After Shannon and I left Texas, our plan was to go to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where we were going to camp, hike and soak our aching bodies in the hot, mineral springs. Unfortunately, weather had a different plan for us and we ended up going back to beautiful Savannah!
We hit the road on an early Monday morning and immediately drove into storms. I mean, the kind of storms where the thunder rocks your car, you can’t see a foot in front of the windshield and the lightening seems right next to you. We both assumed it wouldn’t last or we would just eventually drive out of the worst of it.
The clouds continually turned blacker and blacker while the rain continued in torrents. Shannon thought it would be possible to catch a glimpse of a tornado, the sky was so ominous! I did not want to get caught hiking or camping in a thunderstorm again if I could help it after the experience I had before at Beaver Dams. Certainly not one of this caliber! Shannon has always been wary of storms and I knew that she would not want to set up a tent with lightening anywhere in the vicinity!
Decision Making Time
The situation called for quick decision making, which I am not a fan of. I like to chew over my decisions, maybe bite my nails a bit, throw out a couple of what ifs! I didn’t want to add extra driving hours to the day though so I knew I had to think fast. While I really did want to hike in Hot Springs, I didn’t want to end up just sitting in an Air B and B, or worse, the tent, if the storms continued or intensified. So, quick change of plans! I said, “let’s go back to Savannah!”
The decision to head back to Savannah added a little more time onto our trip but it is such a beautiful city and we really enjoyed it and wanted to see more! After all, this trip was meant to be an adventure and flexibility. Last minute changes are definitely adventurous in my mind. This time, we planned on going to Tybee Island as well as walking the River District and the Victorian District to take in more architecture and history!
The Victorian District, Savannah, Georgia
The Victorian District of Savannah is 50 blocks and is known as the first Savannah suburb. We strolled along the beautiful tree lined streets and gazed at amazing, historic buildings built in the 19th century. Shannon and I admired the old Telfair Hospital for Women, originally built in 1884-1885, the first hospital in Georgia strictly for women. As are most buildings in Savannah, this one is reportedly haunted by Mary Telfair. Today it has been turned into the Telfair Arms Apartments.
What really fascinates me about Savannah are the squares. Savannah has 22 squares, or green spaces, and each one is unique. The city was founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733 and he designed city strategically around these squares. Originally, they were meant to provide training areas for the military, but today, the squares are home to numerous different activities. Forsythe is the most well known square and has fountains, sculptures, monuments, a playground, restaurant, basketball court and bench lined walking paths. There was a couple on yoga mats completing their morning yoga, there were boys playing basketball, kids on swings and slides, ladies brunching in the open air restaurant. Everyone was out doing their thing, whatever their thing is! We even saw a gentleman jogging and singing his heart out while he went. The whole city is so eclectic, different, and beautiful!
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is another reason that we went back to beautiful Savannah. Savannah isn’t just on the river, it is always on the ocean! Tybee Island is 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. The road to Tybee wanders through swampy areas where you might just see an alligator until you crest the bridge to the island. Then all you have to do is pick a beach, there are five public beaches to choose from, stake your umbrella, open your chair, and wiggle your toes into the sand. Shannon and I spent an afternoon lounging in the sun, reading and snoozing, until our stomachs began grumbling for food!
While there are many places to eat on the island, we wanted to shower off the sand, so we zigzagged our way back over the bridges and marshes to our home away from home. That night we chose to eat in the Historic District at the Crystal Beer Parlor, which was established in 1933. It was delicious, relaxed and everyone there was very friendly. I had an amazing peach cobbler and Shannon had the Savannah Mud Pie. We have been back for two weeks, and writing about this now, makes me ready to jump in the car and head right back!
Maybe I can convince Shannon that if we leave now, we can make in time for dinner!
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