With its historic streets and creative spirit, Savannah offers a collection of bookstores that feel just as charming and storied as the books they carry. Whether you’re searching for rare finds, Southern literature, or a cozy place to browse for hours, these standout bookstores in Savannah are well worth a visit.

Part of what makes bookstore hopping in Savannah so special is the atmosphere. Many shops are located in historic buildings, adding to the sense that you’re stepping into a story. Independent bookstores here also double as community spaces—hosting readings, book clubs, and events that bring locals and visitors together. From rare first editions to contemporary bestsellers, Savannah’s bookstores reflect the city’s deep appreciation for storytelling and Southern culture.

The Book Lady Bookstore

The Book Lady Bookstore is an independent bookstore known for its eclectic selection of new, used, and rare books. Founded in 1978, it occupies a cozy historic space in the city’s downtown district and serves as both a literary destination and a community hub for book lovers and local authors. Tucked just below street level in the Historic District, this beloved shop is the definition of a classic, old-world bookstore. Shelves are packed floor-to-ceiling with a mix of new, used, and rare titles, including an impressive collection focused on Southern history and culture. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time while uncovering hidden literary gems.

6 E Liberty St.
(912) 233-3628
Website

Books on Bay

For vintage book enthusiasts, this shop offers a truly unique experience. Specializing in older titles—from the 1600s through the late 20th century—this store is filled with nostalgic favorites like Nancy Drew and classic Westerns. Its location in the Historic District makes it an easy and worthwhile stop during a day of exploring.

The Stacks Bookstore

A newer addition to Savannah’s literary scene, this independent, author-owned bookstore in the Starland District has quickly become a community favorite. With a thoughtfully curated mix of bestsellers, indie titles, and literary events, it’s more than just a bookstore—it’s a creative hub for readers and writers alike. Founded in early 2024 by author Cindy Otis, it is part of the revitalization in Savannah’s Starland District and emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and support for local writers and readers.

2409 Waters Ave.
(912) 710-2850
Website

E. Shaver, Bookseller

A staple of Savannah’s book scene, this charming bookstore is frequently recommended by locals for its welcoming atmosphere and wide selection. E. Shaver, Bookseller is Savannah’s oldest independent bookstore, a local literary landmark founded in 1975 and housed in a historic 1843 building on Madison Square. Known for its cozy vibe (and even resident cats), it’s a perfect place to browse before heading to a nearby café.

Wiley’s Book Exchange

If you love a good bargain or enjoy trading books, this laid-back shop offers a mix of used books, vinyl, and media. It’s a great option for casual browsing and finding affordable reads outside the downtown core. A staple of the city’s Southside shopping district, it caters to readers and collectors seeking affordable and hard-to-find titles.

The post A Literary Stroll Through Savannah’s Best Bookstores appeared first on Savannah, GA | Savannah.com.

And there are more than 20 antique stores in Savannah’s historic district alone! You’ll discover fascinating history, meet knowledgeable shop owners, and perhaps uncover the perfect keepsake to remind you of your visit. For collectors, decorators, and curious travelers alike, antique shopping is one of Savannah’s most charming and rewarding experiences.

Many of Savannah’s antique stores are located in beautifully restored buildings, making the shopping experience just as memorable as the treasures themselves. Browsing the shelves often reveals one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the city’s colorful past—from Civil War-era collectibles to coastal artwork and timeless Southern antiques.

But here are a few favorites you must visit during your stay.

Jere’s Antiques

One of Savannah’s best-known antique stores, Jere’s occupies a historic cotton warehouse filled with antique furniture, architectural pieces, lighting, artwork, and collectibles. Even if you’re not shopping for large pieces, it’s worth visiting just to admire the impressive displays.

Jere’s Antiques is located at 9 N. Jefferson St.

Picker Joe’s Antique Mall

A favorite among both locals and visitors, Picker Joe’s features dozens of vendors selling vintage signs, furniture, military memorabilia, collectibles, vinyl records, glassware, and quirky treasures. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours browsing and almost always discover something unexpected. Community recommendations consistently rank it among Savannah’s top antique stops.

Picker Joe’s is located at 66 W. Montgomery Cross Rd.

The Paris Market

Although it’s more of a European-inspired boutique than a traditional antique store, The Paris Market offers antique furnishings, vintage décor, books, gifts, and imported home accessories in one of Savannah’s most beautiful shopping spaces.

The Paris Market is located at  36 W. Broughton St.

V & J Duncan Antique Maps

Collectors of antique maps, historical prints, engravings, and rare documents will appreciate this specialty shop located near Madison Square.

V&J Duncan is located at 13 W. Charlton St.

Books on Bay

Remember the days of curling up under the covers with a good book? Books on Bay does, and they want you to, too. Their collection of vintage books spans more than three centuries, with their oldest book from the 1500s. From adventure to children’s books, poetry to religion, Nancy Grace to the Hardy Boys and even Civil War and the South, you can find a book for just about any interest. They’ll even deliver a book to your hotel! Books on Bay is the perfect place to celebrate reading while stepping into the past.

Books on Bay is located at 224 W. Bay St.

Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall

With more than 30 dealers, Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall has a little something for everyone. Specializing in vintage and retro rather than plain old antiques, you can find everything from cameras to records, clothing to furniture, books and a variety of signage. They are extremely price-conscious and always have competitive prices. Here, you won’t have to worry about finding meaningless junk. Owner Andy Sher’s rule of thumb for his vendors: “If you have to dust it, it isn’t for us.”

Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall is located at 14 W. State St.

Other Hidden Gems:

• North of Forsyth Antiques and Design – Curated antiques mixed with fine art and interior design.
• Sandfly Antiques – A favorite for antique furniture, vintage décor, and collectibles.
• Taylor House Antiques – Elegant antiques, artwork, and gifts in the Historic District.
• Vendors on Victory – A newer multi-vendor antique destination that has received enthusiastic recommendations from local shoppers.

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Maybe it’s the way sunlight filters through the Spanish moss, casting soft, shifting shadows on cobblestone streets. Maybe it’s the centuries-old architecture that tells stories without saying a word. Or maybe it’s the unmistakable energy of creativity that hums through every square, gallery, and tucked-away courtyard. In Savannah, art isn’t just displayed—it’s lived.

At the heart of this creative spirit is the influence of the Savannah College of Art and Design. With students and faculty constantly creating, experimenting, and reimagining the world around them, the city feels like an ever-evolving canvas. Murals bloom on once-blank walls, fashion shows spill into the streets and innovative design finds its way into even the smallest details—from boutique storefronts to cozy cafés. The presence of SCAD ensures that Savannah never stands still creatively; it’s always in motion, always becoming.

But Savannah’s creativity isn’t confined to institutions—it thrives in its community.

Local artists, musicians, writers, and performers bring a deeply personal touch to the city’s cultural landscape. On any given evening, you might stumble upon a live jazz performance drifting from a historic venue, a pop-up art show in a hidden alley, or a poetry reading in a warmly lit bookstore. Events like gallery walks and seasonal festivals transform the city into a celebration of expression, inviting both locals and visitors to be part of the experience.

History, too, plays a vital role in shaping Savannah’s artistic identity.

The city’s preservation of its past—its antebellum homes, its historic squares, its stories—provides endless inspiration. Creativity here often feels like a conversation between old and new, where modern voices reinterpret timeless narratives. That blend gives Savannah its signature charm: a place where tradition and innovation exist side by side, each enriching the other.

Perhaps what truly defines Savannah’s creative spirit is its accessibility.

You don’t have to be a professional artist to feel inspired here. The city invites everyone to slow down, look closer, and find beauty in the details—a quiet bench in Forsyth Park, the rhythm of footsteps along River Street, or the simple act of sketching beneath an oak tree. Creativity becomes less about perfection and more about presence.

In Savannah, inspiration isn’t something you search for—it finds you. It lingers in the air, woven into the fabric of daily life, encouraging you to see the world a little differently. And once you’ve experienced it, that creative spark tends to follow you long after you leave.

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What was once Old Town Trolley’s main office and trolley depot has since been converted into The Old Savannah Distillery. It’s a mixed-use facility housing a restaurant, tasting room, two retail spaces and live entertainment areas. Recently opened in April 2026, The Old Savannah Distillery presents several exciting opportunities to the public.

The distillery offers regular cocktail classes throughout the week. Guests will learn how to create one of The Old Savannah Distillery’s signature cocktails or mocktails. The classes include a sample tasting, a snack pairing and all required tools and equipment to create a full-sized beverage of the selected cocktail. Each week features two different signature cocktails, so guests can enjoy a unique class each time they return. Like the cocktail classes, The Old Savannah Distillery’s tasting room experience will feature house liquors developed in partnership with a Florida-based distillery.

“We have ten different house liquors, and they are all flavored liquors,” said Kayla Black, Old Town Trolley’s Director of Attractions. “We have a roasted pecan whiskey, a brambleberry gin, a peach vodka, a sweet tea vodka — they’re all very Southern-themed.”

They also offer two straight spirits: a white-lightning moonshine and a Georgia colony rum.

The Georgia colony rum is a historically accurate recreation of what Georgia settlers would have distilled during the early days of the colony. The signature cocktail menu will focus on those house liquors; however, The Old Savannah Distillery boasts a full-service bar for anyone who wants a typical cocktail.

Pairing well with their libations is their made-from-scratch Southern comfort cuisine.

“You’re going to get really good versions of down-home Southern cooking,” Black explained. “They’re the kind of meals that you would get from your grandma’s kitchen on Sunday, which everyone looks forward to.”

Menu highlights include Southern staples like shrimp and grits, chicken and biscuits, country-fried steak, pimento cheese, deviled eggs, and skillet cornbread. See the full menu HERE. All features elevated ingredients at an affordable price. Patrons can enjoy compelling lunch specials featuring items like quiches, salads, soups and the elusive traditional tomato pie.

Beyond the food and drinks, The Old Savannah Distillery also boasts two retail spaces.

A gift shop sells cocktail supplies and other fun finds. The second, The Southern Spirits Emporium, vends the premium white-label liquors. These are the same spirits featured in the restaurant, tasting room and cocktail classes. Therefore, you can taste before you buy.

“The bottles are gorgeous, making a great souvenir for people to take home a little piece of Savannah. The bottles have local postcards on the label. For example, the brambleberry gin has brambleberries that are on a postcard from a Georgia farmer,” said Black.

She encourages locals and tourists alike to experience The Old Savannah Distillery:

“The building was originally a 1950s auto body shop. When you go in today, you can still see remnants of that as you look around. But it is the warmest, most inviting industrial space you will ever be in. There’s this gorgeous tree filled with twinkling lights, Spanish moss and firefly lanterns hanging over the tasting area, and the open-kitchen and restaurant side feature these ethereal Tiffany blues. It’s just a really welcoming place where you’ll get tasty liquor samples with storytellers explaining the essence of the liquor… and on the other side is the restaurant where you’ll get authentic, delicious Southern food at a great price point.”

By Chantel Britton

The Old Savannah Distillery:
245 Montgomery St.
(912) 480-4750
www.oldsavannahdistillery.com

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In 2026, Savannah’s celebration is expected to be even bigger as communities across the country mark America’s 250th anniversary, making the holiday weekend one of the most exciting times to visit the Hostess City of the South.

The centerpiece of Savannah’s Fourth of July celebration is the annual Waterfront Independence Day Celebration along River Street. Crowds gather early in the evening around Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Plant Riverside District, and Eastern Wharf to enjoy live music, street performers, family activities, and riverfront dining before the fireworks begin. The fireworks are typically launched from a barge on the Savannah River around 9:30 p.m., creating a spectacular reflection across the water and historic skyline.

One of the best things about watching fireworks in Savannah is that there are so many different viewing experiences.

Visitors who want the full festive atmosphere usually head directly to River Street. Thousands gather along the waterfront to see the show. Here, lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. (Note: At some specific venues like The Park at Eastern Wharf, blankets must be water-permeable and tarps are not allowed). Try to get there early to secure your spot along the riverfront with a clear view across the water.

For travelers looking for a more elevated experience, rooftop venues and riverfront hotels provide incredible panoramic views. Spots near Plant Riverside District have become especially popular thanks to their modern rooftop lounges and unobstructed river views. Some visitors even reserve balcony rooms overlooking the Savannah River so they can watch the fireworks above the crowds.

Transportation tip: Take the Old Town Trolley

Old Town Trolley Tours® of Savannah will be open on the 4th of July, operating a regular schedule. Take advantage of Old Town Trolley’s hop-on and -off services to see the best attractions and enjoy all the Independence Day decorations in Savannah. They can take you to almost every 4th of July Celebration around the city, allowing you to hop on and off to enjoy the best of the best. Old Town Trolley’s WEBSITE.

CLICK HERE FOR AN OLD TOWN TROLLEY COUPON!

Another unforgettable option is taking a fireworks cruise aboard the iconic Savannah Riverboat Cruises.

These special Fourth of July cruises combine dinner, live entertainment, and front-row views of the fireworks from the water itself. Watching the bursts of red, white, and blue explode above the Savannah skyline while floating on the river creates a truly memorable holiday experience.

Because the event draws tens of thousands of people each year, planning ahead is important. Parking downtown fills quickly, and River Street closes to vehicle traffic at around 6:00-6:30 PM. Many experienced visitors choose to park near the Savannah Convention Center and take the ferry across the river to avoid some of the post-show traffic. Bringing water, comfortable shoes, and arriving well before sunset can make the evening far more enjoyable in Savannah’s summer heat.

What truly makes Savannah special on the Fourth of July is the atmosphere surrounding the fireworks. The city blends Southern hospitality, historic charm, and waterfront beauty into a celebration that feels both exciting and timeless. Whether you spend the evening on crowded River Street, relaxing on a rooftop terrace, or cruising along the river beneath the fireworks, Savannah offers one of the South’s most memorable Independence Day experiences in 2026.

Please note:

• Coolers: Generally discouraged or prohibited on River Street.
• Prohibited Items: Glass containers, personal fireworks, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed.
• Alcohol: No outside alcohol is allowed. Drinks must be bought from vendors and consumed within the designated To-Go Cup Zone.

The post Savannah Celebrates the Semiquincentennial 4th of July in 2026 appeared first on Savannah, GA | Savannah.com.

Savannah is a city built on layers of stories. From the quiet majesty of the moss-draped squares to the lively energy of River Street, there is a lot to take in. However, for many visitors, the logistics of ticket prices and planning a daily schedule can quickly become a burden that distracts from the experience itself.

In 2026, there is a better way to handle the “Hostess City.” The Savannah TourPass has changed the game for anyone wanting to see the top sites without the stress of gate prices. Their latest feature, a digital Savings Calculator and Itinerary Planner, is exactly what the modern traveler needs to cut through the noise. It turns the often confusing process of “what should we do?” into a simple, data-driven plan.

You can find this tool directly on their website, and it is remarkably simple to use. Instead of guessing which pass you might need.

You just put in your group size and your specific touring style. Some people want to hit every museum, historic home, and ghost tour on the list. Others want a more relaxed pace with plenty of time for a slow lunch and some people-watching. The calculator takes these personal goals into account and builds a plan that actually fits your life.

As you browse through the 30-plus attractions included in the pass, the calculator updates your total savings in real-time. It compares the TourPass cost to standard gate admissions, making it very clear how much you are keeping in your pocket. You can even filter options by what you care about most, such as local history, nature, or family-friendly activities. It takes the guesswork out of budgeting.

The real benefit of the TourPass is the flexibility it offers.

Your phone acts as your universal key, so there is no need to keep track of physical tickets or paper printouts. If you decide you want to swap a walking tour for a trolley ride at the last minute, the system makes it easy to adjust on the fly.

If you are planning a trip to Savannah, Charleston or St. Augustine, head to www.tourpass.com. Run the numbers yourself and see the difference. It is the most logical way to ensure your time here is spent enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about the budget. Get your pass HERE!

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