Welcome to Savannah, Bulldogs!
The University of Georgia Class of 2021 will send a wave of red and black from coast to coast when they depart the Classic City. With the help of alumni across the country, we curated guides to a few cities to which new grads may move to when they leave the Classic City. Welcome to the city, Bulldogs!
Savannah, Georgia, is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and for being an economic hub with a small-town feel. Entangled with Spanish moss and drenched in the history of the American South, a Bulldog can explore Savannah’s network of city squares or cruise the estuaries of coastal Georgia. UGA alumni Lindsey Wilmot (ABJ ’11), Jason Jones (AB ’01) and Ann McGuire Lerch (ABJ ’97) share how Bulldogs can feel welcome in the Hostess City of the South.
Favorite part about living in Savannah
“Savannah has everything you could want — a downtown with shopping and restaurants, the beach nearby and rivers.” – Lindsey
“Savannah has a variety of settings like the marshes and rivers, the ocean and beach and historic neighborhoods. It’s perfect for urban life, island life or country life.” – Ann
How do you spend a free day in Savannah?
“Out on the boat.” – Jason
“Going to the beach or downtown for brunch and shopping.” – Lindsey
Savannah’s riverfront boasts views of the Savannah River and ships traveling to the Port of Savannah.
What makes Savannah special?
“The weather is usually great year-round, so there are lots of opportunity to get outdoors.” – Lindsey
“There is so much preserved history and beauty in Savannah and the surrounding areas. From before the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, Savannah has played a big part in history.” – Ann
One thing people may not know about Savannah.
“There is no open-container law within the downtown historic district. You can enjoy a to-go cocktail and walk about!” – Ann
Savannah’s best cup of coffee?
“The Coffee Fox.“– Jason
“Franklin’s.” – Ann
“Blends.” – Lindsey
What are your favorite local parks?
“Forsyth Park.” – Jason
“Monterey Square and Madison Square.” – Ann
“Tybee Island’s Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” – Lindsey
The fountain in Forsyth Park is surrounded by green space and walking paths.
Best place to catch live music in Savannah.
“Victory North.” – Jason
“The Lucas Theatre.” – Ann
Savannah is known for its _____.
“Southern hospitality.” – Jason
“Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.” – Lindsey
Favorite in-person alumni event hosted by your alumni chapter.
“I enjoy the UGA night at historic Grayson Stadium for a Savannah Bananas baseball game.” – Ann
Where do Bulldogs go when it’s Saturday in Athens?
“Coach’s Corner.” – Jason
“B&D Burgers Downtown.” – Lindsey
Located on Georgia’s coast, residents of Savannah can spend time exploring Georgia’s marshes and rivers.
Name a well-known UGA graduate who lives in or is from Savannah?
“Uga, UGA’s mascot” – Ann
“Sonny Seiler (BBA ’56, JD ’57), the owner of Ugas through the years” – Jason
Advice for a Bulldog new to Savannah?
“Put on some walking shoes and get lost exploring the historic district of Savannah.” – Jason
“Join clubs like the local UGA Alumni Chapter or local gyms. People are friendly, and after a while you’ll make new friends and recognize familiar faces. Savannah is a small town. Everyone knows everyone.” – Lindsey
“Explore downtown and Tybee Island, join one of the many young professional groups like the Telfair Museum’s William Jay Society or the Metropolitan Rotary, and attend as many Savannah Alumni Chapter events as you can for networking with alumni of all ages and professional backgrounds.” – Ann
To keep up with the Savannah Area Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association, you can follow along on Facebook (UGA Alumni Savannah Chapter), Instagram (@ugasavalumni) and Twitter (@SavannahUGAAlum).
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