Downtown Savannah - Savannah, GA Area Guide

In 1733, General James Oglethorpe and a galley ship filled with settlers landed on the shores of the Savannah River, then referred to as Yamacraw Bluff by the local Native Americans. Oglethorpe named the colony after King George II, and Savannah became the first city in the colony. The city didn't seem to endure the hardships that other cities did during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Instead, the area flourished. In 2013, Savannah had a population of around 142,000 people.

An area rich and alive with culture and history, Savannah features a thriving arts scene for those visiting or living close by. The Savannah History Museum shares the history of the area since 1733, with exhibits from the American Revolution and the Civil war. Each year, the Annual Telfair Art Fair seeks to promote art awareness with exhibits, music, food and prizes.

Think of Savannah as a Mecca of dining opportunities. You won't see the large fast food signs lining the streets of the downtown historic district, since all downtown businesses submit to specific covenants that keep the area looking pristine and old fashioned. From traditional Southern establishments, fresh seafood, cafes and bakeries, Savannah satisfies the heartiest of appetites.

The Olde Pink House stands near the center of town and can't be missed due to its pale pink exterior paint. Well known in the area as Savannah's only 18th-century mansion, this restaurant features live music nightly in the cellar and a spacious outdoor dining area. Tempt your palate with servings of the crab-stuffed grouper, or sample the crispy fried lobster tails or the almond-crusted tilapia.

For a unique dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room makes you feel like you've gone to your mom's house for dinner. This restaurant lies off the beaten path, so it remains a well-kept secret among locals. Patrons stand in line for hours hoping to get a spot at one of the communal dining tables inside because the restaurant only stays open for three hours each day. You won't find a formal menu. Instead, once you sit at the table, servers bring out platters and dishes of food, which may include fried chicken, okra and gumbo. The meals change daily, allowing diners to anticipate something new with each visit.

When you first pass by the Pirate's House, you may be a little leery to step inside. The building looks extremely rustic — complete with quirky appeal due to crooked, mismatched windows that the owners say keep the ghosts away. Biding with the supernatural flavor of the city, the servers at the Pirate House share their own tales of ghost sightings and noises within the walls. Be sure to try the renowned Pirate's House hamburger or the crab melt sandwich. Add on a serving of the hearty chicken gumbo for a satisfying meal.

Downtown Savannah never seems to sleep, with its wide selection of bars, pubs and nightclubs. Visit the Tree House and dance the night away, or hang out with friends on one of the two large balconies. The club hosts live music and overlooks the city market, so you can people watch.

The Congress Street Social Club provides visitors and local patrons with yet another place to meet for drinks and live music. Watch the big game on one of the big screens, or reserve the club for special events.

Savannah residents have a variety of options to get around the downtown area. Planned in a perfect grid system, the city's infrastructure makes it easy for pedestrians and cyclists to get around. Savannah hosts one of the few bike-sharing programs in the area, which allows you to rent a bike at one of the two kiosks.

The CAT shuttle takes you to anywhere in the city for a low fee, but the bus only goes one way, making it less than ideal in time-sensitive situations. If you need to rush, schedule a ride with Uber from your smartphone or contact one of the local companies to arrange a pickup.

If you prefer to drive, public parking abounds all over the city. Parking garages charge a flat rate for a day and street parking requires meter fees.

With acres of greenspace and spacious open areas, downtown Savannah provides the perfect place for outdoor activity. Forsyth Park lies in the center of downtown on 30 acres. The park has basketball and tennis courts, walking paths and a historic fountain. Patrons can also enjoy the Confederate memorial, a fragrant garden for the blind and a children's play area, and this park even hosts live concerts on occasion. Most of the parks features are free for public use.

If you have pets, Daffin Park remains the place to go to let your dog socialize and run free. The park also has a walking trail, an outdoor pool and sports courts. Each year in June, the park hosts a kids' fishing in the park event with prizes given to the catch of the day.

Expect to pay more for the privilege of living in this top resort destination and popular tourist spot. The cost of living comes in at 2 percent greater than the state average, with the price of a one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,847 per month.

For those using public transportation to travel around the downtown area, the CAT requires a flat fee of $1 for each ride. If you drive your own vehicle, expect gas prices 1.2 percent lower than the national average. At local clubs, bars and pubs, a glass of domestic beer costs at least $5.

Historic River Street provides rows and rows of specialty discount shops and high-end boutiques. Just a short stroll into downtown and on to the square, you'll find plenty of clothing shops, art boutiques, sweet shops, gift shops and jewelry stores, all housed in one of the historic buildings.

For exotic jewelry, the Zia Boutique remains one of the favorites among travelers and local patrons. Opened in 2005, the shop carries both men and women's fashion watches and accessories. The owner grew up in Kenya and the United States and uses this cultural influence to fill his shop shelves.

Civvies New and Recycled Clothing features a large selection of affordable fashions. The shop's inventory follows the latest trends and the current season. When you've found the perfect outfit for your occasion, stop in Fabulous Finds Under $20 to coordinate your outfit with a new scarf, handbag or watch. Located on River Street, this boutique has excellent customer service and season-appropriate accessories.

Most residents choose Kroger, Whole Foods or Save-A-Lot when shopping for groceries in historic downtown Savannah. On Saturdays, Forsyth Park also hosts a farmers market with fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers. Patrons enjoy serenades by the singing farmer while picking out necessities. The Savannah State Farmer's Market lies just a few minutes from downtown, featuring hard-to-find ethnic and organic foods and a selection of flowers.