Savannah, Georgia is one of the jewels of the American south. Dripping with history, culture, hospitality, and moss-covered trees, it is often found on many people's lists of "places to visit." However, Savannah offers so many wonderful things, it is hard to leave and feel that you have done everything that you wanted to while visiting
I have to agree that after living here for several years now, I hardly feel like we have scratched the surface of those things that we want to do. With all of the variety, it makes the decision of what to do a difficult one. It seems that having a list of options within your price point would be helpful, so I have put together this list of things to do that will not break your budget.
Places to See:
- Savannah History Museum and Visitor’s Center: A great first stop for information. Visitor’s center open to the public. Museum costs only $4.25 for adults. Children (6 and under) are free; Seniors (55+), Students, AAA, and Military all $3.75.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument: A fabulous fully-standing Civil War fort complete with ammunition shells in the walls, still-an oddly beautiful sight. There are regularly scheduled firing of muskets and cannons. Moat and drawbridges included. Great value for the price. Adult: $3.00; Child (15 and under) are free. Extra value if you frequently visit national parks. View the Cockspur Lighthouse from this site as well.
- Fort Jackson: Another fort that served as defense for Georgia’s coast. They offer daily cannon firings as well as cannon salutes to military vessels traveling down the Savannah River. Adult: $4.50; Children (6 and under)-Free; Seniors (55+), Students, AAA, and Military all $3.75.
- Battlefield Park: Free to the public. Downtown Savannah.
- Colonial Park Cemetery: Amazingly full of historical markers for all of the important figures buried there. Open free to the public. Go see the headstones that the Union soldiers altered out of boredom during their occupation of the city during the Civil War.
- Roundhouse Museum: As a tribute to Savannah’s rich railroad history, this is one of the few remaining roundhouses in the country. $4.25 for adults. Children (6 and under) are free; Seniors (55+), Students, AAA, and Military all $3.75.
- Savannah-Ogeechee Canal: Adults-$2.00; Children (5-12)-$1.00; Children (4 & under)-Free
- Green-Meldrim Home: Historically known as the house General Sherman used for his occupation of Savannah. It was from this location that he sent a famous telegraph to President Lincoln presenting the city and its munitions as a Christmas present. Adults are $3.00; Children are $2.00
- Wormsloe Historic Site: Everything you’d expect in a plantation site except the home—which burned down many years ago. The site is beautiful and known for its majestic drive lined with live oaks with Spanish moss. Admission ranges from $2.50-$4.00
- Tybee Lighthouse and Museum: This light house has been guiding ships into the Savannah River for over 270 years. All of the historical support buildings are still intact. Adults are $6.00; Seniors (62+) are $5.00; Children (6-17) are $5.00; Children (5 & under) are free; $5.00 each for groups of 10+ (reservations required); Military discount (ID required) is $5.00; Coast Guard members are free
- Fort McAllister: Another Civil War fort best known as the place where Savannah was surrendered to General Sherman in order to avoid being burned on his march to the sea. Admission is $2.50 to $4.00
- Fort Morris/Graveyard/Lost town of Sunbury: Located about 20 miles south of Savannah, this site of a Revolutionary War fort and the lost town of Sunbury where coins were found that predate the settlement of St. Augustine. Admission ranges from $1.75 to $3.00.
- Seabrook Village: This is argued to possibly be the first African American settlement comprised of former slaves in the US. Admission is $3.00 each.
Places to Eat:
Yes, everyone wants to know where to eat. Frankly, it is hard to pick just one, as there are so many wonderful places to choose from, many of which I have yet to sample. I will give you the lowdown on places that are known for being wonderful as well of personal recommendations I have been given. I will comment on the fare that I have personally have sampled.
- The Shrimp Factory: Savannah seafood is always a good bet and this one does not disappoint.
- Six Pence Pub: There are a lot of pubs found throughout historic Savannah. This is one of the more reasonable buys.
- Clary’s: One of my absolute favorites. There are two locations, but if you want true atmosphere you will go to the original one, located on Abercorn Street in the heart of historic Savannah. Known as a local favorite since 1903, it reached a new level of fame when it was featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Superb food (diner style), huge portions, great prices, family oriented. A must visit in my opinion. Avoid standard breakfast hour and noon, as the line will be long.
- Wall’s: Barbecue. All barbecue. Only two dishes exist that are not BBQ: one deviled crab plate and one vegetable plate. Rates high with the critics.
- Vinny Van Go-Gos: Some superb New York style pizza and calzones. Seating is sometimes hard to come by, but there is plenty of places to sit in the plaza of the City Market, where it is located. Delicious. Cash only (traveler’s cheques also accepted).
- One-Eyed Lizzy’s: A Tex-Mex restaurant located on River Street. Great food, fabulous prices, and even some private balcony seating overlooking the river. One of the few affordable places on River Street.
Kaye Torgerson - I am a thirty-something year old wife, mom of two, and engineer. I love reading, watching movies, playing with my kids, and baking. Our ...
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