Savannah: Historic District Overview on Foot

Savannah’s Historic District offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich past. Established in 1733, this grid-like layout showcases the wealth fueled by the cotton trade and the labor of enslaved individuals. Strolling down the shaded streets, visitors encounter stately mansions, ornate churches, and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss – a testament to the city’s strategic location on the Savannah River. From the bustling City Market to the iconic Bull Street, the district’s stories unfold, revealing the remarkable contributions of notable figures and the architectural grandeur that has captivated visitors for centuries. Uncovering Savannah’s past leads to a deeper understanding of the city’s present-day charm.

Key Points

• Explore the grid-like layout and interconnected squares of Savannah’s Historic District, showcasing the city’s early example of strategic planning.
• Immerse in the vibrant cultural heritage at the City Market, featuring locally-crafted art, fresh produce, and Southern-inspired cuisine.
• Discover the iconic Bull Street, lined with live oaks and antebellum architecture, including the Savannah Theatre and historic homes.
• Learn about the remarkable stories of pioneering women, trailblazing African Americans, and Native Americans who have shaped Savannah’s past.
• Admire the architectural grandeur of the wealthy elite’s stately residences, showcasing diverse styles from Regency-style mansions to Greek Revival townhouses.

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Savannah’s Historical Landscape

Savannah’s Historic District embodies centuries of history, showcasing the city’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a thriving commercial center.

Founded in 1733, the city’s urban design reflects its strategic location on the Savannah River. The grid-like layout, with its interconnected squares, was an early example of city planning in the Americas.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Savannah’s wealth grew, fueled by the cotton trade and the labor of enslaved African Americans. The city’s architecture reflects this prosperous past, with stately mansions, ornate churches, and the iconic live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

Today, the Historic District stands as a testament to Savannah’s resilience, preserving its unique character and offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Exploring City Market

The City Market, a bustling hub in the heart of the Historic District, invites visitors to explore its vibrant mix of local shops, eateries, and street performers.

This four-block area, dating back to the 1800s, showcases Savannah’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can peruse locally-crafted art, purchase fresh produce, and indulge in Southern-inspired cuisine.

The market’s lively atmosphere is complemented by the charming brick buildings and cobblestone streets that surround it. As part of the guided tour, guests will wander through the market, learning about its role in Savannah’s history and modern-day community.

With its unique blend of history, commerce, and entertainment, the City Market offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Historic District.

Strolling Down Bull Street

Strolling down Bull Street, the beating heart of Savannah’s Historic District, immerses visitors in the city’s storied past. This iconic north-south thoroughfare, lined with towering live oaks and stately antebellum architecture, serves as a prime spot to experience the grandeur and charm that define the Hostess City.

Along Bull Street, travelers will find:

Landmark	Significance
Savannah Theatre	Oldest continuously operating theatre in the U.S.
Owens-Thomas House	Exemplary example of English Regency architecture
Sorrel-Weed House	Alleged to be one of the most haunted houses in Savannah

This picturesque promenade offers a glimpse into Savannah’s rich history and the captivating narratives that have unfolded along its tree-lined streets.

Stories of Notable Figures

Frequently, the Historic District tour highlights the remarkable stories of Savannah’s notable figures, from pioneering women to trailblazing African Americans and Native Americans.

Visitors learn about influential women like Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, and Susannah Belden, a leading socialite and philanthropist.

The tour also explores the lives of prominent African Americans, such as W.W. Law, a civil rights leader, and Noble Wimberly Jones, a physician and Revolutionary War hero.

Plus, the guide shares insights into the region’s Native American heritage, including the Yamacraw tribe and their interactions with the city’s early settlers.

These captivating stories bring Savannah’s past to life in vivid detail.

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Architectural Grandeur of Homes

As visitors make their way through the Historic District, they’re captivated by the architectural grandeur of the homes lining the streets.

Savannah’s wealthy elite spared no expense in constructing their stately residences, showcasing a diverse array of architectural styles that reflect the city’s rich history.

From the ornate Regency-style mansions along Jones Street to the Greek Revival townhouses on Madison Square, the homes exhibit exquisite details and craftsmanship.

Visitors can admire the intricate ironwork, towering columns, and expansive verandas that epitomize Savannah’s antebellum elegance.

These historic structures provide a glimpse into the lives of the city’s elite, whose wealth and status were embodied in the architectural splendor of their private estates.

Avoiding Crowds and Heat

Careful scheduling and group size management enable the tour to avoid congestion and the midday heat that often plagues walking tours in Savannah’s Historic District. The tour starts early in the morning, sidestepping the crowds and blistering temperatures that build later in the day. With a small group size capped at 10 participants, the experience feels intimate and navigable, unlike the packed, hurried tours that typify the area. This thoughtful approach allows the group to enjoy the history and architecture at a comfortable pace, making the most of their time in the city.

Advantages of Early Start Time	Advantages of Small Group Size
Avoids midday heat	Intimate, navigable experience
Bypasses peak visitor hours	Allows immersion in history
Enables relaxed pace	Avoids crowds and congestion

Recommended Local Experiences

The tour guide can recommend a wealth of local activities, shopping, and dining options to enhance visitors’ Savannah experience beyond the tour itself.

After exploring the historic district, guests can enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and hospitality.

Some recommended local experiences include:

• Browsing the shops and galleries at the charming City Market
• Indulging in Savannah’s renowned cuisine at one of the many acclaimed restaurants along the Riverfront
• Discovering the city’s rich art scene by visiting the Telfair Museums
• Setting out on a scenic riverboat cruise to admire Savannah’s architectural gems from the water

These local recommendations can transform the historic district tour into a truly memorable Savannah adventure.

Tour Logistics and Details

Lasting approximately three hours, the Savannah Historic District walking tour caters to small groups of up to 10 participants, with prices starting from $35.32 per person. The early start time helps guests beat the heat, and the longer runtime allows for a more in-depth exploration compared to other walking tours. The knowledgeable guide can provide recommendations for local activities, shopping, and dining options.

Tour Highlights
Small group size	Avoid crowds
Early start time	Beat the heat
Longer runtime	In-depth exploration
Guide recommendations	Activities, shopping, dining

The tour route covers the northwest corner of the Historic District, including the City Market, and follows the central north-south spine of Bull Street, ending in the southern part of the Landmark Historic District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water?

No, water is not provided on this tour, so it’s recommended to bring your own water. The tour includes a break at a local cafe where you can purchase drinks, but bringing your own water is advisable.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

The tour operator does not allow participants to bring dogs on the walking tour. The tour is not suitable for pets as it covers a large area and may not be comfortable for animals. Guests should leave their furry friends at home.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The guide can accommodate guests with mobility needs, and the route includes sidewalks and even surfaces suitable for wheelchair users. Advance notice is recommended to ensure the best experience.

Can I Extend the Tour for Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites in Savannah’s historic district. The tour guide can customize the itinerary to accommodate requests and provide more in-depth exploration of the city’s landmarks and attractions.

Are Group Discounts Available for Larger Parties?

Yes, group discounts are available for larger parties. The tour provider offers reduced per-person rates for groups of 6 or more participants. Guests should inquire about group pricing when booking the tour.

Recap

Savannah’s Historic District offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s strategic location, grid-like layout, and the wealth fueled by the cotton trade.

Exploring the bustling City Market, iconic Bull Street, and the architectural grandeur of historic homes provides insights into the remarkable stories of notable figures.

While navigating crowds and heat can be challenging, recommended local experiences and tour logistics ensure an enriching and memorable visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: