A favorite with locals and tourists alike, the vast, lush expanse of Forsyth Park is a center of Savannah life, abuzz with activity and events year-round. The park owes its existence to William B. Hodgson, who donated its core 10 acres to the city for use as a park. Deeply influenced by the then-trendy design of greenspace areas in France, Forsyth Park’s landscape design by William Bischoff dates to 1851. Named for Georgia Governor John Forsyth, the park comprises 30 acres and its perimeter is about a mile.

Near the center of the park is the “fort,” actually a revitalized version of an old dummy fort used for military drills in the early 20th century. Now managed by the nearby Mansion on Forsyth hotel, it’s a good place to stop in and get a snack or use the public restroom.

The park is a center of activities all year long, from free festivals to concerts to Ultimate Frisbee games to the constant circuit around the periphery of walkers, joggers, dog owners, and bicyclists. The only time you shouldn’t venture into the park is after midnight. Otherwise, enjoy.