Overview
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!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local licensed professional Savannah tour guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
This tour does not include a tour of the Mercer Williams House Museum.
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet 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
Good to know
• 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.
What to expect
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chippewa Square
5 min
A brief presentation about the movie Forrest Gump.
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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.
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West Jones Street
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.
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Mercer Williams House Museum
15 min
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.
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Armstrong House
15 min
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.
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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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- BOOK CLUBS WELCOME!
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Savannah Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil Narrated Walking Tour
Can I cancel Savannah Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil Narrated Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 15 min.
Where does it start?
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…
What's included?
- Local licensed professional Savannah tour guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- This tour does not include a tour of the Mercer Williams House Museum.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Reynolds Square, Johnson Square, Wright Square, Chippewa Square, Hamilton-Turner House, West Jones Street, Mercer Williams House Museum, Armstrong House.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Savannah Sidewalk Tours LLC
