Savannah is a coastal city situated in the state of Georgia. The Savannah River separates this city from South Carolina. Savannah is known for its picture-perfect parks, antebellum architecture, and for having horse-drawn carriages in the streets. Savannah is home to several well-maintained parks, such as Forsyth Park, which is a popular tourist destination in the city. The oldest city within the state of Georgia, Savannah is a quaint and historical destination for travelers looking to learn more about US history.
Fun Facts About Savannah
- Savannah isn’t just the oldest city in Georgia. It’s also the first planned city in the US. The designs for the city included a grid system as well as wide streets.
- The Native Americans who lived in this region before Oglethorpe arrived were known as the Yamacraw. Oglethorpe would become good friends with the Chief of the local tribe.
- Although there are just 22 squares left now, originally, Savannah had 24 squares. The two missing squares had been destroyed to make room for parking lots and garages.
- Savannah, visit Monterey Square, Chippewa Square, and Columbia Square.
- If you walk along the Riverfront in Savannah, you might be able to see dolphins. This is because the water in the Savannah River is brackish.
A Brief History of Savannah
The recorded history of Savannah dates back to 1733. That was when General James Oglethorpe came to Savannah with 120 passengers aboard the ship ‘Anne.’ It was February when the ship found its way into the Savannah River. This became the 13th and the last American colony, named ‘Georgia.’ Savannah became the first city to be set up in Georgia. Savannah continued to grow through the colonial period and the Revolutionary War period. Once independence was secured, Savannah started to truly flourish. Farmers would discover that the soil was rich, and the cultivation of rice and cotton became popular. The Gullah culture, unique to the coastal communities within Georgia and South Carolina, can be seen in Savannah as well.
Around the 1950s, the women of Savannah would work together to prevent historic structures from being torn down. In 1966, the Historic District of Savannah was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Over the years, Savannah has come to be known for hosting unique architecture, complete with ornate ironwork. Green squares and fountains can also commonly be seen in Savannah.
Top Destinations In Savannah
If you travel to the Savannah city area, visiting the destinations on this list is a must. Your Savannah guide should include the top attractions within Savannah. With the help of a Savannah trip planner, you can easily create the perfect Savannah itinerary for yourself. Here are five things that you must add to your Savannah itinerary:
1. The Savannah Historic District
If you want to take in all the sights that the Savannah Historic District has to offer you, then a stroll along Bull Street is a must. On your walk, you’ll come across the City Hall, which was built in the year 1905. Right across from the City Hall, you’ll find the U.S. Customs House, which was built in 1852. If you go towards the south, you’ll find Johnson Square. This is the first square that was set up in the freshly planned town. Nearby, you’ll also find the Christ Episcopal Church, which was built in 1838.
If you don’t feel like going on a walk, then you can enjoy the same sights from a horse-drawn carriage as well. It won’t take you more than a few hours to take in everything that the Savannah Historic District has to offer.
2. Bonaventure Cemetery
This cemetery is well-known across the US as a historic site. Here, you’ll find a Victorian layout that’s complemented by stonework monuments. On the grounds, you can see large imposing oak trees complete with moss draping over them. The Bonaventure Cemetery covers more than 100 acres. Within the historic district of this cemetery, you can see graves dating back to 1846. Nearly 1300 veterans were buried in this cemetery after the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, among other incidents.
The Bonaventure Cemetery can be visited any time of the year, although summer is more popular with visitors. The cemetery is large, so you’ll need a full day if you want to explore it thoroughly.
3. Forsyth Park
One of the most well-known and popular tourist destinations in Savannah is Forsyth Park.
It was created in the middle of the 19th century, at a time when parks were very fashionable among the people of the US. In this park, you’ll see a large fountain made of cast iron. It was added to the park in 1858 and has continued to be a permanent fixture in the park since then. The ideal time to visit Forsyth Park is in the spring. That’s when the park authorities reveal a display of their azaleas, which are in full bloom in the park at the time. There are several public amenities within this 30-acre park as well. Once you enter the park, you’ll have everything you need as you take your time to take in the sights.
It can take time to go through everything Forsyth Park has to offer. It can take you up to six hours to thoroughly explore the park.
4. River Street
One part of Savannah that’s always bustling with people is River Street. A riverfront district, here you’ll find historic warehouses that are still well preserved. There are several hotels, restaurants, and cafés on River Street as well. Whether it’s day or night, you’re likely to find this part of the city crowded with people. There’s a free ferry that takes you to Hutchinson Island, which is nearby. It’ll take you back as well. Take this ferry if you want to capture some of the best pictures of your trip with the riverfront River Street in the background.
River Street can be visited at any time of the day, although the general ambiance changes greatly from morning to night. You can visit River Street at any time of the year. Expect to spend a few hours here at least, whether getting pictures or eating at a riverfront restaurant.
5. St. John The Baptist Cathedral
Built as early as the 1870s, this cathedral was rebuilt again in 1899. This was as a large fire had damaged the building. The cathedral would undergo restoration work again in the 1950s as well as the 1960s.
Work was also done on the cathedral in the 1980s and the 1990s. This cathedral is known for having murals built in the Renaissance style. A pipe organ in this cathedral has 2308 pipes. Above this organ, you can see the Great Rose Window. It has images of St. Cecilia at the center, with panels that seem to radiate out from it.
It’ll take you no more than an hour to take in all the sights that this cathedral offers. It can be visited at any time of the year as well.
How Long Will It Take You To Explore Savannah?
Within five days, you should be able to explore everything that Savannah has to offer to you. While making your Savannah guide to travel, take into account what you want to do in the great historical city. There are several neighborhoods that you can consider visiting, simply because of how much of the original structure of the buildings still exists. You can go to the Victorian District, Groveland, the South Historic District, or Thomas Square. There are walking tours in Savannah as well. Learn all about preparing for walking tours in Savannah with Travel-Wise.
What Should You Know Before You Visit Savannah?
Savannah is a great historical destination for people to travel to and is home to several historical buildings that have been maintained to this day. If you aren’t a citizen of the US, then you’ll need a visa before you can enter the US. Once you’re in the US, head to the state of Georgia. Savannah is one of the most popular cities in Georgia. Add to your Savannah trip planner everything that you would like to do during your time in Savannah. There are plenty of historical sites, cobbled streets, parks, and picturesque destinations here. The best time to visit Savannah is during the spring and summer months.
On your travel to Savannah, remember to pack clothes that you find comfortable. Savannah has pleasant weather, and for large parts of the year, Savannah is a great place to travel to.
The Culture of Savannah
Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. It’s home to historical architecture, great restaurants, and picturesque parks that can make a trip to Savannah memorable for all visitors. One of the most well-known parks in Savannah is the Forsyth Park. Here, you can enjoy a picnic with your loved ones or even just sunbathe.
There are walkways along the park with enchanting trees lining both sides of the path. Beautiful fountains are placed strategically close to some of the many park benches that dot the area. There’s a lot of outdoor sightseeing that people can enjoy when they come to Savannah. There are several tours available that you can take advantage of. Go on a tour in a riverboat, in a carriage, or even on a trolley. Walking tours are common as well.
In 1733, British General James Oglethorpe founded the town of Savannah. The town was initially designed on four open squares. This made future expansions easier. In Chippewa, one of the main squares in Savannah, you can watch out for a bronze statue of Oglethorpe himself. This is also where the famous ‘park bench scene’ from Forrest Gump was shot.
There are many historic buildings that can be seen in Savannah, retaining their old glory. The old and the new exist side by side in the city, with historic buildings standing next to modern ones in several parts of the city. In 1820, the Davenport House, a famous tourist destination in Savannah, was built. A group of women took a stand to protect this historic house when it was threatened with destruction. In 1966, this group would go in to become the Historic Savannah Foundation.
There are several great restaurants in Savannah as well, offering some of the most delicious food in the state.
Is it safe to travel in Savannah?
Savannah is one of the safer towns to visit in the country. While it’s safer than many other major cities, crimes are still reported here. A majority of crimes that get reported involve petty theft and car break-ins. Keep in mind that tourist-friendly neighborhoods in this town are known for being safe and secure. Places like the historic district can be visited without fear of running into anything disagreeable.
Here you’ll find several museums, shops, and restaurants. There are reputable taxi services that you can use to get around in Savannah. You should also add contact information for emergency services in your phone before reaching Savannah. Both the Savannah Department of Police as well as community organizations work hand in hand to ensure public safety and keep tourists safe. With just a little planning ahead of time, you can go to Savannah and enjoy the best of what this historic cultural town has to offer.
Best ways to get around in Savannah
One of the best ways to get around in Savannah is on your foot. You can also rent a car or hail a cab to get to places that are further away. Savannah is a compact city that is around 22 squares long. Biking is another great way to get around in this lively town. If you do choose to drive, then ensure that you have enough change for all the parking meters you’ll encounter while parking your car.
Bus services are also available in Savannah, that take you to most parts of the town, and even to the outskirts. If you want to get to Hutchinson Island, then there is a free ferry service that you can use. This is called the Savannah Belles Ferry service.
When you’re heading towards Savannah from the Hilton Head International Airport, you can make use of a shuttle service, rental cars, taxis, and buses. Savannah is located around ten miles away.
Famous Local Dishes To Try In Savannah
From riverfront dining to themed restaurants, you can even dine in a historic building in Savannah. If what you’re looking for is nice Southern fare, then Savannah is the perfect place to try out dishes like candied yams, fried chicken, okra, and more.
Along Cobblestone River Street, you’ll find various gourmet restaurants, all vying for your attention. Along these cobblestone streets, you can also find charming souvenir shops run by local artisans. Some of the foods that Savannah is famous for include fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, peaches, and barbecue. In Savannah, a lot of your meals could come with a side of red rice. This rice is cooked together with tomatoes and various Southern seasonings to give it its unique look and flavor. Other foods you should try include biscuits and gravy as well as pralines.
Budget traveling to Svannah per day
Savannah can be a more expensive destination than many other cities in Georgia. The cost of accommodation in Savannah is generally higher than in other Georgian cities. If you go to Savannah as a solo traveler, then for around seven days, you can expect to spend an average amount of $1800. Otherwise, if you’re going with your partner, then your budget should be around $3250. If you’re a family of four or more, you’ll be spending around $ 6,200 to get through a week in Savannah.
Conclusion
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