A Few Sights in Savanah, 9/11/2018

With a map of Savannah in hand, we set out to see some of the sights. Our first stop was the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. 

Because a service was underway, the interior was closed to visitors. Instead we strolled around Lafayette Square (across the street). 

Established in 1733, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. Its founder, James Oglethorpe, designed the original town plan that included 22 park-like squares (Lafayette Square is one of them). The port city played a significant role in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Today, the Savannah National Historic Landmark District has many of the original town squares, historic antebellum homes and churches on wide, shady streets. 

River Street was our next stop. Along the Savannah River, open air markets there offer a wide array of goods and eats. 

There are around 70 businesses, shops, and restaurants along the street that attract tourists and locals, too.

Large tugs and other boats of all sizes can be seen on the Savannah River. 

We walked to Morrell Park to see the iconic Waving Girl statue. It is dedicated to Florence Martus, who for 44 years faithfully waved a welcome to each incoming ship and a goodbye to every outgoing one with her handkerchief. She died in 1943, but is clearly not forgotten. 

This Olympic cauldron was lit (by the torch from Greece) for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Yachting Events held in Savannah in 1996. 

At the end of the walkway on East River Street is the dock and ferry (a pleasant way to avoid auto traffic). Large ships could be seen at the Savannah Harbor from the dock.

Our last stop was Forsyth Park. The 30-acre park is the largest in the historic district and located on the south end. Created in 1840, the park was named for the governor at the time, John Forsyth. 

In the middle of the park is the Confederate Memorial Statue that commemorates volunteers who lost their lives fighting for the Confederacy.

In 1854, the gorgeous fountain and radiating walkways were added. 

Additionally, there are walking paths, playgrounds, sports areas (tennis, basketball, soccer, frisbee) and the home field for the Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club.  

As we walked back to our car, we enjoyed the interesting architecture in the area. Below is a building of the Savannah School of Art and Design and the Mansion on Forsyth Park (offering plush lodging, spa, art gallery, and cooking classes). 

There are so many historic sights here in Savannah along with unique shops and upscale dining opportunities. It is very charming and the original city plan has served it very well. 

For additional information about sightseeing in Savannah, go to www.visitsavannah.com.