Built from 1816–1819, the Owens-Thomas House in downtown Savannah is a treat for both history fans and students of building design. Widely considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the U.S., it was designed by William Jay, one of the nation's first professionally-trained architects. Built for a wealthy cotton merchant and banker, the elegant residence was constructed and furnished entirely with materials delivered by ship from England. In addition to the house itself, the attraction also includes a garden, museum store, and a carriage house.
Parking and public transportation to the Owens-Thomas House
Located on Oglethorpe Square in the heart of Savannah's National Landmark Historic District, the Owens-Thomas House is an easy walk from most downtown lodging facilities. Alternatively, you can park your car at nearby public parking garages, or in street-level metered parking spaces. Or, you could also ride here on "the dot," Savannah's free downtown transportation system.
Best and worst time to go to the Owens-Thomas House
Weekends can be crowded at this popular attraction; at the same time, you don't need to feed the on-street parking meters (if you can find a space).
Admission to the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House opens at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and at noon Sunday and Monday. This is a guided-tour only attraction: tours are given daily at fifteen-minute intervals, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm. Admission prices currently range from $5 to $15 depending upon age. The museum store, carriage house, garden and public restrooms are wheelchair accessible, but the house itself is not.
Must see/do at the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House was Savannah's first residence with an indoor running water system, which includes four rooftop cisterns. The carriage house, which also serves as the site's orientation center, is home to the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the southern U.S.
Other places to visit near the Owens-Thomas House
Nearby attractions include Broughton Street, downtown's main retail/restaurant strip, whose occupants include Leopold's Ice Cream, a Savannah tradition. Also, 17 Hundred 90, a historic inn with a restaurant and bar, is only a few steps away. Meanwhile, River Street, where century-old cotton warehouses have been converted into a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs and hotels facing the Savannah River, is also within a short walk.
Insider tip for visitors to the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House is owned by Telfair Museums, which also owns the Telfair Academy, home to nineteenth- and twentieth-century American and European art; and Jepson Center, featuring exhibitions of contemporary art. Purchase a triple-site pass and enjoy a substantial discount on visits to all three locations.
Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a Savannah-based freelance writer.
Made famous by John Berendt's 1994 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the Mercer Williams House Museum is open to the public and gives guests an opportunity to view the circa 1868 home that was carefully restored by Mr. Jim Williams in the late 1960s. Much of his private art collection is on display downstairs.
How to get to The Mercer Williams House Museum
The home is located on Monterey Square in historic downtown Savannah. Trolley and bus tours frequent the area. The address for private vehicles is 429 Bull Street, Savannah GA 31401.
Best and worst time to go to The Mercer Williams House Museum
The best time for a visit is to take the last tour of the day, which is at 4:10 p.m, everyday of the week. The guides will be more relaxed and answer more of your questions when they know there is not another group behind you waiting. The worst time for crowds is the day before or after a major holiday.
Admission to The Mercer Williams House Museum
Students may purchase tickets for $8.50. Adults are $12.50 each. Group rate discounts may be available, but you have to call the home to inquire.
Must see/do at The Mercer Williams House Museum
Make sure you take a turn to peer up at the glass domed ceiling above the grand staircase. It is a view not to be missed.
Other places to visit near The Mercer Williams House Museum
Fans of historic homes will love visiting the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace as well.
Insider tip for visitors to The Mercer Williams House Museum
Be sure to save some souvenir money to shop inside the Carriage House shop.
Author's bio: Jamie Davis is a freelance writer and top-selling author with Llewellyn Worldwide. She lives on Wilmington Island, an area of Savannah, Georgia. She loves all things coastal Georgia and if pressed to describe herself in one word, she would choose "traveler." She can be found at http://jamiedaviswrites.com.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is a fun outdoor adventure situated between historic downtown Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. Visitors can enjoy guided or self-guided tours throughout the grounds. Children particularly love wondering through the remains of the fort and climbing over the old cannons. There are several miles of trails for walkers and bikers. Fishermen will enjoy their sport while sitting along the surrounding Savannah River.
How to get to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is accessible by car only. Travelers should take US-80 East from downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Best and worst time to go to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fall is the best time to enjoy the grounds. The worst day as far as crowds is July 4. Visitors during the summer months should strive to arrive at 9:00 a.m. when the park opens to avoid the hot Savannah sun.
Admission to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Admission is set at $5.00 per adult. Special rates are set for commercial tour vehicles that range from $25.00 for up to six people to $100.00 for vehicles that carry up to 100 passengers.
Must see/do at Fort Pulaski National Monument
First time visitors should be sure to walk the Lighthouse Overlook Trail. This access trail gives the best views of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse.
Other places to visit near Fort Pulaski National Monument
Tybee Island is just a few miles away from the fort. Tybee offers more than three miles of beach area and is consistently voted one of America's top family-friendly beach towns.
Insider tip for visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Historic weapons demonstrations are held at 1:30 every afternoon except on Saturday. There are three demonstrations that are held on Saturday: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Author's bio: Jamie Davis is a freelance writer and top-selling author with Llewellyn Worldwide. She lives on Wilmington Island, an area of Savannah, Georgia. She loves all things coastal Georgia and if pressed to describe herself in one word, she would choose "traveler."
One of Savannah's most popular tourist destinations, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was originally built in 1873, rebuilt in 1900 following its destruction by fire, and enjoyed a major restoration in 2000. The 28,000-square-foot cathedral, featuring steeples rising 207 feet in the air, is the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah.
Parking and public transportation to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Located on Lafayette Square in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an easy walk from most downtown lodging facilities. Alternatively, you can park your car at nearby public parking garages, or in street-level metered parking spaces. Or, you could also ride here on "the dot," Savannah's free downtown transportation system.
Best and worst time to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist can be visited most days, with the exception of much of Sunday. During these days, a sign in front of the Cathedral will let you know if it is closed to guests due to church-related activities. Otherwise, enter through far-right door on the front of the Cathedral.
Admission to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Admission to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is free. Donations are suggested.
Must see/do at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Prominent features of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist include the 9,000-pound main altar, carved in Italy of premium Carrara marble; 81 magnificent stained glass windows, executed by the Innsbruck Glassmakers in the Austrian Tyrol; a unique collection of wall murals reflecting American Renaissance art; and a pipe organ with 34 ranks and 2,308 pipes, clad in a case of solid white oak with black walnut console trim.
Other places to visit near the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Nearby attractions include the Hamilton-Turner Inn. Featuring striking Second French Empire architecture, the inn was built as a residence in 1873, and was Savannah's first home with electricity; it is now an upscale bed and breakfast establishment. Directly across Lafayette Square, meanwhile, the Andrew Low House was built in 1848 as the home of a wealthy Savannah merchant. Now a museum, it provides an interesting glimpse into the genteel lifestyle of pre-Civil War downtown Savannah.
Insider tip for visitors to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Spending a bit of quiet time in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. John is the perfect way to rest the mind and the body, especially while taking a walk around Savannah on a hot summer day.
Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a Savannah-based freelance writer.
