Four days in Savannah

Staff Photo/ Courtney Luke Homes in historical Savannah are typically large with well manicured yards.

By Courtney Luke

Draping Spanish Moss, cobblestone streets, elegant parks, grand homes, and a laid-back Southern vibe are what visitors typically expect of Savannah, Georgia.

Last month, I was able to spend several days in this oldest Georgian city that is nestled between the Savannah River and the Atlantic Ocean and a few things surprised me about it.

Though most of my original expectations were met, some things I was not expecting were pirate accounts, ghost stories, recollections of shanghais, disease, duals, and a sordid history of the city that could lead certain people to actually believe the ghost stories might hold true.

The pristine homes, which date back to the earliest founding of the city when it was still part of the original 13 British Colonies, are spread across several square miles of the downtown.

These homes, having been constructed during three separate centuries, are really very pleasant and each has a unique story.

Wealthy and influential families chose locations adjacent to the over 20 expansive squares that dot what was once the colonial capitol.

Several of these homes once housed young women who would rather end their own life than continue on after the scorning and betrayal of their sweethearts- men who were sometimes of the pirate sort.

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America has a particularly prominent presence in the historic district. Founder Juliette Gordon Low spent her life in Savannah and that is where she began the popular organization.

Along the river, businesses, that were once the source for import and export into and out of the southern states, have now been converted into trendy water front restaurants and tourist attractions.

Carriage, trolly, and even hearse tours are the most convenient way of getting an up close view of the city's appealing architecture.

The food is another unexpected draw.

The Pirate House serves delightful sea food while providing an atmosphere of intrigue and adventure. Pirates parade around the restaurant entertaining the customers with tales from the high seas as well as local lore.

Outside of the city, the Crab Shack also provides a seafood menu but in an outdoor setting. Tables sit under large trees while several cats feel free to walk the floor with the expectation of receiving a morsel from a young child's pinched off fare. Small alligators and exotic birds are also part of the allure.

The Lady and Sons is home to some of the most famous and scrumptious traditional southern victuals in all of Georgia. Personally, their squash casserole was my favorite item from the buffet.

Leopold's Ice Cream heaps up smooth helpings of original recipe cream that will have your party screaming for more.

The locals are indeed friendly, which is traditionally typical of the South, but the city is hardly laid-back. Many of the famous squares are encircled by two and three lane traffic. Tourism is a major part of the downtown economy and students from the Savannah College of Art and Design also contribute to the bustling crowds. Despite expectations, a distinctly urban energy instead defines the city.

Overall, Savannah has something for everyone. History buffs, ghost hunters, foodies, and those seeking night life will all be happy with the place Union General Sherman once presented as a Christmas gift to President Lincoln.

And if the beach scene is more to your taste, that can be found just a few miles east at Tybee Island.