If you like to experience historic architecture from Antebellum south, hospitality, and hot temperatures of the Deep South, visit Savannah is one of the best choices. The oldest town in Georgia has one of the best-preserved historic districts with 22 green squares and numerous other attractions.
The city lies on the Savannah river some 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The best time to visit and the town high season is from March to late July. Warmer temperatures give life to tree leaves and beautiful azalea blooms. It is also a time of numerous festivals, including the famous St’Patrick parade.
You can also have a great time in Savannah from September to November with still warm weather but without big crowds. You can find the best hotel rates in winter months with lower, but againslightly warmer temperatures.
Whenever you plan the visit, make sure you apply on time for the USA ESTA application. It is a necessary part of bureaucracy for foreign visitors to the US from countries that are in the Visa Waiver program. The whole process is straightforward, and all you need to do is fill out and answer online forms. The administration then checks your data, and in roughly 72 hours, issues a grant. Those who get ESTA approval have a two-year window to come to the US.
Fun things to do on a hot day
If you visit from May to September, chances are you will face multiple hot days. The closeness of the Atlantic Ocean makes the climate slightly more bearable than in the inland part of Georgia, but it can still get pretty hot.
One of the best ways to stay cool is to visit some of the excellent local breweries. A fresh pint from the Coastal Empire, Moon River, or Southbound will reward your senses, and cold beverages will give you short heat relief.
Escape Savannah is well known themed interactive attraction with puzzles that can test your intelligence and skills. Running away from zombies or pirates is happening in air-conditioned rooms.
Visit excellent Telfair museums, an art exhibition in the Jepson Center, or a glimpse of a darker part of history in the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Explorethe hallsof the Telfair Academy and get to know the inspired works of art.
Ice-Cream is a big thing in every tourist center, and you should visit Savannah Leopold’s Ice Cream or Savannah Square Pops, a local shop with icy fresh, handcrafted ice pops.
A nearby Ellis Square is known for its fountain, where you can find refreshments. If a fountain is not your thing, just 20 minutes from downtown, you can refresh yourself on the beaches of Tybee Island of Atlantic Ocean with loads of watersports available.
Best of Savannah
Among the well-known attraction, a special place goes for Forsyth Park, a 30-acre park In the Historic District. You can see a 300-years Candler Oaktree, white-stone Forsyth Fountain, and stroll through the shade of the perfect setting of this old park.
Savannah City Market spreads across four blocks in the Historic District. An open-air marketplace has restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and other small stores, live music, and resting places.
Another famous city area is River Street. A cobblestone street by the river is filled with pubs, restaurants, galleries, and tourist shops in old cotton warehouses.
A scene from the movies or descriptions of the old South can be seen in the Wormsloe Historic Site. The approach to the plantation is lined with giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss. Wormsloe is the estate of Noble Jones, one of the founders of Georgia.
One of the most impressive churches in town is Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, situated in Lafayette Square, a part of the Historic District. The cathedral is similar to great European churches, and it was rebuilt with stone in the 19th century. It has an Italian marble altar and enormous glass-stained windows.
Savannah nightlife
Savannah is both picturesque city with oak trees covered in moss, cobblestone streets, and old architecture. At night, rooftop bars, dance clubs, and numerous hotspots in the River Street and Historic District paint a lively party picture.
Best nightclubs are Club 51 Degrees, The Jinx, and Club One. Kevin Barry’s is a big pub on River Street. It has live music, a large selection of beer, and a terrace overlooking the river.
Savannah Distillery Ale House is now great looking modern saloon with over 20 tap beers and more than 100 bottled varieties.
Other popular spots are Rock on the Roof, Alley Cat Lounge, Jazz’s Tapas Bar, and the wormhole Bar & Live Music.
Historic District has free shuttles that operate until midnight. The accessible parts of town are secure for exploring at night, but there are a couple of neighborhoods you could better avoid.
If you want to attend St’Patricks parade or learn about the history of the South, get your ESTA Visa America approval on time. With approved documents, you can explore the beauty of the US for up to 90 days.
Bottom line
Savannah is the first settlement in Georgia with one of the best-preserved old Antebellum architecture, cobbled streets, and plenty of attractions. You can enjoy the weather, history, and culture along with superb southern cuisine in this Georgia gem.