Where Shall We Go? Slow Roads & Southern Charm
Some cities ask you to slow down. Savannah, Georgia practically insists.
Nestled on the coast, this southern gem is all live oaks, cobblestone squares, and quiet charm. With Speedway locked into our Drive Time® Power Fresh® 12V Diffuser, we hit the road with the windows down and weekend energy dialed in.
A Drive Through Time
Savannah’s got history, and it wears it well. Unlike many cities in the South, it was spared during the Civil War—reportedly gifted to President Lincoln by General Sherman as a “Christmas present.” As a result, the city’s historic district is still rich with original architecture, red brick, wrought iron, and timeless streetscapes.
Even the drive into town feels like a shift into another era. Massive live oaks arch over the highway, draped in kudzu. As you roll into the city, the kudzu fades and Spanish moss takes over, hanging like curtains from the trees in Savannah’s iconic town squares.
Every couple of blocks, you stumble onto a new square—a small park, often with a fountain or sculpture. It’s like the city was designed to give you reasons to stop and look around.
Forsyth Park: Slow Moments, Southern Air
We spent a good stretch of Saturday wandering Forsyth Park, a 30-acre icon that feels like the heartbeat of Savannah. Wide paths, shaded benches, and just enough breeze to keep you grounded. Dog-friendly (Tosh approved) and easy to navigate, it’s a great way to spend a slow morning on foot.
The air here is different—soft, a little salty, and full of subtle floral notes drifting in from the gardens. Our Drive Time diffuser had already set the tone for the day with its clean, confident scent, but the air in Forsyth just added to the whole vibe. Real scent, real air. Nothing forced. Nothing synthetic.
Drive Time Pro Tip: How Do I Prevent My Car Air Freshener from Melting?
Good question—and one worth asking, especially in warmer states like Georgia.
Traditional gel-based or plastic-shelled car fresheners can break down fast in the heat. They’re often stuck to vents or dashboards with adhesives that don’t hold up under high temps. Once the cabin gets hot enough—and it will—that freshener can melt, leak, or even damage your interior.
Here’s how to avoid that:
Skip the gels and glues. Look for products made with heat-resistant materials.
Avoid direct sunlight. Don’t stick anything to your dash or windshield.
Choose a diffuser built to last. Our Drive Time 12V Plug-In diffusers are designed for durability and made to handle cabin heat. No mess. No melting. Just consistent, clean scent from the moment you start your engine.
That’s one less thing to worry about while you're parked under a southern sun or loading up for the next leg of your trip.
A Taste of Low Country
After a day on foot, we grabbed dinner at The Shrimp Factory, where low country comfort food and coastal influence meet. I went for the Shrimp & Sausage Creole—spicy, rich, and exactly what you want after a long walk. David ordered a Shrimp Po’Boy and gave it two thumbs up between bites.
We split a glass of Chatham Artillery Punch—a cocktail with roots dating back to the 1800s and a strong, fruit-forward mix of rum, whiskey, brandy, and champagne. One was plenty. We still had to find the car and cruise back to the hotel.
Why Savannah Deserves a Spot on Your Map
There’s something magnetic about this city. It’s not loud or flashy—it’s confident. Classic. Walkable without being touristy. Welcoming without feeling overrun. It’s the kind of place where you can unplug, breathe deep, and enjoy the drive.
And when your car smells good, runs clean, and keeps its cool even in the southern heat—you’re already ahead of the game.
Lori Herr for Drive Time® Brand