Georgia

SAVANNAH
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Savannah, Georgia 

	Savannah is another Southern city with lots of history, beauty and character.  Literally, just across the South Carolina border, and only about 2 hours south of Charleston (and 40 minutes south of Hilton Head Island), Savannah is a historic landmark.  General Oglethorpe founded Savannah in or around 1773, at the behest of the King of England who wanted to protect England’s interests in South Carolina from the Spaniards in Florida.  Anyone who wanted to settle in Savannah could not use hard liquor, own African slaves (other slaves were permissible), be a Catholic or, of course, an attorney.  Although couched in terms of egalitarian principles, we were told that the real reason for the prohibition on African slaves was due, in part, to the impending uprising   in South Carolina, where African slaves outnumbered the white plantation owners, and in part, due to Florida’s promise of freedom for any slave that joined the Spaniards “cause” in Florida.  

	Savannah was also the first “urban planned” city in America, planned a year before General Oglethorpe had even landed on its shores.  Today, it boasts 21 town squares, the first steamship to cross the ocean, the Savannah School of Art and Design, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” the most haunted city in America, a Riverfront walk, cobblestone and ballast stone streets, historic mansions, homes, shops and factories, and beautiful Inns, one prettier than the next.  

	We stayed at the President’s Quarters, a quaint Victorian style Inn, featuring rooms named after George Washington, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Abe Lincoln, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, among others.  We opted to stay in the JFK room, which was complete with photos of JFK, Bobby Kennedy, Jackie O, and Kennedy’s inaugural address, not too mention the huge king size canopy bed, fireplace, and Jacuzzi tub.  Like the Vendue Inn in Charleston, this Inn had very reasonable rates considering the level of service and luxury we were getting!  By the way, a drink in the basement bar at the Olde Pink House (which is complete with a pianist, large fireplaces, and inspiration worthy of a good martini or Scotch) is also a must, as is dinner at 1780 (although the latter is a bit pricey).  

	Our first night, we spent walking the riverfront area which is a great collection of restaurants, bars and shops housed in renovated old Cotton warehouses and offices on the river.  The roads down to the riverfront are still the original “ballast” stones carried over on merchant ships in the 17 and 1800’s.  The stairs down are at probably 70 degree angles, and are 2 feet high per step; needless to say, they are a good workout.

	The next morning we took the trolley tour around all of Savannah’s historic neighborhoods.  It was very touristy, but a great way to see everything in 90 minutes, as opposed to what would probably be a 6 hour walk.  Plus we got all of the aforementioned history for $15 each, plus a tip for our awesome trolley driver.  Good town.
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Savannah: Georgia
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