SAVANNAH LUXURY TOURIST GUIDE
STAYS...
HOTEL BARDO
The newly established Hotel Bardo sits inside a 19th Century Victorian - Romanesque two acre Mansion located by Forsyth Park in Savannah Historic District. This Urban Resort functions both as a luxurious stay and social club.
The mansion was built on 1888 and used to house several families when it was first built. Then became a funeral home right before becoming Hotel Bardo.
The term “Bardo” references the Tibetan concept denoting an intermediary state—potentially the phase between death and rebirth—similar to the transformation of the former Mansion on Forsyth into Hotel Bardo, or the experience of temporarily detaching from reality by staying at a resort for a transformative weekend.
Hotel Bardo’s design is inspired by the glamorous tourism era of the 1960s, epitomized by charming resorts around the Mediterranean Coast. Coastal Italian elements enhance both the inside and the exterior patio. They also feature works of local artists like Kelly Boehmer soft sculptures and stenciled motifs by Vanessa Platasis.
They also offer an opportunity to become part of the Club Bardo where you can access all of the Hotels amenities without necessarily being a guest. Some of the amenities include the large pool oasis and Bar Bibi, the Carriage House which is perfect for hosting events, Saltgrass Gym and Spa, and much more!
THE GASTONIAN
The Gastonian consists of two beautifully preserved mansions, both built in 1868, located at the corner of Gaston and Lincoln Streets. This prime location adds to its allure, providing guests with a charming residential atmosphere while being centrally positioned near Savannah’s renowned historic sites. At The Gastonian, you’ll experience the elegance and sophistication of a historic Savannah home, enhanced by thoughtful amenities designed to make your stay truly special. Enjoy delightful touches such as wine and chocolate delivered to your room, custom charcuterie boards, and more. The stunning gardens and picturesque views also make The Gastonian an
ideal venue for special events, including unforgettable weddings.
KEHOE HOUSE
William Kehoe, an Irish immigrant, immigrated to America at the age of 10 in 1842. He worked as an iron foundry apprentice and later bought a foundry in Savannah. After World War I, he built a new foundry on the riverfront and became a prominent businessman. In 1868, he married Anne Flood and they started a family. Kehoe built a larger, more stately home in Savannah. The Kehoe House, designed by DeWitt Bruyn, was completed in 1892 and sold to his heirs in 1920. The property was later used as a funeral parlor and held by football star Joe Namath. In 1990, it was sold to HLC Hotels and reopened as a historic bed and breakfast inn. Located a few blocks from Forsyth Park, this mansion offers a cozy stay with beautiful views.
BELLWETHER HOUSE
The Bellwether House was constructed in 1876 from two Savannah townhouses by Samuel Palmer and Henry Dresser. Palmer, who came from humble beginnings in Rhode Island, established a major hardware business in Savannah in the early 19th century under the name “Palmer and Sons.” For the remainder of their lives, the Palmer family resided in their downtown mansion. A native of Massachusetts, Dresser relocated to Savannah during the American Civil War with the goal of becoming a “cotton factor” by bringing abandoned farms back to life. He and his family spent several decades in Savannah moving north.
Before being combined in the early 2000s to create a bed & breakfast, the two townhouses continued to function as homes for decades. Nevertheless, the structure deteriorated in 2020; subsequent owners acquired it, renovated it, and reopened it in 2021 under the name Bellwether House.
“Bellwether” originates from the practice of placing a bell on a castrated ram (a “wether”) to lead a flock of sheep, guiding them on their way. At Bellwether House, they create unique experiences to make your stay romantic and memorable. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful welcome of wine and chocolate, perfect for surprising your significant other after dinner. Speaking of dinner, indulge in a private, intimate dining experience where Chef Whitney crafts a personalized culinary journey just for you. Additionally, their floral arrangement service allows you to order a custom bouquet to enhance your stay. For ultimate relaxation,their exclusive guest-only spa offers massages, facials, and even private yoga classes.
EATS...
SAINT BIBIANA
The seaside Italian restaurant Saint Bibiana, located in the historic Hotel Bardo, is sure to captivate you with its classic elegance. This restaurant is ideal for a night of decadent eating, thanks to its superb food and easily lively ambiance. Indulge in spaghetti prepared in house and spritzes enjoyed outdoors at dinner parties where everyone is treated like an old friend. With a drink in hand, you can delve into everything from pasta making intensives to farmer’s market delicacies at Saint Bibiana’s entertaining culinary workshops. For a night of perfecting your cooking techniques, these immersive classes will whisk you away to Sardinia. Experiences are meticulously planned yet pleasantly spontaneous, and you won’t want to miss their one-night-only salon dinners with guest chefs. Saint Bibiana is the perfect place to celebrate cuisine and connection.
COMMON THREAD
The Krouskoff House, built in 1897 by Solomon Krouskoff as a wedding gift for his second wife, Matilda, has a rich history. Born in 1840 in Prussia, Solomon immigrated to New York City and settled in Savannah, Georgia. He opened successful millinery shops and was involved in real estate development around Thomas Square, a suburban neighborhood known as “Millionaires Row.” Despite being converted into apartments during the Depression, the house has remained largely intact. In 2001, Albert L. Cobb Sr. and his wife purchased the house to establish their antique business, which continued until it was acquired in 2018 by Ryan and Joanne Williamson to create Common Thread.
ELIZABETH ON 37TH
Elizabeth Terry, founder of Elizabeth on 37th restaurant, passed away on October 14. The restaurant, which opened in Savannah in 1981, is known for its Southern hospitality, fine coastal cuisine, and well-chosen wines. Chef Terry led the restaurant, which now serves traditional and innovative dishes. Executive Chefs Kelly Yambor and Jeremy Diehl direct the menu. Owners Greg and Gary Butch manage the wine program and an award-winning service staff. The restaurant is located in a Victorian mansion, originally built for a wealthy Savannah cotton broker, and features historic Savannah colors, fresh flowers, and original paintings and ceramics.
HUSK SAVANNAH
This site in Savannah’s historic district has undergone significant changes since the city was founded in 1733. Originally the city’s first Jewish cemetery, the graves remained even after a new burial site was established nearby, transforming the area into a residential neighborhood.
On January 5th, the building reopened as the Savannah outpost of Husk, a restaurant established by awardwinning chefs Sean Brock and Tyler Williams in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2010. Husk specializes in Nouveau Southern cuisine, creatively reimagining classic Southern dishes while honoring the region’s gastronomic history. The restaurant is dedicated to preserving historic structures, thereby maintaining the cultural heritage of the cities it occupies.
DO’S...
KESSLER CHARTERS
Kessler Charters offers a curated maritime experience along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterways of Savannah, Georgia. Featuring an exclusive fleet of two hand-crafted custom vessels, guests can reserve a variety of tours and excursions available year-round. Each tour is led by local captains with over 20 years of experience navigating the Savannah rivers and surrounding areas. Kessler Charters combines leisure and adventure, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich history, diverse wildlife, and scenic hidden gems of the region.
“This one-of-a-kind experience invites boating enthusiasts, leisure travelers, and culture seekers alike to embark on a glamorous journey along the famed Savannah Intracoastal Waterways.” said Richard Kessler, chairman and CEO of the Kessler brand. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Kessler Charters promises an unforgettable experience on the water.
Kessler Charters offers two distinctive vessels. The first, Kessler I, is a 28-foot Ditchburn boat built in 1924 by renowned manufacturers in Gravenhurst, Ontario. After spending most of its life in British Columbia, Kessler I underwent a thorough restoration starting in the late 1990s, preserving its original 1920s design with a sleek hull and all-weather Navy top. It features rich mahogany finishes and seats four, showcasing Roaring Twenties glamour.
The second vessel, Decked Out, is a 34foot Clarion built in 2002 in Campbellford, Ontario. Designed to embody 1920s elegance, it offers luxurious leather seating, a mahogany interior, and a refreshment center, accommodating up to six guests for a sophisticated on-water experience. They provide a range ofexperiences, including daytime and sunset cruises, as well as a dolphin and island tour, among other exciting options.
TELFAIR MUSEUMS
Telfair Museums, the oldest public art museum in the South, was founded in 1883 by philanthropist Mary Telfair, who left her home to the Georgia Historical Society to become a museum.
The museum comprises three unique buildings: the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the contemporary Jepson Center for the Arts. Each site represents a different architectural style and period, collectively showcasing Savannah’s rich artistic and historical continuum.
Telfair Academy: Designed by William Jay in the neoclassical Regency style, this former mansion was built for Alexander Telfair from 1818 to 1819. Mary Telfair bequeathed it to the Georgia Historical Society in 1875. After renovations by architect Detlef Lienau, it opened as the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1886.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: Also designed by Jay, this house is a prime example of English Regency architecture. Completed in 1819, it features historic decorative arts and rare intact urban slave quarters. Donated to Telfair Museums in 1951, it is now a National Historic Landmark with a formal garden and the only urban slave quarters in Savannah open to the public.
Jepson Center: Opened in 2006 and designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the Jepson Center represents contemporary architecture. After a thorough review process, the design was modified to enhance its integration with the historic area. The center focuses on contemporary art and public installations, linking Telfair’s future with its storied past and unifying the museum’s three distinct sites.
GENTEEL & BARD
Genteel & Bard’s Famous Savannah Dark History & Ghost Encounter Tour is an evening walking tour that highlights Savannah’s dark history and ghost stories. Participants will enjoy a captivating storytelling performance led by experienced historians and performers.
The tour begins at Oglethorpe Square, near the Owens-Thomas House Museum, and ends outside Colonial Park Cemetery. Guests will visit famously haunted locations like the Sorrel-Weed House and Colonial “Hanging Square.”
Spanning about two hours and covering a mile in Savannah’s Historic District, this tour is perfect for those seeking a experience filled with dark history and ghost lore.
CITATIONS
Giddens Nesbit, M. (2022, November 23). There wouldn’t be fine-dining in savannah without elizabeth terry. Savannah Morning News. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.elizabethon37th.net/_files/ugd/e0416c_d543c645d7cc4e028055f5b190de7d91.pdf.
Jones, A. (2020, September 21). The 4 most serene places for a bike ride around Savannah. South Magazine. https://www.southmag.com/ the-4-most-serene-places-for-a-bike-ride-around-savannah/
Moreno, C. (2019, June 23). Nos adentramos en el encanto sureño de la ciudad de savannah. Mi Viaje. https://miviaje.com/nos-adentramos-en-el-encanto-sureno-de-la-ciudad-de-savannah/
O Powell, IV, L. (2020, September 17). From a dumpster fire to a husk-savannah. Southern Spirit Guide. https://www.southernspiritguide.org/ from-a-dumpster-fire-to-a-husk-savannah/#:~:text=The%20building%20opened%20its%20doors%20on%20January%205,home%20next%20 door%20to%20haunted%20landmark%2C%20Poogan%E2%80%99s%20Porch.
Safdie Archietcts. (n.d.). Jepson Center for the arts at Telfair Museum of Art. https://www.safdiearchitects.com/projects/jepson-center-for-thearts-at-telfair-museum-of-art
Stice, A. (2024, March 11). Behind the bardo. Savannah Magazine. https://savannahmagazine.com/culture/behind-the-bardo/
Ultimate Guide to River Street Savannah: Riverwalk things to do. Old Town Trolley Tours. (2024, July 26). https://www.trolleytours.com/savannah/river-street