Each Sunday for the past 63 weeks we've posted a weekly item about Savannah that we called "Countdown." I don't know about the rest of you, but I know more about Savannah than I know about the city where I've lived for almost 30 years! Let's look back over what we've done these past 63 weeks:
We've studied the history of Savannah, beginning in 1733. We've learned about city planning, the settlers from Salzburg, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. We've talked about the history of African Americans in Savannah and Savannah's modern-day economy.
We've "met" a variety of famous people who are connected to Savannah: General Oglethorpe, Johnny Mercer, Juliette Lowe, Conrad Aiken, Flannery O'Connor, Paula Deen, John Wesley, Jim Williams.
We've learned about movies filmed in Savannah. We've talked about "The Book" and "The Movie" that have added to Savannah's recent fame. We've hummed Mercer tunes, and learned that even the wintery-song Jingle Bells has a connection to southern Savannah. We've learned about Savannah's music scene.
We've drooled over the idea of sampling Low Country Cooking. We've learned about Low Country boil and the cooking of Paula Deen. We've anticipated our first "southern barbeque" and pralines-- even grits! We've looked at lists of Savannah restaurants, wondering how many we can possibly visit in a long-weekend stay. We've identified nightspots and party places where we can head after dinner.
We've become well acquainted with Savannah's famous squares, dripping with spanish moss. We've learned about historic homes, museums, churches and synagogues, parks, monuments, statues, fountains, and an amazing hotel. We've appreciated the importance of historic preservation in this special city and the role of SCAD.
We've shivered at the prospect of spooky Savannah-- ghost tours, haunted houses, and cemeteries.
We've marveled at all there is to see and do on our April weekend. We've anticipated springtime flowers and festivals, and we've planned to see Savannah on foot. We've prepared to see what's off the beaten track. We've contemplated golfing and day trips to Tybee Island, Beaufort SC, Wormsloe State Park.
We've made our lists of where to shop and what to bring back. We've got definite plans to visit City Market and River Street.
And although we've just missed the St. Patricks Celebration, we've got party plans of our own: Thursday night on Washington Square, Friday night at the Gingerbread House, Saturday night at Old Fort Jackson. and Sunday morning on the Waterfront.
Soon the Savannah Waving Girl will be waving to all of us! We've got our guidebooks, we're speakin' southern y'all, and we're ready for the biggest GTG in Slow Travel history. We're experts on Savannah (just give us a test!) and after more than a year of planning and 63 weekly countdown posts, Slow Travel is READY FOR SAVANNAH!! (The big question is: Is Savannah ready for us??)
If you've made it this far, now here's your chance to help with the final countdown post and share your anticipation of next weekend. Post in this thread and tell us:
* ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah
* TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit
* THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to
SEE YOU at The Great Slow Travel Gathering - Savannah, Georgia - April 4 - 6, 2008!
Kathy
(To help you get ready for Savannah, take a look at the list of 63 Countdown Posts since January 2007! You might not even need a guidebook!)
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kaydee,
ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah:
I was totally surprised at the incredible history in Savannah and the care that has been taken to preserve it. There has been a concerted effort to retain the historic homes and buildings, to document the history of each one and to maintain them as historic properties. That's amazing to me in a world where developers are more willing to tear down anything old and build condos, highrises or parkades to replace the historic.
TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit:
This is a toughie, Kathy! Maybe 22 things? OK, focus, Brenda, focus...
1. The whole of the historic center, but mostly Telfair Museum
2. The Mercer Williams House
THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to:
Easy peasy, Kathy! 1. Meeting everyone. People are a pleasure for me, so this is the simplest thing to say.
2. Meeting everyone. Oh, did I already say that? Sorry!
2. Wandering, looking, touching, shopping
3. The food, it's all about the food!
Great topic, thanks for starting it!
"I stood agog in Lafayette Square in Savannah, amid brick paths, trickling fountains and dark trees hung with Spanish moss. Before me rose up a cathedral of linen-fresh whiteness with twin Gothic spires, and around it stood 200-year-old houses of weathered brick, with hurricane shutters that clearly were still used. I did not know that such perfection existed in America." ~ Bill Bryson, The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America Brenda
* ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah: I would have to admit that I found it all so very interesting, being that I knew nothing about Savannah nor have I ever visited anywhere in the South.
TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit: 1)The Bonaventure Cemetery 2)The trolly ride around the historic district, so I can photograph as much as possible!
* THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to:
1)The joy of meeting each and everyone who has traveled near and far, to make this a Great ST First Gathering!
2)The laughter, the food, and new found friends,
3)Shopping, bringing home special gifts for loved ones.
I would have to say that I was most surprised to learn that Savannah had so many squares and public greenery.
The two things I want to see most on this visit are 1) the beautifully preserved Historic District, and 2) Forsyth Park.
What three things am I looking forward to most in Savannah? 1) Great photo-ops, 2) Southern cuisine and hospitality, and 3) meeting all of you at the largest GTG of Slow Travelers yet.
* ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah
Reading about General Oglethorpe and how he planned the layout of Savannah and her many “squares”, as meeting places for the residents. (I also learned not to wear Spanish Moss around my neck as a boa unless I want nasty no-see-ums to bite me and make me itchy).
TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit
1. Mainly, just walking around to take in all of the beauty and history. 2. The Haunted Savannah Tour!!
THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to:
Since “meeting everyone” is a given, I’ll go with these three things:
1. The FOOD and the cocktails!
2. Wearing SANDALS and feeling warm.
3. Attempting to “speak ’Southern” and being called “suga” or “darlin”.
see all y'all soon!!
Mindy Jo ---> Yes, that is my middle name. How Southern!
When we were in Savannah years ago, one of my memories is the lacy Spanish moss hanging from all the trees. It is really quite mysterious and adds to the sense of being in another place in another time--very atmospheric.
On another note: Casey is sitting with me playing his nintendo but glanced at the computer and said "a dancing cow with bananas? how weird!" I always thought it was a grass skirt but bananas are better.
Everything has been a "surprise" to me. I knew nothing about this city, and I am grateful to the organizing committee for wheting my appetite!
My top 3 hot list:
1. Gardens. I am so anxious to see beautiful spring gardens! I am hoping that, while I'm away, the snow will melt and I will be able to get started on my own gardening projects when I return.
2. Meeting people from ST who I "know" well virtually, but have not had the pleasure of meeting in person.
3. Food. Southern food, served Southern style. I am looking forward to food (and naturally, to drink too!) Maybe I will come home with some delicious cooking ideas? Yes, please!
* ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah
well, at the risk of being typecasted . . . I was surprised to learn that one could wander about the historical district with alcoholic beverages in hand - as long as they were in plastic cups.
quote:
* TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit
Hopping in the car and heading to Tybee Island early one morning to watch the sun come up over the beach. Of course, the wandering about with alcoholic beverages mentioned above may impact these plans.
Visit as many of the squares as possible.
quote:
* THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to
A chance to thank the planning committee, in person, for all of the hard work (on their own time and without any compensation or perks other than the joy of doing it) that they have put in to this wonderful weekend.
Hooking up with other slowtravelers, many we've met, some we haven't . . . putting names to faces . . . sharing laughter and creating memories.
It has been a bloodly long, snowy, and cold winter. I am looking forward to warm temperatures (I grilled burgers for lunch in boots and a ski jacket today ), flowers, colour!
I have never been to the south. Yes, I know that it is strange to be a Canadian who has not been to Florida. This will be the furthest south on the east coast that I have been. This is a fourth (sorry Kaydee) thing that I am looking forward to.
I can't wait!
Jerry
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton
* ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah:
1)The history has been of great interest to me having "roots" in Georgia, but never living there myself.
* TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit:
1)Walking around the historic district, seeing the lovely homes, gardens, riverboats & parks. 2)Visiting the sites in the movie - "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil".
* THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to:
1)Meeting internet friends at the biggest ST GTG to date. I'm really excited to be meeting KZ from Toscana. His blog is my favorite. And of course meeting Pauline, the founder of ST. 2)Staying at a nice place near Forsyth Park which I'll enjoy spending some time in. 3)And of course, I am looking forward to the Fort, Tybee, Mercer Williams House Tour & lunch at Paula Deen's.
And finally, I have to add: Getting out of this snow! Seeing some "green" and flowers in bloom.
1. I knew NOTHING about Savannah! (I'm not sure I could have found it on a blank map of the US) I learned so much from the countdown posts. The different squares and whole historic district interested me the most.
2. I am most excited to see the architecture and the flowers that don't grow here! I want to see azalias and dogwoods and big trees dripping with moss! I am looking forward to the historic district with those lovely fountains in the piazzas squares!
3. 1.I can't wait to see all of YOU!!! 2.I can't wait to experience all the venues and meals we've been planning! 3. I can't wait for all of the laughter, memories and the "surprises", so I don't have to keep my mouth shut!
ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah 1. The number of people who have asked me why I'm going to Savannah, of all places. How could you not want to visit Savannah??
TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit 1. Bonaventure Cemetary 2. just wandering around the Historic District
THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to 1. Friday 2. Saturday 3. Sunday
ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah
I didn't know GO cups were anywhere except New Orleans (okay, I was actually shocked as a college student traveling out of NO that go cups weren't allowed everywhere!)
* TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit
Haunted Tour!!
Fort Jackson..the history of the place is amazing!
* THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to
Meeting everyone, of course!
The Haunted Savannah Tour
Did I mention meeting new friends?
Can't wait.... packed today since I won't be home again before I fly out on Friday! If I forgot something, too bad (so far, only thought of one thing I forgot). Brenda, I remembered your long purple beads
Anne
Posts: 182 | Location: Louisiana | Registered: 01 May 2005
"ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah I was surprised to learn that Johnny Mercer was from Savannah and a member of such a prominent family. His songs mean so much to so many. * TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit I'd like to wander through the town squares,breathe in the southern atmosphere filled with flowers abloom and admire the architecture.
* THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to" 1. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again and for the first time in a city I've never been to. 2. I'm looking forward to trying good ol' southern cooking. 3. I'm looking forward to being a part of this historic and grand event which I think will be truly memorable. Can't wait to see ya! Barb Cabot
Posts: 493 | Location: Long Beach, California | Registered: 27 August 2007
THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to 1. Friday 2. Saturday 3. Sunday
Thanks Jill-- I've been wondering what to write on this thread and you just summed it up so well, I have to steal it.
I am, most of all, really looking forward to being face to face with the rest of the committee. After meeting once a week in a chat room for about 15 months, it will be a huge pleasure to have a real audible conversation. Also, we have really become great friends and you can't hug on line .
What's really surprised/interested me about Savannah--
* How incredibly diverse it is and what an important American resource it is in so many ways. First planned city, the beautiful squares, Revolutionary and Civil Wars, historical preservation, the cotton gin, Girl Scouts, Johnny Mercer, Jingle Bells, Paula Deen... and now Slow Travel There's so much in Savannah that interests me.
Two things I really want to do and see--
* The architectural walking tour, especially with my daughter. It's been several years since we've been to Savannah as a family. She's now 14 and wants to be an architect. I'm interested in how she reacts to Savannah. She may even be interested in SCAD...
* Just wandering the streets and soaking it all up with no major agenda. I've done a lot of the first-timer tourist things before. So even though it's just a weekend, maybe I can experience it more slowly. (Or I can be like a local-- running errands and meeting friends for coffee!)
Three things I'm really looking forward to--
* Finally getting together with (almost) our whole planning team at the same time and hopefully having a little down-time together at our house. I've really enjoyed working with this wonderful group of women and it is amazing what we have done over the internet! We've been at this for 15+ months, meeting once a week in a chat room for most of that time. We have exchanged over 3000 private messages as a group! So it will be great to be together finally-- and Sheena will be with us in spirit.
* Seeing the rest of you experience Savannah and hopefully enjoying the parties and meals we've put together. I'm looking forward to seeing Slow Travel friends I've met in person before-- and also meeting so many others for the first time.
* Sharing the experience with my family. They love Slow Travel get-togethers, and have been patiently behind-the-scenes for all the Gathering planning this past year. Now we get a chance to enjoy Savannah together and the parties and people too. And when it's all over, hopefully we'll have a little more family time again!
I think my "eloquent" gene has been lost in the final excitement of packing and organizing for our flight tomorrow. But I think everyone above has done such an excellent job, that I can say "ditto" and "ditto" with no reservation whatsoever.
I also want to take this opportunity to add my thanks to the organizing committe; it has been a full year + of details, details and the most wonderful information about the city of Savannah. I do not know why I ever bought guidebook.
We have never been to Savannah and that was certainly a factor in our decision to be part of this wonderful event. So we really look forward to feeling, seeing, smelling and above all, eating our way through the next several days. And then there are the wonderful ST'ers that we will meet for the first time, or renew friendships. Hard to believe we knew none of you 3 short years ago.
So I have finished my mystery novel set in Savannah, we have watched our DVD of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, put all our notes in a notebook, confirmed reservations, etc. - all that is left is to pack and head for the airport tomorrow. The excitement builds, see you soon . . .
ONE thing that really surprised or interested you as you've learned about Savannah is in two words: THE SQUARES. I have spent hours reading about each one of them and printing our almost as much as I've read. I hope to be able to walk to most of them and sit in a few to ponder.
TWO things in Savannah you most want to see or do during your visit. My complete motivation for coming to Savannah was having read John Berendt's book, so One thing I most want to do is take one of the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tours. IF SOMEONE COULD TELL ME WHICH THEY THINK IS THE BEST, I'LL BUY YOU AN ICE CREAM CONE FROM LEOPOLDS (which I have on good authority is the best ice cream in town) so I can finally make my reservation. I would appreciate it. The other thing I most want to do is to wander around and get to as many of the Squares as possible, including Monterey Square, where I hope to get a tour of Congregation Mickve Israel, Savannah's landmark Synagogue. maybe even attend Saturday morning services. (Wasn't that clever how I snuck in a third thing I most want to do? )
THREE things about the Gathering that you're really looking forward to Of course like everyone I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, but I'm most especially looking forward to meeting Brenda, as I have "borrowed" so many of her quotes, that my bookmarked section called Quotes Worth Quoting, now consist mainly of Brenda's quotes. We must have something in common, because I too always add a quote in conjunction with my signature (on my personal emails) I'm looking forward to the Gingerbread House because I just love the name. I'm looking forward to putting faces to all of these screen names; in fact I think we should have badges with both our real and screen names. I must admit to having gone to several profile pages to look for pictures of people and found many lovely one.
Slow Travel Talk 
Sorry!
---> Yes, that is my middle name. How Southern! 
), flowers, colour!
