Oh Savannah, you are a charmer!

Recently my two daughters and I paid a visit to the charming city of Savannah, Georgia. It had been quite awhile since any of us had been there - and it was a super quick getaway - but I always welcome any excuse to visit Savannah. 




Separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River, Savannah is known for it's tree-lined squares, southern hospitality and the cobblestoned River Street. It's also the setting for the book - and movie- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.(You can visit and tour Mercer House where the book takes place) Forrest Gump sat on a bench here in the movie of the same name. And you would be surprised to learn that Savannah hosts the third largest St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the world, hosting half a million visitors to it's parade and party. (I've never attended this, but I did get stuck in a traffic jam around it on the interstate once) 





Here are some things you can do in this charming city:


1. Forsyth Park
Another thing Savannah is famous for is Forsyth Park and it's famous fountain. (Every year the water is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day) Forsyth Park is a large city park, the largest in the historic district and the luxury hotel, The Mansion on Forsyth Park sits across the street from it. The park has a visitors center and cafe, some great people watching, bike riding and strolling.







2. River Street
River Street, the street running along the Savannah River, is quintessential Savannah. You can check out barges rolling down the river, eat at Huey's outdoor patio, get some famous pralines at River Street Sweets -and watch them being made - and just enjoy a stroll along the river. You can also catch a water taxi over to the South Carolina side to visit the large Westin hotel and catch some views of Savannah from there.















3. Visit the City Market
Billed as the place to shop, eat and drink in the city center, City Market has it all. There are several art galleries and an art center here where you can watch artists at work. 





One of Savannah's most famous native son's - Johnny Mercer - composer of "Moon River" and founder of Capitol Records





4. Eat
The food! Oh, the food! There's so much that we'll have to linger on this another day but Savannah is known as the home of Paula Deen and her restaurant, Lady and Sons. If you want some southern home cooking served family style  - since 1943 - then get to Mrs. Wilkes' House. But be prepared for a line - and lunch is the only meal served from 11am - 2pm. I've eaten there and it is fantastic! Fried chicken, butter beans, black eyed peas, okra and tomatoes - the list goes on and on. And Ye Olde Pink House is the place to celebrate a special occasion in Savannah. Housed in an 18th century mansion - that's pink - it is one of Savannah's most popular restaurants.

5. Wormsloe State Historic Site
Located about 12 miles outside of the city on the Island of Hope, Wormsloe was the first settlement in Georgia. Settled by Noble Jones in 1733, Wormsloe is the tabby ( a mixture of water, sand, oyster shells and ash) ruins of his plantation. There is a small museum with a short film about the site and the ruins you can visit but the most famous thing here is the breathtaking avenue of live oaks and spanish moss. Popular for weddings and photo shoots, you just can't miss this drive!









A day really isn't long enough! Plan for some time to explore the beautiful squares, maybe take in a concert at Forsyth Park, eat some delicious southern food and get a feel for the Hostess City.( And maybe avoid mid- August if you go - unless of course, you really love humidity. The city is dripping in it then!) 

Have you been to Savannah? If so, what did you eat there?


This post is part of a link-up with: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute and The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond!









Comments

  1. The fountain in Forsyth Path is gorgeous and what a beautiful day to be there!

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    1. It was a beautiful day - if not a little humid but it sure beat trudging around in the rain! Thanks for stopping by, Jan!

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  2. Savannah looks more beautiful than I would have thought. Thanks for linking up to #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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    1. It is a beautiful city - thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!

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  3. On my bucket list! Looking good!

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  4. Thanks for the run down on Savannah. I like the moss covered oak trees.

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    1. I love the Spanish moss also - one of the unique characteristics of the South. Thanks for visiting!

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  5. I got to spend an unplanned few hours in Savannah several years ago and just fell in love with the town. Ever since I've wanted to go back. Thanks for sharing all of these ideas.

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    1. It's an easy place to fall in love with, isn't it? Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!

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  6. Savannah is high on the destination list for a lot of Girl Scouts because that's where the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, is located. I'd love to visit this town sometime and enjoy all that food you mentioned. That photo of the oaks dripping with moss really captures what I imagine Savannah must be like.

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    1. My younger daughter went there with her Girl Scout troop years ago and this time my older daughter wanted to visit Juliette Gordon Low's house since she never has but we just simply ran out of time. I think there is an actual Girl Scout tour for troops to go on, too. And the food, well, it is simply amazing! Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!

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  7. We spent 36 hours in Savannah with a 2YO and I feel like I barely cracked the surface. I think it's a city i'd prefer to visit without a child along. I would like to go back again, it had a lot of potential. That drive above with the trees looks spectacular. #wkendtravelinspiration

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  8. Wormsloe, the tree lined drive, is quite a hidden gem. And I've not done Savannah with small children but River Street with all it's cobblestones and stairs seems that it would be difficult with kids. Just a charming city. I keep finding more to do every time I go back! Our time was definitely not long enough.

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