Washington Square Manor

Washington Square is green and lovely, though the local residents I saw there seemed uninterested in engaging with tourists. I walked through one evening and saw neighbors drinking wine and walking their dogs, just as another guide had described. It's the first square I visited in Savannah's historic district. Later, after reading more at home in NYC, I learned it's the only square without a major monument or fountain in the middle. It is also the northeasternmost square, a block from the city's original eastern boundary. From the park's southwest corner, looking west along Congress Street, I noticed gas lighting on nearby homes. I walked past them and also saw the tiny, attractive, historically significant Freeman's Cottage, built in 1820.

That square felt so serene and relaxing, I could easily have stayed there all day. I even felt like Forrest Gump might walk by.

The big, mature trees and open space make Washington Square a pleasant spot for a walk or a bit of rest. It's a charming, historic-feeling park and a peaceful little oasis in the city.

Mostly, nearby residents use this park to walk their dogs. Every so often a few of them gather in the evenings for wine and a chat.