A wedding weekend in Georgia's historic city reveals unexpected culinary treasures and hotel gems that transform a familiar regional destination into a gourmet getaway.
At a Glance
Savannah offers exceptional culinary experiences and diverse hospitality options for weekend visitors. The riverfront features historic restaurants like Boar's Head Grille since 1959, while hotels such as Thompson Savannah and Hotel Bardo provide distinct atmospheres—quiet professionalism versus vibrant historic charm. Dining highlights include fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and signature dishes at venues like Fleeting and Hotel Bardo's raw bar.
When travel advisor Lindsey Ellis arrived in Savannah for a weekend wedding, she expected the usual Southern charm and historic architecture. What she didn't anticipate was a culinary journey that would redefine how she views this beloved regional destination just a short drive from her Jacksonville home.
The adventure began immediately upon arrival, when hunger led Ellis and her husband to Boar's Head Grille & Tavern, the longest continuously-running restaurant on Savannah's riverfront. Housed in an 18th century cotton warehouse and serving guests since 1959, the restaurant provided the perfect introduction to the city's gastronomic offerings. "We started with the most scrumptious Southern classic, fried green tomatoes. Followed by she crab soup, crab cakes, and mahi sandwiches. YUM!" Ellis recalls, her enthusiasm still evident when describing that first meal.
A Tale of Two Hotels
Ellis's weekend showcased two distinctly different hospitality experiences, each catering to different traveler preferences. While staying at the Thompson Hotel on the riverfront, she discovered its unexpected location advantage. "The Thompson Savannah is in a quiet corner of the riverfront. I was expecting it to be in the hustle and bustle of it all considering it is so walkable, but this location specifically is great for the business traveler as it is walkable to the convention and business centers, but it is very quiet and professional," she explains.
The wedding venue, Hotel Bardo, presented an entirely different atmosphere. Located on Forsyth Park, the property embodies colorful historic charm while offering modern amenities and daily fitness programming. But it's the hotel's unique history that truly sets it apart. "A portion of the Hotel Bardo Savannah location was formerly a funeral home, servicing many families in the area for over 50 years," Ellis reveals, adding another layer to Savannah's reputation as a paranormal tourism hotspot.
Culinary Excellence at Every Turn
The wedding reception at Hotel Bardo elevated Ellis's appreciation for Savannah's dining scene even further. The evening featured a culinary tour of the hotel's offerings, including a raw bar of the freshest oysters and cocktail shrimp, truffle arancini, perfectly prepared tenderloin, and the hotel's signature gelato cart. The experience left such an impression that Ellis is already planning to return to try Saint Bibiani restaurant and the hotel's culinary experience classes.
Even the final morning brought culinary surprises. Breakfast at Fleeting, located on the first floor of the Thompson Savannah, featured what Ellis describes as "the fluffiest, not-too-sweet creme brulee French toast," accompanied by live guitar music that created an elevated dining atmosphere perfect for slowly savoring the last moments of the weekend.
Professional Insights for Discerning Travelers
As a travel professional, Ellis gained valuable insights about regional travel that extend far beyond this single weekend. The experience reinforced her belief in the value of professional travel planning, even for nearby destinations. "Living in the Southeast, you may not think you require a travel advisor for your more 'local' travels, but the benefits come in the form of heightened location knowledge followed by the VIP status granted when staying with our partner properties, especially those within our amazing Virtuoso network," she notes.
The weekend also highlighted Savannah's versatility as a destination. Whether visitors want to practice yoga in the park, embark on ghost tours, bar crawl through historic streets, or conduct business meetings, the city accommodates every type of traveler with grace and Southern hospitality.
For Ellis, the experience confirmed that timing isn't everything when it comes to Savannah. "There is no such thing as too little, or too much time in Savannah. This is a great weekend trip destination, made even better if time allows for an extended stay," she advises, particularly recommending that travelers attending weddings or conventions add an extra day to fully experience the food scene and entertainment options.
The success of this regional exploration has only fueled Ellis's passion for firsthand destination knowledge. Her commitment to experiencing destinations personally continues with her next adventure: "Next I am heading to Puerto Rico with Virtuoso for a study tour to expand my knowledge on the island and see for myself how we can enhance our clients future travels."
