Savannah, Georgia, with its moss-draped oaks, elegant squares, and palpable Southern charm, practically begs to be explored at a leisurely pace. So, on a recent sunny day, we opted for a Savannah Bike Tour, and it turned out to be the perfect way to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere and rich history. We chose Savannah Bike Tours based on their glowing reviews, and we were certainly not disappointed!
From the moment we met our guide, Steve, his infectious enthusiasm set the tone for a fantastic experience. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill historical recitation; he brought Savannah’s stories to life with incredible energy and a genuine passion for his city. His engaging narratives were peppered with questions, and the reward for a correct answer? A high-five that truly embodied Southern hospitality!
The weather was absolutely glorious – that perfect Savannah sunshine filtering through the Spanish moss, creating dappled shadows on the charming streets. As avid travelers, we’ve come to appreciate bike tours as a wonderful way to cover a good amount of ground while still feeling connected to the city’s rhythm. Plus, having a knowledgeable guide narrating the sights and history along the way adds a layer of depth you often miss when exploring on your own.
Our two-hour tour covered a comfortable three miles of Savannah’s flat, easy terrain, and the one-speed pedal cruisers provided by the tour were indeed built for comfort. We effortlessly glided through at least nine of Savannah’s famed squares, each with its own unique character and historical significance. Our guide pointed out architectural details, shared anecdotes about prominent residents, past and present, and truly made the city’s vibrant life come alive.
A definite highlight was our stop at Forsyth Park, where the majestic fountain stood in all its glory. It was a stunning centerpiece, and our guide shared a fascinating tidbit: this very same fountain design was apparently purchased via catalog, and only a handful – maybe just eight! – were ever sold, with another identical beauty gracing Poughkeepsie, New York (close to where I called home for a while). It’s those little historical connections that make exploring so intriguing.
We also had the pleasure of cycling down Jones Street, a picturesque thoroughfare lined with stunning architecture. Our guide informed us that this very street is rumored to be the origin of the saying “keeping up with the Joneses,” a testament to the affluence and competitive spirit of its past residents.
The tour seamlessly wove together various facets of Savannah’s identity. We saw significant sites related to the Girl Scouts (founded in Savannah), locations featured in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Chippewa Square where Forest Gump sat on a bench (the bench isn’t there), and impressive buildings belonging to the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), adding a contemporary artistic layer to the historical backdrop. We also passed several art and history museums, including grand mansions open for public tours, tempting us to return for further exploration.
Our Savannah Bike Tour was an engaging and fun immersion into the city’s soul, and we were glad we did it early into our trip to get an idea of the area. If you are looking for a way to get acquainted with Savannah’s history, charm, and hidden gems, we wholeheartedly recommend hopping on a bike!