Ana Rebeca 9/19/17 Ana Rebeca 9/19/17

5 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Charleston

The best way to explore the streets of Charleston is by foot. Use these 5 self-guided walking tours of Charleston to create your own adventures around the city based on what you're looking for! Use these guides to find places to eat, where to take photos, and where to see the historical sites of Charleston.

5 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Charleston

I'm a city girl through and through. That means I innately hate driving, the inconvenience of having to go somewhere where I can't just walk, and the general idea of something that I need not being accessible to get to. Because of these things, I'm always very picky with where I want to travel. Cities that prove themselves to be extremely accessible and easy to get around automatically get bonus points in my book.

Luckily, Charleston is one of those great cities that are easy to navigate and get around! Plus, you don't really need to get a car to get around and see all the charming streets, alleys, and corners this city has to offer. You can easily get from one end of the city to the other by foot, which is the best way to explore it!

As you're walking through Charleston, you'll be able to go as slow or as fast as you'd like and see as little or as much as you want during your stay. If you don't mind spending a little money, you can definitely sign up for a guided tour with a professional (best for people who want to learn the history and just follow along with a group); OR you can just take the adventurous route and explore on your own (my preferred method)! Below are 5 examples of walking routes that you can take around Charleston to discover different parts of the city.

Good to Know Information Before Heading to Charleston

Check out our full Charleston City Guide so you can get better acquainted with where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!
Wear comfortable shoes when you're exploring Charleston because you could easily spend an entire day outside walking around.
Come with an empty stomach because the food in Charleston is absolutely incredible! I'd recommend having a full day out where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner all during your walking tour. You won't have any problems finding great restaurants with the routes provided in this post. Plus, there are tons of recommendations in the City Guide listed above!
The walking tours below are just suggested routes to start with, but I also recommend exploring on side streets and charming roads that look appealing to you! Charleston is so easy to get around so it's definitely easy to just zig zag around from street to street (that's pretty much what I did during my stay).

1. The French Quarter + Rainbow Row Walking Tour

Takes you through the historic french quarter, waterfront park, and the incredibly photogenic rainbow row

Route map for The French Quarter + Rainbow Row by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

Since Charleston was originally founded as a harbor city, it's natural that a lot of the properties near the original waterfront areas would have a lot of history and character. The French Quarter is full of colorful streets, cobblestone alleys, and unique looking churches (including one that looks like it tilts to the side). This is a great route to get a feel for the old, historic part of Charleston.

2. The Waterfront + Broad Street Walking Tour

Explores the lower part of charleston near the waterfront and the popular broad street

Route map for Waterfront, Broad Street, & Rainbow Row by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

If you're a real estate aficionado, this might be your favorite route. On this tour you can expect to see beautiful homes, mansions, and buildings that are lined side by side on both quaint and spacious streets. Make sure to spend time around the White Point Garden and scope out the homes around there. You'll also see the popular Rainbow Row along East Bay Street, as well as the popular Broad Street, which is home to many local businesses and restaurants. You can stick to this route, but I recommend checking out any of the side streets, alleys, or areas that look particularly fascinating to you. There is a lot to explore down here!

3. Downtown Shopping + King Street Walking Route

Perfect route to discover the colorful King street and indulge in some shopping

Route map for Downtown Shopping & King Street by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

You can't leave Charleston without walking around King Street to do a little shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. You can expect to see lots of colorful buildings, cute boutiques, and plenty of delicious restaurant choices. For a list of my favorite shops and restaurants, check out my Charleston City Guide.

4. best Restaurants + Bars walking Route

Takes you through the areas with some of the best restaurants + bars of charleston

Route map for Restaurants + Bars by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

If you read my Charleston City Guide, you know that I included a hefty list of restaurants and bars to check out. This route takes you through the main areas where those places are located in case you want to check them out or do a food + bar crawl. Like the other routes listed here, I recommend you wander off to any side streets or areas that look interesting to you!

5. Harleston Village + Cannonborough/elliotborough ROUTE

Takes you through two popular + Trendy neighborhoods of downtown charleston

Route map for Harleston Village + Part Of Cannonbourogh by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

If you're looking for off the beaten path places to hang, this route will be perfect for you. The Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhoods of Charleston are great areas to find trendy shops and restaurants. The Harleston Village also has lots of local spots since it is home to the College of Charleston. You'll see beautiful homes, streets, and other local hideaways with this route.

What are some other walking routes or areas you would recommend in Charleston? Comment below with some more must-see places!

If you're exploring Charleston, try out these walking tours and let me know what you think!

3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah

The best way to explore the streets of Savannah is by foot. Use these 3 self-guided walking tours of Savannah to create your own adventures around the city based on what you're looking for! Use these guides to find places to eat, where to take photos, and where to see the historical sites of Savannah.

3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah

Luckily, Savannah is one of the most convenient and easiest cities to navigate that I've ever been to. Here's why... Have you ever been to New York? It's a grid. Guess what's also a grid? Savannah. Yes! Sign me up!

If you're heading to Savannah, the best way to explore it will be on foot. It will give you the chance to go as slow or as fast as you'd like and see as little or as much as you want during your stay. If you don't mind spending a little money, you can definitely sign up for a guided tour with a professional (best for people who want to learn the history and just follow along with a group); OR you can just take the adventurous route and explore on your own (my preferred method)! Below are 3 examples of walking routes that you can take around Savannah depending on what you're looking for.

Good to Know Information Before Heading to Savannah

Check out our full Savannah City Guide so you can get better acquainted with where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!
Wear comfortable shoes when you're exploring Savannah because you could easily spend an entire day outside walking around.
Come with an empty stomach because the food in Savannah is to die for! I'd recommend having a full day out where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner all during your walking tour. You won't have any problems finding great restaurants with the routes provided in this post.
The walking tours below are just suggested routes to start with, but I also recommend exploring on side streets and charming roads that look appealing to you! Savannah is so easy to get around so it's definitely easy to just zig zag around from street to street (that's pretty much what I did during my stay).

1. Savannah Squares Walking Tour

Takes you around each of the squares of Savannah with the route ending at Forsyth Park

View route map for Savannah Squares on plotaroute.com

Before visiting Savannah, a friend was telling me I absolutely had to check out all of the "squares" around the downtown area. I have to admit... I was a little bit confused until I actually got to see them and appreciate them for myself.

Savannah currently has 22 historic squares that you can see and enjoy when you visit. Each square has its own name and look, with most of them having a unique statue, sculpture, or structure as the focal point in the center. They are all lovely in their own right (and I recommend seeing all of them), but my personal favorites are Chippewa (made famous by Forrest Gump), Lafayette, Greene, Madison, and Johnson.

2. Savannah Shopping Walking Tour

Takes you through a good shopping route to explore Savannah's local boutiques and shops

View route map for Savannah Shopping on plotaroute.com

There are so many incredible places to shop around Savannah that are unique to the city. This route takes you through the City Market, Broughton Street, and down Bull Street with the occasional zigzag here and there.

Make sure to stop by The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, E. Shaver Booksellers (as well as their adjacent tea shop), One Fish Two Fish, Shop SCAD (where you can shop local SCAD student's artwork), as well as tons of shops along Bull Street and Whitaker Street. There are seriously so many amazing shops and boutiques that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.

3. Forsyth Park and Historic Streets Walking Route

Takes you through Forsyth Park and parts of the Historic District of Downtown Savannah

View route map for Savannah Streets And Park on plotaroute.com

A visit to Savannah is just not complete without a visit to Forsyth Park. The park, which is especially gorgeous at sunrise and sunset, is known for the iconic fountain shot that you'll see off the entrance of Bull and Gaston. You can walk through the park, sit down for a picnic, visit the rose gardens, play some tennis, or attend concerts and other events that happen from time to time around the park area.

After spending some time in the park, stick around the area to roam the downtown Historic District so you can marvel at all of the gorgeous homes and mansions. All of the tree lined streets with Spanish Moss on them are simply breathtaking. This route will take you around some of my favorite areas, but you should also follow your adventurous instincts and explore the streets that excite you!

What are some other walking routes or areas you would recommend in Savannah? Comment below with some more must-see places!

If you're exploring Savannah, try out these walking tours and let me know what you think!

A Weekend Guide to Tybee Island

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Savannah's historic downtown area is the charming beach town of Tybee Island. It's a fantastic place where you can ride your bike through the streets with your hair blowing in the wind, see all the colorful cottages around town, hit the beach for some surfing, and then unwind with a drink in hand along the pier. Tybee Island is the perfect extension to your Savannah vacation--so use this travel guide to find where to eat, sleep, and play while you're there!

A Weekend Guide to Tybee Island

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Savannah's historic downtown area is the charming little beach town of Tybee Island. Often referred to as "Savannah's Beach," Tybee is a great, natural escape from the urban lifestyle that is only about 15-20 minutes away. It's a fantastic place where you can ride your bike through the streets while ogling at the colorful cottages; hit the beach for some surfing, picnicking, or relaxing; and finally, unwind at the end of the day by watching the sunset over the ocean. It's the perfect beach getaway *and* extension to your trip in Savannah!

It's time to clock into "Tybee Time," as the locals call it. Let your hair down, grab your flip flops, and get ready to relax because we're taking a break from the skyscrapers of the city to enjoy the vibes of the island. Use this weekend guide to Tybee Island to see where you can eat, sleep, and play on any budget during your visit.

Don't be fooled by the size of Tybee Island because the flavors this beachy town certainly pack a punch. There are plenty of great places to eat and enjoy the island when you're staying in Tybee. The best part is that you don't have to break the bank eating in town because there are tons of affordable places in the area.

*One tip of advice if you're eating somewhere near the water, especially in the evening: DO. NOT. FORGET. BUG SPRAY. I made the horrible mistake of doing this when I stayed and woke up the next day paying the price. Don't be silly like me!

Ok...now to the food...

The Breakfast Club

A-J's Dockside

Sundae Cafe

Fish Camp

The Social Club

The Breakfast Club, $$, 1500 Butler Ave -- Good local spot to grab breakfast in the morning or a juicy burger
A-J's Dockside, $$, 1315 Chatham Ave -- I love this place for so many reasons. First, there is an awesome dock in the back of the restaurant to catch the gorgeous sunset, which I highly recommend. Make sure to get there early enough if you want to see it because it gets crowded. The food was also a great surprise because what seemed like a "typical bar food" menu was actually full of delicious southern flavor in all the dishes I tried. Definitely a great place to check out!
Sundae Cafe, $$$, 304 1st St -- An unpretentious cafe with a wide variety of really great dishes on the menu. Plenty of seafood, meat, and other hearty meals.
Fish Camp, $$$, 106 S Campbell Ave -- If you're craving fresh seafood alongside a romantic, upscale dining experience, this is your place. The restaurant is in a charming, renovated cottage complete with modern decor and a lovely back patio area.
The Social Club, $$, 1311 Butler Ave -- This spot is notorious for their shrimp and grits, Bloody Marys, and brunch menu. If you're in the mood for a lively brunch with some local music, head there for their Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday from 12-3pm!

Sweetie Pies

The Crab Shack

CoCo's Sunset Grille

80 East Gastropub

Huc-a-Poos

Sweetie Pies, $, 1209 Hwy 80 -- Located right next to the adorable, local shop, Seaside Sisters (worth stepping inside for a look at everything they have!), is the little vintage trailer of Sweetie Pies. Stop by for some tasty gelato and other sweet treats on a hot summer day.
The Crab Shack, $$, 40 Estill Hammock Rd -- Seafood lovers rejoice at this place. This restaurant is known for its seafood boils (meaning they don't just deep fry everything like you would imagine for a casual seafood place) and large platters, making it a good place for larger groups.
CoCo's Sunset Grille, $$, 1A Old Us Hwy 80 -- Another great, casual spot to enjoy the Tybee sunset over drinks and food
80 East Gastropub, $$, 725B 1st St -- Like any terrific gastropub, this place serves up quality drinks, a lively atmosphere, and delicious food. It's right next to a gas station, which makes it quite [pleasantly] surprising when you step inside to experience this place.
Huc-a-Poos, $, 1213 US Hwy 80 -- If you're looking for a low key spot to grab some pizza, head to this cool, dive-y spot

The Vacation Rental

Mermaid Cottages, $-$$$, Various Locations

While you'd normally think to stay at a hotel or resort when you travel to an island or beach destination, my recommendation when coming to Tybee Island is to opt for a vacation home rental. What better way to experience the area than living like a local in an adorable beach house or cottage?!

My personal favorite rental group is Mermaid Cottages--partially because I really love mermaids and partially because of how great their properties are. Just take a look at this one that is *literally* beach house goals in every way.

The cottage I stayed in (Doyle's on the Dunes) was pretty much a stone's throw away from the oceanfront and came with all the comfortable amenities of home. You can have your own privacy, a full kitchen/living room/dining room to utilize, multiple bedrooms, and even a deck to hang out and enjoy the views by choosing to stay at a vacation rental like Mermaid Cottages. I recommend this style of accommodations if you're looking for the full Tybee experience.

Also try: Tybee Vacation Rentals, Desoto Beach Terraces, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals

The Beachfront Hotel

DeSoto Beach Hotel, $, 212 Butler Ave

If you do want the convenience of staying at a hotel near the water, check out Desoto Beach Hotel, which has been voted the Best Place to Stay on Tybee many times over. Guests can enjoy a private beach access and a convenient location to the downtown area.

Also try: Hotel Tybee or Beachside Colony Resort

The B&B

Surf Song Bed & Breakfast, 21 Officers Row

Stay in this historic, renovated Victorian home that is over 100 years old, where you'll be steps away from the beach and many other attractions in the area. In addition to the elegant interior of the B&B, guests can also enjoy a private pool, fresh breakfast in the morning, and beautiful views of Tybee from each room.

Also try: Hotel Beachview Bed & Breakfast, Tybee Island Inn, or The Georgianne Inn

Rent a bike to get around town. Of course having a car is convenient to get from place to place; but if you want the real Tybee experience, you absolutely need to rent a bike. There's nothing quite like biking through a beach town with the wind blowing in your hair and the smell of sea salt in the air... You can get one from bike rental companies around town, like Tim's Beach Gear.
Spend a day at the beach. Take a picnic, go for a romantic walk, or just lounge around and relax on the shore all day. You're on an island after all...
Swoon over the beautiful cottages around town. All of the colorful beach homes around the island are so adorable that you can't miss out on seeing them! Bonus points if you do it while riding your bike!
Catch a sunset over the water at places like A-J's or CoCo's (both listed above in "EAT")
Walk along the Tybee Island Pier to see the view from the water

See the view of Tybee from the Tybee Island Light Station. It's a decent walk up to the top of the lighthouse (wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs), but the view is killer.
Hit the waves and take a surf lesson. If surfing isn't your thing, you can still do kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and tons of other fun water sports.
Visit some local boutiques like Seaside Sisters (my fave! and has lots of great things from house goods to souvenirs and clothing), Swizzle and Shake (perfect for gifts for those who love to entertain at home), or Kelly & Company (for custom essential oils, bath products, and other natural beauty products)
Spend some time in nature by going on a dolphin adventure tour, taking a Tybee Beach Ecology Trip, or visiting the Marine Science Center
Experience life on "Tybee Time." Being on Tybee is all about relaxing and taking in the island life at your own pace. Everything starts to move a little slower as you leave your cares behind you when you drive into this charming beach town. Indulge in a little R&R, grab a drink (drinks are insanely cheap here compared to city prices--winning!), let your hair down, and take a deep breath to soak it all in. You're on the island time now!

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO TYBEE ISLAND? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!

Thank you to Visit Savannah and Visit Tybee for hosting my visit to Savannah. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.

A Weekend Guide to Savannah

We're trading in our skyscrapers and bustling sidewalks for the historic sites and tree lined streets of this Southern destination. It's time to explore the charming city of Savannah, Georgia to see what exactly makes this eclectic, vibrant place sparkle. Check out this travel guide for tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on every budget in Savannah!

A Weekend Guide to Savannah

If you've been anywhere near a travel magazine in the last couple years, you've probably seen Savannah, Georgia continuously popping up as one of the hottest destinations to visit right now. Maybe you've seen those inviting pictures of their colorful streets aligned with the curvaceous Live Oak Trees and strands of Spanish Moss dripping from the drooping branches. Or perhaps you've even read a couple of rave reviews for the countless new and trendy restaurants that are opening up all over the city.

Any combination of great food, eclectic architecture, and charming streets is enough for me to get off my couch, hop on a plane, and explore somewhere new. It's finally time for this city girl to get a taste of what "The South" has to offer, and I'm taking you all to Savannah with me! Use this weekend guide to Savannah to see where you can eat, play, and sleep on any budget during your visit.

Oh my goodness... The FOOD in Savannah... Where do I even begin?! I had heard great things about the food in the South and I was ready to dig in and try real, authentic Southern food for the first time! *Like, for real, I had never even tried grits before! It was like the scene out of 'My Cousin Vinny.'

In Savannah, you'll find true, Southern comfort flavors, incredibly fresh seafood, desserts that will knock your socks off, and so many other types of cuisines that you maybe wouldn't expect from a city in the South. The food scene in Savannah really crushed and exceeded every expectation I had of what the food might be like. When you come to visit, I promise you won't be going home with an empty stomach.

Here are some places to check out:

Cafe M

Mirabelle Cafe

The Collins Quarter

Treylor Park

Cafe M, $, 128 E Bay St -- A lovely little piece of Paris right in the heart of Savannah. Great spot for a quick breakfast, coffee, tea, or some baked goods.
Mirabelle Cafe, $, 313 Abercorn St -- A waffle lover's dream! This cafe has an amazing assortment of sweet and savory waffle treats among other things on their menu. The Croque Monsieur was my favorite.
The Collins Quarter, $$, 151 Bull St -- Lively restaurant (especially Wednesday's when they have live jazz music) with incredible food and an even better coffee menu. Don't leave Savannah without trying their Lavender Spiced Mocha!
Treylor Park, $, 115 E Bay St -- Very hip spot with a quirky menu and cool outdoor patio. You can indulge in some PB&J Wings, Grilled Apple Pie Sandwich, or Chicken & Pancake Tacos!

The Grey

Soho South

The Public

Leopold's

The Grey, $$$, 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd -- This popular spot is an old Greyhound Bus Station turned diner, and the menu does not disappoint. The food is absolutely incredible and it's served in perfect portions for sharing or having your own feast. There is also a cocktail lounge in the front of the restaurant in case you want to just grab cocktails or a drink.
Soho South, $$, 12 W Liberty St -- Trendy spot in the middle of town with a very eclectic, industrial vibe and gorgeous decor. The menu has lots of classic favorites, including their famous tomato basil bisque.
The Public Kitchen & Bar, $$, 1 W Liberty St -- This is a sister restaurant to Soho South and also has quite a trendy, lively vibe to it with beautiful modern decor. You'll find lots of comfort foods here, as well as some good spots for people watching around their patio.
Leopold's Ice Cream, $, 212 E Broughton St -- A trip to Savannah isn't complete without stopping by this popular downtown institution. Leopold's is home to Savannah's best ice cream and you'll find an incredible assortment of flavors. Good luck choosing just one...

The Olde Pink House

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

Goose Feathers

Green Truck Pub

The Olde Pink House, $$$, 23 Abercorn St -- You'll find classic Southern food in this upscale dining establishment. Just the house alone is worth taking a look at, but you won't be sorry for sticking around for the food. If you're in the mood for a delicious, hearty, Southern meal, this is a great spot. *I actually tried grits for the first time ever here! :)
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, $$, 107 W Jones St -- Another Savannah institution with true Southern comfort foods. A few things to note: 1) It's cash only; 2) There is always be a line, so be prepared to wait (you'll likely see the line wrapped around the block every day); 3) Everyone will tell you that the wait is worth it. You're basically eating family style in this dining room, so you might even leave with a new friend or two at your communal table!
Goose Feathers, $, 39 Barnard St -- Great cafe for a quick breakfast or sandwiches
Green Truck Pub, $$, 2430 Habersham St -- Best known for their amazing burgers

Zunzi's

Sweet Spice

Lulu's Chocolate Bar

Zunzi's, $, 108 E York St -- Best known for their massive hoagies and sandwiches, which could easily count as 2 meals. The most popular ones are the Conquistador and Godfather.
Sweet Spice, $, 5515 Waters Ave -- Great spot to curb your Jamaican/Caribbean food cravings.
CO, $$, 10 Whitaker St -- If you're looking for some excellent asian fusion or sushi, this spot will have everything you're looking for. Make sure to stop by the cocktail lounge, Savannah Cocktail, which is just upstairs from the restaurant!
Lulu's Chocolate Bar, $$, 42 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd -- Drinks, chocolate, and all the sweets. Save room for dessert wherever you're having dinner and make a stop here on the way home!

Also try: Alligator Soul, Flying Monk, Chive Sea Bar & Lounge, The Florence, Wyld Dock and Bar, Cotton & Rye, Jazz'D Tapas Bar, Back in the Day Bakery, Circa 1875, Garibaldi Cafe

Bonus: Places to Grab a Drink

*I don't normally include a list of places to drink in my city guides, but Savannah's options were just way too good to pass up. Here are my favorites:

Artillery, $$$, 307 Bull St -- Another trendy, hip spot that is right in the heart of downtown. Unique cocktail list and bartenders who know how to put together a mean concoction
Jen's & Friend's, $$, 7 E Congress St -- Lots of unique and dessert-y type martinis. Great place for a girl's night
Top Deck, $$, 125 W River St -- Great rooftop bar to watch the sunset over Savannah
Gryphon, $$, 337 Bull St -- Old apothecary turned modern tea room. You feel like you're stepping back in time when you walk into this space. Make sure to take a look at the old shelves that still have the original drawers and labels on them.
Crystal Beer Parlor, $$, 301 W Jones St -- Large draft beer selection and great menu if you're in the mood for some Southern pub food at the same time

The Boutique Hotel

The Kimpton Brice Hotel, $$, 601 E Bay St

Located right in the heart of the Historic District, The Brice really encompasses the best of both worlds: old, Southern charm and modern, eclectic luxury. This hotel almost makes it hard to leave with how much they offer guests right on site (including a daily happy hour with free cocktails and snacks!). Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fine Italian dining at Pacci, rentable bikes, and a great location that makes it easy to walk anywhere in town. The Brice is my preferred accommodation in Savannah because of all it has to offer.

Also try: Andaz Savannah ($$$), Hotel Indigo Savannah ($$), or The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront ($$$)

The B&B

Hamilton-Turner Inn, $$, 330 Abercorn St

Savannah is home to some of the most charming Bed & Breakfasts in the US, so it's really difficult to choose just one to recommend. The Hamilton-Turner Inn stands out the most to me because of it's incredible history, architecture and design, and close proximity to everything in town. Fun fact: It was actually the first home in Savannah to have electricity in the 19th century! People from all over town used to come and stand out front of the house to watch it light up at night time.

Also try: The Gastonian ($$), Eliza Thompson House ($$), Catherine Ward House Inn ($$), or Zeigler House Inn ($$). There are really too many great B&B's in Savannah to choose!

The Luxury Mansion

Mansion on Forsyth Park, $$, 700 Drayton St

If major Southern luxury is what you're going for on your trip, then look no further than the Mansion on Forsyth Park. You don't even have to look past the facade to see how incredibly opulent this hotel is. It's close proximity to Forsyth Park makes this an ideal accommodation for people looking to have a quieter stay away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. In addition to the exquisite guest suites, they have many on site amenities to keep visitors entertained. Guests can enjoy a Marble Garden Courtyard and pool, cooking classes at 700 Kitchen Cooking School, the Grand Bohemian Gallery, the hotel's cocktail lounges, the Carriage Wine Cellar, and even an on site spa.

Also try: The Kehoe House ($$)

Things to do in Savannah:

Visit Forsyth Park, especially at either sunrise or sunset. This park is known for the iconic fountain shot that you'll see off the entrance of Bull and Gaston. Fun fact about the fountain: it was actually purchased from a catalogue in the 1800s and spray painted to be what you see today. You can walk through the park, sit down for a picnic, visit the rose gardens, play some tennis, or attend a concerts and other events that happen from time to time around the park area.
Walk around the downtown Historic District to marvel at all of the gorgeous homes and mansions. All of the tree lined streets with Spanish Moss on them are simply breathtaking. Make sure to visit each of the city's squares to see each of the different statues, sculptures, and center pieces. Check out our favorite (and FREE) 3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah to explore the city!

Take a trolley tour of the city. Savannah has a few hop-on hop-off trolley tour options for people who like to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. I personally love these as they are a great way to know where you're going and know what you might want to go back and see later. There are day time tours and night time tours for people of all ages.
Sign up for an evening Ghost Tour. You may not know this, but Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. Naturally, because of this, there are quite a few ghost tours that operate throughout the city. Check out tours like Blue Orb (most popular), Ghosts and Gravestones (family friendly), or the Boos and Brews walking tour (for those who want some adult beverages with their ghost stories).
Shop local around Savannah. There are so many incredible places to shop around Savannah that are unique to the city. Make sure to stop by The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, E. Shaver Booksellers (as well as their adjacent tea shop), One Fish Two Fish, Shop SCAD (where you can shop local SCAD student's artwork), as well as tons of shops along Bull Street and Whitaker Street. There are seriously so many amazing shops and boutiques that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.

Stop by Wormsloe Historic Site on your way in or out of the city. It is a short drive away from the downtown Savannah area, but it is worth stopping by to at least catch a glimpse of the beautiful entrance. You can also go into the property and take tours or walk around.
Spend a night or two in Tybee Island. Tybee is the perfect lazy beach town escape and it's also just a quick drive outside of the downtown area. Definitely worth spending a night or two if you have the time. Check out the Tybee Island City Guide right now!
Check out some local museums, such as the Telfair Museums or SCAD Museum of Art. Savannah is a very artsy and eclectic town with a lot of history, so make sure to check out some of the city's museums if you're interested in exploring that deeper.
Walk through the Bonaventure Cemetery and/or Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. I know it seems like having a cemetery and church on this list is strange, but it all goes hand in hand with the history of Savannah. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is very opulent and beautiful inside, while the Bonaventure Cemetery (made popular by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) is full of historic significance and beauty.
Hang out around the open air City Market. This area is home to tons of local shops and restaurants and gets very lively throughout the afternoons and weekends. Make sure to stop by Byrd's Cookies to try their sweet and savory delights.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO SAVANNAH? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!

A Weekend Guide to Milwaukee

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chicago along Lake Michigan is the great city of Milwaukee, which is genuinely one of the Midwest's best kept secrets--until now. Use this handy travel guide to navigate your way through the beautiful city of Milwaukee with tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!

A Weekend Guide to Milwaukee

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chicago along Lake Michigan is the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is genuinely one of the Midwest's best kept secrets--until now.

This bustling city is home to some of the country's most famous breweries, a vast amount of European immigrant history, miles of stunning lakefront views, and incredible architecture along the riverfront. It is truly a delightful city for a getaway trip with more than enough for visitors to experience during their stay.

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, endless foods to try, or culture to experience, you'll find whatever you're looking for in Milwaukee. Museums (from the Harley Davidson Museum to the Public Museum), rivers and lakes (complete with pedestrian friendly paths), and restaurants galore (the list could really go on and on), this city easily appeases any type of traveler. Use this handy guide to navigate your way through the beautiful city of Milwaukee with tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!

The restaurant choices in Milwaukee are very reminiscent of what you would find in Austin, TX or Portland, OR. You get this sort of "Keep Milwaukee Weird" vibe when you're hunting down places to eat.

You'll rarely bump into big, chain restaurants in Milwaukee as the city prides itself on supporting local businesses and dining establishments. It seems like there are always new places opening up around the city too, which is great news for travelers and locals alike. You really can't go wrong with food in Milwaukee, but here are some great spots to check out:

The Watts Tea Shop, $$, 761 N Jefferson Street -- If you're a breakfast or tea fan, you absolutely cannot pass this place up. Watts has probably the best English Muffins you'll ever have in your life--and everything is made right in house! The Sunshine Cake and their specialty teas are also extremely noteworthy. I ended up leaving here with a ton of stuff to take home because it was so good!
St. Paul Fish Company, $$, 400 N Water Street -- Located right in the Public Market, this place is always packed and for good reason. Try their famous lobster roll and thank me later. It is incredible!
Zaffiro's Pizza, $$, 1724 N Farewell Avenue -- Authentic Sicilian pizza made to order. If you're looking for a noteworthy place to grab some pizza, head right to Zaffiro's. They've been using the same recipe since they opened decades ago.

The Watts Tea Shop

St. Paul Fish Company

Zaffiro's Pizza

Cafe Benelux, $$, 346 N Broadway -- Very popular spot right at the start of the Historic Third Ward. Good spot for brunch on the weekends!
Sobelman's, $$, 1900 W St Paul Avenue -- If you ask anyone from Milwaukee where to go for a Bloody Mary, there's a good chance that Sobelman's is on their list. This is definitely a spot for brunch lovers to get a unique dish (or drink) on the weekends.
Glorioso's Italian Market, $$, 1011 E Brady Street -- There are decades of history at this local Italian Market, which is just what anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine would want. Step inside and order fresh food from the deli, or shop around for treats to take home with you! Either way, this is definitely a stop to put on the list when you visit.

Cafe Benelux

Sobelman's

Glorioso's Italian Market

Wolf Peach, $$, 1818 N Hubbard Street -- If you're looking for a fresh spot with local farm ingredients or home-grown vegetables, try this spot. Portions are generous and served as they are prepared.
Wolski's, $, 1836 N Pulaski Street -- This spot is iconic for it's "I CLOSED WOLSKI'S" signs. The tradition is to come here from open to close and spend the entire day at this local dive bar. It's worth taking a step inside even if you can't close it down just because it's been around for so long.
Merriment Social, $$, 240 E Pittsburgh Avenue -- Great place to go for some "New American" dim-sum inspired cuisine. Very popular for their burger!

Also try: Lucky Ginger, My Office, Ardent, Engine Company No. 3, Balzac, Cempazuchi's, Peter Sciortino's Bakery, Wicked Hop, and all of the local spots in the Milwaukee Public Market

Wolf Peach

Wolski's

Merriment Social

The Pfister Hotel, 424 E Wisconsin Avenue

If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to step into old world elegance, sophistication, and charm, look no further than The Pfister Hotel right in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee. This exquisite, 19th-century hotel has been a popular and welcoming meeting place for locals and travelers alike since its doors opened in 1893.

The lobby of this historic establishment has even been referred to as "Milwaukee's Living Room," and for good reason! Take one step inside the opulent space and you'll instantly feel like you've been transported into the gilded age of the Belle Époque. You can grab a cocktail at the bar or a coffee at the cafe and then cozy up on a plush sofa near the fireplace with your friends right by your side. It truly is a warm, inviting, and unforgettable space to spend time.

All this talk and I've only begun to mention the lobby! The rest of The Pfister Hotel also has so much to offer visitors. During your stay, make sure you indulge in all of the amenities the hotel has to offer:

Take a dip in the large indoor pool, which overlooks the entire city (absolutely breathtaking view--especially at sunset!)
Grab a drink at the hotel's signature bar, Blu
Dine at Mason Street Grill--or listen to the live music!
Schedule a session at their world class WELL Spa + Salon
Have your choice of breakfast/brunch between The Cafe (my favorite in the hotel!) or The Rouge (Sunday Brunch only)

The guest suites at The Pfister also deserve a notable mention for their own unique aesthetic. An elegant, contemporary bedroom design awaits every guest upon arrival. Personally, I love the mixture of the contemporary design in the rooms juxtaposed with the old world elegance of the lobby. It is a great combination for travelers who want to experience both styles within an accommodation. *Fun Fact: These guest rooms were the first of any hotel to have the luxury of in-room temperature controls!

The Pfister is perfectly located and within walking distance to just about everything around the downtown area. If you're curious about what to experience, make sure to stop by the concierge for some insider advice about what is happening around the city. Their team is absolutely first class and incredibly knowledgable about the area!

Also try: The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. Very hip, eclectic hotel located in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. It's perfect for city lovers who want to feel that trendy vibe in the heart of the city.

THINGS TO DO IN MILWAUKEE:

1. Go on a local food tour. Since Milwaukee was historically settled by many immigrants from all over the world, the city has so many different types of cuisine to offer. My personal favorite was the Milwaukee Food Tours (I did the Brady Street Tour, which was great!) and you can get $5 off by using the code "MKEFOOD".

2. Walk up and down the River Walk (and say hello to the Bronze Fonz!). Milwaukee has done an incredible job at creating and maintaining a pedestrian friendly River Walk around the downtown area. You can easily walk from one end to the other, and then hop a bridge to walk the other side right after. The views along the river are gorgeous and you definitely should pay a visit to the city's famous statue of Henry Winkler's character "Fonzie" from Happy Days.

3. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, which has wonderful exhibits year-round and offers killer lakefront views. The architecture of this building alone is a reason to go and see it!

4. See a play, ballet, concert, or other performance. The city has an incredible performing arts community and you definitely need to see at least one show while you're visiting! I saw a ballet performance when I was in town and absolutely loved it. The best part was I didn't even have to arrange tickets ahead of time--I just walked right into the theatre and purchased tickets at the box office (got some killer seats too!). It's definitely a perk of visiting the theatre in this city!

5. Attend a summer festival. Milwaukee is famous for all of their summer activities, including the very popular Summerfest, which takes place every year. Don't miss out on the city's summer happenings if you go during the warmer months!

Brady Street Food Tour Stop

Riverwalk

The Bronze Fonz

Milwaukee Art Museum

Rooftop of The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

6. Go on a brewery tour. This is a city famous for its beer culture, so why not indulge and check out one of the local breweries (like Lakefront Brewery) and sign up for a tour. You'll get plenty of tasting opportunities and a chance to see how some of America's popular beers are made.

7. Eat Friday Fish Fry, drink a Bloody Mary(s) on Sunday's, and try Wisconsin Cheese Curds. I know this seems like a lot, but these things are all staples that you cannot leave Milwaukee without trying! Friday Fish Fry is a statewide tradition that is served up at most restaurants every Friday; Bloody Mary's on the weekends are extremely popular around the city with many establishments competing on who's is better; and cheese curds... need I say more?! Head to a local bar and order up some of those famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds!

8. Explore the Historic Third Ward. This might have been my favorite area around downtown Milwaukee because of it's artsy, eclectic vibe. The architecture is really cool around here with lots of warehouses and lofts popping up left and right, and there are many new restaurants and boutiques coming to set up shop in this area. It's definitely a fun neighborhood to hang around.

9. Walk around the Milwaukee Public Market. All it takes is one walk through the bustling Milwaukee Public Market to fall in love with the unique and local vibe that it offers visitors. You can find a wide variety of cuisines, drinks, and knick knacks in this eclectic market. My favorites were St. Paul's Fish Company (try the lobster roll and thank me later), FORM fine goods + floral, and Thief Wine Shop & Bar. There are sooo many other amazing spots too, so I encourage you to go check them all out!

10. Food crawl around Brady Street. Brady Street is home to some of Milwaukee's best food gems. There's Glorioso's Italian Market, Zaffiro's Pizza, Thai-Namite, Mimma's Cafe, and so much more! If you prefer to go at your own pace, pick a few places and get small plates or portions at each of them. If you prefer to have someone guide you around and get the most bang for your buck, I'd recommend trying out one of the Milwaukee Food Tours (as mentioned in #1) to try out a few different places while learning some history of the area.

BONUS: Visit Old World 3rd Street and the Milwaukee Cheese Mart. Beer, brats, and cheese. That's really all that needs to be said about this popular area. It's definitely worth a look if you're into any of those things!

Bloody Mary from Wicked Hop

Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee Public Market

Restaurants along Brady Street

Old World 3rd Street

Have you ever been to Milwaukee? What are your favorite things to eat, places to stay, or things to do? Comment below with more recommendations!

Thank you to Travel Wisconsin and The Pfister Hotel for hosting my visit to Milwaukee. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.