- Savannah's Civil War history will appeal to history lovers.An old cannon from the civil war with the focus on the barrel. image by dvest from Fotolia.com
The city of Savannah, Georgia, is synonymous with images of Spanish moss draping from majestic trees, antebellum architecture, and Forest Gump on a park bench declaring, "Life is like a box of chocolates." "Southern Living" named Savannah the "best southern city" and "Conde Nast Traveler" included it in their "Top 10 American Travel Destination" list, and it's not hard to see why. After all, General Sherman gave the city to President Lincoln as a Christmas present in 1864 rather than burning it to the ground. - A stroll through the historic district showcases Savannah's stately, pre-Civil War mansions, but not all of them are private residences; some are restored with period pieces and furnishings and are open to the public, including the Owens-Thomas House (1819), Davenport House Museum (1820), and Andrew Low House (1848). The architectural styles of these homes vary from Regency to Federal to Gothic, but they are all quintessentially Savannah.
Owens-Thomas House
124 Abercorn St.
Savannah, GA 31401-3732
912-233-9743
telfair.org/owens-thomas/
$15 adult admission
Davenport House Museum
324 East State St.
Savannah, GA 31401-3411
912-236-8097
davenporthousemuseum.org
$8 adult admission
Andrew Low House
329 Abercorn St.
Savannah, GA 31401-4634
912-233-6854
andrewlowhouse.com
$8 admission - For history buffs, a trip to Savannah is not complete without visiting the Civil War sites. Fort Jackson, Georgia's oldest standing fort, was a Confederate army base for much of the war and is only 2 miles from the city center. Visitors to this self-guided fort can watch a video about its history, view displays under the ramparts and explore the ramparts themselves, including its casements, barracks and Civil War-era cannon.
Fort Jackson
1 Fort Jackson Rd.
Savannah, GA 31404
912-232-3945
Call for admission prices. - Visitors craving real Southern fare and seafood will enjoy Savannah's pant-tightening restaurants. Foodies flock to the city to try native Paula Dean's Southern comfort food at her restaurant, The Lady & Sons, and eat family-style around a common table at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. In addition to black-eyed peas, fried chicken and collard greens, Savannah is known for its fresh seafood, thanks to its coastal location.
The Lady & Sons
102 W. Congress St.
Savannah, GA 31401
912-233-2600
ladyandsons.com
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
107 West Jones St.
Savannah, GA 31401-4577
912-232-5997
mrswilkes.com - Savannah offers countless tours to out-of-towners, from horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides to river cruises. But brave souls in need of a thrill should consider a nighttime ghost tour. Legends abound of Savannah's haunted inns, restaurants and cemeteries because of the city's storied past. There are numerous tours to choose from---some on foot and others in a trolley or hearse.
Savannah Candlelight Walking Tours
512 E.Oglethorpe Ave.
Savannah, GA 31401
912-604-3007
ghostsavannah.com
$10 adult tour
