The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah’s Alluring History and Culture

Post Published June 26, 2024

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The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Saunter Through Savannah's Historic Squares





The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah’s Alluring History and Culture

Strolling through these picturesque parks, visitors can admire the beautiful gardens, historic monuments, and stunning architecture that have been preserved since the 18th century.

John the Baptist.

The Savannah Historic District, home to the city's famous squares, is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, with over 22 squares and 1,700 historic buildings.

Savannah's unique grid-like layout with its squares was designed by General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony, as a strategic defense system against potential attacks from the Spanish in Florida.

The iconic Chippewa Square fountain, featured in the opening scene of the film Forrest Gump, is not the original fountain that was installed in the 1830s.

The current fountain was installed in the 1950s to replace the aging original.

The Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, was not actually the home of the book's main character, Jim Williams.

The real Mercer House, located nearby, was the setting for the infamous events.

Savannah's historic squares were originally intended to serve as community gathering spaces, with each square designed to have a distinct purpose, such as a market, a park, or a military training ground.

Despite Savannah's reputation for its well-preserved historic architecture, many of the buildings in the Historic District have actually been rebuilt or extensively renovated over the years, with only a few structures dating back to the 18th century.

What else is in this post?

  1. The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Saunter Through Savannah's Historic Squares
  2. The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Unravel Tales of Savannah's Storied Homes
  3. The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Meander Along the Picturesque Savannah Riverwalk
  4. The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Discover Colonial Relics at Wormsloe Historic Site
  5. The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Indulge in Savannah's Soulful Southern Cuisine

The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Unravel Tales of Savannah's Storied Homes





The Davenport House, a significant example of Savannah's historic preservation efforts, stands as one of the oldest historic houses open to the public.

Additionally, the Scarbrough House, now the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, showcases the city's rich maritime history.

The Davenport House, built in 1820, is considered one of the earliest examples of the Federal style of architecture in Savannah, which was a departure from the more common Georgian style prevalent in the city at the time.

The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters is a unique historic estate that provides insights into the complex social and economic fabric of Savannah, as it includes both the grand main house and the quarters where the enslaved people who worked on the property lived.

The Mercer House, made famous by the book and film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," was not actually the home of the book's main character, Jim Williams, but rather a nearby property known as the real Mercer House.

The Victorian-style homes in Savannah often feature original mantels and fireplaces that have been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of 19th-century living.

Despite Savannah's reputation for its well-preserved historic architecture, many of the buildings in the Historic District have actually been rebuilt or extensively renovated over the years, with only a few structures dating back to the 18th century.

The interiors of Savannah's historic homes have been remarkably well-preserved, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to gain a firsthand understanding of the lifestyles and design preferences of the city's past residents, from the wealthy elite to the enslaved individuals who lived on the properties.


The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Meander Along the Picturesque Savannah Riverwalk





The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah’s Alluring History and Culture

Savannah's Riverwalk is a picturesque 1.5-mile path along the Savannah River, offering stunning views and a blend of history, recreation, and culture.

Visitors can explore unique boutiques, indulge in local delicacies, and enjoy water-based activities like boat tours and ferry rides.

The Savannah Riverwalk was originally constructed in the 1970s as part of a major urban renewal project, transforming the previously industrial and dilapidated riverfront area into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly destination.

The Riverwalk features over 100 historic markers and plaques along its length, providing visitors with a wealth of information about the city's rich history and the important events that took place along the Savannah River.

The Riverwalk's cobblestone pavement was specifically designed to replicate the original surface that existed during Savannah's heyday as a major cotton port in the 19th century, adding to the authentic historic ambiance.

The Savannah Riverwalk is home to the only remaining intact section of the original city seawall, which was built in the early 19th century to protect the city from flooding and storm surges.

The Riverwalk's distinctive red-brick façades, which line much of the waterfront, were actually constructed in the 1980s and 1990s as part of a comprehensive renovation and revitalization effort, rather than being original historic structures.

The Savannah Riverwalk is the site of the annual Savannah St.
Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States, with the festivities often spilling out onto the Riverwalk itself.

The Riverwalk's water taxi service, which provides transportation between various points along the waterfront, utilizes a fleet of vessels that were specifically designed and built for the Savannah market, rather than being repurposed from other applications.

Despite its popularity with tourists, the Savannah Riverwalk is also a hub of local activity, with residents frequently using the path for exercise, leisure, and even commuting to work, taking advantage of the scenic and car-free environment.


The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Discover Colonial Relics at Wormsloe Historic Site





Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah, Georgia, offers visitors a chance to explore the region's rich colonial heritage.

The site features the 1737 tabby ruins of the oldest structure in Savannah, remnants of slave cabins, Native American shell mounds, and Civil War fortifications.

Visitors can stroll along the picturesque 1.5-mile oak avenue leading to the ruins, and learn about colonial life through costumed interpreter demonstrations.

The site features the oldest remaining tabby structure in Savannah, dating back to Tabby is a type of concrete made from oyster shells, lime, sand, and water, which was commonly used in colonial-era construction.

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of Native American shell mounds on the property, providing insight into the site's pre-colonial history and the Indigenous communities that once inhabited the area.

Remnants of slave cabins have been discovered on the grounds, offering a somber reminder of the enslaved labor that supported the colonial estate and the harsh living conditions they endured.

During the American Civil War, the site was fortified with earthworks and gun emplacements, which were used to defend Savannah from Union forces.

Visitors can still see the remains of these military fortifications.

The 5-mile-long avenue of live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, that leads to the tabby ruins was intentionally planted by the estate's original owner, Noble Jones, in the 18th century to create a grand approach to his colonial home.

The Wormsloe estate was passed down through several generations of the Jones family, and the current owners are direct descendants of Noble Jones, making it one of the few remaining antebellum plantations in Georgia still occupied by the founding family.

The site's museum features an impressive collection of colonial artifacts, including furniture, tools, and other domestic items, providing a tangible connection to the daily lives of the estate's residents.

Costumed historical interpreters offer live demonstrations of colonial-era trades, such as blacksmithing and candle-making, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the crafts and skills of the period.

The Wormsloe Historic Site is actively supported by a local chapter of the Friends of Wormsloe, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the site's cultural and natural resources for future generations.


The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah's Alluring History and Culture - Indulge in Savannah's Soulful Southern Cuisine





The 7 Most Authentic Experiences to Savor Savannah’s Alluring History and Culture

Savannah's food scene is a celebration of both traditional and innovative approaches to Southern flavors.

From cozy eateries serving comforting soul food to trendy restaurants pushing culinary boundaries, the city offers a diverse range of options to satisfy diverse tastes.

Acclaimed establishments like The Olde Pink House, Husk, and The Grey have garnered recognition for their authentic interpretations of Southern cuisine, showcasing the versatility and depth of the region's culinary heritage.

Savannah's culinary scene is deeply rooted in its African-American heritage, with many restaurants paying homage to the region's rich Gullah Geechee culinary traditions.

Husk, a popular eatery in Savannah, is located in a historic building that was once used as a carriage house and stables, adding to the authentic ambiance of the dining experience.

The Grey, a critically acclaimed restaurant in Savannah, is housed in a former Greyhound bus station, showcasing the city's adaptive reuse of historic structures.

Savannah's food scene is known for its innovative interpretations of classic Southern dishes, often incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.

The city's thriving soul food scene is exemplified by establishments like Sisters of the New South, which serves up traditional comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

The Collins Quarter, a popular brunch spot, is praised for its extensive and creative menu, offering a modern twist on classic Southern fare.

Despite Savannah's reputation for its well-preserved historic architecture, many of the buildings in the city's culinary scene have been thoughtfully renovated, blending the past and present to offer a unique dining experience.

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