Even though she’s originally from sunny Clearwater, Florida, Mary Holstein has found her own bright path right here in The Hostess City.

Holstein was first attracted to Savannah in 2014. “I came here on a small getaway trip,” she said. “I was sitting on some steps down on River Street, looking at the water, and it just hit me. I knew I wanted to move here.”

Holstein immediately started reviewing job postings and, the next thing she knew, she was hired to work at the Mansion on Forsyth as a massage therapist. Flash forward to today where Holstein successfully runs her own company, Balance Mobile Spa, offering in-home spa services around Savannah and Hilton Head. She has never looked back on her decision to make Savannah her home, feeling it is a part of her and her life.

“I belong here,” she said. “It truly is the hostess city.”

“There are so many—almost too many—things I love about this city, especially the absolute awe-inspiring beauty everywhere you look. Sometimes. I’ll drive down a street like Washington Avenue and I have to pinch myself thinking, ‘I really live here.’”

Holstein believes Savannah is so attractive to visitors and locals alike because it is a character itself, full of other interesting characters.

“There’s so much that stands out. Savannah is a living, breathing, entity herself. The history and the people. There’s also the incredible variety of food and art in so many forms throughout the city. We’ve got haunted tours, live music, and the Southern hospitality here is fantastic.”

A friend recently visited Holstein and commented, “Everyone is so nice here.”

Mary agreed, and said, “That is what makes Savannah so special. It’s not fake…people are real. There is this rich history of families who have been here for many years, but there is also this incredible influx of people who have moved here from all over which only adds to this already awesome place. It all blends together.”

Her best advice to visitors of Savannah is to ask locals where they go. “Whenever I travel, I seek out locals for tips and recommendations. They know the best places… and Savannah is no different. I will say, nothing beats a brunch on River Street with friends while watching the ships come in and out. It’s really unique to our town.”

She also recommends taking advantage of the city’s natural beauty, often hiding in plain sight.

“After eating all of our amazing food, head out to Bonaventure to walk it off,” she said with a laugh. “It’s one of the most beautiful cemeteries you’ll ever see. And, yes… cemeteries can be beautiful. There’s a peacefulness and serenity to walking around Bonaventure and taking it all in…particularly when everything blooms and blossoms in the spring.”

Another favorite thing for Holstein is enjoying Savannah’s waterways.

“If you can get out on a boat on Savannah’s rivers, it will change you,” she said. “I often go out with my friends and we always see dolphins in their natural habitat. It never gets old seeing them, especially when they swim close by to check out us humans, as well.”

A hidden jewel of our area, Mary said, is simply store hopping. “Nothing beats walking around downtown, looking in and shopping at the different stores, supporting local businesses, and even marveling at the various neighborhoods.”

Mary’s rescue dog, Pepper, often accompanies her. “Savannah is an incredibly supportive pet community. Almost every place you go has water bowls out for dogs and you can’t walk anywhere without encountering a capering pup enjoying this city, as well.”

“Visitors might not know this,” she said, “but Savannah is an amazing place to go antique shopping. There are many places to check out… from high-end antiques to surprising vintage finds. Vintage Vortex has incredible clothes and Picker Joe’s is just amazing.”

“The Starland District and City Market are great areas for nightlife,” Holstein said. “Again…there’s food, drink, local music, and community fellowship. For special occasions, I love The Vault and Noble Fare. We have world-class restaurants right here in our backyard. Honestly, is there anything we don’t have?”

So, this Florida transplant is delighted to be part of the Savannah community, taking advantage of all the area has to offer, and she hopes others will get to know Savannah, as well.

“Get out and enjoy this gorgeous and amazing city to the fullest,” she recommended, enthusiastically. “You never know what treasures you’ll find and what memories you’ll make.”

This article appears in Feb 2-8, 2022.