Named one of “America’s Most Historic and Beautiful Downtowns” by MSN Travel, it’s no secret Savannah is one of the South’s most beautiful destinations. Hauntingly beautiful cityscapes and more than twenty historic squares downtown, Savannah is well-loved by all types of travelers.

As a former Savannah area local, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this city from many perspectives. A few years ago, we had a weekend stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park that captured our hearts and expanded my love this magical city.

In this Southern Stays feature, I’ll cover everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Savannah – including my outline of all the top attractions, my absolute favorite restaurants, and a few secrets to the ultimate stay in Savannah.

SOUTHERN STAYS: THE MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK

A grandiose 19th-century terra-cotta hotel, the Mansion handsomely sits on the perimeter of Savannah’s historic Forsyth Park. Sophisticated, yet boasting with warm hospitality and ornate décor at every turn, a stay at the Mansion is as delightful as it is lavish.

An ode to Savannah’s art scene, the Mansion has a rich appreciation for Savannah’s style and Southern Gothic beauty. Restored in 2005 by Savannah native and art collector Richard Kessler, it’s easy to see why the Mansion is Savannah’s most iconic hotel.

THINGS TO DO AT THE MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK

We had the ultimate weekend uncovering Savannah’s centuries-old history and exploring this city’s attractions during a stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park.

For locals, a weekend at the Mansion is a fantastic staycation escape. With so many experiences on the property and at Forsyth Park to savor Savannah’s rich history and flair.

While staying at the Mansion, don’t miss:

• Classes by Kessler. This cooking school at the Mansion features a rotating calendar of cooking experiences with Chef Jason Winn so you can turn your stay into a foodie experience!
• Forsyth Farmers’ Market. This Saturday morning market is a weekly affair the entire city comes together to enjoy. (Don’t miss the local honey!)
• Forsyth Park. Savannah’s vast 30-acre park outside of the Mansion boasts the city’s most famous fountain, which was modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
• Walk to these restaurants: 700 Drayton (located at the Mansion), Casimir’s Lounge (in the Mansion), Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park, and The Sentient Bean.

MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK AMENITIES

A QUICK GUIDE TO SAVANNAH

SHOP

Broughton Street – Paris Market, Lululemon, Savannah Bee Company, The Edition Shop, 24e Design Co, and Terra Cotta to name a few.

ShopSCAD – 340 Bull Street

River Street Sweets – 13 E River Street

DINE

Breakfast & Lunch

The Ordinary Pub

Zunzi’s (Lunch)

The Collins Quarter

Dinner

Garibaldi’s

Cha Bella

The Olde Pink House

17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant

Rooftop Bars

Rocks on the Roof

Peregrin

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

Bakeries & Desserts

Back in the Day Bakery

Marche de Macarons

Byrd’s Famous Cookies

Leopold’s Ice Cream

EXPERIENCES

Forsyth Park

Savannah Taste Experiences – Famous & Secret East Side Food Tour

Bonaventure Cemetery

Creepy Crawl Haunted Pub Tour

Savannah Ghost Tours by Ghosts & Gravestones

Historic River Street

Chippewa Square (this is where Forrest Gump sat while eating his box of chocolates)

City Market – Bars & Restaurants