The outer regions of Savannah, Georgia, are lined with anonymous strip malls and heavy industry along the busy Savannah River. The numerous military facilities nearby add to the utilitarian impression. All of which left me unprepared for the transformation I experienced entering the inner city.

Savannah is beautiful and human-scaled. The streets are filled with people and families enjoying the parks, which seem to be every two blocks. We immediately parked our car and began rambling through the city’s inviting neighborhoods. Savannah, like some other East Coast cities, Philadelphia’s Old City comes to mind, preserves its colonial roots.

As we moved closer to the river, the live bands and dancing people created a festive air that reminded me of New York’s Geenwhich Village. The city is filled with cafes, chic shops, and art galleries. I saw some posters claiming that Savannah is the Soho of the South.

The cherry on top was arriving at the city’s oldest area and walking the brick-paved streets along the broad Savannah River.

Savannah’s beauty and unique colonial touches make it my favorite southern city. We visited in early spring, and the weather was perfect. Locals caution me that the summers can be sweltering

By the way, all photos are copyrighted by Thomas Hudson.