By Andrea Goto
The week leading up to my wedding was filled with last-minute errands, fittings, and making my programs the night before (re: don’t be like me). To survive, I scheduled in some much-needed bonding time with my bridal party and out-of-town guests. At the spa. With champagne. Lots of champagne.
My husband, however, needed help coming up with activities for the guys (17 years later, he still needs my help, but that’s another story…). Luckily, Savannah is a wealth of fun guy-centric activities, making a default trip to Hooters so…unoriginal (though I hear they have good wings, but I digress).
1. Go Fly a Kite
Hanging by the ocean on Tybee Island is fine, but it’s far better to fly over. The folks at AOK Watersports can hook you up with kiteboarding lessons or just the gear if you’ve already got the skills.
2. Take a Shot
Regardless if you prefer to shoot skeet, indoor targets, or your friends (I’m talking paintball, people), Savanah has a range for you. Outdoorsmen, check out The Rod and Gun Club, while indoorsmen should try Quickshot Shooting Range. Hoppers Paintball and Airsoft is an ammo-free alternative, but just remember, bruising of the flesh and ego may occur.
3. Get Paddled
Depending on how you want to tour the coastal waters, Savannah Canoe and Kayak can provide your party with paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, instruction, tours and most important, maps. If you aren’t early to the wedding, you’re late.
4. Hook Up
Just trying to make sure you’re still paying attention. Take your boys on a chartered fishing tour through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways—or even all the way out into the deep blue sea. The iconic Captain Judy and her team know Savannah’s waterways better than you know your wife’s birthday (you’re going to need to figure that out, buddy).
5. Put the Pedal to the…Cobblestone
It sounds ridiculous. It looks ridiculous. But I know firsthand how fun it can be to pedal with a group of friends through Savannah’s Historic District on the Savannah Slow Ride. And frequent stops at the local bars make for a consistent buzz. Helmets aren’t necessary, but maybe not the worst idea either.
6. Level Up
Yep, even gamers get married (or so I’m told). If this is you, head to The Chromatic Dragon, which is equal parts restaurant, bar and gamerspace. And that is all I have to say about that.
7. Let the Big Dog Eat
The South is a golfer’s paradise. Choose from a variety of courses—everything from a well-groomed muni and an executive par-3, to a Troon-managed course designed by Robert Cupp and Sam Snead. No, I don’t know what those things mean, but my husband tells me they matter.
8. Groom the Groom
If I were a guy, I’d still want the spa and champagne. And why not? Savannah Day Spa has a complete gentleman’s menu that includes massage, manicure and the manly sounding “Sports Facial.” Roar.
9. Raise a Glass
When all else fails, drink. But don’t drink just anywhere. Go the refined route at The Grey, a stylishly converted former Greyhound Station, or Artillery for craft cocktails and top-shelf bourbon (heads up: dress code). Or drop all pretenses and head to Treylor Park for a fried baloney sandwich and a PBR.
10. Get Hitched
Seriously, get to the church on time. And sober.