Did you know you can buy Spanish Moss from Amazon?

I clearly remember the first time we entered Savannah, turning onto 37th Street nearly three months ago. Huge oak trees canopied the street and random rays of sunlight squeezed past the Spanish moss, hanging apathetically off branches like the embodiment of sorrow. We drove slowly, transfixed by the beauty of the scene in front of us. Years from now, when I shut my eyes and think “Savannah”, Spanish moss awash in sunlight will be what I see.

Spanish moss doesn’t come from Spain. It’s indigenous to the Southeastern US, spreading from Florida to Maryland and out to Texas. There are a bunch of stories for why it’s named after the Spanish … here’s a particularly poetic one. But most likely, when the English came to the region with Florida already settled by the Spanish, they named this new kind of plant “Spanish beard”.

Spanish moss isn’t a moss, nor is it a parasite. It’s an airborne plant which takes its nutrients directly from the air. It’s actually a member of the same family as the pineapple, which is so bizarre it must be true. Spanish moss doesn’t harm the trees it rests on, predominately Live Oaks and Bald Cypresses, except by making them more wind-resistant which is dangerous during hurricanes.

One of the first things we were told after moving here is that we shouldn’t touch it, because of little bugs which live on it. Of course, this was shortly after we had fashioned a “hilarious” moss outfit for our dog, and wigs for ourselves. I’ve also read that jumping spiders inhabit the plant. So: hands off.

I’ve wondered how much the Spanish moss influences life in the South, if at all. It fits perfectly here, creating an atmosphere of mystery and eccentricity, and also beauty. I don’t know how many pictures of Spanish moss Juergen’s taken during our time in Savannah, but I would guess around a thousand. That’s not hyperbole, that’s my honest guess. Even a cursory glance through our archives will turn up a ton.

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Orleans Square, on Barnard Street, might as well be called Parking Lot Square. Sadly, it’s one of Savannah’s squares most negatively impacted by the thoughtless development boom of the mid-20th century.

The square itself is quite charming, with a large central fountain dedicated to the German immigrants to Savannah that was installed on the 250th anniversary of the founding of Georgia. But once you take your eyes off the ground and look around the square, the charm vanishes. The biggest blight is the Civic Center, whose backside and rear parking area mars the western end of Orleans Square. Five of the eight lots which surround Orleans are dedicated to parking. Another is occupied by SCAD’s gym.

Luckily, the houses which do survive on Orleans are beautiful, particularly the Harper Fowlkes House on 230 Barnard. Built in 1842 in the Greek Revival style, this house is occasionally open for tours and also serves as the Georgia headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati. Another noteworthy home on Orleans is the Stephen Williams House, constructed in 1834 in the Federal style. It’s currently an inn with individually designed rooms.

Location on our Savannah Map
Harper Fowlkes House
Stephen Williams House Inn
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Located on the Isle of Hope, about 20 minutes away from the center of Savannah, Wormsloe Plantation is a historic site mostly owned by the state which welcomes visitors to explore an oak-lined drive, museum and walking trails.

Pulling into the plantation, the scene is breathtaking, particularly on a sunny day. Hundreds of towering live oaks line a road which leads straight as an arrow a mile and a half into the coastal forest. Speed along the path is limited to 15 mph, but most visitors will want to proceed even slower. The oaks, evenly spaced apart and draped with Spanish moss, are amazing — alone worth the $5 price of entry.

Wormsloe offers even more, though. Established by Noble Jones, who came to Georgia with Oglethorpe and the original settlers (and likely had the coolest name of any of them), the plantation has been home to the same family throughout the generations. The mansion visible from the road is still in private hands; it’s opened often to fundraising events and private parties… when we visited, they were preparing for a wedding reception.

There’s a museum dedicated to the site, with artifacts found at Wormsloe and a description of colonial life in Georgia. To be honest, we skipped out on the museum to spend more time outdoors — it was a beautiful day, and we wanted to explore the walking trails. We saw the tabby ruins of Noble Jones’ original residence, and the shell middens left by the Isle of Hope’s Native American inhabitants, mostly of the Yuchi and Creek Tribes. We came upon a makeshift “Colonial Village”, complete with a wooden house and big tools used by the settlers.

Given its proximity to the city, Wormsloe is an excellent place to spend a few hours during a quick and easy day trip. Consult their website to find special events, and make sure to bring your camera… you’ll want to have it nearby.

Wormsloe Historic Site
7601 Skidaway Rd
Location on our Day Trips Map
912 353 3023

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