Savannah Part I

3 May 2015  

I'm kind of a history buff -- I guess we don't use "buff" anymore, do we?  Whatever it is that connotes someone who loves genealogy, family history, the history of this country that I love, and the history of the world.  Whatever it's called, I've got more than a bit of that.

Room with a View

This weekend Mr. H. and I went over to Savannah, Georgia.  It was founded around the 1730's and the residents are working hard to preserve it's history. It certainly is full of touristy places, but they are doing an amazing job returning the core buildings and historic sites to their original beauty.  And the small parks that are dotting the city are amazing.  Beautiful huge oaks with gnarled branches, magnolia trees, and nearly everything dripped with silvery Spanish moss.

One of the many beautiful little parks.

Magnolia flower (from the underside!)

Spanish Moss

Savannah River

Cotton Exchange
The Cotton Exchange was the center of activity in the 1800's.

Cobble stone road made from ballast rocks
The roads leading down to the River Street are made from stones the old ships would use as ballast.  These rocks could be from anywhere in the world, and brought here hundreds of years ago.

River Street hotels/loft spaces
On the River Street side of the Cotton Exchange are these buildings that have fairly recently been converted to hotels, shops, restaurants, and loft spaces. When Mr. H. and I came here about 2005, these were still very rough and had "for sale" signs posted. Look at them now!

Shops and restaurants

There is more to talk about regarding Savannah - it really is a lovely place (even more so when the weather is perfect!).  So if you're in the area do take a few days and check it out.  As with most places like this, I'd recommend you take a bus tour just to get the lay of the land.  The one we took when we first went allowed us to get off and on the tour bus all day so we could explore.  

**I should have included a disclaimer as I started this post -- if you really want to find out about Savannah, of course go there. But before you do, check out the official website at savannah.com.