Last year (when we could still travel without concern), my husband and I took a road trip to Savannah, Georgia. We visited in December to catch the city in her holiday finery. With her charming public squares, moody oak trees and beautiful historic district, Savannah is a delight to visit any time of the year. But add in special holiday events and cheerful decorations, and the city is captivating!
Take her iconic fountain in Forsyth Park for instance. In August 1858, The Daily Morning News reported “The fountain in the park was in operation on Saturday to the delight of large crowds.” Here’s a photo taken around that time by photographer J.N. Wilson.
Over 150 years later, the fountain still operates to the delight of residents and visitors. Here’s the elaborate Victorian fountain dressed up for the holidays…
… captured in glorious sunshine.
Strolling around Savannah’s Historic District is a great way to spend a day. The district is arranged in a grid pattern making it easy to navigate. There are 22 park-like squares waiting to be discovered. Here’s another delightful fountain. This one, in LaFayette Square, is more recent having been placed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the colony of Georgia.
Stately live oaks (Quercus virginiana) picturesquely draped with Spanish moss are quintessentially Savannah.
Beautiful cast iron fences, lamp posts and benches are found throughout the district. Ironwork was introduced in Savannah after a devastating city-wide fire in 1796 and gained popularity during the mid-nineteenth century.
Many of the cast iron grilles and railings on the historic homes are adorned for the holidays. Here a trio of simple evergreen wreathes decorate a balcony railing.
A lush garland of magnolia leaves, accented with a cluster of brass bells, makes a more elaborate display.
Vibrant red poinsettia plants flank the front steps of historic homes.
Intriguing art galleries, boutiques and cafes are sprinkled throughout the district.
Unexpected little details, such as the below carved angel, greet the sharp-eyed visitor.
One might even come across a pair of penguins enjoying a sip of bourbon!
Museums and historic sites, such as the Massie Heritage Center, also get in the holiday spirit. The Center is an excellent place to learn about the history of Savannah, its beautiful city plan and architecture, and its past citizens. One of the Center’s exhibits is a Heritage Classroom—an authentic 1900s classroom complete with slate boards, reading charts, …
… a globe, a giant abacus, …
… a Dunce cap, …
… and carefully-written lists of the Naughty and Nice!
More Info
You may also like the post, Charleston’s Glorious Window Boxes, which explores the charming southern city of Charleston, South Carolina.
You can learn more on the Visit Savannah and Massie Heritage Center websites.
The historic photo of Forsyth Park Fountain (shown above) is from the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. (1850 – 1930). Park Fountain by photographer: Wilson, J. N. (Jerome Nelson) (1827-1897). Retrieved from here in the Digital Collections of the New York Public Library.
Today’s Takeaways
1. Savannah, Georgia is a great place to visit during the holidays.
2. Get to know a destination by exploring on foot.
3. Take time to appreciate the details.
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