Savannah, The Hostess City that Loves to Entertain
A Southern city full of charm, is intriguing to every Yankee. Add in a a hostess attitude, rebellious spirit, ghost stories, and lots of gay pride, and now you've really captured my attention. But that is what's great about Savannah; they don't care if they have my attention or not. They aren't trying to change so everyone loves them. They are who they are, but who they are, is pretty great. Savannahians are deeply hospitable to everyone and draped in Southern Charm, so if you make the trip to this coastal Georgia town, you will feel the love.
When Matt lived in Atlanta, we made the drive out to Savannah for a long weekend. The drive was about 4 and 1/2 hours but can be extended for hours longer, thanks to those packed GA highways. Always and forever, my favorite thing about coastal Georgia is the trees. You know you've crossed the line from mid-state to coastal climate, just by the change in vegetation. (We visit Sea Island, Georgia each year and this is my favorite part about that community as well.)
One of the most unique ways to see the Savannah Spanish moss, is to visit Bonaventure Cemetery. It may seem a bit odd to add a cemetery to your tourist list, but this is no ordinary resting place. The gardens surrounding the graves are truly stunning. Designed as a Victorian cemetery with trees and pathways, it includes an abundance of green grass so families of the Victorian age could picnic with their loved ones who were buried there. We visited in summer and the lush landscape was the highlight of the trip.
If Spanish moss is the must-see site in Savannah, Leopold's Ice Cream is the must-do place to eat. Created by three brother's from Greece, back in the early 1900s, Leopold's is an ice cream institution. The shop has old favorites like chocolate chip and butter pecan, but also produces interesting combos like rum bisque and honey almond. Stratton Leopold, son of one of the original three brothers, was the inventor of the flavor tutti frutti ice cream! The inside of the shop is a museum to Stratton's Hollywood producer career, which he pursued after taking over the family business upon his father's death. Matt opted for a simple vanilla & chocolate sundae and I picked my favorite ice cream choice, mint chip on a cake cone. Both were perfect in their simplicity.
Right next to Leopold's is another Savannah classic, SCAD (The Savannah College of Art & Design). Savannah is a true art & culture city and the world class college brings creatives to town. The art and culture is tucked into each corner of the city. Visit the Children's Museum, the Pin Point Heritage Museum or the traveling exhibit, Jepson Center for the Arts. The Savannah City Market houses not only shopping and dining, but a handful of galleries and various artists as well. The official tourism bureau has created tours and insider guides for you to explore The Savannah Black Heritage Experience, or the History of LGBTQ+ in Savannah. And don't forget the famous St. Patrick's Day parade that brings tourists from all over the country!
To know a city is to eat a city and Savannah has some true gems. Top rated are, The Olde Pink House, Circa 1875 Gastro Pub, The Collins Quarter, Cotton & Rye, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, Husk Savannah, The Grey, Elizabeth on 37th, Noble Fare, and so many more. I was/am obsessed with the Deen brothers and Paula Deen so would love to enjoy a meal at Lady & Sons. According to Savannah.com, the five foods you must try while in town are, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, pralines, Georgia peaches, and the famous Chatham Artillery Punch (sugar & lemon with bourbon, cognac, rum, and sparkling wine).
Downtown Savannah is loaded with things to do, so having a car isn't a necessity. Walk along the river and join Waving Girl as she waves to the passing ships. Wander through the numerous historic squares and Colonial Park Cemetery. The old homes and historic architecture make every side street feel like a destination all its own. Meals and drinks are lively and festive on famous Broughton or River Streets.
While a car is not necessary to explore Savannah, one of the perks of your own transportation, is a visit to Tybee Island. Savannah's beach island is home to 3 oceanfront beaches plus two riverside beaches. We spent time near the ocean, on South Beach, lounging in the sand, exploring the pier, and dipping our toes in the Atlantic Ocean. The Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion was once home to a picturesque dance floor and the scenery was so beautiful, The Big Band made the pier and pavilion a stop along their tour for decades.
Last but not least, a town can't be a beach town without a signature lighthouse. The Tybee Light Station is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia. In conjunction with the museum, which is housed in an old battery from the Spanish-American War, the site draws tourists from near and far. The history dates back to the 1700s, starting with the Euchee tribe and continuing through Tybee's Golden Age. We didn't go inside, but admired the impressive structure from afar.
Like other cities in the South, Savannah has had an increase in popularity and an influx of tourists. We look forward to another visit to see all the new restaurants and attractions that grow with the cities popularity.
Comments
Post a Comment