I took my girlfriend here for a bday trip last summer. It was our first trip together and we had such a good time. The people, the food, the buildings, the beach. Savannah will always be a special place for us
another don’t for the tourists: don’t try to go into the Cathedral on Sunday’s during Mass. if you really want to go inside with no intention of staying for a service (and are willing to get through a crowd), there’s a roughly 30 minute transition window between. it is an active church during that time, so please be respectful of those praying before/after Mass.
I'm not Catholic, but WTF? I'm basically a Savannah native, and I didn't realize this was a problem because I would NEVER go into a house of worship to gawk. I'm an old dude, and that's kinda gross.
I love the fact that you mentioned "manners", it's so important and nowadays being kind and respectful is almost under-rated. I'm so glad I get to come here this October, cant wait !!!
As someone who’s lived in Savannah my whole life and works downtown. THANK YOU! Really loved this video! Makes me happy people love the city as much as us locals!
Born and raised in Savannah. The main concerns are crime at night, homeless population, parking, and finding your way whether that's driving or walking. Overall, it's a beautiful city and can be a lot of fun.
@@thomasj9561 Well basically all kinds of crime. There is gang activity in the area and it can range from murder to car theft. I haven't experienced any but I'm aware of how potentially dangerous certain areas can be.
@@brettwolven6390 I was telling somebody about it as well I unfortunately have had my car stolen but in all honesty it wasn't downtown it was actually in a and I say this loosely because others say differently but in a high scale neighborhood that I guess it used to be but not anymore but I live in Georgetown and my car was stolen from the convenience store that's in Georgetown but I did get it back after they trashed it and stuff but yes the crime is very high they don't speak about that just because I guess it's the money thing people want to make it out that it's safe and blah blah blah but I guess you know if some people are smart they would see the heavy police presence and know that there's something going on with all the police that's present
Just got back from Savannah yesterday. Beautiful place. Bigger city than I expected. We stayed at an Airbnb right by City Market. The entire downtown was very walkable. IMO, much nicer to see the city on foot than in a vehicle or on a tour. Not sure if being a small kid, but for adults, there are endless restaurants, bars, historic sites, and beautiful city streets.
Great tips! Something to add about the plastic cups, be sure to ask around at the downtown restaurants and bars for aluminum cups. City Council started a pilot program last year allowing for reusable and recyclable aluminum cups. It's a purely voluntary program, but the cups are nice and you'll find some establishments have made it a regular offering.
THANK YOU FOR THE SPANISH MOSS MENTION! As a local, I see so many tourists do it all the time. It’s so beautiful and people have no idea. I warn them as soon as I hear conversations about it.
I want to alleviate your concerns LOL you do not get red bugs from Spanish moss hanging in the trees! Now could gnats land on it temporarily? Yes but I grew up using it as hair myself and even bedding in my pretend houses :-) I got plenty of red bugs but never from Spanish malls. If you do a little googling you will see that Spanish moss is harmless when it hangs from a tree.. not so much if it's been on the ground for a while
As someone in the tourist industry in Savannah and Hilton Head, my favorite times are October - March as it starts to heat up and the pollen is starting as we speak. Great points and make sure when you fly into Savannah/ Hilton Head International you dont get confused with the Hilton Head Island Airport!!!
As a person thats lived in Savannah,Ga for 10 years I wanna say this video was spot on🤙 Its always nice to see videos where vloggers take in consideration not only the town but the people as well. Keep on making great videos👍
I have been visiting Savannah ever since my son was 1 year old and now he's 22. It's my home away from home. Everything you mention is SPOT ON! I love it so much that I'm relocating from Chicago this fall, making SAV my permanent home! Great video!
As a native of Savannah I appreciate your video and you are right on everything except the Spanish moss. Spanish moss does not have biting bugs in it. At least not when hanging from a tree. If it is on the ground that is a different story but so are leaves on the ground and underbrush in certain areas. If an area is not well developed especially there is a fairly high chance you could get red bugs. I will say that even growing up in Savannah I remember people saying red bugs were in the Moss and I certainly had my share but it never came from the beautiful Spanish moss! So feel free to pull some off the trees... Play with it, use it for craft projects and whatever you wish!
Born and raised in Savannah. Great video. Only thing you didn’t mention was all the panhandlers and homeless that hang out downtown and in the squares.
Just back from an early May visit to both Charleston & Savannah and really enjoyed both cities. Weather perfect , no bugs , no humidity. We are big foodies and tried several great restaurants. Our favorites were Husk and Magnolia in Charleston and The old pink house in Savannah. The Boone plantation in Charleston was great , amazing tour guide , very reasonable. In Savannah grab brunch at Collins quarter in Forsyth park, the spiced lavender mocha is out of this world and we loved the French toast. You can also get leopolds ice cream here . In Savannah we stayed at the olde harbour inn, beautiful spacious suites…not a full service hotel but everything we needed was in our suite…
Thanks for pointing out about being cautious, during the evenings downtown. Being a resident here, it is a good idea to be cautious about being out and about after 10pm, downtown. Certain areas are just not safe. So come and have fun but be mindful of the risk.
I lived in Savanah for around 7 years. The most common advice given to tourists is "stay between MLK and East Broad". There is a heavy police presence in the downtown area, but beyond these two streets (on either side of "downtown"), there was alot of gang/drug crime.
Savannah is very sad.. destroyed when the N's come out at night and repaired in the daytime when normal folks are up. Another beautiful town to be avoided
Thank you for loving Savannah, I’ve lived here for my entire life. When I go downtown I have such a sense of pride. I love that we can walk around with alcohol or beer, you don’t have to be stuck in a restaurant or bar. Come to Savannah and have a big glass of sweet tea.
Just returned from a extended weekend in Charleston and Savannah. Loved both places and each has their own unique charms. Both destinations are highly recommended for those who've never been. Also, was great to get away from the Chicago snow and cold. Highly recommend The Original Crab Shack in Tybee Island 👍👍
Those of us from Georgia are asking what's the problem with heat? A little humidity is nothing. I love Savannah and Tybee in the summer. I've been visiting Savannah since my kids were toddlers. My kids are now in their twenties.
The trolley tours are a great way to see the downtown area..Day or night.We really enjoyed our Tour guides they are very knowledgeable about Savannahs history.
My husband and I have visited Savannah many times and we love it ! We visited for New Years a few times and it was awesome. On River Street, they have "Up the Cup" instead of the ball drop. It's a huge, red solo cup and they raise it at midnight. I can't wait for our next visit.
Remember that Tybee is about thirty minutes or so from downtown. It is a two lane road as you head onto the island so if there is a wreck, you could be stuck for a while. Be sure and have some water with you all the time...Savannah is hot and humid. I attended a family members funeral at Bonaventure one June and the funeral home had cold water bottles for the family at the gravesite. My husband grew up in Savannah and we have visited there over 45 years. It is a great city and I agree that you hit on many of the things to remember about this lovely city.
As a local, don't forget- in the evenings the drunks are out on River St. If you aren't into the party scene you aren't into Savannah night life. BUG SPRAY , it's not just for summer anymore. It's March now, I have bug bites. Don't drive in Georgia in general unless you know how to drive in Georgia. If you don't understand that sentence, don't drive in Georgia. Lastly, the Trolley Tours say they are wheelchair accessible. They are only accessible if you don't want to get on and off. If you want to sit on the trolley for two hours straight while the rest of the tour gets on and off to see the sites, it's accessible. Enjoy your visit.
Beautiful city, historic architecture. Lots of great advice here from Prof. Welters. Personally, I recommend you skip Lady and Sons (Paula Dean’s restaurant) where we had our worst meal and service in Savannah. We loved Molly McPherson’s Scottish Pub - excellent food, atmosphere and service - and several other places. And go to Charleston if you have time. You’ll learn a lot about Southern history between these two cities.
Charleston is like Savannah if you remove the flavor and replace all the spices with miracle whip. Charleston is raisins in potato salad at a BBQ. Charleston is Church's Chicken without the honey butter biscuits. I might be some what biased but SAVANNAH IS BETTER, YOU HEARD ME CHARLESTON!!!
@@woltersworldbut bias all the same. Real Savannahians wouldn’t dare take the time to dishonor Charleston when it’s practically one in the same. Both beautiful places to see and learn.
I adore Savannah, I lived near by for quite awhile and visit often. I'm moving soon and I'm so sad, I'll miss this amazing place. Highly suggest the night time walking ghost tours. Really fun and a great history lesson.
Grew up in GA, went to Mercer in Macon. I’ve been to over 15 countries and several major international cities. Savannah is my favorite place in the world. I would love to retire there when I’m older. Or if I win the lottery. 😁
I agree! There’s no place in America I think would come close! The feeling I get there is indescribable. It’s 3 1/2 hours from me and I love that fact. And I love the marshes surrounding all of coastal Georgia, too.
As a local, sometimes I feel like only tourists can fall in love with Savannah😂 My dad absolutely loves it here but he’s only ever been for a weekend at a time where they have lots of money to burn on a trip🙃
I haven’t been to Savannah yet and am about to visit but I feel the same way about Charleston. I was raised near there and don’t care much for it but everyone always raves about how much they LOVE Charleston and I really don’t get it. It’s hard to drive and park in and it’s super touristy and expensive.
That’s because it’s a vacation for them. 🤷♀️ They don’t have to deal with the constant inflation that displaces locals that’s then can’t afford it. They don’t have to see the constant rampant crime and shootings. They don’t have to see the homeless huge problem that Savannah now has that didn’t when I was growing up. It’s just fun land for them. It’s a fun, unique place that they can leave after a period of time and no see the nitty gritty.
So interesting to see an outsiders take on Savannah. Living here all my life you tend to forget how different it can be to those visiting. Don't forget to visit Hunting Beach. Much better than Tybee😄 also don't forget the food tours, my Mother in Law has been doing them for about 7 years and people always love em😊 we also say "yall" a lot but don't think that means we're uneducated 😬🙄
Just did my first visit to Savannah Feb 16-20 and the weather was great and the city was beautiful! We didn’t even bother to rent a car! Taxi from the airport was super reasonable and we stayed at the Olde Harbour Inn and it was fantastic! We walked everywhere. Can’t wait to go back!
We visited Savannah last year, what a lovely place! We are thinking about moving to the area, but it is much more expensive than expected. We will be visiting again in September, looking forward to it☺️
Don't move directly into Savannah cause it's crazy expensive here, personally I'd recommend Pooler, or Richmond Hill. They're only 20ish minutes out if traffic isn't to bad. Granted if you do move down this way Pooler is getting up there price wise so I'd jump on it quick. Not too sure about RH though
I lived in Savannah as a kid in the 1960s. Our house was on the corner of Bull and E. 48th street. The 100% humidity and heat in the summer really got to me and my lungs didn't work too well because of it. But I remember it as probably the prettiest city in America.
wow, you've made me fall in love with my own city again!! Great video! Also, if you walk around the squares or on river street, you could hear musicians singing or playing their instruments! definitely makes living here 10x more pleasant
I loved Savannah when I lived there 15 years ago when I was at SCAD. I visited last year with my wife and wow, so many things have changed, restaurants/bars closed, new ones opened. Still love this city, though! Definitely plan a trip to Tybee if you're going to Savannah!
Some of the best food that we’ve ever eaten in savannah! The fort looked really cool , but was closed due to a government shutdown. We are actually going to visit Tybee island soon, we’re excited. There seemed to be a issue with a lot of homeless ppl 3-4 years ago when we visited, actually walked up on someone sleeping with a blanket right behind where this guys is standing in the video. Also huge “villages” under bridges. Hope that the city has done something to help.
I live 40m from Savannah and we love downtown. During the day and into the night it is safe. We have never had a problem. After midnight .... be careful!
Beautiful presentation. I currently reside in Savannah. It's a magical place. Don't forget to tour the JW Marriot. Most importantly, DO NOT forget to take photos. Oh! Don't walk into the streets. LOL I can tell when tourists are here. They ALWAYS walk around so engrossed in the architecture and mystic of the city and they walk right into the street. SMH They don't even realize that they've walked right into traffic. To no avail, we're aware that it's a common problem with tourists. Take advantage of Monday - Thursday Savannah. You will get better rates and better deals on weekdays.
Another BIG tip if you do decide to go to Tybee island (especially during the summer or holiday weekends) If you would prefer to not have many people around you GO TO THE NORTH END. More shells more space and almost no people. ( like this so other can see it pls)
I wish I stayed a few more days in Savannah when we visited on our 2013 trip from Australia. The south feels a lot like home to me. With a 2 year old and another due next week, it might be a while before the next overseas trip 😔
Savannah is such a lovely city! One of my favorite places to visit. I’m in Georgia so it’s only 2 1/2 hours from me. It’s a great weekend trip. Parking is the worst part.
Visited Savannah twice with our RV. Rode our bikes all over in the squares. We love the history and architecture of Savannah. Highly recommend the architecture tour with Jonathan Stalcup. Watch out for panhandlers in Forsyth Park.
I grew up in Savannah and he forgot to mention the swarming biting gnats which are worse than any mosquitos. They are out whenever the weather is nicest in March/April and late September - October. The best time to visit is November - February. Don't go to tourist traps Pirates House or Paula Deen's. Eat real sourhern food that the locals love ar Mrs. Wilkes on Jones Street. The crime problem is real.
I was literally right where your standing in front of the cotton exchange in Sept.. I decided to explore after watching your first video. I’m from NY. The homelessness and litter is extremely prominent compared to Charleston SC. However there’s sooo much to do in Savannah. Lillians on Wilmington island has excellent food and same with Churchhills rooftop tavern in Sav. Don’t forget to explore Bonaventure Cemetery bc it’s more like a historical park! Nice long flat sidewalks with live oak trees. Fort Pulaski and the Lighthouse in Tybee Island are a must! Thanks for the tip!
I lived in Savannah about 20 years ago. I agree with all of his tips. I laughed at going from the nice, air conditioned airport and getting hit with a wave of heat and humidity - so true. Savannah is good to visit for just 2-3 days...not as many things to do there. You can see most of the city and Tybee Island in that time. Great food - OMG! People are very friendly. There are sections of the city that are overrun with crime, gangs, drug addicts. I always drove quickly through those areas. When you start venturing off the main squares is where the trouble is. Riverfront is great, restaurants are wonderful. I never took the river cruise or ghost tour but I'm sure they're fun. If in doubt about an area, ask a local where you should NOT go. Parking is a nightmare but Savannah is a very walkable city, so I'd just walk from your hotel to wherever - or use Uber or Lyft if it's too far of a walk. And please be patient when driving around a square! Don't try to go around someone or blow your horn - after all people live in those houses. If you're looking for LOTS of things to do, go to Charleston. We were there for 3-4 days and still didn't see everything! I would also avoid Savannah and/or Charleston past May 1 - then it's starting to get wicked humid. Even October is sometimes unpleasant. I lived there year-round so I know!
He’s not lying about the humidity. I’ve lived in Florida my entire life so thought I was used to hot humid weather but we had to stand in line to get into a concert last Friday night & it had just finished raining, I couldn’t breathe due to the humidity & it did freak me out for a few minutes, I thought I was going to have a panic attack. It passed after a minute or 2, just don’t freak out like he says!
So Im going to a concert soon and we will stay at a hotel downtown. We are from out of state and not renting a car. Leaving the concert is my concern. Should I arrange an uber or lyft? Is that available in your area?
heading to this town as well as Hilton Head Island in two weeks, am super excited! This video helped me a lot! Luckily we will be with a local, so they will help.
I LOVE Savannah. We used to live not far from there when I lived in GA. It is one of the most beautiful and gracious cities I've ever been to, as are its Southerners. And, yes, please, do bring your best manners, all you all.
The brutal heat is really from mid June to mid September. The weather is basically the same every day and has a tropical pattern to it with thunderstorms most afternoons, usually some time between 3pm and 7pm. The month before and after are the shoulder seasons. Mid October to mid May are usually great. It can get chilly mid winter but it's never freezing cold and it doesn't last more than a day or two before warming back up to the 60s.
Your content is exceptional. I only recently learned that my not very distant Cousin John Stoddard in the 1850s built cotton warehouses and sales office that still stand. Boar's Head and Vic's on the River now occupy buildings that were once known as Stoddard's Upper Range and Stoddard's Lower Range. I pray that Savannah can get its crime problem under control.
My family and I have visited many many times my whole life. Please, please, buy No Natz if you see it at a store (it is in a ton of stores in Savannah and on Tybee). Wear it to the beach, wear it out at night. It was the only bug spray that didn’t irritate my skin. It’s more natural and it doesn’t stink. The sand gnats are no joke so at the very least get some type of bug spray.
We were there several years ago and I had one of the most memorable meals every on River Street. We ordered beignets for dessert and I think they were the most delicious thing I've ever eaten.
One of the funniest things to me, as a born and raised Georgian, is that you are warning people about Georgia Summer heat, but seriously that humidity and heat will sneak up on you.
As a person who currently works in Savannah and has taken multiple trips throughout my lifetime (lifelong Georgia resident) another major problem Savannah has is homeless people not so much a problem as them being a nuisance most mind their own business just the sheer amount I walk from my work to eat and it's an everyday thing to see at least one or two again I've never personally had any bad interactions most are just normal people dealt a bad hand but don't be surprised to see them
Lives here my whole 38 yrs and as of this post I still reside here and it is beautiful but however I'll be completely honest downtown Savannah is not safe more so at night. The heavy police presence is a dead giveaway. However with that being said I don't think any place is safe anymore unfortunately mental health (and God knows if it isn't mental health than I don't know what else it could be but heartless people) but, you have bad apples everywhere bad things happen everywhere. I would suggest not carrying cash maybe even just a ID and a debit card and hide somewhere on you if yau can when exploring night life downtown the violence isn't just downtown though it unfortunately has moved everywhere. This can be backed up by a simple click just Google violence in Savannah and surrounding areas. Or even violence in downtown Savannah. But we also have other Pluses as well. Just to name a few great movies filmed here and Tybee island midnight In the garden of good and evil. (My grandparents are buried in the cemetery featured in the film I recommend visiting Bonaventure cemetery weird recommendation but beautiful cemetery and is a very popular tourist destination it's also been said that Savannah is a haunted city so we do have tours for that ghost tours you tour in a hearse something else worth googling but that's is one movie I recommend magic Mike the second one was filmed here the last song with . Miley Cyrus was filmed at Tybee SpongeBob sponge out of water I believe is the name was also filmed here. Forces of nature, Baywatch, the gift , the new lady and the tramp, the generals daughter,the haves and have nots (Tyler Perry's show) the longest yard, the legend of bagger Vance That's just some to name that shows how stunning our City is. In the movie the last song though Tybee was propped up with things added that is no longer here the ferris wheel to name a few however we do have great pride in our beautiful pier but also look up movie's filmed here. They have filmed a ton of great ones here. Just for record I'm not putting down my home state or city by means just wanted to give heads up about how dangerous it is nobody sheds light on that. I'm sure there are tips you can find to stay safe touring. I myself living here my whole life I don't really do downtown anymore I still find myself still GPS'ing how to get around downtown it's not hard to get lost and turned around or even confused we always know a tourist because we have alot of one ways streets very hard to distinguish so people visiting will be driving down a one way the wrong way so if visiting the best way to tour Savannah downtown will be walking. But from time to time you have people as myself who people think are tourist just because I avoid it in anyway possible. Traffic is too congested and too much police presence for my liking. Savannah has it's fair share as well of bully police officers and we have our share of honest ones the smaller towns also like Pooler which if you fly in to the airport in you will come through and If your looking for some shopping at some upscale or regular stores such as Nike outlet etc Pooler is also home of the Tanger outlet. So when coming through or heading from the airport don't speed and be on your A game when driving because Pooler is known for "bully cops" they mess with you over anything they must be in a race on who can write the most situations anyhow if you visit enjoy and in the famous words of us GEORGIANS YALL COME BACK YOU HEAR, OR WELCOME TO SAVANNAH Y'ALL . OH ALMOST FORGOT NOTHIN TO WRITE HOME TO MAMA ABOUT BUT BECAUSE SHE IS A WELL KNOWN PERSON MAKE SURE YOU STOP IN AND EAT AT PAULA DEENS AND Mrs Wilkes as well
Oh I forgot to mention the most popular movie and I guess it's because I don't think the whole thing was filmed here some of it was and we even have the monument for it but Forrest Gump when he was sitting on the bench and he was telling the story that was filmed downtown Savannah and the same bench that he sat on they made a monument and it's Tom Hanks sitting on the bench so that's a really popular destination to
Thanks for the video, it was very well done. You did mention, however, one falsehood - red bugs, also known as chiggers, are all over the place in the South, but, they are not usually found in Spanish Moss. I have grown up handling Spanish Moss, and when I was a kid I often used it as a wig for my Halloween costumes. I have never, not even once, gotten red bugs from Spanish Moss or the trees it likes to grow on, such as Live Oaks and Crepe Myrtle. I have gotten red bugs, many times, from very overgrown areas, with vines and dense thicket. And one little bit of trivia: Spanish Moss is in the Pineapple family. :)
As a southern native of Augusta and Savannah, I agree 100 %. I think the bugs in spanish moss is a myth. Every day I have to clear it from my lawn, and have never had a problem.
Just returned from Savannah yesterday from a week's vacation. I totally agree with most of the video except for the hospitality and manners. The only time we cross paths with anyone who had a Southern accent was when we went to a small general store. everyone We interacted with was from the northeast where as we all know friendliness is not always in their vocabulary. And for restaurants and bars it was mostly young college students That seemed to treat patrons like an inconvenience. However, having said all this, we would definitely return to Savannah again it was absolutely gorgeous.
The issue with the commodity portions of Savannah is it is so tourist and college kid saturated that you don't get to experience the genuine Southern charm of Savannah/the South. You have to get into the nooks-and-crannies and the moms-and-pops where the locals frequent for the genuine experience (by and large we aren't hanging around on river street and city market).
On my first visit ever to USA we arrived in Knoxville, Tn a little after midnight. We got our car and drove to the hotel. Next morning when we opened the door from the hotel, I died! It was 9 am, but already 105 degrees and the humidity was above 90. Btw I love Savannah, especially the squares and River Street
@@donkey3187 he said Knoxville but that’s a bit distant from Savannah so it’s a confusing statement. However, there are lots of places in the South that are hot & humid. My Kentucky mountain native, Georgia transplant husband, complains about it every summer.
I so enjoy your videos! I watch them and enjoy seeing places I have been and places I'd love to see, but may or may not ever get there. Savannah is one of those cities that certainly looks full of Southern beauty and charm. All the best in your work and travels.
Get the park Savannah app, take all the tours. U will be walking a lot so good shoes. Visit the art galleries and scad museum. Stay out of the parks after dark if u r alone. Don’t leave stuff in ur car. Lock ur car doors. Hit Forsyth park on Saturday morning between 10-1. Bull street has some amazing restaurants and shops.
Haunting and beautiful, I' love Savannah, Georgia , the humidity does not bother me, born in Miami, but grew up in Boston, so I'm am. use to crazy weather.
OMG Your story of walking out the airport to the humidity literally happened to me exactly like that. haha!! I was coming from San Francisco where it was cold, then the airplane was cold so I was wearing a hoodie and sweatpants. I walked out the airport and gasped just like that and turned right back around!! I had to go in the bathroom and change before i even left the airport. 🤣
Omg, you hit the nail right on the head. We're in Jacksonville and been here now many years but did that exact same thing first time here(which was summer as well). Literally that exact same "can't breathe" motion you just did. Lol. We got used to it but the older I personally get the more I've come to dislike summer. Lol. Will.always however ❤ Savannah! Got rained out on our time there & have vowed that some how, some way we'll visit again. What a beautiful city ❤
Very accurate! Additional suggestions: don't go to Tybee on a late Spring or Summer weekend when traffic is horrific, the beach is super crowded and finding a place to park is very difficult. Off season, it's wonderful. Second: parking downtown can be a challenge but just wear your walking sneakers, have a map unless you know where you are, and eventually you'll find a spot with a meter. We have never NOT found a place to park in one of the several, convenient garages downtown so honestly, find a garage, park, and enjoy your day. Parking, compared to other cities, is pretty cheap!
Also most people utilize the free trolleys or have the intelligence to use a smartphone and find parking in greatly lit and safe area. Parking downtown has never been an issue unless you make it one for yourself. Several parking structures are available.
I must say, as a person born and raised in Queens, NYC I truly enjoyed watching this. I have lived in FL and Mid West as well and my husband and I are thinking of moving again. We are also looking for beautiful cities to visit and I have been to ATL, but have always been curious about Savannah. Hear so many good things. Thank you for this video. 🥰🥰🥰 Great presentation
