Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour

When you’re wandering the charming streets of Savannah, a city packed with history and stories, a walking tour centered around the beloved book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil offers a unique glimpse into the city’s darker, more intriguing side. This tour, priced at $33 per person and lasting around 90 minutes, takes you through notable sites like the Mercer Williams House and Clary’s Cafe, blending literature, film, and real-life Savannah stories. Led by knowledgeable guides—most notably Ryan—this experience has earned a perfect 5-star rating from enthusiastic travelers.

What we love about this tour is how it balances deep storytelling with stunning sights. The guides do a fantastic job of weaving personal anecdotes and historical facts into each stop. You’ll get to stand outside iconic locations, hearing about characters like Jim Williams, Patrick the dog, and Joe Odom, while you soak in the city’s historic squares and charming streets. It’s a relaxed, accessible walk that’s suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers or those in wheelchairs, making it a flexible way to experience Savannah’s mysterious allure.

A minor consideration is that the tour doesn’t include inside visits to the Mercer Williams House Museum itself, which requires an additional ticket. However, many reviews highlight that the outside discussions and stories more than compensate. If you’re a big fan of the book or movie, or simply enjoy local stories with a touch of intrigue, this tour could be a highlight of your Savannah visit.

This experience is best suited for literature and film fans, history lovers who appreciate authentic stories, and travelers seeking a leisurely, engaging walk that offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersion into Savannah’s mysterious and colorful past.

Key Points

• In-depth storytelling: Guides share local tales linked to the book and movie, offering insights often missed on self-guided walks.
• Iconic sites: Walk past Savannah’s historic squares and the outside of famous homes like Mercer Williams House.
• Family-friendly: Route is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it suitable for all ages.
• Authentic stories: Learn about real-life characters, such as Jim Williams and Joe Odom, that inspired the story.
• Affordable: At $33, the tour provides excellent value for an engaging cultural experience.
• Highly rated guides: Tour guides are praised for their knowledge, making the stories come alive.

A Detailed Look at Your Savannah Experience

When you sign up for the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour, you’re in for a leisurely stroll through some of Savannah’s most storied neighborhoods. Starting at Madison Square, your guide—possibly Ryan—will introduce you to key figures and locations that shaped the narrative of the book and film. The tour is designed to be relaxed, with stops lasting 5-15 minutes, giving you time to absorb stories and ask questions.

The First Stop: Armstrong House

Here, you’ll hear about Jim Williams, the pivotal figure in the story, and his lawyer, Sony Seiler. The guide shares anecdotes about Williams’ legal battles and his colorful personality. You’ll also learn about Patrick, the beloved dog, and William Simon Glover, a character whose real-life story ties into the city’s history. This stop is about five minutes outside the house, with no admission needed, making it an accessible introduction.

Clary’s Cafe

Next, you’ll stop outside Clary’s Cafe, a beloved local eatery. The stories here revolve around Luther Driggers (Maurice Elmore Fetzer, Jr.), who was a regular breakfast patron. This spot offers a taste of Savannah’s everyday life intertwined with the story’s darker elements. Again, a quick five-minute stop gives you a snippet of local flavor.

Mercer Williams House Museum

No visit in Savannah is complete without passing the famous Mercer Williams House. The tour emphasizes the outside of the house, where Jim Williams lived and where the murder of Danny Hansford took place. While inside tours are available, this walk doesn’t include entry, but the guide’s stories about the house and the events are vivid and engaging. Many reviewers mention that the outside focus still provides a compelling understanding of the story’s setting.

Hamilton-Turner House

Another notable stop is the Hamilton-Turner House, where you’ll learn about Nancy Hillis (a character inspired by real people) and Joe Odom, whose schemes and anecdotes add layers of color to the story. This brief stop, about five minutes, gives you a picture of Savannah’s eccentric personalities.

Forsyth Park

Finally, your walk concludes at Forsyth Park, where the guide recounts stories about William Glover, Minerva, and Patrick again, tying the tour together with the city’s most recognizable green space. It’s a fitting location to reflect on the tales shared.

What Travelers Say

This tour consistently earns praise for its knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling. One reviewer notes, “Ryan was very knowledgeable about the book and answered all our questions,” emphasizing the depth of expertise. Many highlight how the stories bring Savannah’s streets and characters to life, making it more than just a sightseeing walk.

Travelers appreciate the balance of historical context and personal anecdotes, which help differentiate this tour from generic city walks. “It was great to see the places I read about and walk the streets as the characters did,” shares a fan of the book. The stunning views of the historic squares and well-paced route keep the experience enjoyable without feeling rushed.

The price point, at just $33, is often described as excellent value, especially given the insider knowledge and the authentic stories packed into each stop. Reviewers also mention that the tour is suitable for families, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility making it inclusive.

Considerations

Some note that the inside of Mercer House isn’t part of this tour, which might be a downside if you’re hoping for an inside look. To fully explore the house, a separate visit is needed, but the outside stories and context are often enough to satisfy many fans. Also, as the tour is around 90 minutes, it’s ideal for those who prefer light, manageable sightseeing rather than lengthy excursions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for book and film enthusiasts who want to see Savannah through the lens of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking authentic local stories and historic city views. If you appreciate guided storytelling by passionate, knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this tour adds depth and color to your Savannah experience.

Families or travelers with mobility considerations will appreciate the accessible route and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you’re after an immersive, story-driven tour that combines history, local color, and a touch of mystery, this walk hits the mark.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 90 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your sightseeing day.

What is included in the price?
The $33 fee covers the guided walk, storytelling, and outside views of key locations. Inside access to the Mercer House Museum is not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for families, especially since the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked about 20 days ahead; booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time.

What if I want to visit the Mercer House?
You’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for inside visits; this tour focuses on outside stories and local lore.

Is the tour educational?
Absolutely—guides are praised for their deep knowledge and ability to answer questions, making the experience both informative and engaging.

Will I see movie filming locations?
Yes, the tour visits locations used in the film and discusses their role in the story, giving you a sense of film history alongside literary tales.

Final Thoughts

The Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour offers a rich, story-driven way to explore Savannah’s historic streets. With knowledgeable guides, authentic tales, and iconic sites, it turns a simple walk into a memorable journey through the city’s mysterious, colorful past. The price is reasonable, especially considering the depth of storytelling and the access to key locations.

This tour is best suited for those who cherish storytelling, have a love for Savannah’s character, or are fans of the book and film. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, insightful experience that combines history, literature, and local color—without the rush or crowds.

If you’re after a meaningful peek into Savannah’s darker stories and enjoy engaging storytelling, this tour will surely meet your expectations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Savannah fan, it promises an authentic, memorable glimpse into the city’s mysterious charm.

Note: Always check current availability and tour timings before booking, and consider combining this experience with other Savannah highlights for a well-rounded visit.