Traveling for the Holidays is a common trend in the African American community. Whether it is traveling back home to your parents home or looking for a quick getaway with your immediate family, coming together with family is what we all look forward to.
Although this year maybe a little different, we can still explore our southern heritage and roots with our immediate household in a safe way. Therefore, I am going to share a perfect Lowcountry Thanksgiving getaway in the lively city of Savannah, Georgia with your family.
Savannah is a commonly known coastal Georgia city that is separated from South Carolina only by the beautiful Savannah River. This city serves as home to many attractions and black owned business and is also home to Savannah State University.
History of Savannah State University
As one of the oldest public historically black colleges or universities (HBCU) in the state of Georgia and also the oldest institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah; Savannah State University is an historic institution in the Savannah community. The institution was founded by Richard R. Wright, Sr. in 1890 and awarded its first degree in 1898.The year 1921 it is said to be the year where the first female students were admitted as residents on campus and the institution continued to rapidly grow. The Tiger Den can easily be spotted with moss that drapes over live oak trees and palm trees and more native plants located to welcome you to the secluded campus.
Besides the historic HBCU in Savannah, there are more black owned businesses and places that you and your family can enjoy on your next Thanksgiving getaway with lots of space to explore and sight see on the beautiful campus.
Black Owned Eateries
If you are traveling during the Holidays finding food that fits the time of year and has that Southern flair is what we hope for and Savannah has a few places that will provide you and your family with delicious meals.
Geneva’s Famous Chicken and Cornbread Co., which is a hotspot in the Savannah community, is bringing locals and tourists the best Southern food around. From fried chicken and corn bread, to season greens and turkey wings, Geneva’s Famous Chicken and Cornbread is a must try for any Southern Belle and her family traveling to Savannah.
Photo retrieved from https://www.eatgenevas.com/contact
Located on 2605 Skidaway Rd, Sisters of the New South, is a black owned restaurant that provides Southern traditional meals and Southern desserts that will melt your taste buds. Got a taste for banana pudding, red velvet cake or peach cobbler? If so, then you must have a set at the table of the Sisters of the New South eatery.
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy is a modest, down-home Southern spot that serves comfort and soul food for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Most of their items are extremely popular and one of a kind. Whether it’s smother shrimps, sausage biscuit and gravy, or lamb, shrimp, crab or wild salmon omelets, Southern travelers can enjoy each of these items and more from 7 AM to 2 PM.
Add all of these places to your carry out and outdoor eating list for the Thanksgiving weekend and holiday season.
Southern Historical Attractions
Savannah is a historic city and has plenty of attractions that tells the story of the African American community. One center that is ideal for all families to visit on a Savannah getaway is The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center. As a center that collects, interprets, preserves and presents African American history and culture through exhibits and artistic and educational programs, the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center is an attraction no family can pass up. With tons of art, films, oral history, tours and publications, the institute brings awareness to the African American community and shines light on our historic past.
Photo retrieved from https://www.beachinstitute.org
King-Tisdell Cottage
Since 1986, the cottage has preserved the culture of black community in the Lowcountry. As a previous victorian-styled home to Sara King and Robert Tisdell, the home now is devoted to artifacts in the Savannah community and serves as a historic site in Georgia. Currenlty, the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation also owns and operates the Negro Heritage Trail Tours and is known for their willigness to share African American hsitory.
Photo retrieved from https://www.beachinstitute.org
The Pin Point Heritage Museum provides a deep rooted experience of the Gullah/Geechee culture. Located close to the banks and marsh, the museum is able to provide the real feel of what it was like for slaves when they migrated over to the US and also a vivid view of what our black ancestors also saw when relocating in the Lowcountry. The museum also showcases gullah exhibits and norms of the Geechee lifestyle.
Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
This museum is located in Savannah’s known Historic area, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum serves as another interactive attraction that all family members can enjoy, young or old, and gives a detailed visualization of the civil rights movement. As another popular museum loaded with photos, interactive exhibits, and film playing, the Civil Rights Museum is and will continue to be a hit with travelers from all over.
Can make it to these museums in person, try a virtual tour with their staff or buying from their gift shop online for your holiday shopping needs and beyond.
So, next time you are traveling for the holidays, get a quick glimpse of the HBCU, Black Owned eateries, and African American attraction sites to make the most of your trip in Savannah, Georgia. While you are experiencing this travel guide tag us on social media @blacksouthernbelle or hashtag #blacksouthernbelle to share your experience with us.
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