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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tybee is Calling

Will you answer?

Ready for that last fling before "fall" arrives? last beach adventure before school routine settles in? Labor Day is around the corner.

COME TO TYBEE!! The waters fine ... great in fact ...
And if you stroll to the South End ... getting there when the tide is out ... OH MAN! you have a whole 'nother experience, world to explore ... you can walk for miles, leaving the crowds around the corner ... it's breath taking ... expansive ... calm ... an adventure in itself ... just watch the tides so you don't get caught out.

While you are here in September ... Go ahead with your plans for the booty time ... yes, I mean Pirate Fest. Get your booty time at BuccaneersBooty.com I'm not talking dirty talk, I'm talking good old Pirate wear ... perhaps you'll even attract your own Captain Jack Sparrow.

Make your plans for Tybee Island, cause from where I sit, I see:

Sea, sun and whole lotta fun are in your future.
www.TybeeIsland.com

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

'The most beautiful town in America'

According to John Mellencamp, it is none other than Savannah!

Scouts honor ... he owns a home on Tybee as well as Daufuskie Island. In the current, Connect Savannah he shares his love of the history ... the people ...

He recorded sections of his soon to be released album "No Better Than This" in the First African Baptist Church here in Savannah. A church founded on history ... not the most flattering shot of history but old South history, slavery.

"The "Heroic Age" of George Leile marks the beginning of the church in 1773. He was ordained May 20, 1775 and enjoyed absolute freedom. He constituted the church December 1777 and thus became the first pastor of the First African Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia.

The First African Baptist Church, a survivor of the Revolutionary War, during the over-awing hand of the hostile British, a growing body of the Reconstruction Period and a strong force during the Revolutionary changes of the 1960's for the Black community had its beginning in 1773. She was officially born May 1775.

Through the years, the First African Baptist Church has rendered service for the community on behalf of all people and is a standing monument for the role she has played.

One of the slaves baptized by George Leile was Andrew Bryan. He was permitted to preach by his slave master Johnathan Bryan. He became the spiritual leader of the church that was established by Leile. Bryan was ordained January 20, 1788 and he became the second pastor of the constituted church. He purchased the fourth site on which they worshipped on West Bryan Street. The congregation changed the name of the church in 1822 from the First Colored Church to First African Baptist Church.

On July 26, 1826, the first Black Sunday School in North America was organized in the church. The initiative was taken by the Independent Presbyterian Church.

The present sanctuary, was erected in 1859 by the members of the congregation doing the work themselves. It is rated excellent in architecture and listed in the National Register of Historic places. This is the first building constructed of brick in the State of Georgia owned by blacks. For years it was known as the "Brick Church."

The pipe organ was installed in 1888. The baptismal pool is located in the pulpit.

The church houses the first museum in any area black church. It contains archives and memorabilia that date the church back to the 18th century."

Address: 23 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401
www.theoldestblackchurch.org

Hey ... being a Mellenhead, there is no higher complement to my adopted city than to hear Mellencamp share why he loves Savannah ... Rock on John ... Rock on Savannah!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Forsyth Park

This park is a true beauty ... you are surrounded by the trees ... the history of Savannah ... the charm.

Here's a history of the park from City of Savannah itself:
"The Fountain is a large, ornate, two-tiered cast-iron fountain surmounted by a classically robed female figure standing in extreme contrapposto, holding a rod. Water comes from this rod into the top basin. The top basin appears to be made of three successive rows of closely arranged flat leaves, around the base of which are arranged acanthus leaves. The pedestal which supports this top basin is surrounded by grasses, including cattails, and a wading bird with wings outspread. This pedestal and basin stand in another, larger octagonal pedestal and basin, into which the water overflows. It is more geometric and architectural than the top basin and pedestal, but it is also ornamented with leaves, in low relief. An ornamented drop pendant is just below the intersection of each side. There is also a hole in the bolection molding around the basin, located at the intersection of each side. A waterpipe protrudes from this hole. In addition, there is a similar hole located in the middle of the molding of each side. These sixteen pipes are the water outlets for this lower basin. The octagonal pedestal is ornamented with a cartouche on each of its sides. Another cartouche composes each of the eight vertical sides of the pedestal where it spreads out to support the basin. The vertical part of the pedestal is set off, top and bottom, by a molding. The lower pedestal and basin have been treated artistically as if they were a classical or Egyptian column in its divisions, ornamentation, etc. At the base of the pedestal, jutting out from every other octagonal side, are four blocks on which stood originally, four tritons (half man and half sea serpent) each with his left hand on his waist and his right hand holding a shell-horn, through which water is spouted in an arc. These tritons were moved a few feet out beyond the basin into the large pool in which the fountain stands, ahd have been replaced by four urns, which are not part of the water flow. Four spouting swans were also added to the pool; they are located farthest out, equidistant from one another, around the pool, which is surrounded by a stone or cast stone coping. The pool is surrounded by an ornamental wrought-iron fence just tall enough to keep children away from the pool and the fountain. Inside the fence is a paving of "signature bricks" which are engraved with the names of those who contributed to the fountain restoration in 1988. There is a brick walkway around the perimeter of the fence.

Forsyth Place was the first large park created in Savannah. Stylistically, the park was influenced by the urban renewal of Paris in the nineteenth century, when broad boulevards and parks were created. This greatly influenced city planning throughout the industrial world--every large city in the United States was developing large city parks beginning in the 1850's. Culturally speaking, it is not insignificant that the Forsyth Park fountain was thought to be a copy of the one in the Place de la Concorde, by Hittorff, who completed two monumental fountains in that square only a few short years before Forsyth Place was created. Bull Street was thought of as a boulevard and promenade (both French terms) and the fountain served as a focal point of a long vista, all the way from the Exchange, which was City Hall. In an economic context, the park and the fountain would not have been possible if Savannah were not experiencing economic prosperity. The 1850's were the first consistently prosperous period throughout the South, which admired and emulated the high style of the Frech Empire.

During its installation in 1858, the pool was enlarged and the fixtures re-arranged to deal with the high water pressure which caused the water to gush too vigorously. The fountain was supplied with fresh water and ran only in the afternoons. In 1860, brick paving was added around the fountain, the fountain was painted the first of many times and the first of many repairs was made. In 1868, new balls and implements were put in.

In 1960-61, the fountain was renovatd by Mr. Carsten Tiedeman in memory of his father, Judge G. W. Tiedeman, and a plaque was installed in commemoration. In 1973, vandals smashed three of the tritons, which were reported to be made of "pot metal" not cast iron. New tritons of silicone bronze were cast in 1974 by Tony Gilkes, an employee of Bailey's Forge of Savannah. One of the urns was knocked off in 1974, and several of the ornamental gloves on the light poles around the pool were smashed.

In early 1977, the figure on the fountain collapsed during an ice storm, and was reconstituted with fiberglass and resin so that it was no longer hollow. In late 1977, the Rotary Club paid for underwater lighting in the pool of the fountain. The incandescent lighting system was replaced in 2007 with a fiber optic system illuminated by metal halide lights. This system uses 1/10th of the power required by incandescent lights.

In 1988 the fountain was completely restored by Robinson Iron Works of Alexander City, Alabama, financed about half and half by the City and by private donations, much of which came from the sale of "signature bricks". In 1989, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation gave the Park & Tree Commission and the Signature of Savannah Committee an award for an "Outstanding Restoration".

Don't just drive by ... park, walk around, the trees provide shade or you can get your vitamin D by sitting out on the grass ... it is as valuable as it's history!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Week-ending

Another weekend is approaching and if you are headed, or already here in Savannah, have fun!

I recommend seeing a particular band, Liquid Ginger, voted best of Savannah. I'm in process of clarifying where and if they are playing this weekend. When in Savannah, musically you must try and see Liquid Ginger. They around town, as well as Tybee ... whether an acoustical show or full-power they are worth hunting down ... a treasure hunt!

If you are a true treasure seeker, hunter and like pizza, then venture down the block, a few blocks off Bay to Screaming Mimi's, on E Oglethorpe (near Habersham). It may be a hike but that can be your excuse to eat even more! They have other options than pizza but why? Ok OK, you'll enjoy the atmosphere and no matter what you have to as a main course, ask for the PBJ pizza for dessert ... yes, you saw that right, not a typo PBJ pizza, can't describe it .. trust me it is good.

Not up for pizza but want some place "Where Food is An Art"? then walk to W. Liberty Street and the SoHo South Cafe ... with a name like SoHo you know art is involved. This may not be your traditional "southern' experience ... it can be a nice break from the old south feel ... yet still experience southern charm.

For the quintessential Sunday Brunch experience ... stroll to the other end of Liberty St, and check out J Christophers. They serve breakfast and lunch menu with items 'off the griddle" and "skillet" sensations. A real yummy treat!

There are many options to really enjoy southern, and pseudo-southern cooking giving you the energy to enjoy a good walking tour.

Good eats ... good walking ... good music! The week is ending, why not Savannah?

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Weekending...

For those planning a weekend trip to Savannah, try to make it a "first Friday" so you can start your weekend with a BANG at the Westin Savannah Harbor:

The Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations (full bar), and great food, at our relaxed resort setting. Fresh succulent oysters from the cool New England waters, lowcountry boil, tasty grill items, a full bar and s'mores by the firepit satisfy the young and old, as well as landlubbers and seafarers alike. Catch the complimentary water ferry from River Street or take advantage of easy parking at the resort, validated with purchase. Buckets of oysters, a bar and a band - a great way to jump start the weekend!

Did I mention the fireworks? Even if you don't make it to the Westin, you could enjoy the fireworks from River Street ... sitting at one of the restaurants ... or sit along the river, enjoying a breeze!

Speaking of River Street ... as you walk along enjoying the sights, smells, sounds of the walk, avoiding cars driving on the cobblestone ... pop into some of the shops to get a break from the heat. If you like jewelry, I suggest Cassandra's Jewelry Imports! she has a variety of jewelry, eclectic accessories from costume to fine. If your sales associate seems non-responsive however, double check that it's not one of the store mannequins ...

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

You've Got to be KIDDING!

Since I have no children and ergo, no need to seek out "kid friendly" options in Savannah ... I demure to this article by Teresa Mills to provide suggestions for a family hence I be accused of discrimination. I did edit the article to highlight her points ...

In her words:
"There are kid friendly vacations locations throughout the United States and beyond. One of our family's favorite family vacation spots is Savannah GA. Our family of six toured the Savannah GA area and downtown.. This article lists our favorite kid friendly Savannah GA family vacation attractions...

...The southern charm and elegance that you will find on the streets of Savannah GA are unrivaled anywhere in the country. As with any southern historic district, there are several different options to tour the city. There are horse-drawn carriage tours, trolley tours, and walking tours throughout the city. There are also Riverboat Cruises along the Savannah River available for your enjoyment.

...When entering Savannah Georgia, the first place to head is the Savannah Visitors Center. Each tour company has trolleys departing from the visitors center regularly. Each tour company offers purchase of tour tickets and loading of the trolleys right in the parking area of the visitor center.
We chose the Gray Line of Savannah Tour Line for our tour of Savannah. The trolley tour on Gray Line was $10.00 per person and offered hop on/ hop off service throughout the city all day long. The price was a bargain as we are a group of 5...

...Each of the town squares has is own history and the tour guides expound on that history as the tours continue.

Savannah Georgia City Tour Companies

Gray Line of Savannah

Phone: (912) 234-8687

Old Savannah Tours

Phone: (912) 234-39 or 1-800-517-9007

Old Town Trolley Savannah

Phone: (912) 233-0083

Oglethorpe Trolley Tours

Phone: (912) 233-8380

Savannah Ghost Tours

There are a multitude of Ghost Tours offered in the City of Savannah Georgia. Some of the tours are walking tours, some are trolley tours. there are tours that incorporate visits to local pubs, there are tours that include dinner, there are tours that visit inside some of the local "haunts". So, you and your family have a variety of venues to choose from.

We chose The Original Ghost Talk Ghost Walk Savannah Walking Tour. The tour departs from the John Wesley monument in Reynold's Square on Abercorn Street. The Ghost Talk Ghost Talk tour is based on the stories in Margaret DeBolt's book Savannah Spectres and Other Strange Tales. The tour offered a fun approach to the legends that lie beneath the haunting tales of Savannah. Now, I do have to let you know that I am very skeptical and DO NOT BELIEVE IN GHOSTS, but the tales were entertaining and the tour added to the rich history that we enjoyed on the City of Savannah Tour that we took earlier in the day. The tour guides with The Ghost Talk Ghost Walk Tour was very informed and ready and willing to answer any questions that we had.

Savannah Ghost Tours Companies

Ghost Talk Ghost Walk Savannah Walking Tour

Phone: (912) 233-3896 or 1-800-563-3896

Savannah Walks Ghost Tour

Phone: (912) 233-WALK

Old Towne Trolley's Ghosts and Gravestones

Phone: (912) 233-0083

Savannah GA offers many kid friendly vacation options. These are just a few of our favorites."

Additional Kid Friendly Savannah GA Destinations can be found at http://www.kid-friendly-family-vacations.com/savannah_georgia_vacations.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Mills

Monday, July 26, 2010

Gettng WILD in Savannah

For those who enjoy the beach but want to get really "wild" in Savannah ... without concern for being arrested ... or not remembering last night... not that I've ever "been there". Check out the nature and wildlife parks:

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Skidaway Island State Park

To step back into colonial times visit Wormsloe Historic Site and Plantation ... just a short drive south of downtown you can step into history.

Savannah has a ton of history so there are many places to explore, much to be learned from the past if you are a history buff, or not. Let us remember that history is for us to learn from so as not to repeat...or as Winston Churchill more eloquently put it: "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." I don't think Winston ever graced Savannah with a visit but if he did, I'm sure he enjoyed it.

We also have the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge but in some wisdom, they are closed for 3 months beginning June 2010 ... hmmmm during height of tourist season? interesting is all I can say ... I'm just saying. So come back this fall to check it out as well.

If you are into more of the urban wild there is always Forsyth Park ... especially on a Saturday morning market day! and it is dog friendly.

Speaking of pets, remember that Tybee Island is not dog friendly so don't expect to bring Fido for any wave jumping. Though Tybee is not dog friendly, cats rule ... dogs drool? There are a myriad of pet friendly hotels, shops, restaurants etc etc etc around Savannah so it's not all bad news for Fido and friends.

Come over to Savannah ... the water's fine! the wildlife is wild day or night!

Prison Break

What prison are you in?

Loneliness? Jealousy? Resentment? Apathy?

It is self-imposed … you have the key. Ephesians is on my heart as I read Paul’s instructions for life. Here he is in prison yet writes encouragement to others to live a life of inheritance for God’s will, love.
Whatever you are going through now, whatever season, I encourage you to give thanks and praise everyday for God’s good grace. Show love to yourself and others.
I also ask you to use that gift God has given you, appreciate it, use, it … don’t let it go to waste!! Don’t look at others with envy but if you’re not sure what your gift is, pray for God to reveal it and enlarge it within you … then run with it!

Break out of the prison, using your gift to live fully each day. Lonely? praying for that husband/wife? Then love yourself enough to present your best wherever you go, smile, share love. Be ready! God sent another message to me thru a beautiful messenger that I love, a true woman of God, sensitive to His voice. So when she came stepping across the chairs during the prayer call yesterday just to get His message for me into my ears, my heart, I listened, cheered and gave thanks for His favor.

We are in a season of change … if you’ve been in a prison, have faith strong enough to allow those cell doors to swing open, then step into your freedom! That’s your next adventure … walking in freedom and love daily. Be generous, be selfless, praying for others, who can you uplift today?

As Paul said in Ephesians 4:1 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” That should be adventure enough for a lifetime, excitement each day, conquering new territory, claiming your inheritance.

God smiling down on you … as for me I live to hear these words: Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Are you brave enough?

if you are thinking of a trip to Savannah ... great choice and BRAVO! There is one thing you should know before hand:

"In 2003, the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology named Savannah America's Most Haunted City. And Savannah is able to support the title. Ghosts, apparitions and paranormal activities have been reported at many of Savannah's inns, restaurants, private residences, and of course, cemeteries."

Now this is not a real secret among locals or tour guides ... in fact there are many tours that will take you across these ghostly paths. Just remember MilliD forewarned you with this article by Deb Bunting...

"There are many magnificently restored buildings nestled around Savannah's twenty-one squares. Many of these buildings are stately homes supposedly still occupied by former owners. James Habersham has been known to roam around the Olde Pink House, now a restaurant, but formerly his home. Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was born and raised in Savannah. Her parents, long deceased, are said to still roam Juliette's childhood home.

The Sorrel-Weed House, visited by The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) in 2005 as part of their SciFi Ghost Hunters Halloween special, is supposedly haunted. The story goes that Mrs. Weed caught her husband in a compromising position with one of the Weed's many slaves. Mrs. Weed, very distraught, ran back to the main house. After a long argument with her husband, she either threw herself (or was thrown) to her death from a second floor balcony. Soon after Mrs. Weed's death, the slave found with Mr. Weed was found hung in her slave quarters. Both women are said to be still roaming the grounds.

The Hampton-Lillibridge House was said to be so haunted, that Jim Williams (of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame) had an exorcism performed at this former boarding house. On countless occasions, residents and passersby have heard the sound of jazz coming from inside the home.

The Kehoes were a very prominent family in Savannah, as Mr. Kehoe owned the ironworks on the riverfront. The Kehoes built this fireproof, all-iron home and lived there with their 10 children. The Kehoe's heirs sold the house in 1930 and the property changed hands many times to include use as the Goette Funeral Home for 65 years. It is now a beautiful bed and breakfast where many of its visitors report supernatural occurrences such as a woman screaming, a nurse shushing visitors, the Lady in White making appearances, and several instances involving ghosts of children.

The list goes on and on!

So, what is it about Savannah that makes it so attractive to ghosts and ghost stories? Many people start with the fact that Savannah is literally built on its dead. Savannah was the first city in Georgia founded in 1733. It was established in the same location as the Creek and Choctaw maintained their burial grounds.

As the colony began to grow and thrive, it needed more room. Buildings were erected on the burial plots of the original colonists. Tombstones in cemeteries were moved to make room for sidewalks and roads. Places of worship were erected on the graves of slaves.

Second, Savannah has a very violent history. Many bloody battles and skirmishes were fought in Savannah. One of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution, the Siege of Savannah, where about 1200 men lost their lives in one hour, was fought in Savannah.

Also, the city has been victim to many city-wide fires, at least two yellow-fever epidemics and several hurricanes.

Third, Savannah has been a major port city since the days of King Cotton, so many a sailor has ventured through Savannah spinning a romantic tale or two.

Fourth, Savannahians are (proudly) an eccentric bunch, as were their ancestors, which adds history and volume to the ghost stories.

Lastly, I believe the large amounts of Spanish moss hanging from the majestic oak trees. The blankets of moss look like ghostly shrouds and give the entire region an eerie look.

Whatever the reason, the ghost stories are endless, earning the Savannah the right to the title of America's Most Haunted City. "(ezine article by Deb Bunting)

If you are still brave enough to come to the coast ... stay tuned as I can offer suggestions for things to do around the city ... some touristy ... others best known by locals. Savannah is a rich city, definitely a small town feel. As a relative newcomer, it is a pleasure to explore.

Downtown construction has renewed the area around City Market, providing some much-needed relief from the heat ... and it does get hot! Of course the delightful shops offer a cool reprieve ... the ultimate reprieve would be Leopold's on Broughton Street ... a rich history filled with rich ice cream treats ... if looking for the old-fashioned ice cream shop, get the scoop! www.leopoldsicecream.com

p.s. check out the wall to see who beat you here...

Where do I stay you may ask? You decide ... do you want to be in the heartbeat of the city? do you want a river view? Or, would you rather stay with a local B&B? The choices are historical and eclectic, just get over here already ... "Waving Girl" is beckoning ... are you her long lost sailor?

Forget Hot'Lanta

It's HOT Savannah ... or should that be SavannaHOT!

Temperature wise and event wise there is a lot that goes on in town, River Street, Tybee Island ... enough to keep locals and tourists busy ... excited.

If you're a visitor and want to get a taste of Savannah ... on Saturday morning go to the Forsyth Market ... local growers sell at Forsyth Park. Then spend some time in the park, frolicking in the fountain (wait, that may just be for kids), people watching.

With the weekend many head to the beach ... be forewarned, get there early to get a parking space AND avoid traffic lines, and lines, and lines ... unless you are just married to the idea of the pavilion, stick to north beach to avoid much of the crowd. If you love a crowded beach, where you are bound to see someone who looks worse than you do in a bathing suit, then by all means stay south. It's not always wrong to go with ego is it? what would Freud say?

When you want a break from the sand to walk around looking for beach souveys to take home, a great local artist shop is www.atlanticbeacongallery.com ... owner Debbie is a true sweetheart with a desire to help artists be seen. In fact, check out the 3-Cord Strong bracelets (Eccl4:13), anklets and key chains ... they are handmade from parachute cord ... feel the strength! Atlantic Beacon is the islands exclusive carrier of these hot new trend! Get your's today!!

When ready for a meal, sitting on the porch and continuing to enjoy the ocean view? Best spot, IMHO, is Fannie's. They offer a great menu, value and taste! Their crab legs are best priced, juicy and succulent! Of course, I may be prejudiced toward crab legs but I'm also picky! Sorry, Red Lobster, you are in Savannah, get real seafood.

If you are into night life ... River Street, City Market and surrounding offer what you are looking for, jazz, rock, blues ... etc. For that romantic dinner, there are choices as well...more on that another time.

Now, you are asking yourself, but MilliD "where is Savannah's best dining place to eat?"

Alligator Soul on Barnard ... great cuisine, fresh, local, organic ... and the martinis? out of this world if you are inclined. Bartender Wendy will set you up ... try to stump her with your order ... go ahead and try!

I'm betting I know who wins!