BY JANET STEINBERG
PART TWO OF A SERIES
Spanish moss dripping from live oaks…stately mansions
exuding the charm of the 1800’s…historic Revolutionary and Civil war
sites. This is Savannah, Georgia. Classic yet cool, historic yet
hip, this “Hostess City of the South” magically melds the old with the new.
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SPANISH MOSS DRIPPING FROM LIVE OAKS
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Savannah is truly a walking city. However, it is also
a city that can be enjoyed equally by trolley, carriage, Segway, bicycle, or
car. In other words, however you choose to see it doesn’t matter.
Just see it.
I arrived in Savannah by ship. It was
my first port stop, on what proved to be a glorious 13-day cruise aboard
Silversea’s Silver Shadow. The ship docked at 8 AM and we had a full day
and evening in the city.
There was plenty of time for two
tours if you cared to experience as much as possible in Savannah: One on
Silversea’s Discover Savannah Tour where you experience Savannah without
leaving the Old Savannah Tour bus.
The other on the Orange & Green Old Town Trolley, a
hop-on hop-off trolley, that offers a stress-free, flexible way to see
the city at one’s own pace. Along the tour route, passengers can get off
the trolley for optional activities, shopping, eating, etc.
Clang, clang, clang went the
trolley…and we were off on a journey back to another era, touring Savannah’s
historic district, its sites, and its beautiful treasures. The historic
district, the heart of Savannah, is famous for its cobblestone streets,
beautiful gardens and magnificent architecture.
The fun-loving conductor shared his
historic knowledge and his love for Savannah as he entertained with amusing
narrative and facts about Savannah. The Orange & Green Old Town Trolley is
a delightful union of transportation and entertainment. It is
“Transportainment” at its best.
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| OLD TOWN TROLLEY |
Some of the not-to-be-missed attractions in the city are
the following:
The Juliette Gordon Low birthplace is
affectionately known as the "Girl Scout Mecca". Juliette, nicknamed
Daisy, was the founder of the Girl Scouts and lived out her childhood in the
home that is now a National Historic Landmark. At this exquisite mansion,
built in the early 1800’s, you will learn about the history of the Girl Scouts,
the life of its founder and that era in American History.
The Gingerbread House, built
in 1899, is an outstanding example of “Steamboat Gothic gingerbread carpentry”.
Also known as The Asendorf House, it has been featured in many films and is one
of the most photographed homes in Savannah.
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| THE 1899 GINGERBREAD HOUSE |
Congregation
Mickye Israel in Savannah, Georgia, is one of the oldest
synagogues in the United States. On first glance, it could be
mistaken for a church. With its slightly pointed windows,
pinnacles, and stained glass windows it is a rare example of
a Gothic-style synagogue. In 1878, the synagogue
was consecrated on Monterey Square in historic
Savannah. It was listed on the National Register of
Historic Places in 1980.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is
one of the great Roman Catholic Churches of the South. The stained-glass
windows and delicate sanctuary arches are some of the most compelling aspects
of the design in this French Gothic Style Cathedral located in historic
downtown Savannah.
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| CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST |
Owens Thomas House is one of a vast inventory of colonial
homes that have been restored to their original luster. Some architectural
design styles include Greek Revival, English Regency, and Victorian. The
Owens-Thomas House is said to be one of the finest examples of English Regency
architecture in America. Check out the beautiful garden, impeccably kept
interior, and horse stables.
Once you have gotten your bearings from riding a trolley,
carriage, Segway, bicycle, or car, the next best way to truly experience Savannah
is to simply start walking.
A stroll down picturesque River
Street will immerse you in Southern charm. This waterfront
open-air mall, that was once the home of a thriving cotton industry, abounds
with unique boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and a drop-dead view of the
harbor.
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PICTURESQUE RIVER STREET
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The monuments on cobblestoned River Street exude an
abundance of history. The World War II also known as “The
Cracked Earth”, represents the conflict of a world divided. The
Waving Girl, commemorates Florence Martus, who is thought by some to
be waving to a returning sailor with whom she had fallen in love. The
Anchor Monument is dedicated to all merchant seaman lost at sea. The
African American Monument shows a family embracing with the chain of
slavery at their feet.
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| WWII MONUMENT |
Savannah City Market, the center of social life in the
mid-1700’s, was the place where fishermen sold their fresh catch of the
day. People, from all around the city, flocked to the market to shop,
socialize, and catch up on the latest gossip. Today, the lovingly
restored City market is still a popular shopping and dining destination.
Forsyth Park is the perfect place for
people watching. The 1858 Forsyth Fountain, designed after a
fountain in Paris, is a focal point in this 30-acre park. Every year on St.
Patrick’s Day the city of Savannah dyes the water in the fountain green.
Among other monuments in this most popular park is The Confederate War
Monument, a large ornate column with a bronze soldier on top, dedicated to all
of the men who fought on behalf of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
If you enjoy art and other cultural
pursuits, the Telfair Museums will fill that bill. They are actually
three different museums…the aforementioned Owens-Thomas House, the Jepson
Center for the Arts and the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Together, their collections offer more than 4500 pieces of art.
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| JEPSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS |
Savannah, the “Hostess City of the South” is a city steeped
in history. When you visit Savannah, you will be immediately immersed in
the time and customs of the Old South. Once dubbed “the pretty lady with
a dirty face”, Savannah has surely learned what to do with her makeup
brush. Little wonder that she is one of the South’s most treasured
coastal cities.
To quote Savannah’s hometown
songwriter Johnny Mercer, “You got to accentuate the positive”…and Savannah
certainly does that!
JANET STEINBERG is an International
Travel Consultant, Travel Writer, and the winner of 40 National Travel Writer
Awards.
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