While many find the holidays of gift-giving and bringing in the new year more exciting, we think there is something special about Thanksgiving. It’s an opportunity to reflect on, and revel in, what you love about your people, your purpose—and your place.
Ask Savannah locals about the latter, and you’ll have a lot to listen to; they take pride in their city. Why? Well, residents are thankful for life in Savannah because …
It’s Home to World-Class Food and Good Folks
Thanksgiving has long been centered on gathering and eating, but in Savannah, great food and personal connections are fostered year-round. From Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room to Byrd’s Famous Cookies, and all of the nouveau culinary experiences Eastern Wharf will soon offer, the eateries here invite one to discover the work of chefs who have truly mastered their craft.
While on the subject of delicious dishes, we must mention the fresh seafood. Does your Thanksgiving menu feature shrimp and grits or a Lowcountry boil? It probably should. There’s nothing quite like the crustacean cuisine of the South.
The region’s inhabitants are pretty exceptional, too.
During a holiday that often leaves one contemplating priorities, Savannahans need not worry. This is a crowd that never loses sight of what’s important. The people of Savannah embody hospitality, generosity, loyalty, and decency. Everyone says hello, conversations are never hurried, and sharing a meal is what life is all about.
Natural Beauty, Architecture, History—Need We Say More?
Well, we will anyway, because all of this is a prime reason to be thankful for life in Savannah, and thus, it deserves to be talked about!
Imagine yourself walking along cobblestone streets, Spanish moss hanging from ancient live oaks as you glance at shop windows. Savannah is full of gorgeous landscapes—check out Moon River District—highlighted by its well-planned layout (in fact, it’s called “America’s first planned city”). One long-beloved part of its “map” are the buildings. Over the years, architectural luminaries from many schools of thought have brought their vision to the oldest city in Georgia.
The result?
For us, it is an endless fountain of inspiration, as the architects and builders of Upper East River have been continually influenced and guided by the city’s historic structures. From Victorian to Greek Revival to Queen Anne to Art Deco, the styles found in Savannah speak to a rich and diverse history, which can be explored visually from block to block, square to square. New visitors are enchanted by it, and natives are forever in awe.
It’s a good thing too, because a respect for the past and its places has made the city one of the most preserved and restored in the nation. Thanks to the local government, historical societies, and committees, the architecture of Savannah is as impressive today as it ever was.
The community’s dedication to honoring days gone by also means that there are plenty of fascinating tours to take, whether you’re into in-depth chronicles of old or a look at the haunts of ghostly neighbors.
There’s a Lot to Do, Traditional and Trendy
To live in Savannah is to be endlessly engaged and delighted. Festivals, shows, maker workshops, museums and galleries, shopping and antiquing—you name it, there is a wonderful afternoon at the ready. Likewise, the nightlife never disappoints.
Among the many experiences to be had in Savannah, there are a few inimitable standouts. You can ride a steam train at Georgia State Railroad Museum, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which isn’t called “the Sistine of the South” for nothing, is not to be missed.
Thanks to the combination of small businesses, longtime residents, and SCAD’s professors and students, Savannah captures the best of both worlds: old-timey and established meets hip and happening.
The City Is a Hub With Some Cool Spokes
No matter how much you love the place you call home, you’re going to want to do something new now and then, and the charm of a spontaneous weekend trip can be revitalizing.
Such is another benefit of residing in Savannah.
Beaches, rivers, mountains, and forests are all within an hour or two of the city. Not to mention the other sleepy, unique little towns—and more famous ones like Charlotte, North Carolina—that share the South. Traverse the varied landscapes of the great outdoors or absorb the history, culture, and appeal of other nearby hamlets.
The abounding possibilities are certainly a reason to be thankful for life in Savannah.
In addition to all of these qualities we love about our home, we here at Upper East River are grateful for each of our first settlers (four more residents have recently closed on their home and 20 are under contract) and our incredible builders, who are about to add the third story to the very first J.J. Corry warehouse conversion homes.
From our family to yours … Happy Thanksgiving!
