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Located four hours southeast of Atlanta, but a world away from that bustling, modern metropolis, Savannah offers an enchanting stroll back in time. Savannah is widely renowned for its historical features which stand as an open invitation for visitors to uncover its hidden charms. Luscious peach trees, Civil War history, delicious cuisine, and ethnic festivals are part of the Savannah experience. Elegant old mansions and centuries-old cemeteries add to Savannah's rich and colorful history.
Savannah's old world grace and Southern hospitality give the city a unique flavor found nowhere else in the world. The meticulous preservation of its historic treasures extends to buildings, parks, and other properties and draws tourists from all over the country.
Established in 1733, the city cherishes its reputation as the nation's largest urban landmark - a tribute earned by the city's active role in all facets of American history.
While visiting Savannah, be sure to take advantage of all that the city has to offer. The city proudly showcases many fine restaurants, shops, boutiques, and quality museums. Savannah's historic district, beautiful beaches and majestic scenery combine to make any visit to the Hostess City of the South an unforgettable experience. Visitors can relax and enjoy each day of their visit in what is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in America.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the John Berendt novel about secrets, socialites and murder spent more than five years on the New York Times best-seller list holding the record for the longest running best-seller in history.
In 2002, the American Institute of Parapsychology named Savannah, "America's Most Haunted City." Based on Savannah's history of fires, plagues, wars and voodoo, they determined Savannah was the perfect place for supernatural activity.
While admiring Savannah's splendid architecture, you might start to notice a recurring color painted on the door frames, porches and window sills of many Savannah homes. This blue/green color, or "Haint Blue," is not only aesthetically pleasing but has an important purpose, and that is to ward off evil spirits. "Haint Blue" paint was first used by African Slaves to secure entry-point into their houses from spirits. According to the Geechee/Gulla culture of the Lowcountry, the blue/green color of "Haint Blue" represents water which, it is believed, spirits can not pass over.
Five months after General Oglethorpe and the original settlers landed in Savannah, 42 Jewish refugees from Spain arrived in July 1733. This was the largest immigration of Jews at one time to the new world during the colonial period.
Florence Martus, born August 7, 1868, is a Savannahian whose understanding and application of the words "Southern Hospitality" brought her fame as the Waving Girl. Martus lived with her brother, lighthouse keeper George Martus, between 1887 and 1931 near the entrance of the Savannah harbor. During this time she would wave a welcome to each incoming ship and wave a goodbye to every outgoing vessel. During her years at the lighthouse, she greeted more than 50,000 vessels. A memorial to her legacy is located on Savannah's Historic River Street. This is the first memorial to a Georgia woman in any city park.
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