Savannah, Georgia
Savannah
Gary and I are so different. He likes a busy beach like Wildwood with a boardwalk and crowds. I prefer a quiet beach with no one around but the call of the seagulls. He prefers a walk in the city to a walk in the woods any day. So, after torturing him with Cumberland Island we A – Took a break from the bikes and B – went to visit a city. Thursday afternoon he says, “Savannah is only an hour and a half away, we could do that tomorrow.” So I was on the phone texting friends and family who have been there to get recommendations. I plotted out our course and got a good night’s sleep.
Friday, we had breakfast, dressed comfortably in layers, packed some water bottles and off we went. We decided to park near Forsyth Park and walk to River Street and back. We found free parking and headed for the park. The azaleas have started blooming here and the park is just beautiful. The fountain in Forsyth has actually been featured in four movies but the most famous one most recognized is Forrest Gump.
Because it was five days before St. Patrick’s Day, the fountain was already pouring forth green water. But it really is a pretty fountain. The park is lovely. Even though the morning still had a chill to the air there were artists set up with tables along the concourse, families with children in the playground and the café inside the park was jamming. If you are a tourist, there are free public restrooms in the park. Get ‘em while you can!
After the park we just headed toward River Street. There is a gorgeous cathedral called Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The internet said it was open to the public but when we got there it was closed for mass. It was mid-day on a Friday during Lent.
St. John the Baptist Savannah, GA
I spied Leopold’s, which I had been instructed is a MUST. I noted the street and location for later. We continued toward the River enjoying the many little parks with beautiful foliage, historical commemorative statues and the gorgeous architecture.
Savannah Georgia
Pulaski Statue, Savannah Georgia
If God said to me tomorrow, you MUST live in a city, any city and money is no object, I would choose Savannah. There is so much beauty in this city. There are times when you are walking a cobblestone street, admiring the live oak canopy and the porch gas lanterns that you forget you are in a city.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
I started to fade fast and had not brought snacks so we only made it to Bay Steet before I needed to be fed. I fear River Street would have had more options but longer waits. We checked out sidewalk menus at a few places that were froufrou coffee and pastries. We needed SUSTENANCE. So we headed to “Two Cracked Eggs”. They were playing Christian music and piping it outside…probably to do battle in the heavenlies against the tarot card/palm reader in the floor below.
Lunch was lovely, I’ll cover that on the Good Food page, complete with photos.
THEN we could finally head down the ginormous flight of stairs to River Street. We had a leisurely stroll down River Street. We ventured into a souvenir store so I could purchase post cards for the grands. We also explored a candy store.
I took Gary in the first door, old fashioned candy by the barrel. Just looking around, exploring. This rolls into a fudge counter next to an open window where a gentleman is handing out praline samples. Mmmmm. This then (inside, not out on the street) moves into a section with coolers stuffed full of different flavors of soda across from the actual candy kitchen where you can observe them MAKING the candy. Last is a popcorn store where the staff is tossing popcorn in large vats to coat it with flavors of yummy goodness. Savannah’s Candy Kitchen is a lovely walk through. It is nothing short of a miracle that we left empty handed!
We strolled to the end of the shops on River Street and crossed the Street to the River Street Market. There were a few different buildings with offerings. Gary purchased a much needed wallet and it smelled like real leather!
From here we transitioned to the River Walk. The day had turned warm and lovely and so many people were out. Is there ever a time this city isn’t teeming with onlookers?
Savannah, Georgia
We traversed back the side of River Street we had missed. It was mostly comprised of bars and restaurants. There are so many options no matter your palate.
We eventually found another set of large stairs to transport us back up to Bay Street. This time we came out at a beautiful gold domed building. This has been Savannah’s City Hall since 1906. Historical note – the dome was originally copper and was first gilded in 1987.
Our next destination was Savannah Bee Company. I very much enjoyed venturing through all of the different flavors of honey and may have made a few gift purchases. 😉
Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for….ice cream. The pre-retirement Gary did not love ice cream in the middle of the afternoon. I don’t know why, ice cream used to be somewhat of an addiction to him decades ago…but never during the middle of the day. Thankfully, he has been willing to flex and now we can enjoy ice cream any time. There are perks to retirement! As we approached the building I observed the line outside the store front. I text my friends that had made the recommendation….Is it really that good? YES, came the quick reply. So, we waited. Berks and Lebanon County friends, think Fox Meadows Creamery. Sometimes the wait is totally worth it. We spent time chatting with the lovely couple behind us from Seattle, perusing the myriads of options and the time flew quickly. My semi retirement bonus has been the courage to try new things. I can get chocolate chip cookie dough anywhere. So, in the spirit of Savannah, I sampled the honey almond and cream . The honey came directly from Savannah Bee Company. One sample and I was hooked, yes, please. Gary ordered caramel swirl.
This was the perfect end to a lovely day. But wait, there’s more.
On the way back the St. John the Baptist Basilica was open. I am not Catholic. But I have always loved venturing into a lovely cathedral, that was always a must when in Manhattan. True to form, the sanctuary was magnificent. The artistry dedicated to honoring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was extraordinary. The stain glass was ornate. My favorite were the sculptures that lined the walls on both sides capturing Christ’s journey to the cross. I did not take any photos, it felt irreverent. We did not stop to pray, we did not light a candle. We just humbly passed through as no doubt millions have before us, silently exiting.
Forsyth Park was further engulfed with humans. There was a military guy running, carrying a pole across his shirtless shoulders. At first I thought it was a holy tribute but..I think it was just an exercise ritual.
The lovely green space was dotted with college kids on blankets soaking up the warm afternoon sun, families picnicking, youth involved in a whiffle ball game and a lady and her dog playing frisbee. The grass was so lovely I took off my shoes and walked barefoot. I love when cities incorporate green space for their citizens to feel like they stepped out of the concrete jungle for an afternoon respite.
I hope you have enjoyed our journey through Savannah. I love you deeply. Please let me know how I can be praying for you.