Savannah is considered the first planned city in the United States. After the arrival of General James Oglethorpe in 1733, he designed the city around a series of grids that allowed the construction of wide streets and public squares. Of the 24 original squares in Savannah, 22 still exist today and are ready to be explored and watch people go by. The essence of the city curves in the air like wrought iron, smoke and oak trees dotting the squares of the city.
Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States and you can feel stories and lives swirling all around you. Savannah has a rich history that dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, but the curious fact that struck me the most during my stay there was that Savannah was the only area along the path of Union General William Tecumseh who decided not to burn to the ground during his Civil War-era “March to the Sea” campaign. Savannah is full of oak trees, of which twist and turn in different directions, from those that would appear in flashes of lightning in a horror movie, of those that could have thrown apples at Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Two years ago, I went on the Dead of Night ghost tour in Savannah and it was one of the best excursions I've ever done. As soon as the book came out, people started flocking to Savannah, trying to get a piece of that crazy savanna for themselves.
Savannah is home to more than 100 distinct neighborhoods in six main areas of the city, including downtown, Midtown, Southside, Eastside, Westside, and West Chatham. And even if you don't plan on visiting Savannah, this book will allow you to book a flight in the blink of an eye. Savannah is home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the best art schools in the United States. When I arrived in town, my hosts at Visit Savannah told me I had to try the lavender-spiced mocha at a cafe called Collins Quarter.
From manicured parks and horse-drawn carriages to ornate pre-war architecture, it's no wonder that Savannah is one of the most visited cities in the South. Whether you want to enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal or indulge in contemporary international fare, Savannah has it all. Since SCAD was founded in the late 70s, there is now a thriving alumni population as well, and you can tell this when you walk the streets from Savannah. Two years ago, I visited the city of Savannah, Georgia, for the first time and it immediately became one of my favorite places in the world.
Savannah is almost like my lady, fun, warm, unassuming and very different from my home in New York. Apparently, Savannah has earned the reputation of being the most haunted city in the United States, and although I specifically avoided giving more details about it (after all, I had to sleep every night), you should know that if you like haunted history, Savannah has will enchant.
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