In Savannah, it's known as "Midnight", or simply "The Book". The greater world refers to it as "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". Whatever the title, it's difficult to think of a city that invests more of its identity in a single book. From walking tours to driving tours to brochures through conversations around town, John Berendt's best seller touches everything. If you're going to Savannah, you have to read the book.

As important as the book is to an appreciation of Savannah, the city didn't emerge full grown from its pages. The credit for that goes to General James Oglethorpe. A solider, member of Parliament, and visionary, he founded Savannah and the colony of Georgia in 1733 as a venture to benefit indebted Englishmen. Among other reforms, the new city was free from lawyers, slavery, and taverns. Although those things did eventually come, Oglethorpe did leave Savannah the everlasting gift of a city laid out around a series of squares. The design gives the city a unique park like atmosphere that is a major element of Savannah's appeal.

Savannah has a number of distinctive areas and I'll just provide a summary of three of the most popular:

Historic District

Savannah boasts one of the largest National Landmark Historic Districts in the United States. The National Landmark Historic District features thousands of historically-significant buildings, including examples of Federal, Italianate and Victorian architecture. Savannah's 22 squares form the heart and soul of the historic district and are considered to be the city's precious jewels. Each square has its own personality, but they were all the brainchild of General James Oglethorpe, Savannah's founding father.

River Street

River Street is home to more than 70 restaurants, shops, art galleries and hotels, many of which are located in converted cotton warehouses. Once the site of Savannah's bustling port, today River Street welcomes visitors from around the world to enjoy its riverfront charm. Watch the big ships cruise along the Savannah River, stroll down the original cobblestone streets and enjoy the best that Savannah's riverfront has to offer. River Street hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the St. Patrick's Day on the River Festival, Oktoberfest and the Great Atlantic Seafood Festival. Don't miss all the fun!

Tybee Island

Located 15 minutes east of downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a charming beachfront community overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Named by the Native Americans who once populated coastal Georgia, Tybee Island has welcomed Savannah residents and visitors for more than 150 years as a popular spot for swimming, sailing and fishing. With miles of unspoiled sands and plenty of public beaches, Tybee Island offers world-class seafood, spectacular views and a laid-back Key West style. On the way to the beach stop by and tour Fort Pulaski (General Robert E. Lee was one of the engineers who built the fort).