Our recent adventure whisked us away to the enchanting cities of Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, where every corner held the promise of unexpected delights and picturesque discoveries. The allure of Savannah’s cobblestone streets and moss-draped oaks, as well as Charleston’s timeless elegance, beckoned us, offering a taste of their rich past and vibrant present. Join us now as we take you on a vivid journey through the heart of these captivating cities, where history, culture, and southern charm converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Brunching at The Ordinary Pub
We started our first full day in Savannah with brunch at The Ordinary Pub in the heart of downtown Savannah’s historic district. We ordered the mouthwatering Pork Belly Donut Sliders, a savory-sweet sensation that left us wanting more. For our mains, the Chorizo Skillet delivered hearty and flavorful satisfaction, while the French Toast showcased the chef’s artistry with creative plating and its delightful sweetness. This exceptional meal set the tone for our day of exploration in Savannah, perfectly complementing the eatery’s cozy and rustic gastro-pub atmosphere nestled in a basement.
The Ordinary Pub
Address: 217 1/2 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 238-5130
https://www.theordinarypub.com/
City Market Adventures
After brunch, we strolled over to City Market, conveniently located only a block away. This vibrant marketplace was bustling with activity, and we couldn’t resist popping into a few of the charming shops that lined its streets. With its lively atmosphere and unique finds, City Market was a delightful place to explore. For more information about City Market, CLICK HERE.
The Old Town Trolley Experience
One of the highlights of our day was hopping on the Old Town Trolley, an experience that was new to us. The trolley tour provided us with a comprehensive 90-minute journey through the city, allowing us to see and learn about Savannah’s rich history and beautiful landmarks. It was the perfect way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. For more information about this tour, CLICK HERE.
Leopold’s Ice Cream Treat
Following our eventful exploration of Savannah’s historic streets, we couldn’t resist the temptation of Leopold’s Ice Cream. Founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, George, Peter, and Basil Leopold, who honed their dessert-making skills under the guidance of an uncle already settled in America, this iconic establishment has perfected secret formulas that have made Leopold’s Ice Cream world-famous. Our orders included a mouthwatering banana split and a decadent brownie sundae (served in a cup). The ice cream’s irresistibly creamy texture offered a refreshing and delightful treat on a warm Savannah day.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Address: 212 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 234-4442
https://leopoldsicecream.com/
Dinner at Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina
After a long day exploring the city, and with the weather starting to cool down, we decided to dine al fresco at Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina for dinner, which happened to be close to our hotel. This charming Mexican restaurant offered a delicious dip sampler, featuring tantalizing options like Grilled Pineapple salsa (are favorite), queso, and mango habanero salsas. For our main courses, we indulged in a taco bowl and a trio of tacos, each with its own unique and mouthwatering flavors. The 3 tacos (left to right) were Barbacoa, Philly cheese steak, and Nashville hot.
Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina
Address: 1 N Godley Station Blvd Unit C101, Pooler, GA 31322
Phone: (912) 737-2735
https://www.delsurpooler.com/
Brunch at Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park
The next morning, as we prepared to embark on our journey to Charleston, we made a delightful brunch stop at Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park. This unique eatery, with its brunch and dinner offerings, along with cocktails, outdoor dining, and scenic park views, set the perfect stage for our morning meal. We began with indulgent cups of coffee and tea that added warmth to the crisp morning air. For our main courses, we couldn’t resist the temptation of the Turkish Eggs and a mouthwatering Breakfast sandwich. Nestled in the picturesque park surroundings, the location provided an idyllic setting with the perfect temperature, making it the ideal way to start our day.
Collins Quarter at Forsyth
Address: 621 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 298-6674
https://forsythpark.thecollinsquarter.com/
Forsyth Park
After savoring our brunch at Collins Quarter, we opted to take a stroll in Forsyth Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Savannah. With its expansive open lawns, majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and the famous historic fountain, the park offered a truly magical experience. We couldn’t resist the allure of a park bench, where we sat for a while, basking in the tranquil ambiance and the captivating presence of the towering oak trees. It was a serene and contemplative moment that added a touch of enchantment that concluded our Savannah adventures. For more information about this park, CLICK HERE.
Now on to Charleston, South Carolina…
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city that effortlessly weaves history, cuisine, and charm into an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. During our visit, we embarked on a three-day adventure that allowed us to dive deep into the heart of this captivating city. From tea plantations to battleships, BBQ to fine dining, here’s a glimpse of our unforgettable journey through Charleston.
Day 1: Charleston Tea Garden and Culinary Tour
Our journey began at the Charleston Tea Garden, the only tea plantation in North America. Spread over 127 lush acres, the plantation greeted us with rows of tea bushes that seemed to stretch on forever. A trolley tour provided insight into the art of tea harvesting and production. Inside the gift shop, we delved deeper into the world of tea with a fascinating factory tour and a bit of retail therapy. For more information about the Tea Plantation, CLICK HERE.
In the afternoon, we joined Charleston Culinary Tours, embarking on a mouthwatering journey through four different restaurants. We sampled Southern comfort food and coastal seafood delicacies, immersing ourselves in Charleston’s diverse culinary heritage. The day was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. For more information or to sign up for a tour, CLICK HERE.
Day 2: BBQ, Battleships, and Sunset Cruise
Day 2 started with a trip to Rodney Scott BBQ, where we indulged in a Pitmaster Combo featuring an array of mouthwatering meats. I even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the smokehouse, but unfortunately, nothing was cooking at the time. The whole hog BBQ was simply divine, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. For more information, CLICK HERE.
We next ventured to Patriot’s Point, where history came to life aboard the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier and the USS Laffey Destroyer. Exploring the vessels and walking the deck of the aircraft carrier offered a glimpse into the heroics of World War II. For more information, CLICK HERE.
In the evening, we boarded a Spiritlines Dinner Cruise also located at Patriot’s Point, enjoying scenic views and getting up close to the bridge. While the food was pleasant, the highlight was undoubtedly the picturesque scenery as the sun set over Charleston’s waters. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Day 3: Boone Hall Plantation and Fine Dining
Our final day in Charleston began at the enchanting Boone Hall Plantation, known for its historic oak-lined entrance, which has stood for over 280 years. The trees created a captivating canopy that transported us back in time. As we explored the plantation, we learned about its rich history and its significance in Southern agriculture and culture.
Downtown Charleston beckoned us afterward, and we savored a stroll, taking in the iconic Pineapple Fountain and the vibrant Rainbow Row.
For dinner, we chose Magnolia’s for its extensive selection of Southern favorites. The fried green tomatoes were fabulous, and the fried chicken was pure perfection, leaving our taste buds utterly satisfied.
In Conclusion:
Our journey through the historic streets of Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC, was a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. From the timeless beauty of Savannah’s squares to Charleston’s rich blend of history, cuisine, and Southern hospitality, our trip was a testament to the enduring allure of the American South. Each city offered a unique window into the past, with stories of plantations, battleships, and a warm embrace of culinary delights. As we bid farewell to these two gems of the Southeast, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the memories we had made and the beauty we had witnessed. Until next time, Savannah and Charleston, thank you for an enchanting journey through time and tradition.
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