Things to do in Savannah

The biggest attraction in Savannah is the town itself. Thanks to the largest designated national historic district in the country, the whole downtown feels like youve stepped back in time to the Old South. All of the clichd images are here: live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, grand old antebellum mansions, magnolia trees and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through the streets. There really isnt much else besides the stunning Historic District, but for most visitors thats more than enough to make a memorable trip. If you really want a taste of Americas Old South, this is the place.

Andrew Low House

This classic mid-19th century home which faces Lafayette Square is one of the stars in a studded roster of classic historic houses. The elaborate ironwork, shuttered verandahs and carved woodwork is reminiscent of the grand old days of the South. Many famous figures from the time, such as Robert E. Lee, were entertained here.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Made famous by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this fascinating and mysterious cemetery is well worth some exploration. Filled with obelisks, columns and trees draped with Spanish moss, you couldnt create a more atmospheric cemetery if you tried. The grounds are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 and usually full of visitors. The area was once a great plantation in the late 1700s, until the mansion caught fire during a formal dinner. According to legend, the host calmly led his guests to the garden, where they finished their meal while the mansion burned to the ground.

Davenport House Museum

This is the where Savannahs great restoration and preservation effort began in the 1950s, when seven women saved this lovely old house from destruction. Constructed in 1820 by the master builder Isaiah Davenport, this home is one of the last truly magnificent Federal-style homes left in the country. The delicate ironwork and imposing elliptical stairway are star features. Visitors can tour the house and learn more about the citys restoration project.

Green-Meldrim Home

This impressive home on Madison Square was built for one of the greatest cotton merchants of the day. But its real claim to fame was when General Sherman used the house as his Savannah headquarters in 1864 at the end of his historical March to the Sea. Sherman sent his infamous telegram to President Lincoln from this house offering him the city of Savannah as a Christmas gift. The house is open to the public.

Isle of Hope

About 10 miles south of Savannah is the charming little community of Isle of Hope. Established in the 1840s as a summer retreat for the wealthy, its now a wonderfully preserved showcase of rural antebellum life. Visitors can stroll along the paths which lead past authentically restored cottages and magnificent old mansions littered with massive live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

Massie Heritage Interpretation Center

If you have children with you, this is a great stop in the Historic District where they can get their own perspective on this amazing city. The Centre features a number of exhibits about Savannahs architecture, society and history geared towards school-age children. They can even experience a 19th century classroom just as a child their age would have seen it 200 years ago (tel: +1 912 201 5070).

Owens-Thomas House and Museum

This grandiose 1816 mansion, often called the Jewelbox of Savannah, is most famous as the place where Lafayette spent the night in 1825. The citys golden age is reflected in the grand designs and features of the home. Visitors can tour the bedchambers, kitchen, drawing rooms and dining rooms. The garden is also impressive and a newly opened Visitors Centre puts it all in perspective.

Riverfront Plaza

This was once the economic centre of life in Savannah when it reigned as the cotton capital of the world. Although the emphasis has shifted from cotton trading to tourism, visitors can still get an excellent idea of what it felt like in the 1800s, as freighters and pug-nose tug boats still ply their trade up and down the river. Today, Riverfront Plaza is the citys main venue for celebrations, special events and lots of places to eat, drink and shop. The First Saturday festivals, which happen on the first Saturday of every month, are especially fun as artists, craftsmen and traders sell their wares while street musicians entertain the crowds.

Savannah History Museum

To get a better understanding of Savannah, the best place to start is this historical museum which is housed in the restored train shed of the original Central Georgia Railway station. The exhibition hall displays artifacts and memorabilia from every era of Savannahs history, and in the theatre visitors can watch a short film on the Siege of Savannah (tel: +1 912 238 1779).

Telfair Mansion and Art Museum
This wonderful old mansion is also the oldest public art museum in the South. The original collection was put together in 1818 to represent both American and European artists of the time. The period rooms have all been preserved in their original condition and offer a great view of life during this era. The artwork is a nice complement to the architecture, showing what was considered popular art during the period (tel: +1 912 232 1177).