My wife and I visited Savannah several years ago and liked it so much we decided to go there again. We were delighted to find it just as charming and delightful as before but this time we stayed longer, saw more and discovered parts we hadn’t seen before.
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. Established in 1733 it was a British colony and the capital of the Province of Georgia. Today it is an industrial centre and Georgia’s fifth largest city. Savannah’s historic district is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States. It contains more than twenty cobble stone squares filled with live-oaks dripping Spanish moss, fragrant magnolia blossoms, stunning historic homes, architectural works of art, museums, churches, monuments and park benches.
We stayed at The Planters Inn an original 60 room boutique hotel on the corner of Reynolds Square in the historic district and within walking distance of almost everything. The Inn blends old world charm and elegant sophisticated amenities including wonderful breakfasts, complimentary wine and cheese and an attentive staff. It was a delight.
We checked in, admired the view from our balcony and then strolled to River Street on the Savannah River. This is an area of century old cotton warehouse buildings that have been converted to antique shops, boutiques, galleries, quaint brew pubs, unusual restaurants and unique nightspots. It was very warm so we sipped inexpensive Margaritas and watched ships from around the globe sail into this busy port.
We made sure to go to River Street Sweets where indulged ourselves with their praline candies. Decadent but delightful.
The next day we took a 90 minute hop-on, hop-off tour of the historic district from Old Savannah Tours.
Not only did the guide thoroughly explain the history and architecture, but colourful characters in period costumes got on and regaled us with stories of the neighbourhood.
Over the next few days we shopped, walked, ate and visited museums and art galleries. We spent time in the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low founder of the Girl Guides, visited the Telfair Academy, the oldest museum in the South, the Owens-Thomas House dating back to 1819 with its intact slave quarters, the Davenport House Museum where in 1955 seven Savannah women began the historical foundation that has preserved so much of Savannah.
We also took a river boat cruise on a steamboat up the Savannah River, wandered
through the City Market, looked in amazement at the great wall of candy and the museum about the prohibition, stopped in at the Funky Café for the best sandwich we have ever had and went to the Lucas Theatre where we watched a wonderful film of the Bolshoi Ballet performing Coppelia. The theatre was beautiful and the dancing was breathtaking. It lasted for two hours and we each gladly paid $10 for this wonderful experience.
Even though we did as much as we did in the few days we were in Savannah, there was lots more to see and do and we were tempted to stay longer. Savannah is a lovely place and it is well worth a visit. It is a welcome alternative to Florida either for a long term vacation or as an interesting stop for Canadians going to or from Florida.