Ever since Scott and I moved to Florida, we have certainly missed celebrating the holidays in cold weather. While that sounds odd, it’s difficult to get into the holiday spirit wear shorts and flip flops. Last year, we drove up to St. Augustine and this year we flew to Savannah, GA. The weather was definitely chilly at 33 degrees and 20mph winds!
We flew out of Miami on Thursday morning, December 5th and it was just a quick hour and half flight to Savannah. Unfortunately American Airlines flies mostly out of Miami versus Fort Lauderdale, so we typically take the Tri-Rail down to MIA, which only costs $5 one way.
The Savannah airport is very quaint and only has a few terminals. It reminds me a lot of Wilmington, NC. They have it set up like one of the squares (more about that later in this blog) and it has to be one of the cutest airports I’ve ever been in.
Savannah’s Riverfront
For this trip, we decided to stay at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront, which is at one end of the Riverfront. The JW Marriott is at the other end. The JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is a stunning luxury hotel located along Savannah’s historic riverfront.
The walk from one Marriott to the other is about 20 minutes and along the way, you walk by some really old buildings and cobble stone roads. There are lots of shops and restaurants along the way too.
Walking along Savannah’s historic Riverfront during the holidays was truly enchanting. The cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and festive decorations made it feel like stepping into a winter wonderland. Exploring the unique shops and galleries was a treat, with so many handcrafted gifts and local treasures to discover.
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside History
Once a 1912 power plant, the building has been meticulously transformed into a vibrant hub of art, culture, and upscale hospitality. Its design preserves industrial charm while integrating modern elegance, featuring exposed brick, steel beams, and a dazzling four-story chrome dinosaur fossil in its lobby. Opened in 2020, the hotel is part of the larger Plant Riverside District, which revitalized this area with dining, shopping, and entertainment. It pays homage to Savannah’s history while offering guests a contemporary and dynamic experience.
The Christmas Market was a highlight—filled with the scent of roasted nuts and mulled cider, it offered an array of holiday goodies and charming vendors. The atmosphere was vibrant yet cozy, making it a memorable way to kick off the season.
Scott and I walked through the “must see” JW Marriott and it was beautiful. The owner of the hotel has a pretty large dinosaur collection and throughout the main floors, the hotel was decorated with numerous Christmas trees.
Restaurants along the Savannah Riverfront
There’s no shortage of restaurants along River Street. We winged it for lunch, but we did make our dinner reservations ahead of time. Scott and I chose to do this, because when we were in St. Augustine last year, we couldn’t get into any restaurant. It was a smart decision. For lunch we stopped into Dub’s Bar for a quick bite, including the infamous Pimento & Cheese Dip. It was delicious!
Some of the bars along the riverfront had live music and some had funny signs out front.
Time to Explore Savannah’s Sites
From River Street, you take a set of old steps up to Bay Street where you will find more restaurants and access to hotels overlooking the River.
First we headed to the other “Christmas Market” at the City Market and our first stop was the American Prohibition Museum.
Visiting the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah was both fascinating and eye-opening. It’s shocking to think that there was a time in America when drinking alcohol was completely illegal, leading to an era of underground speakeasies and mob-controlled operations. The museum brings this turbulent period to life with immersive exhibits, from the rise of temperance movements to the secretive glamour of speakeasies. It’s incredible to see how Prohibition not only failed to curb alcohol consumption but also fueled organized crime. Standing in a recreated speakeasy and learning about how the mob thrived during this time made history feel remarkably real.
As you finish your tour, you come upon a Speak Easy Door and after giving the password, some guy lets you into a speak easy. Here we ordered some specialty cocktails and learned that Prohibition ended on December 5th – the same day we were visiting! How ironic!
Time to Explore Savannah’s Squares
Savannah is renowned for its 22 historic squares, each offering a serene escape and a glimpse into the city’s storied past. Originally designed in the 18th century as communal spaces for gatherings, defense, and recreation, these squares now serve as charming green oases nestled among the city’s picturesque streets. Each square has its own character, adorned with monuments, fountains, or centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Whether you’re seeking a quiet spot to relax or a place to admire Savannah’s rich history, the squares are an integral part of the city’s beauty and charm.
Along the way, we came upon some really cool historic homes including Paula Dean’s “Pink House” restaurant. We didn’t eat there, as we wanted to dine at more casual restaurants.
Our First Evening along Savannah’s Riverfront
For our first dinner, we chose Pirates House. The Pirates’ House in Savannah is a legendary spot where history and lore come to life. Established in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, it quickly gained a reputation as a gathering place for pirates and sailors. Today, it’s a restaurant that preserves its storied past, with cozy, historic rooms and tales of buried treasure and ghostly encounters. The Pirates’ House is even mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, adding to its mystique. Dining here feels like stepping back in time, with the charm of Savannah’s maritime history all around you.
The food was absolutely delicious! We started out with fried green tomatoes. Then I ordered the trout and Scott had shrimp and grits. Absolutely amazing!
Next stop was Abe’s on Lincoln. This cool bar, has a very low ceiling (so duck!) The entire ceiling is covered in (now fire resistant) paper drawings, drawn by customers. Of course I had to try my luck and leave our mark for Boating Journey.
Tune in next week for Day 2 of our Savannah visit. Scott and I visit a few museums, enjoy a trolley ride through the city and finish the evening with a ghost tour.
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Cheers, Scott and Ally
