Bonaventure Cemetery
#5 in Best Things To Do in Savannah
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While a stroll through a cemetery may sound a little morbid, recent travelers agreed that a visit to the more than 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is a must for lovers of the written word. Keep your eyes peeled for the tombstones of such celebrities as poet Conrad Aiken and lyricist Johnny Mercer. You should also make a point of looking for the grave of Danny Hansford (buried in the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery), whose murder inspired John Berendt's best-selling book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
According to visitors, the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure won't disappoint, but travelers said that bug spray, a water bottle and comfortable walking shoes are a must. You can tour the cemetery on your own, but recent visitors said you should also consider signing up for a guided tour to gain a better understanding of the cemetery's intriguing history.
You'll find Bonaventure Cemetery on the eastern edge of Savannah, about 3 miles from the historic district center. If you want to explore the grounds on your own, admission is free, or you can tag along on a guided tour. Some ghost tours also visit the cemetery, upping the fright factor. Free, hour-long tours are offered the second Saturday and Sunday of the month; tours are held at 2 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. If you do decide to go it alone, you'll want to stop by the cemetery's visitor center first to purchase a $6 copy of its 3-D map of the cemetery. The pamphlet features a list of the prominent citizens buried here, plus a directory for finding famous graves. You can also purchase a smartphone app for $4.99 that mimics the tours provided by the Bonaventure Historical Society and listen on your phone. The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on tour dates and times, check out the Bonaventure Historical Society website.
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#1 Forsyth Park
Go to this 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Keep your camera ready, though, as there is plenty to see here as well. Stroll past the stunning white-stone Forsyth Fountain, memorials dedicated to the Confederacy and the Spanish-American War, the Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired and the 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. From the park, you can see several historic sites within walking distance, including Hodgson Hall (home to the Georgia Historical Society) and the old Poor House and Hospital, which was used to treat wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Recent visitors noted the park's urban cosmopolitan vibe, with locals and tourists alike picnicking, dog walking and even painting. They also say that street parking nearby the park is free on Sundays.
Go to this 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Keep your camera ready, though, as there is plenty to see here as well. Stroll past the stunning white-stone Forsyth Fountain, memorials dedicated to the Confederacy and the Spanish-American War, the Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired and the 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. From the park, you can see several historic sites within walking distance, including Hodgson Hall (home to the Georgia Historical Society) and the old Poor House and Hospital, which was used to treat wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Recent visitors noted the park's urban cosmopolitan vibe, with locals and tourists alike picnicking, dog walking and even painting. They also say that street parking nearby the park is free on Sundays.
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