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Savannah |
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Savannah [1] is an historic riverside city in Georgia. When General William Tecumseh Sherman[2] marched in, the mayor of Savannah gave Sherman's men run of the city in exchange for leaving it untorched. As a result, Savannah is one of the few major cities in the South with antebellum charm and architecture remaining intact. Savannah has one of the largest historic districts in the country.
Southerners joke that in Atlanta, the first thing locals ask you is your business; in Charleston, they ask your mother's maiden name; and in Savannah, they ask what you want to drink. It's partly that ethos that keeps the city tourism industry flourishing, along with a little help from what locals call "The Book:" Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (also a feature film [3]). The local art school, Savannah College of Art and Design, also keeps the city peopled with liberals and awash in accessible, affordable art.
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SEE DO EAT
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 SEE
- City Market [7]. City Market is a mixed use project in the nation's largest Historic District in downtown Savannah, Georgia. The rehabilitation of the four block area began in 1985. The result is a physical facility that economically could not be replicated today. City Market has established itself as a destination for entertainment, dining, and retailing in downtown Savannah. To create an anchor attraction that would attract both tourists and Savannah residents, the developer emulated its successful Torpedo Factory project in Alexandria, Virginia and established the Art Center at City Market. This group of working studios for artists occupies approximately 19,000 square feet of space and has created an opportunity for other tenants of City Market to establish and operate viable food, entertainment, and retail businesses. In addition, City Market has three apartments and approximately 11,000 square feet of office space.
- River Street [8], a cobblestone walk along the waterfront with tourist-targeted shops.
- Forsyth Park, one of the main squares in the center of town, is ringed with bed and breakfasts and crowned with a beautiful fountain. They filmed "The Movie" here, so stay on the square, admire the Spanish moss, and imagine yourself next to John Cusack under the dripping Spanish moss.
- Grayson Stadium Home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (minor league baseball) [9]
- Bonaventure Cemetery. Fans of The Book will find Johnny Mercer's grave here, along with Conrad Aiken's and other Southern notables. The view of the river is wonderful, and the Spanish moss creates a delightfully spooky atmosphere.
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DO
- Geogad Mobile Tours, [18]. Geogad has a free MP3 walking tour for Savannah's Historic District that can be downloaded directly from the Geogad website. This tour can be uploaded to any MP3 device and work best on MP3 players that can display the tour photos and maps.
- Ride on a ferry across the river
- Walk the Bull Street corridor from City Hall (Bay Street) to Forsyth Park.
- Stay at a Savannah B&B historic mansion inn for high drama and beautiful scenery.
- Stop at street cafes and talk with the locals, tourists and art students.
- Children will enjoy following the "Savannah Safari," a coloring book of Savannah's wildlife typically depicted in dolphin rain downspouts and lion water fountains.
- Shop at City Market. Check out the local art galleries, where you can often pick up great student art for prices easy on the wallet. The A.T. Hun Gallery is a great bet, featuring some great dreamscapes by local Brian McGregor.
- Take a picture with a statue in one of the historic squares.
- Buy cookies at the Byrd Cookie Company
- Take a trolley tour
- Tour SCAD
- Picnic in Forsyth Park
- See a Sand Gnats Game
- Attempt to find Forrest Gump's bench
- Eat at Lady & Sons
- Go to River Street & shop in one of the local candy shops
- Visit the Telfair Museum
- Visit Flannery O'Connor's childhood home. She played in the square and kept chickens here, and for Southern literary buffs, the small house is a must. Check out the book store nearby.
- Go on one of the many ghost tours
- Download an audio walking tour and set out on your own at your own pace through the historic downtown.
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EAT
- Lady & Sons, [21]. A true Savannah experience.
- The Hyatt Regency Hotel is right on the water and has a decent restaurant that has fabulous views of the river. It is possible to eat breakfast right next to the window while a huge container ship passes within maybe 100 feet.
- Georges, on Tybee Island, [22]. Excellent upscale cusine.
- Johnny Harris, Vicory Drive. Old school Savannah BBQ place. Eat in the kitchen for a casual meal, in the bar for a cozy feel, or in the ballroom for a more spiffy dinner. The fried chicken is the best in town. The BBQ sauce is a classic.
- The Gryphon Tea Room A tea room owned by SCAD on Madison Square in an old pharmacy. The tea and the atmosphere are excellent. The service and the food often disappoint.
- 700 Drayton Restaurant, in the Mansion on Forsyth Park hotel, [23]. A fine cuisine restaurant and cocktail lounge located in historic downtown Savannah, adorned with chic artwork, stunning chandeliering, and the full restoration and artistic touches of the original 1888 Savannah Mansion.
- Mellow Mushroom, [24]. Laid-back pizza restaurant with full bar, good pizza, and many vegetarian options.
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