Savannah’s winters are mild, with lows around 40 degrees and highs in the low 60s. Snow is rare, though the area gets a little rain. So, even though day temperatures are temperate, you might want to plan some indoor entertainment. We’ve got some great ideas.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Have a love for all things nautical? Visit the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum at the William Scarborough House and Gardens. Founded in 1966, the Maritime Museum exhibits ship models, paintings and maritime antiques, principally from the great era of Atlantic trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day; MLK Day and Presidents Day.
Georgia State Railroad Museum
For those who love trains, check out the Georgia State Railroad Museum, located at the old Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities, a National Historic Landmark. Tour historic railcars, ride a handcar, explore the use of steam power, check out the model train room and take a freight railcar tour. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Prohibition
Make a stop at America’s only Prohibition Museum. Thousands of artifacts from the years of prohibition are on display. Learn to make your own hooch with the moonshine stills exhibit. Learn about the gangsters who kept the liquor flowing. Finish off your tour with a drink at the Speakeasy. Unlike the bars of the day, the Prohibition Museum is easily found near Ellis Square in the City Market.
Telfair Museum
The Telfair Museum is three museums in one offering a look at Savannah’s past through art, history, and architecture. The Jepson Center offers 7,500 square feet of gallery space displaying works by notable American artists, as well as an auditorium, community gallery, sculpture terraces and the interactive ArtZeum. Telfair Academy is a neoclassical Regency-style 1819 residence that opened in 1886 as the first public art museum of the South. It houses 19th and 20th Century American and European art, as well as the iconic Bird Girl statue. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters allows visitors to explore life in Savannah in the early 19th century, including that of its enslaved residents.
Escape Savannah
We get it. Not everyone loves museums. If you’re not a history buff, no worries. Choose an adventure at Escape Savannah. Whether you choose the Haunted Room, Pirate Island or the Zombie Apocalypse, solve the riddles and unveil the mystery to break out. Test your wits in this interactive experience.
You can also stroll through City Market. With a dozen shops, restaurants and art galleries, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Bonus: The upstairs Art Center has two dozen-plus local artists’ exhibits, and you can sometimes catch artists at work. Take in art of all genres — from fine photography to vibrant Gullah/Geechee paintings.