Oh, Savannah

The wall of steel-grey clouds that chased us all the way from Waycross abruptly exploded in mid-stride, drenching the city of Savannah.

Then, just as quickly the summer storm stopped leaving a humid warm blanket of fragrant air hugging the city. As the town wrung itself out, we could hardly wait to re-visit its beautiful squares.

The charm of these urban parks lies in its blend of nature and beautiful architecture. In the historic downtown area, visitors will find one of the 24 little gardens every few blocks. Each one is surrounded by or encloses a piece of the city’s 300 year-old history.

Here are 3 favorites:

Forsythe Park

Named for former Georgia Governor John Forsyth (c. 1827). The park is the largest in the city, but its scale is intimate and welcoming. You might see runners enjoying the long stretches of shady pathways. And you might recognize this fountain from the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” (1997)

Monterrey Square

A surprisingly short walk from the Forsythe Park fountain is Monterrey Square. Centered in the lush greenery of the park is the monument to Gen. Casimir Pulaski, the American Revolutionary War hero who was killed in the defense of the city.

Flanking this square is the Congregation Mickve IsraelSynagogue, which is third oldest Jewish congregation in America (1733)

Madison Square

Laid out in 1837, this square is named for the fourth American, President James Madison. In the center of this square is a statue dedicated to the memory of Revolutionary War era Sgt. William Jasper, shown hoisting a flag. He died of wounds in the Siege of Savannah. He was only 29.

Relax on a park bench and meet the locals under a magnificent live oak tree, or enjoy a refreshing stroll through Savannah’s Squares.