Convention 2003

Optional Tours

Midnight & More Tour
Thursday, April 3, 1:30-4:00pm

The book Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil has had a great impact on Savannah, which your tour guide will explain as you ride from the Westin to the historic district.

This tour includes several of the "Midnight" sites – Monterey Square, Mercer House, Armstrong House, and other locations referred to in the book. Next, a stop at the studio of Jack Leigh, who did the cover shot of the "Bird Girl", and then on to the Telfair Art Museum to see the actual statue. The museum features Impressionist paintings as well as period rooms, and there will be time to enjoy it all before returning to the Westin.

Low Country Tour
Friday, April 4, 1:00-4:00pm

Tour the "Isle of Hope," the area south of the Historic District. The tour begins at the Westin, and the first stop is the Bethesda Orphanage, which was established in 1734 and is often said to be the oldest orphanage in the country. Next, visit Whitefield Chapel, built to honor the Rev. Whitefield who established Bethesda.

Later, ride to the Wormsloe Historic Site, which was originally a plantation and then a fortification in the 18th century. At Wormsloe, you may view a video about the family and walk along the scenic marsh trail to the "tabby" ruins of the 18th century fortification. Included in the tour is a walk along Bluff Drive, a lovely row of homes that face the Intercostal Waterway, some dating to before the Civil War. The afternoon will conclude with a visit to the Byrd Cookie Co., where you can see the famous benne seed cookies being made, before returning to the Westin.

By the Beautiful Sea Tour
Saturday, April 5, 12:30 – 4:00pm

Savannah has a wonderful coastal area to explore. This tour will begin with a short ride to the Bull River Marina where we will board a pontoon boat for a narrated cruise along the river and salt marsh. After the cruise, we will head to Tybee Island, the local ocean beach, and the location of one of the oldest lighthouses on the East Coast. You’ll then have a chance to stroll along the sand or just look from one of the bridges that protects the sand dunes and provides a great view of the sea. Cool drinks will be served in the beachside gazebo before returning to the Westin.