The Best Time of Year To Visit Historic Savannah, Georgia

(Photo credit: gobucks2)

Savannah, known as the Hostess City to the south, is best toured in the spring and early summer months (and sports one of the best bed & breakfast places you'll ever find). Typically you will enjoy very little rain and day time temperatures that range from the 70s to low 80s. Spring is a wonderful time of year to explore the beauty of Savannah which will be waking up from a short winter's nap. Carriage Tours of Savannah is a pleasant way to see the sites of the Historic District.

Azaleas explode in blooms as the city prepares for it's historic Saint Patrick's day parade. The parade is the second largest worldwide and the festivities begin weeks prior with several traditions including the Celtic Cross Mass Ceremony and the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park. All are invited to enjoy the 3 hour parade featuring award winning bands and U.S. military divisions.

Those interested in all things home and garden are sure to enjoy Savannah's annual Tour of Homes and Gardens event which is typically held in March. Visitors are afforded the opportunity to peek inside various historic Savannah homes. Included in ticket prices is the chance to view beautifully restored interiors and beloved furnishings. The event also offers seminars, trolley tours, night events, delicious food and Savannah hospitality.

Founded in 1733 by General James G. Oglethorpe, Savannah remains much as it was then, a gracious colonial city with lots of churches, comfy homes and 22 oak-canopied public squares. It is a city rich in architecture and distinct landmarks including the famous waving girl statue. Florence Martus, depicted in the statue, is said to have welcomed more than fifty thousand passing ships with a wave of her handkerchief and glowing lantern.

Places to experience in Savannah include the Riverfront shops and restaurants where River Street Sweets is not to be missed. The old candy store is a great place to purchase take-home gifts and to sample a true southern praline. Savannah's Foody Tour treats guests to a comfortable bus ride while touring the Historic District and sampling amazing restaurant foods along the way, including a stop at Paula Deen's, The Lady & Sons.

Whether you visit the famous monuments in Savannah's Squares, Tybee Island Beach or pier, pavilion or lighthouse, the adventures are sure to be enjoyable including the annual Beach Bum Parade. Fort Pulaski National Monument on Tybee Island treats Civil War history buffs to moats, draw bridges, tunnels, walking trails, protected animal life and pretty marsh and river views. For extra fun there are cannon firings 3 times on Saturdays.

Savannah Bound for Jessica's Wedding

Tybee Island Lighthouse (Photo credit: cmh2315fl)

This week I began packing for my cousin Jessica’s wedding in Savannah, Georgia next weekend. I can’t describe how much I’m looking forward to heading south. I’ve never been to Savannah before, and I’ve heard really wonderful things about the city’s architecture, history and charm. Jessie somehow managed to book her wedding outside on Tybee Island, with a reception in a large lighted tent on the Historic Lighthouse Grounds. Hopefully the weather will be nice for it, I can imagine the views (and Jessica!) will be beautiful. 

Yesterday I went to the camera shop to buy a new digital SLR to capture everything in the best quality possible. I’ve needed a new camera for quite some time, and I figure now is as good a time as ever to own one. I also bought 10 disposable cameras to scatter on reception tables for guests to take advantage of. I know Jessica loves the element of surprise… but too many surprises the day of her wedding could be stressful. I figure she’ll love not knowing exactly what her friends and loved ones captured on camera until after the film is developed.

Grandpa, Heather, Will and I are staying at the Double Tree in Savannah’s Historic District. It’s very conveniently located next to the Savannah City Market and a couple blocks over from River Street. It also has a pool, which will be nice to take advantage of now that I don’t have to worry about Grandpa getting in and out of the water without a pool lift. I’ve been on too many vacations before where he made me feel guilty for swimming without him when they only had cement stairs. 

Anyway, the hotel seems nice enough and I think it will work out well overall. I would have preferred staying at one of the fancy local hotels, like the Mansion on Forsyth Park, but they were all pretty pricey and the trip is expensive as it is. Will and I agreed we’d rather have the spending money to go out downtown and possibly extend our stay for a basketball game at the University of Georgia. If Will were planning our vacations, I think he’d schedule them around every college basketball game within three hours of our destination. I’m pretty sure he’s been wearing the Georgia Bulldogs fleece I bought him for Hanukkah every other day for several weeks now… he’s lucky I still love him.

I hope the coming week passes quickly. I can’t wait for all the festivities, and it will be nice to see some of our family and friends we missed over the holidays for such a joyous occasion. I hope your new year is off to as great a start as mine is! 

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