Sweet Savannah: City of parks and squares

Oh, the Places We See

7 months ago

Parks and playgrounds are the soul of a city.
Marty Rubin

One of the most lasting impressions you’ll have of Savannah, Georgia, is that of the parks and squares throughout this lovely Southern city. Thanks to James Oglethorpe who laid out Savannah in 1733, residents and visitors can enjoy the peacefulness that comes with strolling the squares and walking underneath live oak trees laden with Spanish moss.

What could be lovelier than sitting on a bench underneath giant live oaks in Savannah, Georgia?

The best source of information on Savannah’s squares comes from Jason Barnette, author of Road Trips and Coffee, a travel blog focused mainly on Southern places to see. Filled with locations and main attractions of each square, “Visiting the 22 Historic Squares of Savannah – Tips, History, and Beautiful Photos,” will make you want to book a trip just for the peaceful parks alone.

Wormsloe Fountain in **Johnson Square** was moved from Wormsloe Plantation, home of Noble Jones, one of Savannah’s first settlers.

According to Barnette, James Oglethorpe originally laid out six squares in 1733, then added nine more in 1796. By 1985, a total of 22 squares — some with fountains, others with statuary and still others with gardens only — invited residents and visitors alike to delight in these unique respites in the heart of a vibrant city.

View of City Hall’s gilded dome from **Johnson Square**

And now, at a time that we hope is the end to a pandemic, people have returned to the parks — doing what they love — from watching artists at work . . .

Plein air painting in one of Savannah’s 22 squares.

to walking with friends . . .

Walking the dog and resting on a park bench — it’s all good in Savannah’s parks.

to sitting and enjoying the beauty of fountains like this one in Forsyth Park.

Sharing pictures of the fountain in **Forsyth Park**, Savannah, Georgia

You should first take a trolley tour to get a sense of how Savannah unfolds, one square after another. The hop-on, hop-off trolley tours with Old Town Trolley allow you to take a break when you want to — to tour historic homes, get a bite to eat in a Southern restaurant, or admire art by students of The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Book a trip online or in City Market.

A hop-on, hop-off bus: good information and a chance to spend more time where you want to.

No matter how you choose to see Savannah’s parks, you can’t go wrong. After all, you’re bound to wind up under a live oak wishing you could spend a month or two in this exciting, yet quiet, Southern town.