City Market in Savannah Ga

City Market’s origins date back to 1755 when it became a center of trade for farmers and fishermen. It was also a social gathering place for Savannahians to meet and discuss news and, no doubt, swap tall tales.

Since then it has survived fires, a hurricane, demolition plans and plans to make it a parking lot. As a matter of fact, the battle over City Market instigated the creation of The Savannah Historic Society. However, the face has changed, and will change even more with the re-instatement of Ellis Square, which WAS turned into a parking garage and is now being turned back into a square (I wrote a blog about The Ellis Square Project a few days ago). Ellis Square, once rebuilt, will flow into City Market and will be a huge aesthetic improvement in the area. City Market is located at St. Julian and Jefferson, just steps from River Street.

Now, rather than fisherman selling seafood and farmers selling peas and such, artists are selling paintings from the galleries, shops are selling trinkets, ice cream shops are selling, well, selling ice cream and there are restaurants and bars that have taken the place of wagons full of watermelons, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the social gathering and the tall tales.

One of my favorite places to visit is A.T. Hun, a fun and eclectic art gallery owned by a friend of mine, Chuck Hamilton. If you visit, tell him I sent you (maybe he’ll give me a discount on the next painting I buy). Chuck will have a few tall tales, no doubt.

If you are a steak lover, go to Belford’s – you won’t be disappointed. If you like the blues, slide in to Savannah Blues, or if you want to browse for souvenirs there are several shops throughout the market which is built in a large square with benches and greenery that make strolling around pleasant and visually satisfying . One of my future plans is to buy a condo close to City Market.

And don’t forget the ice cream (there is also a candy shop)!

Later,

Mike from Savannah