Strollin’ through Savannah

“O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens”
Psalm 8:1

As I have mentioned before, Butch’s job requires travel– actually, lately, it has become a part of our everyday living.  Since July, he has traveled from Texas to Louisiana to Kentucky to Tennessee to the Carolinas– and everywhere in between.  Last week, I traveled with him to Savannah, Georgia, one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the country.  We have visited several times previously, but this time I explored historic Savannah alone while he attended meetings.

Being a history buff, I am enthralled with this city.  Founded in 1733, this eccentric Southern city beguiles with Old World glamour and romance.   Savannah’s stunning architecture, 22 historic squares and Low Country landscape and cuisine, make the city a top travel destination.  I walked for six hours non-stop on this little adventure (my feet throbbing by the end of the day, but well worth it), so you might want to take a comfortable seat as we stroll through this charming city!

Since the early 1700’s, City Market has been the commercial and social center of historic Savannah

The 55 foot Italian marble monument sits in Monterey Square honoring General Casimir Pulaski, a young Polish noblemen who died a hero during the American Revolution, Siege of Savannah

Johnson Square was the first of the original squares and is still the largest

Chippewa Square is the most visited.  It was here that the bus stop scene in Forrest Gump was filmed.  The monument honors James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah.

Resting on a bench in Reynolds Square while waiting for our dinner reservation.  This square contains a bronze statue of John Wesley (out of camera view) located on the spot where Wesley’s home is believed to have stood.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in historic Savannah and is located on Lafayette Square.  It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions.  The church was built in 1873 and almost destroyed by fire in 1898.  The cathedral suffered extensive interior damage, but was restored the following year.  The French Gothic cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the South.

Temple Mickve Israel is located on Monterey Square and is a rare example of a Gothic-style synagogue.  Theirs is the third-oldest Jewish congregation in America.  On my visit last Thursday, they were celebrating Rosh Hoshanah, the autumnal festival of the Jewish new year.

Forsyth Park Fountain was added in 1858 and is reminiscent of fountains in Paris.  The park was created in the 1840’s and occupies 30 acres.

The lovely brick Andrew Low House combines Grecian details with elements of the Italian villa style.  The home was completed in 1849 for Andrew Low, a wealthy cotton factor who came from Scotland.

The Mercer-Williams House was completed in 1868 and stands on Monterey Square.  The house was built for the great-grandfather of the songwriter, Johnny Mercer.  In 1969, Jim Williams, purchased the house.  Williams is the only person in Georgia ever to be tried four times for the same crime.  The murder serves as the catalyst for the best selling book,  “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.

The Owens-Thomas House is believed to be one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America.  The elegant residence was completed in 1819.

The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (also known as the Wayne-Gordon House) was completed in 1821.  Low was the founder of the Girl Scouts.

Savannah’s Olde Pink House was built in 1789 for James Habersham, Jr., one of Savannah’s most important early cotton factors and founding family members.  It now houses a popular restaurant, where we had dinner one night (pictures below).

(L) Shrimp taco, an appetizer of sautéed shrimp with shiitake mushrooms in a Parmesan shell at Elizabeth’s on 37th

(C) A signature dessert at Elizabeth’s on 37th-Southern pecan and almond tart with praline ice cream and bourbon caramel sauce

(R) Corn bread fried oysters with green goddess sauce at The Olde Pink House

Discovered this beautiful shop, The Paris Market and Brocante.  I sat at a Parisian bistro table and had a chocolate ganache macaron and lavender cookie with a latte–absolute perfection!  As you can see, the shop was a feast for the eyes!

There were some very unusual finds in this shop–I love finding places like this that are so unique!

Beautiful homes line the streets of the historic district of Savannah

 Thank you for reading and sharing our everyday living.

Preservation has purpose.

“Remember his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded,
for a thousand generations…”
1 Chronicles 16:15

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