“ We like to say that Savannah is ‘ historic but hip ,’” says Mindy Shea , director of tour and travel sales for Visit Savannah . “ While it boasts the largest urban historic district in America , with more than 1,000 historical buildings , it also has an energy and vibrancy that ’ s immediately evident .”

Many of Savannah ’ s group-friendly attractions demonstrate its dynamic history .

“ One of our country ’ s most notorious chapters comes to life in the city ’ s newest attraction , the American Prohibition Museum ,” says Shea . The museum is located in Savannah ’ s City Market , and it features dioramas , artifacts and life-sized figures of people that influenced the Prohibition Era , from its institution to its repeal .

“ It ’ s more than your classic , static museum , and guests will have the opportunity to relive history through state-of-the-art technology , costumed docents and multimedia presentations ,” says Shea . Groups can also sample craft cocktails and learn about mixology in a speakeasy-inspired private event space .

Another one of the city ’ s popular experiences , Savannah Riverboat Cruises , has added a new ship to its fleet . The newly renovated Georgia Queen was built as a casino boat in 1995 and underwent a $ 4 million conversion before arriving in Savannah . The ship features three ballrooms and an open-air top deck , and its 1,000-passenger capacity makes it the largest riverboat of its kind in the U . S .

For tour operators looking to package the city , Shea suggests considering the late fall . “ While springtime will always be an ideal time to visit , don ’ t forget November and December ,” she says . “ The weather is still mild as we head into the holiday season , with many exciting events and performances .”

“ If your groups haven ’ t been here before , they want to come . And if they ’ ve been here before , they want to come back !”

For more information about Savannah attractions , contact Shea at mshea @ visitsavannah . com or go to visitsavannah . com .

American Prohibition Museum

AMERICAN PROHIBITION MUSEUM

TOP : GEORGIA QUEEN

32 June 2017