The State
SAVANNAH’S FORSYTH SQUARE DAZZLES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT SAVANNAH.
D E S T I N AT I O N
Yule in the Garden Savannah’s historic districts create a spectacular holiday backdrop.
A
unique travel experience. If you thought the city was magnificent in the bloom of spring, wait until you see its palms, oaks and streets awash in poinsettias and big red bows.
Holly Jolly Trolley Tour
When you hop aboard the Old Town Trolley, you’re getting more than just a convenient ride around town. The trolley takes guests around downtown Savannah’s Historic District and onto Hutchinson Island, a narrow island in the Savannah River. During November and December, the trolley runs tours in the evening so visitors can see the city’s brickpaved streets, century-old structures and parks bathed in the glow of holiday lights before swinging by Westin Harbor Resort’s Gingerbread Village, a seasonal favorite. Tourists are in good hands – the Old Town Trolley Tours is the only one of its kind endorsed by the Historic Savannah Foundation.
dmit it – when an excursion to Savannah, Ga., comes to mind, the first things to enter it are Sherman’s March and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. One nearly meant the end of the city; the other – known simply as “The Book” by locals – helped preserve it. Yet for all the beauty of this Georgia town’s celebrated sub-tropical gardens and promenades lined with live oaks, famously strewn with Spanish moss, Savannah creates an unforgettable picture for the holidays. And it owes much of that appeal to its historic Access: Arrive at Savannah International districts. Airport, which has flights to major cities Founded as a British colony town in 1733, of the region and along the east coast. In Savannah first gained importance as a major town, shuttle buses, taxis and rental cars seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. In recent get you to various points, while pedicabs, decades, the city has reaffirmed its usefulness carriage rides, trolleys and a streetcar for today’s exporters and importers. Located on allow visitors to see more. the Savannah River about 20 miles upstream Climate: Temperatures in November and from the ocean, the south-bank city is forwardDecember fluctuate between upper and thinking, yet appreciative of its heritage. lower 60s as fall passes. The semi-tropiDowntown Savannah boasts the Victorian cal climate creates milder winters. District and Historic District along with 22 Main attractions: Bonaventure Cemetery, lovingly cultivated park squares, all folded into a Lafayette Square, Fort Pulaski National single National Historic Landmark District. Monument, Tybee Island Beach, Juliette Blending Southern culture with coastal town Gordon Low Birthplace living, Savannah during the holidays offers a
AT A G L A N C E
42
OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Roman Catholic presence in Savannah is strong, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist represents that influence well. Construction started in 1873 and was completed in 1896, but the church was nearly destroyed two years later by a fire. Rebuilt in 1899, the Gothic-style cathedral has withstood the trials of time (and some aggressive renovations) to remind all of the endurance of goodness and spirit. During the holidays, the cathedral sanctuary and its stained glass windows are even more impressive – decked with beautiful décor and wreathes that only enhance the experience for worship and contemplation during one of the holiest seasons