Whenever Statesboro gets just a bit too familiar for comfort, one of my favorite things to do is head down to Savannah for a day -- or night -- of metropolitan fun. From River Street to regular sized malls, Savannah has a little bit of everything. Here is a small taste of what it has to offer all y'all.
1. St. Patrick's Day.
Savannah has the biggest St. Paddy's Day parade and drunken hot mess express in the country. If you have not yet indulged in the absolute crap show that is Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration, please book your flight, bus ticket, or gas card for May 17, 2016, right now. Everything is green, and I'm not really sure how to this day. Girls put on blood red lipstick and kiss soldiers in the parade, and everyone is too drunk for life. And Gus has a float. Enough said.
2. Wet Willie's.
Whether you're on River Street or in Market Square, Wet Willie's is definitely a place to go. It's like the good old days at Dollar Daqs -- if you multiply the price by four and the alcohol content by five. This place, literally, has a wall of alcoholic slushies churning in front of you, and you can order mixed ones with names like Purple Haze and Meloda (ask for it if you're in the Market Square), and the piña coladas are to die for.
3. Paula Deen.
I love this woman. We have the same cooking philosophies, and all of my pots and pans have her name on them. If you want a true taste of Southern cuisine in a restaurant, pay a visit to Lady and Sons and see what this woman is all about (hint: it involves a lot of butter). Then, you can go right next door to my inner housewife's favorite place, the Paula Deen store, and buy all of her fabulously charming cookware and bask in her Southern-y cooking and decorating goodness.
4. Mabel's Cupcake Emporium.
I go here every time I'm in Savannah, because they are to die for in terms of macaroon excellency. As my Internet friends, know I'm allergic to gluten. Those macaroon cookie sandwich things (because I'm not French) are gluten free, and this place has the best macaroons in the state, if I do say so myself. Oh my god, they melt in your mouth and make you think you are legit in Paris, being all fancy, and what not. My boyfriend says the cupcakes are pretty good, too.
5. Ghost tours.
Savannah is one of the top 10 most haunted cities in the country, according to USA Today. Sweet Jesus, they have enough ghost tours to prove that as a fact. From the Colonial Park Cemetery and the Moon River Brewing Company, to the Gribble House and Madison Square, you are sure to get your spook on and find out just how scary 200 year old ghosts can be.
6. River Street.
Oh, River Street, can I say enough about this magical place? Everything that happens in Savannah happens on River Street. It's home to the world's best pralines, drinks, fortune tellers, knick-knack shops, seafood restaurants, and everything in between. This place survived being burnt to the ground over a hundred years ago, and it is still letting the world know in true Savannah party style.
There are so many things to do and see in Georgia's First City -- it is a historical hotbed with attractions for Girl Scouts, ghost hunters, and grownups, alike. It is the home of Paula Deen, Big Boy, the biggest St. Paddy's Day celebration in the U.S., and, my personal favorite, the Savannah Candy Kitchen's pralines. So until next time, ladies and gents, have fun and make good choices.
