I have traveled all over the world.
In my heart, though, there is “no place like home.” And when I say home, I mean the United States and more specifically my beloved South. There are a few cities across the South that are quintessentially Southern, and Savannah is one of them. It’s also the backdrop of one my favorite books, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Come along with me on our tour of Savannah we made recently.
Our Tour of Historic Old Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
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I need to have a little sit down talk with y’all – it will only take me a few minutes. I wish I could sit down with each of you with a glass of sweet tea or coffee and visit for a while. Last week was kind of a wakeup moment for me. My husband was in a head-on collision and when they did a CT scan at the ER, they found a large mass on his kidney. On top of that, after our Savannah trip my body completely and literally gave out on me. I have decided that I am going to take a hiatus of sort from blogging for a few months. We will be traveling quite a bit to see family. My sweet sister-in-law, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s at a young age, had to be put into a home so we are going to stay with my brother in law for a few days. I will post here and there as I can, but it won’t be on a regular basis. And this week, I will publish the final three chapters of my novel. I have a confession! I REALLY loved writing this novel and have another one already in the works. I could totally and completely see myself doing that full-time if I could get published. We shall see. But all of y’all are my friends and so much a part of my life, I wanted you to know what was going on and why I would be a little absent these next few months. I know each of you totally understand. Love to all. xxoo
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(my mama on the Trolly Tour)
Last week, we mourned the loss of my sweet daddy’s passing a year ago and celebrated his life, too. My mama asked if we could go out of town, and when we asked her where she wanted to go, she asked to go to Savannah as she had never been. Savannah it was! So, she and my sister and I spent a glorious week sight-seeing, eating wonderful food, drinking wine and laughing and sharing memories about Daddy.
I am breaking this trip up into two parts. This post iI am sharing some of the magnificent Squares and Homes in the historic district. We took the Old Savannah Trolly Tours, which was a day long pass to hop on and hop off wherever we chose. It was definitely the way to see the city and decide which places we wanted to see in person and explore further. If you ever go to Savannah, I highly recommend this particular company as they go above and beyond to make their clients feel entertained and educated about their beautiful city. Oh, and ask for “Big E” as your driver. He’s a local comedian and oh boy what a colorful and hilarious entertainer he is. He had us laughing until we almost…well, you know. So let’s get started. Oh, I won’t be sharing all of the names of these homes ’cause I am lazy. But if you’re like me, you just love seeing these beauties and don’t really need to know their names. Enjoy!
Let’s start with the Squares!
Savannah is known for their “Squares.” The city started out with 24 squares in it’s original formation and 22 remain in tact. Me and my mama and sister decided that our absolute fave square was Chippewa Square. We walked around it the first night we arrived after eating at a delightful English Pub. Okay enough words, on with the pictures…
I can’t explain the majesty of these huge, ancient trees. They’re sprawling limbs reach out as if they are saying, “Welcome to the South. Come and sit a spell.” I was totally and completely mesmerized by these grand ole’ ladies.
Some of the Squares were large and covered a city block or more, and others were smaller and more intimate.
Most all of the Squares featured beautiful historical monuments. Savannah has an eclectic history ranging from a vast Revolutionary and Colonial Era to the Civil War.
All were very majestical and added to the beauty and the allure of the Squares.
This is a smaller one, but one of my favorites.
All around the Squares were magnificent homes ranging from Italianate to Georgian style and even some extremely old Colonial ones. I could not take enough pictures.
Many homes were stand alone, but there were also a lot of row house type homes. Here are just a few of my favorites.
This next home has been owned at one point or another by several well known celebrities. It’s also my fave home of them all. Joe Namath owned it at one time and had hopes to turn it into a “Gentleman’s Club” – but thankfully the city turned down his request.
Look at the entry… (all of this is created using iron instead of the standard wood)
What I loved about the 3 and 4-story row houses were how they all featured these amazing balconies and stairs, and most were landscaped with breathtaking greenery and flowers.
And here is my favorite door and entryway…
Speaking of trees, I could not help but share the oldest tree in Savannah – well over 450 years old. Is this not a magnificent creature? The stories it could tell!
I mentioned earlier the reason I loved Old Savannah Trolly Tours over the competitor (and I am NOT being paid to say this) – all along the way we would make stops at certain homes, and the “owners” would board and tell us about their story. Once it was a Soldier, and another time it was a freed Haitian slave. They really went above and beyond to give you the whole Savannah experience.
I hope you enjoyed this mini tour of Savannah. Part 2 will feature the Cathedral Tour which was just renovated and of course, no trip to Savannah would be complete without a trip to Paula Deen’s Shop and The Lady and Son’s Restaurant. I will also give you my “foodie” review, as well. 🙂
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Thank you for spending a few
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” …finding joy in the everyday! “
Gail @Purple Hues and Me says
Barb, I’m so sorry for all that you’re going through. I’ve so enjoyed your posts since meeting you at Hometalk! Looking forward to the final chapters of your book! You have found your niche in writing! Prayers to your husband for a good prognosis, and blessings to you for strength, courage, peace and comfort during this difficult time. Take care of yourself and we’ll see you soon!
View CommentCrystal says
Beautiful homes!!! Thanks for sharing
View CommentTalitha F Wright says
Praying for both you and your husband and hoping that things will work out well. My husband faced a serious health issue a few years ago and it has lead to life style changes that have been a challenging adjustment. I understand some of the anxiety you may be feeling over the uncertainty of what the future holds. God be with you.
I love Savannah, too. It’s one of my favorite cities. A very special place, for sure. Did you take the ghost tour?
View CommentShellie says
Thank you for the tour! Looking forward to part 2. Praying for you, your husband and family!
View CommentPenny says
Barb – prayers to you and your family. Have extensive experience with the “Alzheimers” situation and lord that is the worst disease of all! However, so good to see that picture of your Mom. Would love to sit with her and have some sweet tea and listen to her stories! Quick question — did you just fly (or drive) to Savannah and then take a city type tour or did you go with organized tour company start to finish. My girlfriend and I would like to do Savannah but appreciate the structure that organized tour provides rather than going and then trying to figure it out on the fly (at least for the first time). Any info would be appreciated – as well as tips, etc. Again, prayers for you! Thanks
View CommentBarb says
Penny it was a 6 hour drive for us so we made the drive. I would suggest the Old Savannah Trolly Tour we took. They will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back. It was great. The trolly tour will allow you to decide which places you want to visit more indepth. Hope you get to go. xxoo, Barb
View CommentAnn says
I’m sorry you are meeting such health challenges, and send my prayers that all improves soon. I enjoy your blog, your creativity and your book. I wish you much success in continuing your venture into published works. I will miss your daily blog posts, but your family and health must always take priority. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pics from my wonderful state.
View CommentDiane says
I lived in Hilton head for 7 years and I made many trips to Savannah. I never missed a home or garden tour.it is a beautiful southern city. My favorite city is Charleston,but when I was only 45 minutes from Savannah I couldn’t resist. Also loved going to Beaufort, another charming city.
View CommentHope all works out for you, we all hit a wall at some point and we have to take care of the important things in our life.
Anne marie says
What a beautiful ciy – can’t wait for part 2 – am sure the Cathedral is amazing.
View CommentBecky Greer says
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s accident. My prayers are for complete healing and many blessings to you and your family. May there be strength knowing how many people love you. I really appreciate your post on Savannah. One of my favorite cities. I’m a North Carolina girl but have lived in Georgia for 20 plus years now.
View CommentLooking forward to reading the rest of your book.
Thanks again and take care.
Sally says
Barb, I hope you and your husband are on the mend and start feeling better soon. I loved this tour of Savannah, I love the south and its charm.
View CommentLynn Jackson says
Will miss your post but family is the most important matter I hope everything works out for you and the family.
View CommentI really enjoyed your pictures of Savanah
ALL the best Lynn
Ann says
Hi Barb Thanks for sharing your details of your trip. I was in Savanah with the girlfriends in March this year and took the same picture of the house with the red door. I did the tour of the house from the Midnight in the Garden of Evil and I bought the DVD to play on the bus back to Ontario, Canada for those that didn’t take the house tour to watch the movie made from the book. I ate at Paula Dean’s and enjoyed it., fried chicken! I can’t wait to read about your experience there. Sorry to hear about what you are dealing with lately, take care and yourself and rest you are in my prayers. Ann
View CommentSue Malizia says
Barb,
View CommentThanks for the tour of Savannah. I’ m retiring the end of the month and wanted to start traveling … think Savannah is just the place to go. Can’t wait to see part 2. Being from the west coast, can you recommend what time of year is best to visit there? I’m very sorry to hear of your husbands accident…sending best wishes for a speedy recovery. Thanks again for sharing!
Barb says
Hi Sue,
View CommentThese next few months will be extremely busy with lots of tourists and it will also be extremely humid. I would wait until the end of September or even early October, and maybe you can work in a side trip to Asheville, NC (not that far away) and visit The Biltmore House and Gardens and Grove Park Inn, too. You will love it. Happy Retirement I know you are excited. We have been contemplating a quick trip out to St Helena end of this month. We shall see how everything goes. Enjoy the Summer. Barb
Jill cassidy says
Sorry to hear about your husband and yourself, I new something was wrong, my prayers to your family. I’ll be reading chapter 14 tonight. Jill
View CommentLoryl says
I’m so sorry to hear of all your physical ills. Prayers for strength and recovery. You have become one of my favorite bloggers so I’m sad that you’ll be on hiatus BUT family and health are top priorities. So glad you finished the book! I can’t wait to read the final chapters. I look forward to your future endeavors!!! Peace and joy?
View CommentMaria says
You did a great job covering this beautiful city!. I’m glad you were able to see so much in a week, there are so many treasures ! I live only 25 minutes away 🙂
View CommentMaria
Margaret says
Praying for all you are dealing with. You are a smart woman to take a step back.
We were in Savannah the last week of May and did the same tour. It was outstanding!!
View Comment