Hotel at a Glance: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Savannah Gateway, GA

A short drive from Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Savannah Gateway, GA, historic downtown Savannah provides a glimpse into the South’s bygone antebellum days. Mossy magnolia trees stand in front of Greek Revival mansions, many of which have been featured in movies or on the city’s popular ghost tours. The hotel offers lots of southern hospitality itself as well as a hearty hot breakfast each morning.

• Go swimming: The indoor pool and whirlpool stay open year-round.
• In-room amenities include a 39-inch flat-screen TV and free wireless Internet.
• Tybee Island: This barrier island (about 30 miles away) has an abundance of kayaking, parasailing, and jet-skiing opportunities as well as a lighthouse that’s nearly three centuries old.

Savannah, Georgia: Historical Mansions and a Lively River Walk

Founded in 1733 as Georgia’s first town, Savannah is not only one of the most graceful cities in the South but also one the most historic. The old but well-preserved architecture landed it on Forbes’s 2011 list of America’s Best Downtowns, and Travel + Leisure dubbed it one of the top cities in the United States and Canada in 2013. The city’s 22 famous public squares play host to some famous landmarks, such as antebellum-era houses framed by moss-covered oak trees. Head to Oglethorpe Square to see the Owens-Thomas House, an English Regency–style mansion completed in 1819 that now serves as a museum; tours here depart from the original carriage house and go past its charming English-style parterre garden.

Another relic of Savannah’s past, River Street curves for about a mile along Savannah River’s south bank. The cobblestone walkways are lined with 100-year-old cotton warehouses that have been converted into antique shops, brewpubs, and galleries. A short walk west of River Street will take you to the City Market, a four-block public meeting space on the edge of downtown.