Walking versus Trolley

Question

I am planning a quick trip to Savannah and Charleston for my wife and I in February or March. I have been to both cities twice but it will be my wife’s first time.

I love walking and during my last trip to Savannah I walked all over the historic district for six days.

What are your opinions on the hop on hop off trolley versus walking? For walking, I especially like Bull Street from Forsyth Park to the river passing five squares along the way. I did that several times during my last trip. But my wife may not want to walk as much as I do.

Thank you in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a great trip to Savannah and Charleston! Both cities are perfect for walking, as they offer a lot of history, charm, and beautiful sights that are best appreciated on foot. However, since your wife may prefer less walking than you, it's helpful to consider both options for getting around. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding between walking and taking the hop-on, hop-off trolley tours in these cities:

Walking in Savannah:
As someone who loves walking, you probably already know that Savannah’s Historic District is one of the best areas to explore on foot. Bull Street, from Forsyth Park to the river, is a classic route that passes beautiful squares, historic homes, and charming shops. The city is very pedestrian-friendly, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the sights, such as the many parks and squares (including Forsyth Park, where the famous fountain is located). You can take your time to stop at cafes, galleries, and boutiques, or just enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

However, walking for long stretches can get tiring, especially in February or March when the weather can still be a bit chilly or rainy. If your wife enjoys walking but prefers a bit more comfort, you might find that a mix of walking and taking a break in a cafe or on the trolley could work well.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Tours:
The hop-on, hop-off trolley tours are a popular way to explore both Savannah and Charleston, especially if you want to see a lot of sights with less physical effort. These trolleys have several stops in key areas, including historic sites, famous squares, and popular neighborhoods. They offer a convenient way to cover a lot of ground, especially if you want to see multiple attractions in one day without over-exerting yourself.

For your wife, the trolley might be a better option if she’s not keen on walking long distances, as you can hop off at a stop, explore for a bit, and then hop back on when you’re ready to move on. This is ideal for covering areas that are a bit farther apart, like some of the historic homes and plantations in both cities.

In both Savannah and Charleston, the trolleys offer a narrated tour, so you’ll also get to learn about the history and stories of each place, which adds a lot to the experience.

In Summary:

If you're like you and enjoy walking, Savannah's Historic District is perfect for exploring on foot, and you’ll have the chance to see the city up close and personal. If your wife would rather minimize walking, the hop-on, hop-off trolley is a great alternative. It allows you to still enjoy the major sights and get some good commentary on the history of the cities while saving energy for the more leisurely strolls or moments you both enjoy.

Combination Approach: You could consider a mix of both. For example, take the trolley to get to a few key stops, then walk around a specific neighborhood or square that interests you. This way, your wife can rest and still enjoy the city at her own pace, and you can get in some walking when you're both in a comfortable area.

Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and how much walking you're both comfortable with on any given day. Both cities are incredibly scenic and pedestrian-friendly, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy no matter which mode of transport you choose!

Walking versus Trolley

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