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Savannah Midnight Garden: Narrated Walking Tour
4.9
291 Ratings
Savannah
Embark on a captivating narrated walking tour of Savannah’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Discover the fascinating backstories and iconic locations from the book and movie, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Reynolds Square - Out tour begins here. Introduction to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’s main character, Jim Williams, and an outside look at what is probably his most high-profile Savannah project - the Olde Pink House Restaurant and Tavern. We also introduce Minerva, the voodoo priestess and member of his defense team.
- Johnson Square - We stop here to talk about Johnny Mercer and the Midnight movie soundtrack, and why director Clint Eastwood thought it was important to have a movie soundtrack that was 100 percent Johnny Mercer music.
- Wright Square - A look at the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Qe compare it to the book, and take a deep look at its characters and the various places it was filmed, including an outside look at the Federal District Court Building, used as an exterior in the movie’s courtroom scenes.
- Chippewa Square - A brief presentation about the movie Forrest Gump.
- Hamilton-Turner House - An in-depth look at one of the main venues for the book and the movie - The Hamilton Turner Inn. Talk about Joe Odom, Nancy Hillis (the real “Mandy), and Jerry Spence. We also introduce “Vamp of Savannah,” Hillis’ tell-all book.
- West Jones Street - We’ll trace the history of Clary’s Cafe and introduce Moe Fetzer (the real Luther Driggers). Then we take a look at 115 W. Jones St., anchor of the movie’s famous scene introducing Joe Odom. Then we see John Berendt’s first home in Savannah, as well as the home where Berendt met Joe Odom.
- Mercer Williams House Museum - We stand in front of the Mercer Williams House Museum and discuss its history to present-day; its role in the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil saga; and the trials of Jim Williams. We do not go inside the museum.
- Armstrong House - We stand in front of the Armstrong House and discuss its history and its role in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It is now a private home, we do not enter it.
- Forsyth Park - Our tour ends here with a discussion on Midnight characters and “where are they now.” We also talk about how the author wrote the book and what the book has done for Savannah - and anything else tour participants want to talk about!
What's Included
- Expert local guidance
- All-inclusive pricing
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- This tour does not include a tour of the Mercer Williams House Museum.
Additional Information
Enjoy a small-group (15 guests maximum) deep dive into all things Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil! Led by a veteran journalist and long-time downtown Savannah resident, the two-hour tour provides the back-stories and up-close-and-personal insights into author John Berendt’s book, director Clint Eastwood’s movie of the same name, and the rich Savannah history surrounding them both. You’ll stop at several sites where the story unfolds, including the Hamilton-Turner Inn, Clary’s Cafe, and Mercer-Williams House; you’ll also get the scoop on the story’s unique array of characters, from Jim Williams to Minerva to Joe Odom to Nancy Hillis to Moe Fetzer – and everyone in between!
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This tour is not recommended for children under 14.
- BOOK CLUBS WELCOME!
Location
23 Abercorn St
Abercorn Street
We meet at the John Wesley statue in the middle of Reynolds Square, which is right across the street from the Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern at 23 Abercorn St.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(291 Ratings)
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Shannon_s
Jul 15, 2024
Tour guide was knowledge, saw a bunch of sites! - This tour was great! Our guide was knowledgeable and we got to see many of the Savannah sites mentioned in the book. The tour was a little over two hours long and we stopped at a lovely market for a break in the middle. It was so nice to end at Forsyth Park.
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_f
Jul 12, 2024
Twists and turns in the Jim Williams trial. - I loved the Jim Williams story about how he became such a preservationist of historical buildings.
I think the guy who gave the tour was excellent! He was such a great storyteller. Quite unexpected actually. Pleasant surprise. He was extremely knowledgeable!!! Made it sooo interesting!
Review provided by Viator
Chicagogirl537
Jul 8, 2024
Great Walk Through Midnight - Martin was so knowledgeable and knew so many interesting details about the book and how the movie differed. It was fun learning about all the real life characters and where they are now. Would do this tour again! Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay25359008685
Jun 11, 2024
Good vs. Evil tour - He was great and very knowledgeable. Weather was hot and muggy. Wear walking shoes and bring water. There was time given for bathroom break.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_v
May 24, 2024
Great Tour for Midnight book fans! - Great storytelling; well paced tour. Highly recommend for fans of the book or movie. Guide was knowledgeable about the city, book, characters, and movie.
Review provided by Viator
Janny_d
May 23, 2024
Very comprehensive informative tour. Highly recommend! - Really interesting tour and great guide. I didn't think I could walk any longer, but the tour was so good that I didn't want to leave early.
Review provided by Viator
Gary_h
May 23, 2024
Martin’s tour - Martins knowledge & presentation was very good & he made fun as well as informative! He encouraged asking questions & enjoyed answer them!
Review provided by Viator
Glenn_l
May 18, 2024
Excellent Tour & Guide - Wonderful tour related to the actual events, and the subsequent book and film. Our guide, Martin, was friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and humorous. He knows everything about the subject. The tour length was around two hours, but the stops and information made it fly by. If you're a popular culture or true crime enthusiast, or just someone who wants to know about Savannah's quirkier history, you'll enjoy this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Thomas_t
May 9, 2024
Savannah Expert - Our guide was knowledgeable about the book movie and Savannah. Expert I would say. Lived in Savannah for a long time. Actually knew people in the book
Review provided by Viator
Jimm0ffat
May 8, 2024
good tour - I had read the book when it first came out in the 90s. I don't remember our guide's name but he was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun as opposed to a two hour lecture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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