Thursday, May 30, 2013

Echoes of Savannah

So I've been adventuring in Savannah again. That makes two times in as many weeks, and I haven't even yakked about the first trip yet.  I'm sure you've all been hanging on the edge of your seats waiting.

This purpose of this second trip was actually practical rather than whimsical. It started at the  Savannah/Hilton Head Airport.

 Guess who's coming to dinner...

If you guessed the Practical One, you would be correct. I drove to Savannah to retrieve her yesterday, and this afternoon, I'll drive her 60 miles in the other direction to Augusta to be a bridesmaid in a wedding.

I have exactly one more day to spend with her.
  Soooo....  

In lieu of a post about my recent Savannah adventures, I thought I would venture back three years into the echo chamber and repost my first post about Savannah. instead. To the half dozen people still around who have read this, my apologies.

To the new friends who haven't,  
Welcome to Savannah.



If I'm asked one question more than any other about Savannah, it's this one:
How does it compare to Charleston?


Well, I love them both, and I highly recommend a visit to each, especially when kids are old enough to enjoy the history. They are similar, true, but they are not really identical.

I guess I would sum up the difference this way:
Charleston is a city with great character.
Savannah, on the other hand, is a city with great characters.

Savannah is full of legends, and it gets a new legend with each generation.




Spanish moss covered live oak trees line just about every street in the Old Savannah, whether residential, commercial, or historic. I’ve enjoyed just about every version of the Savannah tour, and the legends of the mossy stuff vary about as much as the modes of tourist transport. Basically, every legend includes a maiden, a suitor, and an unfortunate hair snagging incident.

In truth? It’s just an hairy distant cousin to the pineapple which may or may not be infested with red bugs depending on whom you ask. I personally wouldn’t recommend eating it or sleeping on it, but that’s just me…

The Waving Girl





Florence Martus was the unmarried sister to the lighthouse keeper on a nearby Island who waved to greet every shipevery day, for 44 years. During the day, she waved a white cloth. At night, she waved a lantern.

Legend says that she was waiting for her long lost love, a sailor who never returned from sea, but there has never been any evidence to support that. Personally, I wonder if she might have just been a little odd and in need of a hobby. Today, she would probably blog all about it.

Tomo- Chi-Chi’s Grave



If you believe the 4,789 Savannah ghost stories, you will not want to visit Wright Square at night. It's the grave site of Tomo-Chi-Chi, a Yamacraw chief critical to the settlement of Savannah. Actually, that monument behind the marker is not his grave site.

It's really this big rock. 




Legend says that if you run around his grave three times and ask, “Tomo-Chi-Chi, what’s for supper?” he will appear with the answer. I once took a group of 6th graders on the Savannah tour who insisted on trying to conjure up the hungry native. I have no idea whether he appeared or not. My eyes were closed.




The Olde Pink House





This is an absolutely lovely old home which is now a wonderful restaurant. The husband and I went there once on an anniversary. The thing that I did NOT like about it is that the restrooms are located downstairs in the historic creepy old tavern. During dinner, I ventured down there out of necessity, but could not turn the knob on the ladies’ room door.

So I waited…
and waited… and waited.
Then, I tried the knob again. It still wouldn't budge.
Finally, I knocked on the door, but no one ever answered.


Years later, I heard the legend of the Olde Pink House According to legend, it is inhabited by a mischievous ghostie whose favorite haunt is that very ladies' room. Apparently, women claim to feel someone touching their hair and blowing in their ears. Upon trying to leave, they find themselves locked in by a knob that will not turn.


No wonder I have a complex.
 I am the only woman of record  to be locked out
 by a dirty old ghost.


There are so many more, but this post is way too long.

 However, I probably should answer the other most commonly asked question about Savannah.
It's about this place:



Legend has it that this place is inhabited by a silver-haired southern lady
who is the biggest character of them all.
  Apparently, you'll know her when you see her.
She cackles… and then tosses butter willy nilly into every pot.

Personally, I think that last one is a bit far fetched,
but stranger things have happened in Savannah...

*****
(Possibly) sharing this tomorrow at Oh! The Places I've Been!

53 comments:

no spring chicken said...

You've got me. I'm teetering back and forth between, "I'm dying to go there" and "too many have died there... and don't know it!" What a beautiful, beautiful city and so very 'alive' with legend. O.K., yes, I very much want to see it!

Blessings, Debbie

Sharon said...

Love your adventures! And a chance to be a little *practical* thrown into the mix? Delightful!!

Loved learning about Savannah - I would love to visit a town like that. So far the creepiest town I have visited is San Francisco - not so creepy, really - but I had to creep around on those up and down streets it's famous for...does that count?

XO

(p.s. Sent a couple of emails lately - have you gotten them?)

Sue said...

A beautiful city indeed, passed by some years ago, but didn't have time to stop, would love to visit, both Savannah, and Charleston! the ghost story was a hoot, love to know if you went to the mens room! read some previous post and enjoyed them very much your Patriotic Tablescape, WOWSO!! Great Memorial Day post I know your home town, makes you so proud. We are blessed living near a military post, they really have lots of recognition for our Military , both living and dead. May we all never forget the price that has been and continues to be paid that we continue to have the freedoms here.
Leaving so blessed, as always.
Hugs,
Sue

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i would say they are similar but you have got to see both - a great time you had ... awesome shots. i love the south for those mysterious weepy looking trees. so great!!

i feel like Scarlett will come out on the porch wearing the prettiest dress you have ever seen & ask me would you like some tea with that biscuit or what? ha. ha!!! ( :

Vee said...

Oh how funny! I'm still cackling about your being locked out, but I've not tossed any butter into any pots willy-nilly; I'm very intentional when I do that.

Sounds like a wonderful city and one that I'd enjoy visiting in early spring. I couldn't take the humidity from April through November.

Barbara F. said...

I'd love to visit both cities, and especially the restaurant at the end of the post! Your posts are never long enough for me, Deb. ;-) And I would absolutely go round that rock 3x!!! xo

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I regret not visiting Savannah while we were but yea two hours away during our recent meanderings. It may haunt me the rest of my life now.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, if I ever get to Savannah, I want you to take me on the tour. You would make it all so much fun! I'm at the office (thankfully all alone), and I cackled (not just laughed) out loud about the bathroom incident! Your photos are wonderful, and the way you tell a story is even better. laurie

Denise said...

So happy our Practical One dropped in for a visit, albeit a short one. Loved your musings and wonderful photos about Savannah. I love that historical city and Charleston, too.

Your ladies room story was hysterical as was your observation about The Pink House. Loved it.












Tanna said...

Savannah is definitely on my bucket list... and Tybee Island. I think both are right up my alley. We lived in Charleston when I was little and I've been back several times... though never enough. ;) ENJOY your time with The Practical One (we'll take long distance chauffeuring to missing out on a moment any day of the week). blessings ~ tanna

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I am wanting to visit these great cities both Charleston and Savannah!

Charleston because of Laura Childs Tea Shop Mysteries and a tea plantation nearby, and Savannah because of it's beauty and history.

Thanks for all those great stories - especially being locked out of the bathroom! I think that's better than being locked in!

Deanna

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Have fun with your daughter!! Loved the tour of Savannah, nope I have not seen that post yet! You creeped me out with the restroom ghost story...Nope you won't catch me going there!

Carol

Marisol@TravelingSolemates said...

Hi Debbie, I've been wanting to go to Savannah. I'm so intrigued by all the legends and mystery. Thanks for the delightful post.

Chatty Crone said...

You know I forgot all that about Savannah - when it cools down we are going to have to go visit there again. Sandie

Ivy and Elephants said...

Oh, how I love Savannah! I had a great time there and some fabulous antiques as well. Great photos!
Hugs,
Patti

Sarah said...

Been to both Savannah and Charleston and enjoyed both trips. Thanks for taking us along today. You are a great story teller.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh I feel like I have been on vacation now...thanks so much, and of course WRIGHT square caught my eye.
You did a great job of pulling me into this city.
I have never been, but so want to. My Ethel lived in Georgia for some time, so I did come at one time to visit her...she was near Atlanta. We also came for the Olympics back in 1996, but didn't get to this beautiful city, so that means I need to come back.
You have a great time with your girls...store up all the memories.

Tricia said...

Enjoyed the tour! We've only made it to Savannah once, but it was a great trip. We did manage to have lunch at Lady and Sons -- quite an experience!

Gaby said...

I loved how you described the difference between Savannah and Charleston. I lived in Charleston for four years and have only visited Savannah once, but I totally got it. We took the tour of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil when we were there and loved it.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I love reading your posts, Debbie! Thanks for taking me along to Savannah, as I've never been, but sure hope to one day. I want to go to Charleston, also. That was too funny about being locked out of the ladies restroom. (Hope you finally got the door open!!)
Happy weekend to you. xo

Unknown said...

Loved the tour! I would love to visit someday!!~~Angela

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Savannah is lovely! We had the unfortunate experience of visiting in June one year and it was HOT & MUGGY already. Next we'll go in the fall!
Last time I was in Charleston was over 25 years ago - another beautiful city!

Angel @ Finding The Inspiring said...

Haaaa!!! I'm cackling right now! I've been wanting to visit Savannah and after reading this I want to go tomorrow. Thanks for the mini-tour. :)

Ann said...

Oh this sounds splendid, I really want to go now. The Pink House Restaurant sounds intriguing but I'll go to the bathroom somewhere else first. The pictures of the trees meeting in the middle is wonderful.
Ann

Lulu said...

Savannah is a great place to visit. I like just being there and sitting on the square to take it all in.

Christine said...

What a good tour guide you are.
You fit right in down there in Savannah, with all that character or should I say characters.

Enjoy your time with your daughter.

Miss Char said...

I love both cities too Debbie but Savannah holds my heart. I'm headed south Sunday, I'll honk as I travel by y'all.

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Debbie, this is such a funny post!! :-D I love what you said about not eating or sleeping on Spanish moss, and your comment about the waving girl is too funny. :-D And of course, we mustn't forget the Southern Lady herself -- lots of butter and mayonnaise.

I'm glad you got to see your daughter, if only briefly. Will you get to see her on the return trip? We were in Savannah a few years ago; we stopped there for the night on our way to Disneyworld. It truly is a beautiful city, and I wish we could have spent more time there. I remember going there as a young teenager with my family and eating dinner at the Pirate's House.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures and your funny take on local legends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Denise

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I love Savannah and Charleston, both. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite, and I think you said it perfectly. One has character and one is full of characters. LOL

XO,

Sheila

Suz said...

Your opening shot is beautiful as is the tree lined street. So beautiful I'd like to visit .

thepaintedapron.com said...

I love Savannah and have eaten a wonderful dinner at the Olde Pink House~so glad I didn't know about the ghost in the ladies room! Charleston holds my heart though, my favorite city in the world!
Jenna

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

You describe it so well ! I think after Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil many more people visited. It was on my top five of where I wanted to live but visiting might be better : )

Mary said...

Debbie, Thanks so much for my visit to Savannah! It's been several years since we've been, we invariably find ourselves there when it's 105 degrees and the heat index is 120 so this is a much cooler way to enjoy it! Love dining at The Olde Pink House! I never knew about the haunted ladies' room :)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

hahaah. loved this read Debbie. All those legends...the best you being locked out by a dirty old ghost. Sounds like a very cool place to visit. One day!!!

Rettabug said...

Well, I'm glad you've brought this post back again, as I missed it the first time around. Lovely shots of the old gal...I've been to both cities & I think you captured their essence beautifully!

Enjoy your short time with your daughter!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures. Creepy about the ladies room!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Someday I'm going to make it to Savannah! It's definitely on my "wanna go" list. It's the architecture that's calling me...

So glad you had time with your daughter -- even for a short time!

FrouFrouBritches said...

I love, love, love hearing all the legends of Savannah and Charleston. I've never been to either but I've always wanted to visit.

pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

I missed the chance to go to Savannah when I was in Charleston back in the mid-nineties, and have regretted it ever since. Seeing these pictures makes me regret it even more. I MUST go there and I think I need to plan NOW. Thanks for sharing.

Kathleen said...

I'd love to visit Savannah, I'd also love to visit Charleston. Savannah looks beautiful and the ghost stories just make it all the more enticing. I'll be looking out for your new Savannah posts.

At The Picket Fence said...

I've always wanted to go to Savannah and taking the tour here makes me want to even more! :-)
Vanessa

Decor To Adore said...

Oh what fond memories you have brought back to me. We lived in Warner Robins for 3 years and I would travel to Savannah as often as I can. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.

Crickit said...

I loved this post! How beautiful... now I want to visit!
Thanks so much for sharing! :)

Barbara Neubeck said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful city, Debbie. If I ever get to visit America, Savannah will definately be on my 'Must See' list...Your photos and storytelling are brilliant....
Hugs
Barb xxx

Renée said...

I have actually visited your state several times and it is absolutely beautiful. It's been a long time however and your images make we want to hop the next plane. Unlike you, I love to fly!!!

Hope you had a perfectly practical time with Miss DC.

corners of my life said...

I am bookmarking this and adding, Savannah to my wish list.

We are headed to GA soon for my son's wedding in Atlanta at the end of the month.

Babs said...

I'm ashamed to admit it but, I've lived in GA most of my life and have never been to Savannah. I've always wanted to go, but for whatever reason never made it. I have seen the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil...does that count?
Love your comparison of Charleston and Savannah. :) Loved your story about being locked out of the bathroom. Giggle.

Anonymous said...

Hiya, Deb! OH! That roadway lines with a canopy of Spanish moss brought back memories of my four years living in Charleston over two decades ago! Moved there just in time for Hurricane Hugo - so I only got to enjoy the scenic Highway 61 with the Spanish moss for 6 months. We lived in Canterbury Woods just off the highway and a mile away from Drayton Hall and the gardens and all other manner of loveliness in West Ashley. My brother in law - after seeing what was left of our neighborhood pine trees post hurricane said we should re-name the development "Canterbury Sticks" - pretty accurate appraisal. Still - downtown was a favorite place to soak in the history. Never been to Savannah - love the waving lady story . . .
Hope you'll catch my play when I put the Vimeo link up - I'll let you know. Joy!
Kathy

The Bashful Nest said...

Savannah is one of my most favorited places in the world! I love to walk through al the squares and visit that silver haired lady on the corner ( love her too)

Xoxo. Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com

Tanna said...

Yes, Bratty. We hate it when you do that (turn off the comments)!! LOL! Will look forward to meeting Della (mine is Esmerelda). LOL! blessings ~ tanna

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, I must be one of the half dozen, because I remember this post. Such a beautiful tour. Well worth seeing again. laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I forgot to tell you that my new computer would have to stay in the box until my son or son-in-law had time to set it up. I know better than to try to set it up myself. Have fun with the new Dellie. laurie

no spring chicken said...

Brat!

:)

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