Savannah, GA Travel Excursion
By Patrice Raplee
Savannah, Georgia; a beautiful and genteel city where Spanish moss drapes gracefully over oak-tree lined streets and residents take life slowly during the heat of a summer day.
Architecturally one of the prettiest cities in the U.S., Savannah has a long and interesting history that attracts travelers worldwide. The residents of this elegant city are the quintessential embodiment of southern hospitality and effortlessly bestow style to their character and softly lilting southern accents.
The Book as Savannahians call John Berendt's Midnight In The Garden Of Good and Evil, brought a crush of tourism to the town that is still prevalent today. Many tourists who have read the best selling book, or have seen Clint Eastwood's movie version, come to Savannah to seek the sites from Midnight. Jim Williams' Mercer house is now open for tours and Bonaventure Cemetery is located just a few miles out of the city center. The Bird Girl statue from the cover of The Book has been removed from Bonaventure Cemetery and now resides at the Telfair Museum. There are of course specialty tours and shops that feature items of interest to fans. But most fans coming to Savannah discover that the story of the intriguing Midnight only encompasses a microcosm of the city's allure and magic. However, despite the number of tourists, Savannah has kept her grace, architecture, social and historical dignity intact.
The city of Savannah is square in design and features 22 landscaped, inner squares. Upon the town's conception, these inner squares were designed to provide green space and solace for the town's residents. Today, locals jog, meet on park benches to catch up on news, or just stroll along admiring the various fountains, statues and flora of the squares. These squares are so popular that they have become a model for architects to study and incorporate in their own designs for other cities.
-Photo By Patrice Raplee
The City Market on Jefferson Street is a culmination of history, art, dining, shopping and entertainment. There are several interesting shops located in the market including a store that caters to cats and their human pets. Visitors can find the "purrfect" array of accessories to adorn their felines or to decorate the house. You won't find these items at large chain pet stores and the shop's resident fur persons will gladly warm your lap.
The market square also plays host to performances by local musicians. Visitors can relax, listen to some fine acoustic music and people watch, or catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage that tours the city.
Another must see shop is the Savannah Candy Kitchen. The luscious treats are real southern confections and handmade. The Kitchen even carries candies that were popular in the '40s, '50s and '60s! Remember Mary Janes, Kits and Bulls-eyes? There are barrels full of every kind of candy and chocolates imaginable. The only trick is to decide how much space to allocate in your luggage for these delicious delights. The Candy Kitchen also has another store located on the famous River Street.
River Street is the hub of action in Savannah and historically preserved. Georgia was founded in 1733 in this historic district and the cobblestone streets are paved with ballast stones that once sailed in grand ships. The shops that line the riverfront offer unusual, as well as usual souvenirs. The clubs, restaurants and cafes offer a bevy of atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. Jazz and blues artists come to perform from all over the U.S. and keep the bars hopping and exciting! Every night of the week, music spills out of the club fronts and visitors are asked about their favorite drinks. Groups of locals and visitors mingle and socialize along the cobblestone streets in the sultry caress of evening.
One of the best restaurants to visit on River Street is the Shrimp Factory. The restaurant was originally built in 1883 and housed cotton and resin. The building still retains the original beams, brickwork and pine floors and provides a wonderful and intimate feel. The service is excellent and accommodating. Guests are not rushed out the door on completion of their meal as in so many other restaurants in touristy locations. The cuisine is fabulous and almost every item on the menu is made at the restaurant including the bread and pastries. Recommendations for entrees are the fan tail shrimp coconut and live Maine lobster; fresh succulent bites that are ready to slather in butter. The wine selection isn't large, but carefully chosen and reasonable in price. The absolute must have dessert is the Shrimp Factory's Banana Foster Flambé: Brought to your tableside and artfully prepared into a heavenly concoction of caramelized rum, bananas and vanilla bean ice cream. The attitude, atmosphere, price and quality of cuisine at this establishment are TE's top pick for dining!
Once River Street has been explored and indulged in, visitors will invariably wander the many beautiful Savannah streets lined with antebellum homes and mini mansions. Tucked in between these grand domains are shops that contain rare antiques, European goods and southern artistry. For art actually worth the perusal, visit the Savannah College of Art and Design store. Students' works are featured and consist of items ranging from mesmerizing paintings and jewelry, to clothing and statuettes.
Savannah is a charming southern city that is at once quaint, yet bursting at the seams with personality and a celebratory atmosphere. Join TE next month for Part II of Savannah, from sidewalk cafes and B&BS to Pirate hangouts, and the town's reputation for being the most haunted city in the U.S.!
For more information on Savannah Candy Kitchen, go to www.savannahcandy.com