southern hospitality

So far this trip has not disappointed. After leaving Charleston, we headed south to Savannah, Ga. This is one place neither of us have ever been to and is considered one of the 10 cities in America that should be visited...so we did.

Not knowing where to begin with only three hours to spend, we went to the Visitors’ Center. There on the bulletin board, almost unnoticeable, was a photo-copied map that showed a bike route around 15 of the 22 “Squares” that Savannah is built around. Each Square is like a beautiful little park, some with monuments, some with fountains, but all with huge trees draped in hanging moss. Around each Square are amazing southern homes, enormous churches and quaint shops. We also rode through Forsyth Park that looks like something out of “Gone with the Wind” or “Forrest Gump.”

This was the best way to see the heart of the city in a very short time.
We parked our bikes near the City Market area and enjoyed wings and beer at “Wild Wings Café” (not to be confused with Buffalo Wild Wings.) We had just enough time to wander through a few shops in the market, loading up on souvenirs for friends and family back home. Back on our bikes we completed the loop ending back at the Visitors’ Center where our car was parked. The city of Savannah did not disappoint us—we liked it as well, if not better, than Charleston because of its quaintness, charm and simplicity. We will go back someday.

Then it was back on the road for a 5-hour drive to Cheaha State Park in the Talladega National Forest, Alabama. We found this camp site by just Googling for an area somewhere an hour west of Atlanta. This has to be one of Alabama’s best kept secrets. What a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Besides great camping for all kinds of campers, there is a hotel, restaurant and store all on the top of Cheaha Mountain—Alabama’s highest point (2,407 feet). The view was almost like the Smokies and since it isn’t well known, it was so peaceful.

We set up camp and enjoyed a great Nathan’s Hot Dog meal, campfire and Jiffy Pop. The deer and squirrels kept a watchful eye on us, but other than that it was like we had the place to ourselves. If you are ever in northeastern Alabama, it’s worth the winding drive to this area.