As the oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah has a long and colorful history filled with interesting characters and beautiful places. From manicured parks and horse-drawn carriages to ornate pre-war architecture, it's no wonder that Savannah is one of the most visited cities in the South. Themed walking tours, drinks at dusk and beautiful cobblestone squares await you in this beloved Southern city. Astonishing landscapes, historic monuments, fantastic food and legendary Southern hospitality are just a few of the many reasons to visit Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah is also home to Gulfstream Aerospace, a manufacturer of private jets, as well as several other large industrial interests. Beyond its architectural importance as the largest historically restored urban area in the country, the city of Savannah has a rich and growing performing arts scene, offering cultural events throughout the year. Everyone who visits Savannah is amazed by the breathtaking beauty of this classic Southern city and the importance of the city's role in the founding of the United States. Savannah is also home to the Mordecai Sheftall Cemetery and the Levi Sheftall Family Cemetery, both from the second half of the 18th century.
Built between 1808 and 1812 to protect the city from attacks by sea, it was one of several Confederate forts that defended Savannah from Union forces during the Civil War. Savannah Taste Experience can be that local friend who knows the best places to go, points you to historic places and shares great stories along the way. Visit Underground Tours of Savannah, Ghost City Tours (if you want a spookier version of Savannah), Architectural Savannah, Old Town Trolley Tours, and Savannah Riverboat Cruises, among others. The Savannah Technical College, a two-year institution, and the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, a marine science research institute at the University of Georgia located on the northern tip of Skidaway Island, also offer educational programs. Longtime Savannah resident Mandy Heldreth of the Perry Lane Hotel says this famous riverfront trail is a must-see when in town.
In addition to the Telfair Museums, the SCAD Art Museum and the American Prohibition Museum, there are the Savannah Museum of African Art, the Mercer Williams House Museum and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, named after the “father of the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah” and the thirteenth pastor of the First African Baptist Church in Savannah. Colonial Park Cemetery was the city's main cemetery for much of the 18th century, when Georgia was a British colony. The city's location provides tourists with access to coastal islands and the banks of the Savannah River, both popular tourist destinations. Unique adventures can include a tour of a haunted cemetery, kayaking on Tybee Island, exciting deep-sea fishing activities and sailing the Savannah River.
Depending on the season, Savannah tends to have hot, humid summers, with frequent (but brief) thunderstorms forming in warm, tropical air masses, which is common. Founded in 1733, with the establishment of the colony of Georgia, Christ Church (Episcopal) is the largest continuous Christian congregation from Georgia.