Savannah’s historic city streets come alive in a captivating scavenger hunt that challenges visitors to uncover the secrets of the city’s past. This self-guided walking tour invites participants to put their observational skills and problem-solving abilities to the test as they navigate a series of 24 clues and challenges. From iconic landmarks like the Owens-Thomas House to the picturesque Chippewa Square, the tour immerses explorers in Savannah’s rich colonial legacy and pivotal role in the American Revolution. With a point-based scoring system and friendly competition, the Savannah Scavenger Hunt provides an engaging and informative way to discover the city’s architectural marvels and uncover its enduring heritage. What awaits those who embark on this captivating journey?
Key Points
- A self-guided walking tour that explores Savannah’s historic landmarks, colonial squares, and architectural marvels through a series of captivating challenges and clues.
- Participants engage in problem-solving, attention to detail, and collaborative teamwork to uncover the city’s rich Revolutionary War history and the birthplace of the Girl Scouts.
- The tour covers a distance of approximately 2.5 miles through Savannah’s historic district, taking 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- A point-based scoring system fosters friendly competition, with leaderboard recognition for top-performing teams.
- The tour requires a charged smartphone with internet access and is not suitable for those with significant mobility impairments.
Historic Landmarks and Colonial Squares
During the Savannah Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour, you will explore the city’s historic landmarks and colonial squares, which showcase Savannah’s rich architectural heritage and its pivotal role in American history.
As you navigate through the winding streets, you’ll come across iconic landmarks like the Owens-Thomas House, a National Historic Landmark that exemplifies the city’s antebellum architecture.
The tour also takes you to the picturesque Chippewa Square, where you can see the bench used in the iconic film Forrest Gump.
Along the way, you’ll uncover fascinating details about Savannah’s past, from its colonial roots to its involvement in the Revolutionary War.
This immersive experience allows you to truly appreciate the city’s enduring legacy.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Savannah.
Revolutionary War and Independence History
Savannah’s pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War is woven throughout the Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour, as participants uncover the city’s critical contributions to the fight for independence.
Visitors will be captivated by tales of Savannah’s strategic importance, learning about the 1778 Battle of Savannah, which saw a combined French and American force attempt to retake the city from the British.
The tour showcases landmarks associated with this pivotal moment, allowing participants to enjoy the drama and significance of Savannah’s Revolutionary War history.
Along the way, they’ll discover the lasting impact of this era on the city’s architecture, culture, and identity, gaining a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s storied past.
Birthplace of the Girl Scouts
One of the most intriguing stops on the Savannah Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour is the birthplace of the Girl Scouts organization, which has its origins in the city’s rich history.
Savannah native Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts in 1912, and her childhood home on Oglethorpe Avenue is now a National Historic Landmark.
Visitors can explore:
- The historic home where Low lived and hosted the first Girl Scout meeting.
- Exhibits highlighting the early days of the organization and its founder’s life.
- Interactive displays showcasing the evolution of the Girl Scouts over the past century.
- The iconic Girl Scout Cookies that have become a beloved American tradition.
This stop offers a glimpse into Savannah’s role in shaping a beloved youth organization that has empowered generations of young women.
Impressive Architectural Marvels
The historic district of Savannah showcases an abundance of impressive architectural marvels that captivate visitors, from the grand columned mansions lining the cobblestone streets to the majestic cathedrals that tower above the city skyline. One of the most iconic sights is the Mercer-Williams House, immortalized in the novel ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.’ Another must-see is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, with its ornate French Gothic spires and intricate stained glass windows. Exploring the city’s historic squares, you’ll discover hidden gems like the Owens-Thomas House, a prime example of Greek Revival architecture. Savannah’s architectural wonders are a true feast for the senses.
Architectural Marvel | Notable Features |
---|---|
Mercer-Williams House | Columned mansion, featured in ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ |
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist | French Gothic spires, intricate stained glass |
Owens-Thomas House | Greek Revival architecture, historic landmark |
Davenport House | Federal-style design, preserved 18th century home |
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace | Victorian-era mansion, birthplace of the Girl Scouts founder |
Exploring the Savannah River District
Along Savannah’s picturesque riverfront, visitors can enjoy the district’s captivating history and charming ambiance. Cobblestone streets wind past historic warehouses and former cotton exchange buildings, transporting you back to the city’s 19th century roots as a thriving port town.
Strolling the riverside promenade, you’ll discover quaint eateries, bustling markets, and the iconic Factors Walk bridges that connect the upper and lower levels of the district. The Savannah River District offers a glimpse into the city’s past, with opportunities to:
- Explore the Savannah History Museum
- Tour the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
- Sample locally-sourced cuisine at riverside restaurants
- Browse artisan shops and boutiques along River Street
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Clues and Challenges for Participants
Throughout the Savannah Scavenger Hunt, participants tackle a series of 24 captivating challenges that immerse them in the city’s rich history and architectural wonders.
Each clue leads explorers to significant landmarks, prompting them to observe details, answer questions, and uncover fascinating facts about Savannah’s past.
From deciphering historic inscriptions to identifying iconic architectural features, these engaging tasks encourage participants to engage deeply with their surroundings and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage.
As teams navigate the historic district, they must use their problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit to score points and uncover the secrets of Savannah’s storied past.
Group Scoring and Competition
Teams competing in the Savannah Scavenger Hunt can earn point-based scores as they tackle the 24 captivating challenges. Correct answers unlock additional clues and details, allowing groups to accumulate points and climb the leaderboard throughout their exploration of the historic district.
The scoring system is designed to foster friendly competition and encourage thorough investigation of Savannah’s rich history and architecture. Groups can strategize, collaborate, and put their observational skills to the test for the chance to emerge victorious.
The top-scoring teams will be recognized at the end of the hunt, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation to the experience.
Key scoring elements include:
- Correct answers = 10 points
- Bonus challenges = 25 points
- Time bonuses = 5 points per 10 minutes under target time
- Leaderboard position = 1st place = 50 points, 2nd place = 25 points, 3rd place = 10 points
Important Tour Details and Information
The self-guided Savannah Scavenger Hunt walking tour takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, covering a distance of around 2.5 miles through the historic district.
Participants must have a charged smartphone with internet access to access the interactive challenges and clues.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with significant mobility impairments, as it involves walking through the Savannah’s cobblestone streets and navigating uneven terrain.
The meeting point for the activity is the parking garage located at 7 Whitaker Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
The tour allows participants to explore Savannah’s rich history and architecture at their own pace, solving 24 unique challenges as they follow the clues on their smartphones.
Groups of 1 to 6 people can enjoy the experience together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Smartphone for the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own smartphone. The tour requires a charged smartphone with internet access to access the clues and challenges. Using your own device is convenient and necessary to fully participate in the self-guided experience.
Is the Tour Self-Guided or Led by a Guide?
The tour is self-guided, allowing guests to explore the historic city at their own pace using a smartphone app. There is no guide leading the group, but the app provides clues and challenges to direct the experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The self-guided tour is generally suitable for children, though parental supervision is recommended. The challenges may require some reading and problem-solving skills, making the experience more engaging for older children and teens.
Can I Take Breaks During the Tour?
Yes, you can take breaks during the tour. The self-guided nature of the activity allows participants to explore at their own pace and take breaks as needed. This flexibility makes the tour suitable for people of varying fitness levels.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
The company sometimes offers discounts for the tour, such as for students, seniors, or military. Customers should check the tour website or contact the provider to inquire about any current promotional offers or discounts that may be available.
Recap
The Savannah Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game provides an immersive and engaging way to explore Savannah’s rich history and architectural wonders.
Participants can test their observational skills, solve challenges, and compete as they uncover the city’s secrets, from its revolutionary past to the birthplace of the Girl Scouts.
With a focus on hands-on exploration and collaborative discovery, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to explore Savannah’s captivating legacy.
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