Written by Tyler Payne. Graphic by Ana Vergara.
Between cat cafes, pedal pubs and pirate festivals, it’s tempting to try as many of Savannah’s offerings as possible, but there’s something special about being a regular at that one place you click with. Stopping by every few days provides comfort, another safe place outside your dorm and a chance to connect with others. For those who haven’t found their spot yet, the number of options can be intimidating, but there are ways to pinpoint your next regular destination.
Simon Gonzalez, a fourth-year writing student, is a regular at E. Shaver Booksellers, both the Liberty and Starland locations. “It’s almost like a sanctuary to me,” he said. “As a book lover, it’s obviously appealing to me, but even beyond that, bookstores and book-filled spaces usually provide a nice environment to relax, get work done, and make new friends.”
Making those friends is one of the main advantages of being a regular somewhere. As college students, we have to find new social circles, and that can be scary. Interacting with people you see often, whether workers or other regulars, is a great first step to ease that burden. After all, you already have something in common.
David Krake is a fourth-year film and television student who’s connected with workers at Goose Feathers Cafe & Bakery. “A few employees recognize me and my girlfriend and we chat for a bit before having to move along and let other people through,” he says.
Gonzalez has felt the same at E. Shaver. “I’ve made friends with a couple employees that have noticed me constantly coming in for the past three years…Morgan and Emma are two that know my name and often are able to interact with me quite freely within the bookstore, which is nice.”
In the same way, it’s nice to return to a familiar physical environment when overwhelmed with new faces, classes, teachers and challenges. “While trying new places can be exciting, becoming a regular at a place you love can create a sense of belonging,” Krake said. “At Goose Feathers, I feel very comfortable and am always happy to be there.” Gonzalez feels similar, stating that while there are other bookstores in Savannah, he returns to E. Shaver because of the friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
So those are the benefits of being a regular, but how do you know which places you should frequent? One approach is to try locations that align with your values. For example, Gonzalez visits E. Shaver because he loves reading and supporting small businesses.
Another method is picking what’s most convenient. Since we’re already swamped with schoolwork and clubs, we should make our free time activities as easy as possible. Plus, SCAD dorms are spread throughout the city, and we all have different meal plans and weekly budgets, so what works best for one person won’t always work for another.
“Goose Feathers is close enough that I can walk there, the staff are incredibly friendly, the food isn’t crazy expensive, and they have the greatest Belgian waffles I’ve ever had,” Krake says. “Honorable mention to the croissants with chocolate drizzle too. Ten out of ten.”
He also mentions Sly’s Sliders and Fries, Tequila’s Town and Screamin Mimi’s as spots he loves that are easy for him to get to.
While Savannah isn’t the biggest city, there’s a staggering number of things to do. Hopefully this article narrows those options and gives you an idea of how to find a place you can call another home away from home.
Fun Spots to Try Around Town (and Where to Find Them)
- E. Shaver Booksellers
- 326 Bull St. (Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- E. Shaver Starland (second location)
- 1921 Bull St. (Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Goose Feathers Cafe & Bakery
- 39 Barnard St. (Open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
- Sly’s Sliders and Fries
- 1710 Abercorn St. (Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant
- 109 Whitaker St. (Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, hours vary)
- Tequila’s Town Sandfly (second location)
- 7360 Skidaway Road (Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, hours vary)
- Screamin Mimi’s Pizza
- 513 E Oglethorpe Ave (Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Pounce Cat Cafe
- 404 W Broughton St (Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Nerdheim Board Games, Comics, & Merch
- 106 E Broughton St (Open noon to 7 p.m, hours vary)
- Planet Fun Comics, Movies, & Video Games
- 127 E Broughton St (Open noon to 7 p.m.)
- Graveface Records & Curiosities
- 5 W 40th St. (Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Starland Strange and Bazaar Clothing
- 17 W 41st St. (Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Vintage Vortex Clothing
- 2413 Bull St. (Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
