Live oak festoon with Spanish moss draped carelessly from a limb. Dirt roads that lead deep into the graveyard that is the final resting place for both the famous and not so famous. A beautiful resting place for many of Georgia's historically important founders and governors, Bonaventure Cemetery makes an excellent stop on any tour of Savannah. This is the most famous cemetery in Savannah Georgia. It is set on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, one of the most scenic places in the USA.

Bonaventure means "good fortune" in French, and it was the good fortune of John Mulryne and Josiah Tattnall that created this cemetery. Both were large landholders in Georgia, but they much more in common than owning the land that became the cemetery. Mulryne, who built the third Tybee Lighthouse in 1773, was Tattnell's father-in-law and owner of Bonaventure, his plantation home. It was a family cemetery on the plantation that formed the nucleus of the present-day Bonaventure Cemetery.

During the American Revolution both Mulryne and Tattnell declared themselves as Loyalists (loyal to the king of England). A short time later Royal Governor James Wright spent the night at Mulryne's home while on the way to meet the British fleet at Tybee Roads. He was afraid to stay at his own estate not far from Bonaventure because the Patriots might find him.

In 1777 the state "nationalized" all Torie holdings in Georgia, giving them to Patriots like John Habersham, who received Mulryne's Bonaventure. During the Siege of Savannah the estate was used by the French Admiral Valerie D'estaing as a hospital. Josiah Tattnall Jr., son of Josiah Tattnall returned home and purchased the land from Habersham.

Tattnall continued to use the family burial ground established by Mulryne, and was buried next to his wife when he died at the age of 38. When his son Commander Josiah Tattnall III sold the property in 1848 roughly seventy acres were set aside as a cemetery.

When Naturalist John Muir wrote about Bonaventure Cemetery in his 1867 book "A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf," it was mostly the family cemetery today known as "Old Bonaventure."

Beginning n 1868 plots in privately-held Evergreen Cemetery were sold. In 1907 the city purchased the cemetery and renamed it Bonaventure, in honor of the former owner's home.

In 1994 interest in the cemetery peaked with the publication of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," a quirky murder mystery partly set in the historic cemetery. The 1997 Clint Eastwood film of the same title featured scenes filmed in the "New Bonaventure Cemetery."

Johnny Mercer is probably the most famous person buried there - at least to the "fifty-something" crowd - and Conrad Aiken to those a few years older. Civil War buffs can find the graves of Claudius Charles Wilson, involved in the early skirmishing along the Chickamauga River that precipitated the battle of Chickamauga. Josiah Tattnall, captain of the Confederate Navy who returned after the war to Savannah, and Henry Rootes Jackson, the lawyer/poet who had a successful military career until his capture at Nashville in 1864.

Founders buried at the cemetery include Noble Wimberly Jones, who was an early radical Patriot in the American Revolution, and Edward Telfair, an active Patriot who went on to become governor.

Additionally, a small section of the cemetery is designated as a veteran's cemetery.

THIS IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT IN THE SAVANNAH AREA:

In the 1930’s before there was “The Crab Shack,” these four acres of high ground meandering along the banks of Chimney Creek was outfitted as place for locals to put their boats in the water, buy bait, pick up a few “necessaries” - of which cold beer was one. Over the years, the owners (at the time) allowed a few small camper trailer owners to rent space on the grounds. The name Chimney Creek Fishing Camp became synonymous with good fishing trips, camping trips, or just sitting around the pot-bellied stove in the concrete block building called the “marina” and telling lies about fish caught…or not. Some locals docked their boats, some used the hoist, but they all stopped in now and again to have a cold beer and tell a tall tale.

Jack and Belinda Flanigan were living in Atlanta, Georgia in 1983 when they read a “fish camp for sale” ad in the newspaper. Having left Savannah and Hinesville, respectively, for Atlanta, they both knew the area well and longed for a kinder, gentler lifestyle. So, they made an offer, bought the place, and moved to Tybee. They worked hard running the fishing camp and marina while studying for their Captain’s licenses. After getting the official “Captain” titles, they added Charter fishing services to the operation with Jack running offshore Charters in The Creek 1, (which is still docked in the number one position at the marina to this day), and Belinda running inshore fishing trips in a smaller boat (which is still on the property, too.) The fishing was great. There were plenty of delectably fat blue crabs to be had by just throwing a trap in the creek, and a shrimp net tossed off the back of either charter boat brought enough tasty crustaceans for a good low country boil. Everyone wanted a place to gather and cook these gifts from the sea. Tybeenians love to gather around food – particularly seafood. The location was great, the sunsets were beautiful, the weather was right, and no one knows at which of these “gatherings” the Crab Shack was born.

But it happened. A table here, a table there. More people – locals at first, then friends of locals, then friends of friends, then strangers and then a business license. Still just a few tables with Jack cooking and Belinda waiting tables. Just a few hours a day a few days a week – still running the marina and fishing camp and charters. Then, folks wanted a libation with their seafood. Jack and Belinda and some friendly locals came together. Just like the old fashioned “barn raising,” a “bar raising” was accomplished on the day the first liquor license was granted to The Crab Shack. That first “bar” for the Crab Shack now serves as the hostess station.

The first menu was drawn on a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood and hung on a wall where it could be seen from all six tables. That same menu is proudly hung over the front door of the main dining room today, but has been replaced for customers with placement sized renditions and many, delicious additions.

The outdoor restroom building is the same building that was constructed as restrooms for the fishing village on the property during the 50’s.

The Gift Shack and aviary is the same building that housed the marina and bait shop since the 30’s.

When you think about it, with all the relics of it’s “old days” still being in use or displayed today, it could be called The “Crab-sonian Institution.”

The Crab Shack wasn’t a plan. It was a serendipitous happening. But, it has been carefully managed as it morphs and grows so that the ambiance of it’s creek bank location, the lushness of the hundred year old live oaks dotting the property, the freedom of dining al fresco while watching dolphin play in the creek, and the taste of seafood so fresh you want to slap it, will never be lost.

It has grown. Oh, has it grown. Since that first license as a restaurant in 1987 till now, it has outstripped anything ever imagined by anyone involved in the process. But it is still a little slice of paradise, located just off Highway 80 east on Tybee Island. Y’all Come

The Battle for Fort Pulaski in April 1862 marked a turning point in military history. It featured the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat. These accurate, long-range weapons shattered Fort Pulaski's walls from over a mile away. After thirty-hours of bombardment, the fort surrendered. The battle surprised military strategists worldwide, signaling the end of masonry fortifications.

On the bluff facing the Savannah River are nine blocks of renovated cotton warehouses that house about eighty restaurants, pubs, night spots, hotels, shops, galleries, and boutiques. Adding to the sight-seeing is a working harbor of huge, building-size cargo ships, tug boats, and sailing ships that are seen plowing the murky waters of the Savannah River. During the day, families stroll alongside the river, eating ice cream cones and browsing in gift shops. At supper-time, people are seen feasting on seafood and steaks in some of Savannah's best restaurants. Come sundown, Savannah's night life kicks in, and couples amble through the streets as live music reverberates out of pubs and nightclubs.

It hasn't always been this way. T he city had turned its back on the historic waterfront, which was abandoned and deteriorating when a wide-ranging group of civic leaders joined forces in the early 1970s to create the River Street Urban Renewal Project. When the work was finished in 1977, approximately 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse space on the historic waterfront had been transformed into Savannah's most popular tourist attraction. Additional improvements have produced an attractive city park that hosts many festivals and special events.

The ambiance of the waterfront is an atmospheric fusion of nineteenth century old-world charm and twentieth century tourist potpourri. Stony ramps that connect Bay Street with River Street are made of English ballast stones, which gave schooners added stability for their trips from Europe, only to be thrown out and replaced with cotton bales in Georgia. The stones were used in buildings and walkways, and became the foundation of ballast stone islands found today in river channels.

Along the waterfront are two memorials worth closer examination. One is the Waving Girl, a 1971 statue by Felix De Weldon that honors Florence Martus, a Savannahian who greeted every ship entering the port from 1887 to 1931 by waving a cloth from her home on Elba Island. The other is a memorial to the 1996 Olympics, during which Savannah hosted the yachting event.

On the bluff next to Bay Street are the gold-domed City Hall, Factors Walk, and Emmet Park. City Hall was built in 1905 on the site of the Old City Exchange. Notice the bench commemorating Oglethorpe's landing on February 12, 1733. Factors Walk once housed the offices of nineteenth century cotton merchants. Today, a variety of businesses call it home. Of interest to the historian are the Washington Guns, presented by George Washington when he visited Savannah in 1791. The bronze cannons were captured from the British at Yorktown.

Some of our favorite restaurants on River Street include:
Bayou Cafe: A Savannah tradition. Great Cajun and Italian seafood specialties. The best live entertainment nightly. A real cajun good time ... THEY GUARANTEE! 912-233-6411
Bernie's River Street: Affordable, delicious and fun. Bernie's offers fresh oysters, shrimp, great sandwiches, salads and the best Bloody Mary in town. Live music every weekend. 912-236-1827
Boar's Head: Grill & Tavern USDA Steaks, live Maine lobster, local seafood, and sinfully delicious desserts. Full bar. Fine wines. 912-651-9660 www.savannahmenu.com/boarshead
Chart House: Fine dining with an excellent view of the Savannah River. 912-234-6686
Chuck's Bar: Come meet your friends at Chuck's Bar on River Street. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, happy hour Monday through Friday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Free pool on Wednesday. Art shows held monthly. See you at Chuck's! 912-232-1005
Cobblestone Cafe: The galley in the alley. Breakfast served all day, starting at 7:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner. Friendly service. Quaint atmosphere. At River Street and Barnard Street Ramp. 912-231-0701
Dockside Seafood Restaurant and Steakhouse: Waterfront dining inside or outside Georgia's oldest stone and masonry building. Featuring fresh seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and daily lunch, dinner and dessert specials. River Street's only family oriented restaurant without a bar! 912-236-9253
Fiddler's Crab House: Featuring great drinks and great times. Enjoy their warm Fiddler hospitality. 912-644-7172 http://savannahmenu.com/view_restaurant.cfm?ID=189
Huey's Restaurant: Authentic New Orleans Creole and Cajun cuisine and other southern dishes. Enjoy Mardi Gras on River Street. 912-234-7385 www.savannahmenu.com/hueys
Kevin Barry's Irish Pub & Restaurant: Traditional Irish pub music nightly. Beautiful glass-enclosed balcony overlooking the Savannah River. Great food served until 2:00 a.m. 912-233-9626 www.savannahmenu.com/kevinbarrys
River Street Oyster Bar: Featuring Savannah's Favorite and Freshest Seafood. Happy hour daily. Nightly specials. 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 912-232-1565.
River Street River Boat Company: Savannah River Queen / Georgia Queen. Dinner Entertainment, Sunday Brunch and Saturday Luncheon Cruises are available with Savannah's premier cruise line. 912-232-6404 www.savannahriverboat.com
The Cotton Exchange Tavern: Great Food and Fun Since 1971. This restored 1790 cotton warehouse is home to Savannah's premier casual dining experience. 912-232-7088
The River Grill: Steaks, Seafood, ribs, sandwiches, and salads. Reasonably priced menu and complete bar in a relaxed atmosphere. 912-234-5588.
The Warehouse Bar & Grill: Featuring a delicious assortment of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and the BEST BURGER IN TOWN! Enjoy pool tables, a large screen TV, and great food - all in an historic cotton warehouse. Cold beer, Good food, Great times! Open seven days. 912-234-6003.
Tubby's Tank House: Featuring the freshest local seafood and the best balcony for viewing the river and the passing parade of interesting people. 912-233-0770 www.savannahmenu.com/tubbys
Wet Willie's: Home of the world's greatest daiquiris. A must place to visit for good drinks, good food and good times! 912-233-5650

The city of Savannah, Georgia was originally laid out in 1733 around four open squares. The plan anticipated growth of the city and thus expansion of the grid; additional squares were added during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and by 1851 there were twenty-four squares in the city. In the early twentieth century, three of the squares were demolished or altered beyond recognition, leaving twenty-one squares. (One of the three is currently being reclaimed.) Most of Savannah's squares are named in honor or in memory of a person or persons or a historical event, and many contain monuments, markers, memorials, statues, plaques, and other tributes.
The city of Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. Although cherished by many today for their aesthetic beauty, the first squares were originally intended to provide colonists space for military exercises. The original plan resembles the layout of contemporary military camps, which were likely quite familiar to General Oglethorpe. The layout was also a reaction against the cramped conditions that fueled the Great Fire of London in 1666, and there is speculation that Oglethorpe's military studies had made him familiar with the similar layout of Beijing.
A square was established for each ward of the new city. The first four were Johnson, Wright, Ellis, and St. James (now Telfair) Squares, and themselves formed a larger square on the bluff overlooking the Savannah River. The original plan actually called for six squares, and as the city grew the grid of wards and squares was extended so that twenty-four squares were eventually created at the nodes of a six-by-five grid. (Two points on this grid were occupied by Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750, and four others—in the southern corners of the downtown area—were never developed with squares.) When the city began to expand south of Gaston Street, the grid of squares was abandoned and Forsyth Park was allowed to serve as a single, centralized park for that area.
All of the squares measure approximately 200 feet from north to south, but they vary east to west from approximately 100 to 300 feet. Typically, each square is intersected north-south and east-west by wide, two-way streets. They are bounded to the west and east by the south- and north-bound lanes of the intersecting north-south street, and to the north and south by smaller one-way streets running east-to-west and west-to-east, respectively. As a result, traffic flows one way—counterclockwise—around the squares, which thus function much like traffic circles.
Each square sits (or, in some cases, sat) at the center of a ward, which often shares its name with its square. The lots to the east and west of the squares, flanking the major east-west axis, were considered “trust lots” in the original city plan and intended for large public buildings such as churches, schools, or markets. The remainder of the ward was divided into four areas, called tythings, each of which was further divided into ten residential lots. This arrangement is illustrated in the 1770 Plan of Savannah. The distinction between trust lot and residential lot has always been fluid. Some grand homes, such as the well-known Mercer House (also featured on this page), stand on trust lots, while many of the residential lots have long hosted commercial properties.
All of the squares are a part of Savannah's historic district and fall within an area of less than one half square mile. The five squares along Bull Street — Monterey, Madison, Chippewa, Wright, and Johnson — were intended to be grand monument spaces and have been called Savannah's "Crown Jewels." Many of the other squares were designed more simply as commons or parks, although most serve as memorials as well.
Architect John Massengale has called Savannah's city plan "the most intelligent grid in America, perhaps the world," and Edmund Bacon wrote that "it remains as one of the finest diagrams for city organization and growth in existence." The American Society of Civil Engineers has honored Oglethorpe’s plan for Savannah as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and in 1994 the plan was nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The squares are a major point of interest for millions of tourists visiting Savannah each year, and they have been credited with stabilizing once-deteriorating neighborhoods and revitalizing Savannah's downtown commercial district.

Carriage Tours of Savannah: Experience Historic Savannah in style. Ride in nostalgic horse-drawn carriages. Day and Evening Tours. (912) 236-6756 http://www.savannahgeorgia.com/carriagetours/index.htm

Ghost Talk Ghost Walk: Enjoy a tour of Savannah's haunting tales while leisurely walking through the enchanting squares of historic Savannah with your experienced host. (912) 233-3896 www.savannahgeorgia.com/ghosttalk

Oglethorpe Trolley Tours: Enjoy the beauty and charm of Savannah's premier Historic District aboard a climate controlled mini-bus. (912) 233-8380 www.oglethorpetours.com
Old Savannah Tours: Old Savannah tours is the only locally owned and operated Trolley Tour Company in Savannah. For over 25 years we have been providing both overview and on-off tours of this beautiful historic city. (800) 517-9007 www.oldsavannahtours.com

Old Town Trolley: Join us, as our expert tour conductors relate the history, legend and lore which has shaped Savannah into a unique place that is known both as one of the most romantic and most haunted cities in America. (912) 233-0083 www.historictours.com/savannah

River Street Riverboat Company: Savannah River Queen/Georgia Queen. Come aboard for 1 hour Narrated Sightseeing or 1 1/2 hour Moonlight Entertainment Cruises. (912) 232-6404 www.savannahriverboat.com

Savannah Under the Stars: A comprehensive evening city tour at two and half centuries of history. Featuring the renown churches, museums, birthplaces, Historic River Street and City Market. (912) 898-1805 www.savannahgeorgia.com/underthestars

Savannah Under the Stars: A comprehensive evening city tour at two and half centuries of history. Featuring the renown churches, museums, birthplaces, Historic River Street and City Market. (912) 898-1805 www.savannahgeorgia.com/underthestars

Architectural Tours Of Savannah: Architectural tours of Savannah exists to inform visitors, locals and anyone else interested in Savannah's story about this beautiful city's built environment. (912) 604-6354 www.architecturalsavannah.com

Historic Savannah Carriage Tours: We are pleased to offer you Historic Savannah Carriage Tours large and extensive list of tours and services that we offer all visitors and inhabitants of Savannah. From a casual public history tour to a lavish wedding carriage, we can provide you with the perfect tour experience. (888) 837-1011 www.savannahcarriage.com

Dolphin Magic: Ride Savannah’s Largest Dolphin Watching Vessel & See Historic Savannah Landmarks Plus Two Forts and Two Lighthouses! (800) 721-1240 www.dolphin-magic.com

Dolphin Plus: A one of a kind land and sea package offered only by Dolphin Plus Jet Boat Tours. This tour combines scenic intra-coastal waterway views in route to Daufauskie Island, South Carolina and five hours of island tour time on your private golf cart. (912) 727-2297 www.dolphinplusfun.com

Hauntings Tours: Experienced guides conduct captivating tours to legendary locations every night. Based on a variety of reliable sources, the tours incorporate verifiable eyewitness accounts but primarily follow two books: Savannah Spectres and Drums and Shadows. (912) 234-3571 www.hauntingstour.com

See Savannah: Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a trip through Savannah's past with emphasis on the architecture and ironwork visible today. (912) 234-3571 www.seesavannah.com