Adventure: Savannah + Tybee Island + Skidaway Island

This morning I am reminiscing on our recent adventure to Savannah, Georgia and Tybee Island. When I finally decided that I wanted to run a half marathon, my husband surprised me with a ticket to run at Skidaway Island, which is only 20 or so minutes from Savannah. We did took the camper, and stayed at Rivers End Campground which is on Tybee Island.

 I have compiled a list of things that we did in all three locations, and this list is going to look a lot different then other recommendations for this area. Why will it look different?

(thats why)

Check out Tybee Island: On Tybee Island we made sure to visit the North and South Beach. The North End was only four blocks from our campground, so we were able to get there very quickly. If you decide to drive to any of the beaches, make sure you bring some change or your card to pay for parking (which was about $3-$4). On the North End, is the 154 foot Tybee Island Lighthouse (which you are able to take a tour to the top). There are a few restaurants and also showers and restrooms at this location.

On the South End of the island, you have more shops and restaurants, and this area of the beach is much busier. Both beaches were not overcrowded, and not too wild (perfect for the little bitties).

*I have read a lot about the sand flies that are on the beach, but we did not experience any while we were there. We also went towards the end of March, so during warmer months you might experience them.*

Fort Pulaski: This National Monument is only a five minute drive from Tybee Island. The Fort is on its own island called Cockspur Island, which has its own Lighthouse as well. The Fort housed Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. There are bunkers, cannon firing demonstrations, and a real moat…perfect for history nerds (like us).

Downtown Savannah: 

Let me start off by saying be prepared for a hard time to find parking(and yes you need to pay). So a large jacked up truck is not ideal in the city...although we made it work.

Now with that said, the Downtown area is absolutely picturesque with the Spanish moss hanging from the Oak trees, and the uneven cobblestone streets. You also have your horse and carriages that go by, and the historic homes that date back as early as the 18^th century. We eventually found parking, packed a diaper bag full of snacks, and put our BOB stroller to use. 

• Visit the romantic squares like Chippewa Sqaure, that was the filming spot for one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump. You won’t be able to find the bench he sat on (its in the Savannah Museum), but you will be able to see the church and the Oglethorpe Statue,that was in the movie. In Johnson Square, you may be able to catch an outdoor market like we did. This square features a fountain, and sits right across the street from Savannah’s City Hall.

• Forsyth Park and Colonial Park Cemeteryare a must. Forsyth Park is in the Historic District and it has the large white fountain, that sits in the midst of 30 acres. This green grass stretches as far as the eye can see, giving you plenty of space to let you (your antsy toddler) roam free. There also are two playgrounds, hammock spaces, and plenty of room for a picnic in the sun. Colonial Park Cemetery was a great place to walk around or have a snack break. Sounds odd to do it in a cemetery, but many people were using it as a regular park. The 18th-19th century gravesites are shaded by the Live Oak trees with the Spanish Moss blowing in the breeze. 

(Travelers Etiquette: Do yourself and someone else a favor. Everyone wants THAT picture in front of the fountain…but you can tell no one wants to ask someone to take a picture for them. That was me! I really wanted a picture of all three of us…so I found this cute young couple that had that exact look. They wanted a picture, but didn’t want to ask. I made them a deal; if they took a picture of us, then I would take a picture of them. I would do several pictures. Portrait Mode. Instagram worthy. Whatever they wanted…if they could get one picture of us. And we both got what we wanted!)

·        Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: 

     

I love old Cathedrals! You can see this picture at the top of this guide. 

·        Run a race on Skidaway Island: I ran my first half marathon on Skidaway Island (which is about a 25 minute drive to Savannah). Georgia University also has a campus there for their students studying oceanography. I ran the Optim Orthopedics Skidaway Marathon, Half and 5k. This race takes you through a gorgeous gated community that is on a golf course with ocean, lake and marsh views through the run. Savannah also hosts many races throughout their historic and downtown districts…so this will give you an excuse to make a trip down there.

Have you been to Savannah, Skidaway or Tybee Island? What was your 

favorite part?