Saturday, January 05, 2008

Old Town Savannah






Right before the holidays, I went north to Savannah, GA for some work, and, since I have been through this historic city many times, I never really knew much about it. While being rich with history and an important location during the civil war, what I found out is Savannah was quite a haven during the golden age of piracy.

During my short trip, we ventured into the old riverfront section of the historic district. The streets were lined with cobblestone (not the fancy cobblestone you would see installed at a theme park) and the first night I had worn sandals. Big mistake since these stones stick up at odd angles and made walking somewhat more difficult. The old buildings are quite a site to look at, as this place is reeking of stories, tales and, yes, even ghosts. They say Savannah is the most haunted city and for that, I was quite intrigued. Let’s just say I kept a keen eye out for any thing strange.

The restaurants and bars were everywhere. Located up narrow flights of stairs, in basements and rum cellars, all oozing with historic atmosphere, we looked into as many as we could and stopped for many a drink along the way. One highlight was the Pirate House Restaurant which is connected to the
oldest house in the city. This is where a great deal of negotiations went on during the war and where a few people were shanghaied onto merchant ships if they had too much to drink. The incapacitated unfortunates would be whisked down to the rum cellar, through the tunnel to the dock and find themselves waking up on their way to many months at sea and unknown destinations. It is pretty amazing to find one having dinner on tables that have fed many an important figure throughout American history, and for this I enjoyed it quite immensely.

The city of Savannah is quite charming and full of activity. We did not have the time do as much exploring as we would have liked, but if you only stop there passing through, you can easily experience the surroundings without spending a lot of time, but try spending a few days by staying at a downtown hotel or local bed and breakfast (possibly haunted?) and you will enjoy this area with great admiration.