Savannah Sojourn

The beautiful and elegant, Savannah, is the oldest and most stately city in the State of Georgia.  The city was established in 1733 as a British Colony but later became a strategic port during the American Revolution and then the American Civil War.  So its a city chock full of beautiful architecture and history.  I guess that explains why the downtown area is deemed to be one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the US.  The downtown remains pretty much as was originally planned and by my reckoning, many of the buildings and private homes are still very much as you would have observed them back in the day.

 I only had the pleasure of visiting Savannah briefly and as with Charleston, a short trip is almost criminal and does little to allow full immersion in the atmosphere.  But it does provide a brief opportunity to indulge in the city's beauty and enjoy her character.  On my hit list of places to visit was the experience of Leopold's Ice Cream.  This little gem was founded in 1919 by three immigrant brothers from Greece.   They opened their little parlor in Savannah, bringing the art of candy and dessert to the South.  Today the ice cream parlor is owned and operated by Stratton Leopold, famous for his executive roles behind the scenes in movies such as The Big Chill, Wise Blood, Mission Impossible, The Wolfman and various others.  So apart from divine ice cream, the parlor is a treasure trove of movie industry paraphernalia and history.

Then of course there is the Savannah River front and the wonderful old shops and restaurants that cram together along the wharfs, and the many wonderful old squares that dot around the city lined by beautiful old Oak trees draped in Spanish Moss.  It really is out of movie set and is just picture perfect.  Savannah is one of those places you really must get out those walking shoes and prepare some trail mix for.  No other way to really enjoy her other than walking.