Today Savannah is a popular tourist destination and one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cities in the United States. When General James Oglethorpe arrived in 1733, he planned a town in the image of his native England. The Historic District of Savannah covers 2 ½ square miles and is spotted with 1-acre squares – 21 of the 24 included in Oglethorpe’s original vision remain as lush green parks. A stroll through Historic Savannah reveals the lingering effects of the Old South – live oaks draped in Spanish Moss, antebellum mansions, magnificent magnolias, and horse-drawn carriages.
DINING
Dining in this city is a true pleasure. Within the Historic District, you will find food for every taste. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood restaurants! The flounder, crab, and shrimp that come from Tybee Island’s fishing fleet are always fresh and tasty. Not to be missed during the winter months is the roaring fire of the bar at the Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s original houses. Stone walls, piano music, and deep couches – very romantic! Along Congress Street in the City Market area, you will find upscale restaurants, many of which feature regionally inspired dishes such as delicious and creamy she-crab soup and sinfully delectable Crispy Scored Flounder. Sapphire Grill, in the City Market area, provides a creative interpretation of Savannah’s traditional Southern cuisine. Chef Nason selects only the best local, organic ingredients to create such favorites as the Five Peppercorn Seared Sushi Grade Tuna and the Crisp Benne Encrusted Black Grouper. The Ballastone’s 24-hour concierge will be glad to assist with recommendations and reservations to ensure you leave Savannah full and satisfied!
SHOPPING
If antiques interest you, there are some real finds here. Many antique stores occupy historic homes, jammed from floor to ceiling with treasure. Broughton Street downtown, as well as the City Market area, are shopper’s magnets – featuring independent boutiques as well as upscale retail. Ballastone favorites include the Paris Market and Marc by Marc Jacobs. The ever-expanding Downtown Design District, near Forsyth Park, is home to many lovely antique stores, art galleries, and high-end boutique shopping. Favorites in the Design District include One Fish Two Fish, James Hogan, and La Paperie.
CULTURE
Savannah has an exciting and continuously developing cultural scene. Great change has occurred in the past 25 years, with the growth of the Savannah College of Art and Design and immense efforts by fervently loyal locals to promote a new face for their beloved city. Today downtown Savannah houses many museums highlighting its varied history; such as the Ships of the Sea Museum, the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Many private homes have been completely restored to their original glory and are open to the public. Two not to be missed are the Owens-Thomas House and the Isaiah Davenport House. If entertainment is your goal, be sure to catch the current show at the Historic Savannah Theatre. Touted to be the oldest theatre in the United States, the Savannah Theatre is a must-see for the building and the shows.
HISTORY
In 1954, seven Savannah ladies banded together to form the Historic Savannah Foundation. Their first mission was to raise funds to buy the Isaiah Davenport House hours before it was scheduled for demolition. The Foundation continued buying building after architecturally stunning building and reselling them to restorers. Today, more than 800 of the 1,100 historic buildings of Old Savannah have been restored to their original splendor.
As a visitor, Savannah is the perfect spot to relax and slow down to the leisurely pace of the city. We hope you fall in love with our city, just as we have.
Jim and Jennifer Salandi
Innkeepers
The Ballastone Inn.
Oglethorpe Sreet, home to the Ballastone Inn.
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