Why Savannah Is One of America’s Most Presidential Cities
What if I told you Savannah has been welcoming U.S. Presidents for more than 200 years?
Long before Instagram and motorcades, this charming Southern city was toasting George Washington in 1791 — with so many parties (and so much Chatham Artillery Punch) that legend says he left a little tipsy. Fast forward to 2010, when Barack Obama slipped into Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for a surprise lunch. From powdered wigs to Secret Service, Savannah has been rolling out the red carpet for commanders-in-chief longer than almost any city its size — and the stories are as unforgettable as the city itself.
With Presidents Day falling on Monday, February 16th, I’ve designed the perfect day-long itinerary that’ll have you walking in the footsteps of America’s leaders while soaking up Savannah’s irresistible charm. Trust me, forget the mattress sale! This is so much better.
Don’t forget to download my Presidents Day Self-Guided Walking Tour for a beautifully curated journey through Savannah’s presidential history.
Morning Stops: George Washington’s Savannah Footsteps
Begin your tour on Johnson Square, where Washington attended Sunday services at Christ Church during his 1791 visit. Known as the “Mother Church of Georgia,” it was founded in 1733 as the first house of worship in the Georgia colony. The current structure (where my cousins Tasha Grene and Lauren Grene hosted their wedding ceremonies) isn’t the original. That one burned in the Great Fire of 1796, but today’s historic sanctuary is simply stunning in its Greek Revival architecture and still welcomes visitors and holds services on Sundays and Wednesdays if you’d like to experience it as Washington did.
Johnson Square is the home to the monument of Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, whose widow Catharine, hosted President Washington twice at her Mulberry Grove Plantation during his 1791 visit. Washington specifically made time to visit his old friend, showing his deep loyalty. Speaking of Catharine, I want to remind all ladies who take tours of Savannah that some of our streets have cobblestones and you need to pack the right kind of shoes. I love stylish sneakers that pair well with casual and dressy-casual clothes. This particular pair works well all day long and can be dressed up or down.
Next, walk to Washington Square (Houston and East St. Julian Streets), one of Savannah’s most peaceful squares. Laid out in 1790, it was named in 1791 specifically to honor President George Washington’s visit that year—making it one of only two squares named for a living person at the time. While there’s no monument here, the square’s serene beauty and surrounding 18th-century homes transport you back to that era when our first president strolled these very streets.
If you want to stay in a hotel where Presidents William McKinley, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson have stay, I recommend The DeSoto Hilton. It’s got one of the best locations in Savannah for strolls through our historic city.
Midday: Presidential Dining & Maritime Legacy
For lunch, head to Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (107 West Jones Street), where President Barack Obama delighted the lunch crowd in 2010. He famously told reporters, “I don’t want any lectures about my cholesterol. Don’t tell Michelle.” The family-style Southern cooking here is legendary—expect fried chicken, sweet potatoes, and enough sides to feed an army. Just know there’s always a line, so arrive early or be prepared to wait (it’s worth it). And, lucky for all my readers, here’s an insider’s tip. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room closes every January and is actually reopening on President’s Day, February 16th, 2026.
After lunch, visit the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum at the Scarborough House (41 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). This elegant 1819 mansion was built specifically to host President James Monroe during his visit that year to christen the U.S.S. Savannah—the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. The museum features ship models and maritime antiques, plus a replica of that famous steamship.
Afternoon: Squares & War Heroes of Presidential History
Next, head southeast 3-4 blocks to Orleans Square, which was designed in 1815. Its name commemorates General Andrew Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. At its center stands the German Memorial Fountain (erected in 1989), honoring Savannah’s German immigrants. The square is peaceful and shaded — a perfect pause between maritime history and Chippewa Square.
Since President Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) emerged as a major national hero, it’s fitting to visit Chippewa Square. This square was laid out in 1815 and was named in honor of American soldiers killed in the Battle of Chippawa during the War of 1812. Here you’ll find a monument of James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Province of Georgia, who established the city of Savannah in 1733.
Where Presidents Toasted Savannah: Historic Bars & Local Legends
End your day with a cold beer at The Original Pinkie Masters (318 Drayton Street), the dive bar where Georgia’s own President Jimmy Carter famously stood on the bar during his 1978 St. Patrick’s Day visit to thank supporters. Southern Living Magazine named it one of the “Best Dive Bars in the South,” and the atmosphere is pure Savannah. And, if you’d rather give a nod to Abraham Lincoln, Abe’s on Lincoln is my newest fave dive bar that I discovered recently. (You know it’s good when the recommendation comes from another dive bar server at Mint to Be Mojito Bar and Bites.)
This Presidents’ Day weekend, skip the ho-hum appliance sales and experience Savannah’s living presidential history. You’ll discover that our Hostess City earned that nickname by welcoming America’s most important guests with grace, hospitality, and just a little bit of that famous Chatham Artillery Punch.
Download my President’s Day Walking Tour Itinerary with clickable Google Maps links, optimized routing, and presidential backstories—so you can explore Savannah without the guesswork.
