Savannah, Georgia

Hey, I’m back! Last week my family took a road trip to Savannah, Georgia. My grandmother grew up there, and we visited many of the places from her childhood during the trip — her high school, churches, the public library, her old neighborhoods to name a few. Of course, things had changed since she was last there, but it was still very exciting (and meaningful)! We had a lot of fun. Below are just a few of the other sights we saw. Click the images for larger versions.

This is the beautiful house in which we stayed, 109 W. Jones Street. It’s been historically restored from the 1800s and is used for vacation rentals. My uncle thought it would be better than a hotel, because then we could relax and have more space and privacy. It was all that and more, and very luxurious!

Joseph Greene, Sr., was my grandmother’s English teacher. He was also an athletic coach and made a big impact. The athletic building at the new Beach High School in Savannah is named for him, and this memorial was outside of the building.

The Wilkes’ house was located right next door to our rental house. They serve traditional home style Southern meals for lunch every day (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.). It’s so popular that a line forms every morning before lunch! You sit with complete strangers around a big table and pass food around like you’re at home. The food was amazing (almost as good as my grandmother’s cooking, but I am biased of course). You forget you’re in a restaurant. Mrs. Wilkes’s grandchildren now run the restaurant. She died in 2002 at the age of 95.

First Bryan Baptist Church, where my grandmother went as a child. We were lucky enough to run into a janitor there who kindly offered us a little tour. Their sanctuary is gorgeous! My grandmother said it looked just the same as she remembered it.

Beautiful Forsyth Park (built in the 1840s). Lots of trees with moss hanging from their branches. Very shady and a wonderful place to take a walk or sit, read and reflect. Plus there’s the fountain (pictured below). There were many monuments to famous individuals from various wars (such as the Civil War, the Revolutionary War and the Spanish American War). within the park. The park is located within the historic district of Savannah.

Temple Mickve Israel, the 3rd-oldest Jewish congregation in America.

A memorial to Kazimierz Pułaski, who died in the Battle of Savannah during the Revolutionary War. Rumor has it that his body is buried at this memorial, but we will never know for sure if it is actually him.

The Savannah Riverfront. Boats, shops, music — very touristy but I enjoyed it.

We also visited Tybee Island and walked on the beach! Bottom line – I love Savannah. It’s big enough that there’s a lot to do, but it doesn’t have the heavy hustle and bustle of a big city. Plus, I love the historic district with all of its monuments; I also love the warm weather and proximity to the beach!