David Hilgier Photographs

The further north we walked along the Tybee Island Beach, the less hectic it got. The light station visible through the valleys of the dunes that separate the beach from the town.

Quintessential beach-town aesthetic. Rusted by the ocean breeze and faded by the sun. Regard for precautions such as securing one’s possessions abandoned upon arrival.

On a hot late spring day, the beach at Tybee Island was filled with sun worshipers acclimating themselves for the forthcoming summer. Tybee Island is nothing more than a typical east coast beach town complete with a lighthouse, dunes, vacation rentals and parking rules strictly meant to fleece those simply looking for a day in the sun.

Savannah’s street grid is interspersed with numerous squares filled with sculptures, gardens, and fountains. They further promote the leisurely pace of the city by offering points of rest and contemplation for those navigating by foot. Framed by the foliage in these squares are the steeples adorning places of worship.

As the sun emerged from behind the Savannah Theatre, the pleasant morning quickly yielded to the southern heat I had heard so much about.

Distributed throughout the parts of Savannah I explored were these unapologetically simple and beautifully utilitarian bus stop signs. Markers of a time past that don’t feel dated or out of place, their simplicity continues to speak to the pace of the city.

After an evening of exploring the city, enjoying its cuisine, and imbibing on libations, our route home was illuminated by vignettes such as this. Details found in porches, alleyways, and courtyards potentially overlooked during daylight now spotlighted in their own nighttime gallery.

Visible from the Savannah River Walk are the comings and goings of the city’s port.

Our first evening in Savannah matched daydreams about what the place would be like. A sunset turned a pastel orange as the light filtered through muggy air and moss laden oak trees onto pristine architecture was one of the images I had conjured up for the South.

After an early morning flight, we found ourselves in Atlanta, Georgia. Our first time exploring The South. Immediately noticeable about the city was how unique it felt. Rolling hills, countless trees, and humble neighborhoods made it feel a lot less urban than expected. Also noticeable, like many cities in America, was the juxtaposing of old and new. Businesses, such as this one, weathering the test of time now neighbor shinny new and restored buildings serving the latest trends in contemporary American culture.