Savannah, Georgia, USA is a beautiful city to visit in May for the 48th annual Savannah Scottish Games. The area is known for old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, with its long, draping, silvery-gray strands that hang from trees in warm, humid climates like the Southeastern U.S.
Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe and is renowned as America’s first planned city designed to create a scenic, walkable environment. The design is based on a grid system each containing a central square, surrounded by homes, churches, and civic buildings. Twenty-two often tree-shaded, public spaces of the original twenty-four squares are still in existence today.
Savannah is known for its rich history (including being the birthplace of the Girl Scouts and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil), a vibrant arts scene, delicious Southern cuisine, and a reputation for being one of America’s most haunted cities, making it a top destination for history buffs, foodies, and those seeking spooky tales. A perfect backdrop for a Scottish games!
In January 1736, 177 Scottish Highlanders, recruited by Gen. James Oglethorpe, founded New Inverness (later Darien) an hour south of Savannah on the Altamaha River to serve as a military buffer against Spanish Florida. Led by John McIntosh Mohr and Hugh Mackay, these settlers were renowned for their warrior skills, crucial in defending the colony.
Fort King George State Historic Site in McIntosh County, Georgia, is the site of the oldest English fort on Georgia’s coast, built in 1721 as the British Empire’s southernmost outpost in North America to defend the frontier against Spanish and French threats. Today, it features a reconstructed colonial outpost with a blockhouse, barracks, and museum, showcasing the hardships of early soldiers and the history of the region. This coastal region is a great day trip from Savannah full of beaches, tidal communities and fresh seafood.
Family friendly festival
The Savannah Scottish Games is a family friendly festival jam packed with dancing, music, athletics, and fun for all ages. Held at Bethesda Academy for 18 years, the Savannah Scottish Games will welcome you with the sound of bagpipes, the thrill of the caber toss, and the warmth of Highland camaraderie. Bethesda is located approximately 12 miles east of downtown Savannah. Founded in 1740, it features gorgeous marshland on the Moon River with the region’s signature majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss. A great backdrop for a Highland Games.
Bring a lawn chair and brace yourselves for the ultimate battle of strength on the bonnie fields. Cheer on 60 heavy athletes throwing heavy things. If that is not enough, competitions include tug-of-war and the Irish sport of Hurling. Wee lads and lassies are greeted at the front gate with a Children’s Passport. Visit with the various organizations and clans, collect passport stamps and redeem for a prize! Imaginations soar as sheep/duck herding border collies, birds of prey, hockey and living history reenactments perform demonstrations under the live oaks.
From powerful pipe bands and traditional bands (Seven Nations bringing Celtic rock, and folk music performances by Scotland’s Colin Grant-Adams, and local favorites- Swamptooth and Lochlann), you can take in a variety of music and dancing all day long.
Strolling the marketplace is a unique shopping experience. Enjoy local beer and mead—popular with the Celts and Vikings. Find your new favorite whisky during the whisky seminar & tasting experience.
Where Lowcountry charm meets Scottish tradition—Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty/Stewart Sells The Lowcountry, is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Savannah Scottish Games. Come to the 48th annual Savannah Scottish Games to experience Scotland in Savannah. Come for the heritage. Stay for the music. Leave with tired feet and a full heart!
For more details visit: www.savannahscottishgames.com
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