10 must-dos in Savannah

sa s
va pe
nn ci
ah al
gu
ide
k
flowing backdrop
Forsyth Park’s fountain
is a popular spot for
weddings and photos.
10 must-dos
in Savannah
Chock-full of Southern charm, old-world glamour and rich history, it’s no wonder
that Savannah is a popular destination wedding spot. But this 280-year-old “hostess
city of the South” has more to offer than just beautiful places to say “I do.” Don’t
make another planning trip without checking out our top 10 must-do activities.
SCOBEY PHOTOGR APHY
Activities you won’t want to skip when planning a
wedding in Georgia’s First City. BY RITA KOKSHANIAN
1
take in the history
Savannah is filled with museums, homes and other attractions
that speak to its past. Did you know that Savannah’s own Telfair
Academy is one of the oldest museums in the South? It’s part of the
Telfair Museums, which also includes the Owens-Thomas House
and the Jepson Center. One flat rate will get you admission to all
three. Or check out the Mercer Williams House, which history
buffs and book lovers alike will enjoy. This home is the scene of the
crime that inspired the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and
Evil. Want to see some outdoor sights? Forsyth Park, a Parisianinspired park that was built in 1851 to enhance Savannah’s beauty,
is a must-see. Grab a picnic lunch and spend some time enjoying its
acres of land, or take some engagement photos (if you haven’t
already) by the Forsyth Park Fountain.
2
FROM TOP: SCOBEY PHOTOGR APHY; JEN HUANG PHOTOGR APHY
go to a festival
Festivals are a great way to take in some local culture, and
Savannah has no shortage. The city hosts one of the country’s largest
St. Patrick’s Day parades, second only to New York City. Because
March is a beautiful time in the area, you’ll be able to enjoy the
warm weather and the festivities without melting in the sun. There’s
also the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon in November, which draws runners,
walkers and attendees from all over. If your idea of a festival is
something that involves food, Savannah has some of those, as well.
The Seafoodfest on the River, held in May, brings together the best
seafood restaurants, fishermen and shrimpers in the area. But take
note: If you’re not coming to Savannah to attend a festival, don’t visit
during that weekend. The streets can get so crowded that it can take
hours to drive one block, Gallo points out, which is especially true
for the St. Paddy’s Parade and the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon. >>
153
3
K
interview planners
If you’re having a destination wedding in Savannah, it’s
important to hire a planner. “There is so much to the city and its
venues that an out-of-towner simply won’t know,” says Anne Hagin,
owner and planner at Anne Hagin Events in Savannah and an eighthgeneration Savannahian. Do some research ahead of time and
choose a few planners that stand out to you. Let them know you’ll
be in town and schedule an interview with each. “You have to find
someone who you trust and are willing to let go of the reins to a little.
In the end, this will save you on stress and time,” says Morgan Gallo,
lead coordinator and designer at Morgan Gallo Events.
sa s
va pe
nn ci
ah al
gu
ide
k
blast from the past
Savannah is full of
historic homes, like The
Ford Plantation, that are
perfect for weddings.
4
go to river street
If you’re looking to kick back, grab a drink and enjoy views of
the Savannah River, then head on down to the aptly named River
Street. This row of old cotton warehouses has been converted
into boutiques, art galleries, pubs, restaurants, bars and inns. It’s
a leisurely way to spend an afternoon or evening. If you prefer to
actually go out on the river, take a cruise. Savannah Riverboat
Cruises (SavannahRiverboat.com) offers an array of options, from
dinner cruises to Civil War cruises (which include dinner and a tour
of the forts) and even a Monday-night gospel cruise.
K
154
uninvited (and unwelcome) guests—bugs. Gallo points out that these
pesky creatures are around mostly during the hot, humid months.
If this is something you don’t want to deal with, plan your trips (and
your actual wedding) for either March to April or October to November.
These are the months when the weather is nicest, the humidity is
lowest and the bugs are scarce. Or be sure to stay indoors!
5
say hello to the city’s other residents
Savannah has another nickname: America’s Most Haunted
City. What better way to cozy up to your fiancé than by getting to
know the city’s supernatural side a bit? Ghost City Tours
(GhostToursinSavannah.com) has a few different options when it
comes to checking out Savannah’s (ahem) haunts. Whether you’re in
the mood to check out hidden cemeteries and spooky burial grounds
or you’d rather take a tour that focuses on intricate ghost stories,
they’ll have one that suits your needs. Not for the faint of heart, its
Dead of the Night tour departs at 11 p.m. For the couple that would
rather have a drink and check out some ghostly bars, they offer a
nightly two-hour haunted pub crawl.
6
choose your rehearsal-dinner venue
You’re going to be dining out while you’re in Savannah, so why
not cross one of your planning activities off your list at the same
time? Selecting your rehearsal-dinner venue can be a fun task, and
the city is full of award-winning restaurants for you to choose from.
Gallo recommends incorporating some traditional low-country fare
into either your wedding menu or rehearsal dinner. Paula Deen’s
restaurant, The Lady and Sons (TheLadyandSons.com) offers classic
dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Its two private
banquet rooms, which can accommodate 70 and 100 guests, would
be great for a rehearsal dinner, welcome party or farewell brunch. If
you’d like dinner and drinks with a view, the restaurant
at Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront (BohemianHotelSavannah
.com) has great food, an extensive drinks list and an amazing rooftop
view of Savannah. Another way to knock something off your to-do
list? Do your catering and cake tasting while you’re in town. You’ll
want your menu to reflect your personal taste, so this isn’t a task you
should leave up to your planner. However, if you’re having trouble
narrowing down your list of restaurants, caterers and bakers, your
planner can point you in the direction of the ones they know are
reliable and will work best for your venue.
COUPLE: JEN HUANG PHOTOGR APHY; OTHER IMAGES: AMELIA + DAN
insider tip
If you’re going to be in Savannah in the summer, expect some
cool comfort
Fans are a must for
an outdoor Savannah
wedding in summer.
nautical sights
Take a tour of Tybee
Island and check out its
famed black-and-whitestriped lighthouse.
locally grown
Incorporate some
regional blooms into your
bouquets, boutonnieres
and floral arrangements.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: JADE AND MAT THEW TAKE PICTURES; SHUT TERSTOCK;
VIRGIL BUNAO PHOTOGR APHY; JENNIFER DAVIS PHOTOGR APHY
8
buy some gifts
If you’re planning on gifting something to your wedding party,
choosing something local can add a touch of sentimentality. The
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a shop that sells
everything from clothes and jewelry to home décor, all made by
current and former students. Or head on down to Ellis Square, where
you’ll find City Market, a marketplace established in the 1700s; you
may even find something there for yourself to wear.
9
go to the beach
Eighteen miles from downtown Savannah is Tybee Island,
otherwise known as Savannah Beach. Locals and out-of-towners
alike flock to this coastal location year-round. Even if your wedding
isn’t going to be on the beach, this area is worth a visit. Whether you
want to get out on the water in a kayak or on a Jet Ski, or you dream
of lying on the beach and soaking up some rays, this is a great place
to spend a day or a weekend. Rent a house and stay a few nights to
enjoy the island. If you’re a big foodie, you can even choose to rent
Paula Deen’s beach home for the weekend.
10
don’t miss the spring blooms
“To me there is not an off-season here—we don’t normally
get very cold weather,” Hagin says. Because of this, there is no best
time of year to come. If you love spring foliage, the azaleas are in full
bloom from March to early April. Or in the fall, Gallo points out, the
weather is nice and you won’t have to battle as many tourists.
click>>
For more Savannah planning
tips, go to TheKnot.com/savannah
155
take a pedicab ride
Traffic in Savannah can be bad, to say the least. Your best bet is
to forgo renting a car (or at least leave it at your hotel) and take a tour
instead. Bus and trolley tours are a great way to take in the sights,
and many allow you to get on and off at your leisure, giving you the
convenience of driving without the traffic. However, there’s another,
more unusual, mode of transportation in Savannah: the pedicab. “If
you have some time and enjoy a leisurely ride, grab your favorite
drink and flag a pedicab down,” Gallo says. These pedicabs can zip
you in and out of spots all around the city. Bonus: The drivers are
very knowledgeable and can give you some history during your ride
as well as point out famous sights as you pass them.
K
7