Tiger Ridge

So I have lived in Savannah for 7 years now and heard about Tiger Ridge for the first time a few days ago. Skeptical of most things I did all my research and decided to gas up the bike and take a little ride. With no malicious intent I figured I had nothing to worry about. I drove past on accident because I couldn’t hear my gps over the bike. I turned around and headed back. Right before the turn there was a gentleman outside of his house selling potatoes but being on a bike I had no way to carry them or I would have stopped. I took the turn onto Lura Rd. and became a little bit concerned because of all the others who had been out there making fun of the residents and gawking at them. I saw nothing out of the ordinary. No deformed kids in the trees or large headed people nor did I expect to. What I did see was an old fashion homestead. A few trailers and a couple houses. They all had newer cars parked outside of them. Like I said it’s just rural america. I feel bad for the residents there. These people were an isolated community back in the day due to location. Now they are isolated by location and rumors and half truths. I would love to meet the residents and converse with them about the good parts of growing up there. The place has a negative history true but so do most rural communities. There is nothing to be afraid of there unless you have malicious intent. There is nothing on Lura Rd. except a family homestead and unless you plan on being friendly with the residents then you have no business there. I would have a beer or a glass of tea with the lura rd residents any day.

i read meters for the power company and tiger ridge is one of the places i read, strange folks but friendly. however, dont go gawking or anything like that. its a dirt cul de sac with one way in and out. they are very quick to confront strangers, i know, the first time i went there trying to hunt meters, i had five come out from the surrounding homes to check me out. when they realized who i was and it was my first time there, they were very helpful to show me where they are. i chatted with them for a bit, dont judge a book by its cover. they are smarter than you think.

We went there this year and it was al dark. Local girl told me that they decided not to do their display this year. Too bad

So, I’ve been to Tiger Ridge, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not as bad as it seems. The families that live there are the Edwards-Morgan families. They have many, many Christmas lights during Christmas time, which are open on weekdays from 6-10 and 6-11 on weekends. It doesn’t cost money, but they do accept donations to go towards their church, or Christmas lights. You’re invited to get out and walk around, and usually asked to sign a guest book. I can’t say I didn’t have my reservations about this place, but they’re really nice people.. and the deformities, are not as extreme as people like to exaggerate them to be. If you don’t know how to get there (from 95), take exit 109 and take a left.. follow it down until you get to Laurel ST in Springfield, take a right on there.. follow it down until it becomes Clyo-Shawnee RD. Continue following this road until you reach Old Dixie Hwy S, where you take a left. Follow Old Dixie HWY, then take a left on Sisters Ferry RD. this then becomes Friendship Road. Follow this for another mile or so, then take a right onto Lura RD. That is where the infamous Tiger Ridge is located.

I had never heard of this until I ran across an article on Weird US today. I have lived around Statesboro and Savannah for 10 years since college. My husband grew up near Effingham in Bulloch and says he knew of a guy that moved to Bulloch from TR, he indeed did have red hair and strange facial features. I’m interested to visit here now.

A note to help your quest. Savh Morning News did an article on the community and about the annual Christmas lights (we will be going this year). Hopefully these directions they provided will help you get to the correct area. It seems you are criss-crossing a lot of ground.

To visit the Tiger Ridge Christmas display:

The lights are on from 6 p.m. to about 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends. The lights will remain up through New Years’ Day.

To get there, take Old Dixie Highway out of Springfield off old Ga. 21. After several miles, turn right onto Sisters Ferry Road, then continue straight until Sisters Ferry Road becomes Friendship Road. To reach the display, turn left on Lura Road.