Taking a slow tour of Savannah — Photo courtesy of Savannah Slow Tours
If you're up for a novel – and entertaining – twist to touring Savannah, think about hopping on board a Savannah Slow Ride, a 15-passenger bike tour. These pedal powered, eco-friendly 15-passenger bikes offer a series of two-hour-long tours as well as "mix and match" options for smaller groups.
These "crawlers" are perfect for birthday parties, corporate team-building, family outings, bachelor/bachelorette parties or plain old city exploration. There are 10 seats with pedals (with seat backs), two seats above the back wheels without pedals and a bench seat on the back that holds three people who don't feel like pedaling while seeing the sights.
Along the way, licensed, savvy guides will regale you with tales and trivia about the area while taking you past some of the city's stellar sites.
Especially popular is the evening "Pub Crawl," which carries passengers – who must be 21 – to Savannah's classic watering holes, allowing you to bring a "to-go" cup back with you so that you can sip while you pedal to the next destination.
"Boos Cruise" takes you into Savannah's haunted past when night falls, while treating you to "hair-raising" tales along the way. Riders will pedal past haunted houses and landmarks, spooky war sites and mass graves with stops for refreshments along the way – in case you need fortification.
The "Historical Stories of the South" tour leads bikers through the Historic District with several stops for photo-taking, grabbing refreshments and snacks or simply to stretch your legs.
The "Architecture Tour" rolls through nine of the city's historic squares, with explanations about the city's founder Gen. James Oglethorpe's vision for his Utopian city as you pedal past iconic landmarks. Oglethorpe started out with only four squares and now there are 22, showcasing some of the magnificent monuments, stately architecture and gentility of this charming city.
Some custom tours are also available: "Pedal to Painters: The Artsy Excursion" takes you to City Market's galleries where you can view the latest pieces by local artists and peek into a host of lofts and studios where they work.
The "Holy Savannah Church Crawl" has a more serious and spiritual side, allowing you to delve into some of the city's majestic houses of worship throughout the Historic District.
Special accommodations can be made and tours can be customized for corporate outings. For individual and group pricing, and times of operation, check their website.
Tours vary and operate rain or shine, except in severe weather, and can be booked online.
