Welcome to the low country! Get ready to explore the beautiful city of Savannah and Hilton Head Island. They have done so much to preserve the history and the kept the (term I’ve coined) “old beach” feel. Especially true on the island, you will not be bombarded with neon lights or someone ready to sell you a hermit crab with an airbrush t-shirt on every corner. It is an excellent place to recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have always taken the drive over to South Carolina, from Tennessee, but if you are further away, you can easily fly into Savannah and rent a car to take over to Hilton Head. Hilton Head is about an hour from downtown Savannah. This could be an easy day trip from Hilton Head if you prefer not to do it on the way onto the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have been to Hilton Head many times growing up, for fall breaks, and more recently, we moved ourselves there for two weeks during Covid to escape major cabin fever. After having gone in every season, now, I strongly believe Fall on the island can’t be beat. And, although Savannah can also be enjoyed in any season, it comes alive in October, especially around Halloween! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAVANNAH!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s talk about Savannah first. When I picture Savannah, I cannot help but think of the incredible oak trees lining the cobblestone streets. I think of the beautiful antebellum homes and rowhouses, and eerily majestic cemeteries that neighbor them. It’s a hauntingly gorgeous city with a diverse population and cultural flair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As far as I am concerned, you go to Savannah for the history, the food, and the tours. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Our first stop takes us to lunch at the Ordinary Pub<\/a>. Its a super cool pub in the basement of the old Sears and Roebuck building. The loaded pub fries and the Pork Belly Donut Sliders were to die for, and just the carb load we needed to take on the day. <\/p>\n\n\n

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There are so many fun stores in the Bay St. area. Among them, there are two great bookstores to visit. One is right on Bay St called Books on Bay <\/a>and the other is a few blocks back, closer to Forsyth Park, called The Book Lady Bookstore<\/a>. Another can’t miss is the River Street Market<\/a>! It’s an open air market with food and entertainment down by the riverfront! Speaking of riverfront, how about a fun ride on the Georgia Queen Riverboat<\/a>? They have cruises all day, so you can pick the one that suits your needs the most. After your fun day of exploring Savannah, make sure to leave enough time to check out the Old Pink House<\/a> for dinner (reservations strongly recommended). Legend has it that it is haunted in the hallway to the bathroom, so who wouldn’t want to go see if they catch a ghost for themselves!? After dinner, head to Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for all the old-fashioned candy you could ever want. Fun fact, our daughter, Savannah, was named after Savannah, GA. We lived far away from the south when she was born and I wanted her to have a strong Southern name. What name screams “southern belle” like Savannah? She has always loved having her picture taken all over town, and there was a time she thought she was super famous and the town had actually been named after her. What a cutie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, back to our ghosts–I HIGHLY recommend one of the ghost tours that Ghost City Tours<\/a> offers. We did the Grave Tales Tour<\/a>, which was well after dark and plenty spooky for us and our kiddos. There are even spookier tours, if you dare! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We’re not quite<\/em> done with Savannah. I want to add a couple of our other go-to’s when in town. You must must must visit Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist<\/a>, Wormsloe Historic Site, and Bonaventure Cemetery<\/a>. These are no less impressive than what I mentioned previously. They’re just off the main drag, but worth a second full day, in my opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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