The Non-Static Date: How to Explore Savannah Beyond Dinner and Drinks

The Hostess City

Savannah has been given the nickname the “Hostess City” for a reason. The hospitality industry in this town is world-famous. Even the hole-in-the-wall locations don’t disappoint. If your idea of a perfect date night doesn’t consist of committing to one dark room for 3 hours, break the day, night or both into chapters and keep moving. The best way to experience this city is in motion, soaking up weather, exploring different neighborhoods, and catching a sunset by the water.

I have also yet to find a restaurant that hasn’t been LGBTQ+ friendly, between staff and clientele, Savannah and Mayor Van Johnson along with the art scene that SCAD brings to the city gives inclusive vibes that make me smile.

The Date Vibe

Creative, relaxed, and super local

Start with a late afternoon stroll through the Starland District to check out murals and mixed mid century and Victorian architecture. Grab a craft beer at Two Tides and slip through the original pulley anchored windows to one of their two decks to sip their beers while enjoying the eclectic neighborhood.
Beer not your thing, Starland Yard is an open air bar and dining hall vibes, swipe your card when you enter and you have your choices of drinks at the bar or food vendors to choose from.
Want to take in a show: Check out The Front Porch for their Comedy show schedules. Or Victory North for music.
Then wander over to one of the many new-ish restaurants. To name a few; but make sure to get a reservation.

Dinner Ideas

Ardsley Station

Southern Comfort foods, in a beautifully casual atmosphere

Brochu’s Family Tradition

Between the oysters or iconic fried chicken you can’t go wrong.

Lucia Pasta Bar

Handcrafted carbs and cheese, my favorite!

Sobremesa

A cozy wine bar with creative small plates

Garden Square

Relaxed charming atmosphere with botanical cocktail menu and creative takes on comfort foods. Also, known for brunch.

Fishbar

Seafood in a cozy space with an open kitchen designed for excellent people watching.

The Vault

Delicious Asian fusion inside a beautifully restored bank

Late Air

Incredibly knowledgeable servers and delicious sharable plates.

For after dinner drinks

Water Witch Tiki: for the Tiki lounge lovers
The Sexton: Irish Pub with that community feel
Lone Wolf: for award winning, preservative-free libations that never disappoint
Over Yonder/Moodrights: late night drinks, neon lights and snacks with a potential live band

The Photo Op: Golden hour on the industrial Desoto Avenue, with light bouncing off the siding and concrete walls, with murals and palm trees as your backdrop.

The Coastal Escape: Isle of Hope or Skidaway Island)

The Vibe: Low-country magic, Spanish moss, and quiet water

Ditch downtown entirely. Head out to Skidaway Island State Park trails to explore nature through the salt marshes and scenic boardwalk bridges. Or walk the lane at Wormsloe Historic Park and explore some history of the Isle of Hope. Then watch the sunset along the Skidaway River along the bluff drive (don’t forget the bug spray).
While 5 Spot and Driftaway Cafe are go to spots nearby, my favorite and about a 10 minute drive from the Isle of Hope Marina by car, is the Wyld Dock Bar. Casual or first and grab a table second style, you can kick back on a dock and watch the boaters pull up for dinner and drinks.

The Photo Op: Anywhere along the water is always magic, once the sun is close to setting, with the Wyld’s lights strung all around, it is pretty perfect time to grab a photo.

The Historic Grid:

SARAH | SAM

The Vibe: Playful, curious, and classic Savannah

This is one of my favorite pastimes, camera in hand, of course. Pick 3 or 4 of the lesser-known quieter historic squares, usually farther south away from the Savannah River. Chatham, Pulaski, and Taylor are some of my favorites. Just looking at the iron work, ornate front steps and massive oak trees, can make the time fly.

The night cap

Head over to Zunzibar for a laid-back, coastal outdoor atmosphere and an effortless dinner.
Pop into The Wayward if you’re in the mood for an extensive, creative cocktail list (plus complimentary popcorn).
Go up to Peregrin at the Perry Lane Hotel to catch an incredible panoramic view from one of the best rooftops downtown.
Stop by The Gallery Espresso for a cozy spot to wind down with a hot chocolate and a massive pastry.

The Photo Op: The whole walk has so many spots to take photos, you can make a game out of it; Challenge each other to find the most unique doorway or the tree with the most spanish moss, or take a close up photo of something and have the other one find where it is, with a bit of hot and cold mixed in.