"Georgia is actually better known for its peanut production. They produce more peaches out in California," - said by a local, working the counter at a grocery store, as we are buying what seems to be the only peach in town.
Turns out finding a peach a month after peach season is harder than fishing out a three-legged turtle stuck in molasses and pudding (coined the phrase when I was younger, hence the extra emphasis with "pudding," decided it fit here).
Let's start from the beginning.
Rolling in to the south always feels like an adventure in to another world; the luscious greenery surrounding the highway is a great reminder that we were not here first. Mother nature has not skimped on the algae covered swamps, ghostly trees, and Spanish moss here in Georgia.
See what *local* we loveD
For modern Southern Belle's: Local 11 ten
First meal of the trip, and by far the fanciest. Aside from the rosemary attached to the menus that almost killed me (severe allergy), this place is lovely and had multiple options for a great meal. Everything smelled good--and we saw everything, thanks to the party of 10+ next to us that ordered the entire menu (I presume. couldn't see the tablecloth underneath all those plates). After our seared scallops, pear salad, and homemade mac & cheese, (all available a la carte, as it should be!) we enjoyed our first bite-o-peach:
Peach pit-stop #1: Peach cornbread pudding with brown sugar caramel sauce.
Needs more sauce, but the peaches were fresh and the sweetness just right. A bit heavy, but worth the bloaty tum.
pear salad
look out! a stray noodle!
UGH that moss though #spooky #loveit
Not your average Treylor Park
This is like if my great grandmothers mobile-home in Sonoma county was gentrified. Over-run by youths who can't afford the major hubs (like everyone else) and decorated with string lights, bright colors and wood accents (lots and lots of wood accents).
With a seat-yourself outdoor area, its a great spot for when you don't know how many people are coming and if anyone will want food.
Peach pit-stop #2: Son of a Peach! Beer
Peach beer with fried chicken pancake tacos. Literally the best millennial nonsense I've ever consumed.
Perfect for a light-weight one-sip-wonder like me.
Surprisingly awesome. Great late night snack (open late)
Southern Comfort at Soho South Cafe
Not referring to the alcohol I had too much of at John Collins that one time #neveragain, but in reference to the extra nice customer service during our breakfast here.
The server was so nice I tipped him twice. Not even kidding. I was hungry, and expectations were high as I found this place on a "must try in Savannah" list (obviously. how else do you find things..). When I found out brunch specials are reserved for sundays (duh) lets just say I was a bit peeved.
Needless to say the server handled the situation like a CHAMP. He offered us multiple options for substitutes to the available menu, and when that didn't work he did the most. Brought me a bowl of fresh peaches (not featured on the menu).
Doubled that tip faster than you can say "Sorry, we're from Manhattan." *eye roll*
Peach pit-stop #3: the freshest *off the menu* peaches
Not your run-of-the-mill looks-canned-but-we're-saying-they're-fresh peaches. Indeed yummy!
Where did they come from and how fresh could they be during off-season...?? tasted good so i'm not going to think about it. Also pictured, a really good and simple country breakfast: grits, biscuits, sausage.
A Cheap. Fast. AND Good meal at Sweet Potatoes
Overwhelmed by portion and price (in a good way), this is what makes our country great. When you can get half a chicken, glazed in peach sauce with sides of sweet potato mash, green beans soaked in bacon fat, corn pudding, and a biscuit for under twelve bucks--you start to re-think your life choices. The south or bust!
This casual dining spot sits in the part of Savannah that is very military-base heavy--an expected juxtaposition to the downtown SCAD crowd. Had to take a car to get here, but the food and seeing a different side of Savannah was worth it.
Pretty positive I overheard a Chris Rock impression by someone who should not be doing one, but at least the food was great, right? *eye roll*
Peach Pit-Stop #4: Peach glazed grilled chicken
humidity be damned! at the ForsytH farmer's market
Now back to the beginning, where we met the "Georgia is not just for peaches" guy--at the end of the park, after the farmer's market. While we had to pick up a peach at a local grocery store (found the perfect emoji peach), the market itself was filled with healthy goods to take home if you're on a longer trip.
The park is beautiful; families picnicking, young people hanging out, religious fanatics preaching, etc. All the fixings of familiar community parks with added humidity and moss. Had to remind myself TWICE that scripture is not literal, and when the outdoor preacher exclaimed "we should not be ashamed of our bodies!" it was not an invitation to take my top off (though it was hot enough to).
Regardless, the heat is manageable and the scenery is well worth the sweat. This is the part where I inundate the post with photos.
*asks Amazon Echo to play "Georgia on My Mind" while scrolling through pics* *transcendent*
If you're desperate to find all things peach and want to skip the nonsense above, here's the breakdown:
A Little Side Peach:
Peach alcohol: W Saint Julian St (sangria), Treylor Park (beer)
Peach desserts: Local 11 Ten (cornbread), Sister's of the New South (cobbler)
Fresh Peaches: Soho South Cafe, Forsyth Park Farmer's Market
Peach-related things: Byrd's (cookies, tea, souvenirs), Sweet Potatoes (glazed meat)
Most places on W Saint Julian street sell peach sangria. Pick yours up and walk the street with it! (its legal!!)
Byrd's famous cookies (try a handful at the store, then buy some Peach tea to go with 'em).
If you have the capacity to comprehend that peaches are not redily available year round, or have the ability to Google "When is peach season" like a normal human person, here's some non-peach related activites we loved:
1. Two Women and a Warehouse & The Vicar's Wife - whether you are looking for old things with a new coat of paint, or want the antiques as is, you will find what you want at both of these spots. Nic-nacs at The Vicar's Wife, furniture and other home decor at Two Women Warehouse.
2. Prohibition Museum - Touristy but definitely worth the $12. Go in with a good sense of humor--the manikins deserve a good laugh. The museum ends with a bit of a surprise that's worth giggling about. Leaving it up to you to discover!
3. Sandfly BBQ - Frequented by SCAD students, this BBQ airstream will feed you, your soul, and a few friends for ~$20 total. Order a platter--try a bit of everything with a sweet tea to wash it down. This is up there with BBQ in Austin, TX. If you like meat, Sandfly is a must.
4. WaHo. Its not a trip to the south without smothered hash browns and a pecan waffle. ($7!!) Yes, its not a fine dining experience, and I did have another patron offer his unsolicited opinion about how woman are "too emotional to work", BUT I've trained for this very moment of misogyny and the food is Bourdain approved so I'm going to continue to eat. *offers snippy comment then tunes out man while scarfing down waffle* BYYYYYE.
*pours beer* *also eats bread*
Cheers to prohibition failing the economy and the people!
can't stop, won't stop #waho
Would I go back?: Yes. Towards the end of peach season around August to avoid other tourists. I know, I know, I should be over the peach thing but i'm stubborn AF and WILL NOT LET IT GO. #movintothecountry #gonnaeatalottapeaches
Next standby?: Woodstock, NY. Camping in good ol upstate new york for a weekend of fun, foliage, and another generations nostalgia.
Follow my travels strictly, on instagram.