Savannah & the Southeast
On the Atlantic coast, 400km (240 miles) southeast of Atlanta, Savannah was the USA’s first planned city. It has become the greatest urban historic preservation site in the USA. Much of Savannah’s original beauty remains, and more than a thousand of its buildings are historically important, including the Regency-style Owens-Thomas House designed by William Jay, and Davenport House, one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the New World. Fort Pulaski, one of Savannah’s five forts open to the public, is named after the Polish hero of the American Revolution. Tybee Island features sands, fishing piers and a marine science centre. The city is also home to the celebrated Savannah Jazz Festival in September.
The Golden Isles, south of the city, are known for their leisurely resorts, with beaches, fine golfing, tennis and fishing. Jekyll Island, an ideal destination for bird watchers, golfers and history enthusiasts, is located off the Atlantic coastline’s marshlands. It can be reached within an hour’s drive from either Savannah or Jacksonville, Florida. The resort island is known for its natural beauty and a deep sense of history. From 1886 to 1942, Jekyll was the winter sanctuary of some of the US’s wealthiest industrialists, such as William Rockefeller and Richard Crane. The beautifully restored Victorian Clubhouse and the historic district are perfect examples of this bygone era. St Simons is the largest of the Golden Isles, with vast woodlands and stretches of unspoilt marshes and coastline. Sea Island is home to The Cloister hotel and superb resort activities, including tennis, golf and a spa. Waycross is one of three gateways to the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the country’s most beautiful wilderness areas. The swamp is a refuge of exotic plant and animal life, including alligators.
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