Sweet Savannah

I have to say that Savannah surprised me. We had heard that it was well worth a visit and had been told about several sights that we simply must see. So we did the trolley tour because it seemed like the best way to introduce ourselves to the city. We debated back and forth because the trolley tickets are a little spendy for our style. Normally we like to walk the narrow streets in search of cool old buildings and quaint little courtyards. My photog man loves to shoot doors and windows and brick and stone and turrets and archways and funky rooflines and other architectural gems. We love it when we happen upon street musicians and artists. We don't usually bother with the shops other than stopping for ice cream or fudge.

But I was talking about trolley tickets, wasn't I? Yes, we debated, but ended up deciding that was the way to go this time. And we are so glad we did, because we discovered what turned out to be our very favorite part of the city and we wouldn't have known to look for it. We hadn't even heard of it.

What we found is River Street - running along the riverfront just as you might expect. What was amazing is that River Street is the next street over from Bay Street - and running parallel but four stories below. That's right. The old buildings between the two streets are all at least four stories tall. Walking along River Street, you can access the first and second floors of those huge old buildings, but up on Bay Street you are entering shops on the fourth floor of the same buildings. Fascinating.

To get from one level to another, one must traverse the intricate and delightfully convoluted labyrinth of stairs and cobblestone ramps - as well as wrought iron bridges (cat walks really, I guess) that span the gap above the lower alleyways.

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We are grateful for the tour that introduced us to and transported us down one of those steeply descending cobblestone streets to get to River Street below and then back up another one. Later when we were on foot, we again descended the various levels in order to spend some time walking along the river. What a fun place! The Georgia Queen was on the move today - one of two stern-wheeler paddle boats on the river. Musicians were playing their tunes and people were everywhere as the city gears up for St. Patrick's Day. We perused the menus posted out in front of several of the many picturesque eateries and ended up at the Cotton Exchange Seafood Grill and Tavern for lunch. Good choice.

By the way, we also discovered praline shops on both upper and lower levels. First New Orleans a few weeks ago and now Savannah. I can now officially say that I do like pralines - no matter how they pronounce it. But oh, so terribly rich and sweet.

Thanks to my personal photographer for these pictures that are worth more than a thousand of my words to explain this cool place.