Spend The Day as a Local In The Victorian District
Welcome to Savannah’s Victorian District, a charming and historic neighborhood that exudes a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. For local architecture enthusiasts, roaming around the Victorian District is a dream. The charming streets feature beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes with intricate details and colorful facades, reflecting the city’s elegance and opulence of the past. Locals and tourists both enjoy this area of town, which has a little something for everyone. From shopping to sports, events, and great food, the Victorian District is truly a diverse and busy area of Downtown Savannah. Join us as we , spend a day venturing throughout the 50 blocks of this picturesque neighborhood.
We start our day at The Sentient Bean, a beloved coffee shop and café known for its welcoming atmosphere, events, local art, and delicious menu offerings. This eclectic café is located at the south end of Forsyth Park and is open 12 hours a day. It offers a diverse range of coffee drinks, teas, and tasty treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly brewed cappuccino, a refreshing iced latte, or a vegan pastry, the Sentient Bean has you covered. With its warm and inviting ambiance, it’s a popular gathering spot for us locals and even visitors alike.
For those of us looking for a natural food market, Brighter Day Natural Foods is a must-visit grocery store in Savannah. Located right nextdoor to the Sentient Bean, they offer a diverse selection of organic and locally-sourced products, catering to various dietary needs. They also sell premade foods for a quick and easy pick-up. One of our favorite food items is the baked cheddar cheese sandwich! This is an ideal place to stock up a picnic basket for our next stop at Forsyth Park.
Forsyth Park is the hub of the Victorian District. Covering 30 acres, It’s not only the perfect place to enjoy a shaded picnic, but to excercise, play with your dog, enjoy a book, and hangout with friends and family. We have to grab locally-made Savannah Square popsicles for the kiddos at the Collins Quarter pick-up window, which conveniently sits right next to the park’s two playgrounds and splash pad. Sports enthusiasts especially love Forsyth Park with its two expansive grass fields, tennis courts, and basketball court. For those of us that prefer to fly solo, we can often join in pick-up games of ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball, and volleyball here. We also like to head towards the center of the park, where the iconic fountain sits, for a leisurely day taking in the park’s moss-draped oaks, vibrant flowers, and diverse bird species.
Our next stop is the King-Tisdell Cottage, a museum celebrating African American heritage. It’s located at 514 E Huntingdon St and is only an 8-minute walk east of Forsyth. The historic cottage showcases rotating art exhibits and artifacts, offering insights into the community’s history and perseverance. The cottage was restored by the former Wesley Wallace Law, who was a local civil rights activists and preservationist of African American historic buildings here in Savannah. Today he and his work remain an important part of Savannah’s story and neighborhoods.
The Victorian District is home to a fair number of specialty stores that carry unique products. We always pop in to a few of our favorite spots when we are in the neighborhood. The small business owners in this area are known for taking great pride in their storefronts and in creating an amazing experience for customers.
Salacia Salts is located on the far western boarder of the Victorian District off Montgomery Street. Here we shop for natural bath and skin care products inspired by our coastal heritage and made in Savannah.The Kiss My Grits lip scrub is a favorite for locals!
Neighborhood Comics is a classic comic book store at 1205 Bull Street, just two blocks south of Forsyth Park. This shop is open seven days per week and features newly released comics and graphic novels. They also sell back issues and key books. Beware, once you’re in the store, you might have a hard time leaving with so many comics to choose from.
Those of us that love to cook like to head over to Ye Olde Herb Shoppe on Whitaker Street. They offer an endless inventory of amazing spices and herbs. When we’re seeking a wine to pair with our culinary creations, we stop in at Le Chai – galerie du vin on Park Avenue . We rely on this wine shop’s expert advice and finest selection for finding wine for our meals and occasions.
When all of the walking and shopping has us ready to relax, the The Corner Suite does not dissapoint in its offerings. We book an appointment at this “Savannah Wellness Escape,” which is located on West Henry Street. Unwind with a massage, a facial, or an IV Infusion.
By now, its getting pretty late and we’re hungry again. One of our favorite things about the Victorian District is that its home to a tasty late night spot called The Black Rabbit. Located at 1215 Barnard Street, The Black Rabbit is known for having some of the best pressed sandwiches in Savannah. It’s also a bar so you can further unwind with your favorite beverage here. The best part is that it doesn’t close until 1AM Monday through Saturday, and at 12AM on Sundays.
From its picturesque streets to its cultural landmarks, local shops, and delectable eateries, the Victorian District neighborhood offers a quintessential Savannah experience that leaves you wanting to return for more. As a local, you’ve uncovered the true essence of this charming district. Now its your turn to make memories here that will last a lifetime.