Tag: Savannah

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Destination: Savannah

IMG_2008 IMG_3496The last weekend getaway scheduled for the summer was on the 8th of August at the spur of the moment to Savannah. Much of the area around the town is known as Low Country, off a forty-foot bluff above the Savannah River, but an important aspect about this port city is knowing there is always great seafood. And, true to its southern form no matter where you eat the food is always absolutely delicious.

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Harper Fowlkes House is a 1842 Greek Revival mansion designed by Irish architect Charles B. Clusky. The original gasoliers, mirrors and period antiques are still found throughout the home.
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Davenport House and Garden was designed and built by owner Isaiah Davenport in 1820, a stately Federal style home is one of the handsomest examples of Georgian architecture in the city. Davenport was an accomplished carpenter and built several private homes within the city of Savannah, professionalizing the building industry.
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The beautifully sculpted gardens of the Davenport House on East State Street

Stationed in the Historic District there was no need for a car so, we walked every street exploring the beauty of the past. While on the plane I reviewed my notes from our last visit, and there were three sites we needed to see pending our arrival. First on the list was the Harper Fowlkes House on Barnard Street and Orleans Square. The second was the Davenport House and Garden on East State Street and lastly, Bonaventure Cemetery, located on the outskirts of the city to see where Georgia’s first governor Edward Telfair, Academy Award winning songwriter Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken are interred.

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Bonaventure Cemetery is built on the scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah.

Though three houses have stood on the site, but none remain today. A former 18th century plantation, Bonaventure is a Southern Gothic sculpture garden with canopies of live oak and magnolias, laced with Spanish moss.

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The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist on East Harris Street in the Historic District of Savannah.

When in Savannah last year, The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist was under scaffolding and a great deal of construction due to a fire. But, this year while site-seeing a serious storm brewed and the wind blew in huge gust around 4:15 that afternoon. We made it to the church just as the sky opened up and a torrential rain fell. It was a wondrous feeling to sit in the church and meditate while the storm raged outside, it gave one a great sense of comfort to view the interior of this impressively beautiful French Gothic Church with its stained glass windows and magnificent Altar.

Travel stylishly,
K

 

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Savannah, Georgia

IMG_0388{Mercer Williams House on Whitaker Street}

IMG_0376{Spanish Moss hanging from trees}

Getting away for a long weekend can be one the most refreshing vacations for those of us who lead extremely busy lives. When life appears to be closing in and your nerves are frayed, now is the time for the perfect getaway. The beauty of these short respites is that they can be taken frequently, and whenever necessary. To start my stylish getaway we are going to Savannah, Georgia for two days and then onto Charleston, South Carolina for an additional two.

IMG_0359{The Pirates’ House}

On Thursday morning a few of us took off for Savannah, Georgia to partake in a bit of history, gracious southern living, delicious food and a lot of fun! We stayed in the historical district of the city a few blocks from the Savannah River, which lent access to all of the cultural sites.  First on our list was stopping for lunch at The Pirates’ House, which is located on one of the most significant spots in Georgia because it is here that the Trustees Garden, the first experimental garden in America is located. The small building adjoining the Pirates’ House was erected in 1734 and is said to be the oldest house in the state.

The buffet was a wonderful inroad to the delicacies we were to taste while in Savannah; collard greens, fried okra, sweet potatoes, macaroni & cheese, and the fried chicken and tilapia were all absolutely delicious! Dessert was a Key Lime Pie and Banana Pudding.

IMG_0402{The Armstrong House on Bull Street}

IMG_0407{Forsyth Park Fountain}

IMG_0447{The Owens-Thomas House on Abercorn Street}

IMG_0457IMG_0449{Garden at the Owens-Thomas House}

Next we were off to see the historic homes of the city, which are dotted between oak canopied streets that are surrounded by churches and unique shops. The architecture of these genteel landmarks are a wonderful sampling of Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian Regency, which gives a focus on the styles of 18th and 19th century America. Even the cathedrals’ range from colonial to medieval architecture with intricate accents.

IMG_0446{Beignets’ from Huey’s on E. River Street}

Savannah has a great many tastes similar to that of New Orleans; we sampled pralines, okra gumbo and Po-Boys made with shrimp instead of oysters.

IMG_0440{Savannah River Bridge}

The Historic Savannah Foundation was started by a small group of women (seven to be exact), who preserved many of these beautiful homes and kept them from being demolished. Most of these estates have been renovated or restored to be museums, inns or homes to the families who have purchased them. It is truly wonderful to be able to see and experience such living history.

K

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