What I will miss about the Savannah area

In the past couple of weeks, I've been putting together this list.  Now with this being our last week, I would like to share it with you.  BUT, here's a couple of things before I begin:

First, this is a list of mostly things and places that I will miss because if I included people I know I would leave some important people off. 

Second, if you REALLY know me, you know that this was a hard list for me to compile because it took me a LONG time to warm up to this area.  I'm sorry to those who are in love with it here, but I feel that Savannah is one of those cities that fits in the "Nice Place to Visit, Not Nice Place to Live" category.  Sorry, but this is my blog.

Third, keep in mind that this is what I will miss about the Savannah area.  Like I said, this was a hard list to compile.

Wow, I feel like I was getting a little too legal there with the disclaimers.  So, with all the papers signed, notarized, and certified by mail, let's begin (in no particular order):

Acts 3 Thrift Store in Rincon - This is one of the best thrift stores I've been too (if you know me, I love my thrift stores)!  Acts 3 releases a sales calendar each month that shows what is on sale each day.  The last day of the month is the best because everything in the store is 50% off!  Most importantly, their stores bring in money that goes to local and global missions.

Rack Room Shoes at the outlet at Hwy. 204 and I-95 - This outlet is probably one of the worst out there.  Seriously, I don't think anyone here will doubt that, but Rack Room is special to me because this is where I met my husband almost ten years ago. 

Hilton Head Island - Between HHI and Tybee Island, there is just no competition.  On HHI, there's more to do, it's a better looking beach, the whole island is beautiful, and depending where you live in the Savannah area, the drives to each are about the same.

Downtown Savannah - The reason people come to visit Savannah is for the downtown area.  The end.  That's it.  The beauty and history are unparalleled (which unfortunately means young children will get bored).

Kayaking - Apparently, this area is a great area to kayak (especially off the barrier islands of Chatham County).  I've only done it once on the May River in Bluffton, but that made me fall in love with it.  I would really like to make more time in the future for this.

Statesboro, GA -  Now, stay with me here.  Some people are probably like, "Seriously?  Statesboro!"  But it has everything a family would want without the congestion of a big city.  With Georgia Southern (my alma mater), there is so much outreach to the community (there's too many events and places on campus to name, all the student volunteers, etc.).  The Parks and Rec Dept. is awesome (Splash in the Boro).  I love the quaint downtown area (Sugar Magnolia has the best brownies I've had in my life).  Oh, and the Goodwill by Lowe's has the best selection of any Goodwill in the area.  I can go on and on...

Savannah-area Kroger stores - We are not big on Walmart, so we are grocery store shoppers.  Because of our history, Kroger became OUR grocery store.  The old Richmond Hill and old Hwy. 17 stores were the first ones I went to with Clint when we were dating.  I would tag along as he shopped for little snacks to fill his mini-fridge.  It was on these trips that I would imagine how it would like if we were married.  (giggle, giggle).  Years later after we were married and living in our super small apartment in Georgetown, we started shopping at the one across from Savannah Mall.  When we lived in Pooler, I made the trek to the newer one on 17 in the Berwick area.  Now in Rincon, we go every Friday to the one on Hwy. 21 (even though it has to be the oldest one in the area).  I like how Kroger stores have everything but aren't overwhelming.  They're updated but not snobby.  Our son is also in love with "Kro" (as he calls it); he will point out the logo on the products we use and will cry if we pass the store without going in.  As long as there is a Kroger within 30 minutes of my home wherever we live, I will be a devoted Kroger shopper.  (Kroger, you can thank me with free groceries.)

Ft. McAllister in Richmond Hill - When we lived in Richmond Hill, our family went to Ft. McAllister one time on a camping trip.  I, as a teenage girl, was too cool for this and dreaded it.  To my surprise, I actually enjoyed myself.  One of the best moments was looking over the bluff with a nice cool breeze blowing in the middle of summer (had to be God) and watching dolphins jumping out of the water.

Air1 Radio - Yes, I know they stream online, but I'm really going to miss just getting in my car and being able to rock out to some great loud Christian music.  There's an affiliate in Southern Pines and another in Fayetteville; maybe I'll be able to pick one of them up in the wee hours of the morning while I wrap myself up in aluminum foil and hold a radio to the sky.

R.B. Baker Park in Springfield - This is not the most stupendous park in the world (I should know because I have a BS in Recreation).  We just love this park because in the fall, winter, and early spring (which means we haven't been during this yucky heat advisory-filled summer), we become that outdoorsy family that can point out different wildlife and talk like erosion experts (it can pretty bad here).  Ever since Carter was born we would just walk the trail and talk about the most random stuff.  Carter's first animal to really recognize was a duck here at this park.  This is also where I got attacked by one.  All this park has is a walking trail (really safe, almost all visible from end to end), a tennis court, a playground, and a pavilion.  Very simple but a nice place to just be a family.

The Church at Godley Station in Pooler - We LOOOOVVVEEE our church.  Some of the nicest people on this planet are here every Sunday morning.  I can say, without a doubt, that we wouldn't be going to seminary if we never came to Godley Station.  We have received so much encouragement and support from this church, and this made us want to give our all back to them.  The preaching, music, and loving people all make Godley Station feel like home to us.  Honestly, there were times that this church was the only thing that kept us here.  Thanks for everything, GS!

Well that's it.  I'm sure in the next couple of days, as everything gets sentimental, something will trigger a memory from years ago that reminds me of some other special place.  One thing that I'm sure of is that making memories, no matter where you are, is one of the most important things in life.  I can't wait to create new ones in North Carolina and share them with you!