BY ANNA GEANNOPOULOS
Looking for an escape from Savannah’s cobbled, squared and developed “downtown”? Want to enjoy the outdoors but are sick of going to the jellyfish-infested beach? Here are a few nearby attractions that have ample room for visitors to explore and enjoy.
You’re never alone when you take a hike through rows of dead people. Old tombstones add ambience to this large plot of land, full of bike paths and great walks. The area contains nearly 100 acres and is just outside of downtown.
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: free, suggested donation for a map
330 Bonaventure Rd.
Take refuge from the busy streets of Southside by wandering through the 10 acres of Botanical Gardens. Behind a variety of flora and fauna (mostly cats) lies a small nature trail (thank you Boy Scouts of America) leading to an outdoor amphitheatre and archaeological study site. There is a pond and many benches to sit on and ponder life.
Hours: Dusk till dawn
Price: Free
1388 Eisenhower Dr.
This former rice plantation is now the site of the 50-acre University of Georgia Cooperative Extension education and demonstration center. After exploring the many garden clusters, you can have a picnic by the pond. There are free self-guided tour maps and seasonal you-pick berries.
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
2 Canebrake Rd.
4. Wormsloe Historic Site
Here lies the estate of Noble Jones who arrived in Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and the first settlers from England. Wormsloe’s tabby ruins are the oldest standing structures in Savannah and also provides great points of interest for your nature hike. Keep an eye out for great colorful lizards and wildlife.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $3.50 – 6 (plus tax)
7601 Skidaway Rd.
5. Fort Pulaski National Monument
Baseball was invented here out of boredom, but don’t let that deter you. There is a plethora of land to run, bike and hike around. For a day trip, take the short lighthouse overlook trail to see Little Tybee lighthouse and a view of the islands, or roam around the historic dike system. Keep an eye out for wild deer.
Hours: Summer hours: Visitor center open from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., Bridge gate closes at 7 p.m.
Price: $5 for a week pass
Off of Highway 80 toward Tybee, Ga.
