The Great Green South

I took a vacation this year totally based on someone else's Facebook pictures. Liz, spent spring break 2010 in Ft. McAllister GA (near Savannah and Tybee Islad) She posted about 12 pictures on Facebook and I knew I needed to go there...So the planning began. We got one of our favorite travel buddies signed up with us and booked a week at the state park to stay in a Cabin.


What a great trip! Liz's 12 pictures did not do the Savannah area justice. It is picturesque, just like you would imagine with the sweeping spanish moss, mixed up with the palm trees and the occasionally crab, lizard, copperhead snake, flying squirrel, dolphin and skink.

I had not heard of a skink until the brilliant Bryan decided to turn over a log and the most horrible looking reptile slide/walked/slithered away. Yes, I screamed. Louder than I have ever screamed before, causing poor Abby to scream, causing me to pick her up (both still screaming) and run down the trail. I do NOT like Skinks. I did not even like looking at an image of one to post here to show you. (Pause for shiver down my spine)

The copperhead (yes that is a poisonous one) was lying have dead after Bryant (yes the same skink Bryant) mistook it for a stick and hit it with the car. I had a little warning before I viewed that one and was able to peek from the safety of my car.

We also discovered some really fun things, Leopolds Ice Cream (I had Orange Blossom!) Moon River Brewery, The town square where Forrest Gump sat in the movie telling his story, and The lovely sleepy, shaded streets of Savannah. The city is full of history, stories, legends, folklore and superstitions that reminded me of my trip to the Forbidden City in Beijing. But with out the honking, spitting, and 7,000 tour guides.


It is a city after my own heart, slow paced, friendly, unique, eclectic and artistic. It is full of charm from it's people to it's architecture to it's squares. Outdoor cafes, filled with relaxed customers and their dogs, horses and carriages, ice-cream, beer and lots of walking.

And of course there was Tybee Island. What a great beach! I have always enjoyed a good beach and spend many spring breaks in Panama City and Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, but Tybee island has something they don't. Character, the feel of Savannah easily crosses the bridge to Tybee and there is the same eclectic, artistic feel there. There is no "strip" with clubs and wet t-shirt contests. There are no chain restaurants or shopping. It is just a jumble of cottages, beach houses, small condos and boardwalks to the beach. There are bikes and pedestrians everywhere and NOTHING matches.



It was total luxury sitting on the beach watching the tides flow out and dolphins jumping and kids digging holes...I guess that about sums up Spring Break 2011, I hope you all have a chance to find the same great vacation soon!