Things to Do in Savannah’s Victorian District
By Alex Shimalla
Located along the Whitaker Street side of Forsyth Park, the Victorian District encompasses 50 blocks of Victorian architecture, characterized by narrow two-story homes, bay windows and whimsical trim. Beyond the uniformity in design and style, the homes vary from there. Mostly residential, the buildings are painted different bright, bold and beautiful colors.
The area is actually considered Savannah’s first suburb and is rumored to have been designed without squares to accommodate the newly invented streetcar. Restoration of the district began in the 1960s, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-70s.
Today, the houses and buildings are home to families and students with the occasional small business thrown in. When you find yourself in the Victorian District, here are a few things that you should add to your itinerary.
Stroll Forsyth Park
One of the perimeters of the Victorian District is the southern-most edge of Forsyth Park. Since you’re literally in walking distance to the legendary park, spend the afternoon strolling around! Take a picture near the iconic fountain, relax in the grass, play a round of tennis or simply walk around the winding sidewalks.
Chow Down
Any trip to Savannah needs some time carved out for the sole purpose of eating. You’re in the Hostess City of the South, where yummy comfort food mingles with upscale eateries and modern techniques. There are plenty of restaurants to check out in the Victorian District: 700 Drayton Restaurant, Local11 Ten, Betty Bomber’s and Sentient Bean.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
If you want to shop like the locals do, then head to Brighter Day Natural Foods; this Savannah staple is packed full of organic finds and delicious food. And if you’re in Savannah on a Saturday, you might be able to peruse all that the Forsyth Farmer’s Market has to offer. For the shopaholics looking for those unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind finds, check out The Future on Forsyth.
Museum Hop
Savannah’s history is as rich as the stunning colors of this vibrant neighborhood. Buried throughout the Victorian District is the King Tisdell Cottage, an African-American heritage museum as well as the Beach Institute. Founded by the Freedman’s Bureau in 1867 to operate as a school for children, it closed in the early 1900s and now stands as a museum.
Stay in Style
For travelers who want to wake up to the beauty of Forsyth Park in the morning, then you should consider staying at either the Whitman Mansion or the Mansion on Forsyth Park. Both boutique properties exude grace, elegance and relaxed vacationing while boasting traditional Southern hospitality.
Wander
How could you not want to spend the day walking through the blocks and streets that make up this unique district? Whip out your phone to capture some of the more interesting designs or just take it all in. Whether you’re an architecture buff or not, the stunning yet whimsical designs and colors of the homes that make up the Victorian District are worth wandering for.