Savannah is a city where history lingers in every oak-draped square and grand old home. For history lovers, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in centuries of stories, from colonial beginnings to Civil War drama to Gilded Age elegance.
If you’re planning a getaway, Catherine Ward House Inn makes the perfect home base in Savannah’s Historic District. Here’s a weekend itinerary designed especially for those who want to walk through the past.
Friday Evening – Arrival and First Impressions
After checking in at the inn, take a moment to relax on the porch or stroll through nearby Forsyth Park. This 30-acre green space, framed by moss-covered oaks and historic homes, sets the stage for Savannah’s charm.
For dinner, make your way to The Olde Pink House, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, where 18th-century architecture meets Southern fine dining. You’ll be dining in a building that has stood since 1771 — a perfect introduction to Savannah’s history.
Saturday – Immersed in Savannah’s History
Morning: Guided Walking Tour
Start your day with a guided walking tour of the Historic District. Many tours begin just steps from our inn and will take you through nearby squares, telling the stories of Savannah’s founders, soldiers, and society families.
Midday: Historic Homes and Museums
No history trip is complete without stepping inside some of Savannah’s historic homes:
- Mercer-Williams House – Famous from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this Italianate mansion offers insight into Savannah’s Gilded Age.
- Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters – A National Historic Landmark that highlights both the grandeur of Regency architecture and the complex history of slavery in Savannah.
Stop for lunch at a nearby favorite, such as The Public Kitchen & Bar, for elevated casual dining and unique cocktails.
Afternoon: Cemeteries and Squares
Spend the afternoon exploring Colonial Park Cemetery, dating back to 1750. Here, you’ll find gravestones from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras, with stories etched into stone.
As you wander back, pause in Savannah’s historic squares. Each one has its own tale — from Monterey Square with its literary connections to Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump famously sat on a bench.
Evening: Haunted History
After dinner, consider joining a ghost tour or a Savannah Riverboat Cruise with a historical narration. Savannah’s past is filled with both grandeur and mystery, and an evening tour is the perfect way to experience its more intriguing side.
Sunday – A Final Stroll Through Time
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the inn before heading out for one last exploration.
Morning: Bonaventure Cemetery
Make the short drive to Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the most atmospheric historic cemeteries in the world. The elaborate statuary, crumbling family vaults, and tree-lined pathways create a space where history and beauty blend seamlessly.
Farewell Stroll
On your way out of town, take one more walk through the Historic District. With more than 20 squares, countless historic churches, and breathtaking architecture, Savannah rewards you with new details every time you wander its streets.
Why Savannah is Perfect for History Lovers
Savannah isn’t a city you simply visit — it’s a city you experience. Here, the past isn’t tucked away in museums; it’s alive in the streets, the homes, and the very air you breathe. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, Southern traditions, or the untold stories of the people who shaped the city, Savannah invites you to step back in time.
At Catherine Ward House Inn, you’ll find yourself in the heart of it all — surrounded by history, but with modern comforts and Southern hospitality to make your weekend unforgettable.