This year, the NAHC 65th Annual Conference is headed to the breathtaking city of Savannah, Georgia! Known for its cobblestone streets, majestic oak-lined squares, and vibrant waterfront, Savannah offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and hospitality. From the bustling shops of City Market to the serene beauty of Forsyth Park, every corner invites exploration.
The Telfair Academy is the oldest public art museum in the South and the first art museum in America founded by a woman. Formerly the Telfair family mansion, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1886.
American Prohibition Museum
The first and only museum in the United States dedicated to the history of Prohibition. While here, guests will travel back in time to the early 1900s, as anti-alcohol rallies swept the nation and the “booze problem” was pushed to the fore-front of American politics.
Davenport House Museum
The stately Federal-style home, built by master carpenter Isaiah Davenport for his household, provides a glimpse into 1820s domestic life in the urban port city of Savannah. In 1955 the saving of the Davenport House from demolition was the first effort of Historic Savannah Foundation, which has gone on to national prominence as a preservation leader as well as ushering in the preservation renaissance of the coastal city.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is housed in the historic William Scarbrough House, an elegant example of early Greek Revival architecture in the South. Built in 1819 for William Scarbrough, a prominent shipping merchant and the first president of the Savannah Steamship Company, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of ship models, paintings, and maritime antiques.
Parks & Gardens
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Founded in 1974, Oatland Island Wildlife Center sits on over 100 acres of maritime forest just outside Savannah, Georgia and is home to around 100 animals representing 40 different species. The mission of the Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah is to provide guests with memorable experiences to help them make stronger connections to the natural world.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
The Garden is a top Savannah attraction that serves as a museum of plants, a tranquil escape, a living classroom, and an impressive, historic venue for special events for more than 100,000 annual visitors. Located 10 miles southwest of historic downtown Savannah, CGBG is also 19 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
Forsyth Park
This majestic 30-acre park named for Georgia’s 33rd governor has it all! The City’s most famous fountain—installed in 1858 and modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris—crowns the northern edge of the park, inspiring contemplation and selfies, proposals and weddings.
Chippewa Square
Most known for the Battle of Chippewa and filming location of Forest Gump is Chippewa Square. Located at the intersections of Bull and McDonough Streets, at the center of this famous square is a statue of colonial founder General James Oglethorpe, a social reformer and military leader.
Shopping & Entertainment
Plant Riverside District Shopping
Plant Riverside District now stands tall as one of the city’s premier entertainment venues and all-encompassing resorts. Amidst luxury shopping, award-winning dining, electrifying rooftop bars and the new JW Marriott Hotel, this district is truly one-of-a-kind.
Savannah City Market
Built in 1755, Savannah’s famous City Market has been known as the heart and hub of Savannah for centuries. Visitors and locals flock to City Market for popular restaurants, creative art spaces, live performances, unique shopping options, museums and so much more.
Locally Made Savannah
Nestled in Georgia’s oldest city, Locally Made Savannah thrives as a collective within the historic shopping district. Situated on Broughton St, this gem offers a diverse range of handcrafted treasures, from jewelry and pottery to clothing, home decor, gourmet delights, and beyond.
Golden Hour Savannah
Golden Hour is part product, part fun experience. This retail location custom fits 14k solid gold, 14k gold filled, or sterling silver chains then weld the ends of the chain together with a small spot welder to create a “permanent” jewelry piece.
Neighborhoods & Cities
Eastern Wharf
Along the banks of the Savannah River, Eastern Wharf has blossomed into a captivating destination, seamlessly blending modern luxury with the city’s rich heritage. Eastern Wharf boasts a range of dining choices, from quick and fresh to locally-sourced restaurants, serving delectable offerings all day long. Moreover, visitors can enjoy on-site events and outdoor concerts that seamlessly integrate dining experiences with the park and waterfront, creating a lively ambiance.
Historic River Street
Historic River Street borders the thriving river port, River Street imparts old-world charm. The 12-block brick concourse is ideal for strolling and ship-watching. More than 75 boutiques, galleries, artists’ studios, restaurants, and pubs are housed in one-time cotton warehouses that have been restored to their rustic beauty.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is just 20 minutes from historic downtown Savannah, Tybee Island offers the perfect retreat. Dolphin tours, watersports, lighthouses, Fort Pulaski National Monument, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, a beautiful pier and miles of sandy beaches are just a few reasons to visit this coastal town.
Starland District
This unique melting-pot neighborhood is bursting with creativity, from funky shops to bustling galleries and studios. Get your vintage fix, spin some vinyl and feast your eyes on original art. And don’t forget to satisfy your taste buds at one of the charming and quirky cafes.
Moon River District
A mere 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can trek through a barrier island, roam a quaint village, immerse yourself in the fascinating Gullah-Geechee culture and even get up close and personal with marine life at an aquarium.