History, Southern charm, fantastic food, and ghost tours. For years, these pillars have attracted tourists to Savannah’s cobblestone streets. However, over the last few years, Savannah’s been undergoing a major makeover and in 2020, her glow-up was revealed in the form of the Plant Riverside District. A gift from hotelier and avid art collector Richard Kessler to his beloved home city, Plant Riverside District is an Art and Entertainment hub drawing all ages to experience the best the South has to offer. Boutique shopping, nightlife, culinary genius, and luxurious accommodations are just a few of the attractions the district has to offer. It’s true that Savannah just keeps getting better and better! Here are 6 attractions you simply cannot miss when you visit the Plant Riverside District in Savannah.
Is Plant Riverside District a hotel or an arts venue? Well, the answer is both. Situated in what will eventually be five individual buildings, the district is at once many different destinations, and one. Thanks to Richard Kessler’s creative genius, hotel guests can stay on property in the Power Plant Building (a reimagined historic power plant), or in the Three Muses Building (a quieter structure with a more Euro-chic vibe), coming soon The Atlantic Building will also offer its own charms. The Plant building is a marvel with soaring open ceilings, larger-than-life geodes, and dinosaur replicas which seem to pay homage to all things ancient, fierce, and lovely. This immersive hotel is much like a museum with collections from around the world. Hotel rooms are generous with luxurious fixtures, and a definitive sense of place that flows seamlessly from the public areas to your private rooms. A live band entertains from the lobby while unique food and nightlife await within steps from your room.
Another addition from the imagination of Richard Kessler is the Boabab Lounge. An African-themed wine and tapas bar including vintages from the African continent and beyond. Be sure to explore the lounge before taking your seat. The walls literally drip with Africana featuring art, taxidermy, and cultural artifacts. A wide selection of wine and tapas inspired from around Africa line the menu in addition to a colorful selection of cocktails (be sure to ask about the smoked Mazagran which makes for a dramatic display).
At the top of the Three Muses building awaits a secret garden by the name of Myrtle and Rose. This rooftop bar features sweeping views of the historic Savannah riverside, featuring a charmingly quirky aesthetic. Imagine falling down the rabbit hole into Alice in Wonderland’s tea party, and you’ll start to get an image of this delightful retreat. Soak in the sun, nosh on a charcuterie board, and enjoy cocktails with friends at this chic and very instagramable destination. Oversized egg chairs, giant chess pieces, and colorful flowers bring a friendly vibe to the rooftop where it’s easy to get lost in the ambiance, and good vibes for hours at a time.
When it comes to finding things to do in Savannah there is seemingly no limit, but you may be surprised to learn that every weekend you can enjoy a free cirque show right on the riverfront of Plant Riverside District. Each Saturday at 8pm and 9:30pm Savannah Cirque puts on a world-class show for the streets of Savannah to marvel at. Award-winning athletes showcase their artistry in silks, pole, lyra, and more! You’ll be delighted and thrilled by each daring act, while learning a bit of the story behind the performers themselves. Savannah Cirque is known for training champions, and it’s such a treat that visitors from far and wide can to admire their talent at no charge.
Truly an electrifying experience, the Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck is the happening place to be in Savannah’s reimagined nightlife scene. Ascend the spiral staircase into a world illuminated.
When you hear “famous” and “cookies” in the same title, you know you must pay a visit. Byrd’s does not disappoint! Delivering crispy cookie deliciousness since 1925, Byrd’s knows a thing or two about what it takes to craft the perfect cookie. Belly up to the cookie bar and receive your free sample of any salty or sweet cookie flavor from their popular Keylime Coolers to more savory Cheddar Pecan Biscuits. Collect a bag.. or three, or grab a jar and mix and match your favorite flavors for a buffet of tasty treats to take home!
All of these attractions and more await you when you visit Plant Riverside District in Savannah, GA. Quickly becoming the go-to Southeastern hub for girls trips, and bachelor and bachelorette parties, the upbeat vibe and endless amount of things to do give you so many reasons to plan your visit now.
Until then…
Enjoy the Journey!
xo- Amy West
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Great article. Thanks for all the tips. love all the rooftop bar recommendations.