Back to Savannah, Pt. 2

The Cathedral of St. John Baptist, located near Savannah's Lafayette Square, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Georgia. It’s Gothic revival spires are often a point of geographical reference whenever I am lost!



Not much to say about the ornate interior, other than it is absolutely jaw dropping.









At night, it is even more beautiful.



More Lafayette Square in Savannah photos at my main website.

St. John's in Savannah

Lafayette Square in Savannah is my favorite of the 22 squares that define this historic southern city. Towering over the entrance to it is St. John's Cathedral, a French Gothic structure that began construction in 1873. Here is a view of the Cathedral from June 1940; hard to miss!



Another 1940s exterior shot:



Great to look at the little groups of people and wonder what was going on in their lives when this photo was taken.



A vintage view of the interior:



Gutted by fire in 1898, the plucky little Cathedral that could was completely rebuilt and is still impressive both inside and outside today.



This statue on the interior seemed so expressive; I had never noticed it on my previous visits.



More St. John's at my main website.

Rock 'n Savannah, Pt. 6

Once checked out of The Mansion on Forsyth Park, it was time to transfer over to my favorite hotel in Savannah, The Hamilton Turner Inn on Lafayette Square. This square happens to be one of my favorites in Savannah, as it is (for the most part) so quiet and peaceful. Unencumbered by retail, it is mainly residential.

The fountain at the heart of it is a beauty, too, as you can see in these sunset shots.





St. John's Cathedral impressively towers over the square with its French Gothic architecture:



Finally, the destination: The Hamilton Turner Inn, which tour guides often mistakenly claim was the inspiration for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.



Despite a change of ownership since my last visit, the Inn is still the warm and friendly place that I remember.



This time I stayed in Room 101, named after Casimir Pulaski, a general in the Continental Army who saved the life of George Washington.



The room is cozy and has a private outside entrance, which makes it very convenient.



Can you believe it's already time for another meal? That's right...time for dinner. Deciding to try something new, we ventured over to the Bohemian Hotel on the river.



First up, drinks on the rooftop bar.



A great view...



and devilishly delicious drinks.



Dinner was downstairs at street level.



The "rocks" in the name of the restaurant could be seen abundantly in the decor.





Since The Bohemian is a Kessler property like The Mansion on Forsyth, a somewhat funky collection of art was on display. The waitress asked me what I saw, and I told her an owl. How about you?



The next day, on the way to lunch, we got to see the Veteran's Day parade as it went through Lafayette Square.



It really was heartwarming to see this display of patriotism.



Every trip, Mrs. Wilkes' Restaurant is on the bucket list. The family-style buffet of home-cooked southern dishes is worth the hour wait.



Topped off with a cherry cobbler, this meal really negates any need for dinner.



That is, unless you're on vacation and completed a 13.1 mile race. Thus, dinner a few hours later at Garibaldi's.



This Italian restaurant is another dining staple of Savannah; delicious food and impeccable service in an elegant atmosphere.



I gave up all attempts to eat healthy and ordered the Chicken Parmesan. No disappointments on my choice.



Even though I enjoyed Garibaldi's, I saved my dessert for Leopold's. Doug enjoyed his sundae as much as I enjoyed my usual scoops of Tutti Frutti and Peppermint Stick.



Are you full yet?

See more Daveland Savannah photos on my Savannah web pages.

Savannah Rock 'N Roll Excursion, Pt. 3

The morning after the race, I was up early with my camera, taking photos of Savannah before most of the city was awake. A few blocks from The Hamilton-Turner Inn is Troup Square. James Pierpont, the composer of "Jingle Bells," served as music director of the Unitarian Church in Savannah. Troup Square is where this tribute to Pierpont is located.



A large iron armillary sphere stands in the center of the square, supported by six small metal turtles.





Being a Gemini, this is my favorite part of the sphere.



One of the supporting turtles:



I continued to stroll, encountering a few lesser known Savannah Squares, such as Crawford:





and Greene:



As it got closer to breakfast, I made my way down Oglethorpe Avenue, where these two vintage police autos are continually parked:







Breakfast was at J. Christopher's



I've eaten here a few times before; lively atmosphere, fun art on the wall, and the food isn't half bad.



The pancakes required A LOT of syrup, though!



Mabel Potter's Cupcake Emporium on Wright Square is another favorite stop in Savannah; the frosting is out of this world.





Here's the freshly baked batch for the day:



Chippewa Square is best known as the Square where "Forrest Gump" (Tom Hanks) parked his carcass.





Gallery Espresso is a very quaint spot for a light meal and some java or tea.





At The Savannah Theater (also located on Chippewa), you can get a little local entertainment.



"Southern Nights" was the current show. As long as you don't expect Broadway, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.



This gal rocked the house.





Monterey Square is another favorite Square.



LOVE this eerie looking house:



Probably the most famous house in Savannah is The Mercer House:



The setting of both the book and movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." In a publicity shot from the movie, here's Kevin Spacey standing in front of the actual Mercer House. Spacey played Jim Williams, the antiques dealer and home restorer who was tried for murder but found innocent.



Just down the street is Forsyth Park:



It's fountain is a perfect place for weary locals (and visitors) to park their tired bones.



The Faux-D© Version:



Dinner on Sunday was at Vic's On The River:





Spectacular views of the river from Vic's:



Fried Green Tomatoes; the best ones from this trip!



A Fried Pork Chop (stuffed with Brie) that rivaled The Pink House version:



This Civil War map was uncovered in 1901 during the renovation of the building where Vic's is located:





Dessert was at Leopold's Ice Cream Parlour:



I pigged out with three scoops: my favorite Tutti Frutti, along with Peppermint Stick and Huckleberry Cheesecake:



Waddling home, I snapped a few of Colonial Park Cemetery:





and St. John's:



As you can see, I cram a lot into one day! More still to come...

See more Savannah photos on my Savannah web pages.