Savannah is for lovers.  Of food.  Of shopping. Of history. Of each other.  We know- you’re thinking “why would I go to Savannah when I can go to Atlanta?” Because, ye of big-city snobbery, it’ll be one of the most laid-back, satisfying, budget-friendly trips you’ll ever take.  Sure, parts of Savannah don’t smell too great due to a paper plant within city limits. And yes, many of our communities are very Black In America in a very depressing way.  But trust us, one walk on River Street, where you can buy fresh pralines, salt water taffy and enjoy the breeze waterside by day, or have an amazing seafood dinner then barhop by night, you’ll be happy you came.  Before you eat, we recommend a gander down Broughton street, Savannah’s uber-trendy shopping district, where you shop a wide variety of stores, from Marc by Marc Jacobs, to James Gunn, which stocks chic brands like Chaiken and T-Bags. Or you can just wander, and leave with unique jewelry, vintage digs and even same-day gold fronts.  Now, we don’t usually do this, but there is one annoying touristy thing you must do (and we promise, the locals will laugh at you).  This is Paula Deen country, and your trip won’t be complete until you wait in the hot sun for a chance to throw down at her world-famous restaurant The Lady & Sons (just skip the recipe books and canned goods on the way out).  If its a beach you desire, rent a car and cruise on over to Tybee Island, a cute beach town just half an hour away, where you can watch dolphins jump up and the sun go down.  What we don’t recommend missing: the Westin Sunday brunch across the river on Hutchinson Island. Crab meat omelets, mimosas, views of the water, and just a free, 90-second ferry ride back to civilization.  Gourmet hangover food, Seaport City style: so fab. (photo credit)