What is Savannah Like? A Comprehensive Overview of the City

Located in the southeastern corner of the United States, Savannah lies within the borders of Georgia and is the county seat for Chatham County. Nicknamed “The Hostess City of the South” and the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate, Savannah has been home to multiple cultures, religions and governments since it was founded in 1733. As Georgia’s oldest and most historic city, visitors come from all around to explore Savannah’s plantations, parks and cemeteries and to enjoy its charming neighborhoods and local cuisine. So, what is Savannah like?

History of Savannah

Savannah is locally known as “the First City” as it was the first planned community in the United States. Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, Savannah was established with objectives of providing a safe haven for persecuted European religious minorities and providing a haven for debtors and people facing economic hardship. Initially laid out in an array of squares with streets running parallel to the Savannah River downtown, it is also known for its distinctive architecture. In its early years, Savannah’s many squares served as military barracks and fortifications as it was strategically located as a commercial port.

In the 19th century, Savannah reemerged from a long period of economic decline and found itself as a bustling port city with industrial, manufacturing and transportation development that centered around the port. It also served as a primary point of entry for thousands of newly freed slaves.

As Savannah continued to develop into an industrial, commercial center, many large areas of downtown received an influx of German immigrants. This began during World War I, when Dutch farmers settled in a neighborhood now known as Bean Town, where the sole synagogue contains a wall of Jewish names representing those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

What You Can See and Do in Savannah

Today, Savannah is known for its welcoming atmosphere and striving culture. From historic monuments to savory eateries, activities abound in this coastal city.

Historic Squares and Monuments

Savannah is home to 24 green-space squares that dot the city and provide stunning views for locals and tourists alike. These squares, once used as military parades, are now filled with oaks and magnolias draped in Spanish moss, children playing tag and musicians filling the air with their tunes. Additionally, Savannah is home to many monuments dedicated to prominent figures like Gen. Francis S. Bartow and Commodore Harry Hill.

Local Eateries

One of the most noteworthy features of Savannah is its vast array of local eateries and cafes where visitors can sample the local cuisine. Everything from Zunzi’s sandwiches to Leopold’s Ice Cream has something to offer every foodie traveling through Savannah. The unique variety of local cafes allows visitors to try multiple dishes from different parts of the world that are all offered on one menu.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the largest places of interest for tourists visiting Savannah. This sprawling cemetery dates back to 1846 when it was used as a site for burials for both wealthy business owners or generals in command during the Civil War, as well as free African Americans simply residing in the area. The grounds also feature a huge oak tree draped in Spanish moss that was featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and two tombs that served as inspiration for author Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Unparalleled Adventures of One Hans Pfaall”.

Tourism

Savannah ranks sixth in the list of America’s most popular destinations because of its amazing range of activities and attractions that can be enjoyed year-round. From its charming coastal atmosphere to spectacular Victorian architecture, Savannah has something to offer every kind of traveler. The bustling city offers an array of tours, such as the entertaining Savage Savannah True Crime Pub Crawl, nautical cruises upriver, ghostly tours and historic tours taking visitors through buildings dating back hundreds of years.

Conclusion: What Makes Savannah So Special?

Visiting Savannah is like stepping into a world full of culture, beauty, history and luxury. Despite being relatively small in size compared to other cities in America, it offers everything a traveler looks for: charming architecture, delicious food and friendly people who are always willing to share their stories and tips about what makes visiting Savannah so special. With extensive public squares offering picturesque views, delicious eateries that offer a range of cuisines to sample, incredible monuments commemorating past wars and plenty of tours taking you throughout the city just waiting to be explored, one could without doubt say that Savannah has something for everyone!