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A Savannah City Guide – the grandeur of the historic South, combined with a thriving arts scene

TIME : 2016/2/24 11:52:51
Georgia's oldest city offers a slice of the Old South, and visitors flock to the area to enjoy the rich Civil War history and to admire the Regency and Gothic Revival architecture. It's also becoming a popular area for arts and culture, with a fascinating array of galleries and museums, as well as a busy performing arts scene with theater and live music that rivals many of the surrounding cities.Arts and culture

 

 

There's a thriving local art scene in Savannah, from traditional styles to challenging contemporary art, and a visit to the City Market is essential if you are looking for a unique work of art to take home. Sprawling over the same site that's seen market traders sell their wares since the 1700s, this historic spot is full of painstakingly restored warehouses and quaint shopfronts. Boutiques selling handmade jewelry, prints, and other charming and unique items site alongside art galleries, and speaking of art – the stylish Reynolds Square offers fine art for those looking to make an investment, with local and international artists for you to peruse.

 

Nightlife

 

 

Savannah is a lively city once the sun goes down, and you'll find many friendly drinking dens with a welcoming atmosphere. Former distilleries and industrial buildings have been turned into stylish bars, and the English and Irish theme pubs show the diverse tastes of the population. Live performance is also a big draw in Savannah – there are hot spots like the Wormhole Music Venue, where locals and tourists flock to check out rock bands and stand-up comedy. There's also a wide selection of nightclubs – from thumping dance meccas to rough and ready rock venues where ivory-ticklers belt out hits and put on dueling piano performances.

 

Where to eat

 

 

You'll find plenty of examples of Southern cuisine in Savannah, from family-run hang-outs serving up fried chicken and BBQ, to fine dining establishments in historic buildings with linen tablecloths and formal service. Sure, you may have to queue for some of the smaller, hipper pig out places, but it'll be worth it when you tuck into tender pit-cooked meats. The Historic District is, appropriately enough, where some classic grub can be found, including shrimp and grits and black-eyed pea cake with fried green tomatoes. For special occasions, old school steakhouses will please any carnivore with their prime slabs of meat seared to perfection.