Graced with Spanish moss and southern charm, Georgia’s oldest city is perched
by the waters of the Savannah River which glide eastward towards
the North Atlantic Ocean. Just a two-hour flight south of New York, Savannah greets travelers with open arms. It charms all who come with
historic splendor, bewitching tales, natural delights and southern comfort flavors. Welcome to the “hostess city of the south.” In 1733 a group of carefully selected
settlers led by James Oglethorpe embarked on an epic voyage across the Atlantic to establish the colony of Georgia. They found the perfect location
for their new colonial capital 17 miles inland from the
mouth of the Savannah River. In one of the earliest examples
of “southern hospitality”, the settlers were welcomed peacefully
by the native Yamacraw tribe. The new township thrived, free of the bloodshed which stained the
beginnings of many American colonies. Dreaming of a New World utopia, Oglethorpe envisaged a city
overflowing with lush open squares. These generous green spaces are
where the city comes to breathe, and have earned Savannah it’s
second nickname, “the forest city.” Start your journey in
Savannah’s Historic Downtown, where one of these iconic squares is
never more than a 5-minute walk away. Each is an oasis of natural gifts; from the sweet aroma of magnolia and crepe myrtle, to the ethereal beauty of ancient oaks. Just as the city’s oaks are
festooned with Spanish moss, so too are her streets embedded with stories. Admire the exhibits at the Savannah History Museum where treasures from the past bring
Georgia’s last three centuries to life. Savannah’s history is not
confined to its many museums, it’s alive in the bustling laneways
and courtyards of City Market, a hub of modern southern style. Despite a culture of revitalization, many of the city’s historic houses
have been lovingly preserved. Visit Davenport House, saved from the
developers wrecking ball in the 1950s by the determined ladies of the
Historic Savannah Foundation. Tucked away in a leafy corner of Oglethorpe Square is Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Wander the extravagantly furnished halls, and learn about Savannah’s upper class, whose wealth was built on the toil
of enslaved men, women and children. Then step inside the humble slave
quarters, for a glimpse into the injustices suffered by the black people
who were imprisoned here. Finally, call into the Telfair Academy
a fine example of 1820’s grandeur which became the very first
art museum in the south. The historic heart of Savannah is a
vibrant melting pot of past and present. Wander along River Street,
cobbled with ballast stones which arrived in the bellies of
trading vessels from across the globe. Today, funky restaurants, breweries and shops have taken up residence in
the cotton warehouses of old. If you like your southern fare
served with a side of spooky, weigh anchor and drift on over to Pirate’s
House, Savannah’s oldest building. Once frequented by rowdy seafarers
and unsavory characters, today, the tavern continues to serve thirsty
travelers and lovers of ghost stories. Tales of paranormal oddities
abound in the city of Savannah. Take a horse drawn carriage
to Laurel Grove Cemetery, where restless spirits are said
to lurk among the headstones. Moss laden crypts and mausoleums can also
be found at the Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by the best-selling novel,
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Pay your respects at the hauntingly
sweet burial site of Little Gracie, where they say, the child’s spirit
plays with toys left at her grave. But fear not! Despite reports
of ghostly apparitions, Savannah knows how to soothe
travelers with comfort food. Share a meal of homestyle southern
fare with neighbors and strangers at the communal tables of Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Then head to Leopold’s and
savor a scoop of creamy goodness from a one hundred-year-old ice-cream parlor. Once your belly is full,
continue your historic buffet, 3 miles east of the city at Old Fort Jackson, a Confederate bastion during the civil war. Travel further east to hear the
crack of 19th century canon fire at Fort Pulaski National Monument,
a civil war stronghold overrun by Union troops after a grueling 30-hour siege. After experiencing the gun
smoke of civil war history, cool off at nearby Tybee Island, a popular weekend getaway for
generations of Georgian families. On your way back to the city, be sure
to stop at the Wormsloe Historic Site. Cruise down the avenue of oaks, then explore the tabby ruins
of the estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s earliest colonists. Back in Savannah’s downtown, soak up the burgeoning creative
scene in the Starland District. This area is also home to “the forest
city’s” 30-acre green gem, Forsyth Park, where the waters of the city’s symbol
sing their timeless song to all who pass. So come, traveler. Come to a destination
which opens its arms in welcome. Be embraced by the “hostess city of the south.” Eat of her bounty, be swept up by her stories, and fall in love with her
irresistible southern charms. Chances are, you’ll want to linger for a while.
