Perry Lane Hotel

Savannah has plenty in the way of major chain hotels and some charming B and B options, but what’s been missing up until now is a place that captures the spirit of the city but also offers a certain level of luxury and sophistication. Cue the new Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection situated in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District by New York City–based firm Flank and designed by AvroKO and Savannah’s Hansen Architects. The 167-room hotel, which includes 12 suites, includes subtle nods to the city’s rich history with maps and cool tchotchkes in the guest rooms and common spaces.

Don’t miss the Peregrin, the open-air rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city. Downstairs on the first floor, there’s the Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, an all-day American brasserie with Southern touches worked in throughout the menu. (You are in Georgia, after all.) In the evening, pop into The Wayward bar (also on the first floor) for a specialty cocktail, and then make your way to the hotel’s karaoke room and arcade. If you’re looking to shop, stop by Andie Kully Boutique for the designer’s namesake resort-wear pieces, as well as a well-curated mix of sunglasses, earrings, hats, and more.

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Eat

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Beyond the stellar fried chicken, pimento cheese, and blue crab, you’ll eat well in this city. You might even go home a few pounds heavier, but trust us, it will be worth every bite.

The Collins Quarter

For brunch, head on over to The Collins Quarter. Soak up the booze with an avocado smash or Biscuits Gone Wild (housemade buttermilk biscuits, chicken apple sausage, smoked bacon gravy, fennel apple slaw, and poached eggs) and some caffeine (this Aussie-infused joint takes its coffee and tea programs seriously; try the Vietnamese iced coffee or the matcha latte with ginger, coconut oil, honey, orange, and steamed milk; or, if you want something stronger, they make an excellent Bloody Mary with their housemade Bloody Mary mix and pickled okra).

Leopold’s Ice Cream

If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to make a stop for ice cream at the famous Leopold’s, a mainstay in Savannah since it opened its doors in 1919. Sure, it’s undoubtedly touristy (and you will probably have to wait in a line), but the ice cream is a Savannah classic. If you’re feeling fancy, try the Savannah Socialite with milk and dark chocolate ice cream, roasted Georgia pecans, and bourbon-infused caramel. Or the Tutti Frutti with rum ice cream, candied fruit, and Georgia pecans—an OG Leopold’s flavor.

The Grey

Situated in a renovated Greyhound bus depot from the 1930s that boasts a refurbished ticket booth and striking art deco features, dine on chef Mashama Bailey’s (formerly at Prune in NYC) modern take on Southern cooking. From the interior design to the people-watching to the food, this place does not disappoint.

Cotton & Rye

Alternatively, Cotton & Rye is just a few minutes from downtown in a refurbished bank building. Don’t leave without trying the shrimp and grits, the crispy chicken wings (they’re insanely good!), and pretty much any pork item on the menu.

Sandfly BBQ & Wiley’s Championship BBQ

If it’s BBQ you’re jonesing for (you are in the South, after all), two local favorites are Sandfly BBQ downtown—the Hog Wild Platter gets you a nice sample of some of their greatest hits—and Wiley’s Championship BBQ.

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Drink

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The Original Pinkie Masters

For drinks and more dive-y vibes, head to The Original Pinkie Masters (“best neighborhood bar, maybe, anywhere,” says Johno Morisano, founding partner of The Grey).

Alley Cat Lounge & Artillery

If it’s a watering hole with a cool cocktail program you’re after, try Alley Cat Lounge or Artillery—just make sure your phone is on silent and your outfit fits with the dress code (no flip-flops, tank tops, etc.), as they have a strict code of rules here.

The Original Parker’s Market

Afterwards, head straight here—think fancy gas station (the locals call it Fancy Parker’s)—for some late-night munchies (especially if you’ve been enjoying the city’s open-container policy that allows booze to go). Morisano says the chicken salad sandwich is so good, he basically lived on it for two years while opening his restaurant. If you think chicken salad from a gas station sounds weird, try this one first and then come back to us. It’s v good.

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Do

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Don’t forget some of the more touristy activities in Savannah, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Take a bike ride around town first thing in the morning to see the square parks scattered around the city (including Chippewa Square in Forrest Gump), the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries and historic buildings (like the Savannah Theater); go to the lighthouse on the nearby Tybee Island; gaze up at the draping Spanish moss that decorates the whole city—even the best camera can’t truly capture how pretty it is in person.

E.Shaver, Bookseller

Once you’ve made these important stops, explore some of the local haunts. Bookworms won’t want to miss E. Shaver, Bookseller.

SCAD Museum of Art

Make time to visit the SCAD Museum of Art while you’re in town. The museum has played host to works by both international art stars and SCAD students alike. Earlier this year, the museum played host to SCAD alumna Melissa Spitz’s highly moving You Have Nothing to Worry About exhibition, the result of an ongoing project that captured her mother’s substance abuse. (Spitz received TIME’s Instagram Photographer of the Year award in 2017 for this project.) Currently, they have work exhibitions by veteran photographer Elaine Mayes, award-winning costume designer Terry Dresbach, and sculptures and furniture by Wendy White, to name a few. Shoppers in search of local flavor (either for something to bring home for themselves or give as gifts) will also want to head to ShopSCAD nearby for fine art, jewelry, and apparel.

Savannah Cordwainers

Pay a visit to Savannah Cordwainers, a local bespoke shoe shop by Marcell Mrsan, for specialty men’s shoes.

Chocolat by Adam Turoni

Chocolat by Adam Turoni is a stunning little chocolate shop that smells heavenly, with impressive-looking sweets that make for great gifts.

Number Four Eleven

Number Four Eleven, where you can have just about anything and everything you can imagine monogrammed.

Savannah Bee Company

Pick up specialty honey products in all different forms (from traditional honey to honey beauty products) at Savannah Bee Company.

Alex Raskin Antiques

Alex Raskin Antiques is a huge shop in the Noble Hardee Mansion that’s brimming with antique paintings, furniture, rugs, etc., dating back to the 1500s. Even if the antiquing hunt isn’t quite your thing, it’s worth stopping by just to see it.

Cherry Picked Consignments

Fashion hounds looking for contemporary and high-end labels (I spotted Balenciaga, Tabitha Simmons, and Versace pieces during my last visit) at extremely affordable pricing will want to stop in at Cherry Picked Consignments, which is just a brief walk from ShopSCAD.



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