I must admit, I get annoyed by the overuse of the phrase TOURIST TRAP!
CAMBRIDGE DICTIONARY defines it as 'a crowded place that provides entertainment and things to buy for tourists, often at high prices.' The problem I have with this definition applying to Savannah's City Market is it's in the heart of the downtown historic district where the high rent in any downtown area in any city is common and drives up prices. Comparatively speaking, I didn't find the pricing at any of the shops to be unreasonable or outrageous when considering the location.
My other annoyance with the phrase TOURIST TRAP is Savannah's Downtown area is filled with plenty of interesting places to just walk in and observe without coming out of your pocket for anything unless you feel so inclined. Besides, it's not really your traditional Street Market with souvenirs and knick-knacks (although there is a souvenir store), but more of a gathering of random business sandwiched between two historic parks and flooded with music, impromptu dancing and pedal-powered street cars loaded with highly entertaining alcohol-induced passengers.
There's a cookie bakery, pizzeria, whimsical art gallery, nearby escape rooms, and an assortment of restaurants, bars, sweet treats and places to enjoy frozen adult drinks. Nearby Franklin Square and Ellis Square give room for families or couples to just chill out and take in the robust atmosphere while also providing a place to rest and eat... and eat you will!!! Surrounding City Market are an impressive number of eateries, tap houses, tapa's and take-out!
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BLACK HISTORY
However, the City Market does not get it's name from the shops and businesses you see today. It instead derives its name from its true heritage as a place to buy and sell food like fruit, vegetables, and meat, as well as livestock since its original founding in 1733. According to the City Market website, by 1755 it was not only the hotspot for fishermen and farmers to sell their goods, but also where the horse drawn carriages would drop off all the locals for social and commercial gatherings.
What the website does not discuss is the 3 story building across from the Visitor Center @ Ellis Square. It currently houses WOOF GANG BAKERY and BLUE/GREEN Vacations, but was once upon a time a place where slaves were held/sold like cattle on the upper floor and was known as The Montmollin Building. According to some sources, the owners of this building continued to host and sell slaves even AFTER the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. It only became slave free when General Sherman's "March to the Sea" captured Savannah, ending slavery by physical force. The building eventually turned it into a school for freed slaves, but it seems no markers are present to acknowledge its historical significance.
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[ FINAL THOUGHTS ]
So there you have it! City Market is not only historically significant, but a fun stop in a continuous walkable loop of Savannah's Downtown that spans from the Savannah Railroad Visitors Center to the highly popular River Street and back down to Forsyth Park! We particularly enjoy visiting City Market @ night when the bar scene comes alive with music and humorous people to watch! Nothing like a Friday night, live music and alcohol induced drinks to make for good people watching! It may not be everyone's cup of Southern Sweet Tea, but we enjoy it immensely when visiting!
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