Starland District: Murals, Makers, and Modern Art

Walking tour in Savannah

1 hr 30 min
Duration
6
Stops
Easy
Difficulty
artneighborhoodlifestyle

About This Tour

Step away from the Spanish moss and historic squares to discover the creative heartbeat of the city on this self-guided neighborhood stroll through the Starland District. What was once a neglected industrial corridor has been transformed by artists, bakers, and entrepreneurs into Savannah’s most vibrant cultural hub. This walking route invites you to explore the intersection of Southern tradition and modern grit, where mid-century architecture meets cutting-edge murals. On this self-guided walk, you will experience the eclectic soul of the 'Starland' name—originally derived from the historic Starland Dairy. The journey begins with the bizarre and fascinating oddities of the Graveface Museum before moving into the aromatic world of Tex-Mex coffee culture and artisanal Southern baking. As you navigate the grid, you will encounter the workspaces of hundreds of local creatives at ARTS Southeast and witness how shipping containers have been upcycled into a thriving community social space at Starland Yard. This is not your typical walking tour Savannah experience; it is an invitation to see how a community can reinvent itself through art and collaboration. Whether you are a fan of contemporary art, a craft beer enthusiast, or someone who loves uncovering hidden gems, this route provides a curated look at Savannah’s modern lifestyle. You can set your own pace, stopping for a taco, browsing through vinyl records, or photographing the ever-changing street art that adorns the district’s brick walls. By the time you reach the final stop at a local microbrewery, you will understand why Starland is the neighborhood where Savannah’s locals actually live, work, and play. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those looking to go beyond the guidebooks and experience the authentic, evolving spirit of the Hostess City of the South. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

  • The quirky and macabre collections at the Graveface Museum
  • Award-winning Southern treats at Back In The Day Bakery
  • Vibrant murals and street art scattered throughout the district
  • The innovative shipping container design of Starland Yard
  • Local contemporary art galleries and studios at ARTS Southeast
  • Small-batch craft brews at Two Tides Brewing Co.

Route Map

Route map for Starland District: Murals, Makers, and Modern Art

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Graveface Museum

Welcome to the start of your Starland exploration at one of Savannah's most unique institutions. The Graveface Museum is a testament to the quirky and often dark side of American subculture. Founded by Ryan Graveface, owner of the nearby record store, this museum houses an extensive collection of oddities, taxidermy, and true crime memorabilia. As you stand outside, consider how this space sets the tone for the neighborhood—unapologetically original and fiercely independent. The museum even features a boutique pinball arcade. It’s a place that celebrates the fringe, much like the Starland District itself, which rose from the ruins of abandoned buildings to become a sanctuary for the city's counter-culture.

2

Foxy Loxy Cafe

Just a short walk away is Foxy Loxy Cafe, a beloved local anchor that perfectly blends a Tex-Mex cantina with a traditional coffeehouse. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home, this spot represents the 'lifestyle' portion of our walk. It is a central meeting point for students from the Savannah College of Art and Design and neighborhood residents. The courtyard here often hosts live music and fire pits in the evening. Take a moment to notice the transition from the historic architecture of the house to the modern, artistic energy inside. It’s a prime example of how Starland preserves Savannah's bones while breathing new life into its interiors.

3

ARTS Southeast

As you continue, you’ll arrive at ARTS Southeast, the nonprofit heart of the Starland art scene. Formerly known as Sulfur Studios, this massive building provides studio space to dozens of local artists. The ground floor features a gallery with rotating exhibitions that change frequently, showcasing everything from experimental sculpture to traditional Southern photography. Because the art here is contemporary and the exhibitions are temporary, there is always something new to see. This stop highlights the 'Makers' of our route; it’s where the actual work of creating Savannah’s modern identity happens. Peer through the windows or step inside to see the district’s creative engine in motion.

4

Back In The Day Bakery

Prepare your senses for a stop at Back In The Day Bakery. Founded by Cheryl Day, a self-taught baker and James Beard Award nominee, this bakery has gained national acclaim for its commitment to 'old-fashioned' Southern baking. The aesthetic inside is a mix of vintage charm and artisan craft, reflecting the neighborhood's appreciation for quality and history. While the menu changes, their biscuits and cupcakes are legendary. This bakery was one of the early pioneers that helped revitalize this section of Bull Street. It serves as a reminder that the Starland District’s renaissance was built on the passion of individual makers who believed in the power of community and a really good piece of cake.

5

Starland Yard

Welcome to Starland Yard, a modern town square built from recycled shipping containers. This space revolutionized the local social scene by providing a permanent home for rotating food trucks and a central bar. The open-air design and vibrant murals surrounding the 'Yard' make it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. It sits on the site of a former dairy, and today it serves as the ultimate neighborhood backyard. Note the large-scale street art on the adjacent buildings; these pieces are often updated during local art festivals. It’s a great place to witness the casual, inclusive, and creative vibe that defines the Starland lifestyle today.

6

Two Tides Brewing Co.

Our final stop is Two Tides Brewing Co., located in a striking, light-filled 110-year-old house. This small-batch brewery focuses on unique, experimental beers—from sour ales to hazy IPAs—that you won't find anywhere else. The taproom upstairs maintains the original layout of the home, creating a cozy, living-room atmosphere that encourages conversation. The label art for their cans is often designed by local artists, further weaving the brewery into the Starland creative fabric. It is the perfect place to conclude your self-guided adventure, reflecting on the murals and makers you've encountered while enjoying a literal taste of the neighborhood’s modern craft culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those interested in contemporary art and local makers, a self-guided walk through the Starland District is the best option. Unlike the historic tours of the downtown squares, this route focuses on murals, artist studios like ARTS Southeast, and the modern creative community.

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