Savannah, GA
Savannah, for many described as romantic destinations. To town got the romantic label mainly through movies (Forrest Gump is the most popular one - not the most romantic one), beautiful squares, and colonial architecture. For sure it’s a popular place to get married but it’s also a great weekend getaway for those who want to learn more about history, go back in time, or just wander through city admiring brick houses and green squares.
When 13th colony was set up as Georgia, Savannah become the first city. In 1733 general James Oglethorpe, together with 120 immigrants settle on the land that become later Savannah. He is the father and founder of 13th colony called, Georgia. As it was the most southern colony it needed fortification to protect colonies from Spanish settlers.
Savannah quickly growth as a well functioning port. In fact it played strategic role during Civil War, and nowadays it’s still 3rd biggest port in the US. In XVIII century when Savannah was established the port was already well functioning with all the docks and warehouses along the river. Since there was a port that played strategic role there have to be some pirates, don’t they?
Pirates’ House from 1794
Pirates’ House from 1794 was built as tavern and inn for sailors. There is a lot of stories that were repeated in this establishment for years. One legend says that there were a policeman who came to tavern just for one drink. However, he had an amazing time and had more than that. When he woke up he was on the ship on the way to China. It took him two years to get back to Savannah. That’s what you call a party.
Did you know that Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired to write Treasure Island when staying in Pirates’ House. You can still first edition of this book when dining in the Pirates’ House. Currently this establishment is a restaurant.
Savannah has two parts of the city, I would like to call it river walk and upper part of the city. River street is great to wander around, visit some craft stores, grab a drink or snack here and there, admire the view, and listen some street artists in the background. From River Street there are stairs that will take you to the upper part of the city, that’s where most of the hotels are.
If your imagination can take you back in time you can see that River Street was full of fishermans, sailors, taverns, warehouses and so on. On the other hand few stairs above was town full of aristocrats living in their beautiful houses, life full of design dresses, green squares, gardens, tea time and unfortunately slaves. Over the course of forty-eight years, Savannah played an integral role in the Atlantic slave trade. Port of Savannah has historical importance as a receiver of enslaved West Africans
As you can see Savannah has great history but quite often very tragic. Savannah is to believed be one of the most haunted cities in the USA, or at least one of the three cities that for centuries recording paranormal activities. Two other are Salem and New Orleans.
So why Savannah captures the souls of spirits and spurs them to stick around? Check details on the official site of the city of Savannah. In nutshell, there were a lot of bloody battles, deadly diseases, mystery murders and savage slavery. By the eve of the American Revolution, the colony held 16,000 slaves. It is believed that those once enslaved still seek vengeance against their captors.
Even before you hear all those stories about people who lost their life, stories about bloody wars and unfair deaths, once you get to Savannah you will feel this mystery, ghosts, and you will know that you are not alone… that death deserves the respect.
Spanish Moss that you see on most of the trees in Savannah is adding the mystery vibe.
The Spanish Moss is a plant that leaves on tree branches. It gets all the nutritions and water from the air. It needs warm humidity of a tropical or subtropical climate. Savannah has it all, including clean air. I love those trees. I could spend hours just admiring how beautiful the nature is.
Wormsloe Historic Site
How much days you need in Savannah and what to see? Check below our recommendations. I was there 3 days and it was perfect to explore the city, learn the history and fall in love in the trees covered by spanish moss.
Itinerary
Day 1 - flying into Savannah, gallivanting through the city and enjoying sunset on river walk.
Day 2 - take a hop-on/hop-off bus. I recommend Old Savannah Tours and option with bus and cruise. See the city from the bus and boat. Check their schedule and plan accordingly. I recommend to jump in on the first stop.
Day 3 - road trip to Wormsloe Historic Site & Bonaventure Cemetery. Depends on your flight schedule or travel distance you can return home on this day.
Ownes-Thomas House
What to see?
Owens-Thomas House - built in 1816-1819 house for Richard Richardson, businessman from Savannah. In 1925 General LaFayette stayed there as a guest. Later the house was bought by George W. Owens, whose granddaughter (Margaret Gray Thomas) gave it to Telfair Academy of Science and Art. Not there is a museum.
River Street - about 1 mile walk next to river. Stop by in some restaurants and roof tops. Visit local craft shops to buy souvenirs or get ice-creams on the hot day.
Squares like Johnson Square, Reynolds Square - there are 24 squares. You will pass some of them when walking around the city.
Forsyth Park and Fountain from 1858 - situated a little bit further from the river but you can hop-off there if you take a trolley tours.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist - for a long time it was forbidden for roman-catholics to settle down in Georgia. The government was afraid that catholics from Georgia will unite with spanish catholics from Florida who were the enemies at that time. The law was changed after 1784. In 1799 french catholics built the first church there. They were from Haiti, so in XIX century the church was mainly for free black people from Haiti. Development of the current building started in 1859. However, in 1898 in fire the structure was completely destroyed and rebuilt in 1899. It’s the first building built in Georgia from bricks.
Martin Luther’s house where he wrote the speech “I have a dream”
Pirates’ House from 1794
Wormsloe Historic Site if you are like me and are crazy about trees covered with Spanish Moss you have to visit Wormsloe. It’s a plantation on the suburbs of Savannah.
Bonaventure Cemetery - it’s the biggest cemetery in Savannah. Established in 1846, is famous thanks to the book and movie “Midnight in the garden of good and evil”.
Where to stay?
I would recommend to stay in the old Savannah, in the area between River Street and Broughton Street.
We stayed at: Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District, an IHG Hotel - very convenient hotel. Nothing extraordinary but clean, perfect location and you can get a room with small kitchen if you want to grab a morning coffee.
You can’t go wrong with any Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott or IHG hotels. Holiday Inn, Hyatt Regency, Homewood just name a few.
JW Marriott is highly recommended if fits your price range. Located at the river street is in the heart of Savannah. It has museum at the lobby so go there even if you are not staying there.
Westin Savannah is recommended for a longer stay where you prefer more resort vibe but still close to the city. It’s located on the other side of the river, but you can take a boat to get quickly to the historic district.
Westin Hotel in Savannah
Recommended restaurants:
Churchill’s - great bar with quick bites.
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck - rooftop bar in JW Marriott Hotel. Great drinks and snacks/appetizers. Highly recommended!
The Emporium - delicious food. Perfect choice for a dinner. Reservation is recommended.
Boar’s Head Grill & Tavern - another option for dinner. Also very delicious! Located in the old warehouses has a great old times vibe.
The Olde Pink House - very popular restaurant with great reviews. However, it’s challenging to get a table.
The Wyld - seafood restaurant near Wormsloe. Recommended for a lunch or quick bite or refreshing drink.
