Desitinations

DESTINATIONS LUXURY TRAVEL

Savannah, Georgia is charming. This southern escape is where art, architecture and trendy boutiques are all set under a veil of Spanish moss. In the spring, Savannah comes alive through its parks and gardens. Join us as we travel to this southern gem in this issue’s Destinations…

In the springtime, Savannah is bright with gorgeous azaleas. Strolling through the Historic District, one can’t help but admire their vibrant blossoms. But, the entirety of this city comes to life through its vibrant flowers and gardens of which there are plenty to admire.

The Savannah Botanical Gardens is a must see for those who are flower and garden enthusiasts. Access to all public areas is free and open daily during sunlight hours. The complex consists of 10 acres which include, magnificent rose gardens, winter, fall, herb and vegetable gardens, along with camellia, shade and fern gardens. Nature trails run around a lovely pond. The gardens also include an amphitheater and archaeological study site. The Wildlife Federations have recognized the Botanical Gardens as an official wildlife habitat.

Get lost for the afternoon strolling through its Perennial Garden, Spring Garden and Fragrance Rose Garden. Spend time near its pond or Rose Garden and Fountain to contemplate the beauty of nature. Young ones can enjoy its dedicated Children’s Garden, where they are free to explore.

Also, on the site is the Reinhard Farmhouse. The historic home was built around 1840 and is a unique survivor of Savannah’s 19th century architectural history. Built of heart pine with gingerbread trim, it was originally located on 12 acres known as the Reinhard Farm. It was moved twice to make way for Hillcrest Cemetery and the Truman Parkway. It is a rare example of rural architecture and one of only two pre-Civil War farmhouses in the Savannah area.

SAVANNAH | GEORGIA

Savannah is amazing with the town squares and the hanging moss and the French Colonial houses. It’s brutally romantic. — David Morrissey

Perhaps what set Savannah horticulturally apart from others is the famed book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. After all, “garden” is squarely set in its title. Many can recall the angelic statue, which lives in Forsyth Park, from its jacket cover.

If you have read the book, you may want to consider taking the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour of Savannah. The guides focus on many of the top sites featured in the story. From Savannah’s elegant town squares – such as Reynolds, Chippewa and Johnson – to the city’s famous landmarks. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is highlighted as are the Hamilton-Turner and Armstrong Houses. Of course, the tour ends at the Fountain at Forsyth Park in front of the famous statue. For those who are not interested in the entire tour and only want to visit the park and fountain, it’s located at 1 W Gaston Street.

Forsyth Park itself is a large city park that occupies 30 acres in Savannah’s historic district. Aside from the garden and fountain, it holds lovely walking paths, a children’s play area, a Fragrant Garden for the blind, tennis and basketball courts, areas for soccer and Frisbee and, it is the home field for the Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club.

A little further afield is one of the best botanical gardens in The United States. The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (CGBG) is an historic public garden located 15 miles from historic downtown Savannah.

CGBG is part of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Their mission is to provide opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and to be inspired through their beautiful display gardens and collections.

If you take the opportunity to visit the center, you will not be disappointed. Lush gardens, gorgeous configurations, waters, flowers … so much to appreciate and enjoy. CGBG also offers year-round educational classes and workshops for all ages and abilities.

Also, near Savannah is Bonaventure. This 200-acre parcel is steeped in history. It began as an 18th century plantation but was transformed into a Victorian cemetery. Bonaventure is characterized by its

great sculpture and here you will see the works of some of the great artists of their period. The cemetery is one visual playground of symbols. From the Masonic Lodge mentioned in Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code to Ancient Egypt to angels to cherubs to lifelike figures of the people buried there, all are on display.

Savannah is a charming city steeped in history. But, it is also steeped in flora and foliage is a wonderful place to visit in the spring.