The southern United States is like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get.
But when visitors choose Savannah, Ga. as their destination, they can be sure they picked a tasty collection, complete with ghost stories, gourmet seafood, cinematic memories and no pieces that will leave a bad taste.
Each corner of this city, which attracts more than 12 million tourists annually, holds a new adventure for any visitor, while the consistently beautiful weather comforts travelers on their journey. Just a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah invites sightseers from around the world to unlock the secrets to the city’s southern charm.
Popular Culture Context
Oh, the stories this city could tell – none more famous than that of Forrest Gump. The opening scene of the 1994 film shows Forrest telling his tale at the Chippewa Square bus stop, located in Savannah, to various visitors.
The actual bench was a movie prop and has since been put on display at the Savannah Historical Museum.
“With all the movies filmed here, it seems like everyone tries to steal the movie props,” says Taylor Kigar of Visit Savannah.
However, the iconic area that once surrounded the bench remains unscathed and welcomes movie buffs who want to snap a picture in the place where Mr. Gump’s compelling anecdotes captured the interest of millions. Fans can visit the famous Debi’s Restaurant, now Laurie’s Restaurant, for an even greater Gump experience.
The town is also the setting of the 1994 nonfiction novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil – or, as some locals call it, “The Book” – and the 1997 Kevin Spacey film of the same name. Savannah Tours provides an in-depth expedition to Bonaventure Cemetery and the Johnny Mercer House, both made famous by the novel.
Other films shot in the city include 2010 box office smash The Last Song, starring Miley Cyrus; 1970s Burt Reynolds flicks The Longest Yard and Gator; the 1962 original and 1994 remake of Cape Fear; Forces of Nature and The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Culinary Experience
The taste of this Georgian city – also the hometown of culinary personality Paula Deen – is an eclectic mix of sensational seafood, Deep South favorites and all-organic cafes, along with a flurry of unique dining options.
A mainstay for any traveler is the coastal dining delight known as the Shrimp Factory. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, the eatery bo
asts an impressive array of shrimp options that would make Bubba Blue blush.
Looking for a luxurious view of the Savannah River? Vic’s on the River specializes in fresh fish, shellfish and beautiful, four-story high perspectives of the waterfront.
Alligator Soul offers tourists something different. In addition to farm-to-table alligator – along with duck, crawfish and Creole-inspired dishes – the menu has a section for exotic specialties, such as camel, ostrich and kangaroo.
And for a different sort of outing that feels oddly familiar, explore Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. Patrons line up outside the door of this historic boardinghouse for the opportunity to sit at a 10-person table full of strangers and friends. The communal eatery serves fried chicken, okra gumbo and black-eyed peas, among other southern favorites. The menu is ever-changing, so even the regulars experience something new each time.
“They just give you food; you don’t really order,” Kigar says. “Everyone’s at the same table and you clean your own dishes.”
But if rarity fare isn’t your thing, and you don’t want to be trapped in the tourist realm, the Foxy Loxy Café offers an out-of-the-way experience, with weekly events, such as acoustic music Tuesdays, vinyl appreciation nights and marshmallow roasting on Saturdays.
“They serve local coffee with a company called PERC and have some of the best Tex-Mex tacos in the city,” Kigar says.
Girl Scouts Birthplace
In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded a program that would later become an integral part of growing up for many young women across the nation: the Girl Scouts of America.
“Low was a charismatic founder of a worldwide movement, but she was also an artist, animal lover and she attracted friends so easily,” says Katherine Keena, interim director of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. “That spirit is still there and is part of why the house is one of the primary destinations of Savannah.”
Low died in 1927, but her birthplace has been preserved and is Savannah’s first registered National Historic Landmark. Vis
itors are welcome to tour the home where the leader of a nationwide campaign grew up.
“Each year, Girl Scouts from all over flock to the house,” Kigar says. “It’s like a pilgrimage.”
Memorabilia from the first Girl Scout troop is on display in the home, along with family and personal possessions, such as a vast array of family letters and artwork by Low. The décor and construction of the home reflect the styles of 1886, the year Low was married.
“This house is perfect for anyone who has been a Girl Scout or Boy Scout in the past, anyone interested in architectural history, or anyone who simply likes Victorian life or arts,” Keena says.
Haunted History
Ask anyone in Savannah and they’ll tell you: This place is haunted.
The city has appeared on a number of ghost hunter-style shows, including Southern Haunts and Ghost Adventures. But the best stories are told by the people who have experienced the eerie encounters. Tourists can hear all about them as a part of Savannah’s nightly ghost tours.
One location seems to be the most attractive for visitors looking for a scare.
“The 17hundred90 Inn is one of the oldest hotels here and one of the top rooms is supposedly really haunted,” Kigar says. “Many people pay to go and stay in that room for the experience.”
Stephan Reed is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Other Dining Locations:
Zunzi’s
108 E. York St.
Zunzi’s combines a number of culinary cultures to provide a great fusion of Italian, Swiss, Dutch and South African food, all under one roof.
The Lady and Sons
102 W. Congress St.
This is Paula Deen and her family’s eatery, complete with sweet potatoes, chicken pot pie, peach BBQ grouper and all things Paula.
Angel’s Bar BQ
21 W. Oglethorpe Ln.
Featured on Man v. Food, this restaurant features pulled pork and collard greens, but, most notably, it plays host to the insanely spicy Voodoo Juice Challenge.
