While we were staying in the Low Country, South Carolina, we were also able to drive about 45 minutes to spend a day in Savannah, Georgia.
We opted to go on a Sunday. We got the best tip from people at the campground…to park at the Savannah Convention Center. Parking is only $5/day. But it was actually free on Sunday mornings, as it is a popular parking place for church-goers.
The Belle’s Ferry system is free and will pick you up at the convention center. Just know which ferry you need to take for your intended destination. If you choose the wrong one, you can either walk or just take the other ferry. Savannah is a very walkable city. They also have a free River Street Streetcar and a free Express Shuttle with ten stops in the historic district.
Historic District
We worshiped at the Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah. After our fail at the French Huguenot Church in Charleston the week before, this experience was completely different!
Several people went out of their way to welcome us, including the senior pastor and an associate pastor, who was originally from Pennsylvania. This congregation was pretty high on the formality scale (using the number of jackets and bowties as a scale), so visitors would probably feel more comfortable dressing up.
Lowell Mason, the composer of several famous hymns, including “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” “Nearer My God to Thee,” and “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross,” among many others once served as the organist there.
After worship, we crossed the street to see the Juliet Gordon Lowe house. I remember touring this when I was a little girl. She was the founder of the Girl Scouts. Unfortunately, it was closed on Sunday.
We walked through some of the 22 beautiful squares of the historic district. And while the bench isn’t in the exact location as it is in the film, the bench Tom Hanks sat on while he was waiting for the bus was in
River Street
We were getting hungry, and we heard great things about the restaurants on River St. Lunch at the Fiddlers Crab House & Oyster Bar was fantastic. We picked that restaurant because they gave us coupons as we were walking by. But there are so many options, it’s hard to go wrong.
Savannah City Market
After lunch, we went to the American Prohibition Museum. Buying your tickets online is cheaper than purchasing them at the door. I never knew how many unintended consequences Prohibition had. In fact, many of the ladies who led the movement later changed their opinion and fought to repeal Prohibition. This was one of the neatest museums I have been too, and I highly recommend it!
The museum is in the Savannah City Market area, which also has great shops, restaurants and live entertainment. Had we been better organized, we would have eaten lunch in this area, rather than doing so much backtracking.
Our day in Savannah was great, but I hope to go back for a longer amount of time (at least a weekend).
