Great Balls of Savannah

The ten year anniversary took my wife and I to some of the most beautiful places in the South.
A stop first in Asheville North Carolina to see the Biltmore Estate. A must see for any lover of history and Grandeur wrapped in one luxurious estate. Feel how the rich lived as you stroll through the enormous rooms of this American Mansion. What estate would be complete without the Land Rover Driving School, A stable for the horses. And a lower living quarters for the large staff that supported the family that lived there. Lush Gardens surround the Biltmore fit for the Royalty and Upper class of that era. The great Gatsby comes to mind while one drives through the gates at the bottom of the drive.
After enjoying a beautiful day at the Biltmore, it was then on to Hilton Head Island. Crossing the bridges going into the Hilton Head area , scenes from the movie Prince of Tides comes to mind. Author Pat Conroy is from the area and there are a lot of local references to the Author. Anyone having the
Pleasure of enjoying Hilton Head knows the feeling. Not your typical beach town, If your looking for tacky gift shops and neon night club signs, then keep driving. Hilton Head is in a class all to itself when it come’s to enjoying the finer things the South has to offer. The finest Hotels sit strategically placed throughout the Island. Beautiful manicured golf courses surround the Island that make this the perfect getaway. A golfers paradise while the family enjoys the day on the beautiful beach or relaxing in one of the luxury resorts.
When the Sun starts to set, make way over to one of the marina’s and enjoy fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in the South. Relax with the family on one of the many charter boats while enjoying a dolphin watch cruise. Make it even more special by taking a moonlight dinner cruise with that special someone.
Somewhere we always wanted to visit but never made the time was just across the harbor from Hilton Head, Savannah Georgia. We drove the short trip over to Savannah and the beauty and elegance of the Historic town embraced us as soon as we arrived. The cobblestone streets made this a classic Southern vacation. Savannah is ranked one of the most haunted cities in the United States due to the role Savannah played in the civil war.
Savannah became known for the setting of the hugely successful novel by John Berendt. “Midnight in the Garden Of Good and Evil”. A New York Times Best Seller for two hundred and sixteen weeks. The Novel brought Hollywood to Savannah with Clint Eastwood directing the movie. John Cusack and Kevin Spacey put Savannah on the big screen with superb acting portraying the story of murder and lust in the Old South. A must read for any literary lover. A must see movie to really appreciate the beauty of this Historic Southern Town.
Walking along the cobblestone street by the Harbor, small shops and restaurants provide local merchandise and some of the finest foods the south has to offer. At the time I was working on my first novel and enjoyed the literary feel the town offered. A small book store sat along the row of stores with a sign out front that read Author book signing. I walked around the store and watched the Author hang out around the table. A sign read Author of Great Balls of Fire. I am a big Jerry Lee Lewis fan and had seen the movie many times over. The Author was a local writer named Murray Silver. His new book he was promoting was titled “Beyond the Moss Curtain”.
Mr. Silver was very down to earth. Welcomed my wife and I to Savannah and wished us a happy anniversary. I talked with Mr. Silver for a few minutes and I am sure he would have talked as long as I wanted. He was a pleasure to speak with and could not have made us feel more welcome. I purchased his book and after he signed it we went on our way to enjoying the rest of our vacation. After returning to our hotel I relaxed for the evening and began reading Behind The Moss Curtain. I could not put the book down, and within a couple of days I had finished reading this well written book by Mr. Silver.
Mr. Silver’s storytelling ability brings Savannah alive and takes the reader deep into the roots and History of Savannah. Mr. Silver is published through Bonaventure Books out of Savannah. Bonaventure is an independent Publishing company that caters to the creative talent in Savannah and others areas of Georgia. I look forward to reading more of Murray Silvers work, and also getting back to the beautiful town of Savannah.

William S. Stephens