Friday, June 14, 2013

City of Savannah Exudes Southern Charm!



Whether you are staying in a quaint bed and breakfast in one of the four Historic Districts or living it up at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Savannah greets you with a sunny smile and the enchantment of a lazy downtown Savannah River setting.

Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, I think he would be proud to see that his plans for a town designed in a grid style with a variety of deliberately established park squares had not, for the most part, been disturbed by modern construction and city development.

With very little time to explore during our visit, we managed to squeeze in an overview of what this town has to offer. Walking on the more than 200 year old cobblestones by River Street, we were glad that we were all wearing sensible shoes, or danger could have been lurking in the form of a twisted ankle or two.

Savannah’s average low temperatures are in the forties during January through March and November through December, with their average high being 92 in June and July. If you love to walk, you’ll be thrilled with the Downtown Historic District where you can pick up a sightseeing tour through http://www.oldsavannahtours.com or other choices including The Savannah River Boat, The Owens Thomas House Tour, The Isaiah Davenport House Tour, The Juliette Gordon Low House Tour, Plantation Carriage Tours, Dolphin Magic, Old Fort Jackson and the Tybee Island Light House. You can visit http://www.officialsavannahguide.com/ for details!

The dot shuttle connects Savannah’s visitor centers, shops, restaurants and parking facilities throughout the Historic District. Visit http://www.connectonthedot.com. There are also easily obtainable taxis, carriage rides and efficient Pedi-Cabs that can transport you to your downtown destination in a heartbeat.

Speaking of Pedi-Cabs, when we were returning from dinner, my husband Fred told our driver (pedaler?) that there was an extra tip for him if he beat the other Pedi-Cab that carried our friends, Larry and Sharon DeCosmo. So they raced all the way back to our hotel, and we could hardly stop laughing as they pedaled as fast as their calf muscles could possibly pump. It’s never dull in my world.  

Along River Street, you can shop, dine, relax, be entertained, absorb the art and history, people watch and imagine the past generations who walked these same cobblestones and viewed the same Victorian architecture in the distinctly unique Victorian District.

As previously mentioned, Savannah is designed with twenty-two park-like squares, each with its own individual appeal. Most are named after notable individuals. This is a town that represents magnificent colors, bountiful gardens, a palpable sense of history and an undeniable presence of the old south.

Ask anyone who has visited Savannah, and they will tell you about the amazing food. Good restaurants abound, and one of our favorites was Vic’s on the River with flavorful choices and impeccable service.

As we strolled along the river, we saw a sizable ship that was docked. It was an American Cruise Lines ship that takes in the Historic South and Golden Isles for seven days. A few of their ports include Amelia Island, FL; Savannah, GA; Hilton Head, SC; Beaufort, SC; Jekyll Island, GA; and Charleston, SC. Would I ever love to take that cruise! See http://www.americancruiselines.com for updated information and additional destinations.

I hope to return to Savannah soon and plan to book as many local tours as I can possibly pinch into my narrow window of time. If that works out according to plan, I’ll be sure to tell you all about it!

Wishing you the best in your search for remarkable travel destinations!

Savannah's River View at Night

By the way, have you ever thought about venturing to Italy? You can travel there directly from your beach chair or sofa when you read From Italy with Love & Limoncello! This is the true story of four non-Italian speaking women who set out on an unguided tour of three regions of Italy. You will walk in their shoes as they share their experiences during this fabulous fifteen day trip. Check it out at http://bit.ly/OiDxsk
today!