Savannah City Guide - overview

Credited as being the first planned city in the United States, Georgia's sultry city of Savannah is positioned on a bluff above the Savannah River, a few miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean state coastline. This Southern belle is full of charm, and her old-fashioned hospitality and small-town atmosphere invites visitors to stroll back in time, right to 1733 when the city was first founded by British General James Oglethorpe with the permission of native Yamacraw Indian chief Tomo-chi-chi.

With one of the country's largest preserved historical urban areas, one can't help but experience a sense of this city's colourful past, as you stroll past grandiose mansions and Spanish moss-covered oaks, sipping mint juleps. The city's legacy as a major player in the cotton industry is still evident in the Savannah Cotton Exchange, and the Pink House, dating back to 1789 and home to Georgia's first bank also bears testimony to the economic prosperity of the region. Apart from hundreds of architecturally significant buildings Savannah is also not lacking in restaurants, shops (particularly fine antique stores), Civil War forts, museums, galleries, quaint squares and lovely beaches, all earning it the nickname, 'the Hostess City of the South'.

Strategically positioned on the north of the Georgia coastline, Savannah serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the scenic barrier islands, resort towns and inlets found along the coast. Of course it is also imperative one try the region's world-famous shrimp that is caught and cooked in a variety of ways.

Getting around: Savannah's historic district is best explored on foot; paths and steps down to the waterfront can be steep. Countless walking tours are offered. Savannah's CAT (Chatham Area Transit Company) Shuttle is a free, convenient shuttle service operating along 32 stops throughout the historic district, connecting shops, hotels, attractions and other bus routes. CAT also provides a fixed route bus service throughout the city and surrounding county. The Belles Ferry leaves the ferry landings on River Street connecting to Hutchinson Island at regular intervals at a fare of $3 per person. The city also has numerous car hire companies and several taxi companies. A horse and carriage ride through the city is also an option.