Savannah Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil Narrated Walking Tour

4.9 (402 reviews) 2 h 15 min Free cancellation

out of 5

402 reviews

4.9

The Olde Pink House -- one of Jim William's most famous Savannah restorations. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Always nice to take a break at the Peregrine Lounge halfway through my Just Around Midnight Tour. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Savannah Sidewalk Tours LLC

Ages: Children (0–7 years) · Youth (8–13 years) · Adults (14–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local licensed professional Savannah tour guide
Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: This tour does not include a tour of the Mercer Williams House Museum.

Itinerary

Reynolds Square

10 min

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

10 min

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

15 min

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

5 min

A brief presentation about the movie Forrest Gump.
Hamilton-Turner House

15 min

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.
Stop 6

15 min

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

15 min Admission not included

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

15 min Admission not included

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

15 min

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!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

The tour ends in Forsyth Park

Using your ticket

Tour Company: Savannah Sidewalk Tours LLC
Departs from Reynolds Square (Directly in front of the Olde Pink House Restaurant and Tavern) which is located at Abercorn and Bryan streets in the Historic District of downtown Savannah.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
This tour is not recommended for children under 14.
BOOK CLUBS WELCOME!