TRAVEL

Savannah In Style

5 places to visit—from the local expert.

by Sarah Leon

Paula Wallace

This week, some of the innovative names in fashion—like Juan Carlos Obando, Claire Vivier of Claire V, Lauren Bush Lauren of FEED Project, Irene Neuwirth and Amy Smilovic of Tibi—headed down to Savannah, Georgia, for SCADstyle, an annual celebration of design. Fortunately, Paula Wallace, who founded the Savannah College of Art and Design in 1978 and has been president of the institution since 2000, was there to provide guidance as to what to see, where to shop, and what to eat. Here, she shares her five favorite destinations in the city.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room 107 W. Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401

“Prepare to be treated like family at Mrs. Wilkes, only open for lunch on weekdays. It’s known for its unforgettable fried chicken and bowls upon bowls of vegetables – plus, the best corn muffins you have ever had, outside of your grandmother’s house.”

SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31401

“Experience American history anew by visiting the nation’s only extant antebellum railroad complex in its reclaimed glory as the SCAD Museum of Art, where dresses designed by Oscar de la Renta for First Ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are on display in the first posthumous tribute to the master. K-12 educators are welcome to use our curriculum guide, aligned to the National Visual Arts Standards, as they teach students about art through garments worn by Mercedes T. Bass, Oprah, Taylor Swift, and more!”

Back in the Day Bakery 2403 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401

“Visit this rustic, family-owned gem for a savory caprese sandwich followed by a shortbread cookie – or two – dusted with sugar and infused with lavender. You’ll want to sit for a spell in the pastel charm of this vintage-look bakery.”

Satchel 4 E. Liberty, Savannah, GA 31401

“Powered by SCAD talent, Satchel offers one-of-a-kind leather goods, which can be made to specification here in Savannah. With an impressive array of handbags in a myriad of hues, finishes, and silhouettes, you’re sure to find something to suit.”

Madison Square Bull Street, between Charlton and Harris Streets, Savannah, GA 31401

“Any direction you proceed from Madison Square, presided over by a statue of Sergeant William Jasper, leads directly to must-see destinations. South of the square, visit shopSCAD for original handcrafted designs and fine art by SCAD students and alumni. There’s vegan leather totes by Joshua McLeod, Danielle Malin’s whimsical flamingo wallpaper, antelope earrings by Elizabeth Thompson, Martha Enzmann’s hand-carved wooden kitchenware, and much more. And just across the street at Gryphon, I recommend a cozy pot of Caribe tea. On the northwest corner of the square you’ll find the Green-Meldrim House, a National Historic Landmark harkening back to the 1850s. While you’re there, head next door to the stately St. John’s Episcopal Church, a pearl of Gothic Revival style architecture.”

Photos: Savannah In Style

Paula Wallace.

Satchel store. Photo courtesy of Paula Wallace.

SCAD in the spring. Photo courtesy of Paula Wallace.

ShopSCAD. Photo courtesy of Paula Wallace.

Savannah in the summer. Photo courtesy of Paula Wallace.

Back In The Day Bakery. Photo courtesy of Paula Wallace.

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