Savannah's Riverfront and Parks Create a Special Georgia Destination
When James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia in 1733 for the British crown, he carefully selected an elevated location along the river to build a city which became known as Savannah. He also planned for the future by designing a community with streets laid out on a grid, public parks at regular intervals, and protected access to the ocean for the supply ships and military support that would follow.
Today this diverse city of 150,000 residents plays a key role in the economy of the southeast through its huge commercial port. It is also a popular destination for regional visitors and national travelers. Known for its comfortable culture and entertainment options, Savannah is the kind of place that seems mysterious, slightly mischievous, and open-minded at the same time. It is no wonder that the city is frequently used as a venue by writers and filmmakers.
Savannah offers historic sites to visit ranging from colonial era houses to interesting museums and cemeteries. It has the largest historic district in the United States which runs for about a mile along the Savannah River and inland through the commercial, shopping, and residential neighborhoods of the city for distance of two miles. Walking, biking, or taking a slow drive through these areas is an effective way to get a feel of the place before exploring some of the following highlights:
River Street and Factors Way - River Street which runs along the river and Factors Way located at the top of the riverbank were once the center of commerce for Savannah. Vessels pulled up at docks along the river where they were unloaded into a series of six-story warehouses for storage or shipped out by horse drawn carriage, truck, or rail over the centuries. Today, that activity takes place at the 1345-acre Garden City terminal upriver that continues to grow in size and importance as one of America's leading ports of entry. Fortunately, the remaining warehouses have been converted into shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, and entertainment venues. There are modern hotels and other facilities which intrude, but the cobblestone streets, riverfront bulkheads, parks and pavilions, and towering warehouses are visually pleasing.
Purists may dismiss River Street as a typical tourist attraction, but Savannah has a special appeal for three reasons. First, at regular intervals throughout the day, cargo ships loaded with containers and towering up to two hundred feet above the water pass by close to the shore. These ships provide an awesome spectacle and for decades locals and visitors have been waving at the sailors arriving in port. This tradition is commemorated by the popular Waving Girl statue erected to honor a Savannah resident who spent her lifetime greeting the arriving ships. Another way to experience life along the river is to go for a cruise on the classic steamboat docked there.
Second, there are always different forms of entertainment going on around you. You can sit on a bench and hear a Dixieland band or listen to one of the local musicians who perform along River Street or the singers who belt out popular songs acapella. Third, throughout the year there are series of music festivals, art shows, parades and other events taking place in the vicinity. Depending on your sweet tooth, these additional activities either compliment or make up for the many candy shops there.
Parks - The parks laid out by General Oglethorpe throughout the historic district have served as relaxing open space for generations of residents. They are filled with mature trees draped with Spanish moss, commemorative statues, and fountains. Located at the intersection of major thoroughfares, the parks also serve as traffic circles allowing vehicles to travel smoothly and reducing the number of traffic lights and stop signs. Forsyth Park is the largest park where locals can find a quiet place to walk around the one-mile perimeter, enjoy community events such as concerts, films, and festivals, or just relax on benches near pleasant gardens and playgrounds.
Food and Drink - There is no shortage of either food or drink in Savannah. There is a festive feeling in the air because the city's open container law allows patrons of drinking establishments, coffee shops, and cafes in the historic district to purchase beer, wine, and drinks in "to go cups" and walk around. Nevertheless, there is also an abundance of fine dining and casual restaurants to enjoy. We had an excellent lunch looking out over the river from one of the restored warehouses at Vic's on the River during our most recent visit. We have also enjoyed meals at the Old Pink House located a few blocks from the river in a classic Georgian mansion that features antique furnishings and the popular Planters Tavern on the main floor.
Shopping - As a landing place for goods and people, Savannah has always had an active merchant class and plenty of shops. Dozens of stores are located along Factors Way or River Street, but the most interesting shopping area is the revitalized Broughton Street. This area has seen an influx of boutiques and fashion stores which nicely compliment the galleries, coffee houses, theaters, and art museums of the historic district. Located close to the respected Savannah College of Art and Design, it is not unusual to see enthusiastic students walking around that area holding their portfolios. Other popular shopping areas are the stores located in the downtown design district featuring local goods, antiques and specialty items and the traditional City Market where a variety of food, jewelry, and local crafts are available.
Other Things to Do - There are many other things to do in and around Savannah which make it worth exploring. The resorts and condominiums of Hilton Head Island lie only thirty-three miles to the north along the coast and popular Tybee Island seaside community is only seventeen miles to the east.
Weather conditions in Savannah are comfortable for a visit and outdoor enjoyment throughout the year including during the winter when daytime temperatures usually peak above 60 degrees. However, the middle of the summer and early fall can be sweltering in the region and are prone to sporadic days of heavy rainfall. Savannah is served directly by Delta’s hubs in Atlanta and New York, American Airlines’ hubs in Charlotte and Dallas, and JetBlue’s hubs in New York and Boston. Other carriers offering direct flights to Savannah from larger cities include Southwest and Allegiant. Savannah is located close to Interstates 95 and 20, so it is a convenient drive from most locations in the southeast, Florida and the mid-Atlantic.