Hello all,
We leave for Savannah tomorrow and I can't wait! Do you have any last minute suggestions on great day trips from Savannah? I'm looking for really photogenic type areas that best represent the South. Are there any small towns, plantations, battlefields, monuments, etc. that would be off the beaten path (e.g. not in major guide books) that would be worth the trip?

My DH is a photographer and I would like to surprise him with a great side trip. Many thanks in advance!

ttt - anyone?

Well, THE day trip would be to drive down to St. Mary's, GA and to take the ferry over to Cumberland Island. Spend the day on an (almost) isolated barrier island with miles of gorgeous sand, wild ponies and the beauty of marsh and ocean.

THAT'S what I'd do

http://www.nps.gov/cuis/

Another one of my favorite things to do is to take the kayak tour of the marshes around Jekyll Island. Here's a link -

http://www.jekyllisland.com/activities/kayaking.asp

You can also bike around the island (virtually flat) and take pics of the remnants of coquina shell/ tabby structures and the gorgeous "cottages" built by the Vanderbilts, Astors, Morgans, Rockefellers, etc. I don't think they'll be decorated for the holidays yet - although the decorating is probably in progress.

http://www.nps.gov/history/goldcres/sites/jekyll.htm

Head over to St. Simons for dinner.

Thanks for the responses! We're making a (long) day trip to Amelia Island, so Jekyll Island would fit in nicely. St. Mary's sounds like a very inspiring place, so that will work well too.

Any other thoughts? I'm on the countdown now - 13 hours before we take off.

Charleston, SC. The mansions are photogenic.

Hilton Head Island has scenic bike trails and you can take nature cruises from Harbor Town for marine and avian pix. Likewise kayaking the shore and creeks is a great nature experience.

Unfortunately, I think Charleston will have to wait. I had a moment of panic a few weeks ago and added Charleston in, but we really move slow on vacation and 2 days was not enough. I think we'll probably plan another week trip next year for Charleston.

Are there any smaller towns that would be interesting to visit?

Beaufort South Carolina is not too far. Beaufort is pronounced byew furt by the residents. It is a waterfront town with antebellum mansions that was the richest city in US prior to the "War" that would be the Civil War.

Trisha - thanks! Beaufort looks like a fun trip and the Sea Island Parkway ending in Hunting Island State Park looks like a very senic route. Is it worth the drive across the islands?

BTW, how cool is Google Photos?

You might try the Okefenokee Swamp - two hours away and well worth a visit.

On your way out of Beaufort to Hunting Island--Stop at the Penn center to learn about the Gullah culture and see their historic photos from the Antebellum era.

Thanks to all for your suggestions! We'll be doing a visit to Beaufort and we'll drive the loop down through the islands. TrvlMaven - thanks for the tip, we'll put it on the list.

BTW, we've arrived and are loving Savannah! Thanks for all your help.