Savannah, Georgia, is one of the most haunted cities in the Southern United States. Since both editors of Up the Staircase are big fans of the paranormal and the unknown, this was a major deciding factor for where we would go for our yearly summer adventure. This aspect, along with the beauty and mystery of Savannah made for an inspiring and unforgettable trip.

We decided to stay at the quaint Forsyth Park Inn, which is a bed and breakfast located directly across from the famous Forsyth Park and beautiful water fountain. Our stay at the inn was relaxing, comfortable, and the friendly staff were willing to give us directions to the best places to go in town to eat and drink. The breakfast was delicious, with fresh coffee, juice served every morning. The first morning we were served french toast with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Our second morning we had a savory breakfast of biscuits and gravy, with bacon and fresh garden tomatoes. The Inn was in perfect walking distance from many restaurants, bars, and antique shops.

Tour buses in all shapes, sizes, and colors (one tour was even given in a hearse) dotted the narrow streets. The trees were towering, yet delicate, draped in Spanish moss, and giving off the subtle aura of true southern living. People, both tourists and locals, walked the sidewalks peeking into windows of unique furniture stores, or strolled through the park. Stephanie and I decided to take a walk through the park on a breezy and sunny afternoon. It was here that we met Earl, a fellow writer, who goes by the name the Ghetto Child. (Click here for the full Ghetto Child story!)

Stephanie and I decided to visit the much talked about Sweet Leaf Restaurant during our stay. We were not disappointed. The Sweet Leaf Smokery and Eatery is a casual dining establishment in Savannah, Georgia that appeals to both locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is natural yet intoxicating, with eclectic art pieces and sculptures dangling from the ceiling and ornamenting the counter top. Old photographs and portraits decorate the walls as a blend of southern rock, blues, and traditional country music drifts through the restaraunt. The table tops are collages of inspiring and amusing quotes, words, and pictures that provide an entertaining way to pass the time while waiting for your meal to arrive. One wall is comprised of a giant chalk board where employees and previous patrons have written messages or drawn personalized graffiti.

The Sweet Leaf was comfortable and welcoming. The friendly waiting staff even gave us directions to the best bars and hangouts in the city. When our food arrived we were more than pleased. The simple, yet savory dishes of a Smoked Tofu Wrap and Smoked Chicken Pesto Panini were satisfying and delicious. Although we opted for lemonade and soda, the diner also offered a wine and beer list, which many of the other customers were taking full advantage of.

The Sweet Leaf was a noteworthy chapter in our trip to Savannah. It was an experience that we believe must be personally had to fully grasp. We highly reccomend checking it out for yourself if you ever find yourself in the area.

We also visited the Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah's largest graveyard. We spent over three hours driving, walking, and admiring the transfixing tombstones, statues, and columns. We took many pictures in the cemetery, a lot of which can be spotted on this latest issue of Up the Staircase. The pictures barely do the cemetery justice. The affect must be felt for yourself to be believed.

At night is when the city of the Savannah truly comes to life. The downtown area basically becomes one big party, as it is legal to drink and walk, as long as your alcoholic beverage is transported in a plastic cup. This was a completely new experience for me, and let me tell ya, I took full advantage of this situation. Congress Street, and the surrounding blocks are loaded with bars and hole in the wall eateries. Tapas were the biggest trend in Savannah dining that we found. The bars were mostly cozy little pubs that served beer on tap, bottle or cans. Peanut shells could often be found on the ground. Our favorite pub we visited was called The Rail Pub. The joint boasted 90's jukebox rock, along with quick and accurate bartenders, a boisterous yet friendly mix of interesting people, and my personal favorite, the unisex restroom. Stephanie and I spent many hours there at the corner table drinking way too much and checking out the hot guys. What a blast!

Finally, we would like to mention one of our favorite people that we met in Savannah, Georgia. His name is Mack, and he is the finest cab driver in all of Savannah. Animated, joyful, and full of life, Mack took us down his own personal memory lane with stories about Savannah's history and stories about his own life. He is a "lifer," born and raised in Savannah with no intentions of ever leaving, although he had once dreamt of life in a bigger city. Mack explained to us that there simply is no other place on the earth like Savannah. It was his heart and soul. Mack pulled us up to Congress street, in front of a large crowd of people and made sure that he assisted us out of the cab, like the gentleman he is. Mack whipped out a stepping stool for us, and lended us his arm, claiming that he gave the best service in town. It was a hilarious, and yet touching part of our trip that we will never forget. We would like to thank Mack for showing us the true heart of Savannah.