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Savannah
Savannah's 'Midnight' Walking Tour: True Crime & History
90
Overview
The Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour takes guests on a stroll through Savannah's charming Historic District, exploring the locations featured in John Berendt's famous book. It's a chance to see the real places and hear the true stories of the characters that captivated the world and boosted Savannah's tourism. This walking tour brings the book to life with vivid storytelling and historical insights.
Guests will walk past the outside of Mercer House, a key location in the book, explore Chatham Square, and see Joe Odom's former residence. The tour also includes the home where John Berendt lived upon arriving in Savannah, as well as the house of Helen Drexel (known as Serena Dawes in the book and film). The tour guide shares real photos and fascinating details about these iconic locations and their inhabitants. Expect an immersive experience that blends true crime, history, and Southern charm.
This experience includes a walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide, sharing the stories and photos of the real people from the book. It excludes entrance fees to any attractions. The meeting point is conveniently located for easy access to the tour route, which explores the historic district. This tour offers a unique and memorable way to discover the darker side of Savannah's history. 
Highlights
Walk Through History: See the real places from 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'.
Hear True Stories: Learn the real-life tales of the book's characters.
Explore Savannah: Discover the beauty and secrets of the Historic District.
Expert Guide: Get insights from a knowledgeable local guide.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoy the tour and its stories. Some wish they could see more locations, but the pace and stories are a hit.
Customers loved hearing true stories about the characters.
Many enjoyed seeing the real locations from the book.
Guests liked the easy-to-follow walking pace of the tour.
Customers appreciated learning about Savannah's history.
Some visitors wished they could go inside Mercer House.
A few found it difficult to keep up with the walking.
The Journey
Outside Mercer House
Stand outside the legendary Mercer House, a grand architectural masterpiece and the scene of a tragic crime that captivated the nation. Learn about Jim Williams, the complex antiques dealer at the heart of 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' and his legal battles. Discover the roles of Sonny Seiler, his lawyer, and the loyal companions William Simon Glover and Patrick, the dog, in this real-life drama that unfolded within these very walls. While entry into the Mercer House requires a separate tour, the exterior alone evokes a sense of history and intrigue.
Chatham Square
Visit Chatham Square, a picturesque locale where the enigmatic Luther Driggers, also known as Maurice Elmore Fetzer, Jr., frequented. Delve into the story of this eccentric character from 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' who held court at this very spot each morning, adding to the square's unique charm and Savannah's vibrant tapestry of personalities. Imagine him here, a fixture of the square, part of the city's mystique.
Mercer House Exterior
Gather before the stately Mercer House to uncover the intricate story of Jim Williams and his profound impact on Savannah's cultural landscape. Unravel the events that culminated in the tragic murder of Danny Hansford, a crime that shocked the city. Although this tour does not include entry (as the Mercer House offers its own dedicated tours), the exterior itself stands as a silent witness to the drama and elegance that define this iconic landmark. Feel the weight of history as you stand before this architectural gem.
Joe Odom's Former Residence
Pause at the location once associated with the flamboyant Joe Odom, a master of schemes and larger-than-life personality, and consider the life of Nancy Hillis (renamed Mandy Nichols in the book and Mandy Dawes in the film adaptation). Hear tales of his audacious ventures and the colorful characters that orbited his world, adding another layer to Savannah's rich narrative. Discover how Odom's entrepreneurial spirit and unforgettable escapades contributed to the city's unique allure.
Forsyth Park Entrance
Gather near the iconic entrance of Forsyth Park to discuss William Simon Glover, a key figure in 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' along with Minerva, and the beloved Patrick the dog. Reflect on their roles in the events that unfolded in Savannah, and how their stories contributed to the city's captivating narrative. This vibrant park entrance serves as a gateway to the heart of Savannah, where history and Southern charm intertwine.
Know Before You Go
This is a walking tour about the book, featuring real photos and stories of the characters. It doesn't include entry into any of the buildings or homes on the tour. Meetup information will be provided upon booking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking for a couple of hours. Also, bring water, especially on hot days. Many guests enjoy reading the book before taking the tour to better appreciate the stories.
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120
Charleston
Unveiling Charleston's Charm: A Historic Walking Tour
Charleston Gardens & Architecture Tour: Explore Charleston's history through its architecture, from colonial times to the Civil War. Visit iconic sites like Dock Theatre and St. Michael's Church. Discover hidden gems and graveyards with a local guide on cobblestone streets. Entrance to historic sites included.
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Savannah
Savannah's Architectural Secrets: 2-Hour Walking Tour
The 2 Hours Savannah Architectural Tour is a walking adventure that shows off the beauty and history of Savannah. This tour lets guests learn about the architects who helped make Savannah one of the prettiest cities. With a small group of ten or fewer, everyone gets a chance to ask questions and learn a lot about the city's buildings. Guests will walk through the historic district, looking at homes and buildings built from 1817 to 1923. They will hear stories about William Jay, Charles Klusky, and John Norris and visit places like the Harper Fowlkes House and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The tour guides tell how these architects shaped Savannah's look. The tour gives a map that guests can take home, so they can keep exploring on their own. Plus, Noble Jones Tours uses special tech so everyone can hear the guide clearly, even from far away. This tour includes a take-home map and listen-to-talk technology. House museums are not included, as this is an outdoor walking tour.
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$ 50
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Savannah
Uncover Savannah's Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Adventure
Savannah's Historical District Audio Tour invites you to explore the city's rich history and charm. Discover the stories behind iconic landmarks, from the Gordon family home to Forrest Gump's bench. Uncover haunted tales and pivotal battles, all at your own pace, whether on-site or virtually.Perfect for history buffs and casual tourists.
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Charleston
Charleston Ghost Tour: Spooky Smartphone Adventure
Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour offers a chilling smartphone-guided walking experience through Charleston's most haunted locations. This tour is perfect for ghost enthusiasts of all ages who want to explore the city's spooky side at their own pace. Instead of a tour guide, you use your smart phone, so the experience is all yours. Discover eerie tales at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, where restless spirits linger. Hear the tragic story of Nettie Dickenson at her grave and feel the sorrow of the Weeping Woman near the cemetery entrance. Brave the Pirates Courtyard and imagine the ghosts of hung pirates. Visit Poogan's Porch, known for its ghostly pooch, and learn about the spooky past of Haint Blue. Walk by the Old Charleston City Jail (Outside Gate), once home to the infamous Lavinia Fisher, and discover the site where the Woman in Black haunts. This self-guided audio tour brings Charleston's haunted history to life. The tour uses the WalknTours app. Just go to the Old Exchange, open the tour, enter your experience code from Viator, and press play. After the Charleston tour, you can listen from home to remember the spooky stories. The app even has a built-in EMF reader to detect ghosts!
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$ 10
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