SAVANNAH TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday- September 21st – The Mighty 8thAirForceMuseum
On January 28, 1942, fifty-three days after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, the 8th Air Force was officially activated in the National Guard Armory on Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia. In 1983, Major General Lewis E. Lyle, USAF Retired, a B-17 veteran of 70 combat missions during World War II, began planning a museum along with other veterans. The museum would honor the men and women who helped defeat Nazi aggression by serving in or supporting the greatest air armada the world had ever seen- the 8th Air Force. These individuals pledged themselves to honor the courage and commitment of more than 350,000 members of the 8th Air Force. Of this number, 26,000 were killed in action and 28,000 became prisoners of war during World War II. Come see learn about their missions in this famous state of the art facility. It is absolutely amazing!!!
Have lunch on your own, before, during, or after your tour of this unique museum, at the Crown & Eagle Pub. The food is delicious, with contemporary soups, salads, and burgers, or sample 1940’s period dishes such as Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie & Fish ‘n Chips! The pub seats 40-50 people comfortably- so don’t all rush in at once! The spectacular Victorian mahogany bar, tables, & chairs are period English imports. The décor is in keeping with what U.S. serviceman and women would have seen in 1940s London pubs.
Tuesday- September 22nd – Historic Home and Gardens Tour-
Green Meldrim House – is one of the South’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. This Savannah treasure features a beautiful cast iron portico at the entrance and a covered porch on three sides of the house surrounded by ornate ironwork.
Isaiah Davenport House – is one of the best examples of Federal-style architecture in Savannah. The simple but elegant exterior was constructed of English brick & brownstone and features a handsome double entry stairway.
James Moore Wayne House – Best known as the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, this historic home was designated as Savannah’s first National Historic Landmark in 1965. The lovely Regency mansion is another treasure by English architect William Jay.
Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House – Although Mrs. Wilkes, who passed away in 2003, stopped taking in boarders nearly 40 years ago, her famous dining room lives on, serving family-style meals that put it on the map. Never mind that there is no sign marking its location on West Jones Street- the line that starts forming at 10:30 a.m. marks the spot. You’ll be seated at one of the tables-for-10 along with folks you probably don’t know. The food is classic. There’s fried chicken, gumbo, creamed corn, scalloped eggplant, Savannah red rice, biscuits, and corn muffins served from big bowls and platters passed at your table. Not to be missed!
Wednesday – September 23rd–The Paula Deen Tour–
Join us for a peek into the life of famous southern cooking entrepreneur, Paula Deen. Visit a few of the shops that Paula frequented, and still showcases, on her way to establishing one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah, the Lady & Sons. Get to know Paula like Savannah knows Paula and sample some of the low country’s best at Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House. The tour includes lunch & a few surprises which is sure to give us an appetite for more of the “Good ole South” & Paula Deen! The tour will take us through the Historic District & Bethesda Boys Home where she and Mike were married.
Thursday – September 24th – Island, Beach & FortTour –
Our tour will begin with a visit to historic Fort Jackson and listen to history as told by an interpreter as we are guided through a pre-Civil War fort. Then, it’s off to historic TybeeIsland, where we will visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum. Ordered by General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony, in 1732, the Tybee Light Station has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 170 years. Next we visit CockspurIsland, which was a section base for the U.S. Navy during World War II. This is the site of our memorial service this year.
Friday – September 24th – Historic SavannahCity Tour & Riverboat Cruise –
Founded in 1733, Savannah is one of America’s finest preserved cities and considered a jewel of the south. We’ll have a completely narrated guided tour through more than 270 years of American History. During the tour, you will visit Ships of the Sea Museum, - William Scarborough mansion. The museum features a wonderful collection of ships’ models, paintings maritime antiques.
We then begin boarding for the Savannah Riverboat Cruise and relive a bygone era on board a replica paddle wheeler. You will hear the Captain’s intriguing tales and historic facts as we travel a river once used by the founders of this beautiful city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view- just don’t lean over the side!
THAT”S ALL, FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!