To anyone who's seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and wondered if Savannah could possibly be that strange/quirky/beautiful/haunted/charming, the answer is YES, absolutely. Not only does Mercer House from the movie exist, but the former owner's sister still lives there and keeps her home open as a museum. Architectural Tours of Savannah takes visitors into other historic homes and buildings, or you can do an informal self-guided tour of the Savannah Landmark Historic District. Grab a trolley or a horse and buggy or, if the weather's temperate, take a stroll. With 22 public squares dotting the city, there's always a shady place to rest when you're tired of exploring. Historic mansions always lead to good ghost tours—if those interest you, explore the city with Sixth Sense Savannah. Or learn about Savannah's Civil War history at Old Fort Pulaski. Major city landmarks include Forsyth Fountain, First African Baptist (an Underground Railroad stop), and City Market. River Street is a famous promenade with cute sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and shopping. Bring the kids to Savannah Candy Kitchen for a free sample of the signature pralines.

Southern hospitality and old customs prevail in this graceful antebellum city, which was founded in 1733. It's one of the South's most romantic cities, but also welcomes families and other groups. It's LGBT-friendly and a favorite of boomers. It's also becoming known as a foodie destination, with several cooking schools teaching tourists about its signature Southern Coastal cuisine. The beaches of Tybee Island are 18 miles away.