The Taylor-Grady house is a historical property in Athens that is used mainly for wedding, political and corporate events. Whether you book the house for your wedding reception or for a scholarly lecture, the Taylor-Grady House will provide your event with an air of classic southern hospitality and beauty.
Built from 1816–1819, the Owens-Thomas House in downtown Savannah is a treat for both history fans and students of building design. Widely considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the U.S., it was designed by William Jay, one of the nation's first professionally-trained architects. Built for a wealthy cotton merchant and banker, the elegant residence was constructed and furnished entirely with materials delivered by ship from England. In addition to the house itself, the attraction also includes a garden, museum store, and a carriage house.
Parking and public transportation to the Owens-Thomas House
Located on Oglethorpe Square in the heart of Savannah's National Landmark Historic District, the Owens-Thomas House is an easy walk from most downtown lodging facilities. Alternatively, you can park your car at nearby public parking garages, or in street-level metered parking spaces. Or, you could also ride here on "the dot," Savannah's free downtown transportation system.
Best and worst time to go to the Owens-Thomas House
Weekends can be crowded at this popular attraction; at the same time, you don't need to feed the on-street parking meters (if you can find a space).
Admission to the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House opens at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and at noon Sunday and Monday. This is a guided-tour only attraction: tours are given daily at fifteen-minute intervals, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm. Admission prices currently range from $5 to $15 depending upon age. The museum store, carriage house, garden and public restrooms are wheelchair accessible, but the house itself is not.
Must see/do at the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House was Savannah's first residence with an indoor running water system, which includes four rooftop cisterns. The carriage house, which also serves as the site's orientation center, is home to the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the southern U.S.
Other places to visit near the Owens-Thomas House
Nearby attractions include Broughton Street, downtown's main retail/restaurant strip, whose occupants include Leopold's Ice Cream, a Savannah tradition. Also, 17 Hundred 90, a historic inn with a restaurant and bar, is only a few steps away. Meanwhile, River Street, where century-old cotton warehouses have been converted into a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs and hotels facing the Savannah River, is also within a short walk.
Insider tip for visitors to the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House is owned by Telfair Museums, which also owns the Telfair Academy, home to nineteenth- and twentieth-century American and European art; and Jepson Center, featuring exhibitions of contemporary art. Purchase a triple-site pass and enjoy a substantial discount on visits to all three locations.
Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a Savannah-based freelance writer.
The former home of author Joel Chandler, the Wren's Nest House Museum, is an Atlanta destination that appeals to kids and delights adults too. The preserved house and its museum earned a place in Atlanta and national history, prompting the National Park Service to put the restored Victorian-style house on the National Register of Historic Places in 1962.
Best and worst time go to the Wren's Nest House Museum
Saturday is the best time to visit the Wren's House. Normally scheduled at 1 p.m., unless you visit with a group, this is the only time that you can enjoy the storytellers' recitals of the Uncle Remus stories made famous by Joel Chandler Harris.
Must see/do at the Wren's Nest House Museum
Immerse yourself in the details of life during the early 20th century by viewing the meticulously preserved furnishings and memorabilia in Joel Chandler's bedroom. Visit the Wren's House gift shop to buy CDs of Uncle Remus stories. Enjoy the landscaped gardens and the houses that Harris built on the grounds for his children during your visit.
Admission to the Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's House admission fees vary by age, with children's admission closer to $5, and adult admission closer to $10. Seniors receive discounted admission prices. Group admission prices are negotiated, depending on the group size.
Parking and public transportation Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's Nest has free public parking on the property. The closest MARTA public transportation train stop is the West End Station on the North-South line. Take the 71 Cascade Road bus from the station to the Wren's House.
Food at the Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's House does not have a restaurant. Visitors have a choice of traditional Southern cooking or vegetarian cuisine restaurants and fast food chains in the neighborhood.
Insider tip for visitors to Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's House has free admission at least once a year when it participates in Atlanta's Phoenix Flies tour program. Visitors who enjoy art can buy discounted admission packages for the Wren's Nest and the nearby Hammond's House art museum.
Author's bio: Carol has lived in Atlanta for 35 years. She has published travel articles in "Diamond" magazine, Arizona Central, USA Today and other websites.
The historic Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta and serves as an iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike. Guests can experience everything from Broadway shows to concerts to comedy shows to even reality show auditions at the venue. It boasts the residence of the largest working Möller theatre organ in the world, "Mighty Mo," which can be experienced prior to Broadway shows and other select events.
Parking and public transportation at the Fox Theatre
The Fox does not own a parking lot, but many private lots are available in the surrounding area. For public transportation, go to the MARTA North Avenue Station and walk two blocks east to the theatre.
Best and worst time to go to the Fox Theatre
It is always recommended to purchase tickets in advance for any shows/events as many sell out quickly. The proximity to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta makes traveling to the Fox during rush hour a challenge, so it is advisable to check traffic patterns.
Admission to the Fox Theatre
For those who want to take a peek at the venue without seeing a show, 60-minute Fox Theatre Tours can be purchased for $5 - $15 with group discounts available. Show prices vary tremendously.
Must see/do at the Fox Theatre
If there is time to take the tour which is offered Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the day, it is a sight to see and experience over the one hour journey behind-the-scenes.
Other places to visit near the Fox Theatre
The stunning Georgian Terrace Hotel is across the street and is home to the Livingston Restaurant + Bar, a perfect pre-theatre dining experience. For those 21 and up who want to experience something really heavy (as in Bypass Burgers), head north six blocks to Vortex Bar and Grill, which has won "Best Burger" in multiple publications and promises an "Idiot-Free Zone".
Insider tip for visitors to the Fox Theatre
If you are visiting during the summer, catch a classic or current movie at the Fox during the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival and take the special Movie Tour.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
Visitors should plan to spend one to two hours at the Etowah Indian Mounds, the 54-acre Mississippian culture site with six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, borrow pits and defensive ditch. Dating back to between 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., the site has a museum with film discussing artifacts, some of which also are on display. The site also includes a gift shop, 20 picnic tables, benches beside the Etowah River and bus parking.