Sometimes you find cities where art feels like it’s been part of the conversation for centuries — woven into the bricks, the gardens, and the air itself. Savannah and Charleston are those kinds of places. Full of rich history, deep cultural roots, and a creative energy that lives beyond gallery walls.
Savannah: A City Where Art and Storytelling Live Together
Start your journey with The Alida Hotel, a boutique stay that feels as curated as an art collection — sleek, warm, and layered with local character. And while the city is known for its oak trees and moss, SCAD Museum of Art (part of the Savannah College of Art and Design) is one of the city’s most exciting contemporary spaces, connecting students, professionals, and the public through thought-provoking exhibitions.
The Telfair Museums, including the Jepson Center for the Arts, are another must-see — ranging from contemporary installations to historic collections. But sometimes, Savannah’s best art is on the street: a painted door, a courtyard sculpture, a mural tucked between old brick walls.
Charleston: The Art of Preservation and Innovation
Just up the coast, Charleston is a city that understands the art of storytelling. The International African American Museum (IAAM) is a landmark destination — a space that honors deep history while showcasing contemporary perspectives. For performing arts, Spoleto Festival USA turns the city into a live canvas every spring, blending opera, dance, theater, and music in stunning venues like Dock Street Theatre.
And while Charleston is known for its historic homes and gardens, The Gibbes Museum of Art brings fine art to life with a focus on Southern artists — connecting past and present in a way that feels relevant and alive.
Cultural Depth and Living History
Both cities are close to the Gullah Geechee culture, an essential part of America’s artistic and cultural tapestry. Exploring this heritage adds another layer to the creative experience, whether through local markets, art, or food.
Why Savannah & Charleston?
Because here, art doesn’t have to shout. It’s in the creak of wooden floors, in a perfectly preserved building, and in the conversations you overhear at a café. These are cities for people who like to wander — who see beauty in history and who know that sometimes the quietest places leave the biggest mark.
Explore our last cities Santa Fe & Albuquerque here. Stay tuned as we continue exploring cities where art and life blend in ways you might not expect.
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