I had the chance to travel to Savannah, Georgia a few weeks back and I jumped at the opportunity. I was there last summer and fell in love, and I’ve been figured out to revisit ever since. known as the “Hostess City of the South”, this stunning historic city makes a best long weekend getaway. It is one of the most picturesque cities I’ve ever seen, filled with Colonial architecture and the warmest people you’ll ever meet. My mommy suitably called it the “Kingston of the South”. It has the same feel as Kingston, Ontario — old world architecture and history, cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, wonderful restaurants on the water, and so much charm you don’t know what to make with it all.
Savannah is home to the Savannah college of Art and Design, one of the highest ranked art colleges in the world. SCAD has played a big part in keeping this old city in fine form, putting efforts into maintaining and restoring the sensational homes, buildings and churches. The architecture of the city is generally Colonial, but also includes elements of Federal, Georgian (naturally), and Gothic and Greek Revival-style architecture. You can spend hours aimlessly wandering the streets under the trees that beautifully drape the sidewalks with their flowing Spanish moss. I tried to capture some of the architectural beauty, but as you can see below, it’s a bit tough to get beyond the trees. Savannah is absolutely best seen and experienced on foot.
No two houses are exactly alike. Every single one has its own special attributes to make it stand out, but each adds some visual interest and allure to the block. I love the varying pediments above the windows, the black shutters, and the complex ironwork on the railings and balconies.
Rumour has it that this yellow gigantic of a house had just been sold to Marc Jacobs. He fell in love with Savannah a few years back and even opened up a shop in the middle of the historic District.
It’s really hard to stroll up and down these streets and refrain from pressing your face up to the windows for a peek indoors.
In between the stunning houses are even a lot more spectacular gardens. I stuck my cam through an iron gate to snap this shot. just picture yourself kicking back out here with a glass of sweet tea in the afternoon sun…
Can you say dream house? Hands down, this was my much-loved house. It sits facing Forsyth Park, the “Central Park”, if you will, of Savannah. You know which park I’m talking about — the one with that famous fountain?
Yes, that fountain. I was in Savannah in February and it was a sunny 25 degrees — this 30-acre park was filled with people lounging about, playing soccer, and walking their dogs. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, especially after hearing of the snowfall that had just hit Toronto.
Here I am with my mommy and aunt (my aunt is the other blonde but we always get confused for the mother-daughter duo, sorry mom) in front of yet another dream house, the Moses Eastman House. On our first day in Savannah, we did a walking excursion with the fantastic Bobby Davis. If you ever check out this charming city, I would highly recommend giving him a call. He does absolutely budget-friendly (and hilarious!) private excursions and you’ll learn a lot more than any guidebook could ever show you.
Bobby took us to see the location of the popular set from the 1994 classic, Forrest Gump that was shot mostly in Savannah. just take out the bed of tulips and add a bench and that was the location of the popular bench that Tom Hanks told his tales on throughout the film.
Although I was on vacation, the H&H editor in me couldn’t resist going into a few, fine all, of the design shops. thanks to the SCAD presence, Savannah has a thriving design culture. I figured I must share one of my favourites with you…
How charming is the exterior of this shop, Number four Eleven? I loved the striped awning, painted brick, and little flower boxes surrounding the artificial moulded windows.
This captivating shop had it all: modern yet decorative pieces, budget-friendly colourful accessories, monograms that would make fellow editor Michael Penney weak in the knees, and a linen collection that Lynda Reeves would love. depend on me. On top of that, Claire, one of the shop owners, is one of the friendliest and undoubtedly elegant people I met while in the south.
If you’re trying to find a tiny vacation, look no additionally than Savannah. This eclectic and historically rich town is a must-see. Did I mention that it’s also considered one of America’s a lot of haunted cities? and I haven’t even covered the food there! After all, it is the city that Food Network’s Paula Deen calls home. Finally, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit because the beach is a mere twenty minutes away. It really doesn’t get any better than that!
For a lot more southern-inspired style, excursion an 1830s Restoration Home.
Photo credits:Kathryn Bala