Emily McCarthy
Emily McCarthy is a small town girl turned coastal living designer whose style evokes a “soiree of geometric patterns, splashes of prosecco and dashes of cheetah.” Emily gets so much inspiration from living on the coast. With a BA in graphic design and photography from LaGrange College, she broke into the paper industry in 2004 and immersed herself in the many facets of the world of paper, as well as weddings, lifestyle branding and more. From small independent retail, direct wholesale and large corporate retail to boutique design—she’s jumped into all of it. When she began designing freelance in 2004, she never imagined that her passion would lead to the Emily McCarthy studio, which opened in 2009. Since then, over 200 new brands and more than 100 brides have gotten the full-on Emily McCarthy “royal treatment.” Emily continues to work with custom couture monogram clients weekly. She resides in Savannah with her college sweetheart turned husband and their two redheaded, blue-eyed babes.
Eat: Restaurants + Bars in Savannah
The Olde Pink House
Whether or not it seems like a cliché recommendation for Savannah, there really isn’t a better place to soak in the rich atmosphere and decadent history that this city has to offer. Each room has its own personality, from basement to top floor. The menu ranges from simple to inspired, and it’s almost impossible to beat the signature cocktails.
23 Abercorn Street
912.232.4286
The Grey
The Grey is easily a standout in my eyes. Transformed from an old Greyhound station, it reinvents simple classics in a way that will leave you in awe! Even the most sophisticated diners are going to rave about this place. Fabulous date night ambiance.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
912.662.5999
Kayak Kafé
Kayak Kafé, the tried and the true. For me, gluten free is a necessity, and Kayak Kafé always has options that offer variety and fresh, local ingredients done right. From a quick salad to a shrimp quesadilla, this is one of my most visited places in town! They have two locations, too—even more to love.
Kayak Downtown
1 E. Broughton Street
912.233.6045
Kayak Midtown
5002 Paulsen Street
912.349.4371
Local 11ten
At this restaurant set on the edge of Forsyth Park, you might want to head right up to the rooftop affectionately called “Perch.” Fun for drinks and a charcuterie plate if you’re planning to stay at Perch. Otherwise go downstairs to enjoy traditional Southern flavors created with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
1110 Bull Street
912.790.9000
The Wyld Dock
A one-of-a-kind view that makes you feel like you’re seated right in the middle of the water. Tapas style, so bring a crew and order away. This is a hidden gem, too, so you’ll be the only out-of-towner there! If you’re local, though, you can access it by the water and dock your boat. How private island, right?
2740 Livingston Avenue
912.692.1219
Stay: Savannah Hotels
The Andaz
If for no other reason than being able to head right down to their restaurant, 22 Square, you’ll never hear a bad word spoken about the location, the food or the service!
14 Barnard Street
912.233.2116
The Brice Hotel
Savannah’s newest boutique hotel, again housing a phenomenal restaurant, Pacci, is just a quick walk from historic River Street. It marries hip and modern with historic and storied.
601 E. Bay Street
912.238.1200
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
You know what I always say…if you can stay in a mansion, where else could you possibly want to go? This is definitely on the costlier end, but if you’re looking to be in a palatial surrounding with marble and onyx, this is the place for you.
700 Drayton Street
912.238.5158
Shop: Local Gifts + Specialty Shops
Emily McCarthy Shoppe
We’re so proud of our brand new space. It’s thrilling to be able to invite visitors to come see us in person! From home decor to custom-made couture monograms, you won’t find anything else like this in Savannah or the surrounding area. We make your branded home our specific business. It’s our purpose to help curate your signature style from entertaining to coastal living favorites!
2428 Abercorn Street
912.495.5386
One Fish Two Fish
If you’re in Savannah to shop, you’ll want to visit places with personality. One Fish, Two Fish has unique home decor items, modern art prints and a lot of small gift items that will keep any shopper intrigued.
401 Whitaker Street
912.447.4600
Satchel
Custom leather goods ranging from luggage to handbags and accessories, and it’s all made right on-site in the shop! You can buy existing pieces on the floor, or you can custom design your own signature piece—and we love signature style!
4 E. Liberty Street
912.233.1008
Zia
Local, handmade jewelry inspired from the owner’s exotic travel. This brand has become so well known, and yet it’s right here in our backyard! Savannah is lucky to have such an artist right here on Broughton Street.
325 W. Broughton Street
912.233.3237
Play: Things to Do in Savannah
Picnic on Forsyth Park with the Savannah Picnic Company
What could be more fun than a pop-up picnic that you literally don’t have to lift a finger for? This company is the epitome of charm! I never even knew something like this existed, and now I can’t stop recommending it.
Pure Barre Savannah
Whether you’re a local or visitor, the best workout in all of Savannah is Pure Barre! Located on Derenne and Abercorn, this studio will work you from head to toe with the best instructors around. I’m warning you, you’ll be hooked!
5521 Abercorn Street
912.665.1129
Savannah Slow Ride
No use dancing around the subject, Savannah likes to party. Grab a group of friends and hop on an intimate, 14-person bike and hit all the best sites. You can take it from monument to monument, or bar to bar. Up to you…and it will be one of your favorite adventures!
912.414.5734
Top Deck at the Cotton Sail Hotel
Unlike Perch, this rooftop bar gives you a view of the river and the picturesque Talmadge Bridge that takes you to South Carolina. Sip cocktails on the sofas outside on the deck and wait for the sun to set—you’ll love the photo ops!
126 W. Bay Street
912.200.3700
Lance Jackson and David Ecton
Lance Jackson and David Ecton developed the Parker Kennedy Living interior design group and brand in 2011. Lance, who graduated from SCAD with a BFA in interior design, developed highly successful interior design groups for Atlanta-based architectural firms. He decided to make his own stamp in the interior design industry with his own brand. Co-founder David Ecton, who attended the University of South Alabama and later received an MBA in international trade, has a fascination with architecture that stems from his time abroad in Venice. While studying and excavating an ancient Etruscan ruin, David learned the importance of how one’s space affects the way one lives.
Parker Kennedy Living focuses on high-end residential interior design, vintage furniture restoration and product development. Their look is “Preppy on the Edge”—or Southern Regency as Lance calls it—taking a traditional interior and elevating it to an updated look using lacquered finishes and mixing textures and vintage details with young colors and patterns. The interiors, which exhibit Palm Beach overtones, are fresh while maintaining a deep-rooted interest in the traditional.
Eat: Restaurants + Bars in Savannah
The Public Kitchen & Bar
This bistro is located in historic downtown Savannah on the ground level of an old townhouse. The atmosphere is very urban and chic. Being a designer, I loved the exposed brick walls that make it feel cozy and inviting. It’s perfect for a glass of chardonnay at the bar during a warm late afternoon as well as lunch or dinner. The pimiento cheeseburger and the Cuban are amazing lunch sandwiches paired with their daily soups. My top choices on their dinner menu are the seasonal risotto and shrimp and grits—both are mouth watering!
1 W. Liberty Street
912.200.4045
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
I have been eating lunch here since I was a college student at SCAD and when I worked around the corner as an intern for a local interior designer. Everyone needs to experience the delicious Southern food that they serve. It located on the prettiest street in historic downtown–Jones Street. They are open Monday through Friday for lunch only. Get there early because the line gets long fast! (Note they are closed the entire month of January.) It is so worth a planned trip. It is family-style seating at large tables—always fun to meet new people. Their fried chicken paired with their homemade macaroni and cheese is the best! The green beans and the corn are my top favorite Southern-style vegetables. Don’t miss the homemade cornbread muffins and homemade biscuits.
107 W. Jones Street
912.232.5997
Local 11ten
I love this place for dinner. It is located in a 1950s-era bank building on the edge of Forsyth Park. Great atmosphere and vibe here. You can see parts of the old main vault still incorporated in the interior. If you are staying downtown, it is an easy walk through Forsyth Park. It is on the edge of historic downtown and the historic Victorian District. They have an amazing wine list, and my favorite dinner menu items are the beef bourguignon and the tasso-rubbed pork loin. They are strictly dinner only so call to make your reservations.
1110 Bull Street
912.790.9000
Stay: Savannah Hotels
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
The best place to stay with an amazing modern original art collection within the interiors—located off Forsyth Park. This historic mansion features über-chic interiors. New designs mixed with historic designs. Perfect for jogs or walks around the beautiful Forsyth Park dripping with lovely architecture and fountains.
700 Drayton Street
912.238.5158
The Marshall House
Historic renovated hotel off Broughton Street within walking distance to shopping and historic squares. Fun interior and exterior in the middle of downtown.
123 E. Broughton Street
912.644.7896
Olde Harbour Inn
Historic warehouse off River Street—perfect views and walks along the Savannah River front. Location is great for foot tours of historic downtown.
508 E. Factors Walk
912.234.4100
Shop: Local Gifts + Specialty Shops
E. Shaver, Bookseller
This is a fabulous bookstore located off historic Madison Square—one of the prettiest squares in downtown Savannah. You can get lost looking at books on art, architecture, fashion, interiors and more. The store itself is located on the garden level under an amazing historic townhouse off Madison Square. It is a Savannah staple that has been there for years.
326 Bull Street
912.234.7257
The Paris Market & Brocante
One of my favorite stores on Broughton Street. Two levels of antiques, candles, decorative housewares and art with a fun Parisian feel that includes an in-store café for coffee or a quick lunch. The cellar level is my favorite with original brick walls and floors.
36 W. Broughton Street
912.232.1500
One Fish Two Fish
Love this fun home store located in the downtown design district off Whitaker Street. This shop really captures the feel of today’s Savannah interiors.
401 Whitaker Street
912.447.4600
Play: Things to Do in Savannah
Owens-Thomas House by Telfair Museum
The finest example of English Regency architecture in America. It is fully restored and includes gardens and a carriage house. The best house museum tour in Savannah.
124 Abercorn Street
912.790.8889
Bonaventure Cemetery
Beautiful historic cemetery on the outskirts of Savannah. Made famous by the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the famous Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken are buried here. It sits on a back river with marsh views and it is breathtaking. Well worth a tour.
330 Bonaventure Road
Thunderbolt, Georgia
912.651.6843
SCAD Museum of Art
This is a new museum located in downtown Savannah mixed with historic architecture and modern architecture. It is one of the chicest museums in America. Developed and built by Savannah College of Art and Design, it is über-cutting edge surrounded by history.
601 Turner Boulevard
921.525.7191
Amanda Everard
Amanda Everard is president of Everard Auctions and Appraisals, an online auction venue in Savannah, where she has lived for the past 15 years. She is also an Antiques Roadshow appraiser and former vice president of English Furniture at Sotheby’s auction house in New York. Amanda is a historic house advocate, sitting on the board of the Owens-Thomas House and Andrew Low House in Savannah. She has two teenage children and a wonderful husband who agreed to leave the Northeast and make Savannah their home. No regrets, it’s a special place!
Eat: Restaurants + Bars in Savannah
The Grey
At this hip restaurant, located in a beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal, you will find a remarkable menu and refreshingly contemporary atmosphere.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
912.662.5999
Local 11ten
Off the beaten path and popular with locals, it features a fantastic roof bar and farm-to-table menu. Perfect for date night!
1110 Bull Street
912.790.9000
Soho South Cafe
One of my favorite lunch/brunch spots—I love the casual quirky interior and amazing down home cooking!
12 W. Liberty Street
912.233.1633
Gryphon
This cozy little place is run by Savannah College of Art and Design. It is like eating in a library—even your bill comes to you in a book.
337 Bull Street
912.525.5880
Stay: Savannah Hotels
The Brice Hotel
Modern hotel with impeccably designed rooms. There is a terrific lobby with a delicious Italian restaurant, Pacci.
601 E. Bay Street
912.238.1200
The Gastonian
The Gastonian is a classic B and B with traditional style rooms. It is both elegant and charming.
220 E. Gaston Street
912.232.2869
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
Located in an old red brick 19th century building. Picture Versace meets Victorian, with a marvelous upstairs bar with live music.
700 Drayton Street
912.238.5158
Shop: Local Gifts + Specialty Shops
Whitaker Design District
Along several blocks in the last stretch of Whitaker Street right before Forsyth Park, a quickly growing area known as the Design District is home to fantastic boutiques and one of the city’s most famous restaurants.
One Fish Two Fish
One Fish Two Fish offers unique home items, gifts, handbags and jewelry with The Annex across the street selling clothes. I get in trouble in both places!
401 Whitaker Street
912.447.4600
Arcanum
At Arcanum, the home goods and antiques are beautifully put together. I’d like to take it all home with me!
14 W Jones Street
912.236.6000
Courtland and Co
Gorgeous linens and monogramming with gifts and home accessories. It is run by two friends who both have great style. Their windows are always exquisite.
411 Whitaker Street
912.443.0065
If you are looking for more shopping, head to Broughton Street. This area is in the middle of a revitalization with major brands moving in: H&M, J. Crew, Club Monaco and lululemon, as well as Kendra Scott jewelry and plenty of lovely boutiques.
Play: Things to Do in Savannah
Tybee Island
Only a 25-minute drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee is a terrific spot for soaking up the sun and people watching by the pavilion. If you want a quieter spot, hit the “back beach” off Inlet Avenue, which is on the river side of the island. Great for little ones because it is calmer (shhhh—don’t tell!).
Tybee Island Social Club
While you’re at Tybee, hit the Tybee Island Social Club, known locally as Social, a cool spot to hang out, get a drink and try the pork tacos—divine! Don’t miss the fun bluegrass brunch on Sundays.
1311 Butler Avenue
912.472.4044
With my background, I am a sucker for museums. I would definitely hit the Jepson Center at Telfair Museum and the SCAD Museum of Art, which has constantly changing, interesting shows. Don’t forget Owens-Thomas House and Andrew Low House, my favorite house museums.
Jepson Center at Telfair Museum
207 W. York Street
912.790.8800
SCAD Museum of Art
601 Turner Boulevard
921.525.7191
Owens-Thomas House by Telfair Museum
124 Abercorn Street
912.790.8889
Andrew Low House
329 Abercorn Street
912.233.6854
It may seem trite, but the trolley tours of Savannah are worthwhile if you want to get acquainted with the city and learn some quick local history. There is a lot to see, and this is an ideal way to beat the heat and explore our beautiful city. I have actually taken the Hearse Ghost Tour at night where you ride around in an old hearse. It is good for a giggle after a couple of glasses of wine!
Hearse Ghost Tour
412 E. Duffy Street
912.695.1578
If you’re in town on a Saturday, go for an invigorating walk around the park, grab a cup of coffee at the Sentient Bean and then hit the Forsyth Park Farmers Market for excellent local produce, cheese and delicious homemade bread.
The Sentient Bean
13 E. Park Avenue
912.232.4447
Forsyth Farmers Market
Located at the south end of Forsyth Park between Bull Street and Park Avenue
912.484.0279
