Not far from the madding crowd of Charleston’s hip but chaotic nightlife lies the tranquil enclave of Savannah. Shrouded in myth and mystery, with hidden nooks and crannies at every corner, there is always something new to explore.

The two-hour drive from Charleston to Savannah was something to behold: along the way, we passed traditional Georgia peach stands and beautiful old oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

The city itself – if you can call it that – is the oldest in the state of Georgia. It might be a city by nature, but it’s a calm oasis from the the hustle and bustle of the rest of the US. Words simply don’t do it justice. The streets are full of pretty, historic homes, with cobbled squares, charm and beauty.

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The Luca Theatre for the Arts in Abercorn Street, right at the edge of the centre of town, is a beautiful 1920s style cinema.

With its plush red seats, gorgeous light fixtures and grand balconies, its like stepping back in time. We were lucky enough to catch Breakfast at Tiffany’s. At around $10 a ticket (prices can vary depending on the show) it was well worth the trip – even if it was just to get away from Savannah’s stifling humidity for a couple of hours.

The next morning, we were more than ready to explore and our first stop was Forsyth Park: Savannah’s answer to Kew Gardens.

It is full of stunning architecture and gardens but its piece de resistance is the fountain. Its peaceful vibe was a welcome tonic for this Londoner.

Take the Old Town Trolley Tour where you can sit back, relax and soak in some of the culture.

Prices are $34 per person so a little steep, and while the tour was an enjoyable experience, and quirkier than those offered in other states, I do not think it is worth the price.

We whipped around the historical sites but it was sometimes hard to follow and hard to hear from our seats at the back of the bus.

Nevertheless, our driver was entertaining and the actors who jump on board at some of the stops to allow passengers to relive events through their eyes.

Get off the trolley tour at City Market, Savannah’s historic centre. Here, you will find an eclectic enclave full of artists selling their work and market stalls selling overpriced trinkets to tourists, but it’s still an enjoyable walk-through.

In the square you will find the American Prohibition Museum. The tour is self-guided but actors in period costume are on hand to answer questions. It was interesting to hear the background stories that led to prohibition and the reasoning behind it.

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Seeing the old newspaper articles and hearing the stories of those on both side of the argument made me grateful to live in a world where free speech is so valued.

The perfect mix of history and humour and well-worth a visit. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $9 for children.

Don’t leave Savannah without going to Leopold’s Ice Cream. The line almost always snakes out of the door but don’t let that put you off – it’s worth the wait, and the calories. They even have a few vegan options.

Savannah is an unbeatable destination for people looking for an intriguing insight into southern culture and charm.