We arrived just after lunch time on a Tuesday afternoon. It was a great time--not too busy. With my mom's handicap pass, we were able to park right outside the door. There was no wait to get our tickets, and we were able to look in the shop and waiting room downstairs while we waited for our tour to begin. (Tours begin every 15 minutes.) Our tour guide, Chelsea, was great. She was very passionate and enthusiastic. She loved Nellie, so she shared great stories about Daisy and Nellie. As we looked around each room, I talked with my niece and nephew about what life must have been like 100 years ago, growing up in the house, living in Savannah, etc. The kids loved the story of Nellie sliding down the banister, and they talked about it the rest of the trip.
My nephew was on the hunt for the paranormal. A light in another room blinked on and off a few times, and we were told that hadn't happened before and they didn't know why it did happen, so he was sold. He knew about the haunted walks around Savannah led at night, but he was on the hunt to find Daisy's relatives right there in the house.
After our tour of the Birthplace and getting a map of the Historic District, we drove to the cemetery where Juliette Gordon Low is buried. Did you know she designed her tombstone? Personally, I love walking through cemeteries, and this one was great. We found Daisy and other members of her family. We looked around in the area where she is and then looked as we drove through other areas. We saw an area where soldiers from the Civil War were laid to rest. (I love to study the Civil War.)
We then decided to drive through the Historic District. I knew the kids really wouldn't be interested in seeing the Andrew Low House, but we did stop to see the Girl Scout First Headquarters, which was housed at the back of the property. We looked around the tiny gift shop before going into the first meeting room. A Junior Troop was taking part in a program, so we looked around while listening to their guide. Later, we sat down and joined them. Fascinating information! We learned how Girl Scouts was involved in the different wars, how cookie sales began, and so much more. The gift shop has information on various patches, for each Girl Scout level, that can be earned while visiting Savannah.
Did you know there was a ship built and named Juliette Gordon Low? They were afraid it would sink, so they took it apart. The used the wood from the doors to build tables that were sent to various Girl Scout meeting places around the country.
Cookie sales began because one Girl Scout in Oklahoma raised her hand during a troop meeting and suggested selling cookies as a troop fundraiser. One suggestion. One idea. One raised hand led to what the world now knows as Girl Scout Cookies.
We enjoyed dinner at Lady and Sons. The Southern Buffet was amazing! Each one of us loved it, and the kids talked about it for days. You can call days in advance to get reservations. There is still a small wait when you arrive, but it isn't bad.
To walk off our dinner, we went down to River Street by the Savannah River. The kids loved seeing the boats and ships.
