I dream about live oaks. How could you not? After I learned about these beautiful trees it’s been on my bucket list to see these trees in person. Savannah is one of the best places to go to see hundreds of live oaks. My husband always thought they are creepy, that is, until he saw them in person. Then he got why I think they are so amazing. They are so old, with most dating back to the 1800’s. Forsyth Park is iconic for being lined with live oaks. It’s a 30 acre park, including a smelling garden specifically designed for blind people. I could have spent all day just staring at Forsyth Park. It was gorgeous.
Forsyth Park
Savannah is an old town. Founded in 1733 on the Savannah River it was a gateway to the South with cotton and tobacco being traded at record numbers. Savannah was originally planned to have 24 town squares but 22 squares are still intact today. This city takes my breath away. You can walk everywhere in the historic district and explore all the different squares. Each square has some type of fountain or statue dedicated to a founding member of Savannah.
One of the 22 town squares
The best way to get your bearings in Savannah is to start by taking a trolley tour. There are multiple services that offer an on and off option if you don’t want to walk everywhere.
After you’ve done a tour and explored the town squares, it’s time to do the second best part of Savannah…eating! The food here is amazing! Seriously. Paula Dean’s restaurant, The Lady and Sons, has a Sunday buffet with some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. It’s home cooking at its finest!
Mrs. Wilkes is supposed to be amazing also, but they only serve lunch and it’s family style. They open at 11 and by the time we got there at 11:30 the wait was an hour and half…so lesson learned: show up early! For date night check out The Old Pink House. Reservations are a must!
After lunch it’s time to see the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It’s a little taste of a European-style cathedral right here in America.
Next, check out some of the many historical houses dotted around the historic downtown. We explored the Sorrel-Weed House. The house had seen many owners but had some very interesting architecture that was original for the time. Sadly, I wasn’t allowed to take any pictures in the house. Just trust me that you should check it out.
Next head down to the riverfront area. It’s where all the importing and exporting used to happen. Now it’s a hub for amazing seafood and fun little shops.
The traders used to stand on these catwalks as the wagons of cotton would drive under them. They would then start bidding on prices for the cotton. I could just imagine the bustle that this area used to be.
Then take your kids over to check out the authentic sailing ship. I never realized how huge they were.
To finish up your day stop by Leopold’s Ice Cream. It’s so good and set up like an old diner.
There is so much more I can say about Savannah. The Savannah College of Arts and Design has renovated and owns so many of the old buildings. They have classrooms and dorms dotted through the historic district but you would never know.
a typical street in downtown Savannah
Everything about Savannah is beautiful. From basic streets to the wonderful food to the live oaks and old houses – I can’t wait to go back.
Originally published April 8, 2016