Photos: “AH” of Savannah

Ahhhh, Savannah! Photos try to capture your charm.

Come with me on a photographic journey to historic Savannah, Georgia. Travel photos are the best way to capture the “AH” of this beautiful southern destination. Of course, even photos do not truly show all of the quintessential qualities of Savannah. Perhaps that is why you need to add it to your travel bucket list now.

Ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Can you guess a top industry in Savannah?

The answer is tourism. Everybody finds something to love in Savannah. Take a tour by boat, bus, trolley, or horse-drawn carriage. See landmarks made famous in   movies by such stars as Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey, and John Cusack. Listen and learn lots from the tour guides. Notice, well… everything.

Goodness, these cargo ships are so close!

Can you guess another top Savannah industry?

That would be shipping. Huge cargo ships piled high with freight containers glide by so quietly. You suddenly glance up to find they are only feet away. Folks who stay in a riverfront hotel can also see this unique sight from their room. Now that is certainly something most of us don’t see every day.

Spanish moss and awesome oaks make for great photos.

What are a few of the best things about Savannah?

The parks and squares are filled with magnificent magnolias and old oak trees draped with Spanish moss. There are monuments, benches, and impressive fountains. Locals and tourists find relaxation in the shade and comfort of these pleasure gardens.

The Forsyth Park fountain was erected in 1858.

Architecture at its absolute best shines brightly at every turn. Pick a style or a plethora of styles and you’re sure to find them. Colonial, Georgian, Greek, Victorian…find fine examples in Savannah.  

The Gingerbread House – built 1899.

Two favorites are the Gingerbread House (great example of Steamboat Gothic built in 1899 and now a wedding venue) and the Amethyst Garden (beautiful example of Victorian built in 1885 and now an inn with eleven rooms and suites).

The Amethyst Garden – built 1885.

A third favorite, the Mercer Williams house was featured in two movies, Glory, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This unique structure is a mix of Renaissance Revival, Greek, and Italianate. It was begun in 1860 and completed in 1868 and is now a museum.

Mercer Williams house has amazing history.

What else should you do in Savannah?

Explore the Starland District

So nice to see the renewed sense of community in “Starland”.

After you have seen the Riverfront, the Historic district, and the Victorian district, there is one more area that is vibrant and an unexpected delight. Head away from the river on Bull Street and stop when you get to about East 40th Street. This is a much newer area called the Starland district. It has undergone a remarkable revitalization in the past 22 years. Starland is now a thriving creative area full of funky shops, cafes, and murals.

Make new acquaintances

Let’s toast to new acquaintances and to celebrations.

You’ve been so busy seeing all the wonderful sights of Savannah. Have you stopped long enough to relax and talk to strangers? Lots of folks just like you are here celebrating special occasions and seeking new friends to add to their fun.  Say hi to other tourists and find out where they are from. I had a great time getting to know folks from Pennsylvania, Nevada, and North Carolina.

Or say hello to the locals and enjoy some of their stories. I listened to one local man’s fascinating story, then he made me a souvenir flower out of palm fronds. He gave it to me for free, but the gesture was priceless.

Originally from Trinidad, he now makes flowers in Forsyth Park.

Little details in photos help you remember big things

While there may, indeed, be thousands of photographers in Savannah trying to capture the “big” picture, sometimes it is the small and simple images that matter. This wall of greenery helps show off a gorgeous wrought iron door and helps me remember what I was experiencing at that particular moment.

This is the door to a sweet memory.

This final photo is one of my favorites. The reflection of a streetlamp in a tiny puddle on Riverfront Street stopped me in my tracks and really touched my heart. Travel is joy to me, and photos help me share that joy with others. I hope this photographic journey through Savannah has brought you some joy and encouraged you to visit soon.

A true “reflection” on the joy of photography.

TRAVIS NAPPER TALKS TOURISM

Congratulations to Travis Napper for achieving his one-year anniversary as Director of Arkansas Tourism!

As we all know, 2020 was a strange and difficult year. For Travis Napper that included moving from Louisiana and starting a new job during a pandemic. He credits his easy-going personality and the love of a beautiful family for keeping him humble and focused on the potential of a great future in Arkansas.

After the recent Arkansas Governors Conference on Tourism, Director Napper was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions.

Arkansas Director of Tourism Travis Napper

Can you describe your job in one sentence?

   As the Director of Arkansas Tourism, I try to get people to visit the state of Arkansas!

What are the biggest rewards from your job?

   Knowing the impacts that we have in so many communities across the state, from tiny towns to the largest cities. Each destination has something unique to share that travelers will be interested in, and we get to help tell their stories to a larger audience and amplify their message.

What else do you enjoy about the position?

   The places I get to see and promote are incredible and so is learning about the people and stories behind each location.

Should others respect what you do?

   Yes, because we are promoting the act of making lifetime memories and connecting people. Also, if a location is a good place to visit, then it is a good place to live. Tourism is about so much more than traveling – it is also about quality of life.

What place (besides Arkansas) tops your bucket list right now?

   I would love to see Montana.

What place would you like to revisit?

   I would enjoy another visit to Montreal, especially during the summer.

What are some of the best things about Arkansas?

   Arkansas is known as “The Natural State”, so obviously our natural beauty is what stands out. But the joy of promoting an entire state is the diversity of experiences that you get to share. Arkansas has such a great mix, from the capital city of Little Rock in the central part of the state, to the corridor of Fayetteville/Rogers/Bentonville in the northwestern part of the state. We have urban and rural, we have food, fun, art, music…Arkansas really does have all you need.

Finally, what are some of your personal passions?

   That would have to include food, art, and great conversations. In my alone time I enjoy reading. Of course, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love to throw the ball with my son.

About Arkansas Tourism
Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com .

Many thanks to both Director of Tourism Travis Napper and Communications Manager Leah DiPietro for all your great information!

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