Sunday, February 5, 2012

Savannah, GA - Part 4

2 Chicas Alive and Well in the Historic District

Now 2 Chicas have to give Savannah kudos for their commitment to preserving their old beautiful historic homes!

This area is truly stunning. Thousands flock to the historic district to see the sights and marvel at the restored mansions.

2 Chicas parked and started walking through the squares that define the different neighborhoods.  

From Andrew Low, a rich shipping and cotton businessman to his daughter-in-law Juliette Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, this area is alive with tales from the past!

Chica 1 occasionally stumbles on the old brick sidewalks and grumbles. This is the price of history, the roots of the large majestic oaks push the ancient bricks up out of their carefully laid patterns.

So watch your step and watch for traffic.  Pedestrians have the right of way, but there are a lot of distracted visitors behind the wheels!

Mercer-Williams House is a handsome building that attracts its fair share of admirers. Snapping pictures madly, strangers convene on a sidewalk and politely take turns capturing a fleeting moment in front of a historical marker. Perhaps everyone is hoping to grasp a sliver of this past grandeur.  

First African Baptist Church – This church claims to be the oldest African-American church in America.  2 Chicas agrees that it looks old. This church actually ministered to slaves and was founded in the 1700s.

 Now for the United States, that is ancient. Tee hee he Tours are offered. Chica 2 was afraid to be in a structure that had been holy for such a long time. Tee hee he

King Tisdale Cottage – dedicated to preserving the African-American history and culture. This museum has great historical significance for African Americans in the state of George and touches a little bit on national history. Check out their offerings during your visit.

Tybee Island Lighthouse- 1732 the lighthouse was built to ensure the safe passage of boats into Savannah.  It is a quite a draw in the area.

2 Chicas noticed how many people with children marveled at the base of the structure.  It is great to see families sharing in history.

Chica 2 took all 178 stairs in the lighthouse with a certain flair that befits her personality. The fort on the grounds is pretty cool too. Enjoy the beach and spend some time on the water.

17th Annual Telfair Art Fair afforded locals and visitors a free peek at the extensive artists and collections found in the area. There were more than a 140 artists and their work on display.

The Telfair Museums are made up of a beautiful multilevel Jepson Center that is the modern museum.  The Telfair Academy is an older building surrounded on the outside by statues of great artists. The Owens-Thomas House is reflective of the English Regency architecture and is on the National Historic Register.

There were special activities to encourage artistic expression in the youngest visitors. There was a Family Art Lab, and events that allowed the children to design and create. This festival goes on for blocks!  Pick up a piece of art. Enjoy the music and the sights!


Chica 2 had a great time pretending she was depicted in many of the paintings.

Well, maybe some of the wildlife scenes.  Just joking. Not even close Chica 2!

Chica 1 really enjoyed admiring some beautiful pieces. One of the more interesting exhibits was Beyond Utility - Pottery Created by Enslaved Hands. To be able to express an art form while being beaten and subjugated and then to be in great demand was very moving.

2 Chicas in the Hood and It was Good

Well, 2 Chicas were hungry and decided on their last night in Savannah to go to a restaurant listed in one of the tourist books picked up at the Visitor's Center.

As luck would have it, the restaurant had gone out of business. Using the GPS, we stumbled upon Neighborhood Soulfood Restaurant.

Please believe this is a little hole in the wall and it was outstanding!  Chica one had Turkey wings, dressing, and greens. Chica 2 had baked chicken, greens, and sweet potato.  Chica 2 was salivating and eating so hard Chica 1 thought she might hurt herself.  Dinners were $6.50 each.  Another hidden gem!

2 Chicas really enjoyed Savannah and may just have to drop back in for another visit!  

No comments: