Trip Report - Solo Visit 5/26-29

Question

Thanks so much to all the contributors to this forum - I didn't ask any questions in advance of my trip because of the thorough and very thoughtful information already provided here! You are all so incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful city! I do wish though that I would have asked lodging advice. I stayed at the Eliza Thompson House because I wanted to stay somewhere with history and character. This property definitely fit the bill - it's lovely and the staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful. The location can't be beat - on Jones Street (which was my favorite street to walk) just off Bull Street, you can walk everywhere. You can also easily walk back to the property to re-fuel on water and take a break without back-tracking much. This is important when it's sunny and humid. I wish I would have asked advice though as to which room to book - my room was street-level with little natural light - the only small window was where pedestrian traffic passed, which was creepy as it looked onto the bed. The noise from the HVAC unit severely impacted my ability to sleep. From the photos and info on the website, I didn't grasp any of these issues so I wish I would have asked advice prior to booking so I could get the right room for me. Also, the breakfast/happy hour/dessert offerings are mediocre at best and come with a $40 per room mandatory fee, so it's not the best value for a solo traveler. Because the staff were so lovely, I don't want to knock this hotel - I just want other travelers to learn from my experience and make better choices than I did!

My favorite thing to do was just walk the historic portion of the city and enjoy the architecture - I was surprised to see so many varying styles. It's simply stunning. I loved all of the squares, particularly those with the plaques containing historical information. I walked all of the squares at least twice because they were so stunning - one day I walked a north/south route and the next east/west. The east/west route in general was my favorite because you also got to take in all of the stunning residential architecture. I also found a lovely place called Savannah Tea Room on Macon and met the delightful owner. There were so many places just like this throughout the historic area, so it was fun to explore.

Other favorites included walking through and the perimeter of Forsyth Park - it's stunning as well. My favorite tours included the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - the church has amazing murals and stained glass; the tour guide did a great job of explaining the history as well. We were treated to a surprise concert by a student choir from Phoenix to boot! My favorite house tours included Andrew Low, Green Meldrim, and Harper Fowlkes. The tour guides at all were informative and really brought the houses to life. I also visited the Davenport House, which isn't as grand as the others mentioned, but it's a good example as to how the upper middle class lived; it's also connected to the Historic Savannah Foundation, so there's a lot of great information about their efforts to preserve the city's historic architecture. The tour guide there wasn't as energetic and forthcoming with information as the others, but I still enjoyed it.

I had a lovely time in Savannah. You are all so lucky to live in such a beautiful city with absolutely wonderful people!

Answer

It sounds like you had a wonderful experience in Savannah, and I'm glad to hear the forum's advice helped you during your visit! I'm sure other travelers will appreciate your detailed trip report, especially your reflections on the Eliza Thompson House. It's always helpful to hear about specific room experiences, as well as amenities like breakfast or the additional fees that can come with certain accommodations.

It's great that you loved the architecture and squares, which are such a key part of Savannah’s charm. The residential areas are indeed full of character, and it sounds like you really immersed yourself in the city's rich history. The varying architectural styles and the historical plaques are so fascinating, especially when you take the time to explore the squares in different directions. Many visitors miss that opportunity and just stick to one area, so it’s awesome you took the time to walk through them all!

Here are some of the highlights from your trip that I think future visitors will enjoy hearing about:

Historic Walks and Squares: Savannah’s squares are absolutely stunning, with each one offering something different in terms of greenery, statues, and historical significance. Your east/west route sounds like a great way to experience the full range of what Savannah has to offer, from its public spaces to its residential architecture.
Savannah Tea Room: I’m glad you stumbled upon the Savannah Tea Room! Local spots like this are a hidden gem in Savannah, and it’s great that you were able to meet the owner. These kinds of personal, cozy places really capture the heart of the city.
Forsyth Park: Forsyth Park is indeed one of Savannah’s most iconic locations, and it's fantastic that you enjoyed both the park and its perimeter. Whether it’s strolling through the gardens or just sitting by the fountain, it’s a peaceful spot to take in the beauty of the city.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: The cathedral’s murals and stained glass are breathtaking, and the surprise concert you experienced sounds like the perfect bonus! It’s such a beautiful, spiritual space, and it’s nice to hear that your tour guide provided great context.
House Tours: The house tours you visited sound fascinating. Andrew Low House, Green Meldrim House, and Harper Fowlkes House are all fantastic examples of Savannah’s history. It’s clear you enjoyed learning about the lives of past residents. The Davenport House, though more modest, also offers an important glimpse into the upper middle class of the time. Even though the tour guide there wasn't as engaging, it's still a valuable stop for understanding the city’s history.

It's wonderful that you had a great experience in Savannah, and I hope your trip report helps others as they plan their own visits. I’m sure your thoughtful advice on the Eliza Thompson House will be especially useful for anyone looking for a historical stay. Savannah’s beauty and charm truly make it a unique destination, and you’re right—the people here are some of the best part of the experience. Thanks for sharing your trip report!

Trip Report - Solo Visit 5/26-29

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