A few weeks ago we took a trip to Savannah to celebrate our friends' wedding. The weather was absolutely perfect and the wedding just as wonderful. Great company, good food, the kindest family and some very fun activities.

This was my first trip to the south and Savannah was such a charming introduction. The architecture alone made my heart skip a beat. All 27+ squares through out the historic district were enough to make me swoon. I found the city to be very easy to get around on foot, even better on a bike. It's flat and small in scale with basically everything you need within a few square miles.

While Jack was off partaking in wedding party activities I spent my time touring the city from a list of suggestions I gathered from Instagram.. Thank you ;) as well as a list that my friend Emily shared.

In case you're ever planning to take a trip, I wanted to share my favorite spots and not to miss restaurants and stores.

Where To Stay

The Brice Hotel

The Brice, A Kimpton Hotel is a recently remodeled Radisson hotel that apparently was a not a nice place as its former self. On the surface the new design is gorgeous, chic, modern and considered. The library or 'living room' as they called it, and the 'secret garden' were so welcoming and lovely. The guest suite as we stepped in was equally as nice, until I opened the bathroom door, which seemed to either be an obvious miss or a sign in lack of budget. It looked exactly like how I would imagine a not so nice Radisson hotel bathroom may be. Travertine tiles all over with strange terracotta rose accent tiles and a poorly design shower that sprays you with cold water as you turn it on. There's no escaping it, we tried....

Otherwise I loved the service and the amenities, the pool was fantastic, they had a daily complimentary happy hour, and they offered complimentary public bikes for guests to use to enjoy the city. Definitely a place to stay when you want a cool, well designed modern hotel with some nice perks. Just try to ask for a room with a renovated bathroom.

The Hamilton-Turner Inn

Photo by: Lauren L Caron © 2016 | A Layered Life

A historic property built in 1873 boasts traditional interiors and luxury accommodations. If you're interested in experiencing old school charm in Southern style I would suggest taking a look at this hotel.

The Oglethorpe Lodge

This is more of an Airbnb style hotel with fully furnished apartment spaces. The families of the wedding we attended rented out the entire lodge, which seems like the best use of the property. I think there are only 3 units but they have two bedrooms, living spaces and kitchens. The major selling point of this establishment is the location, it's right in the center of the downtown historic district.

Savannah Vacation Rentals

A site listing many rental options throughout the city, including one townhouse from Rainbow Row. See below for more information in the sites section.

Where To Eat

The Gryphon Tea Room

We went here twice, it's so pretty. Food is good. Great tea options. The decor alone is worth a meal. They retained the original apothecary interior fixtures, styled a library of books throughout by color and added period appropriate furniture. Owned by SCAD and staffed by SCAD students.

The Grey

An old Greyhound bus station that has been converted into a chic restaurant and bar. A 10 min walk from the center of the historic. Definitely worth the walk. The drinks are delicious. Designed by the New York firm, Parts & Labor Design.

Leopold's Ice Cream

Old school custard style ice cream. Went here twice! You can get kiddy sized cones that are the perfect size to take in the taste, not the calories.

Foxy Loxy Café

Didn't make here but I was told by multiple people that the best day to go is Saturdays for Fire & Wine. You can buy a bottle at the counter and step on the patio and roast marshmallows over the fire pits they have set up.

Savannah Distillery & Bar

Great beer and great for the road sodas - FYI Savannah is an open container city. You can take your alcohol to go, as long as it's in a plastic cup.

The Olde Pink House

An old classic that always has a line and I think you must make reservations. We didn't go here but I kind of wish we did.

The Collins Quarter

Didn't eat here, but it's cute cafe with outdoor seating. Great for a coffee break or lunch.

The Public

This looked like a newer restaurant and felt very New York in style to me. Curbside dining, under a shaded street.

Where to Shop

The Paris Market

A great store to stop in for gifts and inspiration. The merchandise collection is really well curated. I feel like I've seen almost all of the product offering in other stores, but the way it's presented and pulled together captures you and inspires you to bring something home. For us, it was these beautiful astrology mugs that were hand-painted with gold paint. Not microwave or dishwasher safe, but so pretty. They also have the cutest little café within the shop, just in case you're in the mood for an espresso.

Chocolate by Adam Turoni

Beautifully designed stores, presented in a theme. One is the dining room. The next is the library. The window displays are great too, so charming. Oh and the chocolate is made on site. It's decadent. Great for gifts.

Prospector Co.

We stopped into this store simply because it looked great. Featuring their own line of men's products for shaving, skin and body. The decor is minimal and clean and has a very "Brooklyn" aesthetic.

Harper

A stylish boutique with a great buy of dresses, denim, tops, and jewelry. The price points are approachable, with some interesting more indy brands thrown into the mix. One of the owners Leah Lancaster Riffle, also mentioned that several local designers and brands are represented.

Shop SCAD

Store featuring SCAD student work and alumni artwork and products. Because the major connection is SCAD, the products range from furnishings to paintings, clothing and jewelry to stationary and paper goods. It's a beautiful store, located just across the street from The Gryphon Tea Room. Perfect place to stop into while you wait for your table for brunch.

What to See

Owens-Thomas House

124 Abercorn Street - Savannah, GA 31401

912.790.8800

This was the only house museum I made it to for a tour. I was partially sent because there is a distant family relation to the original owners. The building is said to be one of the finest examples of English Regency style architecture in the country. Complete with faux bois, faux marble and a bridge on the second floor!