Love history? Want to know the stories recorded by the people who actually lived them? Let me tell you about Savannah’s best-kept not-so-secret History & Architecture Tour.
“We tell our history from primary resources as much as we can,” says Melissa Hyatt of Bull Run Walking Tour. “We use books from (local historical archives like) the Massey Heritage Center, the Davenport House and E. Shaver, Booksellers. Books that were written by those who were in the thick of it.”
She’s beaming from ear to ear, excited about sharing the history of her favorite city.
“We love giving tours,” says her husband J.P. “We love our city and want to give our guests the best experience and tell the stories they might not otherwise hear.”
J.P. and Melissa Hyatt fell in love with the Hostess City about 10 years ago. The Florida hospitality, tourism and entertainment natives packed up after Hurricane Irma and made Savannah their home.
Last year they turned their combined family talents into a working business. Bull Run Walking Tour Savannah was born.
“We already (knew) the tour business and really enjoyed it,” says J.P. “We live… in the Historic District and learning more about (Savannah) and her architecture is one of our favorite pastimes. Why not share that with the folks who come to visit.”
Each Bull Run History & Architecture Walking Tour starts in the Square formerly called Calhoun, then eases over to Bull Street (Savannah’s East/West Divider) and “runs” its full length, through all five squares: Monterey, Madison, Chippewa, Wright and Johnson.
Meanwhile, Melissa and J.P. take pride in telling the stories that aren’t often told, from Revolutionary War tales written/recorded by British soldiers to the monument for Mico (Mico means Chief in Muskogee) Tomochichi’s Adopted Son (and Mico after Tomochichi’s passing) Toonahowi.
“We try very hard to cover a well-balanced view of the history here in Savannah,” says Melissa. “There are so many different communities that have come together to make this city so special and we really want to highlight as many influences and go-getters as we can.”
“We love Savannah and we just want to… know her better,” says Melissa. “Giving (these) tours… gives us the perfect excuse to make a living researching and finding out more.”
Want to know more?
Check out Bull Run Walking Tours online and book a tour at BullRunTours.com. You can also check them out on social media, @Bull Run Walking Tour Savannah on Facebook or @BullRun_Walking_Tour_Sav on Instagram.
By Reneé LaSalle
Bull Run Walking Tour Savannah
Taylor Square, Abercorn St.
(912) 695-0895
www.bullruntours.com
