Charming Savannah
Savannah, Georgia exploded in popularity in the 1990s
after the publication of book Midnight in the Garden of Good
and Evil. For a while the laid back, southern city was so
crowded you couldn't get a seat in a restaurant, but now the
rush is over and the city has returned to being the gentle lady
she is known for. If you have been looking for a vacation that
will rejuvenate your soul and your heart then a trip to
Savannah is for you.
Savannah sits on a wide river near the Atlantic coast and has
survived wars and economic ups and downs for over 200 years. The
past is always present in Savannah as you walk through her
streets shaded by Spanish moss covered oaks. The city is filled
with Southern mansions for various periods dating all the way
back to the 1700s. Savannah's
history makes her unique, but that doesn't mean there are
not plenty of things to do today. When you visit Savannah there
are a few must do things for every visitor.
If you are a fan of John Berendt's Midnight you will be pleased
to know that the Mercer House is now open for tours. This house
was originally built for singer Johnny Mercer's grandfather. By
the late 1960s the house was falling apart when Jim Williams
bought the home and restored it. Mr. Williams saved over 50
houses in the area, but that fact is often overlooked due to the
events captured by John Berendt. Before or after you tour the
home make sure to spend some time in Monterey Square across the
street. If a tour of the Mercer House isn't enough to quench
your thirst for everything Midnight you can always take a
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tour.
Don't end your tour of Savannah's homes with the Mercer House
because Savannah is overflowing with beautiful historic homes.
Any girl scout will have to see the Juliette Gordon Low home.
Then there are great mansions like the Davenport House and the
Owens-Thomas House. Of course, even if you don't go inside many
houses, just walking the streets on a cool morning is a pleasant
treat with surprises around every corner.
While touring the homes in Savannah a must stop for Civil War
and history buffs is the Green-Meldrin House, where General
Sherman headquartered while in Savannah at the end of his famous
March to the Sea. In December of 1864 Sherman spared the city of
Savannah from destruction and symbolically offered it to
President Lincoln. Sherman's decision to keep Savannah intact
was a good one because it preserved much of the character that
is still present today. After touring the Green-Meldrin House
make sure to tour the old forts around Savannah including Fort
Pulaski and Fort Jackson.
Another must stop is River Street next to the Savannah River.
After a long day of touring the city a relaxing dinner at one of
the restaurants on River Street is a must. After dinner tour the
art galleries and watch the street performers put on hilarious
and entertaining shows. Then find a bench and watch the boats
float by as the sun sets. Before leaving make sure to stop by
River Street Sweats and pick up some fudge or a praline.
If you are a beach lover or want to do something the kids will
really enjoy drive over to Tybee Island, also know as Savannah's
Beach. Tybee Island is a small place and not as wild as many
beach towns, but the island is beautiful and worth a visit even
in the winter. While on Tybee take a quick tour of the light
house. The view from the top is stunning.
A Savannah,
Georgia vacation is one of the most romantic trips a couple
can take. Savannah is one of the world's most beautiful cities
that means something different to every visitor. If you have
always wanted to visit the Georgia coast there has never been a
better time than right now, so pack your bags and head to
Georgia to find out what Savannah means to you.