Strangers in A Familiar Land

We blew out of the heat of Jacksonville last Friday to the even more extreme heat of Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is easily our favorite weekend getaway destination -- a great walking town full of incredible early to mid 19th century architecture, interesting and often friendly locals, great restaurants and pubs, and our favorite bed and breakfast, the McMillan Inn. Joe and Cindy are wonderful hosts, and the multi-course breakfasts are second to none.

With the temperature above 100 every day, we did not get much walking in during the daylight hours -- though upon our arrival for lunch at the Six Pense Pub, we strolled through Oglethorpe Square and followed the sound of a flute to this gentleman's bench...

We stopped for a few photos and a bit of conversation. He said he would be down at River Street after 7:00 to sing the blues with his guitar playing partner (and he was)...

Oglethorpe Square, at the intersection of Oglethorpe and Bull Streets is but one of more than 20 town squares -- small parks, really, that make the Savannah historic district so accessible by foot. The shade of the old live oaks -- some once used for hangings, they say -- make it almost tolerable on a summer day. Each has it's own character. Remember the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest was sitting on the bench, waiting for the bus and telling his story? That was the next square east on Bull Street...

Part of the character and style of downtown Savannah is shaped by the presence of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Were I 35 years younger, it's the kind of school I'd want to attend. The youthful creativity of the students really dresses up the old 1950's era cross streets, adds a Bohemian flair, and the perfect contrasting ambience to the Civil War era historic district. A great place to be with a camera and the love of your life...