360 Travel Series: Printmaker’s Inn, Savannah, Georgia
Remarkable what a Clemson grad can do when he sets his mind to the task (spoken like a true Gamecock fan). Peter Galloway, class of 2008, is a history fanatic. He and wife, Kristen, have opened a stunning inn in Savannah. It’s within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions.
Ever taken tours of old historical homes where the guides are continuously warning curious tourists (it me) not to touch anything? Forget sitting on a chair, regardless of how tired you are!
We recently took a trip to Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city. Founded in 1733 by James Edward Oglethorpe, it’s a city of huge trees with history dripping from every limb.
The purpose of our trip was to experience Printmaker’s Inn.
Peter and Kristen purchased the Nichols House on Gwinnett Street in Savannah in 2015. The property came with an adjacent vacant lot. When the Galloways restored the Nichol’s House, they turned it into the Printmaker’s Inn. The vacant lot did nothing to contribute to the ambiance of the new inn.
The Galloways love all things old, especially homes. The earlier, the better. Peter had a relative whose friend moved houses. This sent the pair on a search for abandoned houses up and down the east coast. Their search ended when they discovered a beautiful First Period Georgian house. The house was first built in 1693 on the Connecticut River in East Hartford, for Lt. Jonathan Hill. Hill’s grandson renovated the home in 1742. Years later, it fell into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition. Peter was able to rescue the house from the wrecking ball!
Brick by brick, board by board, the house was meticulously disassembled. Parts were marked to assure that the grand structure would be exactly like the original. Peter formed a team of craftsmen that understood his mission. Pieces were put together like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. All the original woodwork, rafters, beams, railings, floors, moldings, etc. were used so the architecture and history of the 1693 house were perfectly preserved.
Period furnishings (down to the door knobs) were used throughout the inn. Antiques were bought from estate sales and auctions all over the country.
Printmaker’s Inn is in a prime location, within walking distance of all the “Must Sees” in Savannah. The large room on the first floor makes for a unique event space. The gated courtyard is picture perfect.
We stayed in the Captain Hills Suite. What would have been the bedroom for the head of household in the 1700s. It was like sleeping in a bedroom at the Biltmore House. There was no TV in the room. My favorite amenity was the quiet. We had a small Keurig and a mini-fridge. The bathroom was the more modern feature. I’m pleased to report that the water pressure almost blew me out of the shower.
If you’re a fan of history and appreciate the character of old homes, Printmaker’s Inn should be on your list of places to visit in 2024.
Dining In Savannah
Treylor Park at 115 E. Bay Street has the most fascinating lunch/dinner menu! The food was delicious, service was friendly, and the price was right in our wheelhouse. If you drink coffee, your stay at Printmaker’s Inn gets you 25% off your order at Origin Coffee Bar, 356 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Even if you don’t drink coffee (hello, it’s me) there is plenty to enjoy. I had a hearty breakfast burrito with potatoes (for less than $10).
“Must See” In Savannah
There is so much to do in the area. Here’s a few of our favorites. I know cemeteries aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you have to visit Colonial Park Cemetery and Bonaventure Cemetery. Both are rich in history. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) was filmed in and around the Mercer-Williams House. Tours are available (for a very small price). You can tour the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist for free. I’ve been in a lot of churches – I’ve never seen anything like it. Tybee Island is roughly a thirty minute drive from downtown Savannah. We spent $12 to walk around the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum.
Definitely add Savannah, Georgia to your list of places to visit this year. We can’t wait to go back!
When you call to make your reservation at Printmaker’s Inn, tell Peter we said hi! Read more about Andrea Beam’s 360 Travel Series here.
