We usually escape to Charleston, SC (see my posts) when we tire of winter, but decided to visit Savannah this time for a change! Both cities are just a 2.5 hour direct flight from Boston, which is about the shortest trip that can get you notably warmer weather in Feb / March. We did not rent a car in Savannah, and absolutely loved walking through the charming parks and squares every few blocks. There was so much that we didn’t get to do or eat this visit for a number of reasons, but that just means we’ll have to go back!
If you’re planning a trip to Savannah, check out the comments of this Instagram post for some great recommendations! Here’s a few things on our agenda for next time:
- Get in line early for Mrs. Wilkes family style dining
- Have afternoon tea at Gryphon Tea Room, a converted old apothecary run by local students.
- Make a reservation in advance for The Grey (watch the Chef’s Table episode to whet your appetite)
- Grab drinks at the Olde Pink House (closed for repairs after a fire)
- Taste whiskey / cocktails at Ghost Coast Distillery (mostly Nick)
- Head out to Wormsloe to see the Avenue of Oaks
I’m not eating dairy or eggs right now after Nori tested positive for allergies, so this visit to the South was rife with food temptations (oh how I crave a flaky, buttery biscuit)! I had to save more indulgent meals and fancier spots for another time, but scroll down to the bottom of this post for casual, family-friendly places that we went to this time with a baby in tow.
Where We Stayed
Perry Lane Hotel
My friend recommended this newer hotel that opened just last summer. It’s a beautiful classic property, with modern touches and great marble bathrooms. We loved our stay (in disclosure, we booked at a press rate) and would definitely go back. The hotel has a rooftop bar that’s open to the public, and a small rooftop pool that’s for guests only. We were able to walk to lots of places, including to Forsyth Park, the riverfront, half a dozen smaller parks, and plenty of shopping! They also have a house car for complimentary rides within a 2 mile radius.
Traveling with a 6 month old
You can find my last post on flying with a newborn here. Four months later, we still packed and used pretty much the same stuff, except now that Nori is eating solids 3x a day yet can’t sit up on her own, that certainly added to the list. I brought our foldable booster chair (stuffed it along with diapers inside our giant carseat bag, which is free to check or gate check), this travel brush / drying rack + feeding tools, some avocado and bananas, and a few food pouches. I was thankful for my mom who met us there, and helped watch Nori while Nick & I worked!
Before traveling I’ll usually ask the hotel or apartment rental if they have cribs or pack n plays, and a lot of them like Perry Lane actually do! I always make sure to bring our own crib sheets though washed in free & clear detergent, and I was also told the scent of “home” serves as something familiar for your baby.
Where We Ate
Leopold’s Ice Cream
A Savannah institution! The service was SO beyond friendly, reminding me what I love so much about the South. I saw bananas behind the counter and asked how much since I was trying to find one for Nori, and they said they were not for sale but kindly just gave me some : ) I had the yummy dairy-free coconut ice cream, and Nick was extremely pleased with the Thin Mint (both seasonal flavors). There was a gentleman in front of me who said he’s been ordering their shrimp salad sandwich for the past decade or so, so of course I had to get that too! The line supposedly gets very long, but we went when they opened and there was no wait.
Fox & Fig
As non-vegans, we surprisingly liked the food here so much that we went twice! The oat milk pancakes are fluffy heaven, the lattes are delightfully creamy (with good coffee, according to Nick), and everything else was flavorful and filling without leaving you feeling heavy. Be sure to get some of the affordable chocolate chip cookies to go!
Savannah Seafood Shack
It seemed pretty touristy here, but I wouldn’t call it a tourist “trap” since the affordable fish & shrimp tacos with slaw and house sauce (3 for under $9) were actually a big hit with my mom and Nick. They’re not authentic tacos, but a very tasty way to eat the fried seafood. My mom kept wanting to go back for more!
Zunzi’s
South African sandwiches and rice plats at a casual take-out style joint. We had their popular “Conquistador” chicken sandwich with a variety of their (dairy free) sauces, and found that to be super flavorful with great bread. None of us liked the other popular “Boerewors on a Roll” sausage sandwich though. I’d get the chicken over a rice plate with sides next time!
Mellow Mushroom Pizza
A bunch of you suggested Vinnie Van Go-Go’s – unfortunately we didn’t make it there, but we were pretty pleased with Mellow Mushroom by our hotel. I know it’s a chain, but it was my first time at one and it hit the spot! After going dairy-free for Nori, I don’t even bother with vegan “cheese” on my pizza anymore since it’s usually so thick and gloppy (not a fan of Daiya “mozzarella”). But the staff here convinced me to try the brand that they use (Follow Your Heart) and it was delish and melted like real cheese!
