Savannah Smiles!

“Six reasons to smile” is written on the Krispy Kreme box that is delivered (which we happily accept) to our boat each morning (It’s a Thunderbolt Marina tradition for its guests).  The ½ dozen glazed donuts are only the start of the smiles we feel for Savannah, a graceful city with a past that is both rich and dark, southern style cuisine, many park squares and historic homes, live-oak-and-Spanish-moss-lined streets and sweet air from the flowering landscape.

Kathy and Steve (“Red Pearl”) greeted us at the dock at Thunderbolt Marina on Sunday.  It was early afternoon so we quickly got Vesignet situated.  Before long the four of us were on our bicycles maneuvering the 5-mile trek towards Savannah’s Riverfront.  We quickly assessed what shops and restaurants were offered and (upon a disheveled local’s recommendation… which cost us $1) decided to experience “Scampy’s” for dinner (fried food at its best!).  We found our way back to the marina via bike routes (felt much safer) and called it a day.

Yesterday, our Savannah walking/biking self-guided adventures continued.  We explored the park squares (especially enjoyed Forsythe Square), eyed historic homes (despite being “sold out,” we secured 4 tickets to tour the Owens-Thomas Home and Slave Quarters), and experienced some mighty-fine food (despite threats of a thunderstorm and winds, we kept our 5 pm reservations at The Olde Pink House).  Although we returned to the marina wet from head to toe, we got back before it was completely dark…just in time to shower, change clothes and make our way (with smiles on) to “The Crew Lounge” (which Steve and Kathy had arranged access) to watch Virginia beat Texas Tech (in overtime) for the Championship NCAA Basketball Game (played in Minneapolis!).

As we cruised closer to Savannah, we began to see stately homes such as this along the waterway.

The Bonaventure Cemetary is a well-known cemetery in Savannah and was our first stop on our way to the downtown Riverfront.  This is the grave of Johnny Mercer, an award-winning writer of many well-known songs, including "Moon River."

This bench is in the Mercer family plot at the Bonaventure Cemetery. 
On it is inscribed just a few of the more than 1500 songs written by Johnny Mercer.

The Mercer Family Plot.  You get an idea as well of the character of the Boneventure Cemetery.

We ended our first day together at the nearby "Tubby's."  Our cute waitress spontaneously joined in the photo shoot!

Mike took this photo of Brenda, Kathy and Steve biking towards him.  Photos don't capture the magic of the sweeping trees and manicured landscape here, but if you look closely, you'll see signs of it.

This beautiful historic home is now an Inn that one can stay at while in Savannah.  For its clients' privacy, the front doors are locked.  (Kathy and Brenda peaked in the front doors and the inside is as elegant as the outside!)

Steve is taking in the front yard of the Owens-Thomas Home.

This is a photo taken from the back entry of the Owens-Thomas home.  The English gardens were installed in recent years.  The building beyond the garden is the slave quarters.  In the tour, we were able to see the blue "haint" ceilings, painted by those who were enslaved to work for the family and lived under very cramped (among other) conditions.

And while those enslaved slept in the slave quarters or on the floors within the house, the family members enjoyed bedrooms such as this.

As we toured the Owens-Thomas home, we were given a balanced view of how the owners lived as well as their enslaved workers.

This is our Owens-Thomas Home tour guide.  Because it was the fashion of the day, much of the "stone-looking" features were actually faux-painted wood, such as the pillars in this photo.

Savannah does a wonderful job educating its visitors with placards that explain its buildings or squares.

This the fountain at Forsythe Square. 

Here's we are with our smiles--Steve, Kathy, Brenda and Mike, in front of the Forsythe Fountain.

Savannah is full of homes such as these.  To its credit, it has worked hard to save, restore and preserve homes such as these as a way of telling its story.

This is one of the many, many park squares in Savannah.

This photo was taken from The Olde Pink House website.  It's beautiful inside and out.  What we didn't know beforehand, is that a fire occurred at The Pink House shortly after Christmas and the entire place had been shut down for more than 102 days, and last night (when we dined there) was its re-opening.  When we arrived for our reservation, a long line of customers (out to and along the sidewalk--they did NOT have reservations!) awaited entry, and local news stations were set up outside the restaurant, preparing to include its reopening on its news broadcasting.  Everyone who served us told us the story of the fire, its closing, how Savannah wrapped its arms around the more than 300 employees and offered them temporary jobs until it reopened.  Everyone seemed happy to be back to work!

Steve ordered Chicken Pot Pie (it took him back to his college days, when he enjoyed the "Swanson" variety!).  Notice the white tablecloth, doily under the entree, and how beautiful the pot pie.  As people who were on bikes all day (wearing bike helmets), we certainly weren't dressed for such a place.  Despite our appearance, we were treated like royalty, felt appreciated for being there, and thoroughly enjoyed a fine bottle of wine with our delicious food.  It truly was a day of all smiles!