RUN LIKE A LOCAL
Savannah local, Meghan Duffy, shares her top tips and things to do while you visit.
MEGHAN DUFFY
Savannah runner, physical therapist, yoga teacher and run coach
HI Y’ALL, I’M MEGHAN
I couldn’t be more excited that Every Woman’s Marathon is coming to the Hostess City! Savannah is a beautiful place to live and run. I pound this pavement every day and never get tired of appreciating the beauty around me, from the live oak trees and Spanish moss to the blooming flowers during the changing seasons. One day I can run through Savannah’s historical downtown streets, the next day I can run at the beach on Tybee Island and the next day I can run the trails of a beautiful state park. Savannah running truly never gets old.
Savannah also has a STRONG running community. The anticipation for Every Woman’s Marathon is building. Savannah runners will be out in full force running, cheering and bringing ALL the energy for 26.2 miles!
Meghan’s Must-Haves For A Savannah Run-cation
- Layers – Sometimes it feels like winter in the morning and summer in the afternoon!
- Options for race-day attire – Weather changes pretty fast, so be as prepared as possible.
- Bug spray – There are hungry gnats around here, but usually November isn’t too bad.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat – Savannah has some powerful rays!
- Race-day fuel and hydration that you’ve been training with – You can also stop by Fleet Feet Savannah when you arrive for all your nutrition needs.
- Detangler and leave-in conditioner – Humidity level = 1,000.
- Nothing too fancy! – There are lots of casual places to explore, things to do and places to eat!
Walk/Run + Local Spot
= Perfect Day
My personal favorite way to explore Savannah is with a walk/run and stop at a local spot to recover and refuel. These are some of my favorite combinations for a walk/run and a post-workout treat to replenish my body. I love a whole milk lavender latte after a run, and some of the best are included on this list.
- Bonaventure Cemetery + Finches Sandwiches & Sundries – Visit the forever resting place and runner monument of Julia Backus Smith, Savannah’s OG female runner
- Wormsloe Historic Site + The Wyld Dock Bar or Driftaway Cafe
- Forsyth Park + Collins Quarter at Forsyth
- River Street & Downtown Savannah + Cup to Cup Cafe
- Daffin Park + Waters Cafe (and stop by Fleet Feet Savannah) – Walk/run around Grayson Stadium, home of the Savannah Bananas!
- Lake Mayer + Auspicious Bakery
- Whitemarsh Island Preserve + Friendship Coffee Company
- Tybee Island + Mi Vida, Tybean or Huc-a-poo’s
That’s SO Savannah
These are a few of the long-standing establishments that emanate Savannah’s Southern charm. They’re largely food-related because Savannah does that so well; you’ll also experience a dose of Southern hospitality, easy living and a step back in time.
- Leopold’s Ice Cream – Established in 1919, Leopold’s is a Savannah institution. Treat yourself to an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Soda for a taste of nostalgia, or try a scoop of Savannah Socialite (my favorite flavor).
- Clary’s Cafe – Featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Clary’s Cafe is the perfect spot for a classic Southern breakfast. Make sure to save room for one of their delicious milkshakes—whether you prefer vanilla, chocolate or strawberry, you can’t go wrong.
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (M-F 11am-2pm) – Experience true Southern hospitality! You’ll sit family-style with strangers and share whatever’s on the menu that day. After your meal, walk it off by taking a stroll down the picturesque Jones Street.
- Crystal Beer Parlor – This is my go-to post-race stop for a Classic Crystal Burger and some of the best onion rings in town. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge after a long day of running or exploring.
- Savannah Bee Company – For something sweet, visit Savannah Bee Company and explore their wide range of honey products. It’s a unique experience and a great place to pick up a sweet souvenir.
- River Street Sweets – One word: PRALINES.
Family Affairs
If you’re traveling with your family, here are some fun places to visit that’ll entertain the kiddos (and the adults!). You’ll find a cougar and a pack of wolves at Oatland Island Wildlife Center, lots of alligators at Savannah Wildlife Refuge and so much to learn at the Marine Science Center!
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Savannah Wildlife Refuge
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Forsyth Park Playground
Want More Travel Ideas?
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