It’s spring, which means travel season in Savannah is in full swing! It’s also the high season for personal shopping and custom design sessions in the Kristen Baird® studio. It still feels surreal that so many of you are willing to make the trip to Savannah to work with me. Thank you so much! But if you’re coming to Savannah for the first time (or hundredth time), don’t pass up the opportunity to explore our beautiful city.
Here are my top recommendations for what to do after your Kristen Baird® jewelry session!
Explore the Municipal Grand
I always recommend the Municipal Grand to anyone looking for a unique place to stay in downtown Savannah. This boutique hotel has a retro Art Deco vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s also a beautiful rooftop pool with great views of the city. (Yes, it's warm enough to swim by spring.)
Even if you’re not staying there, I highly recommend visiting the gorgeous Municipal Bar for brunch or oyster Happy Hour. And for those really in the know, head down the back alley to the speakeasy, Hot Eye, for swanky cocktails. Just say a local sent you!
Enjoy Great Food
There are so many amazing places to eat in Savannah that I could write ten blogs just about that. But to keep things simple, here are two spots locals have been raving about recently:
Arco Lounge is in a great location, right off Factor’s walk above River Street. The beautiful historic building and views of the river would be reason enough to visit, but the sushi and cocktails are also incredible. And if you happen to be strolling around the area in the morning, Arco doubles as a coffee shop!
If you love Italian food, you absolutely have to try Lucia. This place specializes in authentic, handmade pasta and incredible pizza. It’s located in the artsy Starland District, so work up an appetite perusing, then stop in for some ravioli!
Learn Savannah’s History
Skip the cheesy ghost tours and instead spend some time soaking up Savannah’s rich and fascinating history at the Davenport House Museum. This home was built by a master carpenter in 1820 and is perfectly preserved today. I recommend doing a guided tour!
Just outside Savannah on the beautiful Isle of Hope, you’ll find Wormsloe, home of the iconic Spanish moss-lined avenue, nature trails, and a museum. You can even find historical reenactors!
Stroll Like a Local
While you’re out on Isle of Hope, you may as well partake in every Savannahian’s favorite pastime: strolling down Bluff Drive. Grab a coffee and walk past the historic houses, take in the ancient trees, and make your way down to the water.
Can’t make it out to Isle of Hope? No worries! Savannahians also love to stroll around the squares and parks in downtown Savannah. (And yes, you’re allowed to carry something a little stronger than a coffee in this part of town. Hey, you’re on vacation!) As an added bonus, the famous Forsyth Fountain has just finished a beautiful restoration. See it in all its glory!
Arts and Culture
When it comes to immersing yourself in art and design, there is no place like Savannah. We’re the home of SCAD after all, and many of us eclectic creatives (like yours truly) choose to stick around Savannah and make it our home. Speaking of SCAD, they just opened up a chic luxury boutique, BAZAAR by shopSCAD, where you can shop atelier-made clothing, jewelry, and home decor. It’s definitely worth a visit!
If you’re visiting with kids, take them to the Telfair Children’s Art Museum, part of the Jepson Center. It’s a completely immersive experience that lets kids interact directly with art, learn, and play. This is one museum your kids won’t think is boring!
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my favorite art gallery in the city, my unofficial storefront, Gallery 209. While you may be all shopped out on Kristen Baird® after your jewelry session, there are over 30 local artists whose work is on display in this historic River Street building. Don’t miss it!
See The Savannah Bananas
Last but definitely not least… Go see the Savannah Bananas! I promise you, it truly is as much fun as it looks on Instagram. Tickets can be hard to come by, so make sure to plan ahead, but it’s absolutely worth the price of admission, especially if you’re coming to town with kids.
Pro-tip from a local, there’s also a brand-new playground at Daffin Park, right next to the Bananas stadium. Have fun!
Found this list online and curious about Kristen Baird® Jewelry? Learn more here or reach out to Kristen at Kristen@kristenbaird.com. (Yes, it’s really her in the inbox.)
