Deep in the Heart of Georgia…

In all of my travels, I’ve never felt more at home than when I have been in Savannah, Georgia. It is the oldest city in the state of Georgia and is full of rich history and culture. My mom grew up spending her summer vacations in a house on Tybee Island, the tiny beach town just a few miles away from Savannah. The city of Savannah has so much to offer to visitors. From shopping to nightlife, to dining and outdoor activities, Savannah truly has it all. I’m going to tell you about my favorite things to do there.
One of the liveliest areas of Savannah is River Street, which follows along the Savannah River. On the street there are antique shops converted from old cotton warehouses, distinctive boutiques, art galleries, quaint pubs, fabulous restaurants, unique nightspots, elegant inns and hotels. At night, this area is bubbling with tourists and natives alike. Beautiful street lamps line the cobblestone road. There is also a ferry that can take you on a quick tour down the river and transport you to the beautiful Westin hotel across the river.
My favorite thing about River Street is River Street Sweets. My dad and I became hooked on their world famous pralines after sampling them on the street. We ordered enough to last us for an entire year, yet ended up eating them in a matter of weeks.
Another one of the most popular things to do in Savannah is eat. For delicious chicken fingers, my family always makes a stop at Spanky’s. It is the home of the original chicken finger, and has been a favorite dining spot for locals and visitors since 1976. The view is great and the food is even better.
Savannah’s most famous resident, Paula Deen, also has a few restaurants in Savannah. Her most popular, The Lady and Sons, is almost always packed with diners. The menu includes the finest southern home-style cooking including southern fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, shrimp and grits, and pecan pie. Anyone who is looking for authentic southern cooking must dine at The Lady and Sons.
Now the best part of Savannah is its proximity to Tybee Island. Although the beach town is small, it surely has a lot to offer. The Tybee Pier is home to some of the best views and fishing on the beach. My family’s beach house is on 9th street, and since we’ve been vacationing there for more than 50 years, we know just about everyone on the island. Cousins, friends, aunts and uncles all stop by our house to chat and spend the day with us. It is so relaxing to be on a beach where there really are no worries. I could travel to Savannah and Tybee any summer.
--Krista Castro