One of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country is in Savannah. With Savannah’s large community of Irish ancestry dating back more than 200 years, St. Patrick’s Day is commemorated with one of the largest parades in the nation, lasting three to four hours and with over 400,000 spectators. The city dyes green the water fountains in the squares to add to the colorful event.
Making a visit to Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day is worth the trip for many reasons beyond the parade and other celebrations. The brick streets and converted 19th century warehouses are a perfect setting for pubs and taverns to flourish and become popular hangout spots for locals and tourists.
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Savannah Historic District
In the historic district, I was delighted by the blend of corner watering holes, small shops, and stately mansions lining the streets around 24 squares of beautiful parks and gardens. The genteel streets are an architect’s delight, draped in hanging Spanish moss and shaded by huge magnolia trees.
Highlights of my short trip to Savannah include a visit to the American Prohibition Museum and Speakeasy. Savannah had a flourishing bootlegging business during the prohibition, being situated near the coast, with dozens of barrier islands to hide a thriving business in illegal alcohol sales.
Chippewa Square
In Chippewa Square, take a photo on the park bench to replicate the scene made famous in the movie Forest Gump. The real park bench is nearby in the historic Savannah Theatre. The Savannah Bee Company offers honey tasting, body care products made of honey, and other honey-bee gifts. Step up to the tasting bar for mead wines and beers. The variety of flower species in the Savannah area are perfect for honey-bee farms.
I next visited the chocolate library at Chocolat by Adam Turoni, a high-end shop with a luxurious vibe featuring handcrafted chocolates, bars and bon bons.
The Savannah River is deep and wide allowing for a steady parade of gigantic ocean freighters and small shrimp boats, heading up and down-stream, from vast port facilities situated a few miles inland from the ocean. Watching the activity on the river can be mesmerizing.
Shrimp in Savannah
Of course, food is always part of the experience visiting any city. Savannah is known for anything with shrimp. Shrimp and grits are popular as well crab cakes or crab stew. I like the pecan pralines made of real butter, sugar, and cream. Other ingredients are often used but Savannah’s candy shops sell the real thing.
One of my restaurant recommendations is Belford’s Seafood and Steaks on Monterrey Square. The restaurant sits in a historic building with wrought iron fixtures inside and out and a large attractive menu of Savannah’s most famous dishes and popular items found in any great seafood and steak house. Make reservations far in advance and enjoy.
While Savannah makes a great trip for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this city in southeast Georgia is a spectacular option for any time of the year, mainly March through May and September through November when the climate is not too hot and not too cold.
A Great Trip Any Time of the Year
While Savannah makes a great trip for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this city in southeast Georgia is a spectacular option for any time of the year, mainly March through May and September through November when the climate is not too hot and not too cold.
