5 Hidden Gems in Savannah

Started by Cuban-born Andreas Moynello after the Civil War, the 50+ acre farm saw its first bamboo planting around 1890. Later protected and leased by the USDA, it became a research facility for bamboo and other tropical plants. Today, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens includes gardens, trails, a water garden and over 70 species of historic bamboo trees. The holiday season is a great time to visit as the gardens are lit with over 600,000 lights to create a magical walk-through experience.

The Paris Market’s café counter is a great little hideaway in plain sight. It’s perfect for taking a break on your Savannah adventures with a sweet treat and refreshing fresh brewed ice tea.

Located in Savannah's Victorian District, Strange Bird is a neighborhood restaurant housed in a restored streamliner. Originally a food truck launched in 2019 by the team behind FARM Bluffton; Strange Bird's popularity led to its brick-and-mortar debut in July 2023. Chefs Daniel "Nilo" Aranza and Felipe Vera, both experienced members of the FARM Hospitality culinary team, helm the kitchen, infusing casual plates with a Mexican flair. The menu features delectable dishes from the in-house smoker, such as Smokehouse Tacos with nixtamalized tortillas, Georgia Shrimp Agua Chile, Burritos, Birria Burgers​ and elevated sides like Refried Butterbeans and Crispy Rice Salad. With a lighthearted and playful approach, Chefs Daniel and Felipe redefine the concept of a neighborhood restaurant, catering to Savannahians, college students, residents​ and tourists alike. Strange Bird is open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Monday.

This intriguing spot has brick alleys, cobblestone passageways, iron bridges, steep stairs and alcoves that are great for exploring, photos and grabbing a little shade. In the heyday of Savannah’s cotton economy, Factor’s Walk served as the place cotton shipments were bought and sold by cotton brokers, or factors, whose offices were located in the upper floors of the warehouses located there.

If you’ve been to the Mercer gravesite at Bonaventure Cemetery, you’ll recognize this as the same bench. It features a sketch of Johnny that is based on a self-portrait and titles of some of his more famous songs (he wrote 1,000, after all!). The bench is a great, shady spot to take an afternoon break.