E
xplore the possibility of a specialty or niche tour. From religious stops to a museum featuring exquisite ship mod-
els and Atlantic trade history exhibits, tours
featuring any of these attractions are sure to spark new interests and curiosity in anyone.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Savannah, Georgia Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in Savannah, Georgia is housed in the elegant 1819 William Scarbrough House, a building designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 for its historic significance and exceptional regency architecture. Within this notable setting, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum exhibits ship models, paintings and maritime antiques, principally from the great era of Atlantic trade and travel during the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also endeavors to interpret the rich story of Savannah's illustrious maritime history. This great and historic chronicle includes the groundbreaking steamship Savannah – the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. An entire city block of grounds, which comprises the largest private garden in the Historic District, surrounds the museum. Careful attention has been paid to the garden’s plant and surface materials to highlight the natural beauty of the Savannah area. With few exceptions, all plant material is native or has been available since the early to mid-1800s. During a walk around the grounds one can experience the historic plantings offered by the original Georgia Trustees, which include a citrus stand, a Trident maple grove, a vine-covered pergola
Niche and Specialty Tours
and a belvedere with a splendid view. Many
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
of the plantings are accompanied with placards bearing barcodes. Guests with smart devices can scan these codes to gain access
ture of this great region. Savannah was built
cotton factors that shipped their goods to
to a whole host of knowledge about the
on the commodities of its maritime connec-
northern and international ports. Discover
plant’s properties.
tions. The streets were paved with discarded
what made Savannah Savannah at Ships of
The combination of intriguing elements
ballast stones, and wealthy Merchant Princes
the Sea Maritime Museum.
offered at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
(who earned their fortunes through Atlantic
For information on group tours and rates
provides something for everyone, especially
trade) built its magnificent homes. Savan-
at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, visit
for those curious about the history and cul-
nah’s famous River Street was once home to
shipsofthesea.org or phone (912) 232-1511.
12 • Bus Tours Magazine / January, 2020
