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Savannah is the largest
city in, and the county seat of, Chatham County, in the U.S. state
of Georgia. The city of Savannah was established in 1733 and was the
colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state
capital of Georgia.
Each
year Savannah attracts millions of visitors, who enjoy the city's
architecture and historic buildings: the birthplace of Juliette Gordon
Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America), the
Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South's first public museums),
the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest African American
Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the
third-oldest synagogue in America), and the Central of Georgia Railway
roundhouse complex (the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in
America).
Today
Savannah's downtown area, which includes the Savannah Historic District,
the Savannah Victorian Historic District and 22 parklike squares, is one
of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States
(designated by the U.S. government in 1966). Savannah was the host city
for the sailing competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics held in
Atlanta, Georgia.
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Head to Savannah, GA for an affordable
beach/history vacation by Jennifer Dlugozima
If
dragging your kids to one historical monument after the other is more of
headache than a vacation, you may want to head to Savannah, GA this
summer.
Georgia's
oldest city has more than 200 years of history, but it also offers an
easily accessible and free beach that is a perfect break for kids of all
ages.
It's
an ideal beach/history vacation. And, it can accommodate many family
budgets, especially by staying in a downtown vacation rental with
off-season rates.
The
beach, known as Tybee Island, is located about 20 minutes from Savannah's
famed Historic District. And, unlike its neighbors to the North and
South, it hasn't succumbed to excessive commercialism.
 The beach is
open to the public and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. It
has a few low-priced tourist attractions, like the Tybee Island Light
Station. This lighthouse was built in 1732, and is a treat for the whole
family.
By
following the river, you can head directly into Savannah's well-known
Historic District. This district, a National Historic Landmark District,
features architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries and more than 20
exquisite squares.
These
squares, or well manicured parks, were created by General James E.
Oglethorpe in 1733 and thereafter. Their beauty has remained intact, and
can provide a free walking tour of U.S. history.
For
example, some squares were named after Revolutionary war figures, like
Pulaski Square. This square honors Revolutionary War Hero Count Pulaski,
who was the highest ranking foreign soldier to die during the American
Revolution. The square was created in 1837.
During
summer months, it's advisable to walk the squares early in the day or
later in the afternoon. The summer sun can get quite hot, so you should
use the afternoon for beach time.
You
can make your trip more affordable by staying in a vacation rental - or
fully furnished home - in the downtown Historic District. Many downtown
vacation rentals offer off-season rates for June, July and August
(whereas beach vacation rentals are at the height of their season).
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