Savannah exudes a particular draw—romantic, stately, slow. Step a little closer, and you’ll find a city that’s humming with reinvention. Beneath the Spanish moss and beyond the cobbled streets, a fresh current is running through this historic Southern gem. You can find it in the food, the fashion, the art—and comes with a distinct modern touch.
Closely connected to the creative community surrounding SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), Savannah draws artists, designers, chefs, and travelers eager to experience its vibrant culture. From design-forward hotels to globally inspired menus and the creative pulse of the Starland District, Savannah is undergoing a quiet transformation. One rooted in heritage, and bold in expression. Read on to see why this soulful city is capturing the imagination of visitors and visionaries alike!
A culinary remix of the South
Savannah’s culinary scene is flourishing, making its mark with style and flavor. At Savoy Society, the cocktail menu offers the place where the story begins. The Signature Shower Me In Luxury combines bourbon, amaro, apricot, and bubbles for a rich, sparkling start. That same bold flair carries into the food, like Korean meatball banh mi or miso butter toast topped with a soft-boiled egg.
Just up the street, Shuk offers a bright, modern take on Mediterranean street food. Standouts include the Sabich pita with fried eggplant, tahina egg salad, and mango amba. The Whipped Feta, topped with pistachios and pomegranate honey, offers a vibrant blend of texture and spice.
At Common Thread, the focus aims at seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Start with the Butter Bean Pierogi, filled with smoked onion and topped with pickled shallot. For something heartier, try the Dry-Aged Prime Bone-in Strip. The Canestri Bolognese offers a rich, comforting pasta option. Each dish blends Southern roots with global technique.
Each meal in Savannah feeds more than hunger—it feeds inspiration. And that same creative spirit carries into the spaces where you stay.
Where design meets escape
Savannah’s most inspiring stays take you beyond unpacking your bags—they’re taking you to where the city’s creative spirit comes alive. These hotels reflect the same blend of heritage and innovation shaping Savannah’s food, art, and design scenes. Hamilton-Turner Inn, set on Lafayette Square, offers a quiet sense of history and creative charm. High ceilings, vintage details, and soft light make the space feel calm and inviting, perfect for reflection or slowing down.
For a more contemporary perspective, Hotel Bardo offers a playful contrast. Its garden courtyards, arched hallways, and mix of mid-century design elements set the stage for conversation and inspiration. Whether sketching by the pool or dining at Saint Bibiana, this place encourages you to linger and to create. These hotels offer more than rest—they awaken the senses and spark creativity. Step outside, and that same thoughtful design continues through the city’s shops, studios, and everyday spaces!
Boutiques, murals, and creative pulse
Savannah’s creativity shines beyond galleries and grand hotels—it’s woven into storefronts, brushed onto brick walls, and discovered in every neighborhood corner. Here, inspiration lives at street level, and every boutique, mural, and studio tells a story.
At Emily McCarthy’s boutique, classic Savannah prep meets tropical prints and bold palettes—fashion-forward silhouettes with coastal soul. Just a few blocks away, The Paris Market feels like a design-lover’s daydream, filled with antique chandeliers, striped linens, French perfumes, and perfectly imperfect treasures.
Further along, Asher & Rye blends Scandinavian minimalism with Southern warmth. Owned by a local couple and named after their son and puppy, the shop brims with artisanal goods, clever objects, and thoughtfully styled furniture that invites you to linger.
To experience Savannah’s creative pulse in full, head to Starland—once industrial, now a hub for bold ideas. Begin at Sulfur Studios, home to rotating exhibitions and open artist studios. Stop into Starland Strange & Bazaar for vintage curiosities and local art with an edge, then take a breath at Flora & Fauna, a leafy haven of plants and handmade goods.
Exploring it all on a cruiser from Savannah On Wheels makes the ride as inspiring as the destination!
Nature, yes—and with a view
The charm extends beyond the city! Just 15 minutes away, Whitemarsh Island invites quiet bike rides under palm fronds. Skidaway Island State Park delivers marshland views and dolphin sightings for those willing to wander. And Tybee Island? Picture shrimp baskets by the ocean, waves warm enough to welcome you in. Savannah stays grounded in its wild edges, where surf meets sculpture and salt air carries inspiration.
Savannah offers a vibrant living reminiscence to the past—tradition becomes canvas, bold ideas the brush. Flavors get plated with style, and stories get told with a twist. You’ll find a revelation rather than a reinvention. A city fully embracing the creative energy long woven into every street, square, and story.
