Jim Morekis - Moon Savannah: With Hilton Head

River Street.

In an increasingly homogenized society, Savannah is one of the last places where eccentricity is celebrated and even encouraged. This outspoken, often stubborn determination to make ones own way in the world is personified by the old Georgia joke about Savannah being the capital of the state of Chatham, the county in which it resides. In typical contrarian fashion, Savannahians take this nickname as a compliment.

Savannah was built as a series of rectangular wards, each constructed around a central square. As the city grew, each square took on its own characteristics, depending on who lived on the square and how they made their livelihood. Sounds simpleand it is. Thats why its effectiveness has lasted so long.

It is this individuality that is so well documented in John Berendts Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The squares of Savannahs downtowna National Landmark Historic District since 1965are also responsible for the citys walkability, another defining characteristic. Just as cars entering a square must yield to traffic already within, pedestrians are obliged to slow down and interact with the surrounding environment, both constructed and natural. You become participant and audience simultaneously, a feat made easier by the local penchant for easy conversation.

Savannah is also known for being able to show you a rowdy good time, and not only during its massive world-famous St. Patricks Day celebration. Savannahians will use any excuse for a party, exemplified by the citys very liberal open-container law. It is this sort of freedom of merriment that captures Savannahs essence.

So go on, join in the funyou may even learn something new about yourself.

Historic Tours: The historic downtown area of Savannah is best experienced on foot or by carriage (

Southern Cuisine: Some of Americas finest award-winning chefs ply their trade in this city, serving up dishes both homestyle and high style ().

Festival Fever: St. Patricks Day is famous in Savannahcome find out why ().

Cemetery Scenery: For both intriguing American history and scenic beauty, check out Bonaventure Cemetery ().

African American Heritage: Savannahs history is black history, from the oldest black congregation in North America to the living legacy of the Gullah from the nearby Golden Isles ().

Forsyth Park: This verdant expanse ringed by old live oaks and chockablock with memorials is the true center of downtown life ().