It’s become an annual boat trip for a sweet group of ladies that love the Low Country. This year we took a day trip to Savannah, Georgia. First off, we had a boat driver, we’ll call Captain, who knows the waters, tides and watches the weather closely. On a side note, that is important, because the tides rise and fall by about 8 ft on any normal day every 6 hours, and the weather can change quickly. You don’t want to be caught out on the water in a recreational watercraft with nowhere to go or at low tide that could run aground. Safety first, now to the fun stuff. We have a music playlist that includes everyone’s genre of music: country, classic rock, etc. Imagine, nice boat ride, good music and the sightseeing that comes by water. Marshes filled with all types of birds, dolphins and turtles, splashes of fish and some H2O.

Coming by water was about a two-hour ride. We were in the Atlantic Ocean for about ten minutes and cut into the Broad River that runs behind Hilton Head, yes, we saw their lighthouse at the Harbor Town Marina and the golf course. We pass Daufuskie Island only accessible by boat while traveling the Savannah River until we got to the Marsh Island Channel that has a public dock in Savannah at River Street. This is where we saw the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. We also saw lots of boats including a cargo container ship. You forget just how large they are until you are next to one of them in the river then it seems huge. The “Georgia Queen riverboat” impressed me most. It was stately and classy. While we did not buy tickets to ride on this beauty, it is definitely something worth checking out on the next visit.

Savannah was established in 1733, making it the oldest city in Georgia. We arrived at River Street, which has cobblestone streets. And is full of character. Thanks to Shelly, who knew the town, she revealed to us a secret elevator up to the North Historic District. Public elevator, just out of the way, so it seems like a secret. It did spare us from walking up some very steep, uneven stairs. As we’re walking around, Shelly points out that Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America. There is no doubt that it has a southern charm and is very rich with history. Savannah was built on historic battlefields and a slave trading post which led to the haunted reputation.

The City Market area reminded me of the French Quarters in New Orleans with the cobblestone streets, cafés with outdoor patios, art galleries and bouquets. The Telfair Square showed off the beautiful live oaks draped with Spanish moss. We ate lunch at a restaurant named Treylor Park. Excellent wings and fish tacos. To me Savannah’s old town charm embraces the wear and tear, keeping true to itself. Gorgeous architecture, aged brick, weathered tabby buildings, old glass, huge live oaks, along with modern day conveniences. The city has stories to tell and many more memories to make.

Traveling by boat? Make sure to take a change of clothes and hat because there is a high probability you will get wet. Don’t forget the comfy shoes for all the walking you’re going to do on uneven ground. Embrace the heat and humidity, which is the other reason for a cute hat. Take time to research your points of interest to make best use of your time, but don’t over plan because spontaneity can lead to a great trip. Safe travels. What’s your favorite place to go?

Deborah Stroud