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I asked an A.I. chat bot what I should do in Savannah, but then it made me sad.

Zach Dennis
Savannah Morning News

Whether you’re a local or someone coming from out of town to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Savannah, what to put on your schedule is always a cause for debate. What’s good to eat? What should I go see? What should I prioritize?

There’s usually a stable group of places to direct people to: definitely grab a meal at The Grey; maybe try a day of art at Telfair Museums; have you gone on a sunny day walk at Skidaway Island State Park?

In an effort to save folks from yet another onslaught of my personal preferences, I enlisted the help of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot that uses GPT language models to answer questions, craft emails and even hold a conversation.

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Naturally, I asked it what I should do in Savannah. Here are it’s unedited responses:

Carnitas tacos at Bull Street Taco

Where should I get a taco in Savannah?

Savannah, Georgia has a variety of great options for tacos! Here are some popular places to try:

  1. Tequila's Town: This restaurant serves authentic Mexican food, including delicious tacos with a range of fillings. The atmosphere is fun and festive, with bright decor and friendly staff.
  2. Bull Street Taco: Located in the heart of downtown Savannah, Bull Street Taco offers tasty tacos with a variety of fillings, as well as other Mexican-inspired dishes like burritos and quesadillas.
  3. Betty Bombers: This retro-style diner is known for its creative take on classic American dishes, including tacos. Try their Korean BBQ taco, which features tender beef and tangy kimchi.
  4. The Ordinary Pub: While not a traditional Mexican restaurant, The Ordinary Pub serves delicious "gringo-style" tacos with creative fillings like fried chicken or grilled shrimp.
  5. Tijuana Flats: This chain restaurant has a location in Savannah and serves up Tex-Mex-style tacos with a range of fillings and toppings.

I hope this helps you find some delicious tacos in Savannah!

Not bad, ChatGPT, but what about…

The U.S. Navy Band Commodores play for a packed park at the Savannah Jazz Fest in Forsyth Park on Saturday, September 24

What kind of music is happening in Savannah?

Savannah, Georgia has a vibrant music scene that offers a diverse range of genres for music lovers to enjoy. Here are some popular types of music that you may find in Savannah:

  1. Jazz: Savannah is known for its rich history in jazz music, and the city hosts an annual Savannah Jazz Festival each fall. Many local bars and clubs feature live jazz performances throughout the year.
  2. Blues: Savannah is also home to a thriving blues scene, with many local musicians and bands performing regularly at venues such as the Bayou Cafe and Savannah Blues.
  3. Country: For country music fans, Savannah has several venues that host live country music performances, including Saddle Bags and The Wormhole.
  4. Rock: Savannah has a thriving rock music scene, with many local bands performing regularly at venues such as The Jinx and El-Rocko Lounge.
  5. Classical: For those who appreciate classical music, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra offers a variety of performances throughout the year, ranging from chamber music to full orchestral concerts.

Overall, there is a diverse range of music happening in Savannah, and you're sure to find something to suit your tastes.

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Ok, well, ChatGPT, places like The Jinx and Bayou Cafe have since closed so that doesn’t make much sense. But it’s fine, we’re all human we make mistakes. You know what I’d really like to find is a nice…

What are some good museums to visit while I’m in Savannah?

Savannah, Georgia has a rich history and culture, and there are several museums that showcase the city's unique heritage. Here are some popular museums to visit in Savannah:

  1. The Telfair Museums: This group of three museums includes the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center for the Arts, and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at Savannah's art, history, and architecture.
  2. The Savannah History Museum: Located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway passenger station, this museum covers over 10,000 years of Savannah's history, including the colonial era, the Civil War, and the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
  3. The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum: Housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion, this museum showcases the history of Savannah's seafaring industry, including model ships, maritime art, and artifacts.
  4. The Georgia State Railroad Museum: This museum features historic trains and railroad equipment, including steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses. Visitors can take a ride on a historic train and explore the museum's exhibits.
  5. The Pin Point Heritage Museum: Located just outside of Savannah, this museum tells the story of the Gullah/Geechee people, who are descendants of African slaves who lived on the coastal islands of Georgia and South Carolina. The museum features exhibits on Gullah/Geechee culture, including their unique language, traditions, and food.

These are just a few of the many museums to explore in Savannah. With its rich history and culture, there is no shortage of fascinating exhibits and artifacts to discover!

Historical Interpreter Aaron Bradford shows a group of "Tin Soldier" volunteers how to fire a cannon on Saturday December 10, 2022 during Savannah Santa Train at the Georgia State Railroad Museum.

Dang, ChatGPT, you nailed it. Now, there’s a lot of change happening in Savannah. We have Hyundai coming to town, our tourist numbers grow yearly and the economy is booming, I guess. But it’s also really tough to rent a place that’s affordable, much less buy. Driving has become a bit more difficult as our road infrastructure isn’t really built for this much growth. Plus prices at many places are going up. So …

Do you think Savannah will still be a great place to live in five years?

As an AI language model, I cannot predict the future or make assumptions about a specific location's desirability as a place to live. However, Savannah, Georgia is a popular and historic city that offers a unique blend of southern charm, coastal beauty, and cultural amenities. It is known for its beautiful architecture, friendly people, and rich history.

Like any city, Savannah has its own set of challenges and opportunities that can affect its livability. Factors such as the economy, job market, housing affordability, crime rates, and environmental conditions can impact a city's desirability as a place to live. However, Savannah has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and visit in the United States, and its popularity continues to grow.

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Ultimately, whether or not Savannah will still be a great place to live in five years will depend on a variety of factors, including its ability to attract and retain talent, its economic stability, and its ability to address the needs and concerns of its residents.

Oh, uh, well said. I mean I hope as a newspaper editor and writer, I still have a role in that. I mean a lot of what you tackled above are subjects I would ruminate and write about, but you seemed to distill it so quickly and succinctly. So …

Books were available from the visiting authors, including Jack Carr who delivered the opening presentation for the annual Savannah Book Festival.

Do you think there’s a need for writers in Savannah in the future?

As an AI language model, I can say that the need for writers in Savannah, Georgia, and elsewhere is likely to continue in the future. Writing is a critical skill that is in demand across various industries, including publishing, journalism, advertising, marketing, and public relations. Moreover, as the world becomes increasingly digital, the demand for skilled writers who can produce high-quality content for websites, blogs, social media, and other online platforms is likely to continue to grow.

In Savannah specifically, there are many industries that rely on writers, including tourism, where writers create content for travel guides, brochures, and online platforms. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene that includes literary events, book festivals, and writing workshops, which further emphasize the need for writers.

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In short, while the nature and scope of writing jobs may evolve as technology advances and industries change, the need for skilled writers is likely to persist in Savannah, Georgia, and elsewhere.

I noticed you didn’t mention a newspaper though.

As an AI language model, I cannot predict the future or make assumptions about a specific location's media landscape. However, newspapers have traditionally played a crucial role in providing news and information to communities, including local news, feature stories, investigative reporting, and coverage of sports, arts, and culture.

While the rise of digital media and social media has transformed the way people consume news and information, many communities still rely on newspapers as a trusted source of local news and information. Moreover, newspapers offer a depth and breadth of coverage that is often unmatched by other media platforms.

Old newspapers showing the aftermath of the 1971 explosion at Thiokol in Woodbine, Georgia.

In Savannah, there are currently several newspapers that serve the city and surrounding areas, including the Savannah Morning News, the Savannah Tribune, and the Connect Savannah. These newspapers cover a range of topics, including local news, politics, business, and entertainment.

Whether or not Savannah will continue to need a newspaper in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including changes in technology, shifts in media consumption habits, and the evolving needs and preferences of the community. However, the importance of local news and information is unlikely to diminish, and newspapers may continue to play a critical role in providing this content to the community.

Um, thanks ChatGPT, I guess.

Zach Dennis is the editor of the arts and culture section, and weekly Do Savannah alt-weekly publication at the Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at zdennis@savannahnow.com or 912-239-7706.