Georgia…

From Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil:

“You can tell where you are in Georgia by the question a new acquaintance asks:

In Atlanta they ask you ‘what’s your business?’

In Macon they ask you ‘what’s your church?’

In Augusta they ask you ‘what’s your mothers maiden name?’

In Savannah they ask you ‘what can I get you to drink?’”

SAVANNAH……It’s hip to be square!

The layout of Savannah with its 24 squares by Oglethorpe in 1733 was GENIUS. They provide instant parks every block, they slow down traffic, they create quiet spaces for reflection, they make the city so pedestrian friendly, and they provide beautiful places for fountains, squirrels, monuments, historic reminders, places for artists, etc….In short….GENIUS. More cities should have followed Savannah’s example…

We have spent 3 days here…the first two walking the historic district and the riverfront sampling the famous dishes ( Leopold’s ice cream, the Old Pink House cocktails, Gryphon’s tea service, B Matthews Rueben sandwich) Apparently we don’t read the foodie reviews dealing with exceptional salads or lean proteins!

We have been listening to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (beautifully written with delightfully irreverent characters!) which has made the touring even more fun.  We love the trees, the moss, the fountains, the cemeteries, the history, the food….everything.  Bull Street, Whitaker Street, Broughton Street and Forsyth Park were delightful.  

Today we headed to the Moon River district and spent some time at the Wormsloe Historic site.  Founded by Noble Jones (can we talk about that name?!  FAB) as a southern defense outpost to Savannah there are now ruins of the mansion built using oyster shells and beautiful hiking trails, but the best of all is walking the 1.5 mile avenue from the front gate lined with 400 live oak trees. Planted in 1891, it is now an amazing canopy and a stunning walk through the site.  From there we went to Cohen’s Retreat which was formerly a home for older gentlemen (so no man would grow old alone…) and now has been turned into an event space, restaurant, bar, boutique and cottages.  Charming spaces with great food.  Check out the pic below….don’t know what to do with all your mom or grandma’s old silver?….Design a tree..  

We are staying just outside the city at Red Gate Farms (an old horse farm that still has horses, goats, peacocks and several wedding venues!) which is lovely and a great balance to the city traffic.  Last night there was a wedding on the property with lights hanging from the trees like an electrified Spanish moss. have spent 3 days here…walking the historic district and the riverfront sampling the famous dishes ( Leopold’s ice cream, the Old Pink House cocktails, Gryphon’s tea service, B Matthews Rueben sandwich and Byrds famous cookies). and today spent the day in the Moon River district at Wormsloe Historic site walking the 400 live oak avenue planted in 1891. We have loved our time.