Savannah

Founded in 1733 by Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, Savannah, Georgia, was originally home to individuals seeking refuge from Britain. The General named the state after England's King George II. The city is situated at the mouth of the Savannah River and is known as "America's First Planned City". Organized by Oglethorpe, the town was originally laid out into grids feature wide streets combining to make 24 public squares. Because of its location on the river, the city serves as an important port city for the cotton and lumber industries. The port was snubbed during the Civil War because of slave trading. After the war, the community returned its focus on the booming cotton industry and was able to re-establish itself as an economic hub.

Today, Savannah's population is neatly 300,000 people. It boasts a subtropical climate that welcomes outdoor recreation year round. Twenty-one of the original 24 public squares mapped out by Oglethorpe are still in existence today. The city's culture is largely preserved thanks to the Historic Savannah Foundation that was founded in 1950 to maintain the area's historical sites and landmarks. Savannah offers a plethora of amenities for its guests. From golfing to dinner cruises on the Savannah River, the city has something for everyone.

Landscape
Savannah is home to more than 40 cultural attractions that provide information on tradition, history, art, architecture, and much more. In all, there are approximately 20 tour companies in the city that provide detailed descriptions of local attractions. From bird watching to river cruises, the active tourist can enjoy the city's natural amenities. Other areas include information on the Civil War, Negro heritage, and even legends and ghosts. Horse-drawn carriage tours of the city can also be taken. The city also features a historic district that is home to nautical-themed clothing, gift shops, candy stores, art galleries and cobblestone streets. Perhaps most popular in regards to its landscape is the area's famous white oak trees from which large amounts of decorative Spanish Moss hangs. These moss laden trees can be seen all over the city.

Entertainment
Boasting nearly 200 festivals a year, Savannah is booming with activities and entertainment. Traditional jazz music and cultural art can be found around virtually every corner of the deep-south city.

History
Tourists can explore plantation life at the Wormsloe Historic Site. The site offers exhibits surrounding the lives of Savannah's founders and their struggles with the area's wilderness. Other historical amenities include Old Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski, and Fort Screven. According to a Savannah Historic Foundation study, more than 40 percent of the city's buildings have a historical or architectural significance.

Nightlife
Savannah could very well be considered a city that never sleeps. Once dusk is upon the town, the evening lights up with dances, theater performances and jazz concerts. The city offers an array of hotspots including jazz clubs, salsa clubs, piano bars, and cigar bars. One of the city's most famous restaurants is the Pirate House, which once served as a tavern frequented by pirates who sailed the Caribbean in 1794.