Oh the Places You'll Go: Savannah, GA
- Nicole Rivadeneira
- Jul 5, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26, 2019
Savannah, GA is a location you shouldn't miss when traveling. With its historic homes and massive oak trees, you won't want to pass right through!
A little History:
Savannah's recorded history begins in 1733. During this year, General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the ship "Anne" landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River in February. Oglethorpe named the 13th and final American colony "Georgia" after England's King George II. Savannah became its first city.
Civil War
Pre-Civil War Savannah was praised as the most picturesque and serene city in America. It was known for its grand oaks covered with Spanish moss and its genteel citizenry. The Georgia Historical Society was founded in that era. Magnificent Forsyth Park acquired its ornate fountain, a sight worth seeing.
During the Civil War, the city suffered from sea blockades so strict that the economy crumbled. Impenetrable Fort Pulaski at the mouth of the Savannah River was captured by Union soldiers in 1862. The city itself did not fall until Union General William Tecumseh Sherman entered in mid-December after burning the city of Atlanta and everything else in his path on his "March to the Sea." Upon entering Savannah, Sherman was said to be so impressed by its beauty that he could not destroy it. On December 22, 1864, he sent a famous telegram to President Abraham Lincoln, offering the city as a Christmas present.
Now that we've got some history about Savannah out of the way, lets talk about the stuff you actually came for...like what there is to do in Savannah and what things should you should go and check out!
Forsyth Park
With being previously mentioned, Forsyth Park is no hidden secret. With its captivating scenery and ancient oak trees, you can't miss out on this picture perfect park. And after walking through this marvelous park, take a carriage ride through the old historic parts of Savannah and learn about some of the history as you go through or maybe even go at night and hear about all the scary ghost stories!
City Market
Easily within reach of all your sightseeing in Savannah, the City Market is four blocks of open air shopping, all surrounded by restored warehouses with tons of cute extra shopping, plus dining and art. Do keep in mind, though; the market is home to a few bars, and so you may find that the evening crowd gets a little rambunctious.
The Wilkes House
Not another architectural marvel to tour, but rather a place to fill your senses with all the tradition of fine Southern cooking.The Wilkes House has been feeding Southerners for decades now, and you can chow down on the same fried chicken, sweet potatoes, okra, gumbo, cornbread, biscuits and more that show up on the menu regularly.
River Street
River Street was historically significant as a warehouse row, highly supporting the cotton industry.
However, River Street was abandoned for decades after the yellow-fever epidemic, only to be rediscovered and put back into use after the 1960s. Now, guests can walk the cobblestone streets and see centuries of history laid out before them, as they walk past the dozens of businesses within the previously abandoned warehouses right on the river. Whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, drinks or galleries, it’s all here.
Bonaventure Cemetery
For more moss-laden oak tree goodness and a taste of Southern spooks (the South does have a good helping of gothic flair, by the way), head to Bonaventure Cemetery. One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world and is many visitor’s bucket list.
Taking a carriage ride or walking through savannah, the story will tell itself and you are bound to fall in love with it just as much as I!
Kommentare