Downstream, a dozen miles as-the-seagull-flies, is Tybee Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The river water, churned by the propellers of cargo-ship and sport-boats, flows past barrier islands that stand around Romerly Marsh, a marsh known for its muddy, shrimp-rich, loosely-marked, ecotourism routes and hidden fishing spots known only to the locals.
Along with adjoining marshlands the yards-thick, black-muck geologic formation is an area so large that Savannah proper would fit into it with room for suburbs. At high tide, over the straight, tall marsh grass, one can see the horizon and a glimpse of the curvature of the earth. At low tide the marsh becomes a labyrinth of low-lying, blind-passage waterways that influenced the formation of local rescue squadrons that were created for the single purpose of memorizing and scouring the maze for wayward anglers.
But, the tourists of River Street rarely venture into the waterways as they pass along the McQueen’s Island causeway on their way to the Tybee Island Beaches. River Street has more than enough daytime excitement and night-life for most. Humming among the centuries-old buildings, tourism reigns supreme. Hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants and bars are busy most of the year. But the crowds can be crushing during St. Patrick’s Day festivities to the point that some business owners have considered closing down for the celebration. River Street's St. Pat’s is usually taboo for kids, though the rest of the year is totally family friendly.
Kevin Barry’s Pub is a landmark to tourists and locals alike. Kevin Gerard Barry was an Irish patriot – an eighteen-year-old revolutionary who was hanged for his participation in a 1920 military operation that killed three British soldiers. His execution was the lynchpin that kicked the Irish Revolution into its “Bloody” phase. It was accented by his young age and his refusal to break under interrogation and torture. So, the pub is in his honor. And the Irish do stop by – oh yeah – they do stop by. So do others who enjoy a pint from time to time – or two – as well as a wee bit o’ the live Irish music. Barry’s is the main watering hole on the northern stretch of River Street cobbles just before it fizzles out into the former red-light district in the Indian Street wharf and warehouse section of town.
Near the west River Street slave monument, Hakin Rashul, above, entertains tourists with a rendition of “Over the Rainbow. A short distance away street singer Karis Owens, above left, bellows a selection of gospel tunes as a crowd applauds and drops spare change into his hat. Below, a view of Factor's Walk from the gold-domed City Hall.
