Georgia is a state in the Southeastern United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution.

Georgia Trip

March/April 2004

SAVANNAH

American cities don't get much nicer than Savannah! So many beautiful, shaded, moss-draped parks and squares and so easy to walk about. The city has been built around a grid. The historic district is great! Lots of architectural style from the 18th and 19th centuries with well-kept Victorian homes. Walk the cobble-stone waterfront on the Savannah River lined with old cotton warehouses.

Many thanks to you General Sherman for not burning this city at the end of your March to the Sea in 1864, but rather offering it to Abraham Lincoln as a Christmas gift, leaving it intact. After the Civil War, cotton prices slumped, and Savannah declined. It wasn't until the 1960s that a successful restoration program began.

First tour the historic area in a trolley, then go back and walk the areas you liked best. Have lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House on West Jones Street for real Southern cooking; it's reasonable and a Savannah tradition (there is always a line). Walk to the City Market for some shopping. Don't forget to see the famous Forrest Gump bench in Chippewa Square on Bull Street, although the original is in the Savannah History Museum. Near Chippewa Square is the Savannah Theater. When we were there we saw a two hour very entertaining musical show Jukebox Journey.

Walk to the Juliet Low (founder of the Girl Scouts) birthplace on Oglethorpe Avenue and the Andrew Low House (her home) on Abercom Street. On Bull Street in Monterey Square is the famous Mercer William House, great grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer and site of the book/movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Visit the First African Baptist Church (oldest black church in North America) on Montgomery Street in Franklin Square.

For great Southern cuisine (reservation recommended), eat at Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons Restaurant (near the City market). Walk along the Savannah River on Factor's walk. Nearby is the Pirate's House Restaurant (authentic pirate place in ancient years) for Southern fried chicken coated with pecans.

TYBEE ISLAND

This small barrier island boasts a wide, 3-mile long beach backed by sand dunes...great swimming in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. A most laid-back location and charming island for nature lovers, bird watchers, sunbathers and fishermen. There are forts and museums and a great old lighthouse; endangered birds and other animal species; kayaks and bikes to rent (along with hotels, motels and cottages).

BRUNSWICK

Brunswick (one of Georgia's Golden Isles) has been a thriving seaport for over 200 years. Its English heritage is reflected in the names of its streets and squares. It has a Victorian architectural character and IS listed on the Old Town National Register of Historic Districts.

The enormous live oaks draped with Spanish Moss, the waterfront park with a farmers market, shrimp boats, and galleries, shops and restaurants all add to the charm of this southern town. For the best barbecued pork sandwich ever, go to The Georgia Pig on I-95 and US 17 South Interchange - Exit 29, Jekyll Island Exit (recommended by NY Times Food Editor). It's delicious!

ST. SIMONS ISLAND

St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia's Golden Isles. It is also a community having many seasonal residents, as well as year-round residents. There are beaches that stretch for hundreds of yards at low tide. Coast Cottages are located at the largest part of the St. Simons beaches and have the finest beaches on the island.

Fort Federica on St. Simons Island

The park is 12 miles from Brunswick and was originally a military town on the Colonial Georgia frontier; today it is considered a national monument. It was established back in the 1700s by James Oglethorpe whose troops defeated the Spanish in 1742 at Bloody Marsh Battle Site. Fort St. Simons is built on the island's south end.

Try lunch at The King and Prince Restaurant for crab cakes, plantains and sweet potato casserole.

JEKYLL ISLAND

This ia a beautiful, classy, immaculate, quiet island. It was, in the past, an exclusive playground for American wealthy indstrial barons. Today the state of Gerogia owns a large portion of the island, and it welcomes the public. It has pristine, uncrowded beaches, guided nature walks, miles of biking and jogging trails, golf and tennis. Take a horse and carriage ride. For a great lunch, dine at Jekyll Island Club House Hotel

CUMBERLAND ISLAND

A passenger ferry serves Cumberland Island from St. Mary's waterfront. Cumberland Island is Georgia's largets and southern-most barrier island and today is a national seashore. It is a complex ecological system of independent animal and plant communities. People do live here but not too many as to alter the landscape's character. Board the Cumberland Queen for day trips to enjoy shelling, wild horse herds, natural beauty, wilderness, plantation ruins and family mansions.

Georgia Photo Gallery

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