See the best of “Georgia’s First City” during your fully narrated, 90-minute trolley tour. From the Visitor Center in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Station to the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, Old Trolley Tours is a comprehensive tour with more than 100 points of interest. Hop on and off at 15 different locations to sightsee shop, or satisfy your hunger.
Stops on Your Savannah Old Town Trolley Tour
The Visitor Center
Located in the historic Central of Georgia Passenger Station is the Visitor Center. Head inside to get an overview of Savannah. Near the Visitor Center, the Harper Fowlkes House is a beautifully furnished Greek Revival Mansion, selected as one of the top 25 Historic Homes in America by Traditional Home Magazine. In the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, discover the story of Ralph Mark Gilbert, the pastor of the historic First African Baptist Church from 1939 to 1956.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Step inside the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace to learn about the incredible life of the women who founded the Girl Scouts. Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace is Savannah’s first National Historic Landmark and a museum. Minutes from Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace is the Jepson Center for the Arts, the modern building and extensive collection of artwork within drawing hundreds of people to it each day. At the Independent Presbyterian Church, experience 250 years of history and authentic beauty. The Colonial Park Cemetery is also near the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace. Stroll the cemetery and reflect on the lives of the Revolutionary War soldiers laid to rest here.
Madison Square
Named after the fourth president of the United States, James Madison, Madison Square is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city. At the heart of the square is St. John’s Episcopal Church, founded in 1840 to help increase the Episcopal presence in Georgia. A short walk from the center of the square is the Sorrel-Weed House, built by Charles Cluskey between 1835 and 1840 and considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival and Regency architecture. Also located in Madison Square is the Temple Mickve Israel, home to the third oldest Jewish congregation in America.
Forsyth Park
Boasting natural beauty, history and attractions, Forsyth Park is the oldest and largest park in Savannah. Within the park explore King-Tisdell Cottage, an African heritage museum and the Beach Institute, home to the Ulysses Davis Collection.
Massie Heritage Museum
Learn about the history of Savannah’s first free public school at the Massie Heritage Museum. A short walk away you can experience the sophisticated charm of the Mercer-Williams House. Also near the Massie Heritage Museum is the Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, a living monument to John and Charles Wesley, some of the most notable evangelists that ever lived.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, an architectural marvel and the seat of the diocese of Savannah. Close by, you can step inside the Andrew Low House to discover its colorful past. Next to the Andrew Low House, is the First Girl Scouts USA Headquarters, home to exhibits and interactive educational experiences.
City Market
Since its beginnings, Savannah’s City Market has been a hub for social and commercial activity. From the Trolley’s City Market stop, head to the Telfair Museum of Art, for the best in Savannah Georgia’s art, history and architecture.
Davenport House
See the work of master-builder Isaiah Davenport. Isaiah Davenport was well-known for his skill and talent in the building industry and in 1820, built the Davenport House as a showcase of his work and as a family home. Other historic homes to see near the Davenport House include the Kehoe House, a Renaissance Revival mansion and the Owens-Thomas House, one of the finest examples of Regency architecture.
The Pirate’s House
From the Pirate’s House, visit Rainbow Row, a colorful collection of Carpenter Italianate-style row homes reminiscent of old Savannah. The International Seamen’s House, down the road from Rainbow Row, was originally used to welcome sailors arriving in the port of Georgia. In Emmet Park learn about early Irish Savannahians and pay tribute to Robert Emmet, an Irish patriot and hero among Savannah’s Irish community.
Bay Street
Discover Savannah’s role in the cotton industry on Bay Street. Running east to west with iron bridges overhead linking the old cotton warehouses, it’s not hard to imagine Bay Street as the original site for the Cotton Exchange in the early 1800s. Near Bay Street is the old Lucas Theater, inspired by Greek revival, Adams-inspired, Art Deco and Neoclassical periods. Oglethorpe Bench, built in the exact spot founder of Savannah, General James Edward Oglethorpe, slept on the first night he spent in Georgia, is also near the Bay Street trolley stop.
Exchange Bell
Located on Bay Street is Savannah’s replica of the original City Exchange Bell Tower. The original bell, the oldest in Georgia, was constructed in 1802 and hung in the bell tower of the city Exchange Building. Nearby are the U.S. Customs House, Georgia’s oldest federal building, and the Cotton Exchange, a building that has symbolised the importance of the cotton industry in Savannah for many years.
Ships of the Sea Museum
Step back in time at the Ships of the Sea Museum as you learn about ships like the Mayflower and the Savannah. Not far from the Ships of the Sea Museum is the First African Baptist Church. Visit the First African Baptist Church and explore its many original elements. Franklin’s Square, named in honor of Benjamin Franklin who was a Colonial agent for Georgia from 1768 to 1775, was originally the site of the city’s first water supply.
Old Town Trolley Welcome Center
From the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center you can visit the Roundhouse Railroad Museum. Originally the Central Georgia Railway Headquarters, the Roundhouse Museum was once bustling with activity, handling freight, passengers, maintenance and manufacturing. Also visible from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center is the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, named in honor of former Governor of Georgia Eugene Talmadge.
Shopping and Dining
Shopping
Shopping opportunities abound in Savannah. Near the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low is ShopSCAD, featuring original works of art and crafts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and Wright Square antique Mall, with antiques and collectibles from more than 30 local dealers. From the stop at City Market, head to Ellis Square known for its charming collection of fine shops and boutiques or visit the Trolley Gift Shop for Savannah gifts and keepsakes. Hop off the bus at the Pirate’s House and head toward River Street where you will find shops like Simply Savannah, home to traditional southern souvenirs. Downtown Savannah’s Broughton Street is known for its multitude of shops including trendy boutiques, popular chain stores, speciality shops and art galleries.
Dinning
Savannah offers a whole host of dining options. Visit Mrs Wilkes Boarding House near Madison Square, serving fried chicken, gumbo, creamed corn, Savannah red rice, biscuits and other traditional southern favorites. Close by the Massie Heritage Museum is Clary’s Café, serving breakfast all day. The Pirate’s House, is a one-of-a-kind restaurant. Try authentic Georgia cuisine in one of the Pirate House’s 15 dining rooms reminiscent of the building’s early roots as an inn that housed visiting sailors. The Pirate’s House is minutes from the Riverwalk for those who wish to dine in a restaurant overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Savannah River.
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<p> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Old Town Savannah Trolley Tour is ADA compliant, offering a number of trolleys that are wheelchair accessible. Ask about the specific locations that can safely permit the loading and unloading of wheelchairs.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Come prepared. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, sunscreen and a hat.</p></p>