Savannah’s shopping districts provide excellent boutiques and specialty stores for stacking up “brown paper packages tied up with strings.” Plan a Savannah getaway in the heart of the Historic District for proximity to tried-and-true stores and boutiques.
Start on Broughton Street, with an eclectic mix of national chains, antique shops, thrift stores, and upscale boutiques. Get plenty of stocking stuffers at the flagship location of Savannah Bee Company, featuring delicious raw honey, soothing lip balms, and charming gift sets. The Paris Market holds a plethora of great antiques, handcrafted jewelry, home decor, and more. Its housed in an 1874 Victorian building that was originally a grocery store. For the nerd on your Christmas list, stop in Nerdheim and Planet Fun, where you’ll find an array of game stations, comic books, ball caps, toys, “action figures” and plenty of games. Between those shops, you’ll find Kate Spade New York, Lilly Pulitzer, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and more. Stop by Leopold’s Ice Cream for a snack while you’re in the neighborhood.
The next stop is River Street Market Place, which reflects Savannah’s history in a beautifully re-created open-air market buildings like those that stood on River Street in the mid-1800s. Experience a thoroughly Southern atmosphere with an international feel as you browse more than 70 shops, including jewelry, locally-made art, T-shirts, gift candles, gourmet hot sauce, and more. No shopping trip to River Street is complete without stopping at River Street Sweets, where you can pick up pralines, peanut brittle, and beautifully decadent chocolates.
You’ll also want to hit the dozen or so shops at City Market, a mixed-use project that covers four blocks. Discover fine art, accessories, jewelry, candy, and plenty of other Georgia treats. After shopping, grab a table at one of the restaurants that serve everything from steaks to hot wings to British-style pies.
Pick up more unique gifts on Bull Street near Madison Square. E. Shaver bookstore is located in a building that dates to 1842. In 1975, Ed and Esther Shaver visited Savannah on their honeymoon, fell in love with the city, and decided to stay. They set up shop with their bookstore, which Esther sold in 2015 to current owners. Lose yourself among the shelves of this independent bookstore. Then meander to the ShopSCAD Savannah for artwork that is inspiring and fun - from fine art to pencils and luggage tags to T-shirts and pottery. Head the other direction on Bull toward Saints and Shamrocks, where you’ll find religious gifts, Irish imports, and items that are just plain Southern.
Savannah has its share of busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. Stock up on all your Christmas needs during your Savannah stay this season.