A Wonderful Run in Savannah

Bay Street Savannah

My wife and I took a little holiday in Savannah this weekend.  A chance to recharge the batteries and enjoy a weekend with no responsibilities or cares.  My training schedule called for a 5 mile run on Saturday and I was looking forward to running in a new place.  I had checked out several routes on RunningAhead and MapMyRun and decided on running through most of the squares in the historic area then heading to Forsyth Park.

Oglethorpe Square Savannah

I got up at 7 am ready to go.  The weather was glorious and the sun had just started to peak over the buildings.   I started at the City Market end of Bay Street, its mostly sidewalk covered by live oaks with Spanish moss for decoration.  I was pretty much by myself until I got to Ellis Park where a crew was setting up for the Irish Festival that was happening later that day.  I turned up Houston Street to Washington Square and turn west up Julian to see some of the oldest houses in Savannah and some of the oldest broken sidewalks.

I had to move to the street to save my ankles, fortunately there isn't any traffic in downtown Savannah at 7 on a Saturday morning.  I continued running by the squares one after the other.I run up to Congress St. and took a return tour of the squares then proceeded over a couple of blocks to the next set of squares starting with Green Square.

Telfair Square Savannah

 I ran down the State street side and then doubled back to Bull Street.  The City was starting to stir now.  You could feel the energy building up.  People walking, running, tourists going for breakfast.  It was great.  As I ran up the street toward Forsyth Park, I ran by several more of the famous squares and all the wonderful old architecture.  The Girls Scouts were out and about.  They were having a Bridging Ceremony on the Talmadge Bridge and then meeting at Forsyth Park for a get-together.

Telfair Square Savannah

The lap around Forsyth Park is a little more than a mile.  It has a wonderful fountain in the center and more of the beautiful Live Oaks that are all over the city. Its also the most popular running/walking venue.  There were many people enjoying the beautiful spring morning with a little exercise.  I circled the park, noting the coffee shop at the Park St. named The Sentient Bean.  That deserved a return trip by virtue of its name alone (the coffee was great).

Down Bull Street

I headed back into the district toward the hotel.  When I made it back to the center of the district, a total of 5.25 miles it was nearly 8 am and the place was beginning to bubble with activity.  As I walked by Ellis Square, there were men already beginning cards and checkers and plenty of tourist looking for breakfast.  It was such a great run, I wished I could start all over but I had to go get my wife and begin our tourist activities.  Savannah is a beautiful city and I can't wait to sign up for a race there just to give me an excuse to go back and run through the oaks.

Wright Square Savannah

Thomas-Owens House Savannah

Lafayette Square Savannah