Discovering Savannah

From the time I stepped off the airplane, I noticed my accent had changed.  I seemed to talk slower and my words seem to flow smoothly across my lips as I flirted with those around me.  I was now a Southern Belle.

There is something about the south.  I believe it is the southern charm.  Where one is kind, witty and considerate to everyone  they encounter.  One always feels welcome.

Leaving the airport to drive to my friend's home, I was impressed with the natural beauty of Savannah. As we drove through the historic area, I was in awe of the Georgian mansions and the towering spanish moss-draped oaks.  The historic architecture and charm of Savannah makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the South.  

Let me give you some history of Savannah.  It i one of the oldest city in Georgia and it is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River.  General James Oglethorpe founded the area in 1733.  He had the foresight to create  America's First Planned City.  The city was laid out in a series of grids allowing for wide streets and public squares.  Savannah had 24 original squares with 22 still in existence today. 

One of the rumours of why General Sherman did not burn down Savannah , as he had Atlanta on his infamous March to the  Sea, was the city was too beautiful to burn.  Other rumours were he had a girlfriend there and also it was to important as a seaport.  On December 22, Sherman sent a telegram to President Lincoln.  He presented him with an early Christmas gift, the spared city of Savannah.

What does this southern city offer to someone?  There is an atmosphere of a slow-pace lifestyle.  My friend lives in the historic area, so we had the opportunity to walk through the town squares as well into the historic area.  At every corner there is history or a restaurant with great food.  

Savannah is known for its southern meals, such as "fried green tomatoes".  As well as shrimp and grits, chatham artillery punch.  This potent punch contains rum, whisky, brandy and Champagne.  It also contains lemons and sugar..  Let's not forget the pralines.  These pralines are hand scooped with Georgia Pecan halves, fresh cream, sugar and real butter.  Plan to gain a few pounds while you are touring the city.

If you remember the movie "Forrest Gump", there was the scene where Forrest was sitting on a park bench to tell his story, and where he utters the "box of chocolates" line.  This was filmed in Savannah's Chippewa Square, on the north side of the square facing Bull Street.  

As you tour through the city make sure you go down Jones Street.  It is one of Savannah's prettiest streets.  Gorgeous green trees hang out over the street.  The Mid-19th century style gives the street a unique feel with cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks and the homes that go back in time.

Places to see are Forsyth Park, which is 30 acres and it is famous for its fountain, built in 1858.  There is the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.  A beautiful French Gothic architect. built between 1872 to 1885. There is a church on almost every corner.  There is also the Presbyterian Church, which was founded in 1755.

Other places to see:  Bonaventure Cemetery located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah.  The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907.

Don't forget the Savannah Waterfront.  Walk down the old cobblestone streets as you weave through the historic buildings, shops and award-winning restaurants.  

For a fun afternoon, drive out to Tybee Island.  Only about a thirty minute drive.  The Island is a barrier island and small city.  Known for its wide, sandy beaches with a pier and pavillion.  Tybee was extremely important because of its location at the mouth of the Savannah River.  In 1736, Oglethorpe had a lighthouse and small fort contructed to ensure control of river access.

My husband and I celebrated our 36th Anniversary at Elizabeth on 37th.  Fine dining with a focus on local seafood and seasonal produce.  The restaurant is in a 1900's mansion brimming with rich antiques, Old World trappings and marble fireplaces.

Another fun restaurant was Treylor Park.  It is within the heart of historic downtown Savannah.  The restaurant offers a upscale cocktail bar inside with restaurant style seating and a cozy beer garden out back.

For dessert, you need some ice cream from Leopold's.  It was founded in 1919 by two Greek brother immigrants.  There are more than 20 flavors.  The brothers perfected the secret formula.  You need to taste it yourself.

And then there is Byrd's Cookies, founded in 1924.  Benjamin Tillman "Pop" Byrd, Sr., at the age of 28, began baking his famous small Scotch Oatmeal cookies.  Stop by and get a sample.

We ended the evening at "Smiles Dueling Pianos".  Located steps from River Street.  A boisterous, late-night dueling piano saloon with songs selected by the audience.

There is so much to see and do.

I will end with some facts:

You can take your cocktails to go.  So enjoy the sites with a drink in hand.

The Girl Scouts were founded in Savannah by Juliette Gordon Low in 1915.  

In 1819, the Owen-Thomas House was one of the first to have indoor plumbing in the United States.

Enjoy Savannah!  It is definitely a fun place to visit!