Would You Spend the Night in America’s Most Haunted City?

Haunted Tours, Spanish Moss, and Family Memories: A Savannah Travel Week

This week was a travel week for me; and a busy one at that! After a packed Monday and Tuesday, I packed my bags on Thursday and headed down to Savannah with my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law.

My mom had never been to Savannah before, especially not during Halloween season, and it’s something she’s always wanted to do. So we decided this October was the perfect time to make it happen. And wow, what a trip it turned out to be.

Savannah is famous for being one of the most haunted cities in America, and after visiting, I can see why. Practically every street corner in the historic district has a story, a ghost, or some eerie local legend attached to it.

We booked an Airbnb right near the heart of the historic area; beautiful old homes, cobblestone streets, and enough spooky charm to make you double-check the locks at night.

Our first night there, we went on one of the city-run ghost tours. It’s a walking tour that gives you some ghost-hunting equipment; little gadgets that supposedly detect energy changes or ghostly “presence.” We didn’t find any spirits that night, but we definitely had fun pretending to be ghostbusters for an hour or two.

Even without a haunting, the atmosphere was incredible. The giant live oaks draped with Spanish moss are something else. They give Savannah this hauntingly beautiful, southern-gothic look that feels like you’re stepping into another time. They’re easily some of my favorite trees anywhere.

The next morning, we visited one of Savannah’s oldest cemeteries, and it was absolutely fascinating. You walk through and see the stories of entire families stretching back hundreds of years; from the colonial days to the Civil War, to the city’s rebuilding afterward.

Savannah’s history is heavy; there were tragedies, epidemics, and wars, but also incredible resilience. One story that stuck with me was about a disease that spread through mosquito bites, possibly typhoid or yellow fever, that struck the city in waves about 20 years apart. Thousands of people died within just a few days of getting sick. It wiped out generations of families and left a lasting mark on the city.

At one cemetery, they believed there were around 700 bodies buried. But after using ground-penetrating radar, they discovered
over 7,000 bodies beneath the ground, victims of those deadly outbreaks. It’s sobering, but also part of what gives Savannah its ghostly reputation.

What really surprised me about Savannah was the ironwork. Every balcony, gate, and railing seemed to be handcrafted and full of detail. In Atlanta, you don’t see much iron anymore; most builders use aluminum since it doesn’t rust. But Savannah’s old iron fences and doors have this timeless character that tells a story of craftsmanship from another era.

One of the most interesting homes we saw was a pair of twin houses built by a man for his two daughters.                               

They were both getting married, on the same day, no less, and he wanted to give them matching homes. Each had its own staircase, front door, and elegant iron rail between them.

Legend has it, the two sisters even argued over who got to choose their house first, despite them being identical. I guess sibling rivalry never really goes away!

The vegetation in Savannah is something you just can’t find anywhere else. Between the live oaks, the crepe myrtles, and the moss-covered walls, it’s like the city was built inside a painting. Even the old brick steps and pathways have moss growing through the cracks; beautiful, green, and full of life.

Now, one thing I will say, the driving down there is a bit wild. The streets are narrow, winding, and full of one-way lanes that don’t always make sense. Some of them were clearly built before anyone thought about cars. It was manageable, but I’ll admit there were a few white-knuckle moments. Still, no accidents so I’ll call that a win.

Our Airbnb was perfect; a cozy, restored home with a small private garden out back that looked like something from a storybook. You could sit out there with a coffee and just listen to the city breathe. It was peaceful in that way only old cities can be.

Meanwhile, back home, Ted is doing great! He’s officially out of the cone, and he’s back to playing with his sister, Luna, like nothing ever happened. He’s got some eye drops for now, but you wouldn’t know he’s missing an eye from the way he runs around. He’s 100% his old self again; happy, goofy, and loving life.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip full of family time, laughter, and a few goosebumps along the way. Between the haunted tours, the architecture, and those enormous trees draped in moss, Savannah really does live up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful (and possibly haunted) cities in America.

It was one of those weeks that reminded me why travel is so important not just to see new places, but to share experiences with the people you love.

Until next time,
Shane

If you're navigating life after an injury, and need someone to fight for you while you focus on healing, In pain, call Shane.

Shane Smith Law | 980-999-9999