Looking for Forrest Gump in Savannah
Forrest Gump was so right when he said, “Life is a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
I have been traveling around the United States for decades but only recently did I discover the most amazing city where history resonates into the present and timeless memories stand still. Welcome to Savannah, the sultry southern belle of the Georgian coast.
It was on a lone bench here in the scenic Forsythe Park that Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump delivered his famous line.
The minute you drive through the oak tree-lined streets of Savannah, with the dramatic Spanish moss that appear like velvet trellises draped on the centuries-old branches, you feel transported to a land where history beckons.
An invitation from the Savannah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau presented various activities to embark on. From historic, epicurean, shopping, ghost tours — so many to choose from that you are simply spoiled for choice. I wish I had visited Savannah much earlier because just to be within the presence of this glorious city, one will feel so blessed to embrace its rich culture, nostalgic tales of yesteryear and its over 300 historic homes preserved as pillars of stellar southern hospitality like no other. I thought I was dreaming as we drove by the architectural marvels — each with its own charm and story to share.
At the home of Julia Low, the indefatigable founder of the Girl Scouts movement, my significant other Tony Rodriquez and I learned how this amazing woman established this organization upon the influence of the Boys Scouts who obviously did not accept girls. Low, who had no children of her own, found her calling in this group that taught values worth emulating. She taught that love for God, country and others are sustainable and universal causes that synergized women from all walks and cultures of life.
From the popular movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which was filmed here in 1997, we got a glimpse of the true incidents that surrounded the murder in the home of wealthy contractor Jim Williams, whose love for restoration and preservation of centuries-old homes was simply infectious. The film, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring John Cusack and Kevin Spacey, popularized Savannah as an illustrious gem for its charming people, antebellum homes and atmosphere of southern charm. 
The well-preserved antiquated homes each have their own treasured stories to tell and you are immediately star-struck as to which story you wish to hear first. These many homes have been lovingly restored for posterity, to preserve the collections of real people who lived here and grew in love with this luxurious kind of lifestyle. Not to be disregarded are the many tales of valor and even eccentricities that abound here. After all, Savannah is among the oldest cities in America. It has even acquired the reputation of being America’s Most Haunted City and you will soon find that out for yourself.
As the moon reached its shimmery summit, we rode the horse-drawn carriage as we embarked on the famous ghost tour. We tugged each other in fright as our tour guide explained tales of horror and hauntings about the centuries-old homes. We ventured towards the Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the most historic and beautiful in the western world and learned that many slaves died of various illnesses and their bodies were buried in shallow graves. Our guide explained, “There are times today that workers accidentally hit some bones and skeletons when some electrical wires have to be submerged in the ground!”
Savannah is also the first city to have the a steamship to cross America, it has Georgia’s oldest African-American community and it was here where John Wesley, the Christian theologian, first preached his first sermon.
In retrospect, we learned during a walking tour that it was on Feb. 12, 1733 that the city of Savannah was founded by General James Oglethorpe, a nobleman of King George II of England. In 1754, Georgia was declared a royal colony with Savannah as its state capital. The city was under the control of General Sherman during the Civil War. In the period after that, Savannah flourished as a major producer of cotton ushering in a new era of prosperity.
The city is also home to some of the most beautiful historic churches, synagogues and cemeteries: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Sorrel Weed House, and the Laurel Grove Cemetery among others. The well-planned city offering 24 charming squares where oak trees, Formosa and azaleas line flowing fountains. These squares are spacious parks where children and adults can enjoy their own expanse between the fine homes of grandeur and history.
Our home away from home in sultry Savannah was the Hamilton Turner Inn, voted as the best B&B for 2012 by Travel & Leisure. The most photographed inn, this retreat has been lovingly restored to its grandeur, luxury and elegance. This sublime inn-timacy created by its gracious owners who are also the innkeepers Gay and Jim Dunlop goes beyond the delicious chocolates, cookies, bed & breakfast that they lovingly serve. Here, you can feel their loving kindness, their desire to make you feel like welcomed guests in a fabulous setting that depicts the charmed hospitality that the south is renowned for.
Over a hearty breakfast of Eggs Benedict, cereal and fresh bread and freshly squeezed juice, Jim shared that the Hamilton mansion was the first residence in Savannah with electricity. It was only in 1883 when electric lights were installed in the salon. Dr. Francis Turner purchased the house from the Hamilton estate and lived there until 1926, when they opened the house up for boarding. The Turner family sold the house to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in 1965. Over the next 30 years the Hamilton-Turner House — under several owners and management — was an apartment building. The Hamilton-Turner mansion was converted into an inn in 1997. The present owners who are also the innkeepers are responsible for the restoration of the property to its original grandeur.
No visit to Savannah is complete without enjoying River Street. We strolled by the waterfront and enjoyed our favorite Creole dish called Crayfish Etoffey or fresh seafood simmered slowly in soulful herbs and spices. Chilled white zinfandel wine, luscious butter-pecan pie and apple crumble with custard cream complemented the delightful meal. 
Around River Street, admire the nostalgic brown-bricked wharf buildings with wisteria-covered walls that once-upon-a-time was home to thousands of sailors, longshoremen, merchants and laborers. Just picture in your mind lovely debutantes in their fabulous gowns nervously aboard a dapper carriage down the street to meet their ardent suitors, gone for too long on a voyage. Take a photo beside the Waving Girl, a statue of Florence Martus, a local resident who for years patiently awaited docking ships. Legend narrates she waited each day for 44 long years in anticipation of her beloved sailor who never returned to her. No monument exists in Savannah that epitomizes its Southern charm and hospitality more than this statue.
Savannah is simply stunning. I still vividly recall how my feet stepped unevenly on the cobblestone streets, the gaslight lamps flickered on, enticing one and all to continue the journey through the low hanging veils of Spanish moss that thrive in the heavy, humid air. A synergy of the climate, the congenial locals, the distinguished architecture and the aura of savoir faire that the city embraces. As seamlessly and gracefully as Savannah preserves a nostalgic bygone era, the city incited you to bring life down to a slow and comfortable pace.
As the street musicians played their soulful music along the River Street encouraging visitors to return, one is warmly compelled to stay longer. One thing is for sure — you be well cared for by the “Hostess City of the South.”
If Savannah were a box of chocolates, you would certainly love every single bite of the confection, no matter what you get.
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For more information, contact the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to San Francisco daily. For reservation please call 855-8888. Take a domestic flight from San Francisco to Savannah Hilton Head International Airport.
E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.
