Wilshire Estates-Savannah Mall - Savannah, GA Area Guide

James Oglethorpe landed in Savannah in 1733 on an expedition from Britain. Greeted by the Yamacraw Indians, Oglethorpe and a group of settlers gained trust of the Indians and began to establish the area. Savannah remains well-known as the oldest planned city in the United States and the first state capital of Georgia. Today, Savannah has over 142,000 residents.

Along with a rich history, Savannah and Wilshire Heights provide an active cultural scene for visitors and residents alike.

Located just to the north of Wilshire Heights, the Savannah Children's Museum has many hands-on activities for children of all ages. Each year, the museum hosts the Seuss Fest in March. Participants can take part in story time, sample some green eggs and ham, and create a variety of arts and crafts.

The Wilshire Estates – Savannah Mall neighborhood lies close to a wide range of eateries on Abercorn Extension. You can locate everything from fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries to International cuisine and locally-owned establishments. Regardless of your tastes, you can definitely find something to satisfy your appetite.

The Tangerine Fusion and Sushi Bar serves up fresh European and Japanese menu items in an elegant and romantic atmosphere. This small establishment features intimate tables with small touches, including flowers and linen tablecloths. Be sure to taste the Fusion stir-fry with chicken and shrimp, organic vegetables, and mixed nuts. Locals also swoon over the sea bass fillet, which can be cooked any way you like it.

For some of the best Southern eats in the surrounding area, Carey Hilliard's has several drive-up restaurants in the Savannah neighborhood. This family friendly establishment serves everything from pulled pork and chicken barbecue to grilled oysters and ribs. Sample a large helping of the Boom Boom shrimp, or start your meal with an order of crab stew. The restaurant caters special occasions and banquets, and families with children can appreciate the kids menu.

Residents of Wilshire Estates and the Savannah Mall neighborhood can find plenty of excitement at night and on the weekends in the area and in downtown Savannah. One of the largest hot spots among both tourists and those who live close by, the Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos bar features lively entertainment, pub food and a great atmosphere for after-work activities. The club also has a 6-foot by 4-foot TV to watch the big game.

Whether you enjoy walking, riding a bike or driving your own vehicle, Wilshire Heights provides a variety of transportation options.

For those who own their own vehicle, automobile transport remains the most popular method of travel in the area. Lying in close proximity to Interstate 16 and Veteran's Memorial Parkway, Wilshire Heights has excellent access to the city. You should also have no problem finding free parking at nearly all shopping lots and businesses. If you travel downtown, you should try parking in a parking garage, which charges a flat rate for all day. Metered parking also remains available but can be expensive.

Wilshire Heights lies within the Uber access area, and you can also use the Chatam Area Transit buses to take you to downtown and various spots around the county. Savannah remains well-known for its accessibility on foot or by bike. So much so that you can find several shared bike stands in downtown.

Residents can't hail a cab in Savannah. Instead, if you need a cab ride, you can call one of the local services to schedule a pickup.

Exercise and outdoor activity remains easily accessible in the Wilshire Heights area. The Lake Meyer Park on Abercorn Street features sports courts and fields for organized sports and a community center with a pool. The center provides several fitness classes at a low cost to its members. You can also enjoy fishing and picnic pavilions. If you have pets who enjoy socializing with other dogs, Daffin Dog Park provides plenty of open space in a safe and enclosed area.

For those who love participating in annual events, each year the Savannah Convention Center hosts the 8K Reindeer Run, which benefits the Savannah Rape Crisis Center.

The cost of living in the Wilshire Heights and Savannah Mall area of Savannah hovers around two percent greater than the city average even though housing costs remain low. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $640 a month, and a beer at a local pub costs around $5 a glass. To travel to downtown, buses charges a flat rate of $1.50 per ride, and the average cost of a gallon of gas lies 1.2 percent lower than the national average.

Wilshire Heights remains conveniently located next to the Savannah Mall, which features major shops, such as Dillard's, Bath and Body Works, Game Stop, and a host of other shops and restaurants. Aside from this major shopping mall, this area also provides a variety of discount shops and high-end boutiques for the savviest of shoppers.

For children's clothes and baby items, Punch and Judy has a large selection of reasonably priced items for kids of all ages. Whether you want unusual gift ideas or you want to decorate your baby's nursery, this shop has everything you need. You can even find grownup gifts for a new mother-to-be, including scented candles, slippers, and glider rockers.

If you want to outfit your wardrobe in the latest fashions, Francesca's carries an array of modern styles and accessories for all occasions. The shop has a website, so you can shop online, purchase gift cards for birthdays and holidays, and even sign up for the shop's mailing list. Along with clothing and accessories, you can also find home decor and jewelry.

For groceries, residents typically make a stop at Publix or the Walmart Supercenter. If you need specialty items, including ethnic foods and spices that you can't normally find in the grocery aisle, the Savannah State Farmer's Market can be found on U.S. 80. The market also sells locally grown fruits and vegetables and flowers.