Savannah Survival Guide

After our revealing Lady Chablis interview last month, we thought it’d be fun to visit our coastal, queer sister city, Savannah. You see Savannah has an active gay community, of course has Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and the Lady Chablis to boast about and even has those adorable hipster, SCAD boys and girls running around starting next month. Plus, where else in Georgia can you ask for a to-go cup and walk to the next bar with your drink in hand? Sounds like heaven, eh?

Sure, I-16 doesn’t boast the most exciting drive, but since our sister city is only four hours away, it surprises us that we often forget about Savannah when planning weekend getaways. And with Savannah Pride just around the corner, now is the time to (re)discover Savannah.

For those who have missed out, Savannah Pride has boasted some big names in entertainment over the years. From RuPaul to last year’s headliner, the underrated powerhouse JoJo, Savannah Pride has become quite the southern pride festival. Held this year on September 14, Savannah is gearing up for another exciting year with Roxxxy Andrews from Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and hometown band Cusses, who rocked out The Earl recently in Atlanta.

But maybe you aren’t planning on attending Savannah Pride or if you are, you’re wondering what else there is to do. Well, hold on to this week’s David Atlanta for our Savannah Survival Guide which highlights the best nightlife, dining, shopping and lodging options that Savannah has to offer.

Nightlife

Let’s not pretend that you aren’t reading this on a barstool at your favorite Atlanta hangout with a drink in hand, so we must reiterate the wonderful privilege the City of Savannah bestows upon its drinkers: whether it’s River Street or City Market, you can wander around the city with your drink in hand.

Now that we have cleared that up, Savannah boasts two gay-owned bars. The first, Club One, boasts three levels for all your entertainment needs. Club One hosts drag performances on its Cabaret floor, a dance floor on its street level and in its basement you’ll find pool tables, a video wall and plenty of areas to mingle. Though there is usually a small cover on the weekends, you’ll be sure to find the largest gay crowd at Club One.

For those looking for entertainment, Club One is hosting the inimitable Sandra Bernhard September 8 and the Lady Chablis just a day earlier on September 7. Headed a different weekend? The Club One cast, from country queen Layla Foxx (she bleeds gravy, y’all) and emcee Destiny to the dance divas Tiffany DuBois and Motion, will definitely whet your drag appetite.

In addition to Club One, Chuck’s Bar is another Savannah gay-owned bar. Chuck’s has undergone a bit of metamorphosis over the years but the journey down those steep stairs leading to its alley home is well worth the stumble … just not the fall. Chuck’s boasts the most diverse crowd you’ll find in Savannah. From hipsters and SCAD students to your regular Joe Gay, everyone who walks through Chuck’s doors inherently leaves the drama outside. The dive bar is known for its karaoke and its dollar bill covered bar and walls. With pool tables and a dart board on one end and trailer-tastic couches and board games on the other, Chuck’s is Savannah’s Cheers.

Dining

Savannah has dining options for any budget. Hands down the best and cheapest dining option (lunch or dinner) is pizza from Vinnie Van GoGo’s in City Market. It’s always packed and cash only, so you’ll want to hit an ATM first.

Of course, a major tourist trap in Savannah is Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons, but after her troubles this year, this may be one restaurant to skip. It’s up to you… we won’t judge.

If you’re anything like us, we seek out LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly restaurants wherever we go. Savannah has quite a few options. First, you’ll want to check out the dining and drink options at gay-owned bar · food. With its ever-changing list of Asian-inspired small plates and moderately priced wine list, bar · food has become a favorite of Savannah’s LGBT community.

Another gay-owned eatery in Savannah, located in its Midtown district, is Joe’s Homemade. The café boasts freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and desserts. Additionally, Joe’s Homemade donates a share of its proceeds each month back into the Savannah community through local non-profits and organizations.

But this is supposed to be vacation, right? Aren’t we supposed to treat ourselves? Savannah has plenty of top restaurants for those with a bigger vacationing budget. Be sure to check out the menus at 17Hundred90, The Olde Pink House and Local 11ten for delicious dining. Be sure to also check out Perch, the rooftop bar at Local 11ten.

Speaking of rooftop bars, for great ambience and food, be sure to check out gay-friendly Rocks on the Roof. Located on the roof of The Bohemian Hotel, Rocks boasts a cozy fire pit, live entertainment, and an engaging tapas-style menu with extensive drink and martini choices and lets you overlook the Savannah River at night.

What about brunch you ask? Well, the brunch experience in Atlanta is quite different than Savannah but be sure to check out B. Matthews Bakery, Firefly Café and Goose Feathers for reasonably priced brunch selections.

Finally, we know you need your caffeine fix. Sure, there is a Starbuck’s right downtown but be sure to check out gay-friendly coffeehouse, The Sentient Bean.

Shopping

Looking for that perfect outfit to wear when you hit the town in Savannah? Well you can skip The Gap, Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters all downtown because there are plenty of other places to find that perfect pair of pants or sexy shirt.

First, check out Civvies downtown for a great selection of new and used clothing. If Civvies were a song, it would definitely be “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. This thrift shop has some of the best deals around and will please even the most discerning of tastemakers.

If labels are more your thing, check out the Marc Jacobs store downtown, which has been a great supporter of Savannah Pride.

While, Arc has just announced it would close its doors (sniff, sniff) be sure to look for its replacement shop, Prospector Co.. This shop will cater to those who treat their skin with purpose and will have some great skin and shaving products for both men and women.

Lodging

Going out, eating, drinking and shopping are all great but where are you going to lay your head down at night?

While there are plenty of affordable hotel chains in downtown and more moderately priced motel chains in Midtown, your first choice should be The Bohemian Hotel. Resting like a beacon above River Street, The Bohemian Hotel offers vintage allure blended with modern style. Not only will you have the best room in Savannah but also access to the coolest down rooftop hangout, Rocks on the River.

If The Bohemian Hotel is booked, check out several of the gay-friendly B&B’s around Savannah. You can find a complete list of B&B’s and other gay-friendly businesses on gaysavannah.com.

——

Web notes:

Embed Cusses video (code provided below)

List of web addresses if you want to link to locations:

List of more gay friendly businesses: www.gaysavannah.com

Bohemian Hotel: http://www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com/

Rocks on the River/Roof: http://www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com/dining/restaurant/

bar food: http://www.barfoodsavannah.com/

Joe’s Homemade: http://www.joeshomemade.com/

JoJo link back: http://davidatlanta.com/2012/09/jojo-demonstrates-love-gay-fans/

Savannah pride: https://www.facebook.com/savpride

Civvies: http://www.civviesclothes.com/