The distinguished ranks of antebellum mansions are the backbone
of many these tours, and they all come with fascinating stories and
glimpses into the past. The Mercer House is probably the most famous,
featured in John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and
Evil, the delicious character sketch of Savannah and her people. The
house was the pet project and home of Savannah’s high-profile antique
dealer, historical preservationist and social iconoclast Jim Williams,
and was the site of endless local intrigues. Fans of “The Book,” as the
locals call it, will also want to will want to stroll through the
moss-draped oaks of Bonaventure Cemetery and contemplate the resting
places of the famous and ordinary alike. (The famous “bird-girl”
statue, however, has been moved from the cemetery to the Telfair Museum
of Art.)
There are so many gorgeous homes, and so many wonderful stories,
it can be hard to choose which ones to see. At different points in the
year, you may be able to time your trip to include one of the Savannah
Tour of Homes and Gardens, which include homes on the usual tour
rosters, and many private homes not typically open for viewing. St.
Vincent’s Academy will host a tour in the Fall of 2007, for instance,
that includes Sisters of Mercy Convent, several homes and a tea at the
Academy. There’s also holiday tour, and the main spring tour, scheduled
for March 27-30, 2008.
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