If you are looking for a beautiful, charming Southern city Savannah, Georgia is your gem.

She is the oldest city in Georgia, one of America's first 13 colonies, founded by British General, James Oglethorpe in 1733.

Savannah will dazzle you with her culture, make you feel comfortable and you will remember her long after you leave.

It is often referred to as the Hostess City of the South and is rich in architectural splendour with its fine old homes and relaxed pace.

From Bermuda it is very accessible with one quick flight to Atlanta, Georgia, the crossroads of the southeastern United States, and then to Savannah in less than an hour of flying time.

Atlanta too has a lot to offer but more as a commercial centre with a quick pace.

Unfortunately General William Sherman laid siege to Atlanta for 117 days in 1864 during the War Between the States.

The city was burned and of the 4,500 building there at the siege only about 400 survived the fire.

General Sherman spared Savannah and presented her as a Christmas gift to President Lincoln in 1864.

She is adored by Southerners who take pride in her historic district along the Savannah River.

Cotton was king here in the early nineteenth century and accounts for the city's opulence and wealth.

Magnificent homes were constructed and Georgia's genteel enjoyed luxuries.

River Street was bustling with ships loading up cotton for export until 1818 when an epidemic of Yellow fever broke out and Savannah was quarantined.

Ships were rerouted to avoid the fever but in many cases never returned to her docks.

The old Savannah Cotton Exchange sits proudly on Bay Street with a lion out front, which is a water fountain.

Eli Whitney built the first cotton gin here in 1793.

Yachts and various sea vessels tie up at her docks today as Savannah has the largest foreign commerce port on the South Atlantic Coast.

There are many fine restaurants along the waterfront and nice shops.

Some of the best places to eat and shop are located between River and Bay Streets.

The food is wonderful and be sure to try some `She Crab Soup'.

History hangs in the air at one of Savannah's most intriguing restaurants, "Pirates' House'' located on 20 East Broad Street.

It is a relaxed city with magnolias and peach trees, loved by tourists who enjoy the colourful flowers, which adorn the wide tree lined streets, small parks and squares on East Broad Street.

People everywhere are so friendly and cheerful and it is a wonderful place for a short family vacation at your own pace.

Savannah is known as one of the best walking cities in the US.

There are a wealth of antique shops near the City Market two blocks from the Savannah River on Jefferson At West Saint Julian Street.

Located there is a four-block courtyard with nine restaurants, 14 shops, 6 art galleries, 23 artist studios, historic tours and 250 years of history.

It may take you a brief period to understand the Southern drawl speech but before you know it you will be saying, "Y'all have a good day, now.'' They are famous for their sweet iced tea so sip a glass after a tour or during any meal.

Locals are sometimes referred to as a `Georgia Peaches' or `Georgia Crackers'.

Some of the historic homes are the Andrew Low House built in 1848 for a cotton merchant on 329 Abercorn Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low House, the birthplace of Juliette the founder of the Girl Scouts.

Don't miss the Flannery O'Connor House, the childhood home of one of America's greatest writers it features a refurbished interior as as well as photographs and artifacts from O'Connor's years in Savannah.

There are many museums to see such as the Savannah History Museum, housed in the former Central of Georgia Railway station which features exhibits telling the story of Savannah from 1733 to the present. It is located on 303 Martin Luther Kings, Jr. Blvd.

Ships of the Sea Museum is a maritime museum housed in the restored Scarborough House and offers exhibits about maritime culture, ships and commerce and located on 41 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

In the Savannah area, located off US 80, is Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum featuring Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse and a museum devoted to the history of Tybee Island.

Staying in the historic district can be educational and interesting as you will be within walking distant of the river area and the many gardens.

Excellent accommodation can be found at the Rivers St. Inn on 115 E River Street or the East Bay Inn on 225 E. Bay St.

The Chamber of Commerce will be a good reference source of places to stay.

The taxi fares within the downtown area are fair value. The airport is about 16 miles from downtown Savannah and car rentals are available.

Savannah does a lot of celebrations and festivals. During the month of May there is a Shakespeare Festival and on River Street there is a Seafood Festival and an Arts Festival. Savannah Jazz Festival will be in September.

If you are into nature you might enjoy learning about the ecosystem of Savannah's waterways and barrier island on an Eco Adventure Cruise.

Indulge in a fine meal at River's End restaurant then cruise down Wilmington River to Bonaventure Cemetery and listen to stories about some of the residents.

Transportation to the marina for groups can be arranged through Bull River Adventure Cruises. Check out their web site: (www.bullriver.com).