What a fun visit..
Things to consider..
Davenport House, built in 1820, was the home of master builder Isiah Davenport. He and his wife ran his business from their home. They had 10 children of which 6 lived to adulthood. Mr. Davenport was an architect, alderman, and fire master in the community. Sadly, there are no pictures of the man who contributed so much.
Home furnishings are indicative of the era, and as a master builder this “model home” has many additional charms. Let’s take a peek:
The home is lovely and was an enjoyable tour. Davenport House has many weddings on its property and in touring its grounds one can tell why. It is a perfect setting.
Leopold’s Ice Cream is a family tradition and a delicious one at that.
Best ice cream I ever had.
Wait was a half hour, but worth it. Staff from the store distribute water to patrons in line. Nice touch. Make your decision in line by accessing the menu via the net.
Inside the store..
The current owner was a former vice president of a major movie company. Some memorabilia.
And what I ordered. It was amazing. Save your appetite.
Good thing I don’t live near by.
On my way to the Church came across an Indian wedding. What color, pageantry, and fun these folks were having. Take a peek..
Then on the stairs of St. John the Baptist, a bridesmaid. What a glorious day for these weddings.
Now, on to the Church.
Inside the church a Baptismal ceremony was being conducted.
Pope Francis has dedicated this year to St. Joseph. His altar and mural at the Church.
Visited another favorite Saint, Saint Therese
A closing picture of the beautiful altar.
Have always wanted to tour this home, and it didn’t disappoint. This was the home of Jim Williams, a prominent antique dealer. He was a self made man of many extraordinary artistic talents. The movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is based on a story which occurred in this home.
Jim Williams was accused of killing his employee, Danny Hansford. They had a relationship. He was eventually exonerated after 4 trials then died of a heart attack shortly after his exoneration.
The home is lovely and if you have the time, see it. No photographs are allowed. Docents are well versed in the art as well as Mr. Williams life. The home is open during the Christmas season and since Mr. Williams was an enormous Christmas buff am sure it will dazzle. If in the area I plan on returning.
There are several books related to this story. The Lawyer Games describes the 4 trials.
Make time to visit the gift shop as you are certain to find several unique gifts. Here are some pictures.
On my journey to Florida for the continuing saga of condo renovation stopped in Savannah, Georgia. What a beautiful City with much to do. Glad I started my day early on this one day visit as there were many visitors in town.
First Stop: Bonaventure Cemetery
Gates open at 8 a.m. and I toured on my own. However, if you are a cemetery buff recommend the tour. Call for specifics.
There are several cemeteries in Savannah. This one is possibly the most beautiful and on the National Registry of Historic Places. Found it’s Jewish portion quite interesting with a synagogue for services,
and many mausoleums, interesting stones. In Jewish tradition a pebble is left when one visits the grave.
Some other interesting cemetery pieces
Johnny Mercer and his family are interred in this cemetery. Mercer was a co-founder of Capitol Records and won 4 Academy Awards for his music. Some of his famous songs are:
The Cemetery grounds are rugged and beautiful. It sits on the Wilmington River.
What a lovely view for your final resting spot.
Stopped at the South Carolina Travel Center in Hardeeville, South Carolina. While not open at the hour I arrived many state tourism books were available outside the center.
After taking a book I began a conversation with a friendly security guard which led me to my next venue.
While the Visitor Center was closed due to covid, this was a fun place for a walk with it’s beauty and many signs along the short trails. A great stop off with kids when you need to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
Have the kids, (or even adults), try to locate songbirds, animal tracks, Spanish moss in the trees, and wetlands.
Can’t recall what these two are, however they are simply lovely.
And of course if anything is learned in this visit, it is the name of this culprit….
So, make the stop, walk the trails, and take a break…
I guarantee you’ll be glad you did…
At 2:30 a.m. I began my journey north and after 3 hours of I 95 the Savannah exit called to me. Since I hadn’t been there in 15 years, it was time. Upon entry to the City I was greeted by a friendly, young, bald, police officer. Would someone please tell me why these sweet young things shave their head? For another blog.. Well, from this lovely young man I learned the Savannah rules of the road without a ticket. To tell the truth I think he was more interested in the packed contents of the car than the rules, however, I learned to, “Watch the signs painted on the street.” After our visit I was off to explore the early morning hours of the City.
Parking near St. John the Baptist Cathedral I checked the mass schedule and realized I had 2 hours to explore. Starting with architecture enjoy these pictures of the beautiful homes in the area. Each one has a different flavor and style.
An added bonus for the area is the Savannah School of Art and Design (SCAD). Student art is displayed throughout the City. Many student pieces were displayed in the De Soto Hotel lobby and in the 1540 Room where I ate breakfast. Never had a seafood omelet and it was tasty. Stop in and take a peek.
Once again a police presence looms. Antique police cars on display.
Then onto the unique cemetery next to the police station. In this cemetery many prominent former residents are laid to rest in beguiling crypts surrounded by beautiful flowering trees. Nice tribute to these folks.
Savannah is a city of small parks known as squares. A captivating one was a tribute to an Indian Chief, Tomo Chi-Chi. In the square is his grave.
Near the Chief’s grave is an enticing museum, however, with time of the essence it will be for next visit. This exquisite exterior must house fascinating exhibits. Go and tell me about The Telfair Academy and Museum. I’m sure I’ll be jealous I missed it.
God calls..church.. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
After mass I passed by a historic post office, some quaint shops and restaurants then came across a tribute to Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. Juliette was a resident of Savannah and her home is open to the public. A must see for all Girl Scouts, as I did on my last visit.
In departing a new route appeared, 17 North. This route includes a spectacular bridge affording breath taking views of Savannah harbor. After the bridge was more natural beauty which is part of Savannah Natural Wildlife Refuge.
Onward for another 300 miles, North Carolina here I come. In the meantime, I am now traveling through South Carolina, Colbert Country. Wonder if I’ll bump into him in a rest stop as he returns to New Jersey? You never know.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 