Savannah (Georgia) On My Mind

Although I have been to Georgia many times over the years, I had never been to Savannah... so it seemed imperative that this trip finally remedy that lack. Everyone has told me how nice it is, how it feels a lot like Charlotte, and that I would love it.

I arrived on Sunday evening, and checked into my hotel. I had hoped to start my explorations on Monday, but unfortunately various aspects of real life interfered, and aside from a trip to a local park to get in some walking in the late afternoon, I never made it out of my hotel room. On Tuesday I had a mid-morning Zoom meeting, which I did (although I'm not sure I would say I enjoyed it).

As soon as it was completed, though, I headed over to start an open trolley tour of the historic/waterfront areas. The downtown area of Savannah is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the US. When I go on these tours, I like to ride all the way around the circuit first, without getting out. I make mental notes about the places I want to return to, and then head out on the trolley a second time, alighting at the first of these spots. Then, depending on how big an area is included, I do as much of the rest of my exploring by walking. Sometimes I end up re-boarding the transportation for a stop or two, but that was not necessary in Savannah.

I exited the trolley at Exit 3, and then just started walking. I made my way to Forsythe Park first, partly to see the famous fountain, and partly because I love walking around parks! One interesting thing about Forsythe Park is that they have a special building for blind patrons, with signs in Braille to allow those who can't see to enjoy the plants in this special way.

There are a lot of small squares scattered throughout the area (which I just love), and sections with colonial architecture and Victorian architecture. Because it's an historic district, any renovations or new builds have to conform to a certain aesthetic - which make it beautiful. Among other famous people born here are Johnny Mercer, Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts), Clarence Thomas and James & Stacy Keach. There have been a few pretty famous movies filmed (at least in part) here as well, including Forrest Gump, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Something to Talk About, and Glory.

Here are some miscellaneous pictures in the Forsythe Garden and also in and around the historic district.

One of the places that was mentioned on the tour is Jones Street - it's known as 'one of the prettiest streets in America'. The western half of Jones Street is paved with beautiful and historic original red vitrified bricks. The other half is paved with gray asphalt blocks. Much of the street is lines on both sides with lovely historic homes, and there are wide sidewalks that on both sides. I walked it from one end to the other, and think it definitely deserves its reputation!

By the time I finished walking around to all of the places I wanted to see, it was getting pretty late in the afternoon, so I walked back over to the trolley terminal and headed back to the hotel.

After yet another Zoom meeting on Wednesday morning, I checked out of my hotel and headed toward North Carolina, where I would be spending a few days with a friend in Leland. More on that in my next post.