Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Savannah, Georgia!

Savannah Historic District

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting wheelchair-accessible tour of Savannah’s Historic District, where Southern charm meets rich history. This guide ensures smooth travels through the district’s picturesque squares and landmarks.

Morning: Forsyth Park

Start your day at Forsyth Park, the largest park in the historic district. Accessible parking is available near the Drayton Street entrance. Meander along the paved paths, admiring the famous fountain (circa 1858), which is easily viewable from smooth, level surfaces. Be sure to catch the Fragrant Garden for the Blind, which is particularly accessible and offers a sensory delight.

Midday: River Street

Head down to River Street via the elevator at City Hall, avoiding the cobbled streets. This bustling promenade features accessible shops and eateries. Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants with ramps and enjoy views of the Savannah River. The riverfront is also a fantastic spot to watch ships and learn about Savannah’s role as a major port.

Afternoon: Savannah History Museum

Take an accessible CAT shuttle or drive to the Savannah History Museum, located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway train shed. This museum offers a comprehensive overview of Savannah"s intriguing past from 1733 to the present. Exhibits are wheelchair-accessible, and video presentations enhance the experience.

Evening: Ghost Tour

Conclude your day with a ghost tour. Many companies offer accessible ghost tours that can accommodate wheelchairs, sharing spooky tales tied to the well-preserved surroundings. Check in advance for the best option.

Accessibility Tips

Sidewalks in Savannah are generally wheelchair-friendly, although some older areas have uneven surfaces. Always check the accessibility of restaurants and shops beforehand. Savannah’s Historic District is compact, making it ideal for a leisurely day of exploration by wheelchair or mobile scooter.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Savannah River Street

Why Visit?

Exploring Savannah"s River Street: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide

Morning

Start your adventure at the riverfront’s heart, the Rousakis Riverfront Plaza. This area is fully accessible, offering smooth pathways that are perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. The cobblestone paths have been adapted with ramps at regular intervals. Grab a coffee from one of the street vendors where counters are at an accessible height.

Mid-Morning

Next, head to the Savannah Riverboat Cruises docking area, located at the east end of River Street. Here, accessible ramps lead to a thrilling riverboat tour. The boats have wheelchair-friendly facilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the scenic vistas of Savannah River. Make sure to pre-book the tour, requesting accessibility accommodations.

Lunch

For lunch, visit Huey’s On The River, which is known for its New Orleans-style cuisine. The restaurant offers an accessible entrance with no-step entry, wide aisles, and adapted seating. Enjoy their famous beignets or a po"boy as you take in the river view.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, explore the Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, just a short roll away. This spot is accessible and offers a feast for the senses with its array of sweets prepared in traditional Southern style. The staff is accommodating, ensuring everyone gets to experience their delightful treats.

Late Afternoon

Conclude your day with a serene park experience at Morrell Park located at the east end of River Street. This is the only park on River Street and is completely accessible, featuring wide pathways and plenty of shaded seating areas. It’s a great spot to reflect on your day’s journey.

Getting Around

River Street is well-equipped for wheelchair users and those on mobile scooters, with accessible public transport options including buses and streetcars that have low entry points. Parking spots designated for disabled visitors are available along the street.

This tailored tour ensures that you won’t miss out on the charm and vibrant culture of Savannah’s historic River Street, all while enjoying the ease of access tailored to your needs.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Savannah City Market

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Savannah City Market

Morning

Begin your day at Savannah City Market, the heart of historic downtown. Located on Jefferson between West Bryan and West Congress Streets, this open-air market is accessible by wheelchair and offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, and dining. Park at the nearby Whitaker Street Garage, which provides ample accessible parking spaces. Start at the Art Center, exploring local galleries like the Stephen Kasun Gallery, where the entry is flat and maneuvering space is ample.

Lunch

For lunch, roll over to Belford"s Savannah, just a few meters from the Art Center. This eatably famous spot offers accessible dining areas and an irresistible selection of seafood and steaks. Try the award-winning crab cakes!

Afternoon

Post-lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll (or roll) around the market. Many shops and boutiques, such as the Savannah Bee Company, are accessible, offering unique local products like Georgia-grown honey. The cobblestone streets can be a bit challenging, so stay on the smoother pathways or request assistance; City Market staff are very helpful.

Late Afternoon

As the afternoon sun softens, take part in a historic walking (or rolling) tour specifically designed for accessibility. These tours commence from the City Market and highlight Savannah"s historic squares and architecture, explaining their significance and beauty. Ensure to book in advance with Savannah Heritage Tours as they cater to special accessibility needs.

Evening

Conclude your day with some live music at City Market’s courtyard, accessible and vibrant with local jazz or folk music, depending on the evening. If you’re up for a sweet treat, Leopold"s Ice Cream is just a short distance away, offering scoops of their famous, creamy delights in an accessible setting.

Tips

Always check ahead with venues for any specific accessibility requests and keep an eye on the weather to make the most of your day in the charming Savannah City Market!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Mercer Williams House Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey through the historic heart of Savannah, Georgia, with a visit to the iconic Mercer Williams House Museum, located at 429 Bull Street, squarely within the picturesque Monterey Square. This grandiose residence, constructed in the 1860s and immortalized in the best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," offers a rare glimpse into Savannah"s rich history and opulent architectural styles.

Getting There

The Mercer Williams House Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair and mobile scooter users. The city of Savannah is well-equipped with wheelchair-friendly public transportation. If you"re using the Chatham Area Transit (CAT), opt for the dot Express Shuttle that has stops throughout the historic district, including near Monterey Square. For those driving, nearby parking is available with accessible parking spaces.

Touring the House

Begin your tour at the museum"s carriage house, which serves as the visitor center and gift shop. Access to the main floor of the house is made easy with ramps. Inside, you’ll find a collection of furniture and art from the 18th and 19th centuries, meticulously preserved, telling the story of Jim Williams, the home"s last private owner, and his infamous trial. Knowledgeable guides, well-versed in accessibility needs, are on hand to assist and enrich your experience.

Interesting Facts

- The Mercer House was originally built for Hugh Mercer, great-grandfather of the famous lyricist Johnny Mercer, although he never lived in it.

- The house showcases a stunning array of period-specific details, such as original stained glass and intricate moldings, offering a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts.

Plan Your Visit

The museum is open for guided tours, which are recommended to secure in advance through their website. The tours provide not only a deep dive into the architectural beauty but also insights into the historical narratives that shaped Savannah.

Post-Visit Relaxation

After your tour, the nearby Forsyth Park offers paved paths perfect for a leisurely stroll under oak canopies, making for a serene conclusion to your Savannah adventure.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Forsyth Park

Why Visit?

Explore the lush, green expanse of Savannah"s Forsyth Park on a wheelchair-friendly tour that promises beauty, history, and easy accessibility. This iconic 30-acre park offers smooth, wide paths ideal for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, ensuring a comfortable journey through Savannah"s Victorian district.

Starting Point: Forsyth Park Visitor Center

Begin your adventure at the north end of the park, where you can find ample accessible parking directly behind the Visitor Center. Here, you can use the accessible restrooms and grab a map highlighting the wheelchair-accessible routes.

First Stop: Fragrant Garden for the Blind

Just a short roll from the Visitor Center, the Fragrant Garden is a sensory delight designed for visitors with visual impairments but is equally enjoyable for all. Engage with plaques that describe the plants, which are all reachable from a wheelchair.

Continue to: Forsyth Fountain

No visit to Forsyth Park is complete without seeing its famous fountain, installed in 1858 and reminiscent of fountains found in Paris and Peru. The area around the fountain is flat and paved, offering a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

Relax at: The Forsyth Park Café

Head to the café situated in the heart of the park. This accessible spot provides a great view of the open fields and passing carriages, along with a chance to enjoy a coffee or a light snack. Restrooms here are also wheelchair accessible.

Final Leisurely Roll: Soldiers’ Monument

Conclude your tour at the Confederate Memorial, a striking monument recognizing the Civil War soldiers from Chatham County. The area around the memorial is easily navigable, allowing for up-close appreciation.

Exiting the Park

As you exit, use the smooth paths leading back to the Visitor Center. Public transportation options with wheelchair access are available at the park"s north end, ensuring a smooth return to your accommodation or next destination.

Savor the blend of historical allure and modern accessibility in Savannah’s Forsyth Park, a perfect day out for visitors seeking both leisure and exploration.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.