Savannah in the Springtime? Sapid

Visiting Savannah gave me this jittery energy, because I knew I wouldn’t get to see enough of it, but I loved it all the same. I could tell, from attempting to negotiate the cobblestone streets of the historic district (which grid in single directions around picturesque parks: much better for walking), and strolling along once settled at my lodgings, that this was a city where the best was not boasted, and lines wouldn’t denote the path to treasure. Savannah, I decided, was a city for locals, and I would only be able to savor a weekend-sized slice of her hot and generously-seasoned mien. I chose Savannah for a springtime recommendation because the average high in July tries for 100, the tourists are more mom-n-pop getting away while the kids are in Cancun, and the turn of the season is just lovely on this stretch of the Atlantic.

When I abandoned my car and checked into the pretty Bed And Breakfast Inn, Heather welcomed me at the desk and we chatted and laughed and I wrote down all her walking-distance suggestions. I had just missed the parlor room wine and cheese gathering in the dining area (held every Friday and Saturday evening), but was consoled when the tour ended in my room: probably the best in the place, named the Tomochichi room, just lovely and homey, with everything I

could ask for but internet. I even had a little patio.

That night I walked around the neighborhood, watched tourists on their Ghost Tour (a clever pub crawl that patronizes only haunted watering holes), and tried out the six-pence pub, which was nice enough.

After a delicious breakfast, I headed to the waterfront walk that was sunny and delightful and there were so many people and I felt like I had my druthers, there and then. I wandered, found a British pub with lots of great beer (there were many, I’m sure you can find one, this was called Churchill’s), window-shopped (Go Fish was a personal favorite), and thought about my next visit. That thought, that plan-generation, wasn’t about any one place I’d missed. Sure, the line was too long for Lady and Sons, but I haven’t thought twice about that since. I’ve thought about how relaxed and layered the city was- how they let you peek in at how the city ticks without you around, and how much they love that. I guess I romanticized the place and I barely got to know her.

Here’s a short list of things I missed doing: reading at one of the 21 beautiful squares;

walking all over the mile-square historical district and discovering the

perfect store, gallery, or restaurant; going to the Lucas Theater for

classic films or concerts; walking along the river, exploring where

Glory was filmed; and yes, strolling the town in the height of summer

with a mint julep in my hand.