Travel
W
ashington, Georgia
claims to be the first
city officially named
after General George
Washington. The year
was 1780, prior to George being
elected president. More surprising,
he never slept there.
I did, however, in a fabulous boutique
hotel: The Fitzpatrick. Originally
constructed in 1898 by brothers John
and Thomas Fitzpatrick, the hotel
operated until 1952. It was listed on
the National Register of Historic
Places in 1982. Sadly, the old hotel
too n
t
or ty y ar nti
Christy and Mike Todd purchased the
building in March 2002. They began
an intensive and costly restoration
that culminated in its grand reopening on June 12, 2004.
Today, the Fitzpatrick looks almost
a t y a it i
rin it r t
opening in 1899. Every detail, from
the intricate woodwork and paneling
to the wall colors, was restored to
ori ina nt rin th ro n
oor
lobby feels like stepping back in time
to gracious hospitality and genteel
manners. The warmth of the wood
and curving grand staircase are truly
inviting. I was greeted by Amit
Nehta, Christy’s father, who was
working the front desk. He proudly
showed me the fascinating photo
album of before and after renovation
shots. What a mess it was! Amit told
his daughter to forget the plan, but
she and Mike were determined. The
couple went beyond expectations to
bring this gem back to Washington.
The hotel features period antique and
reproduction furniture throughout.
Each of renovated seventeen guest
roo
r r on
r to in
a bathroom; however, the Victorian
touch was kept with claw footed
tubs, now installed with modern
ho r t r
th r n
a niti
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