Posts from the ‘Travel USA’ Category

25 Bucket List Activities in Savannah, Georgia

3 of 3 MEGaposts on Savannah, Georgia

If I had to pick among the most interesting cities in the U.S.,  Savannah, Georgia would surely be on that list. I am not the only one. Savannah is routinely ranked by the likes of Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast Travel, Southern Living and Trip Advisor.

Why did I visit Savannah? Let me count they ways;  unique, free things to do, historical, funky, scenic, haunted, great food, romantic, artistic, public intoxicant loving, casual, awesome architectural, gardens, courtyards and the warmth…. My 25

SAVANNAH TURN OFF HERE

1. Take a guided trolley tour. It’s a great way to get a quick overview. This city has more tours than a grandmother’s collection has pepper shakers.
   

   Trolley Central

2. Walk all 20 squares. The Historical District of Savannah can best be seen hoofing it. In my opinion, this is one of the most fun city to walk in the US. I see something different each time that I visit.

4. Visit “that” fountain. Has to be one of the most photographed places in Savannah. Forsyth Park is active and lively. It is surrounded by really fantastic homes.  MEGatip: Try to photograph the fountain before the masses arrive. Make sure you walk around the block and check out the surrounding homes.

5. Take a ghost tour. I had too much to say on this subject and wrote about this in a post entitled “Ghost Bustering in Savannah.”  Savannah is the most paranormal city in the U.S. There are many ways to do a ghost or paranormal tour. From fun family tours, self tours, open hearse tours to the full on serious paranormal tours. MEGatips: This city takes on a whole other worldly appearance at night.  Don’t miss a night walk. Some of the tours can be really cheesy, choose one to your specific interest.

6. Visit Bonaventure Cemetery. See “that” statue. The “bird woman” statue, made famous by Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil, has been moved to Telfair, Museum.  However, this statue of little Gracie is now one of the famous and photographed statues in this cemetery. One of my favorite all-time cemeteries to visit, the grounds are amazing for taking photographs.  Fantastic sculptures, moss covered oak trees. I have never toured with a tour group at his location.  On my last visit, I creeped on a tour guide and there were interesting stories. That might be fun for another visit. MEGatip; Don’t forget your camera!

7. Forrest Gump was here. For no reason, I now check out Forrest Gump scenes in cities that I have visited.  You know that famous scene in the beginning of the movie where that feather falls?  And,  the bench where Forrest sits at the bus stop? These spots are filmed in Savannah.    Many movies and shows have been filmed in this area. Other famous movie sights from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil are able to be visited. MEGatip: A fan? Clary’s cafe’ is open to the public. They serve a humdinger of a good breakfast there.  Southern food on daily menu also.

8. Hang out on River Street. Touristy? Yes, but there is fun, food, statues and some really great old buildings.  If you look and learn, this area tells a great story. MEGatip; Don’t miss the wonderful memorial statues on River Street. learn their story. A few of the statues; African American Monument,my favorite-Florence Martus aka “The Waving Girl,” 1996 Yachting Cauldron.

9. Bike Savannah. There is a new bike rental located in downtown.  This is really a busy place with a lot of one-way streets and cars. MEGatip; I would say this area is for a more experienced rider with fast reflexes. Somehow I was overcharged by 4X. I couldn’t figure out the system and even called them to clarify.  Maybe I will bring my own next visit.

BIKE ON!

10. Taste Chatham Artillery Punch and walk around with an open intoxicant, legally. I did both. This is one of a few cities in the US where this is possible..legally.

11. Visit Colonial Park Cemetery and look at those dueling grounds. This cemetery is within the historical district.

Colonial CemeteryVisit the Botanical Garden because I collect them.

12.  See “those houses” Amazing architecture is everywhere in this historic district. My photos will not do justice to the magnificent homes in this city.  From the 1700’s until the present, architecture is not to be missed.

13. Check out some art. There are several museums and shops in the downtown area.  MEGatip:STOP in at the SCAD Art Shop located in the historic district.  The works of the talented students are showcased and it is fun to check out. Great buys!

Art

14. Check out the gardens. Famous for it’s beautiful courtyard gardens and landscaping, Savannah’s historic district is loaded with beautiful plantings.  In this historic district, you can walk around and have your own tour. It’s free. There are so many beautiful homes and gardens.

15. Learn about SCAD,  home to one of the coolest 11 buildings in the US.  Reuse, Reimagine, Repurpose. SCAD stands for Savannah College of Art and Design.  With more than 40 Majors and 60 Minors, this school brings in a fresh, vibrant and International vibe.  There are more than 11,000 students from nearly 50 states.  Almost 1/4 of the population is International, representing more than 100 countries.. A National Historic Landmark known to be  the only surviving antebellum railroad complex in the country. The complex also houses the ruins of a former freight warehouse. This city has such varied architectural styles.  

16. Eat some tasty seafood.  Lots of great food in this city. With too much to say, I also wrote a separate piece called Savoring Savannah. Each time that I visit, I find amazing food.  MEGatip: I loved Girabaldi’s Cafe.  A great menu and fantastic oyster’s with cilantro lime sauce.

17.  Paula Deen’s Lady and Son’s Restaurant. This family has a big following. Controversy aside, I was always curious.  I knew she made some famous biscuit’s and She Crab Soup.  One day, instead of Jimmy John’s I popped in and crossed this off my list. I wrote a separate piece on dining around the historic area. MEGatip: Don’t pop in, get a reservation.

18.  Visit The Botanical Garden. Like UNESCO Heritage Sites, I collect gardens.  The Savannah Botanical Garden is very small.  MEGatip: I recommend going to The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens.  Although this garden is a work in progress, and in the beginning phases, there are interesting features to see. It is set on 5 acres. This place was known by the name The Bamboo Farm and is located about 10 miles outside of Savannah.  Yes, there is bamboo. It is FREE!  This photo has been one of my all time garden favorites. I snapped it on a past visit a few years back.

One of my favorite photos. I love how I saw the lizard after I checked photo.

19. See “that statue” Telfair Museum. A Neoclassical Style exterior.  Admission is $12.00. There are permanent exhibits, paintings, sculptures, photographs and of course that famous “Bird Lady”  Because cell phones are not allowed I was asked not to take a photo of the statue with my phone. You may bring a camera if you stay 3′ away from the works.  MEGatip: For me, I liked the permanent exhibit about Kahlil Gibran. He is one of my favorite poets.  So that was worth the $12. If you are also a fan, one of the largest public collections is held here in the form of drawings and paintings.

20. Visit Historical Sites. for the history buffs, Savannah has plenty to offer. Some of the bloodiest battles were fought in this area.

21. Get my “Irish On”  I also collect Irish Pubs. Savannah and much of Georgia, was built with Irish labor. Savannah holds one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Represent! MEGatip: Kevin Barry’s on River Street has evening entertainment. The dude knows how to play a Bodhran.

22. Get out of the city and see some nature.   I lose it after a few days without nature. With rivers and islands adjacent to the city, it is an easy place to find some nature. Flatlands, marshes and swamps. There is rich biodiversity found in The Coastal Lowlands Region. MEGatip:If you have kids, The Oatland Island Wildlife Center, located about 10 minutes from the downtown area, is a really great place to get out and walk. With animal exhibits, the kids will love it. There are trails throughout the woods and some animals that are in large natural type enclosures.

23. Visit Savannah’s  many historic churches. From Unitarian Churches, Jewish Synagogues, Catholic Churches and The First African Baptist Church. There is a vast culture of historical worship sites.  MEGatip: the interior of St. John’s is worth a peek.

24. Learn something random.  I learned a lot of interesting things visiting Savannah but I always like to learn a random fact.  Just in case.

Song writer James L. Pierpont, most famous for the lyrics Of Jingle Bell’s lived in Savannah.

25. Get out to Ty-Bee Island. A short drive of 18 miles and you can be at the beach.  MEGatips: Love beaches? GO there and enjoy the soft white sandy beaches and beautiful water. Collect national Park’s? have a passport?  History? The Fort Pulaski National Monument is run by the National Park Service and is worth a stop. EAT at The Crab Shack very near the park where you can have fresh shrimp and blue crabs in bare feet.

MEGastars  I give this city 5 MEGastars*****   I could possibly give 4 1/2 because I was a crime victim in this city.  Overall, i felt safe. My car got jacked from valet parking with 6 others.  I have one whale of a travel story…to be continued.