The Magic Of Savannah

When most people think of Savannah, Ga., these days, they think of the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which portrayed the sultry Southern city as all faded elegance and decadence.

But for those who have adopted it as their hometown – like Food Network chef Paula Deen – and those who make it their regular vacation destination, Savannah has a certain magic that takes hold of them.

"We love it so much, we come down here about four times a year now," said Ben Cagle, who was doing some fishing. "Savannah and Tybee Island have become our favorite place in the country. We love it down here."

"I was brought to Savannah when I was 40 years old, and I fell deeply and madly in love with her," said Deen, who owns a local restaurant with her sons. "And I can just never leave her."

Some visitors are attracted to the region's history, which dates back to Colonial times. It even looks old-world; many of the streets are cobblestone and some of the houses are more than 300 years old.

Back in 1754, there were some especially unsavory residents: pirates.

According to local tour guide Robert Edgerly, "Stede Bonnet, the gentleman pirate, he used to come through here. He and Edward Teach helped Charleston harbor ransom out of this port. Two women pirates, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, we know for a fact they were here. So there have been a lot of pirates here over the years."

In fact, there's a local building known as the Pirate House, which The Early Show's Dave Price visited. "This is one of the oldest houses here," said Price. "It dates back to 1754. And if you like reading, check out Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' because the first chapter takes place right here at the Pirate's House."

While visiting town, Price indulged his sweet tooth with some authentic Savannah pralines, a confection of cooked sugar, milk, butter and pecans. He even did a little extemporaneous singing, which is impossible to duplicate in print (but if you want to hear him, click HERE).