camayanrita@gmail.comThis trip, I mean the plane ticket, was supposedly last yearโs trip to New Orleans. But the not-so-good weather didnโt permit us to. Just last month, a friend reminded me. We should use the ticket before it expires. We chose to visit Savannah, Georgia. Planned for 4 days and 3 nights.
DAY 1
๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
By pure chance, glad we asked for a good, at-least Asian restaurant around the area. While the receptionist is finishing our hotel check in. He stuttered to say the name of the place. I know itโs the first thing on his mind. Finally he said ” Sakura Restaurant”. He told us the direction. Even happier because it’s close. Saying we can even walk.
Upon entering, I can feel the brilliant positive energy. Actually, that same feeling while approaching. Parking lot is full.
Food is presented fresh and quickly refilled by attentive staff. We ate 3 nights in a row. The other two nights were on to-go boxes.
There were an awesome amount of choices. Everything we tried was hot and delicious. I love the seafood part. Ohhh, that pompano fish was so good I could almost smell the ocean from inside of this restaurant. A smell Imparting a majestic air to the city.
DAY 2
๐ณ๐๐-๐๐-๐ณ๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐
The Old Town Trolley is the absolute best way to see magnificent Savannah. We could hop on and off at any of the 16 stops.
Stops include;
The trolley runs every 15-20 minutes and goes until 5 pm. By weather checking, it says 80% chance of rain. Yes it rained until our last day but only for maybe 30 minutes. And the sun shines bright again giving the city more life and character.
The downtown area is commended as one of the nationโs largest National Historic Districts. Listening to the tour guide. He is very informative and sweet. Keep things entertaining and drive wonderfully.
A pace which allows you to look at places in proper detail. I enjoyed the feel of the highway conversation. Got intrigued by the history full of intriguing characters. Knowing that some houses, prominent houses, are haunted. In fact, one of those they call “One of the City’s Most Haunted ”. As he continues, there are also terrifying realities that touch the lives of Savannah-ians.
And so far as written records tell us. I can see and truly say. Many of Savannahโs magnificent homes have been restored. A number of them reflect the traditions. The design. And in many instances the original touch of the inhabitants.
It is very common to see feathery, Spanish moss dangling from Savannahโs trees. I wish for it to be preserved not just in the parks and roads but in the memories of everyone as well. Let us all be safe keepers of precious memories. These charmers decorate the city and have become a signature of Savannah.
Savannah is shaded by impressively large branches of trees that extend and reach out. Seems like flexible hands connecting together. Emphasized by mysterious forms of the moss. It looks like tree hair. I might quickly add. It hangs like graying, thick and messy beards. While I was beyond capable of explaining how it flourished here.
Again another learning to gain. Stirred my curiosity and imagination. I wish I could stay with this energy of writing about things I recognized. So many things I donโt know. To learn more. It’s a good feeling.
And here we go. Why do trees in Savannah have moss? The Internet says, because it obtains the water it needs directly from the air. Spanish moss is most commonly found in areas with high levels of moisture in the air. Places near rivers of other large bodies of water. It is an ideal habitat for the plant.
This knowledge shines bright. Creating bright colors for me of my understanding of ecosystems. As well as regaining another kind of paradise for me.
Spanish moss originates from Latin America and is actually from the Bromeliaceae, or pineapple family. It is often spread over by birds building nests.
๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐ – ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐
Savannah is famous for its historic River Street. It is one of the busiest streets here. A bustling street. Youโll find old-fashioned, but pleasing to my eyes, cobblestone streets. A place where a lot of things are happening.
A cobblestone street filled with shops, restaurants and other exciting venues. Paved with over 200 year old cobblestone and runs along the Savannah River.
Fact is, all of these beautiful cobblestone streets here have been around since the mid 1700โs. These cobblestone streets made an interesting touch on the cityโs history.
We love the leisurely stroll along. Sitting and at times watching the huge cargo ships come and go down the canal. You can do anything in a way that suits your best here. For me, I am more than satisfied enjoying the refreshing river breezes.
The century old buildings here, tour guide says, were once cotton warehouses. Have been converted to antique shops, boutiques, galleries, brew pubs, restaurants, nightspots, inns and hotels.
๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐
This five-foot fountain sits in a cast-iron basin, designed with leaves and frogs. It has three levels.
The Cityโs most famous fountain – modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concordein Paris. I just wanted to be nestled deep in a comfy hammock and read a book in front of the fountain.
Established in 1841. The leaders back then did a wonderful job in constructing this Park. As they beforehand understand the future direction of the country. A good example of urban planning. An expression of giving importance to public open spaces as retreats for city life. This is a recreational haven for everybody.
It is a large city park that occupies 30 acres in the historic district of Savannah.
Enormous green fields so inviting to be played, napped and lounged.
And don’t forget to visit the famous Leopold’s Ice Cream. They have so many great flavors. Chocolate and butter pecan was my absolute favorite. Their ice cream is so good that it is worth waiting in a long line for.
DAY 3
On the third day, we decided to split our day into two. Early that morning, while still waking up. Prepping our stomach for breakfast. Coffee is warming my throat and traveling to my soul. Transformed me into vacant stares. We broke the agenda of how we wanted our day to go. That few minutes of understanding the trip plan. I wanted to tell you, car rental is the best way to.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐
The City of Savannah was founded in 1733. Underneath this concrete arch at the entrance is a visitor information building. $10 to pay per person and get a map.
๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐
Wormsloe Historic Site is a magical avenue. About 15 minutes outside of downtown Savannah. Hugged tightly by live oaks dripping with beautiful Spanish moss. Spanning a mile and a half long.
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐
A place I would like to return to over and over again. It was a dream come true. But I don’t want it to be a kind of dream like the images would quickly disappear as it came. I want it to linger forever in my memories.
One of Savannahโs most postcard-worthy scenes. This place boasts one of the live oak alleys in the State. Record says there are 400 live oak trees hanging in lining on both sides of the 1.5-mile straight road. These are evenly spaced rows of trees. Very impressive to behold. Meant to draw your focus in. It gives me chills for a moment. At first thereโs this expression on my face. A feeling of something mysterious coming from some of the movies of the same scene. But we didn’t encounter anything strange though.
At the same time letting out a breath that I had apparently been holding on for some time. From looking at the videos and pictures. This is pure amazement.
It โs like going to another world.
I wanted to come explore these natural gems up close. I’m talking about up-close like having binoculars. A bird watching binoculars. Wanting to see them more clearly. Or I wish I were a person whose eyes are natural telescopes and microscopes. For me, it’s putting life into focus.
Nature had to be experienced through feelings. I wanted to say this is unique and mystical. Thinking of the historic cemeteries around the city? This is in some ways hauntingly beautiful trees.
This is much more than just rows of spectacular trees. As you go farther than the road. A short walk takes you to the museum. There are also ways to attract you more. The seven miles of trails to walk, hike, bike and enjoy following the winding course. At the other end of the alley you can take better, less crowded photos.
This tunnel of trees is sure to make your day-trip a memorable one.
๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Tybee Island Lighthouse was built in 1773 and is the oldest Lighthouse in Georgia. The duration of the tour and visit takes 2 – 3 hours.
It is one of the oldest on the Atlantic Coast of the United States, and is on the same spot chosen for a light by the first colonists.
History says it was originally built as a wooden tower. Then, a stone replacement tower was built. It was repainted in black and white colors that were the standards for American lighthouses in 1916.
They limit the number of people that can be in the lighthouse at one time which is good. Making it easier for everyone to walk up and down. The observation deck isn’t large. Lighthouse is a little off the beaten path but worth it to find it. The entrance fee also included visiting another museum across the street but we did not have time to visit that one.
The steps are broken up into sections of 25 so once you complete the section. You can stop. Take your time. Take a break and feel the breeze coming through the windows.
Luckily, we did not wait in line. We came early that morning.
The view from the top of the lighthouse is spectacular! The view is well worth it. A must see.
Your reward once you reach the top is the gorgeous views in all directions. Just across the street is Fort Screven; You can see Hilton Head Island S.C. and the old fort as well as the beautiful beach & ships that pass by.
There was more to the site: several outbuildings and a museum (which we did not visit). I really enjoyed seeing the restored interior of the head keepers cottage including many original fixtures and artifacts. That kitchen and cook stove was incredible! I liked to see and hear how things used to be years ago.
Outstanding views of the Tybee Island Light Station.
The windows on your way up the lighthouse let in just enough light and have an old brick wall around it. Don’t miss capturing photographs with different angles and some amazing pictures could come out of it. The top of the lighthouse has some opportunities also.
The spiral staircase will maybe get you a little bit overwhelmed at times. Expect people to come down while you are coming up. The scenic views at the top made everything feel worth it.
We really enjoyed both the view at the top of the lighthouse and the living museum. Free parking is a benefit for 2 hr. maximum. The stairs gave us a little exercise before enjoying a great 360 view of Tybee. The steps are very nicely constructed with a handrail.
Admission is $10 but not only gives you access to the lighthouse but all buildings on ground, and museum across the street. We weren’t able to visit the museum.
๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐
Tybee Island is a half-hour drive, 18 miles, East of the Historic District. It comprises 5 miles of beachfront. Also best reached by car.
Pay to park $2 per hour. No matter where you park on Tybee Island.
It is one of the great assets of Savannah. We made no mistake of adding it to our last-minute itinerary.
Worth it for a 3-day trip to Savannah. All but pure amazement.
Thanks for reading.
