Once the commercial heart of the city, Savannah’s Broughton Street has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. But in recent years, the street has reemerged as a thriving, pedestrian-friendly destination. There’s no doubting the influence of Savannah College of Art and Design in Broughton’s revival: Students fill the coffee shops and sidewalk cafes, and the presence of design studios, art supply stores, and SCAD’s Gutstein Gallery speaks to the vital role the school plays here. But it’s not just the SCAD community that infuses the street with life. Local professionals and visitors also flock to Broughton, home to a melange of longstanding establishments (the landmark Trustees Theater and family-owned Globe Shoes, for example) and newer, big-name retailers (Kendra Scott, Lululemon, Kate Spade). Ongoing streetscape and redevelopment projects have prioritized historic preservation, and because the old has graciously welcomed the new, the best of Savannah still shines through.
Savannah Bee Company
Beekeeper and honey aficionado Ted Dennard opened this buzzing flagship store in 2008. Sample more than ten varieties of honey at the tasting bar, then treat yourself to honey-based body products like lip balms and body butters. Beeswax candles and bottled honeys make perfect host gifts, as do chocolate-honey truffles made by Broughton Street chocolatier Adam Turoni. savannahbee.com
Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
Sip a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc and share a bowl of fragrant mussels at this tony, dimly lit seafood restaurant. The decor evokes 1920s decadence, with plush velvet banquettes, glamorous lighting, and a jazzy bar. Smart signature cocktails (try the Sidecar or the Bohemian) and specials like crab-stuffed sea bass over risotto make this intimate spot truly special. chivelounge.com
Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
24E Design Co. Owner Ruel
Joyner has curated an eclectic collection of contemporary and quirky home fashions at his furniture store, which has been in his family for generations. Shoppers might well find a giant lamp made from an old ship lantern alongside a vintage foosball table. The inventory extends to letterpress stamps, Low Country Luxe candles, and jewelry by local designer Keri Dylan. 24estyle.com
The Marshall House
The rocking chairs on the balcony of Savannah’s oldest hotel overlook Broughton Street, offering the perfect vantage point from which to plan your itinerary. You’ll also delight in genteel service, rooms with claw-foot tubs and antique furnishings, breakfast in the sunlit atrium, and nightly wine and cheese in the lounge. marshallhouse.com
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Brave the line to indulge in a scoop—or three—of Butter Pecan or Tutti Frutti ice cream at this nearly 100-year-old institution. Owned by Savannah native and Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold, the shop features pedestal tables, curved-back wooden chairs, vintage tile flooring, and autographed movie posters. Bonus for travelers with dogs: With an ice cream purchase, get a free doggie sundae containing locally made Ollie B. Biscuits. leopoldsicecream.com
The Marshall House
Zia Boutique
Former SCAD student and Kenya-born owner Zia Sachedina imports jewelry from around the world, including gold cuffs from Brazil and beautiful amber pieces from Poland. Bold, heavy designs are balanced out by delicate, intricate pieces made by Zia himself, such as his Raindrop earrings and spectacular Waterfall necklace. ziaboutique.com
The Paris Market and Brocante
This giant French flea market is a gift-giver’s dream. On the main level, you’ll find luxe papers and cards, candles, chic baby items, even a vintage candy counter. Descend the creaky wooden stairs to the lower level and check out elaborate table settings featuring vintage china, as well as jams and jellies, full-leaf teas and silver tea strainers, and antique furniture and prints. theparismarket.com
Planet Fun
This shop is fully stocked with nostalgia in the form of old-school toys and games. Score an original Barbie Dream Pool set for $145; search for Power Rangers and Transformers action figures; or peruse the comic book cases for Archie and Jughead, Spidey, or Thor. In the gaming section, try your hand at vintage favorites such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. facebook.com/planetfuntoys
