A fun weekend escape to Savannah -- with kids

Yes, it's true. Even single parents can experience Savannah's romance and history with kid(s) in tow. I wasn't certain I believed it, so I decided to give it a try.

But at less than four hours and a half tank of gas away, it's comparable to a metro Atlanta rush hour drive (except that you're moving and the scenery actually changes!).

And there really are things you can do there with kids -- Savannah is more than bars and historical significance that kids 'won't get.' So, rest assured, you can take the kids to Savannah the next time you're feeling a short break.

My 2-year-old was enamored with the trolleys rambling across the city; bikers (without helmets -- gasp!) and pedestrian traffic were just her style.

Walking on cobblestone streets was a new challenge, and the infamous candy store is never far from where you may be (if you're used to being in Atlanta, that is) if you need a bribe (er, break). And that applies to both parents and kids.

After driving past beautiful historical homes and realizing we were only twenty minutes from the beaches of Tybee Island, my daughter declared, "I want to live here!"

If you're going to be in Savannah with kids, there are a few places you won't want to miss:

• Tybee Island - It's only a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah (a breeze, when you're used to driving around metro Atlanta). Beaches, surf shops, local dives and local artists -- it's worth spending the day!
• The Crab Shack (Tybee Island) - A 'can't miss' for all tourists. You can feed alligators (with bamboo fishing poles!) in a small pond outside the restaurant (for a small fee, of course).
• Oatland Island Wildlife Center - Pack a picnic lunch and plan to explore. For nominal admission, your kids will wear themselves out and see some things that I bet they haven't before -- specifically, wolves. Up close.
• Uncle Bubba's Oyster House - Really, really, good food -- though you can probably count on a crowd.
• The Lady & Sons - I mention this for only one reason: It's a tourist stop and my daughter and I both got sick as dogs after eating there. So, consider yourself warned.
• Leopold's Ice Cream Shop - Who won't pay a little more for good ice cream (and some history, too)?
• Forsyth Park - A beautiful green space full of bike riders, pedestrians, and dog-walkers. A fountain helps keep the little ones cool in summer, so be sure to bring a towel along.
• Pirate's House - The food is overrated, so plan to hit them up for lunch, not dinner. But the atmosphere is unique and the kids will enjoy constructing a pirate hat, and perhaps making you wear the paper moustache and earring because they pinch little ones. (Not that I have any experience with that or anything ...)
• Public Aquarium - We didn't make it over there during our visit, but Savannah also touts a public aquarium.

Clearly, my 2-year-old and I had a fantastic time on our trip to Savannah. There's plenty to do for children of any age (including yourself!).

Did we miss something on our visit? Please share your favorite family-friendly Savannah spots below!

I couldn't possibly leave this post without a thanks to Moss Vacations. We enjoyed every moment in your beautiful, historic green home! It was close to everything and we couldn't have loved it more! We can't wait to return.

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