Originally Published May 26th, 2008

I recently moved to the west side of the landmark district in an area I am calling the Tattnall Street Neighborhood. I am between Gaston and Huntingdon, just west of the north end of Forsyth Park so I am now a SOG (South of Gaston), and can no longer call myself a NOG like I was at my old place. One out of many of the conveniences of my old location was the fact that the Monday through Saturday New York Times was ½ block away, out my back door, in front of Clary’s Restaurant and as long as I could get the frequently malfunctioning paper dispensing machine to work, I typically could pick the paper up any time after about 6AM, which I did several days a week. FYI you have to live at The Landings in Savannah in order to have your New York Times actually delivered, unfortunately – although anyone in Savannah can get the Wall Street Journal at their doorstep. Hey – but The Times has such a nice crossword puzzle

So I never really had a need or desire to do any sort of regular planned walking before unless it was a jaunt down to the Six Pence Pub or city market or a late night stroll to a Broughton Street area restaurant or nightclub. But one morning a few weeks ago, thinking of my friend Jim who is the true coinsurer of the Times, and thinking about my threatening paunch now that I am no longer a professional gardener, I decided to take my five quarter dollars and walk to the newspaper box at the corner of Jones and Bull Street. Guess what? I LOVE IT! I have discovered the joy of this city in a way I had never known before. I find myself reveling at the peace of the city before dawn, at the many new paths I can take, at the beauty of the plants and trees and the architecture and the squares and the cobblestone streets. AND the light is wonderful - both manmade and natural depending on the hour, the time of year and the stage of the moon. But the best thing? I am not alone. There are others out there breathing in the early air that is this calm coastal city, walking, jogging, or just sitting on a park bench. And occasionally I even get asked a question by a tourist like the fellow, standing near the corner of Bull and Gaston at 6:30AM one recent morning, who asked me about a great new restaurant called Local 1110 while his wife took pictures of Gaston Lane. I explained that it actually was at the other end of the park in an old bank building and that with over five visits under my belt I could recommend it highly. Thank You Reed for bringing a little bit of New York to Savannah!

BTW - If you ask me, I will tell you a little secret tip to help you out with your next reservation!

Can anyone tell where this Savannah view is from??

Very Best Regards to you all until next week! Stay tuned,

Ron Melander