short but great savannah trip

Question

just got back from savannah yesterday. it was my second trip---my brothers first. we both had a great time.

since we were staying right by the river---we decided to spend our first day there. we walked from start to finish looking in the shops and reading the restaurant menus. we stopped a the shrimp factory for drinks and split the mushroom stuffed with crab meat appy and crab cake sandwich--really good.

don't miss the plant district day or night--interesting things in there--big old dinosaur and a room full of quartz.

we used the free dot a lot to visit forsythe park--grabbed a snack there, st. john the baptist church(beautiful), crystal beer parlor yummy drinks and salmon reubens.

we visited the city market---the prohibition museum is not to be missed, had a couple of drinks across the way, did an escape room(should have done that before drinking) enjoyed the shops and sights.

we took a horse and carriage ride--interesting and got a break from all the walking. we had a few at the pirates house and someone took us for a little tour.

we ate at the cotton exchange twice, loved the topdeck for drinks and a bite, $1 oysters for my bro and drinks on the rooftop of sorry charlies---enjoyed all the seafood we ate.

i'm probably missing something ---we were there dec4-8---love savannah. oh yeah---went to planters inn below the old pink house too.

i do think savannah is prettier in the summer than now. more colorful with the flowers----but we had a blast

Answer

Your short Savannah trip sounds like a wonderfully packed few days! Staying by the river is a great base, as it allows easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront scenery. Starting with a full walk along River Street is an excellent choice, and grabbing drinks and appetizers at the Shrimp Factory is a good introduction to local seafood flavors.

Exploring the Plant District both during the day and at night offers a unique contrast of experiences. The quirky attractions like the large dinosaur and the quartz-filled room add a fun and unusual element that’s memorable for first-time visitors.

Using the DOT shuttle to visit Forsyth Park, St. John the Baptist Church, and other nearby sites is practical and lets you cover more ground without overexertion. Stopping at Crystal Beer Parlor for drinks and food provides a local flavor, and city market visits, including the Prohibition Museum, offer a mix of history and entertainment. The escape room is a fun interactive element, best scheduled before cocktails, as you noted!

Forsyth Park – good for a stroll and quick snacks.
St. John the Baptist Church – beautiful architecture and interior.
City Market – shopping, Prohibition Museum, and casual drinks.
Horse and carriage ride – relaxing way to see the city and learn history.

Dining highlights include the Cotton Exchange, Topdeck, Sorry Charlie’s rooftop, the Pirates House, and Planters Inn for drinks or snacks. The seafood options, especially oysters, crab cakes, and local specialties, were a consistent highlight of your trip.

Cotton Exchange – reliable dining option for multiple visits.
Topdeck – casual drinks and bites with a good view.
Sorry Charlie’s rooftop – great for drinks and city views.
Pirates House – historic setting with a fun tour.
Planters Inn – charming location near the Old Pink House.

Overall, your itinerary balances walking, sightseeing, dining, and fun activities well. Visiting in December offers fewer flowers than in summer, but the cooler weather and festive atmosphere make for an enjoyable experience without the summer crowds.

Tips for future short trips:

Consider spreading the city market and River Street visits over two days to avoid fatigue.
Reserve horse and carriage rides or tours early in the day for better availability.
Include at least one evening to enjoy the city lights and perhaps a pedicab ride for a quieter, scenic perspective.

Even on a short trip, you captured a great mix of Savannah’s charm, history, and cuisine. Summer offers more flowers and greenery, but your December visit still delivered a memorable experience.

short but great savannah trip

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