The Sweetness of Savannah

Renita has long wanted to visit Savannah and while it wasn't on my list we were heading through Georgia and so we stopped to check it out. As usual she was way ahead of me and now its a city that we will most definitely come back and visit again.
The rv park we stayed in wasn't the greatest but it was handy and it was right off of interstate 95. We were able to get our prescriptions filled at a nearby Walmart so that is always good. We talked about taking the tour but discovered Savannah's free express shuttle and ferry service, connecting the historic downtown, River street, and the Trade Canter.
Parking at the visitor center it didn't take long before the shuttle arrived and we loaded aboard, heading for River street. It started to rain and even begin to rain hard but it stopped temporarily when we got off at the DOT shuttle stop River Street.

Now the whole street is lined with shops and I could see that I was in for it, but you never know, and it turned out I was pleasantly surprised as we quickly discovered a shop filled with local artists displays. It turns out the city is filled with galleries and shops and it was fun to be in a city with so much art on display. Renita even showed off her pendant, she was wearing a piece I made called "Red Desert at Night", and a shop owner asked us if we would sell her some of our work at wholesale! An interesting idea but something that would turn our lapidary and wire artistry into something too much like work.
It started to rain again, and this time harder, so we boarded the free ferry and cruised across and back, enjoying the view of the river front and the small but elegant city ferry. Savannah definitely has style!

Landing back on River street we checked out a few more stores before walking to Congress Street, looking for Paula Deans restaurant.
It poured harder and so we camped under an awning waiting for the shuttle. When it finally arrived the driver stopped and started again so quickly that I had to chase it waving my umbrella.Some of the other riders saw me and the driver stopped  and we loaded aboard.
The next day we got up early and arrived downtown in time to get our name on the list at The Lady and Sons Restaurant,(They start taking names at 9 am for lunch and fill quickly). It was a beautiful day and so we walked along the City Market checking out all the art galleries. There were so many and all filled with local artists work. It was a pleasure to see something different from the usual imported tourist junk from the same overseas countries,(It has been surprising to us that so many places sell the same imported items).
Lunch time arrived and we were quickly seated, ordered, and served. I had the crab cake and Renita decided on the asparagus sandwich. We even ordered a plate of fried green tomatoes, something we have never had before. It was fun to share bites from our plates. We both decided that fried collard greens were a unique and acquired taste. My crab cake was filled with blue crab and Renita's sandwich was excellent,(Did I say all the food was fried, except the rice and black beans?).
Of course I had to have the Key lime cheesecake with almond slivered crust. I could barely it it all, but I managed to finish the huge piece, savoring every bite. We really enjoyed our meal, the waitress was top notch and we even had a nice chart with the manager. Its on our list of a place to return to again.

We walked  around the historic town center filled with tree lined boulevards and beautiful squares. To see a city built for beauty and not simply a place to fill with shop after shop was a real joy. The edges of the Historic area was lined with massive churches. Of these two were open to the public and we marveled at the beauty of St John the Baptist Cathedral and The Lutheran and Presbyterian church's architecture.

The magnolias were in bloom, the massive live oak trees lined the squares, and we felt safe and secure as we strolled thought the area. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful city. We were treated to the southern charm and hospitality by everyone we met. Yes, Savannah is a place we hope to return to someday. Clear skies.