1. Spend time in the squares and parks What sets Savannah apart from so many other Southern cities is its layout. The streets are in a grid format usually surrounding small parks called squares that are generally centred around a statue of a notable Georgian. Chippewa Square is known as the site of the Forrest Gump bus scene, even though the bench no longer sits there. Johnson Square was the first to be established in the city, while Oglethorpe Square honours the city’s founder. And while not a square, Forsyth Park is Savannah’s most beautiful public park with its iconic white fountain. 2. Visit the statues While you’re in the squares, don’t miss the statues. Wave to Johnny Mercer in Ellis Square, James Oglethorpe in Chippewa Square, Columbia in Columbia Square, Nathanael Greene in Johnson Square, Sergeant William Jasper in Madison Square and John Wesley in Reynolds Square. And don’t forget about the Waving Girl on River Street. 3. Go on a free walking tour Take a free walking tour of the city and get a dose of history, while visiting Savannah’s most famous landmarks including the famous squares and the Mercer Williams House. This tour – led by local historians – is based on tips, so you pay what you think it is worth. While it’s technically free, these guides are supported by visitors. The 90-minute tours can be booked online. 4. Explore Savannah’s final resting places Featuring Spanish moss-draped oaks and historic graves, Bonaventure Cemetery is Savannah’s most famous burial ground. Established in 1907 in nearby Thunderbolt, this Victorian-style cemetery is where Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken are buried. But Bonaventure isn’t the only historic cemetery in town. Colonial Park Cemetery downtown was established in 1789 and includes the graves of plague victims. Laurel Grove Cemetery has a large section of plots for slaves and free people of colour, as well as the grave of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. RV Lifestyle Emmet Park Chippewa Square Waving Girl Statue CSANews | WINTER 2023 | 25
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