As one of the United States' thirteen original colonies and the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah is known for its historical sights, but there's a weirder side to Garden City. If you know where to look you can hang out with pirates, drink absinthe in secret speakeasies, and chow down on alligator.
Strap in for a wild ride through Savannah's strangest road trip destinations!
Georgia's oldest standing brick fortification, Old Fort Jackson, is the perfect place to continue your descent into strange Savannah. Not only is the incredible National Historic Landmark a walk through history featuring cannon firings, soldiers, and hands-on demonstrations of era-appropriate equipment, it's also a good place to run into a ghost or two.
Admission is a measly $7 for adults ($4 for kids), which makes it a no-brainer for history buffs and ghost geeks. Plus, you can't beat the view.
We weren't all blessed with the good fortune of growing up with homestyle Southern grub on our plates, but Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room goes a long way to making up for it.
At Mrs. Wilkes', you're invited to a big family meal, something they take seriously. You're seated with strangers at big tables in an oversized dining room, and you're treated to a veritable feast. The table is literally covered with platters of traditional homestyle food. From fried chicken to sweet potato souffle to okra gumbo, you're guaranteed not to leave hungry. The only thing missing from the experience is a couch to take a nap on when you've had your fill.
The all-you-can-eat meals are only $22 per person, but be sure to bring cash. Just like your real family, they don't accept credit.
Imagine being locked into a haunted parlor with your friends and given one hour to solve a mystery and escape before angry spirits decided to take all their past-life grievances out on you. That's the setup for Room Escape Savannah, one of the most unique experiences in the city.
With the clock ticking down, you and your group are tasked with solving a series of riddles that lead to your escape from the haunted room. Winners get bragging rights and a certificate, losers get whisked away by the ghosts.
Tip: If you don't have ten people in your group, you'll get paired with some stragglers, so load up on as many smarty-pants friends as you can, or hope for the best.
Attached to the E. Shaver Bookstore is The Tea Room, a shop that feels like you've just taken a teleporter straight to Britain.
Stocking loads of homemade tea blends and imported British snacks, The Tea Room is a place where you can actually have a real-life tea party that doesn't involve stuffed animals or Hawaiian birth certificates.
Tip: Call ahead before you visit and reserve a table where you can sample tons of crazy teas you never knew existed. The most popular? The Emperor's Bride, a tea with pineapple, citrus peel, and thistle.
If your idea of a fancy drink involves alcohol, then skip the tea and head straight to Jen's and Friends, which is basically a candy shop for adults. At this bar, martinis are the drink of choice, and they've got dozens of the craziest concoctions you've ever seen, each with an edible accompaniment.
From Rice Crispy Treat martinis, to Fruit Loop martinis, to Birthday Cake martinis, you'll satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a buzz on.
Tip: This place gets packed quickly, so come early (they open at 3PM) or factor in some extra time to make sure you grab a seat.
If there was one word to describe The Paris Market, "whimsical" would probably be it. Stepping into the quirky market is like visiting France without the hassle of international travel. Filled with eclectic treasures gathered from all around the world, the Paris Market is one place where you might want someone else to hold onto your wallet.
Tip: while the actual shop can be a bit on the pricey side, The Paris Market is worth visiting for their coffee shop alone. They've got the best Chai lattes and macarons in town.
Three words: Honey. Tasting. Bar.
Savannah Bee Company is one of the most unique shops in the city, offering hundreds of honey flavors, cosmetics, candles, food, and more. If you've never tried mead, a timeless wine made from fermented honey, you've come to the right place. They've got a bar fully stocked with every mead imaginable.
Here's a pro tip: for $5 you can sample every single mead they offer. You will get drunk.
With its massive collection of weird bits and bobs, Universe Trading Company has earned a reputation for being the "greatest store on Earth." Whether you're looking for antique furniture, wacky taxidermy, or medieval weapons, you're bound to walk out with something you never knew you needed. It's kind of like thrift shopping in a "Ripley's Believe It or Not" museum.
Tips: Bring your own flashlight with you if you really want to get a good look at things, and don't be afraid to haggle!
Whether you're a history buff, an adventurous eater, or a shopper with the world's most eclectic taste, Savannah has more than enough offbeat offerings to satisfy your itch for a walk on the wild side.