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Opportunities for lifelong learning extend further through institutions such as Georgia Southern University's Armstrong Campus and Savannah State University, both of which offer tuition-free enrollment for seniors on a space-available basis. The Savannah Council on World Affairs provides another forum for intellectual engagement, hosting monthly discussions led by international experts from academics to former diplomats on pressing global issues that draw a thoughtful and diverse audience. For a more hands-on experience, Chef Darin's Kitchen Table offers cooking classes that pair instruction with convivial dining. Savannah Technical College's Culinary Institute, located at 7 W. Bay St. in Savannah's Historic District, has classes for everyone, from student to seasoned professional to hobbyist. For those drawn to service, United Way of the Coastal Empire helps match volunteers with community needs, while organizations such as the Telfair Museums offer docent opportunities for those with a passion for art and history. Veterans will also find a strong network of local organizations and camaraderie. For those itching to dig in the dirt, find gardening inspiration at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm — 50 acres featuring 70 species of bamboo, an extensive collection of iris, impressive stands of camellias that brighten the winter months, and a greenhouse orchid collection. Or check out the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs' Savannah Botanical Gardens, offering a wide variety of themed plantings, including extensive rose gardens. Bibliophiles can find their community in book clubs, like the ones offered by Live Oak Public Libraries, E. Shaver Booksellers or at the midtown bookstore The Stacks, which hosts book clubs in multiple genres and even offers classes for aspiring writers. Perhaps most compelling is the pace of life itself. Residents are free to experience Savannah's landmarks on their own terms — whether lingering beneath the live oaks on Isle of Hope or exploring the natural habitats at Oatland Island Wildlife Center. While millions of visitors attempt to capture the city in a single trip, those who call it home enjoy the rare privilege of savoring it slowly. SAVANNAHCHAMBER.COM 19 L I V I N G H E R E