Savannah: Georgia’s Oldest City
Washington Square
Savannah is a romantic city on the eastern coast of Georgia in the United States that is known for southern comfort, majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss and laidback low country lifestyle. By plane you may visit Savannah via the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. By car, Savannah is approximately 2 hours from Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida and a 5-hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia. This southern city has a strategic location as a port as it sits along the Savannah River and is only 18 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. It was listed as the 3rd busiest seaport in the United States in 2021.
Olde Harbour Inn
Georgia’s Oldest City
The city is rich in history with its founding dating back to 1733 after General James Oglethorpe arrived via the Savannah River and named the colony Georgia after England’s King George II. Savannah was established as the first city of the colony & its capital. Oglethorpe is also credited for the layout of the city as he designed it on a grid-like pattern with wide streets and numerous squares and public parks. 24 squares were in the original plans with 22 still present today. Because of this design, Savannah is credited as America’s first planned city. With the arrival of cotton plantations followed by the cotton gin, Savannah became a prominent city economically. A consequence of this important crop was the legalization of slavery which brought African influence to the region and led to the development of the Gullah culture. Today, Gullah culture is present throughout the city in museums, regional cuisine and in artisanal products like sweetgrass woven baskets that you can find in local shops as well as in the squares where woven products are made right in front of you. Since its founding, Savannah has survived significant hardships from losing half the city to fire in the Civil War to the decimation of the cotton crop by the boll weevil in the early 20th century. In the mid 20th century the Historic Savannah Foundation was established and has preserved numerous historic sites that are enjoyed by visitors and residents today.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Rainbow Row
Public Parks
One of the best ways to experience Savannah is to simply walk through its numerous public parks. Whether you venture on foot or opt for a famous Trolley tour, these peaceful areas are a great place to read a book or stop for a rest as you explore the city. The most famous park of the city and the largest is the beautiful Forsyth Park which spans 30 acres and hosts its iconic prominent fountain. To sample the best local flavors and artisanal goods of the area, visit Forsyth Park on Saturdays year-round between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Forsyth Farmers’ Market. Other notable parks worth exploring include Emmett Park, Johnson Square and Orleans Square.
Johnson Square
Nathanael Greene Monument
Savannah Architecture
A visit to Savannah simply must include marveling at the many beautiful historic homes and buildings that offer picturesque backdrops throughout the city. Visit the Olde Pink House Restaurant, bult in the Georgian style, for an authentic taste of Savannah (better grab a reservation well in advance!) and to experience the grand history of this building that was built in 1771. Davenport House was built in 1820 using Federal style architecture and has been operated as a historic house museum since the 1960s. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, built in 1876, is situated south of Colonial Park Cemetery and is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
Davenport House Museum
Kehoe House
Spooky in Savannah
Savannah is known as one of America’s most haunted cities and there are plenty of places to visit if you are looking to add a little spook to your adventure. Book a walking ghost tour to experience the dimly lit streets and cemeteries at night and hear tales of ghosts and paranormal activity of the old historic homes. If you prefer a self-guided experience, you can visit many of the haunted locations on your own. For a spooky stay, the Hamilton-Turner Inn is legend for guests hearing children laughing, rolling billiard balls and seeing a cigar-smoking man on the roof. Before it was a bed and breakfast, Kehoe House served as a funeral home and while it remains a charming place to stay today, many guests have reported seeing ghosts of children in its halls. For a beautiful and solemn experience, travel east just outside the city to Bonaventure Cemetery which spans over 100 acres and is the final resting place of over 500 confederate soldiers. This cemetery was made famous by John Berendt's novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Of note, the famous statue pictured in this book, Bird Girl, is no longer at the cemetery but can be found inside the Telfair Museums in Savannah.
River Street Sweets
Southern Cuisine
If culinary offerings are just as important to you as scenic attractions, Savannah is a perfect destination to satisfy your foodie desires. With Gullah, coastal and southern influences you will find tantalizing dishes all over the city well worth a try such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, southern-style barbecue and she-crab soup. It’s easy to get sweet in Savannah with its famous pralines found along the river district at River Street Sweets. Leopold’s Ice Cream is an institution founded in 1919 and is a popular stop for a cold treat on a hot day but prepared to wait as the line often extends down the street. For honey lovers, a stop at Savannah Bee Company on Broughton Street is a fun experience where you can find all-things honey including treats, body products and you can even take part in a mead tasting. Cheers!
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