Biscuits, grits, and gravy. What more would you expect from a trip to Savannah, GA? Well, actually a lot more. Mike and Addie, Neighborhood 17, recently returned from a trip to Savannah and had a lot to report; and yes, the food was great as well as other sights along the way.
To make their trip even more leisurely, they decided to skip the long TSA lines at the airport and take a tour bus to Savannah. The first night was spent just outside Nashville with a trip to the Cannonball House and Museum in Macon, GA the following day. Not hard to find; how many homes have a cannon in their front yard? The pre-civil war home contains a number of confederate memorabilia items, period rooms and decorations, and an English garden lush with flowers and plants. Why the name? Built in 1853 in the Greek Revival architecture, the house survived a direct hit from a cannonball during the civil war and today is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Georgia.
Gingerbread House. (Photos provided)
Next stop, Beaufort, GA and Parris Island. Beaufortâs historical district lives up to the Deep South image with moss covered oaks and homes typical of the anti-bellum south. Juxtaposed with this past history is the more-modern Marine training center at Parris Island. Surprisingly, this is the most visited military base in the US. Even so, Iâm sure there are a number of veterans here in Del Webb that never want to see it again!
Onward to Savannah. After a nightâs rest, a visit to St. Simons and Jekyll Island. St. Simons is home to a number of historical landmarks that date back to the 1700s. Christ Church is one of the most visited sites. The present building was built in 1884 after the original was damaged during the Civil War. Known for its magnificent stained glass windows, the heavily wooded grounds include a cemetery with graves of early settlers and is one of St. Simons Island’s most treasured landmarks. The Fort Frederica National Monument is dedicated to the fort built in 1736 to fend off the Spanish invaders, and it documents the last Spanish attack in Georgia. Other sites include the Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation, St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum, and the First African Baptist Church.
In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased and developed as an exclusive winter retreat for the rich and soon to be famous, and it was quickly recognized at the time as âthe richest, most inaccessible spot in the world.â Residents included J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field who prized the island for its âsense of splendid isolation,” beautiful landscape, and moderate climate; a little paradise, where residents and guests pursued âa life of elegant leisure.â
Numerous cottages, homes, and villas are available for touring. Most are available via the tram on the island as are numerous restaurants. There are accommodations on the island if you wish to stay and enjoy the ocean breezes, a walk in the sand, or dip in the Atlantic.
Forsyth Park Fountain.
The best place to get a lay of the land: the Savannah Visitors Center. Not only do they provide the standard maps and guides, but also offers an audiovisual overview of Savannah and its history. You will find guides for walking, driving, biking or organized tours. It can also be the center point from which you can park for touring the city, especially the historical district.
Iâve seen a lot of reviews regarding a visit to the River Street area. The good: great river views and possibly large container ships entering and exiting the port. Cons: designed primarily for tourists with a large number of restaurants and gift shops. Most tours will include River Street as part of the package. Situated in the historical district is the Davenport House Museum. Built in 1820, the home gradually was converted into a boarding house and remained so for several years until being sold to the Baynard family. They owned the home for more than 105 years! Eventually, the home was in such disrepair it was slated for demolition until the Historical Society stepped in to preserve the unique Federal-style architectural design. Over time, it became the headquarters for the society. They restored the home to its original style, even with wallpaper designs from the era. The home offers visitors a look-back to the 1820s.
Moss Trees.
Now back to biscuits. These can be everything from a frozen thing you put into the oven, to hockey pucks and everything in-between, but if you want to find the real deal, just remember, they can be habit-forming. Best biscuits- Back in the Day Bakery on Bull Street. If biscuits arenât in your sights, this award-winning bakery has numerous other goodies for your delight. Obviously, biscuits wouldnât be your only reason for visiting Savannah, but southern cooking reigns supreme here in the Queen of Southern cookingâs hometown. If you take the trolley tour, which I recommend for any city, you can include a tour and reservation at Paula Deenâs restaurant. What can be better than topping off a day of sightseeing with a great meal in a great city at the Lady and Sons Restaurant? If youâre lucky, she might even show up for a book signing.
The trip back took a different route with a portion through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and a stop in Knoxville, TN. A separate Random Adventures story outlined our travels to the Smokies. WHile glad to be back home after all the sites, Mike and Addie were still hankering for more biscuits!
