Sights of Savannah, GA
I have been traveling to and vacationing in Savannah, GA since I was very young. First it was with my mother and father, now I take my son, Christopher, to the place that I fell in love with as a child.
The things I have learned over the years have better helped me to understand Savannah's influence in the building of not only a great state, but a great nation.
I encourage you to visit this beautiful city. Immersion is the only way to fully understand her real historic value.
The things I have learned over the years have better helped me to understand Savannah's influence in the building of not only a great state, but a great nation.
I encourage you to visit this beautiful city. Immersion is the only way to fully understand her real historic value.
Florence Martus - The Waving Girl
One of the first stories most people hear upon arriving in Savannah involves the life of Florence Martus (1868 - 1943), who was known as the Waving Girl. The daughter of a sergeant stationed at Fort Pulaski, Florence later moved to a cottage along the river near the entrance of the harbor with her brother George, the Cockspur Island Lighthouse keeper.As the story goes, life at the cottage was lonely for Florence whose closest companion was her collie. At an early age, Florence began welcoming ships sailors with a wave of her handkerchief. Sailors began returning her greeting by waving back or with a blast of the ship's horn. Eventually Florence started greeting the ships arriving in the dark by waving a lantern.
Florence Martus continued waving to the ships for 44 years and it is estimated that she welcomed more than 50,000 ships during her lifetime. There has been speculation about Florence having fallen in love with a sailor who never returned to Savannah. The facts, however, remain a mystery.
The story of Florence Martus grew into a Savannah legend. On September 27, 1943, the SS Florence Martus, a Liberty ship, was christened in her honor.
The Waving Girl Statue, by renowned sculptor Felix De Weldon, depicts Florence with her collie.
Statue location
The eastern end of River Street, overlooking the Savannah River from the bluff.
Oglethorpe's Savannah
General James Edward Oglethorpe and the 120 travelers of the good ship "Anne" landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River in February 1733. Oglethorpe named the thirteenth and final American colony, Georgia, after England's King George II. Savannah became its first city.
"The river is wide, the water fresh, and from the key of the town you can see its whole course to the sea, with the island of Tybee which forms the mouth of the river... The landscape is very agreeable."
"The river is wide, the water fresh, and from the key of the town you can see its whole course to the sea, with the island of Tybee which forms the mouth of the river... The landscape is very agreeable."
Sunrise at Tybee Island
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Let's take a day tour of Savannah! Come along and enjoy a short trip where we will just hit the highlights and you'll get a little history lesson in the process.
The truth is, most people come to Savannah for the beaches. When I travel to Savannah, this is the way I like to start my day. I get up early and go down to the beach with my coffee and watch as the sun rises over the majestic waters at Tybee Island.
It makes me feel renewed, as if my whole life has been leading up to this very moment in time. To watch the sun rise on a new day with the waves gently rippling the sand, feeling the pull of the ocean as the moon fades from view is something that cannot be replicated at the lake. The hustle and bustle of the everyday work world fades into the background and I no longer worry about the reports, the meetings or even (gasp) the internet world where I seem to live.
Take a moment to relax and really look at the picture below. Can you feel it? Is it calling to you?
Most historians believe "Tybee" is derived from the Native American Euchee Indian word for "salt".
When I vacation in Savannah I try to find a vacation home rental instead of staying in a hotel/motel. With the amount of money that can be spent on just restaurant food and the aggravation of always having to get dressed to go out and eat, it's definitely worth it.
Check out some of the amenities!
The truth is, most people come to Savannah for the beaches. When I travel to Savannah, this is the way I like to start my day. I get up early and go down to the beach with my coffee and watch as the sun rises over the majestic waters at Tybee Island.
It makes me feel renewed, as if my whole life has been leading up to this very moment in time. To watch the sun rise on a new day with the waves gently rippling the sand, feeling the pull of the ocean as the moon fades from view is something that cannot be replicated at the lake. The hustle and bustle of the everyday work world fades into the background and I no longer worry about the reports, the meetings or even (gasp) the internet world where I seem to live.
Take a moment to relax and really look at the picture below. Can you feel it? Is it calling to you?
Most historians believe "Tybee" is derived from the Native American Euchee Indian word for "salt".
When I vacation in Savannah I try to find a vacation home rental instead of staying in a hotel/motel. With the amount of money that can be spent on just restaurant food and the aggravation of always having to get dressed to go out and eat, it's definitely worth it.
Check out some of the amenities!
Tybee Island, GA
Current weather conditions in Tybee Island, GA
Local Pollen Reports
43°F (Feels like 36°F)
Last update: 1/2/10 12:35 AM EST
Humidity: 66%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 32°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.08in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 13mph From: Airport Conditions
Historic District
After finally pulling myself away from the beach, which is not an easy task, I venture into the historic district of Savannah Proper. I have always loved history and the beautiful antebellum or pre-Civil War homes.
After surviving a consuming fire and a yellow fever epidemic in 1820, Savannah entered a period of great prosperity, which lasted until the Civil War.
Union General Sherman was so enamored with Savannah that he presented it to President Lincoln as a Christmas present in 1864. Thus, Savannah was spared from the devastation that was the fate of the South.
After surviving a consuming fire and a yellow fever epidemic in 1820, Savannah entered a period of great prosperity, which lasted until the Civil War.
Union General Sherman was so enamored with Savannah that he presented it to President Lincoln as a Christmas present in 1864. Thus, Savannah was spared from the devastation that was the fate of the South.
Bonaventure Cemetery
This may not seem like a place you would put on your itinerary, but it is definitely a must see. Bonaventure Cemetery is a public cemetery located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are many guided tours
available.
The significance of this cemetery is not only the history but the notable figures who chose it as their final resting place.
Conrad Aiken, novelist and poet, 1950 Poet Laureate of the United States
Edythe Chapman, wife to James Neill, actress, the role of Mrs. Martha McTavish in "The Ten Commandments"
Hugh W. Mercer, Civil War Army officer and Confederate general
Johnny Mercer, singer/songwriter - notable songs, "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby", "Fools Rush In", "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)", "That Old Black Magic", "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive", and "Come Rain Or Come Shine" (1946)
James Neill, husband to Edythe Chapman, actor, role of Aaron, Brother of Moses in "The Ten Commandments"
Edward Telfair, governor of the state of Georgia in 1786 and 1790-1793
Jack Leigh, photographer, author- ironically best known for the cover photograph on the novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" which was taken at Bonaventure Cemetery. You've read the book or seen the movie, now see where it all began!
The significance of this cemetery is not only the history but the notable figures who chose it as their final resting place.
Conrad Aiken, novelist and poet, 1950 Poet Laureate of the United States
Edythe Chapman, wife to James Neill, actress, the role of Mrs. Martha McTavish in "The Ten Commandments"
Hugh W. Mercer, Civil War Army officer and Confederate general
Johnny Mercer, singer/songwriter - notable songs, "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby", "Fools Rush In", "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)", "That Old Black Magic", "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive", and "Come Rain Or Come Shine" (1946)
James Neill, husband to Edythe Chapman, actor, role of Aaron, Brother of Moses in "The Ten Commandments"
Edward Telfair, governor of the state of Georgia in 1786 and 1790-1793
Jack Leigh, photographer, author- ironically best known for the cover photograph on the novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" which was taken at Bonaventure Cemetery. You've read the book or seen the movie, now see where it all began!
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
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Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
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Fountains
Savannah is filled with fountains. It is the location of one of the largest Saint Patrick's Day celebrations in the U.S. and each year the fountains' water is turned green in honor of the celebration.
Forsyth Park: Designed in the 18th Century by General James Oglethorpe, as part of his master plan for Savannah, the 30-acre Forsyth Park is bordered by Park Avenue on the south and by Gaston Street on the north. The romantic Forsyth Park Fountain sits in the north end of the park and is one of the most poplar attractions for visitors to Savannah.
The Forsyth Park Fountain was installed in 1858 and was designed to recall the Parisian fountain located at the Place de la Concorde. Following several repairs and renovations necessitated by damage related to weather, aging and vandalism, the fountain was completely restored in 1988.
Location: The northern end of Forsyth Park at Bull and Gaston Streets
Forsyth Park: Designed in the 18th Century by General James Oglethorpe, as part of his master plan for Savannah, the 30-acre Forsyth Park is bordered by Park Avenue on the south and by Gaston Street on the north. The romantic Forsyth Park Fountain sits in the north end of the park and is one of the most poplar attractions for visitors to Savannah.
The Forsyth Park Fountain was installed in 1858 and was designed to recall the Parisian fountain located at the Place de la Concorde. Following several repairs and renovations necessitated by damage related to weather, aging and vandalism, the fountain was completely restored in 1988.
Location: The northern end of Forsyth Park at Bull and Gaston Streets
Lunch in Savannah
Are you hungry yet? After all the sights we've seen, it's time to sit down and have a great lunch. Not fast food or just any old meal, we are going to the real Pirate's House! The entire family will enjoy this restaurant!From the website:
Since 1753, The Pirate's House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirate's House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Here seamen drank their grog and discoursed, sailor fashion, on their exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said.
If you've had your fill from the buffet, let's adventure a little more!
Birthplace of the Girl Scouts
This home is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low who founded the Girl Scouts. She held many early Girl Scout meetings and adult trainings in this very same house.Dating to 1821, the house is an interesting blend of Regency architecture and Victorian-style additions. The tour
America's Most Haunted City
Savannah, often described as charming, captivating, graceful and even sultry, has a mysterious dark side as well and has been recognized by many as America's most haunted city. Exploring the ghosts and eerie past of haunted Savannah is a favorite tourist activity and there are plenty of unique tours from which to choose.I will sometimes indulge in a bit of "haunted history". I love a good ghost story especially when it's true. Come along and let's take a hearse ride around the haunted city of Savannah. The tour
While you are here, please allow me to introduce you to Gracie (in the photo). The inscription next to Gracie reads: "Little Gracie Watson was born in 1883, the only child of her parents. Her father was manager of the Pulaski Hotels, where the beautiful and charming little girl was a favorite with the guests. Two days before Easter, in April 1889, Gracie died of pnemonia at the age of six. In 1890, when the rising sculptor, John Walz, moved to Savannah, he carved from a photograph this life-sized, delicately detailed marble statue, which for almost a century has captured the interest of all passersby." She enjoys visitors.
Dinner In Savannah
It's getting time for dinner and I can think of no place better to eat right now than Paula Deen's, The Lady and Sons restaurant.
You've seen her on TV and now it's time to taste the real home cooked goodness of her food!
You can't make reservations for a party smaller than 10 people, so bring ALL your friends and make a reservation, because people are standing in line at 9:30 AM to get priority seating for dinner at 5:00 PM!
You've seen her on TV and now it's time to taste the real home cooked goodness of her food!
You can't make reservations for a party smaller than 10 people, so bring ALL your friends and make a reservation, because people are standing in line at 9:30 AM to get priority seating for dinner at 5:00 PM!
Want To Cook Like Paula Deen?
If you had a hard time choosing from all the wonderful food on the menu, try cooking some of them yourself!
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At The End Of The Day
After a full day of activities and a now a full tummy, it's time to start heading back to Tybee Island. Watching the sun set is just as beautiful as the sun rising.
You can sleep peacefully knowing the Tybee Lighthouse is out there guiding the ships and sailors to safe harbor and watching over you as you sleep. The lighthouse will always guide you back to Savannah, GA.
You can sleep peacefully knowing the Tybee Lighthouse is out there guiding the ships and sailors to safe harbor and watching over you as you sleep. The lighthouse will always guide you back to Savannah, GA.
Tybee Lighthouse
Did you enjoy your time here?
I hope you've found some interesting information here and that you will consider Savannah, GA for your next adventure!
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- Wednesday_Elf Wednesday_Elf Dec 10, 2009 @ 6:57 am
- Wonderfully done lens. I lived on Tybee Island for 13 years before moving to SC two years ago, and worked in Savannah for 10 of those years, so I know Tybee and Savannah quite well. I've many times seen the sunrise over the ocean .. and often went to the beach to watch a full moon rise. I've not only visited the Tybee Lighthouse, but my daughter was married there. I've eaten in Paula Deans' The Lady and Sons restaurant - and many others in Savannah and on Tybee, like the Crab Shack. Visitors to this historic southern city and surrounding area will find many delightful things to do and see. Enjoyed reading about your favorites.
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- Sylviane_Nuccio Sylviane_Nuccio Nov 29, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
- Thank you for this beautiful tour of Savannah, beautiful town of the shores of Georgia.
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- crosscreations crosscreations Oct 27, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
- Holley...I once spent a glorious week in Savannah...following a week long bike trip across Georgia called the BRAG (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia) ...which meant riding a bicycle all day in the Georgia heat and sleeping wherever is small pup tents and roughing it in a major way (don't ask WHY I thought this was a vacation)...so to follow-up being spoiled at a B&B in Savannah afterward was luxury! Also spent a few days out on Tybee Island...wonderful! BEST 2 U! 5 ***** s!
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- SquidChris SquidChris Oct 18, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
- Savannah was a really amazing place to visit. I've been twice in my life, and both times were very memorable. Me and my mom went on a mystery boat cruise, kinda like a "Clue" game. It was loads of fun, it'll be hard to top it.
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- Heather426 Heather426 Oct 14, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
- Blessed by a new Squid Angel today!
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About the Lensmaster
Lensmaster 24websurf has been a member since July 18 2008, has rated 1,928 lenses, favorited 905, and has created 79 lenses from scratch. Holley donates their royalties to Wild Animal Sanctuary and Epic Farms. This member's top-ranked page is "Mothers Squash Casserole Recipe". See all my lenses
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Hi I'm Holley, I am a RocketMom! I'm also the mom to one 17 year old son and a one large furry kid.
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by 24websurf
Hi I'm Holley, I am a RocketMom! I'm also the mom to one 17 year old son and a one large furry kid.
I'm a coupon shopper who loves to save and stockp... (more)
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