Forsyth Park is a Beautiful Savannah Natural Attraction

Savannah is a town of amazing natural beauty. Strolling through our streets is a refreshing experience. While many U.S. cities are more concrete than green, our town was designed around green space. As you make your way throughout Savannah's Historic District, you will notice the 'squares': signature landmark green spaces built into the very plan of our city. Almost every nine-block area contains one 'square' of green space in the middle - think of them as mini-parks. However, as you explore the Historic District further, you are bound to run into a massive green area in the center of town. This 20-acre area is known as Forsyth Park, is the center of many of our city's outdoor events, and is used by residents and visitors alike for outdoor activities.

With a history dating back to the early 1700s the original park lands were home to much of our earliest British and European settlers, and later hosted Civil war encampments before settling into the role of parade grounds, and then to the Forsyth Park we know today. The park itself was created in the 1840s when William Hodgson, who thought that the city needed a park, donated 10 acres of land. In 1851 the park was expanded to 30 acres after a donation of land by Georgia Governor John Forsyth, and the park was subsequently named in his honor.

In 1858, the park became home to a Parisian-inspired cast iron fountain designed to resemble the structure at Place de la Concorde. This same fountain still stands on the north end of the park today. Each year, the waters at Forsyth Fountain are colored green for Saint Patrick's Day to commemorate Savannah's strong Irish heritage, and is one if the park's most-visited attractions.

The center of the park is home to the Confederate Memorial Statue to commemorate those who gave their life fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War. The park is also home to a one-mile walking/skating/biking path that passes beneath moss-draped oaks, an amphitheater, an amazing-smelling garden for the blind, tennis and basketball courts, large grassy areas for picnics and social sports, the Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club's home field, and Savannah's official Christmas tree in December.

The park is located in Savannah's Historic District, surrounded by bordered by stately mansions lining Gaston Street on the north, Drayton Street on the east, Park Avenue on the south and Whitaker Street on the west. On any given day at the park you may see wedding tents, outdoor concerts, soccer tournaments, exhibits, and tennis matches. You will definitely see plenty of people and lots of natural beauty!

If you are planning a Savannah getaway, Forsyth Park is definitely a sight to see during your time here! Our member innkeepers can give you additional ideas of places to explore within the park, and will have your cozy room ready for your return.

Art Events in the Savannah Area: Tybe Island Shows and Sales

Created to promote arts in the Tybee Island and Savannah areas, the Tybee Arts Association (TAA) is a non-profit organization that supports visual and performing arts by offering art classes, plays, workshops, and art shows to the local community, in the hopes of making Tybee Island an arts destination for all.  Just east of Savannah, the Island is a great destination during your bed and breakfast stay!

The TAA weekend Show and Sale is an event offered several times throughout the year to showcase member visual artists, both established and new.  Area residents and visitors alike attend the FREE show to find the perfect piece(s) of art for their home.  Each show features paintings, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, note cards, and more - often depicting a particular show theme.  Art demonstrations and music are also often offered.

Upcoming shows include:

July 7-8, 2012:  "Laissez faire" - a small, more laid-back version of the show located at the Tybee Arts Firehouse Arts Center at #7 Cedarwood on Tybee Island.  Hours are 10am to 6pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

August 31 - September 2, 2012:  No theme selected yet.  This show follows the 'standard,' larger format at the Tybee Arts Firehouse Arts Center at #7 Cedarwood.  Open 6pm to 9pm Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, and 10am to 5pm Sunday.

November 2-4, 2012:  No theme selected yet.  Also a 'standard format' show at the Tybee Arts Firehouse Arts Center at #7 Cedarwood.  Open 6pm to 9pm Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, and 10am to 5pm Sunday.  This is a great chance to get a jump on your Christmas shopping!

2013 shows have not yet been announced, however we anticipate another 5- to 6-show season throughout the year.

These art shows are a perfect diversion during your day-trip out to Tybee Island.  Enjoy a great breakfast at your host inn, head out for a day on the Island with a stopover at the TAA Show and Sale event, then return to Savannah for a fantastic area dinner and restful night in your perfectly-appointed B and B guestroom.  As always, we look forward to your visit!

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Savannah River

Savannah's history and charm make it the perfect vacation location.  However, if you mix that with a fantastic riverfront atmosphere in historic downtown, you have the makings for a perfect place for a National celebration.  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah formally invite you to join us on the Savannah River for an unforgettable July 4, 2012 holiday!

And we do celebrate in style, starting with the fireworks on July 4, 2012 at 9:15pm!  The fireworks are simulcast with music by area radio stations to create a colorful, musical celebration.  Fireworks can be seen from any vantage point along River Street.

You can also choose to get a view of the fireworks from the river by taking a Savannah Riverboat Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise!  Choose the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen for a 90-minute cruise with a cash bar, snack bar, and the riverboat DJ offering up your favorite music.  Each riverboat features two climate-controlled decks and an open-air top deck.  Cruises begin at 8pm.

The weekend following Independence Day is known as The Great American Weekend in Savannah.  Held annually on or around July 4, this event brings fun and food to River Street.  Here you will find artists selling their wares from craft to fine art, great food, entertainment, games, and more.  If the street vendors aren't enough, you can get your fill of shopping among the many restaurants, shops, and pubs with more permanent River Street locations.  This year's event falls on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 10am.

While these are Savannah's main holiday events, there are alternative activities available in areas around the city.  Feel free to contact your Savannah B and B innkeeper for information regarding these activities, transportation, parking, and other concerns.

A Must-Do June Event: The Savannah Asian Festival

Plan your visit to Savannah during the weekend of June 23-24, and catch the 17th Annual Savannah Asian Festival, a celebration of Asian culture.  Savannah inns look forward to hosting your visit!

While statistics say that only 2 percent of the Savannah population are of Asian descent, that's actually nearly 3000 people holding great respect for their ancestry and cultural history!  It is in this spirit that the Department of Cultural Affairs has teamed with Asian-American volunteers to present this annual event to everyone of Asian descent, and to the general public.

Now in it's 17th year, the Asian Festival  will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Savannah Civic Center MLK Arena.  The free-to-the-public festival features live stage performances from a variety of Asian cultures, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural displays.  Area restaurants will provide authentic food for purchase.  Shop the cultural marketplace featuring arts, and crafts including paintings, paper, clothing, accessories, and henna body painting, to name a few.  An educational workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea will also be offered.

Children will enjoy their own activity area, where they can learn more about Asian cultures through martial arts demonstrations and hands-on activities.  Origami paper folding is one popular children's activity offered along with Diwali treasure boxes and  Asian flag making, among others.

Whether you are of Asian descent, or you have an appreciation for all things Asian, this festival should definitely be on your list of things to do in Savannah.  Contact your Savannah B and B innkeeper for more information about the event, and we look forward to seeing you soon!