The Armstrong-Kessler House, built in 1919 by George Armstrong, a shipping magnate is today a…read moreprivate home that a few times a year opens up as an event space, mainly for High Society weddings and very exclusive social events...It is not open to the public but many tours stop in front of it and talk about its history and beauty. George Armstrong built this home for his wife. But she preferred living off the lake in North Carolina, so after George's death she donated the home to the city and it became Armstrong College. It remained as Armstrong college for many years until the school outgrew the location. Jim Williams used it during the 1960's as his antique shop, but it didn't work out too well, because he kept locking people in at night, not realizing they were still shopping. Later it became a law firm until 2017, when it was purchased by local hotelier, Richard Kessler. This 25,000 square foot house serves as Kessler's private home today, which can be rented for special occasions. The mansion has become the only Savannah home to be listed in the Italian Renaissance Style in the "Field Guide to American Architecture," as a national best-in-class example of its style.

I was visiting Savannah for the weekend and this landmark was on my list of buildings to visit…read more It's not open for public, it's just open for private and exclusive events. But you can just walk around the building to check it out. It's a registered national landmark. Built in 1919 by George Ferguson Armstrong and designed by world renown architect Henrik Wallin, the original mansion is the only Italian renaissance revival home in Savannah listed in the "A Field Guide to American Houses". It is now a residence to Richard C.Kessler, it was restored by him in 2019. The mansion from the outside looks absolutely stunning and has gorgeous architecture. It's across the famous Forsyth park. Highly recommend taking a stroll around this mansion when you are in Savannah.

Fun and Interesting historical presentation on old site of this fort area. Well spoken guide met us…read morenear parking and welcomed us, began discussion readily, sharing Civil war history. We ambled to park benches as he continued, explaining the importance of the area, and fortifications there, preserved as possible despite nearby modern development. His talk was augmented with a second presentor, in character and costume, to explain local sentiments during war times, with good humor and good understanding of historical local, slave and soldier perspectives. Well done! Well appreciated! Give a listen , everyone! Volunteer guides, money supports local history library.

Civil War History…read more Dining at Old Fort Pub is always preceded by our walking tour of the Civil War fort, Fort Mitchel (one L.) Fort Mitchel and other Union forts, together with a superior Union Navy were Key to ultimate Union victory. Old Fort Pub is closed, and visitors to FT Mitchel have decreased. This Fort played a vital role in Coastal defenses.

This is the site of the first chapel on Hilton Head Island which was completed in 1788. This…read morelocation was the center of activity on the island in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as the chapel was in close proximity to a Militia muster house and a Masonic lodge. It is also home to the oldest existing structure on the island, the Baynard Mausoleum, which was built in 1846 by William Baynard, a wealthy Plantation owner. The cemetery contains the graves and memorials for four Revolutionary War Patriots: Isaac Baldwin, James Davant, John Stoney, and Charles Davant. Charles Davant was ambushed by a Tory militia unit, was mortally wounded, and is the only known Patriot casualty on the island. It is clearly an old and disused cemetery. Some of the headstones are quite worn and impossible to read. There is a small parking area that is accessible from the Matthews Drive ramp. This is history. [Review 14375 overall, round number 1700 of 2020, number 742 in South Carolina.]

It's a small cemetery, loaded with history. Tombstones dating to early and mid 1800's. Each one…read moretells a story. From military grave markers to those of nameless infants and young children. The headstones are beautiful with their patina and age. I recommend watching the video from the historical society that maintains the property as it tells much more about the history of those buried / memorialized in this place. A short visit, well worth the quick stop if you are nearby.

Savannah is a great place to visit. I did not feel unsafe anywhere…read more It has a great restored port area, a huge main street that is not all shuttered, lots of scattered parks, lots of shipping and railroad history.

Did a quick visit and really fell in love with Savannah. There are so many offerings along the…read moremain street of unique boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, etc. It was thriving with energy and people. I did see a lot of tourists. It is hard not to feel something when visiting the beautiful South with the hanging Spanish moss from the big old trees and all the historical buildings.

This marker recalls the history of a local resident. It reads, "This house, built in 1930, is…read moretypical of materials and methods of construction of those built on the South Carolina Sea Islands from the end of the Civil War to the mid-20th century. It was built on land bought after 1865 by William Simmons (ca 1835-1922). Simmons, born a slave, had served in the U.S. Army during the war, enlisting in the 21st U.S. Colored Infantry as Ira Sherman." The house nearby has the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head which appeared closed today. [Review 12417 overall, 2204 of 2019.]

Locking in the love, one padlock at a time…read more You don't need to go to Paris to see a love lock bridge. The picturesque historic district of Savannah, Georgia has its own version of it. The pedestrian bridge is adorned with colorful padlocks that symbolize the love story of lovers who chose to affix one. There are still a lot spaces in the railings of the bridge for more lovers to have the chance to have their locks too. Love Lock Bridge is beyond just romantic couples; but rather, it's all about the unity of the community. The bridge allows the locks of partners of every age, race, and sexual orientation, demonstrating unity in diversity. The bridge can be found in Emmet Park overlooking Savannah River.

Cute bridge for pictures and videos. The view is beautiful for a coffee. I believe you can buy a…read morelock close by.

Located at plot E-98, little Gracie Watson may be the most popular grave at Bonaventure Cemetery…read more Gracie was born in 1883 in Savannah, GA to W.J. and Frances Watson who were from Boston. Gracie's father was the manager of the opulent Pulaski Hotel in downtown Savannah. A beloved only child, she delighted all of the hotel guests who visited until she sadly passed away at the age of six from pneumonia on April 22, 1889, two days before Easter. Gracie initially had a headstone but in 1890 her heart broken father commissioned a sculpture of her likeness using her photograph, from artist John Walz. The marble statue is incredibly detailed and is one of the only headstones in Georgia to be carved in the persons likeness. Through the years local children have left gifts for Gracie at her grave. After the nose of the statue was damaged, the historical society installed a fence around the grave to protect it from further deterioration. Gracie's parents ended up moving back to New England where they are buried. Now Gracie is kept company by the many visitors to Bonaventure cemetery. It is said that her ghost haunts Johnson Square where the Pulaski Hotel used to stand in Savannah.

Since Bird Girl was moved into a museum years ago, the most popular statue/grave to find is that of…read moreGracie Watson. The entire area around here is beautiful. Look up her story and enjoy the browse around this ethereal cemetery while in Savannah.

Happy to have this badge to take us to our happy place at Hilton Head Island. Great to see it…read morecoming in and bittersweet on the way out!

The twin Wilton J Graves bridges carry US-278 between Bluffton SC over the Intracoastal and across…read morePinckney Island to Hilton Head Island. Dedicated in 1982, the bridge has a 65 foot clearance over the water. It is named after a veteran state legislator and highway official. As bridges go, it is tall, sweeping and if you look quickly, as a lovely view of the lowcountry here near Hilton Head Island. [Review 12415 overall, 2202 of 2019.]