Just south of Savannah sits Richmond Hill, Georgia—Henry Ford’s Southern Town and one of the most underrated summer destinations on the Coastal Georgia map. From a returning farmers market and Sunday trolley tours to a full-blown America 250 fireworks show, the calendar from May through July is stacked.
If you’re planning a trip to the Savannah area this summer, here’s what’s worth driving twenty minutes south for—and how to make a Sid Was Here vacation rental in Savannah your home base for all of it.
Why Richmond Hill Belongs on Your Summer Itinerary
Richmond Hill is twenty minutes south of Historic Savannah, twenty minutes north of the Ogeechee River, and a straight shot to Fort McAllister State Historic Park and the marshes of Bryan County. Henry Ford spent nearly twenty-five winters here, and the town’s Ford Avenue Historic District still carries his fingerprints—the Ford Bakery, Martha-Mary Chapel, and his winter residence among them.
For travelers staying in a Savannah short-term rental, Richmond Hill is the easy day trip you didn’t know you were going to take. Smaller crowds, free parking, real Southern hospitality, and a summer events calendar that punches well above its weight.
Recurring Weekend Events: Things to Do Every Saturday in Richmond Hill
Saturdays,3–6PM•J.F. Gregory Park•May through November
The Richmond Hill Farmers Market returned for its 2026 season on May 2 and runs every Saturday afternoon at J.F. Gregory Park through November. Expect fresh local produce, artisan goods, food trucks, live music, and a community vibe that makes it feel less like shopping and more like Saturday afternoon plans. Every dollar spent supports small businesses, local farms, and the rotating nonprofits the market champions each season.
If you’re staying in Savannah, the drive to J.F. Gregory Park takes about twenty-five minutes—easy to combine with a stop at Fort McAllister or dinner in town.
Cars & Coffee
First Saturdays, 9–11 AM•Richmond Hill History Museum•Through October
Vintage rides, restoration nerds, and good coffee at the Richmond Hill History Museum on the first Saturday of each month. The next dates are June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, and
October 3. Free to attend, free to wander, and a great way to start a Saturday before the heat sets in. Arrive early enough to also walk through the museum exhibits—the Henry Ford story is more interesting than you’d expect.
Spring Trolley Tour: Sunday, May 3
3 PM and 4 PM departures•Richmond Hill History Museum•$45 members / $60 public
A guided trolley tour of the Ford Avenue Historic District, with stops at the Ford Bakery, Martha-Mary Chapel, and Henry and Clara Ford’s winter residence. The Richmond Hill
Historical Society runs these a few times a year and tickets go quickly. If you’re in town on May 3, book ahead and arrive early to walk the museum exhibits before you board.
This is the kind of low-key, well-produced local experience you don’t find on the typical Savannah tourist track—and exactly why a base of operations slightly off the main strip is worth considering.
Memorial Day Weekend in Richmond Hill
Memorial Day weekend is a full slate in Bryan County, with two distinct events worth building a long weekend around.
Memorial Day Commemoration at Fort McAllister
Saturday, May 23•10 AM–2 PM•Fort McAllister State Park
Fort McAllister State Historic Park sits on the banks of the Ogeechee River and marks the end
of Sherman’s March to the Sea. On May 23, living history interpreters fire muskets and cannons throughout the day, and the fort, museum, and grounds are open for self-guided exploration. It’s part historical reenactment, part outdoor day in one of the prettiest state parks in coastal Georgia.
Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The grounds are larger than they look.
Memorial Day Ceremony at J.F. Gregory Park
Monday, May 25•11 AM•J.F. Gregory Park
The City of Richmond Hill’s official Memorial Day observance—a community ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in service. Quieter and more reflective than the Saturday commemoration, and a meaningful way to spend the morning before the holiday afternoon kicks in.
Independence Celebration & America 250: Saturday, June 27
4 PM until fireworks (~9 PM)•J.F. Gregory Park•Free admission and parking
This is the headline event of the summer. The City of Richmond Hill is celebrating America’s 250th birthday at J.F. Gregory Park with food trucks, an artisan market, a classic car show, wet and dry inflatables for kids, train rides, and live music starting at 6 PM with The Swingin’ Medallions—the party band of the South since 1962. The fireworks show goes off at sundown, around 9 PM.
Free admission. Free parking. America 250 only happens once. Worth planning a full Savannah-area weekend around.
More Outdoor Fun: Bryan County Bark Park & Coastal Recreation
If you’re traveling with a dog, the Bryan County Bark Park has water features, shaded play areas, and dedicated zones for big and small dogs—exactly what you need on a 90-degree Coastal Georgia afternoon. There’s also a Splash into Summer event at the park on June 27.
For something quieter, the Ogeechee River and the trails inside Fort McAllister State Park are the kind of marsh-and-live-oak scenery that made Henry Ford want to winter here in the first place.
Where to Stay: Sid Was Here Vacation Rentals in Savannah
Richmond Hill has charm, but Savannah has the inventory—and a Sid Was Here vacation rental in Savannah’s Historic District puts you twenty minutes from every event on this list and walking distance from Forsyth Park, River Street, and the city’s best restaurants.
A few reasons our guests keep coming back:
– Historic District locations with permits to legally operate as short-term rentals
– Direct booking discounts when you book through us instead of Airbnb or Vrbo
– Local team on the ground—we live here, we manage here, we know the area
– Spaces designed for groups—couples weekends, family reunions, and small gatherings welcome
Browse current availability at vacationrentalsavannahga.com or visit sidwashere.com to see what we’re about.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Richmond Hill from Savannah?
Richmond Hill is approximately twenty minutes south of Historic Savannah via I-95, making it an easy day trip from any Savannah-area vacation rental.
What’s the closest beach to Richmond Hill, GA?
Tybee Island is about forty-five minutes from Richmond Hill. From a Savannah-based rental, you can hit Tybee, Richmond Hill, and downtown Savannah all in the same trip.
Are Richmond Hill events kid-friendly?
Most are. The Farmers Market, Cars & Coffee, and the June 27 Independence Celebration are family-focused, with inflatables and train rides at the latter. The Memorial Day commemorations include cannon firings, which younger kids may find loud.
When does the Richmond Hill Farmers Market run?
Saturdays from 3 to 6 PM at J.F. Gregory Park, May through November.
Is parking free at J.F. Gregory Park?
Yes. Free parking and free admission for the June 27 Independence Celebration and most other park events.
Plan Your Coastal Georgia Summer
Between the trolley tours, the markets, Fort McAllister, and the America 250 fireworks, Richmond Hill is making a strong case for itself this summer. Pair it with a few days in Historic Savannah and you’ve got the kind of long weekend that earns its photos.
If you’re ready to book your stay, head to vacationrentalsavannahga.com and pick your dates. We’ll handle the rest.
About the Author
Julie Gates is the founder of Sid Was Here, a Savannah-based short-term rental management company, and the leader of Team 912 at RE/MAX Accent. She has been investing in the Savannah real estate market since 2004 and is a published BiggerPockets author (The 30-Day Stay) and Forbes Business contributor.
Browse current Savannah vacation rental availability at vacationrentalsavannahga.com or learn more about us at sidwashere.com.
Own a home here and thinking about renting it out? Take a look at our property management in Savannah.
