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.
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."
Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah is a natural wildlife refuge for cougars, bobcats, wolves, alligators and more! Visitors access trails through marshes and forests to view animals in their natural habitats.
Parking at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
The park is accessible by private vehicle only with free parking on-site.
Best and worst time to go to Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
It is best to avoid the heat of the day, and plan to arrive at 10:00 a.m. when the park opens. The park closes at 5:00 p.m.
Admission to Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
Admission is assessed at $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children aged 4-17. There are military and senior citizen discounts for $3.00 admission as well.
Must see/do at Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
The Wolf Wilderness area is a showcase exhibit that combines an indoor viewing exhibit to observe the Gray Wolves.
Other places to visit near Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
Historic downtown Savannah is a quick 10 minute drive, and the Tybee Island beaches are within a 10-15 minute drive.
Insider tip for visitors to Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
If you have small children, you may want to take advantage of Toddler Tuesday. The center offers special programs for young guests that begin at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. every Tuesday, that even involve animal encounters.
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.
Located in historic Pin Point, the birthplace of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Pin Point Heritage Museum tells the story of the Gullah people, regional freed persons of color who established a fishing community along the banks of the Moon River.
Best and worst time to go to Pin Point Heritage Museum
Pin Point Heritage Museum is only open on Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The best time to visit is early in the day as there is limited parking.
Must see/do at Pin Point Heritage Museum
View a documentary film which tells the story of the Pin Point community and the rich culture of the Gullah people before taking a guided tour through what was once an oyster and crab canning factory. Learn from the local guides about the customs of the people who called Pin Point home for more than a century.
Admission to Pin Point Heritage Museum
Admission to Pin Point Heritage Museum ranges from $4 to $7.
Parking and public transportation to Pin Point Heritage Museum
There is free parking at Pin Point Heritage Museum. Public transportation can be found nearby via Chatham Area Transit.
Food at Pin Point Heritage Museum
There is no food service at Pin Point Heritage Museum.
Insider tip for visitors to Pin Point Heritage Museum
Stunning views of the salt marsh can be enjoyed from Pin Point. These views change with the tides offering visitors an opportunity to see and learn about the tidal system and marshlands around Savannah Georgia.
Author's bio: Laura Caldwell is a local author and licensed tour guide in the City of Savannah. She has been published in "South Magazine".