Savannah Historic District: Midnight Garden Book Tour
5.0
19 Ratings
Savannah
Experience the enchanting Savannah Historic District on a captivating Midnight Garden Book Tour. Discover the real stories and photos behind the characters that put Savannah's tourism on the map.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Armstrong House - We stop outside here to discuss Jim Williams, Sony Seiler, as well as Wiliam Simon Glover and Patrick, the dog. Sonny was Jim’s lawyer during the second, third, and fourth trials.
- Clary’s Cafe - We stop outside here to discuss the story of Luther Driggers (Maurice Elmore Fetzer, Jr.) and how he relates to the book. He would eat breakfast here every morning.
- Mercer Williams House Museum - We stop outside here to discuss Jim Williams and his contributions to Savannah. We discuss the events that led up to the murder of Danny Hansford. We do not enter the Mercer House, however they do have their own tour inside the home.
- Hamilton-Turner House - We stop outside here to discuss Nancy Hillis (known as Mandy Nichols in the book and Mandy Dawes in the film). We talk about Joe Odom and his many fly by night business schemes.
- Forsyth Park - We stop by the front entrance here to discuss William Simon Glover, Minerva, and Patrick the dog.
What's Included
- Walking tour themed around the book
- Real photos and stories of characters featured
Additional Information
Take a relaxed walking tour in Savannah’s Historic District and discover the spots brought to life in the book. Hear the true tales and view the authentic pictures of these memorable characters that boosted Savannah’s tourism. Besides the mentioned sites, we also visit the residence of John Berendt during his initial days in Savannah, Joe Odom’s House, Helen Drexel’s abode (characterized as Serena Dawes in the book and the movie), and a few other interesting places.
- Travel time is included on the total tour duration
Location
Madison Square
We will meet at the Sgt. William Jasper monument, which is located in the middle of Madison Square. Madison Square is at the intersection of Bull St. and Harris Street. Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes early to check in with your tour guide.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(19 Ratings)
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Kara_b
May 19, 2024
Great family tour - Our guide Ryan was fantastic- Can’t say enough positive about the tour, the pace, the discussion and all the factual details.
Review provided by Viator
Bobn84
Apr 30, 2024
Outstanding!! - Ryan was outstanding and highly recommend this tour!!!!! He was well researched and expertly delivered the information.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_h
Mar 18, 2024
Take this tour! - This is my 2nd time doing the tour but I brought the hubby & another couple this time. It’s definitely worth it - everyone enjoyed the tour and Ryan’s knowledge of Savannah.
Review provided by Viator
Caroline_c
Mar 17, 2024
Wonderful tour! - Ryan, as an accomplished author and expert on the subject, gives a fantastic tour. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Trudymichelle
Feb 19, 2024
A must-do tour for some true Savannah history! - Having read the book/watched the movie several times, I expected a good solidification of what I already knew. Boy was I wrong! This tour is so much more! I learned things the book nor movie could ever begin to elude to! There is so much more to know about the characters from "The book" and of Savannah, and this tour gives you that. Do not sleep on this tour. Ryan again puts his all into his research to provide facts. After all, Savannah's true and rich history is better than ANY made up story and thanks to Ryan this tour gives you that amazing, in depth history! We would definitely take this tour again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Unwrittn
Feb 14, 2024
I loved it! A different spin on a historical tour! - I love Savannah and its rich history. I’ve been on a lot of history tours and ghost walks here. Afterlife Tours had something a little different I couldn’t wait to try: a tour of the people and places in The Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tour! I read the book years ago and couldn’t remember it that well, but it came back to me as the tour went on. It’s fascinating to learn about the real people that inspired characters in the book!
I also have not seen the movie, so I loved how Ryan (our guide) had pictures with him to show how the real people from Savannah participated in the movie. I will likely do the tour again the next time I’m in town!
Excellent tour! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gmsully1968
Feb 10, 2024
Great tour for Midnight - What a great tour! So many behind the scenes spots and stories about this book/movie. More of this story is true than you would ever think! Ryan talks facts, and dispels the fiction!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ozalynnd
Feb 10, 2024
Great Time! - Wow!! Ryan is so knowledgeable and so fun to listen to! You learn so many cool things about both the movie and the book! It never gets old. He really shines a light on the quirky, wild side that people sometimes miss when visiting Savannah. I 10/10 recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H6p8gv
Feb 7, 2024
Great tour - I went on the tour with Ryan today and he did a great job it was interesting to see the places from the movie and hear the stories about them and also to talk a little about ghost with Ryan
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Retiredmom65
Jan 12, 2024
A breath of knowledge that enjoyable to hear. - The depth of knowledge, understanding and ability to impart the facts and issues was superb. He imparted his knowledge retaining the interest of my husband, which as an economic historian is to be commended. We throughly enjoyed the tour. Oh, remind him to find a bench when he talks for those of us with limited energy. Other than that this tour took you to squares we had not visited prior. My compliments.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
