What started out as a dream cooked up by two past graduates from SCAD in 1999, started to become a reality in the year 2000 and has continued into Savannah’s Starland District. While the official boundaries of the area are more so defined by the businesses who want to participate rather than a map, Savannah’s Starland District has grown from being an idea to a full blown experience. Whether you’re looking to find some off the wall coffee or the perfect painting for your living room, you can find it somewhere in the Starland District. Even though the exact boundaries of this area are not entirely agreed upon, this district is known for being generally covered within the thirty five blocks from Forsyth Park, centering on Bull St. When you’re on a mission to explore the creative community that thrives in Savannah, you’re bound to find whatever it is you need in the Starland District of Savannah.
Former focal point of the area and major business, the Starland Dairy was built in 1932 and provided milk to the residents of Savannah through the 1980s along with a number of other dairies in the area. This dairy was just what the neighborhood needed at the time to add a real push for new growth within the area, creating a path for dairies and other businesses to become successful. What stood out instantly, was the sheer girth of the dairy’s property. Taking up an entire two blocks of space, Starland Dairy’s was not easily missed, it’s giant red star a comforting sight to locals for many years. You can still find old jugs from the dairy on Ebay, moderately priced around eighty dollars, give or take depending on the size. Though Starland Dairy aided in keeping the neighborhood afloat all those years, with the 80’s brought on one final downsize, closing the business for good. For roughly a decade, Starland District sat around decaying until 1999 when John Deaderick and Greg Jacobs (former SCAD graduates) made the decision to buy the old factory, specifically to give the local arts community a place to thrive. No one could have guessed how far Starland District would grow in the span of just twenty years but here we are.
Starland District has become a focal point for the artists that work and live here actively, absolutely parading an eclectic sense of hometown pride that is unmatched by any other Savannah landmark or location. From record stores to coffee shops, street art and galleries, Savannah’s refurbished Starland District is every hipster’s dream. Keep reading to find out more about just a bit of what Savannah’s Starland District can offer you and make sure to follow/like our Savannah Sip N’ Cycle social media pages so you can stay up-to-date on what’s happening in downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Starlandia Creative Supply
4.6 ★
Dubbed by VisitSavannah as “Savannah’s COOLEST Art Store” Starlandia Creative Supply is not just a creative supply store, but an advocate for keeping the planet alive. Featuring new AND used art supplies, there’s every bit of inspiration needed for even the most stubborn of projects. Not only does their stock include some of just about everything you might possibly need as an artist, they even offer discounts for teachers and members of the armed forces. Stop in on Bull Street to Starlandia Creative Supply to shop or even drop some of your gently used art supplies and add to Savannah’s ever growing creative community. Who knows, your old supplies might be exactly what someone else is looking for.
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Back in the Day Bakery
4.7 ★
Loved by locals for being a spot that caters to the Savannah natives, Back in the Day Bakery was one of the handful of businesses that were able to open up in 2001 and continue to flourish on the regular. Featuring biscuits, brownies, cookies and much more, all made from scratch, Back in the Day Bakery has been mentioned in magazines like Paula Deen and Southern Living. They have even just finished shooting photography for a third installment of their original cookbook. Follow @backinthedaybakery on Instagram to find out more about this fantastic bakery and all the projects they work on.
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Starland Cafe
4.6 ★
For over twenty years, the Starland Cafe has been a part of what keeps the district going with organic and home made soups, sandwiches and salads on east 41st street. Along with having unique menu options, this cafe shares a love for the community, using only locally grown produce in their dishes. Their love for the community doesn’t stop there, Starland Cafe is just as embedded in the creative side of Savannah residents. Look for local artwork displayed in their rotating gallery, you never know what might be shown. Open from Monday through Saturday, 11-3pm, Starland Cafe is a real treat when you’re able to catch it.
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Foxy Loxy Coffee
4.7 ★
Have you ever seen an I”Heart”Foxy sticker in Savannah and wondered why they are all over the place? The Foxy Loxy cafe (along with supplying the most notorious sticker in Savannah) is just your above average mixture of an art gallery, coffee shop and bistro, Foxy Loxy has a menu options that include all three mealtimes, coffee drinks and even wine alongside constantly changing creative displays. Two stories and a spacious courtyard are ready to house whoever happens to come through the doors. Creators of any kind are welcome to enjoy any of the social events that regularly happen throughout the week. Be sure to give them a follow on various social media accounts to find out what is going on any given day.
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Graveface Records and Curiosities
4.9 ★
Along with having created two record companies and actively performing as a member of four different bands, Ryan Graveface is known in the city for owning the best store to find records and movies in Savannah’s Starland District. Just take a walk down west 40th street to find the location. Upon walking inside the building, you might be distracted by all of the collectors items lining the walls. Ryan is self described as a sometimes hoarder of all that is weird and creepy, from taxidermy squirrels and pinball machines, to original VHS copies of classic horror films. As one of the original Starland shops that has made it this far and doesn’t intend to slow down, Graveface Records and Oddities has managed to remain a staple of the community for years. If you’re ever in the mood for obscure music and even more obscure decor, this shop better be at the top of your list.
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Planet 3 Body Piercing/Headshop
4.7 ★
At Planet 3 on Abercorn Street, the sky’s the limit for those of us who like to appear a bit “modified” on the daily. Carrying only high quality jewelry and a professional staff that is trained and able, Planet 3 is as sterile as it is unique. You can’t miss the artwork covering the outside of this small hole in the wall. For everything from piercings to what’s in the headshop can be found at Planet 3. After winning the award for “Best Piercing Studio” for the last four years, you know that the work coming from this location is trustworthy to even the most seasoned body mod enthusiasts.
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House of Strut
4.9 ★
Moved from it’s old location and into a spot on State Street, the House of Strut is a vintage clothing store that has items for all styles imaginable. No matter how you identify or what outfit you’re looking to create, House of Strut is bound to have a piece for your taste. There’s only one real rule when purchasing fashion from this shop, wear the clothes, don’t let them wear you. This is the spot for people who are confident in their look and ready to show it off. Though Savannah is widely known for the art that comes out of it, the city itself is a 24/7 fashion show, aided regularly by what’s available for purchase at the House of Strut.
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Gypsy World
4.6 ★
“High quality vintage” clothing store Gypsy World is a fun and whimsical visit through time on Bull Street in Savannah. Telling classic stories by way of classic clothing, Gypsy World houses a number of pieces that have come from all over the world. Stocked full with styles that don’t have to make a comeback, Gypsy World is one of those vintage stores that is made timeless by the clothes inside.
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Strange and Bazaar
5.0 ★
Located where the House of Strut used to reside, Savannah Strange and Bazaar prides their location on being similar to Dolly Parton’s famous song “Coat of many Colors” in the sense that they have any color or pattern imaginable in and out of their store. When you’re on an epic search to find the statement piece that will tie an outfit together, this funky shop is bound to have something to suit even the most eclectic sense of style.
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Tramp Art Studios
4.9 ★
On the edge of the unofficial Starland District area lies Tramp Art Studios, a three tier tattoo shop and art display gallery. Walk inside and immediately become overwhelmed by how many canvases are up on every inch of the building’s inside. Don’t get too attached to the placement of any piece though, not much stays in the same spot for too long once its put on display at Tramp Art. At the corner of Victory and Jefferson, you can walk in and immediately find portfolio’s from multiple award winning artists that all specialize in something different. Whether you need color, realism, neon or any idea you can think of, there is an artist at Tramp Art Studios who can make your ideas come to life.
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Brighter Day Natural Food
4.7 ★
Whether you’re a hippie, someone with a gluten intolerance or someone who is just trying to do better in their day to day eating habits, Brighter Day Health foods is a one stop shop for all products health food related. Along with supplements and dietary specific products on the shelves, you can even find gluten free sandwiches in the deli section. Even their website is chock full of recipes and ideas available at no extra cost. Recently taken under new ownership but still dedicated to the art of healthy living, find Brighter Day Natural Food store on Bull St.
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Green Truck Pub
4.7 ★
Something that makes Savannah so incredible has to be the variety of restaurants available. You can find a restaurant to suit most tastes with little to no problem. Look no further if you have a gluten intolerance, live a vegan lifestyle, or just a want for some legendary homemade ketchup with your fries. Green Truck Pub on Habersham has a vast selection of menu options, burgers and sandwiches of any kind but that isn’t even the best part. The best part is that anything you order on the menu can be altered, buns, meats, whatever style suits you can happen at Green Truck. Stop in and ask for some fries with their special house made ketchup and order a veggie burger on a gluten free bun. You can’t go wrong with this restaurant.
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Conclusion
Now, this list does include plenty of great locations but don’t think that is all of what Savannah’s Starland District has to offer. This area is one that is constantly growing and changing with the creative minds invested in it. We here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle encourage you to go out and find your favorite store in Savannah’s Starland District and then tell us about it on Facebook or Instagram! You can even ask your tour guide “where’s the best spot to eat in Starland” and one of our Party Bike hosts would be glad to share their favorites. Everyone has something that they love about Savannah’s Starland District once they come for a visit.