Pirates to Gump-Savannaugh, GA has it all

From the Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort in Hilton Head, SC we ventured south via toad to Savannah Georgia.  Some folks we met said it was a not to miss stop and they were correct!  I loved Savannah.  After reading so many bloggers that recommend a hop on hop off tour of these historic cities, it is what we do now.

We signed up for Old Savannah Tours and they were very good.  Each driver has a little different spin on the city.  The first driver was more into Savannah and the movies filmed there such as Forest Gump, Something to Talk About, Cape Fear and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.  Lots of Gone with the Wind was filmed in the nearby area.  The second driver was a little more about Savannah's history from the Revolutionary War to Present time.  He grew up in the historic district and can remember when the buildings were all boarded up and in ruins.  In the 70's a revitalization occurred and it became fashionable to restore these great old homes and the squares that distinguish the city from others.

The bench from Gump used to be here

From Something to Talk About

The Mercer-Williams house from Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

The squares are beautiful little park settings with monuments, trees, benches and flowers.   The historic district is quite small.  We enjoyed the tour and the history.

Old Police cars

the first African Baptist Church 

We made a stop for lunch at The Pirate's House.  The Pirates House first opened in 1754 as an inn for seafarers and soon became a meeting place for pirates and sailors.  The tale is told of poor young men getting drunk and waking up on their way to China.  I guess that's one way to recruit.  The food was as good as the history.  I really enjoyed their cream based Shrimp & Grits.

It is said the ghost of Captain Flint from Treasure Island fame still walks around in an upstairs room.  In the classic story Savannah is mentioned several times.  It is said that Captain Flint died in The Pirates House in an upstairs room.  His faithful mate was at his side when he breather his last muttering: "Darby, bring aft the rum."  I did partake of the rum and has a nice relaxing afternoon.

Savannah is a beautiful place and is well worth a stop on any adventure.

Next up:  The beautiful Florida Keys