Savannah, Georgia, the first city in the state, was established in 1733. General Oglethorpe carefully designed the city's street using a grid pattern and its now famous squares. The city grew as a port town, and as a result, played a critical part during the Civil War.
Today, Savannah attracts over 5 million visitors each year. At the heart of the city is a wonderfully preserved National Historic Landmark District of 2.5 square miles. Bus, trolley, horse drawn carriages, and even trendy Segways move visitors though the city, and highlight historic or simply quirky facts. This city is all about tours. Known as "the walking city," a self-guided walking tour is a great alternative.
Savannah is touted as one of the most haunted cities in America, and there's no doubt that a Ghost Tour of the city will help visitors understand why. Architectural walking tours offer visitors an appreciation and understanding of the structures that make this city's architecture famous. One example is the home of Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low. The Savannah History Museum is a great place to get acquainted with this charming southern city.
This is a fantastic city for shopping. Dozens and dozens of unique shops fill downtown. Especially prevalent are chic boutiques, hip coffee houses, upscale art galleries, and trendy home-furnishing shops. The choices are endless for those looking for that special gift. A walk along cobble-covered River Street is not to be missed. Pubs and restaurants are housed in historic buildings, and will have guests feeling like they have stepped back in time.
Culture is abundant in Savannah. The city's Film Fest draws huge crowds, and become more popular every year. The Telfair Museum of Art has the distinction of being the oldest art museum in the South, and serves as Savannah's hub of art and culture.
Those looking for pure fun will enjoy Savannah's variety of festivals and events. The largest and most famous of which is the St. Patrick's Day Festival. This huge event draws people from all over the country to Savannah, and even has local business people closing shop so they can take part in the fun.
Savannah is located just off I-95, in the southeastern part of Georgia.
