Charleston Savannah March 2019
Thirteen of our intrepid Journeys for Women travelers flew to Charleston, South Carolina in early March to experience the history and beauty of Charleston and Savannah, Georgia. Other than a bit of rain the first day the weather was magnificent.
From the airport we made our way to the Francis Marion Hotel, a grand old lodging establishment in downtown Charleston. The next day we rode, in a bit of a drizzle, to Middleton Place, a 65 acre plantation that includes America’s oldest landscaped gardens. We toured the house, gardens, stables and had lunch there as well. From there we took a tour of the Sea Islands and learned about the Gullah Geechee culture and language.
Now that we had the lay of the land we spent the next day on foot in downtown Charleston, nicknamed the Holy City because of its many churches. We toured houses and churches, learned about the bawdy taverns and pirates, heroic patriots, the grandeur of antebellum architecture and the devastation of the Civil War.
We had amazing meals in Charleston, particularly at the Coast Bar and Grille and Poogan’s Porch.
The next day we rode to Beaufort, South Carolina, and spent time exploring this delightful historic town with its homes, stores and waterfront, first on a horse-drawn carriage then on foot.
From Beaufort we rode on to Savannah. Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. We stayed at another old downtown hotel – the Marshall House, which had wine, cheese and lectures or entertainment every evening.
Each day in Savannah we had different walking tours; it’s a very walkable city. We learned about the city’s plan, founders, and history while visiting many homes and churches, including the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low
Again we ate at exceptional restaurants including 17hundred90, East End Provisions, and Alligator Soul. We finished the trip with Savannah Live, a rousing singing and dancing review with live music in the 200 year old Savannah Theater.
From the airport we made our way to the Francis Marion Hotel, a grand old lodging establishment in downtown Charleston. The next day we rode, in a bit of a drizzle, to Middleton Place, a 65 acre plantation that includes America’s oldest landscaped gardens. We toured the house, gardens, stables and had lunch there as well. From there we took a tour of the Sea Islands and learned about the Gullah Geechee culture and language.
Now that we had the lay of the land we spent the next day on foot in downtown Charleston, nicknamed the Holy City because of its many churches. We toured houses and churches, learned about the bawdy taverns and pirates, heroic patriots, the grandeur of antebellum architecture and the devastation of the Civil War.
We had amazing meals in Charleston, particularly at the Coast Bar and Grille and Poogan’s Porch.
The next day we rode to Beaufort, South Carolina, and spent time exploring this delightful historic town with its homes, stores and waterfront, first on a horse-drawn carriage then on foot.
From Beaufort we rode on to Savannah. Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. We stayed at another old downtown hotel – the Marshall House, which had wine, cheese and lectures or entertainment every evening.
Each day in Savannah we had different walking tours; it’s a very walkable city. We learned about the city’s plan, founders, and history while visiting many homes and churches, including the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low
Again we ate at exceptional restaurants including 17hundred90, East End Provisions, and Alligator Soul. We finished the trip with Savannah Live, a rousing singing and dancing review with live music in the 200 year old Savannah Theater.