Starland District: Savannah’s Funky, Artsy Playground

Savannah’s coolest neighborhood, the Starland District, is a quirky haven brimming with creativity. 

I love Broughton Street — don’t get me wrong. This upscale thoroughfare, with shops like the Paris Market, the Savannah Bee Company and Urban Outfitters, has an undeniable charm. 

But I wanted something edgier, fresher and a little less polished. Enter the Starland District, a neighborhood born from the bones of an old dairy at the end of the ’90s and now pulsing with creativity.

“The Starland District: a neighborhood born from the bones of an old dairy and now pulsing with creativity.”

History of the Starland District

In 1999, two SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) graduates, Patrick Shay and Eric Saller, stumbled upon the derelict Starland Dairy, a once-bustling pasteurized milk plant that had been abandoned for years. The dairy, established in the early 1900s and adorned with an iconic red star, had become a canvas for graffiti and a symbol of neglected Savannah. 

Rather than tearing it down, like any good SCAD student, they saw potential in its crumbling walls and industrial charm. With a love for historic preservation, they bought the two-block complex for a modest sum and set to work.

Their vision was simple yet radical: transform the decaying dairy into a community space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Over time, the Starland Dairy became a hub for studios, galleries and workshops, injecting new life into the surrounding neighborhood. The district took its name from this centerpiece, with the “Starland” moniker honoring the dairy’s heritage.

Today, the Starland District remains an eclectic haven where SCAD students, local artists and Savannah’s quirkier residents converge. It’s colorful, messy in the best way and delightfully rebellious. Between the murals, mismatched furniture on café patios and the unmistakable hum of creativity, this neighborhood feels alive in a way that’s entirely its own. Exactly what I was craving.

Highlights of the Starland District 

Starland Strange & Bazaar

📍 17 West 41st Street

“It’s less curiosity shop and more Anthropologie,” I told Duke as we peered through the window of Starland Strange & Bazaar, closed for the day (Monday, for those taking notes). Instead of shrunken heads and oddities, we spotted racks of stylish women’s clothing and tables with boho-chic housewares. And because Starland loves a quirky twist, there’s also an ice cream shop inside.

Graveface Records & Curiosities

📍 5 West 40th Street

Part record store, part curiosity shop, Graveface is a delightful Wonderland of vinyl and weirdness. The records I was interested in were all around $20 to $30), but it was the curiosities that grabbed our attention: vintage taxidermy, antique Ouija boards and other objects you can’t decide if they’re creepy or cute. It’s like stepping into your cool goth cousin’s attic. 

Note: The Graveface Museum, located across town and owned by the same guy, showcases a fascinating collection of horror-themed artifacts, vintage pinball machines and true crime memorabilia.

Flora and Fauna

📍 2401 Bull Street

This French-inspired café sits right on the corner and feels like a postcard come to life. The Jessica’s chicken salad sandwich was great, but let me tell you about Duke’s mushroom conserve baguette: earthy, savory, life-changing. It wasn’t just a sandwich; it was a spiritual experience. Pair it with a latte and one of their delectable pastries, and soak in the sunny, vintage vibes. It’s the kind of place where you make new friends standing in line and time seems to slow down (until you realize you’ve devoured the entire baguette in under five minutes).

Starlandia

📍 2438 Bull Street

Forget those fancy-schmancy overpriced art stores; this place is an artist’s paradise. Starlandia lets you buy and sell used art supplies, so it’s a treasure hunt every time. Brushes, paints, canvases, elastic to make bracelets — they’ve got it all, often for a fraction of the cost. I even found a stash of gently used books. Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to the tiny shrimp swimming around in their tank by the register. 

Lite Foot Company

📍 2400 Bull Street

Going green has never looked so stylish. We weren’t quite sure what the Lite Foot Company was — but we certainly didn’t realize it was a go-to for eco-friendly everything. Think reusable straws, biodegradable glitter and chic tote bags that state, “I care about the planet.” It’s the kind of place that makes you want to upcycle your life and live sustainably ever after.

The Wormhole

📍 2307 Bull Street

A dive bar with personality, the Wormhole is a no-frills spot where you can catch all sorts of live music, comedy or the occasional karaoke night. It’s the kind of place where the drinks are strong, the crowd is diverse, and the vibe is unpretentious. Their lineup is always surprising — one night, it’s punk rock, the next, stand-up comedians testing their material.

Arts Southeast

📍 2301 Bull Street

Carrying the Starland torch, Arts Southeast is a dynamic hub for the city’s creative community. Established in 2014 by local artists, it offers 26 private artist studios, the Ellis Gallery for rotating exhibitions, and the On::View Artist Residency, which provides artists with high-visibility studio space to engage with the public. This nonprofit organization is  dedicated to making Savannah a cultural destination, hosting community events like the monthly First Friday Art March, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for both emerging and established artists.

Water Witch

📍 2220 Bull Street

Water Witch tiki bar, named after the ill-fated U.S.S. Water Witch — a Civil War-era gunboat with a reputation for attracting bad luck — channels its legendary spirit into bold cocktails and an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Mai Tai or something bold and original, this is where your taste buds get to travel. Soak in the island-inspired charm, perfect for date night or catching up with friends — no SPF required. 

The Vault Kitchen & Market

📍 2112 Bull Street

Housed in a renovated historic bank building, the Vault effortlessly blends industrial charm with sleek modern design. The menu is just as inspired as the setting, featuring everything from sushi rolls to dumplings to creative entrées that leave your tastebuds begging for more. Whether you’re here for the incredible cocktails or the vibe, the Vault delivers. Perfect for date night or a lunch with friends, this spot is as chic as it is delicious.

Stump

📍 1612 Bull Street

Plant lovers, rejoice! Stump is a boutique plant shop specializing in rare and gorgeous greenery. Whether you’re looking for a monstera that’ll take over your living room or a low-maintenance succulent, they’ve got you covered. The staff is knowledgeable, so even if you’re a notorious plant killer, they’ll set you up for success. 

Stump also offers First Friday workshops, where plant lovers can get hands-on tips for caring for greenery, create their own terrariums, or learn the art of plant styling in a fun and welcoming setting.

Woof Gang

📍 1601 Bull Street

If you’re traveling with a furry friend — or have a special dog in your life — this place is a must. Woof Gang offers gourmet treats (think dog-friendly cupcakes), premium toys and grooming services. It’s basically a day spa for your pet.

E. Shaver Booksellers

📍 1919 Bull Street

This bookstore is a reader’s paradise. The shelves are divided into well-curated sections, and there’s a small bar in the back serving coffee and cocktails. Bonus: It’s an annex of a historic gingerbread-style home, giving it an extra layer of charm. It’s the kind of place you’ll “stop by for five minutes” and emerge from two hours later with a pile of books and a latte (or prosecco) buzz.

They host a variety of monthly book clubs by genre, including sci-fi and fantasy, romance, mystery, graphic novels and even one devoted to Jane Austen.  

Additionally, their podcast, Pull Your Shelf Together, features co-owners Melissa Taylor and Jessica Osborne discussing their latest reads and offering book recommendations.

Foxy Loxy Cafe

📍 1919 Bull Street

A sister establishment to the bookstore, the café offers Tex-Mex-inspired bites, craft coffee and a selection of wines. What sets it apart is the spacious backyard, complete with twinkling lights and fire pits — perfect for sipping a cortado or enjoying their famous tacos al fresco. They often host live music and s’more-themed Fire & Wine Saturdays, making it a true community gem.

With Love Tattoo

📍 1917 Bull Street, Suite A

Most tattoo parlors embrace the edgy in their iconography, but this one leans into the cutesy. With Love Tattoo is where artistry meets ink. Known for its diverse team of talented artists, the studio specializes in creating custom pieces tailored to each client’s unique vision — whether you’re into delicate line work, bold traditional designs or intricate black-and-grey realism. The shop’s warm, welcoming vibe makes it as inviting for first-timers as it is for tattoo veterans. Even if you’re not ready for ink, the artwork on display is worth a visit.

Neighborhood Comics

📍 1205 Bull Street

Neighborhood Comics caters to hardcore collectors and casual readers alike, with a mix of indie comics, graphic novels and pop culture merchandise. The staff is passionate and always ready to help you find your next fave read. Quirky displays are set up throughout the store — Wally was particularly smitten with the one of Deadpool as Forrest Gump.

They also feature a monthly artist-in-residence program, giving local and visiting comic artists a space to create, showcase their work and connect with fans.

Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe

📍 1514 Bull Street

This family-friendly café is equal parts cozy coffeeshop and creative playground. There’s a full menu of specialty coffees and baked goods, including vegan donuts. They regularly host art classes for kids, so parents can sip a latte while their little ones explore their inner Picasso. The art on display is often created by local children, giving the place a sweet, community-focused vibe.

Star Attractions of Starland in Savannah 

Starland District is Savannah at its quirkiest and most creative. It’s a hood where every corner holds a surprise — and possibly a new friend. So skip the usual downtown haunts and come see what all the buzz is about. –Wally

From Freaks to Serial Killers: The Dark Wonders of Graveface Museum

Dive into a world of roadside oddities, taxidermy curiosities, cult memorabilia and chilling true crime tales — including the legacies of Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy — at Graveface Museum.

The devil’s in the details: the iconic entrance to the Graveface Museum

If your idea of the perfect afternoon includes taxidermied animals, Church of Satan memorabilia, paintings made by a serial killer, and an arcade filled with vintage monster-themed pinball machines, then the Graveface Museum might just be your new happy place. Tucked away in Savannah, Georgia’s historic Byck building along the cobblestoned Factors Walk, this one-of-a-kind museum is a must-visit for enthusiasts of the macabre, the mysterious and the downright bizarre.

Originally, Duke and I had planned a day trip to Savannah with my mom, but she decided to sit this one out due to the blustery, cold winter weather. With just the two of us making the trip, we decided to explore some of the city’s more unusual shops and attractions. 

We took an Uber from Hilton Head, South Carolina and had the driver drop us off in the artsy Starland district. It was here among the shops that we stumbled upon Graveface Records & Curiosities, a combination vinyl and oddities shop founded by Ryan Graveface — a musician, record label owner and lifelong collector of all things peculiar. (Something tells me he would get along well with Ryan and Regina Cohn, whom we’ve dubbed the King and Queen of Oddities.)

After exploring the Starland district and other aspects of quirky Savannah, we made our way to Bay Street. The Graveface Museum is tucked away in the historic Byck building at 420 East Factors Walk, a cobblestone thoroughfare sandwiched between River Street and Bay Street. Keep an eye out: This hidden gem isn’t as obvious as the tourist stops along the river — but that only adds to its allure. 

The museum pays homage to all things creepy or unusual.

A Grave Undertaking 

The museum opened in February 2020 (right before the pandemic hit, gulp) as a passion-project-turned-immersive-experience. Given that Ryan’s last name is Graveface, an affinity for the macabre seems inevitable. With a mission to preserve and showcase the stranger aspects of history, he’s curated an eclectic mix of roadside attractions, true crime artifacts, cult memorabilia and secret society paraphernalia, among other peculiarities.

Highlights include the largest private collection of John Wayne Gacy’s paintings, artifacts from Ed Gein’s notorious crimes, and exhibits on topics ranging from Satanism to UFO cults. The museum also features a free pinball arcade, offering visitors a chance to unwind after exploring its darker displays.

The eclectic gift shop

Enter Through the Gift Shop

Your journey into the macabre begins in a gift shop that’s as offbeat as the museum itself. Part retail space, part curiosity cabinet, it’s stocked with horror-themed merchandise, oddities and hilariously gory painted movie posters from Ghana, Africa. It’s an appetizer for the weirdness that lies ahead.

Sunny days…with a side of terror: Ernie and Bert masks up front

The $25 entrance fee might seem a bit steep, but if you’re into all things weird, it’s worth it. The staff is brimming with enthusiasm, eager to share their knowledge of the unusual. With your ticket in hand, you’re ready to step into a world where the bizarre, the dark and the fascinating collide. Step right up — into the gaping maw of a bright red devil.

The first room of the museum houses medical oddities like the Spiderfawn.

The Tour Begins: Roadside Oddities

The first room welcomes you into a world of roadside curiosities — an homage to the kitschy, the creepy and the oddly endearing. Here, you’ll find displays of “freaks of nature”: a taxidermied faun with two heads and extra legs, and Clementine, a calf with five legs — a mix of biology gone awry and human fascination with the unnatural.

But not everything is what it seems. This room dives into the art of Homer Tate, nicknamed the “King of Gaffes” for devising grotesque, cobbled-together creations that once dazzled and duped carnival-goers, including a few variations of the infamous Fiji mermaid. Our favorite was the one called Fish Girl, which incorporated the red hair of Tate’s wife and a cat’s teeth. 

This Fiji mermaid is a hoax by Homer Tate, who used his wife’s hair and his cat’s teeth.

Apparently, Tate also produced shrunken heads — some fake, some real! — and was arrested for grave robbing. However, since he was the town sheriff, he didn’t spend have to worry about spending time behind bars.

Also in this first room are dioramas of taxidermied critters that reveal a peculiar Victorian obsession: crafting miniature scenes featuring preserved animals in quirky, anthropomorphic roles. These whimsical displays, once popular showpieces for the 19th century elite, straddle the line between charming and unsettling. Our favorite? A tiny circus featuring prematurely born kittens as the star performers — walking the tightrope, balancing on balls and delighting an imaginary crowd. What else would you expect from the generation that created death photography?

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RELATED: See this roadside oddity in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cute l’il Clementine was born with five legs. You can see the purple mirrored chamber about Heaven’s Gate and alien abductions.

Alien Abductions and Heaven’s Gate

From roadside oddities, you’re transported into a small, mirrored room that feels like stepping into another dimension. This space is dedicated to UFO lore, alien abductions, and one of the most infamous cults of modern times: Heaven’s Gate. A  video loop of its founder anchors the exhibit and offers a chilling glimpse into the cult, whose members believed they would ascend to an alien spacecraft trailing the Hale-Bopp comet. 

The room’s mirrors amplify the eerie vibe, reflecting the otherworldly artifacts and making you feel like you’ve entered a cosmic echo chamber.

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RELATED: Are there alien-human hybrids on Earth?!

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The mannequin on the right is of Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan.

Satanism and Secret Societies

The next stop on our journey delved into the forbidden, the misunderstood and the hidden corners of belief systems. 

One room is dedicated to Satanism, with a focus on the Church of Satan and its theatrical founder, Anton LaVey, whose philosophy challenged societal norms and fueled decades of controversy. Sexual liberation played a major part in LaVey’s teachings, and he encouraged members to embrace it. LaVey contended that living in a society in which we repress our natural urges and instincts results in unhappiness. 

From there, we entered a room dedicated to Christianity and secret societies like the international Order of Oddfellows. Artifacts from these groups reveal a fascinating interplay between faith, ritual and mystery. 

The juxtaposition of these belief systems — one often feared and the other foundational to Western culture — invites you to ponder the fine line between the sacred and the profane.

Stop and play some pinball to prep yourself for a (serial) killer ending.

The Pinball Arcade

Just when the heavy, dark vibe starts to settle in, the museum offers a much-needed breather: a room filled with vintage pinball machines. It’s a welcome shift in atmosphere, adding a playful, nostalgic charm to the experience.

Of course the lineup features creepy classics like The Addams Family, Dracula, and Halloween, a perfect nod to the museum’s macabre aesthetic. Best of all? These machines are free to play. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or just looking for a moment to decompress, this quirky arcade is the perfect palate cleanser before diving back into the dark history waiting around the corner.

This macabre display is a re-creation of Ed Gein’s final murder, where he decapitated a woman’s head and mutilated her genitals.

Haunted House: Ed Gein’s World

From pinball nostalgia, you’re thrust into the unsettling world of Ed Gein, aka the “Butcher of Plainfield” — a man whose gruesome crimes blurred the line between true crime and urban legend. The guided tour through Gein’s macabre legacy busts some of the myths that have grown around his name. No, there weren’t lampshades made of human skin or a “nipple belt.” (Gein didn’t even have electricity, and that infamous accessory was a hoax made out of latex.) But yes, he really did use skin to upholster the seat of a chair, and he carried around a nifty keychain made from a piece of his mom’s scalp and hair. 

Ed Gein inspired numerous villains in horror movies, including Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Gein, who robbed graves and murdered two women, is the inspiration for countless fictional killers, from Norman Bates to Buffalo Bill and Leatherface. The exhibit doesn’t flinch in showing the grisly details, including a diorama of his final victim. She’s depicted hanging upside down, her head cut off, and her genitals mutilated, revealing the true depravity of his crimes. This was to me the most disturbing aspect of the museum. 

We followed our guide up a staircase lined with grisly black and white crime scene photos of mob hits that reminded me of the work of Weegee. 

And yet, as shocking as it all is, there’s something oddly captivating about Gein himself. The small town simpleton obviously had horrific hidden depths. 

John Wayne Gacy dressed up like a clown…when he wasn’t torturing and murdering young men and boys.

Upstairs: John Wayne Gacy’s Disturbing Legacy

Climbing the stairs to the section dedicated to John Wayne Gacy, the infamous “Killer Clown,” felt like stepping into an even darker realm of horror. In this room, our guide, her tuna fish can earrings jangling as she spoke, recounted the grim tale of Gacy. He was a seemingly ordinary married man from suburban Norwood, Illinois, who, during the 1970s, tortured, sexually assaulted and murdered (not necessarily in that order) 33 boys and young men. Gacy's preferred method of killing was strangulation, chillingly referred to as his "rope trick." 

One wall of the museum is dedicated to the faces of Gacy’s known victims — a haunting tribute to the young men whose lives he stole. Seeing their photos lined up, it’s impossible not to picture the unimaginable horrors they endured.

Many of Gacy’s paintings were of the Seven Dwarves — a reflection of a childhood obsession

But what sets this room apart is the strange, surreal focus on Gacy’s art. Displayed prominently are his original paintings, including a series of the Seven Dwarves (Snow White is notably absent). Gacy’s clown paintings are equally unnerving, given his former role as a community entertainer in full clown getup.

A list of prices reveals that back in the 1990s, you could pick up a Gacy painting for a mere 100 bucks (or $270 nowadays). Today, their value has skyrocketed as collectors clamor for a piece of true crime infamy — a disquieting reminder of our society’s fascination with killers.

Keep an eye out for a documentary the Graveface gang is working on about Gacy. 

Wally put his best freak on to try out to be a permanent exhibit at the Graveface Museum.

A Must-See for Oddities Enthusiasts 

The Graveface Museum isn’t for the faint of heart — if you’re squeamish or prefer your history without a macabre twist, it’s best to give this one a pass. But for those intrigued by the intersection of the bizarre and the dark, it promises a one-of-a-kind experience.

From taxidermied curiosities and cult artifacts to the unsettling tales of Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy, the Graveface Museum balances horror with history, never veering into exploitation, but refusing to shy away from the unsettling truths of human nature And let’s not forget about the free pinball!

Whether you walk away fascinated, haunted or simply grateful for the ordinary comforts of your own life, one thing is certain: The Graveface Museum will stick with you long after you’ve left its eerie halls. –Wally

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The Oddities Flea Market

Death masks and other delights!

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The Deets

When yoiu see Freemasons’ Hall, you’re close. Find the fittingly creepy Lower Factors Walk between Bay and River.

Location

The Graveface Museum is tucked away at 410 East Lower Factors Walk, a strange little in-between street near Savannah’s waterfront. It’s not quite street level and not quite below it, but rather a cobblestone thoroughfare sandwiched between River Street and Bay Street. 

If you’re driving, nearby parking can be tricky, so plan ahead or prepare to walk a bit.

Admission
Tickets cost $25 per person, which includes access to all exhibits and the free-play pinball arcade. 

Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead before visiting.

Graveface Museum

410 East Lower Factors Walk
Savannah, Georgia 31401
USA