John and I had an unforgettable time on our secret trip to Savannah. The drive from Katie Bower’s lovely casa in Atlanta was mostly calm, with one hilarious moment that had us laughing for miles.
We usually prioritize fresh, local, and organic food at home, but on vacation we relax the rules a bit. At one point our dog, Burger, managed to wedge his head into a bag of french fries—proof that even the most well-intentioned eating plans can go off script.
We stayed three delightful nights at the Comfort Suites, which proved to be a convenient base for exploring downtown Savannah. Between a few blog commitments (including troubleshooting a comment deluge that temporarily froze a contest) we spent most of our time sightseeing and sampling the city’s food scene. Savannah’s mild weather, moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and historic trolleys made every stroll feel like a scene from a postcard. Horse-drawn carriages were everywhere too, offering a serene, old-world contrast to the bustle of bigger cities.
At the heart of Savannah lies Forsyth Park, a sweeping green space that feels a bit like Central Park in miniature. Locals and visitors alike walk dogs, relax on the lawn, and gather beneath the giant oaks. Burger loved the park—he sniffed every corner while we circled the perimeter photographing the elegant homes that frame the park’s edge.
A few houses really captured our imagination. One had a cloud-like gray exterior that looked especially dreamy with the Spanish moss hanging from the oaks. Nearby, a sage green house with black shutters and crisp white trim demonstrated how classic accents can give a home timeless curb appeal.
Food was a highlight of our trip. We braved the famously humble Desposito’s Seafood, a local dive known for peeling linoleum and newspaper-covered tables—but the seafood is outstanding. We dove into a Low Country Basket loaded with shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn, plus a side of steamed snow crab legs and potato salad. The simple, unpretentious setting faded away once we tasted the food; it was worth every bit of local legend.
When it came to dessert, Savannah did not disappoint. Candy shops showcased enormous candied apples and oversized peanut butter cups, while LuLu’s delivered a lounge-like atmosphere, live music, and an irresistible peanut butter chocolate cake that vanished quickly from our table. The city’s dessert scene is rich, varied, and impossible to resist.
Evenings in the Historic District were a favorite part of our trip. Strolling the lantern-lit streets as shops and restaurants came alive at dusk made the neighborhood feel intimate and endlessly charming. We spent time window shopping and photographing decor stores, already planning how we’ll incorporate some of the Southern style into our own home.
On our final day we drove twenty minutes to Tybee Island, where beachfront shops and a relaxed coastal vibe provided a perfect contrast to the city. We explored Tybee Oaks and a quirky outdoor junk market that was full of creative finds—an aluminum boat that would make a fun sunroom coffee table and an industrial metal stool base begging to become an accent table.
Heading home, Burger kept us entertained in the car—he seemed perfectly content with his head propped up, even when it looked like he was trying to fit into impossible spaces. Our weekend in Savannah felt like a restorative escape: beautiful parks, historic architecture, memorable seafood, and sweet treats. We can’t wait to share more photos from our favorite shops and discoveries on our next post.
