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Ever been to Europe?
There is something almost indescribable about wandering timeless streets, fascinated by centuries-old architecture and simplistic lifestyles.
Then we get home and we’re eager to be first in line for the latest cell phones, video games, and whatever that whole NFT craze is.
Well, unlike the US, which is generally portrayed as just wide open spaces, bougie beaches and towering modernized metropolises, there are still plenty of timeless cities to enjoy, especially during the holidays.
Perhaps the best area for such places is southern New Orleans, Charleston and one of America’s most charming cities. Savannah, Georgia.
This winter, discover cheaper places to stay and festive streets perfect for a winter getaway in a city known for ‘southern hospitality’, old-fashioned plazas and a springboard to a blissful side of the Atlantic coast.
Winter in Savannah: Enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper costs
There are many reasons to visit Savannah, but this historic city has just been crowned #1 on Southern Living’s new list of ’10 ideas for winter holidays’, mainly because of the crowd-free streets and affordability factor this time of year.
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Savannah unless you want to avoid the humidity. Then a summer holiday may not be for you.
Winter brings nicer weather, consistently in the 60s, ideal for heading to nearby islands, exploring the cobbled streets or hopping aboard a scenic river cruise, such as Savannah riverboat cruises (where they ‘guarantee the lowest prices’!).
Savannah is a popular getaway year-round, but winter is the best time to take advantage of the fewest crowds for easier navigation and better photo opportunities.
Perhaps even more importantly, you can usually score cheaper places to stay and even plane tickets, according to Southern Living.
If you prefer luxury to a boutique stay, check out the following 3 hotels with great prices in December and January (including Christmas!):
- Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District – $99
- Aloft Savannah Downtown Historic District – $136
- The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – $155
By comparison, the aforementioned hotels are all well into the $200s in the summer, proving that your bank account will thank you this winter.
Savannah’s architecture is to die for, with well-preserved rows in a variety of styles, including Georgian (of course!) and Greek Revival.
There are also plenty of holiday homes and converted hotels, such as the Olde Harbor Inn for a real Savannah stay.
The festive streets of Savannah
There’s definitely a European vibe in Savannah, and that’s even more true in the winter when it’s popular Savannah Christmas Market arrives (November 21 – December 31)
But it’s not just the market that is festive. Key areas of the city, like the always bustling River Street, are decorated to the nines with holiday decor to set the mood for the “most wonderful time of the year.”
The Historic districtIt is already teeming with charming streets, historic houses and the unmissable Gothic Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, which of course is even more incredible to visit with the magical atmosphere of Christmas.
A unique event that you should definitely not miss is the Holiday boat parade of lights (November 30) with a dazzling display of synchronized lights.
While the Christmas Market takes a page out of the European playbook, the Boat Parade is a true Savannah along the Savannah River. and always attracts a large crowd.
A multi-state coastal escape: seaside happiness is within reach
Even though Georgia borders Florida, the Georgia-South Carolina line is one of the best beach spots.
Although you won’t find any Caribbean sun this time of year, walking on the beach, kayaking, surfing and just finding a nice restaurant on the beach is always fun.
One of those places where you can check off all those boxes this winter is Georgia Tybee Island, about 25 minutes from Savannah.
However, just across the Savannah River lies the South Carolina state line with its own string of beautiful islands, such as the hidden gem Daufuskie Island, the popular vacation destination Hilton Head, and one of our editors, Tyler’s favorite beach getaways, Fripp Island.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
