Written by Abstract Samm
We here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle know that everyone has been itching to go explore for months, and now that the quarantine has been lifted, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the city while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. If you’re looking to spend some time in the city as a guest, or just a local wondering what has opened back up, here is a list to get you started. Beginning with a classic Savannah Sip N’ Cycle tour and wrapping up with a couple of our favorite museums and historic landmarks, we just want to give everyone a couple of options to break the cabin fever. Here’s ten activities that you and your loved ones can safely enjoy in and around Savannah, Georgia for the summer of 2020.
Throw some axes at walls and stuff.
4.8 ★
Remember the days of getting yelled at by your parents for playing too rough or potentially breaking parts of the house? If you’re feeling like taking out some frustration with a little healthy competition, head on down to Bear Axe Throwing. Located right by Savannah, in the neighboring city of Pooler, Bear Axe is truly every inner child’s dream experience. Just wear closed toed shoes and the professionals will tell you everything you need to know about axe throwing.
Whether you’re trying to find something new and interesting to experience for a date night, looking for a different type of team building exercise, or hosting a party, everyone can become skilled at the art of throwing sharp objects at a target under the proper supervision.
(Must book online with a minimum of two participants to guarantee a reservation)
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Stop and smell the…bamboo?
4.6 ★
Just outside of Savannah, fifteen miles from downtown, follow Canebreak Road in Richmond hill to find the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm. Along with hosting some of the most gorgeous floral displays in the area, the Botanical Gardens are also a part of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Because of this, classes and workshops are offered throughout the year for anyone interested in the art of botany for any skill level. With 51 acres of land almost completely covered with local plant life, the Botanical Gardens and Bamboo farm has a charm that is unmatched around here. (To provide a “no-contact” check in process, the Gardens have temporarily waived admission fees)
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Get “salty” with the locals
4.5 ★
Locally owned and fueled by culinary artists that call Savannah “home”, The Salt Table is one of the very few stores that not only lets you try before you buy, but actually encourages you to do so and that’s not even the best part! The best part is that The Salt Room features hundreds of locally produced goods, staying true to the overall community of Savannah. We here in the city are always thrilled to throw a bone to the stores that keep it local. Known for incredible customer service and an unforgettable experience, The Salt Table is staffed with professional “Flavor Consultants” who are thrilled to guide you through every step of sampling seasoning blends, popcorn, tea, vinegars and so much more! Just down Barnard, between City Market and The Gap, find a little spice of Heaven at The Salt Table. (Hours are currently reduced, staying closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
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Rock out with two pianos at the same dang time
4.5 ★
Featuring live local entertainment with a slight competitive edge, from Thursday-Saturday (and on any holiday that might happen to fall on one of those days), Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano bar/grill/venue is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Enjoy an experience that is truly unmatched by any other in this hidden gem of a saloon. Located on Williams Street, Savannah Smiles is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of River Street while still being easily accessible. If you’re into audience picked music, played by local talent along with your refreshments, this is the place to be. Because the audience always chooses what songs are played, you never know what you’ll get no matter how many times you stop by. When the dueling pianos start to go at it, everyone ends up impressed. With food, drinks, live talent and full on viewer interaction, Savannah Smiles covers all the bases and is the perfect spot for anyone looking to avoid the “normal” club scene.
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Book a tour with Savannah Sip & Cycle
5.0 ★
Enjoy a specialized route of the city’s Historic District while stopping for drinks at some of our most loved (and open for business) local bars. Spend an afternoon laughing with a group of your best friends on a self propelled tour that is hard to forget. We love hosting parties of any kind and give you inside info on the perfect spot to eat, drink and be merry on any day. Alongside a local tour guide, you and your group will not be disappointed when you board the Sip N’ Cycle.
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Wade in a grand pool of nostalgia.
4.7 ★
For the kid in all of us (no matter what the actual age) you’re bound to find a vintage toy that brings back a memory or five at Planet Fun. Located right near the SCAD Theater, Planet Fun is a classic style shop that features everything from mint condition Xena Warrior Princess cereal boxes to Super Nintendo games and comic books galore. No matter what time of year you visit, there is plenty to be found in this realm of old-school cool. Whether you’re a kid now or a kid forever, you’re bound to enjoy a stroll through this vintage specialized shop. Don’t forget to take a photo of the store’s entrance display, stocked full of classic pieces that we all grew up with. Cool points if you had that toy “before it was cool”.
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Antique to your heart’s content
4.7 ★
Located at 217 east 41st street is a labyrinth for the collector in all of us. Grab a cup of coffee at Picker Joe’s and wander around until something catches your eye, and it will. Vintage artwork, home decor, books and much much more line every inch of the building, and there’s even a salvage room worth digging through. No matter what sort of specific style you have in mind, there is bound to be at least one item that will have made the trip “so worth it”. Whether you’re an average Joe, just looking to spend time enjoying the wares or a seasoned picker on a mission, there is something for everyone here. With the content of this shop changing daily and thousands of pieces to discover, Picker Joe’s Antique Mall and Vintage Market is one of those places you can enjoy over and over again.
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Don’t skip dessert
4.7 ★
When you think of the South, the term “comfort food” is bound to come up at some point and the city of Savannah does not ever disappoint in that area. River Street Sweets features two locations (one on River Street and another in Midtown) that are currently open for business in Savannah, with some new social guidelines in place to keep everyone safe and stuffed without worry. Alongside an ice cream bar that houses flavors ranging from rocky road (complete with marshmallows and chocolate chips) to mango sorbet, lays a huge selection of truffles and that’s not even a scratch on the surface of what River Street Sweets has to offer. Gummy candies of all shapes and sizes, fresh pralines, and even gluten free options line shelves and fill barrels to max capacity, with a little bit of something sweet for even the most picky of pallets. If you’re dealing with a sweet tooth, or just looking for something to cool off in this crazy humidity, River Street Sweets is a must stop location. Don’t forget to ask about personalized gift options and care packages, you don’t have to be here in Savannah to enjoy all that River Street Sweets has to offer. (Online ordering and curbside pickup is also available online)
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Travel back in time
4.8 ★
While Savannah’s “Historic District” may be known around the world for being one of those cities that makes you feel like a time traveler by its aesthetic alone, this city houses a variety of museums and historic sites to suit the needs of any historians looking to get a fix of local culture. Here are a couple of the spots that are currently open to visitors and ready to excite.
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Light up your life
4.7 ★
Tybee Island, our local oceanfront, is home to the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. At 145 feet tall, and featuring a kitchen turned viewing room of relevant artifacts, there is more than enough to keep you busy when visiting. For almost 300 years, this lighthouse has kept seafarers safe and been the subject of many artistic renditions. Come on out and take that #Lighthouse photo you’ve been wanting for the gram. If the lighthouse alone is not your particular calling, a trip to the top floor provides photographers of any level the prime spot to capture a full 360 degree view of Tybee Island.
(Due to current conditions, tickets must be purchased online, no exceptions)
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Ships of the Sea Museum
4.4 ★
Not far from City Market, on Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard, is the Ships of the Sea Museum. Designed to me a sort of “self guided” tour, this museum was erected inside the house of William Scarbrough, a North Carolina native and one of multiple owners of the Steamship Savannah. Set up in the 1960’s, the museum is a proud home to ship models, paintings and a massive variety other vintage maritime pieces. With nine galleries worth of viewing to be done, this is a historic goldmine that could potentially take some time to venture through entirely so, be sure to set aside at least an hour or two. Not only is the museum itself an adventure on its own, but outside lies the Scarbrough Garden. This huge floral setup has been tailored over the years to keep up with the museum’s needs and is a grand sight to behold. Known by locals for being the annual host of events like Savannah Stopover, there is usually something interesting going on, just give a look to the event calender on their website. If you’re on the prowl for a family friendly spot to spend all afternoon, Ships of the Sea Museum and Scarbrough Garden is a fun experience with a bit of something interesting for all who like to learn while they tour.
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Conclusion
During these trying times, we are all trying to put on a happy face (even if it is required to be a masked one) and show support to the local businesses that are able to safely reopen and adhere to the new rules put in place to keep everyone healthy. When planning a trip to our beautiful city, be sure to call ahead as hours listed online may not always reflect changes due to pandemic restrictions. No one is terribly thrilled about having their normal way of life affected but here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle, we just want everyone to remain as safe as possible while still having a fun time. Don’t forget to practice social distancing of at least six feet between your party and others nearby and keep masks on when entering any establishment in the city. Together, we can all make it through this together. Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Sip N’ Cycle blog for more about the city’s past, present and future. We can’t wait to see you here in the fabulous city of Savannah, Georgia!