One Day in Savannah

Savannah's reputation as being one of the most romantic, artsy and architecturally important cities in the U.S. is well-deserved. From the graceful Oak trees dripping with moss that line the old downtown area to the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery made famous in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," Savannah will leave an impression on your heart. Although the spectacular sights, cuisine and attractions of this Southern city can keep you entertained indefinitely, if you can only stay one day, there are plenty of highlights that you can experience during your short visit. From families to couples, this riverside city has something for everyone.

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Bonaventure Cemetery
"Bonaventure" roughly translates to "Good Fortune" in French. An ironic name for 73 acres with a lot of dead people, but if you happen to spend eternity in this lush, green riverfront location, then perhaps one could consider that fortunate. The Bonaventure Cemetery is full of some of Georgia's most notable citizens, including legenda... More >
"Bonaventure" roughly translates to "Good Fortune" in French. An ironic name for 73 acres with a lot of dead people, but if you happen to spend eternity in this lush, green riverfront location, then perhaps one could consider that fortunate. The Bonaventure Cemetery is full of some of Georgia's most notable citizens, including legendary composer Johnny Mercer and dozens of legendary Civil War soldiers. But even if you aren't familiar with any of these important people, their captivating, haunting tombstones and burial sites will leave an impression on your heart forever. One of the best things about the cemetery is that it's absolutely free to visit any day, any time between 8 am and 5 pm.
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Skidaway Island State Park
Just minutes outside of downtown Savannah lies Skidaway Island State Park, a 588-acre barrier island recreation area and migratory bird sanctuary set among low lying marshes, swampy Live Oak lined forests and sandy white beaches. Hike or bike the tree-lined paths that guide you through sensitive wildlife habitat and native coastal fo... More >
Just minutes outside of downtown Savannah lies Skidaway Island State Park, a 588-acre barrier island recreation area and migratory bird sanctuary set among low lying marshes, swampy Live Oak lined forests and sandy white beaches. Hike or bike the tree-lined paths that guide you through sensitive wildlife habitat and native coastal forests. Spend the afternoon learning about local plants and the ecosystem, and observe native animals and plants in their natural habitat. And while some ambitious visitors will spend the night in the park's affordable campsites, most will return home to central Savannah, conveniently located just minutes away.
The River Street Inn is a five-story, historic hotel featuring all non-smoking rooms, standard amenities such as a fitness center and wireless Internet, in addition to four different on-site restaurants and shops.
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Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace
If you've ever indulged in the pleasures of eating a Thin Mint or Do-Si-Do cookie, you have Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low to thank for it. Low was founder of the Girl Scouts, an offshoot of the British Boy Scouts and Girl Guides that her English husband Sir Robert Baden-Powell founded overseas. This historic, landmark home is the Bir... More >
If you've ever indulged in the pleasures of eating a Thin Mint or Do-Si-Do cookie, you have Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low to thank for it. Low was founder of the Girl Scouts, an offshoot of the British Boy Scouts and Girl Guides that her English husband Sir Robert Baden-Powell founded overseas. This historic, landmark home is the Birthplace of the Girl Scouts, and is now a museum dedicated to the organization. Many of Savannah's other great landmarks are located within walking distance from here. Admission prices start at $8 with discounts for children.
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Clary's Cafe
After stepping back in time for the afternoon and seeing the best of Savannah's historic sites, stop by Clary's Cafe for an old fashioned lunch and soda fountain treat. As one of the oldest eateries in Savannah, Clary's has been in continuous operation since 1903. This downtown cafe not only serves up a good dose of historic charm an... More >
After stepping back in time for the afternoon and seeing the best of Savannah's historic sites, stop by Clary's Cafe for an old fashioned lunch and soda fountain treat. As one of the oldest eateries in Savannah, Clary's has been in continuous operation since 1903. This downtown cafe not only serves up a good dose of historic charm and international movie fame (it plays a central role in the book and film, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"), but the staff serves up a hefty dose of American cafe-style food and some of the best pie east of the Mississippi. Stop by anytime, as this affordable culinary pit stop is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Lady and Sons
A day in Savannah is only complete if you have a meal at Lady & Son's Restaurant, owned by Food Network celebrity chef Paula Deen (and her sons, of course). Founded long before Paula became a household word, this comfy, down home restaurant serves up an authentic and tasty selection of regional specialties. Yes, it's a place that's mo... More >
A day in Savannah is only complete if you have a meal at Lady & Son's Restaurant, owned by Food Network celebrity chef Paula Deen (and her sons, of course). Founded long before Paula became a household word, this comfy, down home restaurant serves up an authentic and tasty selection of regional specialties. Yes, it's a place that's mostly filled with tourists, and the prices are significantly higher than what you would pay for similar specialties at a low key family diner on the outskirts of town. But the food speaks for itself. It's tasty, made with love and makes your belly happy and content. Even if Paula wasn't known worldwide for her Southern cooking, the restaurant would still be a great destination because of it's unpretentious approach to homestyle cooking. Reservations are not allowed, but you can stop by early in the day to get priority seating for the evening seating. On Sundays, a bargain buffet brunch is served, which is the best way to get a wider sampling of the magic that is Southern Cooking. Even vegetarians will find lots to eat with the bounty of vegetable-based side dishes served up every day.
"Bonaventure" roughly translates to "Good Fortune" in French.
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River Street Inn
Located in the heart of Savannah's historic district and waterfront shopping area, the River Street Inn is one of the most convenient places to stay in the city. Car-free travelers will find it easy to get around on foot from this location as well. The River Street Inn is a five-story, historic hotel featuring all non-smoking rooms, standard amenities such as a fitness center and wireless Internet, in addition to four diff... More
Located in the heart of Savannah's historic district and waterfront shopping area, the River Street Inn is one of the most convenient places to stay in the city. Car-free travelers will find it easy to get around on foot from this location as well. The River Street Inn is a five-story, historic hotel featuring all non-smoking rooms, standard amenities such as a fitness center and wireless Internet, in addition to four different on-site restaurants and shops. The riverfront views are one of the biggest highlights of the Inn, providing a haven from hectic street activity and a place where guests can enjoy the sights of aquatic activity. Rooms start at $120 midweek.
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
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