Great Loop: Savannah
April 3rd - 7th, 2022
We all arrive in new cities with preconceived thoughts about
what the experience will be. I certainly
arrived in Savannah in this manner.
After spending four days in this charming city, I found it exceeded my
expectations.
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The first thing I noticed was the high level of pride residents
felt toward their city. This was seen in
the effort that had been invested in restoring and maintaining buildings and
homes. Also new construction was
accomplished in a manner which was consisted with city’s predominant the
architectural themes. The only exception
was the Federal Buildings, clearly out of step with the city’s overall goal.
The Savannah Cotton Exchange
We did a food tour while in town. This gave us a chance to not only eat our way through Savannah. In doing so it became clear you could not only find delicious and imaginative food, but also to see inside many of the restored and repurposed buildings. Much thoughtful imagination was on display as spaces were re-imagined for new purposes.
The attention to detail and design quality is
probably, to some degree, due to the large presence the Savannah College of Art
and Design. This is a private institution with more than 15,000 students. Many of their classroom and administration
buildings are repurposed historical buildings.
Poetter Hall is a good example. It was opened in 1892 as the Savannah
Volunteer Guard Armory.
Poetter Hall
We also did a Hop On – Hope Off bus tour. This was our tactic to understand the layout
of the city and obtain a historical overview more quickly. Cotton and agricultural commerce generated
the wealth that created Savannah. The
early success was dependent on the institution of slavery. The business model was built on cheap labor and
only profited at huge cost to the enslaved.
Scenes from our Savannah Tours
Savannah’s founding fathers used a “step and repeat” model
for laying out the city. It consisted of
a square common area, surrounded by 4 residential blocks and 4 civic blocks.
The square and the 8 surrounding blocks were designated a ward. As population was added, so was another
ward. Today there are 24 wards in the historic
district. It is worthwhile to sample as
many squares as you can. In doing so you
will find locations you have seen in movies.
For instance, the square in which the bus stop bench scene in Forrest Gump
was filmed. The scene in which we
learned Life is like a box of chocolates…
The house from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is also on one
of the squares.
As you walk from square to square, you will have a chance to
enjoy the historic homes. Along the way
you will see striking examples that define classic southern living. Take your time, make it an immersive
experience. As you walk the
neighborhoods, you will find many good places for refreshment or food to add
extra dimension to your Savannah visit.
Berthing
- Safe Harbor Bahia Blue
Services:
- Fuel, no pump out, 30 and 50 amp electricity, good WiFi. Clean restrooms and showers, small chandlery, and a screened in common area with BBQ.
- There are restaurants nearby and shopping within biking distance.
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Trip Log
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