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Wormsloe Historic Site is found in the Isle of Hope, southeast of Savannah. The 822-acre site was part of the former Wormsloe Plantation, which was the home of Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s founders. Jones came to Savannah in 1733 along with General James Oglethorpe aboard the vessel “Anne”.

The historic site includes a 1.5 mile stretch of dirt road, with centuries-old mossy oak trees forming a canopy overhead. The site also features what remains of Jones’ tabby house, a museum, nature trails, and a presentation area showcasing life during the colonial period.

History of Wormsloe Historic Site

The core of Wormsloe Plantation was a 500-acre land granted by the colony’s trustees to Noble Jones in 1736. On this land, Jones built a fortified house made of tabby, a kind of concrete composed of oyster shells, lime, sand, ash and water.

The house served as a lookout point, and was one of the defense structures set up by James Oglethorpe to prepare for a possible Spanish invasion. It was strategically built on a bluff overlooking the Skidaway Narrows, which was then the area’s main waterway for ships. Jones subsequently developed the property into a plantation.

Jones was credited for laying out the towns of Augusta and New Ebenezer, and served the colony as a doctor, constable, Royal Councilor, and others.

Most of Wormsloe Plantation was acquired by the State of Georgia in 1973, and was opened to the public as a historic site in 1979. Jones’ descendants still own about 80 acres of the estate, where they currently still reside.

What to see

Upon entering Wormsloe Plantation’s historic gates, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring oak-lined road that the place is famous for. Within the site are more historical and natural attractions, including the following:

• Museum – features the origins and early days of Georgia, including a 13-minute film on the state’s founding. The museum also showcases relics found around the estate.
• Colonial life area – costumed guides demonstrate how life was like in colonial America, amid replicas of the wattle-and-daub huts and outbuildings used by Jones’ slaves and marines
• Walking trails – these go through the thick forest that surround the site, and along the tranquil marshes on the east and south sides. Some of the trails lead to the Isle of Hope’s shoreline, where you can get a good view of the Skidaway Narrows.
• The ruins of Jones’ tabby house – while there’s very little left of this structure, you can get a good look at the tabby used in its construction

Annual events

Wormsloe Plantation is the site of several annual events, including the following:

• Colonial Faire & Muster – brings you back to Colonial Georgia, with an 18th century-themed military encampment, sutlers’ row, military and craft demonstrations, and music and dance presentations from the era. This takes place every February, with free admission.
• The War of Jenkins’ Ear – taking place on Memorial Day, this event commemorates Georgia’s role in the war between Britain and Spain from 1739 to 1748. In addition to a program and a walking tour, activities include cannon firings. A small admission fee is required.
• Tools and Skills that Built a Colony – taking place on Labor Day, the event showcases various crafts popular during Colonial days, such as blacksmithing, weaving, cooking, pewter casting and more. Requires a small admission fee.

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Forsyth Park is the largest park in the historic district of Savannah. Occupying 30 acres of land along the Bull Avenue Corridor, it extends from Gaston Street to Park Avenue. With its long history and symbolic significance, it has become one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks. Tourists who visit Savannah for its culture and history often include this beautiful, old-school park in their itinerary.

History of Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park was first laid out in the 1840s on 10 acres of land donated by William Hodgson. In 1851, Georgia Governor John Forsyth donated another 20 acres of land, and in honor of this contribution, the city of Savannah named the park after him.

Forsyth Park was the culmination of Savannah founder James Oglethorpe’s vision of a community with an expansive park as the center point. This made Savannah one the United States’ first planned communities.

The land on which Forsyth Park was built also holds its own significance. During the American Revolution, it was the site of the allied French and American troops’ camps in the city, just outside the British line of defense. In an allied siege, the French commander dug trenches in the area with the aim of digging the troops’ way into the British line. Unfortunately, the siege ended unsuccessfully before the plan could be completed.

Features

Forsyth Park is covered by a multitude of trees, many of which are as old as or even older than the park itself. It features walkways, park benches, iron fencing, and open green spaces, as well as tennis courts, basketball courts and soccer fields. It is also the home field of the Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club.

The park is the venue for the Forsyth Farmers Market every Saturday, as well as concerts and other events throughout the year.

The main features of the park are as follows:

• The Forsyth Park Fountain – erected in 1858, the fountain’s design reflects the park’s European-style layout. It’s located at the northern end of the park, welcoming visitors in a grand way. The fountain was actually ordered from a catalog, which would explain its similarity to another fountain in Poughkeepsie, New York and another one in Cuzco, Peru. On St. Patrick’s Day each year, the fountain is the center of a very unique tradition—its waters are dyed green to celebrate the occasion.
• The Confederate Memorial – created by sculptor David Richards to commemorate Confederacy volunteers, the Confederate Memorial features a large, ornately carved column with a bronze solider on top. It can be found right in the middle of the park. This was a replacement for the original memorial, a two-piece sculpture called “Judgment” and “Silence,” which, unfortunately, the locals did not like.
• The Fragrant Garden – this walled floral garden is unique in one aspect: it was especially created for the blind. While everyone can appreciate the beautiful blooms in the garden, the walls serve to contain the flowers’ scent so the blind can fully enjoy them. The captions on the plaques around the garden are embossed in Braille.

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Bonaventure Cemetery is one of Savannah’s most enduring and most popular landmarks. Encompassing almost 160 acres of land, it is not just a place to commemorate the dead but is also a tourist destination that reflects the history and rich culture of Savannah.

History of Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery used to be part of a plantation owned by John Mullryne. Its last private owner was William H. Wiltberger, who formed the Evergreen Cemetery Company in June, 1968. The cemetery was purchased by the City of Savannah in 1907, making it a public facility under the name Bonaventure Cemetery.

Today, Savannah citizens and others may purchase interment rights in the cemetery. It is open to the public everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. without an admission fee.

The cemetery has long been known for its hauntingly beautiful grounds, its history, and the folklore that surrounds it. It achieved even wider attention when it was prominently featured in the book (and movie), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Features

Bonaventure Cemetery lies peacefully beside the Wilmington River, canopied by centuries-old oak trees decked with hanging Spanish moss. Pink azaleas and roses lend color and sweetness to the place, while birds, butterflies, and other garden creatures give it palpable life.

In 1867, naturalist John Muir stayed in Bonaventure Cemetery for a week and wrote about its “depth of life” in his book, Thousand Mile Walk.

The tombs around the place are works of art in themselves. Adorned with marble statues and sculptures, highly-ornate crypts, and elaborate tombstones with attention-grabbing epitaphs, they give the cemetery a mysterious, other-worldly feel.

Famous occupants

Bonaventure Cemetery is the permanent resting place of some of Georgia’s dignitaries and famous citizens, including novelist Conrad Aiken, songwriter Johnny Mercer, actors Edythe Chapman and James Neill, and Gov. Edward Telfair. It is also the burial site of soldiers and officers of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Folklore and ghost stories

Bonaventure Cemetery is shrouded in intriguing folklore, befitting its history and mysterious allure.

One of the cemetery’s most popular grave sites is that of Little Gracie Watson, who died of pneumonia in 1889 at the age of six. The story goes that Little Gracie’s father was so heartbroken, he commissioned sculptor John Walz to create a statue of his beloved daughter. The lifelike sculpture now adorns Little Gracie’s grave site, bringing in visitors from all over the country. The ghost of Little Gracie is said to visit places in Savannah where she spent parts of her short life.

The book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, has also drawn attention to the cemetery’s other folkloric features. One of these is the statue of Little Wendy, or the Bird Girl, that was shown on the book’s cover. Once standing over the Trosdal family plot, it was donated to Savannah’s Telfair Museum of Art to ensure its preservation. There are talks that the model, Lorraine Greenman, haunts the statue of her likeness.

It’s not only the statue of Little Wendy that is said to be haunted. Folklore has it that the figures of cherubs and angels around the cemetery come to life and change expressions. The same is said of the statues of babies, children, lonely ladies and others within the cemetery’s hallowed grounds.

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Founded in 1773, Savannah is littered with old buildings, homes and structures that take you back to another place and time. And with all the history that went on in these places, can ghosts and poltergeists be far behind?

The many ghost tours around the city give everyone the chance to explore the city’s best-known haunted spots. If you’re lucky, you might actually experience a ghoulish encounter in one of these tours. If not, you still get a fun and intimate look at some of Savannah’s history-rich landmarks.

Here are a few of the most famous haunted places in Savannah:

The Moon River Brewing Company

This pub and restaurant has been named by the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology as the most haunted place in Savannah. Built in 1821 as the City Hotel, the building became a hospital and medical facility after the Civil War, and had seen the deaths of hundreds of men, women and children in the wake of the yellow fever epidemic.

The building’s basement is said to be haunted by a malicious spirit the brewing crew calls “Toby”, while the upper floors are inhabited by a ghost the crew has called “Mrs. Johnson.” Many guests and tourists have talked about an unseen being bumping into them or touching their faces while they were in the pub.

The Pirate’s House

Now a popular Savannah restaurant, The Pirate’s House was built in 1794, and was a bar and boarding house catering to sailors. It is said that the building’s underground tunnels (now closed) ran from the bar’s rum cellar to the river, and were used to shanghai inebriated sailors and force them to work as slaves in pirate ships. The ghosts of seamen are now said to be haunting the dining area, floating from table to table, or making their footsteps heard as they walk across the planked floor. Guests at the restaurant have also reported being touched in the face by unseen hands.

The Kehoe House

William Kehoe built this house for his family in 1892, but it now stands as one of Savannah’s most elegant Bed and Breakfasts. It is said that some of the Kehoe children had died in the house and their ghosts may be heard playing in the halls. The house also served as a funeral parlor for a time, which could explain the ghostly encounters reported by some people who have stayed in the house.

Madison Square

One of Savannah’s most scenic squares, Madison Square was named after President James Madison, and was laid out in 1837. Before that, the place was the site of bloody battles between Revolutionary and British forces, and was the graveyard of many of these soldiers. People have reported that, while in the square, they have seen shadowy figures coming toward them and then suddenly disappearing. It’s surmised that these figures are the ghostly remains of soldiers who perished at the site.

Andrew Low House

Now a house museum, the Andrew Low House was built in 1850 and served as home to affluent businessman and staunch Confederate supporter Andrew Low and his family. There was nothing highly-sinister about the home’s previous occupants, including Mr. Lowe himself, but the ghost of none other than General Robert E. Lee is said to be wandering around the house. There are others who say, though, that the house’s male apparition is that of the Low family’s loyal butler, Tom.

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Savannah’s birth as a community happened right on the shores of Savannah River, where British general James Oglethorpe landed in 1733 with 114 men, women and children, aboard the galley ship “Anne.”

General Oglethorpe went on to found Savannah, which eventually became the first city of Georgia. Savannah River’s shores were developed into cobbled streets, a large portion of which has come to be known as River Street.

History of River Street

The history of River Street is very closely linked to that of Savannah and the state of Georgia.

With the invention of the cotton gin in the 1700s, Savannah became highly prosperous. River Street saw the rise of large warehouses and offices dedicated to the cotton trade. It also became the site of rich merchants’ opulent and stately homes, designed and constructed by the most famous architects of that era.

The following decades saw the ups and downs of Savannah as it went through the Civil War, a series of yellow fever epidemics, and the Great Depression. In the 1950s, many of the city’s historic buildings were demolished to give way to modern infrastructures like parking lots, gas stations, and others.

More structures would have been destroyed were it not for the intervention of the Historic Savannah Foundation. Formed by seven women, the Foundation successfully halted the demolition of more of the city’s historic homes and buildings by finding new owners committed to their restoration and preservation.

River Street was abandoned for more than a century following a yellow fever quarantine in 1818. In the 1970s, however, the district was revived and given new life by a group of developers and landowners who gave it a $7million-rehabilitation. The waterfront was subsequently re-introduced to the public in 1977 as a major Savannah destination.

Today, thousands of tourists and locals flock to River Street each year to enjoy world-class shopping and dining, amid distinctly historic homes and structures and stunning views of the grand Savannah River.

Things to do and see around River Street

River Street is truly a unique destination that blends the Southern charm of historic Savannah with modern urban amenities. Here’s a list of places to see and activities to do to help you fully enjoy the River Street experience:

• Shop and dine at the Riverfront Plaza – Formerly the site of Savannah’s Cotton Exchange, Riverfront Plaza encompasses 19th century warehouses that have been transformed into rows of shops, boutiques and restaurants. It’s located 40 feet below the city, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to go there by foot. Or you can take the Dottie, Savannah’s bio-fuel streetcar that plies the area.
• Stroll along the River Walk – Between River Street and Savannah River is River Walk, a beautifully-landscaped stretch that offers breathtaking views of the water, as well as monuments to the city’s heroes, legends and significant events.
• Explore Factors Row and Factors Walk – Factor’s Row is a series of 19th-century red brick buildings constructed on a bluff above River Walk. The buildings used to house the offices of cotton dealers, or factors, in the heydays of the cotton industry. Factors Walk is a network of walkways in iron and concrete connecting the buildings to each other and to the bluff.
• Take part in Riverfront activities – River Street is the site of various festivals and events all year round, in addition to monthly fireworks and other regular activities.

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Since the annual Savannah Food & Wine Festival began in 2013, it has raised more than $100,000 to support various charitable causes like the TLC (Tourism Leadership Council) Scholarship Fund and the Savannah Harbor Foundation.

The Festival has also been successful in bringing attention to Savannah’s food and wine scene. In a city that’s synonymous with Southern graciousness, good food and great wine are essential to the people’s lifestyle.

Each year, Festival attendees are treated to week-long events that include wine and food tastings, multi-course dinners, cooking demonstrations, and exciting competitions. They’re also given the chance to meet some of the country’s top chefs and watch them in action.

This year, the Festival will take place on November 7 to 13, with the following activities:

Grand Reserve Tasting

To be held at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, this event is one of the Festival’s highlights. Attendees can sample the finest offerings of over fifty of the world’s best wineries and brewers, like last year’s participants Rex Hill, The Family Coppola, J. Lohr, Silver Oak, and many more. Wines averaging $50 a bottle will be flowing at the event. Limited tickets inclusive of gourmet food tastings are also available.

Taste of Savannah

This is the Festival’s showcase event. Held at the Georgia State Railroad Museum, attendees are treated to unlimited tastings of wines, beers and other spirits from dozens of the top producers and wine-makers in the country and the world.

In addition to this, you will also get the chance to purchase and try all kinds of gustatory delights from the many participating Savannah restaurants, making the Festival a true foodie haven.

A ticket to the event will give you five complementary food tokens, plus access to various other activities like cooking demonstrations and exhibits. You also get a leaded wine glass for use in wine tastings, and take it home as a souvenir.

River Street Stroll

Along historic River Street, select Festival participants will be putting up booths and tents featuring their best products. You can enjoy bottomless samplings of various cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits, while enjoying the relaxing waterfront vibe and breathtaking views of Savannah River.

Jazz & Bubbles Brunch

The Festival’s culminating event, the Jazz & Bubbles Brunch will be held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Enjoy live jazz performances while you feast from a fully-loaded brunch buffet that includes farm-fresh salads, freshly-baked breads, gourmet omelets, sumptuous main dishes, rich desserts, and more. Plus great champagne and cocktails, and stunning views of the Savannah River.

Cooking Demonstrations

One of the Festival’s most fun activities is a series of cooking demonstrations and classes hosted by some of the top chefs in the country and the world.

Other Events

The Festival also feature other activities and events, including:

• An Artisan Market
• Catered, VIP meet-and-greet with celebrity chefs and wine producers
• A Silent Auction for luxury travels, products and others
• The Georgia Grown Village featuring products from the Georgia Grown program

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Some nights are magical.

And there are nights of pure enchantment.

Imagine spending that time with an amiable crowd of art lovers, flitting from one beautiful hotel to another, sampling wine and conversation before setting off to another gorgeous art gallery.

And this is what the Savannah Art Walk delivers on every wonderful detail.

A local renaissance

Founded in March 2015 by local artist Tiffani Taylor, the Savannah Art Walk aims to encourage patronage to Savannah’s many local galleries and artists. It is a local renaissance of sorts for Savannah’s local artistic community.

It was launched on April 4 of last year, with 19 galleries taking part of the walk. Now, the Savannah Art Walk is enjoying a steady tide of support from both locals and visitors keen on sampling the fine art that Savannah has to offer. From the starting 19 galleries, there are now 32 galleries and sponsors that is part of the Savannah Art Walk.

From gallery to gallery

The Savannah Art Walk is an excellent way to explore Savannah’s Historic District , meet its local artists, visit the numerous galleries located throughout the area. It is scheduled every 2nd Saturday of the month from 4pm to 9 pm and will last until March of next year. And best of all, it is free.

Participants of the Savannah Art Walk start their tour at the Bohemian Riverfront Savannah Hotel at 4 pm. Here, not only are they welcomed by Tiffani Taylor and get to view the artist’s own iconic painting of the Talmadge Bridge. Other artists are also present at this juncture of the walk.

From the Bohemian Riverfront Savannah Hotel, the Savannah Art Walk fully commences where 32 art galleries can be visited from 5pm to 8 pm. As an added fun factor, visitors who get to see as many art galleries as possible win prizes that range from gift certificates and boxes as well as hotel baskets.

Here are some of the art galleries featured in the Savannah Art Walk:

• Tiffani Taylor Gallery
• A.T Hun
• Grand Bohemian Gallery
• The Savannah Art Association

And to cap off the night, visitors troop back to the Andaz Hotel for the after party. It is here that a concluding gratis wine pour is had by all. And all of this can be enjoyed without spending a single cent.

To further enhance the experience, participants of the Savannah Art Walk can also download the official Savannah Art Walk app. Initially available for iPhones, the app will allow participants of the Art Walk to access features such as a detailed map of the 32 galleries and sponsors.

Art and community

Considering the popularity of Art Rise Savannah and its monthly offshoot Art March, the Savannah Art Walk is just the natural progression of the growth of Savannah’s local art scene. And this growth also benefits the community as a whole.

As a community affair, not only do the artists and the local galleries get attention, they are shown to the world as an important pillar of society.

To find out more about the Savannah Art Walk and its schedules, visit www.savannahartwalk.com.

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The Enclave is located within the Berwick Plantation, giving it easy access to the historic downtown Savannah district. It’s set against a backdrop of lush and beautiful woodlands and marshes stretching out for 350 acres.

Aside from its beautiful setting, the Enclave features the best modern conveniences. From a gated perimeter, full concierge service, a fitness center, and even a library and a café, The Enclave ensures residents will never venture too far afield for creature comforts.

The Enclave was once a well-kept secret in the Savannah area, but now its doors are wide open for anyone who wants the best country club lifestyle.

The Enclave Subdivision – Savannah Real Estate

This luxurious and gated community has plenty of real estate choices to suit a wide variety of needs – especially as it offers three different home sites: Carriage, Executive, and Estate.

The Enclave offers buyers the chance to find that one piece of property that captures their heart, including:

• Traditional homes with views of the lagoon or the woodland
• Single-family homes set on beautiful wooded and spacious lots
• Cozy townhomes that double as great vacation homes
• Luxurious estates with great acreages
• Empty lots for those intent on building their dream homes, with local builders to help out

Best of all, the prices in the Enclave are reasonably set at around $300,000.

Attractions and amenities
What sets the Enclave apart from the other neighborhoods in Savannah are the amenities:

• The 6,200-square-foot Amenity Center has a fully outfitted fitness center, a café, and a lounge
• A cozy 35-seat movie theater on premises is another perk for residents
• Enclave’s swimming pool is designed to resemble a lagoon and is safe and child friendly

The Enclave Savannah, GA Homes for Sale – Chatham County, GA Real Estate

For more information on homes in this area, call Brian Cowell and his team at 912.445.1335 and 912.459.5001. Or contact them here.

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Ardsley Park is located just five minutes from the historic Savannah district. Recognized as one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Savannah, Ardsley Park is a community as rich and diverse as its history.

Originally meant to attract wealthy families from out of state, Ardsley Park quickly became the choice address of affluent Georgians.

It is also the first suburb in the area.

Today, Ardsley Park stands out from other subdivisions because of its eclectic architecture, beautifully maintained public spaces, tree- lined streets, and splendid homes. Plus, it has maintained the elegance of the Old South amid slick 21st century conveniences.

Homes for Sale in Ardsley Park Savannah, GA – Savannah Real Estate

Even if it’s a relatively small subdivision, Ardsley Park is a sought after address. It is widely regarded as one of the best neighborhoods in the area and a gem unto itself.

The prestige is built in, due largely to the magnificent homes that already stand in Ardsley Park.

Real estate choices are wide and varied, and include:

• 2-story Colonial homes
• Quaint townhomes
• Craftsman-style bungalows
• Spacious mansions
• Low-key but beautiful single-family homes

The price on a starter home in Ardsley Park begins at around $200,000 .

Best of all, Ardsley Park is centrally located with important establishments just within reach. Daffin Pak is only a few blocks to Daffin Park; downtown Savannah is 5 minutes by car; Tybee Beach Island is a 20-minute drive along the most scenic of routes.

This accessibility makes Ardsley Park is a great choice for for young professionals and growing families.

It is also safe and friendly.

Attractions and amenities
Ardsley Park is more than just a beautiful community. It offers attractions like:

• The dog-friendly Daffin Park for a walk or a great afternoon of playtime. The park offers plenty of space and shaded areas to please residents and canines alike.
• Athletic fields for baseball and soccer, and courts for basketball and tennis.

Ardsley Park Savannah GA Homes for Sale – Chatham County, GA Real Estate

For more information on homes in this area, call Brian Cowell and his team at 912.445.1335 and 912.459.5001. Or contact them here.

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Southbridge Golf Club is a luxurious and thriving community just 12 minutes away from Savannah. This traditional and family-friendly community is set against a beautiful stretch of countryside that measures 1,400 acres. Composed of woodlands, lagoons, and scenic nature trails, Southbridge is a postcard perfect location for your dream home.

Aside from its natural beauty, Southbridge takes pride in its master planned community. Residential spaces line up beautifully with green and open areas, creating a seamless vision of a relaxed and serene environment.

In the Southbridge Golf Club, expect to find the best of modern lifestyle in a private club setting that’s in harmony with the charms of the Southern living.

Southbridge Golf Club – Savannah Real Estate

If you are in the market for a home in one of the most beautiful cities in America, the Southbridge Golf Club is the perfect address to shop for a dream home. Southbridge is the place for you, whether you are looking for a new home or a place to retire in the style of vacation resorts.

With a wide spectrum of real estate choices available, Southbridge has something for everyone.

• Luxury townhomes with a view of the 18-hole golf course if you’re looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle
• Estate homes in wooded lots with a view of the lagoon or the golf course
• A traditional executive home is the perfect option for those with a growing family

Best of all, these homes are reasonably priced at $200,000 for starter homes, condos, and townhomes.

Attractions and amenities
As a golf and country club community, the Southbridge Golf Club maintains a number of amenities and attractions for the benefit of their residents.

• The Southbridge Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course with extensive facilities is perfect for beginners and more advanced golfers
• The Southbridge Racquet Club offers 12 clay courts and 2 hard courts
• The Aquatics Center is meant for both kids and adults with pools featuring waterslides and the spray area

Southbridge Golf Club Savannah, GA Homes for Sale – Chatham County, GA Real Estate

For more information on homes in this area, call Brian Cowell and his team at 912.445.1335 and 912.459.5001. Or contact them here.

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