Southern charm and cutting-edge meetings offerings await groups visiting Savannah, GA. This city is packed with remarkable spots, which we discussed with Jeff Hewitt, vice president of Visit Savannah.
What's new in the city for groups?
The American Prohibition Museum, the only museum in the country dedicated to the telling of this period of American history, opens in the spring of 2017. Groups will have a chance to end their tour at the Speakeasy lounge where period-themed cocktails and music of this era are featured.
The newest fleet member of Savannah Riverboat Cruises, the Georgia Queen can hold up to 1,000 passengers for both lunch and dinner. This new vessel will be one of the most unique social gatherings on the entire Southeast coastline.
What's a "hidden gem" for visiting groups?
Learning how to crab net from a local at Pin Point Heritage Museum. This site is your chance to experience the Gullah/Geechee culture first hand. Experience an authentic crab netting demo from a Pin Point resident and consider adding a low county boil for the full Savannah experience.
What's a good outing for a group looking to get a sense of the city's culture or history?
A private trolley tour of Savannah's Historic District, viewing each of our 22 squares and stopping for a home tour along the route at one of our many antebellum styled, pre-Civil War homes.
Where should a group go to get a truly local culinary experience?
Lunch or dinner at The Pirate's House, a preserved seamen's tavern allegedly built in 1794. The tavern was made famous in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and according to the book, Captain Flint died in an upstairs room. Some believe Captain Flint still haunts the Pirates House on moonless nights.
Anything else that you think makes your city a great destination for groups?
Savannah is a great destination to get rich history and a fun Southern vibe, but we also pride ourselves on our immediate access to our coastal waterways. Tybee Island is our beach community, nestled only 20 minutes east along the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great area for groups to learn about our coast's ecology and take a private dolphin cruise as well. I would also like to mention how central many of our attractions and dining locations are to give easy access to groups to explore on their own during their free time.