Unlock the Culinary Magic of Savannah: A Delicious Walking Tour Experience
Ah, Savannah—the beautiful Hostess City dripping with Southern charm, lush green squares, and a whirlwind of flavors just waiting to be explored! And let’s be real, if you’re a local, navigating downtown can sometimes feel like an exercise in patience. Between the slow-moving trolleys, tourists taking their sweet time at every corner, and perhaps a train stuck somewhere in Starland, you could be left tapping your steering wheel in frustration. But what if I told you there’s a way to skip the traffic while indulging in some of the *best food* our city has to offer?
Time to Ditch the Car!
That’s right! You can become a *tourist in your own town* and enjoy a delightful walking tour organized by Flavors Food Tours. For just under $125, you’re in for an immersive three-hour journey that weaves together mouthwatering bites and snippets of Savannah’s enchanting history. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday, starting from the picturesque Madison Square, and they promise to be an eye-opening experience.
The day I joined the tour, there was an eager crowd of eight, including a charming couple from Myrtle Beach, three friends from Charlotte, and a couple visiting from South Florida. Our lively guide, Rebecca, kicked off the tour by passionately sharing her love for baking, complete with a delightful teaser about a new pastry venture in the works. Talk about motivation!
First Stop: The Public Kitchen and Bar
Our first gastronomic adventure led us to The Public Kitchen and Bar, nestled at the corner of Bull and Liberty Streets. Buckle up, because on the table was the acclaimed shrimp and grits—which has earned accolades year after year! This dish is steeped in fascinating history. You see, shrimp and grits were originally a humble meal enjoyed by the *Gullah Geechee* people, turning from a staple of the poor to a beloved dish for the rich after being spotlighted by a certain chef in the 1980s. What we sampled was heavenly—rich and creamy, peppered with bacon and plump Georgia shrimp!
Next Up: Six Pence Pub
With our appetites sparked, we wandered over to Six Pence Pub for a quick break. Here, you can take a leisurely sip of your favorite drink while toting it about—cheers to that! I opted for their refreshing Moscow Mule mocktail, while others were in the mood for beer, wine, or cocktails. The vibe was all about savoring the moment as we strolled through beautiful squares, pausing for snapshots beside timeless statues like that of General Oglethorpe and Johnny Mercer.
Time for a Sit-Down Dinner!
By now, most of us had given in to the delicious adventure of our tour. Next was Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks in City Market—a place that, can you believe it, I had never set foot in before! After indulging in artisan bread and the classic fried green tomatoes to start, we dived into a tantalizing bowl of she-crab soup and roasted oysters. I even treated myself to a delightful espresso martini, now ranking high on my favorite drink list. Trust me, you will not want to skip this stop!
A Sweet Finish
Every great food tour deserves a sweet ending, and we made our way to Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for a heavenly scoop of ice cream. As Rebecca unraveled the dramatic backstory of this candy empire, you could sense our excitement building. Rows and racks of candies and treats surrounded us—what a feast for the eyes! As I savored my mint chocolate chip, I couldn’t help but feel grateful that I had opted for this delightful exploration of my hometown.
Wrap-Up: What a Trip!
As we shared our thoughts at the end of the tour, many people were surprised to learn about local gems and the depth of Savannah’s history—like Johnny Mercer hailing from our very own streets! If you have family visiting this holiday season, leave the car behind and experience a food tour—you might discover flavors and stories that will reignite your love for this city. After all, being a Savannahian is about savoring every moment—and every bite!
