Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour

Savannah, the jewel of the South, boasts a rich architectural heritage that captivates visitors from near and far. The Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour offers a chance to step back in time and take in the city’s storied past. Led by knowledgeable guides, this two-hour excursion takes participants on a journey through Savannah’s most renowned landmarks, unveiling the stories behind the facades. From the Harper Fowlkes House to Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace, each stop on the tour promises to ignite the imagination and leave one eager to uncover more of Savannah’s enchanting history.

Key Points

• The tour focuses on Savannah’s architectural treasures and historic homes, including the Harper Fowlkes House, Green-Meldrim House, and Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace.
• The tour duration is 2 hours, departs from Warren Square, and concludes at the Green-Meldrim House, with a maximum group size of 30 people.
• Guides provide captivating narratives and insights into the architectural styles, design elements, and historical significance of the homes.
• The tour emphasizes the importance of Savannah’s historic preservation movement and the stories behind the influential families associated with the properties.
• The tour experience is primarily focused on exterior architecture, with no interior access, and guests are free to explore the homes independently after the tour.

Tour Overview

The Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Savannah’s architectural treasures. Rated 4.6 out of 81 reviews, this 2-hour tour focuses on the city’s historic homes, their architecture, and the preservation efforts that safeguard them.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour showcases notable sites like the Harper Fowlkes House, Green-Meldrim House, and Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace.

With a maximum group size of 30, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The tour departs from Warren Square and concludes at the Green-Meldrim House, providing guests with an immersive experience that highlights Savannah’s rich history and architectural significance.

Meeting and End Points

The Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour departs from Warren Square, located at 22 Habersham St, Savannah, GA 31401.

The tour concludes at the Green-Meldrim House, 14 W Macon St, Savannah, GA 31401.

The starting time for the tour is 10:00 am.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of purchase, and guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour without penalty.

The tour experience is approximately 2 hours long and covers notable historic homes and the local preservation movement in Savannah.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

One of the highlights of the Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour is the opportunity to learn about the stories behind the city’s elaborate mansions and the families who built them.

The tour provides insights into Savannah’s architectural styles and the local preservation movement that has protected these historic homes. Guests can explore the city on foot with a knowledgeable guide, who shares details about the development and historical significance of the homes.

The tours are praised for the guides’ extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling, which helps bring the past to life. Visitors also appreciate the chance to learn about the architectural styles and the importance of preserving Savannah’s rich heritage.

Architectural Styles and Preservation

Savannah’s historic homes showcase a remarkable diversity of architectural styles, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the stately Greek Revival mansions to the ornate Italianate villas, each home tells a story of the era it was built and the families who called it home. The local preservation movement has played a crucial role in maintaining these architectural gems, ensuring they remain a testament to Savannah’s past. The following table highlights some of the prominent architectural styles found in the city’s historic district:

Architectural Style	Notable Features
Greek Revival	Symmetrical facades, columned porticos, low-pitched roofs
Italianate	Ornate brackets, arched windows, low-pitched roofs
Victorian	Asymmetrical designs, intricate woodwork, towers and turrets
Federal	Brick construction, symmetrical facades, fan-shaped windows
Regency	Palladian windows, ornate door surrounds, geometric patterns

The Families and Their Stories

Savannah’s historic homes not only captivate with their architectural grandeur but also reveal the captivating narratives of the families who built them.

From the influential merchants who amassed fortunes to the socialites who hosted lavish gatherings, each home tells a unique story:

• The Harper Fowlkes House, for instance, was the longtime residence of a prominent politician who entertained notable figures like President Ulysses S. Grant.

• The Green-Meldrim House, meanwhile, was owned by a successful cotton broker who commissioned its impressive Gothic Revival design.

• And Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace, of course, is the childhood home of the founder of the Girl Scouts of America.

Knowledgeable and Engaging Guides

What truly brings the historic homes of Savannah to life are the knowledgeable and engaging guides who lead the tours.

These passionate experts weave captivating narratives that transport visitors back in time, sharing the fascinating stories behind the elaborate mansions and the families who built them.

Guests consistently praise the guides’ extensive knowledge and ability to adapt the experience to the group’s interests, providing detailed historical context that enhances understanding.

The guides’ relatable and humorous delivery further engages participants, making the tour a memorable and immersive experience.

While some may introduce personal opinions, the majority of reviewers highlight the guides’ exceptional storytelling talents that bring Savannah’s rich architectural heritage to life.

Guest Expectations and Experiences

Many guests expect to enter the historic homes during the tour, but the experience primarily focuses on exploring the exterior architecture and learning about the historical context.

While some may be disappointed by the lack of interior access, the tour still provides valuable insights into Savannah’s impressive mansions and the preservation efforts that protect them.

Key aspects of the guest experience include:

• Understanding the architectural styles and design elements that define these historic homes
• Gaining knowledge about the influential families who built and resided in the properties
• Appreciating the significance of Savannah’s historic preservation movement

Addressing Common Concerns

While some guests may be disappointed by the lack of interior access, there are a few key considerations to address common concerns about the Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour.

The tour focuses on the exterior architecture and historical narratives, not interior access. Descriptions may mention specific homes, but the actual sites visited may vary.

After the tour, guests are free to explore the homes independently. Some communication issues have been noted regarding tour scheduling and guide behavior, and feedback is taken seriously to improve the experience.

Recap

The Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour offers an enlightening exploration of the city’s architectural heritage. Knowledgeable guides captivate participants with engaging narratives of influential families and preservation efforts, while showcasing Savannah’s diverse styles. Whether seeking to appreciate the city’s rich history or marvel at its architectural treasures, this two-hour tour provides an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests.