COFFEE ON THE GO
A short walk from The Malin Savannah, Origin is a reset for the senses. The minimalist interiors are bathed in natural light from large windows overlooking Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Jolt yourself awake with a cortado made with Origin’s single-origin beans, or cool off with a bubbly espresso tonic. As our official coffee partner, Origin will be served onsite daily at The Malin Savannah.
Situated near one of the city’s most photogenic corners (Bull and Liberty), this intimate café looks straight out of a magazine. Every detail, right down to the signature scented candle, is curated by Daniel Reed Hospitality, the same group behind several Savannah mainstays, including The Public next door and Artillery around the corner. Set below street level, Franklin’s feels akin to a secret club—perhaps partly because the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee was once headquartered here.
BEST PLACES FOR A SCENIC STROLL
Bull Street
Savannah is best explored from its sidewalks. A slower pace lets you savor the sunbeams through Spanish moss and the palm shadows dancing on stucco facades. Head north on Bull Street from Forsyth Park past picturesque Jones Street and landmarks like the Armstrong Kessler Mansion, Mercer Williams House Museum, SCAD’s Poetter Hall, and The DeSoto Hotel.
Starland District
South of the park, Starland is a vibrant stretch of artist studios, tattoo parlors, vintage shops, and an impressive cluster of restaurants (Foxy Loxy, Big Bon Bodega, Common Thread, Sobremesa, The Vault, Goody’s, Bull Street Taco, Starland Yard, Brochu’s Family Tradition, Flora & Fauna, Ukiyo, FishBar, Ardsley Station, Late Air, Café Taureau, 520 Wings, Lone Wolf Lounge, and Over Yonder) all within a mile. On first Fridays, DeSoto Avenue transforms into a street market with artisan vendors and live music. Soon, the neighborhood’s namesake Starland Dairy will reopen as a reimagined community hub with a pasta bar, cookbook store, ice cream, and an eight-room inn.
WHERE TO STOCK UP ON OFFICE SUPPLIES
In the heart of Starland, this eclectic store is known for its extensive selection of both brand-new and reclaimed supplies—a smart way to support local and lighten your environmental footprint. Among the bins are the workday basics like gently used notebooks, pens, pencils, etc., plus some surprises.
From private mailbox rentals and notary services, to packing and shipping to the tiniest details (paper clips, anyone?), this Black-owned business on Barnard Street offers just about any service a small business needs. There’s even luggage storage for travelers who need to drop off luggage before exploring the city. The café component further adds to the charm.
WHERE TO ENJOY A QUICK LUNCH
Tucked within The Ann Hotel behind the Malin Savannah, this tribute to General Olgethrope operates as a contemporary cafe by day and a casual cocktail lounge by night. On the Mediterranean-leaning menu (from the same team behind The Perry Lane Hotel), standouts include a Caesar salad topped with Spanish anchovies and loaded fries with harissa and prosciutto. Members get a daily discount, plus extra happy hour perks on Wednesdays.
When you spot the bright yellow-and-red structure at the corner of Victory Drive and Martin Luther King, Jr., and recognize the smell of fried fish, you know you’ve come to the right place. For a time-honored West Savannah experience, order a Supreme Fish Sandwich with whiting.
BEST PLACE FOR AN AFTERNOON PICK-ME-UP
Baby’s General Store
This circa-1920s gas station now slings frozen coffees, sweet tea slushies, chocolate chewies from Baker’s Pride, packaged snacks, and other everyday staples. Indulge in your little treat on the shaded (and fanned) picnic tables outside the jewelbox building.
Rooted in owner Belinda Baptiste’s Haitian-American heritage, this James Beard–recognized bakery has earned a devoted following. Soon to be our official pastry partner, their baked goods will be served daily at The Malin Savannah. Don’t miss the sour cream pound cake loaf, vegan-friendly BonBon Sirop, or gluten-free BonBon Amidon—and find them at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market every Saturday.
WHERE TO GO FOR POST-WORK DRINKS
Seasoned bartender Tim Fitzgerald’s new Broughton Street haunt is challenging the notion that Savannahians don’t hang out downtown. By the dim light of the stained-glass pendants, oyster-lovers can slurp ice-cold shells sourced from the Georgia coast, paired with world-class cocktails for the small-town price of $10.
Citrusy cocktails and pickle martinis aren’t the only thing shaking here. Vinyl records and DJs keep the good vibrations high inside this Habersham Village watering hole. After the sun goes down, the crowd heats up.
WHERE TO CELEBRATE A BIG WIN
A decade in, and The Grey still has its je ne sais quoi. Rather, the Port City Southern institution owned by celebrity Chef Mashama Bailey and John O. Morisano is aging like fine wine (with a rendition now open in Paris, France!). Best of all, The Main Savannah is just next door.
Although housed in a 125-year-old building, there’s always something new happening at Husk. Seasonal ingredients sourced from regional growers first and foremost guide the kitchen helmed by Executive Chef Jacob Hammer. Take a seat on the grand veranda or in the gorgeous upper level for a memorable setting to toast your success.
WHERE TO HOST OUT-OF-TOWN CLIENTS
A few blocks east of The Malin Savannah, this midcentury marvel on Broughton Street that once served as both a bank and municipal office has been reimagined as a cosmopolitan 44-room hotel from the same experts behind Death & Co. and Denver’s The Ramble Hotel. Design-enthusiasts will feel right at home inside the well-appointed guest rooms. Meanwhile, the menu of small plates and cocktails at the lobby’s spacious Municipal Bar encourages sharing.
Just around the corner from The Malin Savannah, all-suite hotel The Ann occupies the Southeast’s first mass timber building. Residential-inspired comforts make it feel less like you’re a guest and more like a local. Malin members enjoy a preferred rate—ideal for hosting, business travelers, teams visiting for offsites, or anyone seeking a charming weekender.
BEST PLACE FOR LAST-MINUTE PARTY SUPPLIES
Liberty Street’s petite grocer, and our official happy hour partner, carries modern luxuries, from farm-fresh bouquets to Molly Baz’s viral mayo and natural wines to non-alcoholic cocktails. Whether you’re hosting dinner for 10 or two, pop in and pick up everything you need with help from owner/photographer extraordinaire Nikki Krecicki.
Need a bottle that will impress discerning palates? Owner/sommelier Jamie Crotts can point you in the right direction. Browse shelves of hundreds of hand-picked bottles from around the world, with varieties ranging from standard fare to more unconventional styles. Bonus: Sichuan Chinese takeout from E-Tang is in the same parking lot.
BEST PLACE TO PICK UP A THANK-YOU GIFT
A visit to Paula Danyluk’s whimsical wonderland never fails to delight. The name may scream, “Francophile,” however, this Savannah favorite actually boasts designer wares from around the globe. Don’t miss the basement, where more home goods and antiques abound.
Downtown Design District
On Whitaker Street, a close-knit constellation of high-end boutiques like One Fish Two Fish, Hannah E., Peaches, and Asher + Rye— to name a few—ensure shoppers won’t leave empty-handed.
WHERE TO RELAX AND RECHARGE
Find your center at this chic movement studio, with two locations at Drayton Tower and Eastern Wharf. On the schedule are candle-lit yoga, hot Pilates, and combination classes led by upbeat instructors sure to help you break a sweat and melt away stress.
This inclusive, creative space welcomes novice and established ceramists alike to feel like a kid in art class again. Walk in and glaze your own pottery, or sign up for a glass or clay workshop to learn something new while making a keepsake.
