It’s been a while since I was last in Savannah, so imagine my surprise at this brand-new district right along the river! Once the site of a power plant, the Plant Riverside District opened in July 2020 to become the city’s new center of entertainment. Home to a myriad of restaurants, nightlife venues, and boutiques, it’s certainly come a long way. I had a chance to visit one of the small businesses that now call the district home when I stopped by 18Loves Art. Located in a glass box of joy, the shop was founded by SCAD graduate Amelia Jamerson. While she originally studied advertising, a 6-month trip to Israel helped her realize her calling was actually in illustration. Her work focuses on positivity and optimism, and each piece is made to inspire love and encouragement.

What makes someone who’s become known for their street pizzas want to add a bagel business into the mix? Well, for Korean-American Veteran Kay Heritage, the reason is simple. She just wanted somewhere to get a decent bagel in Savannah! After a few years of running the Big Bon Pizza food truck, Kay opened up Big Bon Bodega and created a home base for her growing empire. Located in the beautiful Starland District, this eatery offers up Montreal-style bagels during the day and pizza in the evenings. How exactly do locals like this new bagel offering? Well, based on the rave reviews found everywhere online, it seems the city finally does have its go-to bagel spot.

Another veteran-owned business focused on community is Service Brewing Co. It all started when Kevin Ryan’s wife, Meredith, gifted him a home brewing kit over a decade ago. It has become a well-loved and popular brewery in Savannah. (Even Michelle Obama gave it a shout-out!) Everything about Service is inspired by Kevin’s time in the military, where he not only graduated from West Point but commanded two companies in Iraq. Decorating the inside of the brewery is an homage to army life, and a particular gem is the Tap Handle Project. Additionally, a portion of every beer sold goes to a specific Veteran run charity (announced with each new season), and the brewery holds a slew of weekly community events for locals to enjoy. I joined in on their weekly run club, which meets every Thursday at 6:30 PM. If you finish your route, you get a beer as a treat! 

Did you know Savannah has such a rich Jewish history? I learned more about it when I visited one of the oldest congregations in the United States, Congregation Mickve Israel, and met with Rabbi Robert Haas, their 14th spiritual leader. It was founded in 1733 when 42 Jews made their way to the newly established colony of Georgia from England. There they hoped to find religious tolerance under General James Edward Oglethorpe. The Gothic-style synagogue you see today was built over a century later and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 

If you’re wondering why a synagogue museum would have the first receipt for Girl Scout cookies, it’s because Savannah is where the organization was born! Back in 1860 Juliette Gordon was born on 10 E Oglethorpe Ave. and after meeting the founder of the Boy Scouts in 1912, started the Girls Scouts later that year. In the same house in which she was born, she told her cousin, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” Of course, fast forward a hundred years, and the Girl Scouts is home to 2.5 million members and constantly encourages skill and leadership development to girls of all backgrounds. And the house from which it all started? It’s now a museum known as the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and is perhaps the only house museum in the country created specifically for girls (though all are welcome). I visited during a particularly important ceremony known as “Over Tea Cups.” Held over afternoon tea, it’s for young women transitioning out of Girl Scouts and graduating high school.

The Federal-style Davenport House Museum tells two important stories. The first is that of Isaiah Davenport. Born in Rhode Island, he learned carpentry from his father and apprenticed as a carpenter in New Bedford before moving to Savannah in 1808. During his life, he was considered a master builder who constructed a number of notable properties around the city. The most famous, of course, is the same house he designed for his family in 1820, known as the Davenport House. Now, this brings me to the next important story – that of the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF). After half a century of economic decline, downtown Savannah was looking a little worse for wear, and many historic buildings were slated for demolition, including the Davenport House. Local Anna Colquitt Hunter gathered six friends to form the HSF and save the house from being turned into a parking lot. After this success, they went on to save more properties, and today the HSF is one of the most respected preservation organizations in the country. I met with the current director of the Davenport House Museum, Jamie Credle, to learn more about how it continues to preserve and educate visitors on life during the 1800s.

Located south of Savannah and along the banks of Moon River sits the quiet community of Pin Point. It was founded by emancipated slaves in 1896, mostly from the Gullah Geechee culture, and largely remained isolated in this idyllic, peaceful place for over a century. To this day, many Pin Point residents are descendants of those initial founders. During my visit, I met with Gail Smith, whose great great grandfather was one of those original founders. She took me to the Pin Point Heritage Museum and showed me how the community has been able to self-sustain for decades, only opening its doors to visitors in recent years.

There’s nothing quite as delicious as an oyster roast! I first met up with artist and blacksmith, Gilbert Walker to learn about his oyster shuckers made from railroad spikes. We then met up with a few of the people I met during this trip for a good old-fashioned oyster roast at The Wyld Dock Bar where I tried Gilbert’s creation out for myself. This waterside seafood restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients for a truly delicious but laid-back dining experience. 

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