1. I need to calm the eff down.
Do not ever arrive in a city and Google “(name of city) safe neighborhoods” or any combination thereof on your first night of arrival (or any night, really). At least, don’t do it in Savannah because the internet is FULL OF LIES. The internets would lead you to believe that Savannah has no safe neighborhoods and is an inferno of criminals and hooligans waiting to pounce on you and steal your stuff at all times. This is not true. Savannah is full of beautiful architecture, friendly people and infinite amounts of spanish moss. Also: Savannah Dan. It has some sketchy parts, like most cities, and I’m sure it has even sketchier areas than I discovered, but the point is those sketchy areas are not EVERY INCH OF THE CITY. There was no walking out the door and being mugged immediately, as the internets implied.
2. Hollywood can be… particular.
Notice this photo of me on a concrete bench. Behind this bench is the spot where they filmed Tom Hanks on a bench waiting for the bus in Forrest Gump. I took the photo here (or rather, Savannah Dan took it) because you cannot even sit on a bench in the spot where Tom Hanks sat. Said spot is actually landscaped and a bit hilly and sits at the edge of one of the eleventy billion lovely squares that Savannah has in its historical district. However, this is the spot, out of all the other spots in all the other squares, that the filmmakers choose to put the bench.
3. Savannah is serious about its drain spouts.
I love this sort of detail in the city. Many neighborhoods in the historical district have preserved other neat artifacts as well, like stepping stones next to the curb (for ladies to stand on when getting into carriages) and gas garden lamps.
4. You should go to Savannah.
If you like architecture, history, or just being in a place that feels a bit other-worldly, get yourself to Savannah.
