We have posted some of the highlights from the brochure for the upcoming Tour of Homes and Gardens in Savannah, GA. The 78th annual tour will take place on March 21- 24, 2013. For More information visit www.savannahtourofhomes.org.
Join the Annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens in
Celebrating 78 Years of Hospitality, Preservation and
Community Giving.
The Tour offers a rare opportunity to enter some of Savannah's
finest private homes and experience the architecture, furnishings
and collections that have been treasured by families for
generations, but seldom seen by the public. In addition to
walking tours, you will enjoy seminars, special events and some
of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer. These
properties have all been meticulously restored, preserving the
character of the space and allowing enjoyment of modern
amenities. Several incorporate more current design trends.
Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Edward
Oglethorpe, whose colonial plan was based on a grid
incorporating residences, primary thoroughfares and spacious
public squares. The 2013 Tour features homes in two of
Savannah's National Register Historic Districts. Downtown is
home to the largest urban National Historic Landmark District
in the United States. In this single square mile area, you will
find a genteel city encompassing the beauty, architecture and
history of the old South. Twenty-two oak-canopied squares
surrounded by lovely homes, businesses and churches give
Downtown Savannah a character of its own.
Ardsley Park, Savannah's first planned suburban area, recently
celebrated its 100th anniversary. Featured on our Sunday Tour,
Ardsley's creative concept of variable lot sizes yields an infinite
variety of large homes, gardens, cottages and bungalows. Today,
the tree-lined streets of Ardsley Park intersect circles and parks
offering a very livable, as well as walkable, neighborhood.
Home and Garden Tours are self-guided with a different group
of six to nine sites featured each of the four days. You may visit
these selected sites in any order during a three-hour period at
your own pace. The homes vary in age, size and style; they may
have high-stooped entries with steep steps to climb. Most are
NOT handicapped accessible. We regret that animals and
service animals cannot be admitted into the homes. Please wear
appropriate walking shoes for your comfort and safety and to
protect the integrity of the homes.
Tours, Seminars and Events fill quickly. Limited tickets.
Please reserve early. Tickets go on sale December 3, 2012
Home and Garden Walking Tour
Northeast Historic Landmark District
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Noon to 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets $45
Lovely squares and friendly neighborhoods define this area,
which features some of the District's earliest homes. Charming
wood-frame and brick houses dating from 1789 are showcased
on this tour.
Secrets of Preserving a City
The Kennedy Pharmacy, 323 East Broughton Street
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Tickets $35
Learn the secrets of how Savannah has become famous for
preserving the largest urban historic district in the United
States. Daniel Carey, President of Historic Savannah
Foundation, will explain how this is being achieved using a
Revolving Fund and easements. Savannah was one of the earliest
communities to employ these tools…and they have saved nearly
400 buildings. A 30-minute presentation will be followed by a
one hour trolley tour with a sampling of success stories.
Lunch at The Lady and Sons Restaurant
102 West Congress Street
Seatings at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM Tickets: $35
“What's cooking, y'all?” Enjoy Paula Deen's world famous food in
the comfort of a private banquet room for Tour guests. Come
hungry for this delectable buffet and savor the legendary Southern
cuisine made famous by Paula on her television program.
Sapelo Island and Sweet Grass Baskets
Kennedy Pharmacy, 323 East Broughton St.
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tickets $30
Born storyteller Cornelia Walker Bailey, a self-described
“Geechee,” tells about how Sapelo Island’s West African traditions
are alive today. She will transport you to this enchanted land of
miracles and magic and talk about the history of the island and
the small community that exists today. Yvonne J. Grovner will
weave her traditional Sea Island sweet grass baskets and tell of this
art that is passed down through generations. Grovner was taught
by Master basket maker Allen Green of Sapelo Island. Sapelo is a
barrier island off the Georgia coast is accessible only by ferry.
This is sure to be a delight!
Jere's Antiques, 9 North Jefferson Street
(just north of Bay Street)
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Tickets $25
Learn how to recognize various styles of period furniture in this
lively and entertaining seminar in Jere Myer's own warehouse!
Jere will demonstrate construction techniques, materials and
finishes to equip you with the knowledge you need to
appreciate and wisely purchase a variety of antiques. Limited to
30 participants.
(www.jeresantiques.com)
The Gardener's Walking Tour
Departs from Calhoun Square
(Abercorn Street and East Taylor Street)
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM Tickets $30
Local garden enthusiasts will take you on a stroll through
Savannah's squares sharing history, folklore and fun facts about
the natural landscape of the Landmark District. Savannah is
world-renowned for its blooming azaleas under a canopy of live
oaks. Come experience a unique blend of landscape design,
story-telling and natural beauty. Please remember to wear
appropriate clothing and footwear!
Welcome Reception and Worship Service
Chippewa Square
Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull Street
5:30 PM Complimentary event; no tickets required.
The Women of Christ Church Anglican invite you to share a
Savannah tradition of gathering in the squares. Join us in
Chippewa Square for homemade goodies and fellowship to kick
off the 78th Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens. You will have
ample time after the 6:15 PM service to reach your dinner
destination. Casual attire.
Home and Garden Walking Tour
Southeast Historic Landmark District
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Noon to 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets $45
Stroll back 200 years through Calhoun, Lafayette and Troup
Squares to view restored 19th century homes featuring wrought
iron, unusual architectural detailing and charming front stoops.
This neighborhood blends historic buildings with new
construction.
Fine Furniture: Creating and Restoring
Studio of Guenther Wood Group, 409 East York Street
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Tickets $35
Master furniture maker Gregory Guenther opens his exclusive
studio for our seminar. Guenther creates exquisite furniture and
restores priceless antique furniture to its original grandeur. This
award winning artisan has been featured on PBS's Antique
Roadshow, The New Yankee Workshop and HGTV's Modern
Masters. He, along with conservator Roger White, will conduct
this unique seminar in their studio for an insider's view of
timeless art. (www.guentherwoodgroup.com)
Sampling Savannah's Favorites
First Baptist Church-Social Hall
102 West McDonough Street
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tickets $30
Please join us for an entertaining presentation and sampling of
recipes from the award winning cookbook,
First Served in Savannah. Tidbits of local history are sprinkled
among the southern recipes in this tell-all, taste-all cookbook
produced by the ladies of St. Andrew's School. It also makes a
perfect gift or souvenir. Come with a good appetite!
Lunch at The Lady and Sons Restaurant
102 West Congress Street
Seatings at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM Tickets: $35
“What's cooking, y'all?” Enjoy Paula Deen's world famous food
in the comfort of a private banquet room for Tour guests. Come
hungry for this delectable buffet and savor the legendary
Southern cuisine made famous by Paula on her television
program.
Exploring the Architecture of Charles Cluskey
Begins at Saint Vincent's Academy
207 East Liberty Street
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM Tickets $35
Local historian and preservationist Beth Lattimore Reiter
explores the contributions of antebellum era architect Charles
Cluskey, beginning with a slide lecture at the Cluskey-designed
Convent of the Sisters of Mercy at Saint Vincent's Academy.
The tour will also feature a walk to nearby buildings designed
by the architect and conclude at the Harper Fowlkes House,
Cluskey's crowning achievement in Savannah. Light
refreshments will be served on the porch. This seminar involves
walking. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing and
footwear!
The Gardener's Walking Tour
Departs from Calhoun Square
(Abercorn Street and East Taylor Street)
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM Tickets $30
Local garden enthusiasts will take you on a stroll through Savannah's
squares sharing history, folklore and fun facts about the natural
landscape of the Landmark District. Savannah is world-renowned
for its blooming azaleas under a canopy of live oaks. Come
experience a unique blend of landscape design, story-telling and
natural beauty. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing
and footwear!
When the Future was Limitless
Savannah 1840 -1860
Massie Heritage Center, 207 East Gordon Street
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Tickets $40
Wine and cheese served. Must be 21 or older to participate.
In terms of population growth, infrastructure investment, the
development of civic institutions and overall growth rate of
economic expansion and population, the 20 years leading up to
the Civil War was in many ways a golden age for Savannah.
Although blighted by the institution of slavery, the city
nevertheless produced a generation of leaders—both black and
white—whose vision, energy and accomplishments are simply
breathtaking given the resources at their disposal. In those years,
the city doubled in size, set the price for cotton on the east
coast, and built numerous schools, hospitals, churches and
hotels. And, as businesses expanded aggressively, parks were
established and orphanages and other charitable institutions
were funded. During these years, a sewage and storm water
system—some of which still serve the city—a gas lighting
system, and waterworks that delivered fresh water to homes,
were initiated along with the expansion of the city’s police and
fire departments, its harbor, and the establishment of new
shipping lines. During these years of growth, not one but three
railroads were established—and all on a tax base of about 3,000
households. How did they do it? The answer is leadership—
extraordinary leadership— and this was provided by both
Savannah’s black and white communities. Presented by Barry
Sheehy and Vaughnette Goode-Walker, authors of Civil War
Savannah, Immortal City and Brokers, Bankers and Bay Lane,
at the historic Massie School opened in 1856 as Savannah’s first
free public school.
Trolley Back in Time
Departs from Trolley Stop at 18 Abercorn Street
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Tickets $90
Must be 21 or older to participate.
This evening, step back in time to 19th century Savannah.
Enjoy the company of other tour guests and a private guide on
an open air trolley ride that will take you to three of Savannah’s
outstanding Historic museum homes. You will be given a
splendid tour with costumed interpreters and enjoy
hors d’oeuvres prepared especially for you. At the 1820 Isaiah
Davenport House, visitors will sample and learn the social
graces and importance of the Madeira wine tradition. The
rescue of this house, slated for demolition in 1955, was the
catalyst for the formation of Historic Savannah Foundation. At
the Bir thplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl
Scouts of America, guests will view activities that Juliette's
family would have enjoyed during the Victorian era in their
Savannah home. The Andrew Low House, designed by famous
architect John Norris, is one of America's finest examples of
Regency style domestic architecture. Historic figures such as
General Robert E. Lee have been welcomed here!
Home and Garden Walking Tour
Southwest Historic Landmark District
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Noon to 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets $45
Built during the height of the cotton era, these 19th century homes
feature many Romantic revival architectural elements. Stroll
through Madison, Pulaski and Chatham Squares and visit
magnificent Forsyth Park. Visit shops in the Design District on
Whitaker and Jones during this Tour.
Siege of Savannah - Revolutionary War Battle
Begins at the at Savannah History Museum
303 Martin Luther King Junior Blvd
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Tickets $35
Dr. Preston Russell, author, artist and historian will give a lively and
informative accounting of the Revolutionary War in Savannah. This
seminar will begin with a lecture at the Savannah History Museum,
where Dr. Russell's hand painted figures reenacting the Siege of
Savannah are on display. Then a short walk will take you to the
actual battlefield site. Next, the tour will move to the Harper
Fowlkes House, where a discussion on the house's connection to
the Revolutionary War will ensue. Light refreshments will be served
on the porch. This seminar involves walking, please remember to
wear appropriate clothing and footwear!
Preservation-in-Progress Walking Tours
Check our website or call the ticket office for location
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Tickets $30
Join us for an interactive walking tour featuring two homes: one is
a complete restoration and the other is a work in progress. This
seminar involves walking to two different sites and one will be in a
state of active restoration. Please remember to wear appropriate
clothing and footwear!
A Bonaventure Stroll: Guided Tour of Bonaventure Cemetery
Departs from Trolley Stop at 18 Abercorn Street
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tickets $45
Enjoy a walk though the majestic grounds of Bonaventure's famous
historic section. Beautiful wrought iron fencing and imposing statuary
embellish the gravesites of many Savannah’s, both everyday citizens and
notable historic figures. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss shade the
avenues of this breath-taking riverside setting. Bonaventure Historical
Society guides will be your hosts, introducing you to a few of the
fascinating personalities, including Johnny Mercer, who have come to
rest in this premier example of a Victorian garden-style cemetery.
Space is limited. Please reserve early.
Civil War Savannah
Presentation, Lunch and Tour of Bay Lane
Beginning with Presentation and Lunch at Vic's on the River
26 East Bay Street
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Tickets $45
Join Barry Sheehy and Vaughnette Goode-Walker, authors of the
four-volume series Civil War Savannah – the most ambitious and
revealing historical series ever written about Savannah – as they
present highlights from Volumes I and II. In addition to their
presentation, the event will include a light lunch at Vic’s on the
River, located in a pre-Civil War structure; a 45-minute walking
tour of Bay Lane; and closing remarks at the Moon River Brewing
Company, which was the famous City Hotel before the Civil War.
Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to enjoy stunning views of the
Savannah River from the banquet room at Vic’s.
The Gardener's Walking Tour
Departs from Calhoun Square
(Abercorn Street and East Taylor Street)
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Tickets $30
Local garden enthusiasts will take you on a stroll through Savannah's
squares sharing history, folklore and fun facts about the natural
landscape of the Landmark District. Savannah is world-renowned for its
blooming azaleas under a canopy of live oaks. Come experience a
unique blend of landscape design, story-telling and natural beauty.
Please remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear!
Home and Garden Walking Tour
Ardsley Park - Chatham Crescent
Noon to 3:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets $45
Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent is a large residential area developed
(c. 1910) as two adjacent planned subdivisions. The plan of Ardsley
Park is a grid with landscaped squares, a 20th century variant of
Oglethorpe's original city plan.
Chatham Crescent is a rare example in Georgia because of its Beaux
Arts influence; its 'City Beautiful' plan with a grand mall, crescent
shaped avenues, and small circular parks incorporated into a basic
grid pattern. The architectural styles in the district include revival
and eclectic styles popular in the early 20th century. They are
predominantly one to two-story single family homes with
free-standing garages in the rear.
Featured this year will be the award-winning Savannah Arts Academy
Starlite Jazz Band performing at Kavanaugh Park.
A Trolley Shuttle ($8 round trip) will run continuously from
Trolley Stop at 18 Abercorn Street to Ardsley Park:
11:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Historic Trolley Tour of Savannah’s Squares
Departs from Trolley Stop at 18 Abercorn Street
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Tickets $35
Sit back and enjoy the ride through Savannah's majestic historic
district while noted preservationists from Historic Savannah
Foundation narrate this seminar focusing on the beauty and history
of Savannah's unique squares and parks. Included in the event will
be information on the cultural and artistic significance of
Savannah's monuments and public art. This 90-minute tour will
include some walking, please remember to wear appropriate
clothing and footwear!
Riverboat Gospel Brunch
Departs from 9 East River Street
(Across from River Street Sweets)
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Tickets $50
All aboard the River Queen, a triple-decked private steam boat
housed on River Street. Enjoy sweet sounds of southern gospel
music by Huxsie Scott and Eddie Wilson while savoring a
deliciously-prepared and plentiful brunch buffet. Enjoy the views
through the windows abound as the boat cruises down the
Savannah River, under the Talmadge Bridge, past the Port and east
by Old Fort Jackson. Seating is assigned on a first come- first served
basis. All guests must be aboard by 9:15 AM.
Historic Preservation Slide Show
An introductory slide show on Savannah's preservation efforts
presented by friends of Historic Savannah Foundation. This is
an excellent presentation after which you’ll be fully prepared for
your Savannah experience.
