Savoring Savannah: Exploring Charm in Georgia’s Picturesque Historic City

The Heart of Savannah: Historic Districts

As I meander through Savannah, I find the city’s soul in its historic districts, where Victorian architecture lends a timeless quality to the bustling streets.

Forsyth Park

At the heart of Savannah’s historic district lies Forsyth Park, a lush 30-acre green space crowned by a stunning fountain—one of the city’s most well-known landmarks.

I especially love the blend of art and nature, with draping Spanish moss complementing the idyllic pathways. Here, the city’s history is palpable, framed by a backdrop of impressive Victorian homes.

• Location: Historic District of Savannah
• Size: 30 acres
• Features:
  • Charming Victorian architecture
  • Iconic fountain centerpiece
  • Walking paths and recreational areas

River Street

There’s something utterly captivating about the cobblestone streets of River Street. As I stroll alongside the Savannah River, the riverfront vibrates with life.

This iconic avenue is a haven for shopping at quaint boutiques and watching massive ships cruising by. From art galleries to souvenir shops, the variety caters to a wanderer’s every whim.

• Distance from Forsyth Park: Approximately 1 mile
• Highlights:
  • Cobblestone streets
  • Savannah River views
  • Diverse shopping experience

City Market

When the sun sets, City Market becomes the cornerstone of Savannah’s social life.

Artistic flair is in abundance, with galleries showcasing local talents. It’s a place I visit for the live music and stay for the atmosphere.

Surrounded by trendy boutiques and eateries, City Market artfully blends Savannah’s historic past with its vibrant present.

• Distance from River Street: Less than half a mile
• Social Scene:
  • Active nightlife with live music
  • Local art galleries
  • Variety of dining options

Culinary Delights: Where to Eat in Savannah

Savannah’s dining scene is a feast for the senses, marrying Southern charm and coastal flavors. I’ve discovered some standout places that are essential for any food lover.

One cannot discuss Savannah’s culinary offerings without mentioning The Olde Pink House. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience nestled in a colonial mansion.

The shrimp and grits here sing with flavor, a true testament to Southern cuisine. The charm of the place is palpable, and its setting is beautifully historic.

For seafood enthusiasts, Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar is a must-visit. It’s a mere 10-minute stroll from the iconic Pink House.

Their selection of raw and cooked oysters, tender and served with a zingy mignonette, are a tribute to the coastal gifts of Savannah.

• The Grey is another gastronomic landmark in a restored Greyhound bus terminal.
• Chef Mashama Bailey wows with her take on Port City Southern food. I particularly recommend the sea scallops; they’re as succulent as they are inventive.

Here’s a quick list for reference:

When you’re traversing the highway in your RV, waving at the sprawling landscapes, pull over at Savannah Oaks RV Resort for a secure night’s sleep.

It’s just a 20-minute ride from downtown, and the majestic oak trees are a sight to behold under the starlit Georgia sky.

Savannah tempts the palate with its array of dishes, making it clear why it’s treasured as a jewel of the South. Whether it’s the historic ambiance or the modern culinary interpretations, the city forms a tapestry of tastes that always calls me back.

Museums and Galleries: A Peek into Savannah’s Art and History

As I meandered through the oak-lined streets of Savannah, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the city’s artistic flair, seamlessly woven into its historic fabric.

My first stop was the Telfair Museums, an epic trio offering me a diverse array of experiences.

The Jepson Center, with its focus on contemporary art, had me enthralled with striking artworks that provoke thought and conversation.

• Telfair Academy transported me into the 19th century with classical sculptures and American and European paintings.
• Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters provided an insightful lens into the complex history of the region, including its slave history.

Just a short drive down the highway, approximately 0.5 miles, the SCAD Museum of Art underscored the vibrant connection between art and education in Savannah.

Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, the museum presents a slate of exhibitions that showcase a mix of international fine art and design work by students that had my creative sparks flying.

For art enthusiasts like myself, this goldmine of creativity wasn’t just anchored in the past. It also projected a dynamic future teeming with fresh talents.

Thanks to well-placed campgrounds nearby, such as the Savannah Oaks RV Resort approximately 15 miles out, my camper van trip around the historical town was as convenient as it was culturally enriching.

Ghost Tours and Haunted Savannah

Savannah, with its cobblestone streets and moss-draped oaks, is a haven for tales of spirits and spectres. I’ve come to explore its haunted nooks at night, when ghost tours promise a shiver down the spine.

Colonial Park Cemetery, dating back to the 18th century, is a frequent starting point.

It’s less than a mile off Highway 16, where I parked my RV at the Savannah Oaks RV Resort for the night—safe and quiet, ideal for a rest before delving into eerie escapades.

Nightfall brings the real thrill. The Ghost Tour, a 90-minute journey, whisks the curious away into the old city’s darkened corners.

Tales of yellow fever victims and unrestful spirits are as plentiful as the live oaks.

The influence of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil on Savannah’s ghostly reputation is palpable. Tours often reference the novel’s events and locations stirring curiosity among fans.

Notably, the Mercer-Williams house, a centerpiece of the story, carries its own ghostly lore, a brisk two-mile drive from the cemetery.

Ghost Tours themselves vary—walking or trolley, history-focused or theatrically chilling. But, each shares whispers of the past that make Savannah’s haunting beauty all the more intriguing:

• Walking Tours: Immerse fully in the stories, stopping at key haunted sites.
• Trolley Tours: Cover more ground with less walking, often with an entertaining conductor.

To wrap up a night of ghostly encounters, I retreat to the peaceful campground, where the only spirits are the stories lingering in my mind.

Strolling Through Savannah: Walking Tours and Hidden Gems

As I meander through Savannah’s enchanting cityscape, I’m struck by the rich tapestry of history woven into its streets.

Guided walking tours offer an immersive dive into the city’s past. They ensure I don’t miss any stories etched in the architecture or hidden behind the ivy-covered garden walls.

Guided Tours:
For the Historically Hungry: Join a guided tour focused on Savannah’s architectural marvels.

I find myself absorbed by the intricate details of each building as the guide narrates the history behind the city’s iconic facades.

Ghostly Whispers: As night falls, the ghost tours begin, sending shivers down my spine.

Not just from the tales, but the beautiful, haunting atmosphere of the squares after dark. It’s a unique way to experience the city’s mysteries and lesser-known anecdotes.

Self-Guided Exploration:
City Streets: I savor the independence of a self-guided walking tour.

The perfectly walkable historic district allows me to wander at my own pace. Every street corner offers a new vignette of Savannah life.

Hidden Gems and Park Squares:
Listed below are a few must-visit spots that personify Savannah’s charm:

• Jones Street: Frequently cited as the prettiest street, it’s lined with Mid-19th Century homes and draped in Spanish moss—a picture-perfect representation of the Savannah aesthetic.
• Chippewa Square: Recognizable from “Forrest Gump,” this square is just one of the many lush, green spaces where I love to sit and watch the world go by, soaking in the ambiance.
• Secret Gardens: Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gardens tucked away behind wrought-iron gates; they’re a serene retreat from the city buzz.

RV Adventure:
Along the highway, I spot campgrounds that become my home base.

They’re safe havens for my camper van, situated a short stroll from the historic district—a convenient and adventurous way to savor Savannah’s splendor.