Savannah Is the Urban Hotspot You Haven’t Seen Yet
The after-hours scene at the Savannah College of Art and Design. (Photo: Courtesy of SCAD)
By David Kaufman
At first glance, longtime Vogue fashion icon André Leon Talley would seem like an unlikely ambassador for the city of Savannah.
But there he is every couple of months presiding over one fabulous event after another at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
More commonly known as SCAD, the school — and its thousands of artsy-cool students — have helped transform this true Southern jewel into one of America’s most buzzy destinations.
Less than two hours from New York’s LaGuardia airport, Savannah pairs the region’s legendary gentility with stunning architecture, tasty cuisine, elegant Spanish Moss-topped squares, and some surprisingly serious shopping.
Need proof? How about Prospector Co, the five-year-old “cult” bath-and-body brand now found both at Barneys New York and at its Savannah flagship on historic W. Broughton Street. Founded by SCAD alums, Propsector’s indie, authentic vibe is emblematic of Savannah’s increasing sophistication.
Related: Thursday Night: Savannah
The Andaz Savannah. (Photo: Christopher Villano)
A long weekend is plenty of time to “do” Savannah right. Begin by basing yourself at the Andaz Savannah (from $189), a 151-room red red-brick retreat steps from both the Savannah River and the city’s elegant squares.
The Andaz has a pool and its tasty 22 Square Restaurant dishes up one of the city’s most indulgent breakfasts.
Along with the new Brice Hotel (from $219) — whose Pacci restaurant serves innovative Italian dishes with a slight Southern flair — the Andaz epitomizes Savannah’s embrace of contemporary hospitality.
As do restaurants like The Collins Corner and The Florence. Owned by Australian expats, the former would feel right at home in TriBeCa or Venice, Calif. Airy and loft-like — with exposed brick and a prime Bull Street location — Collins Corner works both for coffee (the Sydney-style “Flat White” is a must) or light meals.
Related: Eat Like a Local: Charleston, South Carolina
Diners at The Florence. (Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee)
The Florence, meanwhile, is far more ambitious — a sprawling converted ice factory with a cafe, artisanal bakery and Italian-influenced dining room from celeb-chef Hugh Acheson.
Think perfectly-fired proscuitto and arugula-topped pizzas or a simple of local peas paired with ricotta and benne seeds and you’ve got the right idea.
Related: Thursday Night: Atlanta
Beyond Prospect Co., Savannah’s other must-shop is the shopSCAD, which showcases design pieces (from jewelry to art and apparel) mostly produced by SCAD students and alums.
ShopSCAD is great for souvenirs and gifts of all kinds and is literally moments from Savannah’s other iconic locale, the Mercer Williams House — the 1860s icon made famous by the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
More from New York Post:
Ten-a-see: 10 reasons why Nashville rocks
Charleston’s a colonial charmer
A trio of Antiguan resorts where the only rule is relaxation
WATCH: Traveling in Lawrence of Arabia’s Footsteps in Jordan
Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.
