SOUTHERN SCRAMBLE

A 5 Day Tour of Savannah, Statesboro, and Athens
Presented by the Athens CVB and Tours by BJ

Day One

Savannah - After a late afternoon arrival, check in to your hotel and then enjoy a group dinner at the River House Seafood Restaurant  - a restored cotton warehouse overlooking the Savannah River.  Overnight in Savannah.

Day Two 

Savannah - Begin a "windshield" driving tour of Historic Savannah before an early lunch at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room - a Savannah institution!  A feast of Southern favorites served up boardinghouse-style.  After lunch, begin your Low Country Tour  as we travel to Savannah's quaint 1950's beach community at Tybee Island.  A stop at Byrd Cookie Company - home of the "Midnight" cookie tin, offers you a chance to sample their delicious cookies while browsing in the their gourmet marketplace and take a rest break.  The rest of your day is free for shopping and sightseeing at City Market or world-famous River Street.  You'll find authentic, eclectic southern fare for dinner on your own.  Overnight in Savannah. 

Day Three

Statesboro - After breakfast at your hotel, it is check out time and boarding the bus.  Arrive in Statesboro and meet your Guide for a driving tour of Statesboro.  You will get a glimpse of the Georgia Southern University campus & Sweetheart Circle, plus some historic buildings like the Jaeckel Hotel-now home to City Hall, the Bank of Statesboro, Emma Kelly Theater & the Savannah Avenue Historic District.  Time permitting, we'll stop and tour the GSU Botanical Gardens.  Enjoy lunch on your own and some free time downtown.  After lunch, visit the Meinhardt Vineyards & Winery and enjoy a tour and tasting.  For non-alcoholic preferences, Meinhardt Winery also produces a muscadine and peach cider.  The winery also has a gift shop to browse for souvenirs from your visit.  A souvenir glass is yours to keep from the tasting!  Next, check in to your hotel before a buffet dinner at the Statesboro Inn - where President Bush dined!  This country inn is a charming combination of two turn-of-the-century houses, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.  The two houses stand together on South Main Street in Statesboro's historic district, both serving as a symbol of the prosperity enjoyed by the founders of this old cotton community.  Overnight in Statesboro.

Day Four

Athens - Once again you'll enjoy a quick breakfast at the hotel before checking out and departing for Athens.   After lunch on your own en route, arrive in Athens and begin your  driving tour of historic Athens - delve into Antebellum roots at the Federal-style Church-Waddel-Brumby House (ca. 1820), Athens' oldest surviving residence.  Continue along the Museum Mile of Historic House Museums with driving commentary and docent tours in each of the homes.  Break time!  At Jittery Joes Coffee Roasting Company "Behind the Scenes" Tour.  Watch how the beans are roasted, toasted, and ground for a delicious cup of "joe".  After the break, time to check in at your hotel and freshen up for the evening activities.  Our first stop will be at the Terrapin Brewery Tasting & Tour.  Sample brews and tour the plant.  I.D. required!  Be sure to save room for dinner at Trumps at The Georgian Hotel.  Overnight in Athens.

Day Five

Start the day early with breakfast and check out and then begin today's touring with UGA In Depth visiting Stegeman Coliseum - and new state-of-the-art training facility for the title-winning women's gymnastics team (when available) and Butts Mehre Heritage Hall - a museum of UGA sports history, featuring the Heisman Trophies won by Hershel Walker and Frank Sinkwich, as well as the 1980 National Championship trophy; and time permitting, more campus sites.  We're staying on campus for lunch on your own at the Georgia Center, Savannah Room.  Enjoy the gift shop for souvenirs of your visit or do a lighter lunch at their casual café.  After lunch, an optional tour of the State Botanical Gardens can be added if time permits before departing for home.