Next up on my travel calendar is a quick visit to Savannah. While the south is generally off my list of places to visit, I had a airline voucher that I needed to use before it expired and honing in on a destination that was within a four of five hour flight, was a challenge. I considered revisiting Chicago but wanted a place that would be walkable, scenic and new to me and Savannah met the criteria.
My preparation for this trip has been pretty basic. I rented a sweet carriage house just off of one of the main squares that places me in the historic district and well situated for exploring on foot. I’ve made dinner reservations at the Olde Pink House and The Grey. Although the both restaurants reference colors, I’ve gotten the impression that the first is classic southern cuisine, while the latter is a more modern take with locally sourced ingredients prepared in an elevated manner.
I’m excited to experience both.
After much consideration of my options, I elected to rent a car for a day to go out to Tybee Island and get a little beach time in. Generally speaking, I don’t like to drive when I’m on vacation but I did a fair amount of research at the available options (Uber, shuttle, beach bus excursion, etc) and concluded that a 24 hour car rental simply makes the most sense. I like the idea of coming and going when I please * and the car gives me the flexibility to stop at Bonaventure Cemetery on my way to Tybee. I also now have the opportunity to return to the coast for sunrise, should I be awake and inclined.
My days, other than beach day, are wide open and I’ve got three of them available. I’ll probably try to find a yoga studio to catch a class, if that works. I only made dinner reservations for two nights, leaving one free for spontaneity since I don’t like overbooking myself when I travel. My open evening coincides with a concert by Brandi Carlile, a musician that I’ve wanted to see perform ever since I saw her sing with Kris Kristofferson at a Joni Mitchell tribute show. I’m going to walk down to the theater and see if I can score a single ticket – wish me luck!
Beyond collecting a wardrobe (including a pair of shorts that retail, if you can imagine, for $365!) for a few days of southern summer heat, I got myself prepared for this adventure by revisiting a book published 30+ years ago. Set in Savannah, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, was the perfect book to immerse myself in to get ready for exploring this historic and colorful city.
I’m feeling stoked and ready for a solo southern sojourn, but am always happy to hear your recommendations. What are your favorite things to see, do and eat in Savannah?
*A fact that will surprise no one who knows me.
DelSo 