Found on Madison Square, the Sorrel-Weed House has gained a reputation as the most haunted spot in a city known for ghouls. The house has been the subject of just about every sort of "Ghost Hunting" reality show that exists, and even offers visitors the chance to take a spooky nighttime tour. But Jürgen and I decided to check it out during the day, on an architectural tour.
"Lady Hats at the Mansion" is a suggestive title, yes? Is it a metaphor? A play on words? Well, apologies for being so literal, but in this case, we're referring to actual lady hats. As soon as we learned about this bizarre collection, we raced over to the Mansion on Forsyth. Nothing gets our blood pumping like dainty hats for lady-folk!
I clearly remember the first time we entered Savannah, and turned onto 37th Street, where we would be living for three months. Huge oak trees canopied the street and random rays of sunlight squeezed past the Spanish moss, which hung apathetically off branches like the embodiment of sorrow. Years from now, when I shut my eyes and think "Savannah," Spanish moss washed in sunlight will be what I see.
Our unofficial guide during our day trip to Bluffton, South Carolina was Nancy, who owns and operates a store of miscellany named Eggs N Tricities. This shop is packed to the gills with weird, random stuff, and even if you're not in the market for curios, it's great fun to poke around.
One of the area's best-kept secrets is found a half hour south of Savannah, in the small village of Townsend: The Old School Diner, owned and operated by Chef Jerome. A couple friends invited us to the restaurant, where we enjoyed some deliciously unhealthy food, and had a rollicking good time that won't be forgotten.
It started as a crush. Like gum-smacking girls, giggling together at their lockers while the dreamy blue-eyed quarterback passes by, we were initially just obsessed by Savannah's beauty. But over the course of months, we learned that this city isn't just superficially gorgeous. It's got a rich history, fabulous people and a unique vibe all its own. Yep, Savannah is a keeper.
In most cities, you hail down a taxi and drive in silence to your destination. At best, the driver comments on the weather, or is talking on his cell phone in a language you don't understand. You'll pay your fare and think how uneventful and efficient that taxi ride was, if you think of it at all.
What could be better than touring Savannah in a hearse with a raised roof, so you can poke your head out the top? Nothing comes immediately to mind, does it? I mean, a ghost tour in a tricked-out hearse is kind of like the pinnacle of human culture.
The biggest mistake you can make in Savannah is forgetting to bring your camera with you when you leave the house. Unique photo opportunities spring up like clockwork in this city! Jürgen brought his everywhere -- to the supermarket, on walks with our dog, and even to the bar. You never know when this city is going to surprise you with a great snapshot.
Let's be honest here. Pinkie Master's Lounge is great, but it's not the kind of bar you're going to take home and introduce to your parents. You won't be taking Pinkie Master's to the Olde Pink House for an awkward first date, and you would never conceive of one day marrying it. Pinkie Master's just isn't that kind of bar. But on those late weekend nights, after respectable joints have closed up, and you're not yet ready for bed... when you're still looking for a good time... Pinkie Master's knows what ya want. Pinkie Master's got what ya need.
Known as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the entire country, Bonaventure is found on the outskirts of Savannah, bordering the Wilmington River across from Whitemarsh Island. Its name means "Good Fortune," and those buried on its grounds might certainly consider themselves fortunate. There are worse places to rest in eternal slumber.
"Now just to make absolutely sure: you're saying that you'll put my beer in a cup, and then I can walk around outside, in front of cops, and there will be no problems?" The bartender was growing exasperated with me. "Yes, dude. For the hundredth time, yes. You're golden."