Savannah Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil Narrated Walking Tour
Description
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!
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
A brief presentation about the movie Forrest Gump.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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!
Reviews(394)
Martin was a wonderful storyteller. It was a fun walk around Savannah with tidbits from the movie, a nice bit of history, combined with Savannah flair.
This was an awesome tour! Having read the book, it was really cool to see the locations in person. My guide was super knowledgeable about each of the stops, but also shared a lot of other interesting Savannah history! Along the way, he pointed out other sites and stories. I’d definitely recommend it!!
Martin was great. He was entertaining and we learned a lot more about Savannah, the book and the movie.
If you're a fan of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil you will LOVE this tour...if you haven't read the book or seen the movie, you will want to! Martin was GREAT! Very knowledgable and interesting, I learned a lot from him.
Thank you very much, Amy! Martin Sinderman, Owner Savannah Sidewalk Tours LLC Since 2014
We had an amazing time on the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil narrated walking tour in Savannah! Martin Sinderman was excellent — an engaging storyteller who brought the history and characters to life with so many fascinating details. You can tell he’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Savannah’s history and the book. The tour was the perfect mix of entertaining, informative, and atmospheric. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Savannah.
Thank you very much, Kimberly! Martin Sinderman, Owner Savannah Sidewalk Tours LLC Since 2014
Chock dull of intersting facts. Included not only facts connected to the movie but aleo info about Savannah cultute
Martin was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the history around The Book: the timeline, the locations, and all of the people included and their real life stories. Be ready for a good walk. There are benches in some of the parks where Martin stops, and since the tour is on the longer side, there's a break built in to the tour.
This was a cultural experience that allows us to really be a part of the book and the movie. Our guide was just wonderful.
Thank you Peggy! Martin Sinderman, owner Savannah Sidewalk Tours LLC
Martin, our guide, was fun, informative and very interesting. He wove stories about Savannah history together with stories of Jim Williams and the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and we walked away feeling like we knew Savannah. Highly recommend this tour.
Very interesting. Worth every minute. It is an easy walk. The guide was engaging and knowledgeable. Good time
