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.
Centrally located off of Gaston Street at the south end of Savannah's Landmark Historic District, Forsyth Park comprises thirty acres of lush landscaping including live oaks, magnolias and azaleas. Victorian mansions border each side of the park making Forsyth a popular destination for photography enthusiasts.
Parking and public transportation at Forsyth Park
Public parking can be found at the Visitor Center at Forsyth Park on Drayton Avenue as well as on Park Street at the south end of Forsyth. The dot Express Shuttle picks up adjacent to the park on Hall and Goodwin streets. This is a free service that runs every twenty minutes Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Best and worst time to go to Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is open from sunrise to sunset with lighted areas open until 11 p.m. making anytime during the day a good time to visit. The Visitor Center at Forsyth Park is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Admission to Forsyth Park
Admission to Forsyth Park is free.
Must see at Forsyth Park
At the north end of Forsyth Park there is a magnificent nineteenth century Parisian-style fountain that is perhaps Savannah's most recognized landmark. Located in the center of the park is the Confederate Monument. Rising more than fifty feet, this elegant sandstone sculpture is topped with a bronze statue of a confederate soldier.
Other places to visit near Forsyth Park
Located just a block north of Forsyth Park is Monterey Square and the Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book "Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt. Also a short stroll from Forsyth Park is the picturesque Jones Street with its rows of antebellum townhouses. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is located a short distance away on Lafayette Square.
Insider tip on Forsyth Park
The Forsyth Farmer's Market, featuring locally grown produce, is held seasonally on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
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".
