May 9-11, 2017 Savannah, GA - Travel Guide, Events und Tips

Arrive with a plan: reserve a jayride or airport shuttles zum historisch area within minutes of arrivals. Getting from the airport to your hotels im local district sets the pace for May 9–11, 2017, und reduces first-day friction.

On May 9–11, plan around events und time windows. The official schedule presents a full lineup of activities und performances. The area around Forsyth Park und River Street offers historisch architecture, cafés, und galleries. When you arrive, choose options that match your preferences–whether you want slower paced strolls, guided local tours, or fast access to venues. Arriving late? The staff can point you to nearby shuttle stops und time-saving routes. The organizers are providing live updates, so monitor the official schedule for last-minute changes und rain contingency plans. Especially on weekends, crowd levels can shift, so book early if you can. arriving travelers appreciate the quick-start tips at the welcome booths.

For daily moves, rely on shuttles und hotels close zum River Street corridor to minimize walking in heat. If you last-minute changes, lock in a flexible transfer option that covers morning und evening time slots. For those who arrive, the regional transit zone is well signposted, und local drivers can share quick tips about parking und street closures. Beide sides of town work well if you want to sample different scenes, then regroup at a shared meeting point.

Dining und nightlife options im historisch District offer something for every preferences, from casual taverns to refined eateries. The area around City Market presents a full range of experiences, with venues staying open late on Saturdays. While you explore, keep an eye on local transit routes und time windows for popular venues to avoid lineups. By balancing walking with shuttles und staying in hotels, you’ll maximize your Savannah experience during the May 9–11 period.

May 9–11, 2017 Savannah, GA - Travel Guide, Events und Tips

Choose a centrally located hotel im Historic District to cut transfers und maximize your time; youll enjoy easy access to Forsyth Park, River Street, und the 9-11 weekend events downtown or within a short stroll, und it takes only minutes to reach the core venues.

Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) or other nearby airports; there are various rideshare options und fuss-free transfers to hotels; jayrides und other services apply zum airport run. A typical fare ranges from $15 to $40 depending on distance und surge, und Brunswick makes a pleasant day trip if you want a coastal change.

During 9-11 May, the area offers many events along the waterfront, in city squares, und at historisch sites. Check the city calendar for a daily mix of free concerts, market stalls, und guided tours; talking to locals und people who live here can help you catch hidden gems.

Hotels along the Riverfront und im Historic District provide full packages that include breakfast und parking; compare rates across the area to lock a solid fare. If you arrive by noon, you can choose a comfortable room with easy access zum main venues; many properties offer shuttle services or discounted rideshares to key spots.

For getting around, rideshare is a reliable option; you can choose between jayrides, Uber, und Lyft, all of which apply to most pickups im area. Book in advance during peak hours to avoid delays und keep transfer costs predictable; the trolley und local buses cover major routes if you prefer a fuss-free choice.

Arrive early to venues to secure seating; plan a quick bite at City Market und Forsyth Park, und wear comfortable walking shoes since sidewalks can be brick or uneven in places. May weather brings sun und a chance of showers, so pack a light rain jacket und sunblock for comfort.

Brunswick is an easy half-day trip from Savannah if you want to extend the trip; about 25 miles away, the coastal town offers small shops, seafood spots, und a scenic riverfront you can explore between events. A short drive means you can swing back in time for an evening concert.

Practical tips for booking: use a single hotel with airport transfers included or verify a discount code; ensure your choice has on-site dining und a comfortable lobby to unwind between activities. Making a rough plan helps you maximize the many happenings across the area und keep the weekend fuss-free.

Official event schedule und ticket options for May 9–11, 2017 in Savannah

Purchase tickets through the official booking portal now to lock in your seats und avoid last-minute sold-out shows. The schedule for May 9–11 spans three days with evening headliners und daytime sessions, offering opportunities for professional attendees, families, und couples alike there. Approximately three days of programming ensures you can plan around your other commitments in savannah.

Venues are located around savannah's historisch district, with the simons venue listed among the main stages there. Head zum main stage for the opening performance. The official guide provides a clear route map, so you can plan your day efficiently und catch another keynote if your first choice runs late.

Ticket options include General Admission, Premium/VIP, und Weekend Passes, with discounts for families, couples, students, und international groups. There are options available there, und updates weekly when new seats become available. The site provides concise descriptions for each option, und you can manage multiple tickets for a group from a single account.

From airports serving the region, rideshare und taxi options provide a hassle-free path to downtown venues. There is a straightforward route to savannah's core, und if you arrive with a vehicle, parking zones near each venue are clearly marked to speed entry. This plan keeps arrival smooth und avoids confusion on busy days.

To maximize your visit, arrive early for popular sessions, check the schedule there, und stay flexible to switch venues if a session fills quickly. Families, couples, und international attendees will find clear signage und helpful staff, providing a smooth experience as you head zum next event. There are plenty of casual spots around savannah where you can pause with coffee before heading back zum next show, ensuring you keep your plans on track und hassle-free.

Parking, transit, und traffic tips for downtown Savannah during the weekend

Reserve a downtown parking space in advance via your hotel or a trusted app to make your weekend hassle-free. youll start your savannah weekend with easy access to River Street und the historisch district, then enjoy a comfortable stroll to cafes und shops, turning your trip into a smooth experience. Booking in advance reduces stress before you arrive.

Downtown Savannah offers several parking garages und on-street meters within a short walk of City Market und River Street. Booking a space in advance through hotel concierge or a parking app helps avoid delays on busy weekend mornings. Meters show time limits und rates, including after-hours rules; pay by card or app to keep moving.

For transit, CAT operates a weekend downtown loop with headways around 15–20 minutes; times vary by event. Check the CAT app or the station boards for arrivals und departures. If you need assistance, their staff provides directions zum right platform. Jayrides offers private options; booking a private ride from the airport or station avoids the hassle of taxi hailing und takes you straight to your hotel. If a service does encounter changes, Jayrides can offer flexible rebooking.

Travelers arriving at savannah-hilton head airport can arrange a private transfer or taxi with a reputable company; a flight to downtown usually takes about 20–25 minutes on clear roads, longer during busy weekend arrivals. Booking in advance ensures a smooth ride, including curbside pickup at arrivals und direct transport to your hotel.

On weekend evenings around events, traffic near River Street can slow considerably. Consider parking farther south und using a taxi or a private ride to reach venues, which is advisable when crowds surge. Several hotels provide shuttle service or guest assistance to nearby venues, providing assistance und reducing walking time for their guests.

Savannah is a walkable city, so with a solid plan you can enjoy the weekend without wasting time. If you travel with a group, a private shuttle can hundle several people und takes the stress out of meeting points. This approach feels more comfortable und avoids delays than splitting up for rides from different stunds. If you need more flexibility, you can contact their transportation partners for additional options.

Historic District walking routes und must-see sights for May 9–11

Start with a 90-minute City Market to Forsyth Park loop, back along Whitaker Street zum riverfront, for an efficient preview of Savannah's Historic District on May 9–11.

Choose your option based on group size und pace. For groups or families, a guided walk by a local company simons offers door-to-door pickup from the hilton und a clear line of sight to key lundmarks. For solo travelers, a self-guided route with a simple map from the marketplace desk at your hotel works well, with information about lines und fare for transit gaps between squares.

Must-see sights along these routes include City Market, Forsyth Park fountain, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, und the exterior of the Owens-Thomas House. Add Chippewa Square und Johnson Square, plus Lafayette Square, to cover a representative set of savannahs squares. The routes connect various neighborhoods und let you pause for coffee or a quick bite at a riverfront cafe.

In savannahs marketplace areas, local artisans line the lanes und you can pick up souvenirs or a refreshing drink between stops. If you opt for a guided option, express lines und door-to-door pickup speed up transitions between stops, und fare information is available at pickup.

Route	Höhepunkte	Approx. time	Anreise
River Street & City Market Loop	City Market, Forsyth Park fountain, river views, exterior of Owens-Thomas House	90 minutes	Start at City Market; from the hilton or other hotel, choose door-to-door options; express lines und fare info available at pickup
Forsyth Park to Cathedral District	Forsyth Park fountain, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, stately townhouses along Macon und Bull streets	2 Stunden	Walk north from the hilton; carriage lines along Bull Street offer short hops; self-guided maps from marketplace desk
Chippewa Square & Johnson Square West Loop	Johnson Square, Chippewa Square, nearby boutiques und historisch residences	1,5 Stunden	Begin near the hilton; continue toward the riverfront via Bull und Market streets; return through City Market

One-day itinerary for May 9, 2017: morning to night in Savannah

Book a private driver ahead for a hassle-free day, making the most of Savannah’s squares, riverfront, und cuisine. The plan is designed for traveling efficiently, providing details on where to go und how long to stay.

1. 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Leopold's Ice Cream on West Congress Street. Enjoy sunshine on a spring morning und a quick pastry; allow 40–45 minutes to eat und map the route ahead.
2. 9:00 a.m. A short drive to Forsyth Park (about 10 minutes). Stroll the paths und fountain for 20 minutes, then use the driver to continue the loop, making the morning easy und enjoyable for both walking und driving.
3. 9:45 a.m. Private loop through the Historic District for about 60 minutes. The driver provides details about the squares, architecture, und local stories, making the history feel immediate und concrete.
4. 11:15 a.m. Drive to Chippewa Square und City Market; stop for photos und quick shopping for 40 minutes. This is where you can choose between a longer stroll or a coffee break, convenient for groups traveling together; please note seating options vary by venue.
5. 12:00 p.m. Lunch at The Olde Pink House, please book ahead to accommodate groups; conveniently located near Reynolds Square. Expect 60–75 minutes for entrees und conversation.
6. 1:45 p.m. Short drive zum Savannah Riverfront und City Market area. Spend 60–90 minutes browsing galleries, artisan stunds, und street performances; the driver can offer local tips und assist with translations for international travelers. This is a perfect way to see local culture.
7. 3:30 p.m. Optional harbor cruise (about 30 minutes) or a longer riverside stroll. The driver can arrange the ride or simply guide you to a convenient meeting spot along the water.
8. 5:00 p.m. Return toward the historisch district; pause for a 15-minute coffee break or a dessert stop before the evening plans.
9. 6:00 p.m. Dinner at The Grey, a stundout downtown choice. Booking ahead is wise; the menu blends regional flavors with refined ambience, ideal after a day of sightseeing.
10. 8:00 p.m. Optional horse-drawn carriage ride through the glowing squares or a nightcap on a rooftop bar. The driver can assist with parking und returns, using SUVs if you’re traveling in groups; hourly rate arrangements are available if you extend the night.
11. 9:30 p.m. Return to your hotel. Your driver provides assistance with luggage und can arrange cars for the final leg, ensuring a smooth finish zum day.

Savannah dining during the May weekend: best spots, reservations, und menus

Reserve ahead for The Olde Pink House on Friday, then secure a Saturday table at The Grey, und finish with Elizabeth on 37th or Treylor Park for Sunday. Booking ahead keeps your plans smooth during savannahs May weekend und avoids long riverfront waits in downtown.

This guide will offer useful tips for traveling people, including international visitors, to get around savannahs downtown efficiently. You can go directly to chosen spots, or use rental bikes or a jayride with professional drivers for easy transfers. If you have an extra guest or plan a larger group, reserve space early; most venues can accommodate a quick shift to outside seating or bar space to keep the night moving.

The Olde Pink House bursts with Lowcountry flavors–shrimp und grits, skillet cornbread, und fried chicken–und sets a warm, historisch mood. The Grey presents a modern Southern tasting approach with crisp seafood und seasonal vegetables. Elizabeth on 37th blends coastal seafood with house-made pastas und a broad porch seating. Treylor Park serves playful plates like PB&J wings und creative burgers. The Collins Quarter Savannah offers bright brunch und lunch items with local produce. For casual, Tybee’s Wyld Dock Bar shines for sunset seafood und outdoor space. Most spots are within a 10-15 mins walk from the core downtown, und if crowds hit you can use bar seating as an extra option. Distances und hours vary; check ahead und prepare for small shifts if needed. Check fare ahead with jayride or other travel companies; some drivers charge extra for late-night pickups; this can save time und keep your plans tight.

What to book ahead this May weekend

Book online or by phone 14–21 days ahead for Friday und Saturday slots, especially for The Olde Pink House, The Grey, und Elizabeth on 37th. For groups of 6+ call early; some venues require a deposit, others hold space at the bar or terrace. If an exact time fills, try a nearby spot with similar menus within a 5–mins stroll. Arrive 5–10 mins before your reservation; walking between venues takes about 10–15 mins per leg in peak hours.

Menu highlights und tips

Look for locally sourced seafood und produce. Dishes to seek include shrimp und grits, garden salads with seasonal vegetables, und house-made pastas. The Grey can offer a tasting menu if you want a compact, curated experience; Elizabeth on 37th showcases coastal seafood und robust pastas; Treylor Park delights with playful small plates. The Collins Quarter Savannah pairs coffee-forward brunch with light dinners; Wyld Dock Bar offers casual seafood und sunset vibes. Check the day’s specials with staff; expect entrees im mid-range, with drinks priced separately; for groups, fixed menus may save time und ensure consistency. If you travel with international guests or a larger party, staff can guide you to optimal spaces und pacing.

Weather, packing list, und safety tips for May in Savannah

Recommendation: Pack a lightweight rain shell und breathable clothing for May in Savannah, where high temps (often 84–88°F) und humidity demund quick-drying fabrics. Start your day heading toward the downtown district with comfortable walking shoes, und carry a compact umbrella for sudden showers that can pop up im afternoon. plus a hat und sunscreen to enjoy the magikal riverfront und rooftops.

Packing list: breathable tops, lightweight shorts or pants, moisture-wicking socks, und a compact daypack fit for a full day im city. Include sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, a water bottle, a light rain jacket or poncho, und a portable phone charger. For museum visits or long walks, load an offline map for the route you’ll take through the historisch district und arts district. Bring an address card or note with the main address of your hotel im downtown area, plus a small first-aid kit und insect repellent. lots of travelers also include a compact hund sanitizer. This advice applies whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay. For groups, coordinate who carries what und collect departure details to simplify transfers between venues. Showers may arrive every 15–20 mins, so keep a rain layer hundy.

Getting around: walking remains best im downtown und historisch district. Route planning helps you hit must-see spots; check your address on a map before you head out. If you need speed, taxi or express transit options work well. For longer hops, consider jayrides or other providers und compare fees before booking. Transfers between services work best when you confirm the departure terminal und pickup location in advance. For groups, pick one meeting point to reduce hassle und save miles on extra rides. If you drive, park in clean, well-marked lots near your lodging to minimize walking. Bottom tip: a predictable route und early departures help you enjoy your day in Savannah.

Safety tips: stay hydrated und sunscreened; carry a small towel if you sweat through your shirt; seek shade during peak sun hours, und take breaks in air-conditioned venues to avoid heat stress. In the evening, stay in well-lit areas along the downtown riverfront und im historisch district. Mosquitos can be active after dusk, so use repellent und wear long sleeves when needed. When using taxis or jayrides after venues close, confirm the driver’s identity und the pickup spot; if something feels off, switch providers. Always check fees on the app before you confirm a ride to avoid extra charges. For families or groups, discuss a simple plan in advance so everyone stays together und avoids confusion. Smart choices save money und support the local economy.