SAVANNAH

The historic city of Savannah, one of the South’s most popular tourist destinations, was named in 2020 by Forbes among America’s “25 Best Places to Retire.” Founded in 1733, the city has done a brilliant job of preserving its past while building for the future. Savannah has the ultimate walkable downtown for visitors and residents alike, with 22 distinctive squares that feature gardens, fountains, outdoor sculptures, and the iconic Forest Gump park bench. Throughout the historic district are acclaimed fine-dining restaurants, casual bistros, wine bars, and brewpubs. The same area also features music clubs on River Street, art galleries, museums, boutique shops, and free trolly rides.

On nearby Skidaway Island and along the Savannah River, new and well-established residential communities offer amenities like full-service marinas, championship golf courses, and tournament-quality tennis/pickleball centers for seniors and families that have made Savannah their destination for life.

Population: 393,353

Climate: The subtropical climate is ideal for outdoor recreation in all four seasons. Summer afternoons can be warm, but winters are exceptionally mild.

Transportation: Savannah-Hilton

Head International Airport

Must-See: The City Market is a shady four-block area in the heart of downtown with more than 50 restaurants, entertainment venues, unique shops, and studios where local artists create and display their works.

Healthcare: The St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System includes two top-rated local hospitals and a network of satellite medical facilities located throughout the coastal Georgia region.

Telfair Museums Tybee Island Festival City

The Telfair Museums include three sites located in downtown Savannah with a collection of more than 4,500 works by American and European artists; Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House are both National Historic Landmarks, while the Jepson Center for the Arts features contemporary paintings, photography, traveling exhibitions, and outdoor sculpture gardens.

Telfair.org

Tybee Island features three miles of re-nourished beaches, seaside accommodations, and casual oceanfront dining, a year-round destination for Savannah day-trippers and vacationing families. Activities include tours of the Little Tybee Island nature preserve and hikes on the sixmile McQueen’s Trail plus attractions like the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and historic Fort Pulaski.

VisitTybee.com

After a year of cancellations, the festive spirit is making a 2021 comeback in Savannah with special themed events throughout the summer and fall. Mark your calendar for the return of the Savannah Jazz Festival (Sept. 22-26), the Savannah Film Festival (Oct. 2330), the New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31), and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in March 2022.

VisitSavannah.com