the walking dead tour georgia

11 Best Walking Dead Locations (Self-Guided Walking Dead Tour)

• Atlanta / Georgia / In the City / USA

Love TWD? Check out these Walking Dead film locations that you can visit.

Since Jacob is a big Walking Dead fan, and I’ve only watched half an episode peeking through my fingers, he will share about our Walking Dead Tour in Atlanta.

The Walking Dead is coming back from its mid-season break next week. Is anyone else as excited as I am? I’ve been following the show since day one and love that it’s shot in our hometown of Atlanta. I remember watching Season 1 and pointing at different scenes, saying, “HEY! I know where that is!”

SPOILER ALERT: If you’re not caught up on the show, you may not want to read through the guide yet.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: December 12, 2023

− − Content Menu

• The Best Walking Dead Locations
• The Official Walking Dead Tour
• Walking Dead Locations Map

Essential Tips

• Best Places to Stay

Planning Checklist

Last year, we had the chance to go on a tour to visit a few of the shooting locations with Atlanta Movie Tours (unfortunately, they shut down during the pandemic), but for those of you who may want to go at your own pace, here’s our road trip guide to the best Walking Dead Locations.

Note: Most of these spots are from the first few seasons. As the show progressed, they shot more in studios and closed off areas that the public couldn’t access. If you know of any spots that we’re missing, let us know!

Esther had fun editing the photos to make them more Walking Dead-esque. We didn’t get a chance to shoot the photos closer to how they were shot for the show, so we’ll eventually have to go back and replace some of them

1. The Hospital

2353 Bolton Rd, 30318,  map

First Appeared:  Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone By”

What better way to start off your tour than at the place where Rick wakes up from a coma and realizes that something is off? It’s such an eerie feeling walking around. We kept thinking walkers would stroll around the corner at any time. At this location, you can view the courtyard that he exits out to, which was full of bodies, and you can see the parking lot that has abandoned helicopters and military vehicles.

The location is not a hospital but the admin offices of the Atlanta Mission, a local non-profit that serves the homeless.

Fun fact There was a Bruce Willis Dummy in one of the body bags.

See More: Stranger Things Filming Locations Guide

2. CDC (The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)

2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, 30339,  map

First Appeared:  Season 1, Episode 5, “Wildfire”

In hopes to find answers to all their questions, the group finds its way to the CDC, where they meet Dr. Edwin Jenner, the last remaining employee. Unfortunately, things don’t work out, and they escape just before the building self-destructs.

Although the real CDC is located in Atlanta, the location they used to shoot this is the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. We’ve been here to watch the Moulin Rouge ballet a while back! The exterior is the Cobb Arts Center, but the interiors of “CDC” were mostly shot at the Georgia World Congress Center.

See More: Most Instagrammable Places in Atlanta Georgia

3. The Quarry

Lois St NW, 30318,  map

First Appeared:  Season 1, Episode 2, “Guts”

The quarry and campsite nearby are where a different group of survivors had made their homes, but when walkers overran it, it led to a confrontation where Amy’s sister is killed, and Rick is reunited with Lori and Carl. You may also recognize it from Stranger Things.

This location is a 100 yr-old granite quarry being converted into a 300-acre park and reservoir. You can see it from above, but if you want to hike down to the bottom, you’ll need to check out an  Atlanta Beltline bus tour .

4. Tank Intersection

Forsyth St NW & Walton St NW, 30303,  map

Rick narrowly escapes a zombie horde inside an abandoned tank at this intersection and eventually escapes with Glenn’s help (YEA, GLENN!).

You could easily miss this spot as a shoot location if you’re not looking carefully. They have some amazing aerial shots, and having dressed the intersection to be more… zombified, they did a great job creating the Walking Dead world here.

See More: The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List

5. Bridge & Rooftop

327 Nelson Street SW, 30313,  map

We started off by seeing the bridge from season 1 when Rick enters Atlanta for the first time. It’s also the same building where Merle was abandoned on the roof, and Merle’s hand (or lack thereof) scene took place. The building was precisely the same as seen in the show.

In the show, Rick heads to Atlanta searching for Lori and Carl and, after running out of options, decides to enter on horseback.

The address is to our friends over at Atlanta Movie Tours, who do an amazing guided tour of The Walking Dead sites! Just down the street from their offices, you’ll see the bridge.

6. Rick’s House

817 Cherokee Ave SE, 30315,  map

After waking up from his coma, this is Rick’s first stop in hopes to find his family and answers.

In the show, this house was located in a rural town, but in actuality, it’s in the heart of Atlanta across Grant Park and The Atlanta Zoo.

7. Woodbury

1 Main St, Senoia, GA 30276,  map

First Appeared:  Season 3, Episode 3, “Walk With Me”

So much happens in the small town of Woodbury. Andrea and Michonne are brought here after being captured by Merle. Maggie and Glenn are tortured, and we learn how creepy the Governor is.

The actual town is Senoia, and they still run even during filming. There is a gift shop in town, a gun store in case you want to prepare for the actual zombie apocalypse, and a quick chat with any of the townsfolk and you’ll get to hear some amazing stories!

See More: 15 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta GA

8. Hershel’s Farm & The Prison

600 Chestlehurst Rd, Senoia, GA 30276,  map

First Appeared:  Season 2, Episode 2, “Bloodletting” and Season 2, Episode 3, “Seed”

These iconic locations are a huge part of the story in Season 2. Both become temporary homes for the group, and new characters are introduced at each location.

Unfortunately, it’s pretty challenging to get a glimpse of either. Hershel’s Farm is just outside the town of Senoia on an unmarked road. The prison, as opposed to random internet rumors claiming it was filmed at an actual prison, is located at Raleigh Studios Atlanta. And because they want to keep everything under wraps, access is prohibited. We had a chance to chat with Scott Tigchelaar, President of RSA, while we visited Woodbury and got to hear how filming has affected Senoia and the surrounding area.

9. The Silo

Railroad Street, Haralson, GA 30229,  map

First Appeared:  Season 3, Episode 13, “Arrow on the Doorpost”

This is the location of Rick and the Governor’s meeting in hopes to ease tensions, and a lot is going on outside with Andrea, Daryl, and Martinez.

The interior was shot around the corner, but all exteriors were shot here at the old ESCO Feed Mill.

10. Post-Farm Campsite

1739 Elders Mill Rd, Senoia, GA 30276,  map

First Appeared:  Season 2, Episode 13, “Beside the Dying Fire”

After leaving the overrun farm, the group camps by this waterfall, and Rick gives an epic speech to end the season.

Shot at Elders Mill Road Waterfall and Campsite, you can check out the stone remnants of the old grist mills for $10. Otherwise, you get a glimpse of it from the road.

11. The Pharmacy & Bar

58-98 Main St, Sharpsburg, GA 30277,  map

First Appeared:  Season 2, Episode 4 “Cherokee Rose

Steve’s Pharmacy is where Glenn and Maggie get it on while running for medical supplies (YEA, GLENN AGAIN)! The Carriage Bar is where Hershel goes for a drink after Shane destroys all the walkers in his barn.

You can find both of these locations in the small town of Sharpsburg. The pharmacy was an unused storefront during production, and the bar is the Old Sharpsburg Auction Building.

The Official Walking Dead Tour (Permanently Closed)

We had a chance to tour Walking Dead Filming sites with The AV Club and the Fiesta Movement. We’d never done any of these tours before, and this was a unique experience since it was a private tour while they were filming. On day one, we saw on our tour included the bridge, the hospital, CDC, and the tank scene in downtown Atlanta.

The next morning, we drove to Senoia, GA, or better known as Woodbury in the show. It’s wild to stroll around and see the town as it really is. As we visited shops, we quickly learned that Senoia had a great relationship with the cast and crew. Everyone really loved the show, and it didn’t hinder their businesses. Apparently, while they are shooting, stores stay open, and people just enter through the back. We also found some interesting items at the Woodbury souvenir shop.

Raleigh Studios Atlanta (RSA), which is just a couple of miles away, is home to the show while filming. It is also the location of the prison set. We didn’t get a chance to visit since it was a closed set. We got to speak with Scott Tigchelaar, President of RSA, and hear about how filming has affected Senoia. Josh and I will make an appearance on  The A.V. Club’s Pop Pilgrims , where they show more footage of our trip, so check it out!

Map of the Best Walking Dead Filming Locations

• If you’re  renting a car  and plan on doing the whole tour, get something fuel-efficient to save money since you’ll be covering some long distances.
• Be respectful if you visit any of these spots. Especially the ones that are private.
• It’s hot and humid during the summer in Atlanta, so keep hydrated.
• Atlanta traffic is bad, so avoid peak hours (6-9 AM and 3:30-7:30 PM).
• Don’t forget to load up on road trip snacks!
• Bring water with you to stay hydrated – here are our favorite bottles .

Best Places to Stay in Atlanta

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Atlanta hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Georgia travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with CityPASS .

Are you all caught up on The Walking Dead? What TV or movie filming location would you like to visit someday?

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER

SEE More CITY Bucket Lists

ATLANTA BUCKET LIST

PDX BUCKET LIST  

CHARLESTON SC BUCKET LIST

LAS VEGAS BUCKET LIST

LA BUCKET LIST

NYC BUCKET LIST

SAN DIEGO BUCKET LIST

ASHEVILLE NC BUCKET LIST

AUSTIN BUCKET LIST

NEW ORLEANS BUCKET LIST

ORLANDO BUCKET LIST

SAN FRANCISCO BUCKET LIST

SEATTLE BUCKET LIST

WASHINGTON DC BUCKET LIST

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Share this story

The Walking Dead: mapping 55 locations from the hit TV show

Since the premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead, hordes of fans have helped make Atlanta the zombie capital of the world. It has broken records to become the most-watched drama series in basic cable history.

If you're one of the show's estimated 16 million followers, you can take a tour of the filming locations from Atlanta Movie Tours (all guides have worked as zombies on the set) or use the following handy map to do a self-guided trip around some of the show's creepiest sets.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

[ UPDATE 3/13/17 : An additional 32 locations have been added to the map.]

The Opening Scene

Walking Dead fans will recognize this intersection as the first thing you see in Season 1, Episode 1. It's enough to give you chills.

• Open in Google Maps

Gas Station

All Rick wanted was some gas for the cruiser but the little zombie girl in the bunny slippers just refused to back off. So he shot her between the eyes. And still, no gas.

Harrison Memorial Hospital

"Good morning, Rick. How was your coma? Things are a little... different now." The hospital where Rick wakes up is actually the Atlanta Mission building. Proof that all that's needed to zombie-fy any area is the addition of military vehicles and some body bags with flies buzzing around them.

Rick's House

Rick used to live here. He rides his bike back after leaving the hospital and finds you can just never go home again.

Morgan's House

Just around the corner from Rick's house, we find Morgan squatting in this lovely Grant Park home.

Sheriff's Station

Rick used to work at this here sheriff's station before the apocalypse came and increased the unemployment rate to round about 99 percent. The "King County" sheriff's station is actually decidedly ITP.

Siggard's Farm

Rick stops into this farmhouse and makes a grim and disturbing discovery, but he does get a horse out of the visit. You win some, you lose some, right? The farm's exact location is 33.447257, -83.757239.

Rick's Ride Into Atlanta

If you're Atlanta savvy, you know some CG effects were at play in this famous scene because that's Freedom Parkway, not 85, and there are no trains running alongside the highway. Still, it's pretty badass.

Tanks, Helicopters, and Hordes

The series hasn't filmed in downtown Atlanta since Season 1, but man, when it did, there was some action to be seen. We're taking overturned cars, tanks, massive hordes of walkers, horror galore. This area was home of the building that reflected the helicopter Rick chased, rampaging zombies, and the tank he hid inside.

The Survivors' Camp

In Season 1, we find a whole mess of survivors hanging out at Bellwood Quarry. Heck, even Rick's wife and son are chilling there. Eventually, zombies drive everybody away (and to the CDC), but it was fun while it lasted.

Abandoned Building in "Vatos"

Although the Goat Farm looks pretty damned zombie-fied 24/7, the Walking Dead has only filmed there once, for the Season 1 episode called "Vatos."

The CDC shown on the show wasn't the real Centers for Disease Control. But you probably knew that because it was actually the Cobb Energy Center on the outside and (mostly) the Georgia World Congress Center on the inside. Only one film has ever been given permission to even use the exterior of the real CDC and that was "Contagion." That's probably a good thing.

Southern Baptist Church

The Southern Baptist Church of the Holy Light was actually Bethel United Methodist during filming and is now Mount Moriah Baptist. Nothin' to see but a few Walkers and a new sign.

Hershel's Farm

The survivors' primary Season 2 home base is a farmhouse owned by Hershel Greene and his family. They end up there after Rick's kid (Carl) is accidentally shot by a farmhand. Oops. The place ends up being not quite as safe as one would hope. The point on the map points to the start of a long, winding driveway heading north to the house rather than to the house itself.

Elders Mill Road

In the Season 2 finale, our intrepid heroes leave Hershel's farm then find themselves out of gas and camping near a waterfall and pond. That camp site is here. The location in Senoia, Georgia, was Elders Millpond, once home of an actual grist mill in the 1900s.

Fans may be disappointed to hear that the prison, which serves as the main location for Season 3, is not a prison at all, but a soundstage on the back lot of Raleigh Studios. You can't see it from the road and can't go inside, so don't bother with a drive down.

ESCO Feed Mill

Walking Dead fans will recognize the weathered ESCO Feed Mill from the opening credits as well as from some action-packed scenes. There's a woman in Haralson who runs interactive tours of the town in which you reenact what went down there: www.facebook.com/WalkinDeadHaralsonGa

Sportsman's Deer Cooler

Sportsman's Deer Cooler, where Michonne and Andrea hide out for a bit, is actually a hunting shop in Senoia, and they didn't have to do a whole lot to make it look like a ramshackle butcher shop.

Yeah, there's a real Woodbury, Georgia, but strangely, that's not where The Walking Dead's Woodbury, Georgia scenes were shot. The fictional Woodbury from Season 3, where the governor and his folks hold court, is actually Senoia, a town that has also been a filming location for Driving Miss Daisy and the (unnecessary) Footloose remake.

Woodbury Arena

Look, when there's no more internet or TV, you're gonna need something to amuse yourself. Walkers are held captive in this arena until they are let loose to fight, gladiator style, for the entertainment of the people of Woodbury.

Steve's Pharmacy

This windows of this little storefront in Sharpsburg announce, "Walkers Welcome!" but it's a safe bet Maggie and Glenn didn't feel the same when they went for supplies (and ended up getting sexy) there in Season 2. After shooting, the fictional Steve's Pharmacy was replaced by Toodles Children's Boutique for a while until it, too, became one of the dead.

Big Spot is a fictionalized Big Lots with fewer two-for-one deals and more undead shoppers. In the TV series, the store is the scene of one seriously wicked zombie storm from above. ("It's raining zombies" = not as fun as "it's raining men.") IRL, the parking lot belonged to now defunct Walmart and Winn Dixie stores.

Terminus is more than an early name for Atlanta. It's a train yard that promises "Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those who arrive survive."

Meeting the Governor

At an old ESCO Feed Mill, Rick meets the Governor for the first time. Later in the Walking Dead timeline, Merle is later killed here by the Governor as well. An additional scene shot here was the silo scene where Daryl, Andrea, and Martinez are shot.

Westside Reservoir Park

Finally, reunited and it feels so good. It’s here where Rick is reunited with Lori and Carl.

Graffiti Barn

It’s because of this barn that the Governor starts calling himself Brian Heriot after seeing the name written on the walls. Other messages and names are also written on the walls.

Survivors find a church

After hearing bells, Rick and the other survivors search for the source, discovering this church. While searching for Sophia, Rick, and other survivors, Rick and the other survivors instead find four zombies inside.

Hershel’s bar

Rick and Glenn search for and find Hershel near the pharmacy in a bar. In this location, two unknown survivors appear, asking to go to Hershel’s farm.

Shane finds Lori

After discovering that she went after Rick, Shane discovers Lori in this general location.

Dropping off Randall

After attempting to drop Randall off at a public works building, Rick and Shane start fighting, thereby alerting nearby zombies. Yikes!

Helicopter crash site

If you venture to this location today, you won’t find a military helicopter, but that’s what Andrea and Michonne discovered when they were on their journey.

On their way to Woodbury, Rick, Daryl, Oscar and Michonne stay in a cabin, located in this general area. They later have to find a way to escape after the site becomes filled with walkers.

Andrea’s hiding spot

Need a good hiding spot? Here’s one, chosen by Andrea.

The location where the Governor kills Merle

After hiding out in a building in this general area, Merle is killed by the Governor. Daryl later finds the body, but it’s too late by that point.

Meltdown location

The Governor has a melt down and kills many people from Woodbury. Martinez and Bowman find a way to escape.

Veterinary college

Finally, something good happens. This time, Daryl is able to retrieve medication for survivors at the prison by heading to this veterinary college.

Abandoned house

Rick and Carl find an abandoned house where they take shelter.

Funeral home

Here, Beth and Daryl take refuge for a while as the location seems to be safe.

The house in a grove of pecan trees

Carol, Lizzie, Tyreese, Mika, and Judith rest in a house located in a grove of pecan trees. Mika and Lizzie’s strange behavior eventually threatens their lives.

Abandoned automotive shop

For one night, Daryl and a group of men he’s with stay at this abandoned automotive shop. The shop is beside a railroad track.

Father Gabriel’s church

After Rick and other survivors save Father Gabriel in the woods, Father Gabriel leads the group to his church.

Time to reload! Glenn, Maggie, and Tara retrieve three suppressors from this store.

Time for some more zombie attacks! In this food bank, the cast has to fight off some walkers, while trying to get some food.

Finally, Beth wakes up in the hospital. Eventually, she has to tend to patients and find out who she can trust.

In this location, a group of characters, which included Glenn, Maggie, and Eugene, sought refuge here.

Industrial complex

In order to learn more about Grady, Rick and others lure police officers to this location in the hopes of rescuing Beth.

Alexandria Safe Zone Armory

In this general location, Rick and other survivors find Aaron and Eric’s house, the Anderson’s house, Rick Grimes’ house, and more.

Nicholas leads Glenn in search of supplies, and here is where they end up. If interested in visiting, the location is boarded up and vacant.

Sorghum Barn

Finally, some supplies. At least that’s what Rick and Daryl discovered when they found a truck by this barn.

Eugene’s bullet shop

Eugene has a plan, and that’s to manufacture bullets. In this bullet shop, Eugene reveals his plans to Abraham.

Denise’s death location

Along with Denise’s death scene (brought upon by Dwight and Daryl), there is also a shootout here between Daryl, Rosita, and Abraham.

Morgan dresses Carol’s wound in this library. Here, Morgan also proposes that they both leave for Alexandria, a proposal which Carol denies.

The Kingdom

King Ezekiel is the ruler of this land, known as The Kingdom. In this general location, Morgan also trains Ben the art of aikido.

The Sanctuary

This location, known as both The Sanctuary and the Savior’s Base, is private property, so no trespassing allowed. Only exterior shots of the location were shot here with interior scenes filmed elsewhere.

Abandoned school

Along with an abandoned school, this location in The Walking Dead also featured an abandoned carnival with a ferris wheel. Walkers were also in this location, but that should be no surprise.

Site search

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Archive.curbed.com
• For Sale
 in Atlanta
• For Rent
 in Atlanta
• Curbed Comparions
• Neighborhoods
• Development
 News
• Construction News
• Architecture

• Transportation
• Historic Preservation

Tours & Activities

Check out our NEW tour options for 2023! Reserve your seat below by choosing GA Filmed TV & Movie Tour and select from the menu of tours available.

The Touring Dead Tours are fan based tours. We are not affiliated with AMC, Robert Kirkman, or any production component of The Walking Dead. We do not have any special access to areas off limits to the public. We ask that all guests respect the privacy of the filming locations and private residences, and do not attempt to access studio controlled areas.

The Walking Dead fan guide to visiting Senoia

By sonya iryna | may 4, 2019.

Summer is a great time for The Walking Dead fans to visit Senoia, Georgia. If you’re planning a summer trip to Senoia here’s where to stay, eat, shop, and tour.

The Walking Dead recently started filming for season 10 in Senoia, Georgia. While filming sites are of course restricted there is a better than average chance that you may see some of the cast in Senoia during the filming season, especially if you are hanging out at some of the many Walking Dead themed shops and attractions in Senoia.

Senoia may be best known as the  home of The Walking Dead but lots of productions have filmed in Senoia over the years. You can find the title of productions filmed in Senioa embedded in the concrete on the sidewalks on Main St. if you look for them. The best place to start your trip is in downtown Senoia, which was the setting for “Woodbury” in season 3 of The Walking Dead.

The Alexandria Safe Zone set, also known locally as the Gin Property, dominates the area at the bottom of the hill that Main Street sits on. The corrugated walls hide all but the tops of the houses and the filming that take place inside but you can see the gate, the guard post, and the large windmill over the top of the barricade as well as some of the other set pieces. If you want to immerse yourself in The Walking Dead universe on your vacation this year here are some of the places that can make your vacation unforgettable.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

The real-life locations where The Walking Dead was filmed

Take yourself on a walker tour with EW's guide to the Georgia locations featured on The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead was vital in convincing a great deal of the film and TV production industry to move operations to Georgia. It also single-handedly revived some of the smaller cities in the region such as Senoia (pronounced Suh-NOY), Ga., which has grown faster than 95 percent of similarly sized US cities, having expanded by 188 percent since 2000. Currently, Senoia greets countless tourists each year who are eager to see the sights of AMC 's signature series for themselves.

On The Walking Dead , the town stood in for the fortified city of Woodbury in season 3, as well as the walled-off Alexandria safe zone, where Senoia displayed its acting range by depicting a city in Virginia. So close are the locations used for the two disparate societies that in the background of many Alexandria-set scenes, both Woodbury's water tower and the apartment building of David Morrissey 's fearsome Governor can be glimpsed. Most of The Walking Dead , especially its interiors, are lensed at Raleigh Studios in Senoia, which is unfortunately not open to the public. However, much of Senoia (especially Main Street) has been utilized by The Walking Dead for various scenes across a number of seasons, and the town now operates a cottage industry of zombified tourism.

Join us as EW traverses the iconic real-life locations where The Walking Dead was filmed, in and around Senoia.

The Center for Disease Control (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, Ga.)

During the final two episodes of the first season, the CDC headquarters, where Rick ( Andrew Lincoln ) sought refuge and discovered the truth about the infection, was filmed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, appropriately situated in northwest Atlanta's Cobb County near a village called Vinings that runs along the Chattahoochee River. The building's asymmetrical roof and Lincoln Center-inspired glass facade is the perfect match for the icy modernity that the CDC facility was to convey.

The Cobb Centre houses a 10,000-square-foot ballroom , which is available for rentals if you wish to occupy a piece of Walking Dead history on your special occasion, as well as the John A. Williams Theatre, a 2,750-seat venue that was built specifically to lure Broadway touring companies. Since it opened, the theater has welcomed acts as diverse as Harry Connick Jr. , Demi Lovato , and ABBA ; if you happen to be in Atlanta come Christmas time, you can pop into the Centre's production of The Nutcracker . Unlike many of The Walking Dead 's shooting locales, the Cobb Centre has been utilized in a number of additional films. You may recall seeing it in Dumb and Dumber To , when Harry ( Jeff Daniels ) and Lloyd ( Jim Carrey ) attend the KEN Chat (supposedly in El Paso, Texas).

The pudding house (Senoia, Ga.)

The house in which Carl ( Chandler Riggs ) outwitted a hungry walker in season 4 and rewarded himself with a gargantuan can of chocolate pudding is a two-story Craftsman-style abode, built sometime between 1910 and 1920 by Senoia cotton merchant Oscar Mann. It was fully remodeled by its former owners in 2015, which means most of the interiors you see on The Walking Dead no longer exist in that form, though the renovators left the original hardwood floors intact.

The four-bed/four-bath estate is privately owned, so unfortunately not available for rentals or tours, though it seems the current inhabitants maintain a good sense of humor about their home's chilling history. If you're curious to see how the estate looks post-pudding party, you can get your fill with a variety of sunny photographs on the home's Zillow page.

Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island, Glynn County, Ga.)

Located at the north end of Jekyll Island, one of the Golden Isles of Georgia, the white sands of Driftwood Beach were named for the knotted, re-formed trees that dot the idyllic landscape, some of which are as many as 500 years old. On The Walking Dead , Driftwood Beach was cast as the Virginia-based, matriarchal Oceanside community where Tara (Alanna Masterson) washed ashore in season 7.

The production team couldn't have selected a more vivid location than Driftwood Beach, which even before its exposure on national television was a popular destination for both wedding photo shoots and ceremonies, as well as those simply seeking a bit of peace and quiet for a few hours. Its singular vistas are enhanced by the trees, which took on their formations after hundreds of years of water erosion. Something important to consider if you're planning a jaunt to Driftwood Beach : The availability of both seating and walking areas on the beach itself is entirely dependent on the tides. When the tide is high, you'll be holding on for dear life as the sand is more or less entirely submerged, so it's not ideal for a picnic or sunbathing. To determine the best time to visit, you can check out this tide chart provided by the Golden Isles website.

Rick and Lori's house (Atlanta, Ga.)

In the pilot episode of The Walking Dead , after leaving the hospital, Rick rode an abandoned bicycle back to the home he shared with Lori and Carl pre-zombie apocalypse, only to find them missing. While collecting himself on the front porch, Rick was cracked over the head by an overzealous tween with a shovel, who was revealed to be Duane (Adrian Kali Turner), along with his father, Morgan ( Lennie James ), who appeared and executed a hungry walker before the trio went on to spend an amiable night together in the house.

Rick's family home is located on a tree-lined street just a stone's throw from Grant Park, a 131.5-acre public space that, having opened in 1883, is credentialed as the oldest surviving city park in Atlanta. (Rick's house was erected some time later, in 1897.) Prior to being run out of their property by ravenous walkers, Rick and his brood would have enjoyed a luxurious life in their three-bedroom/two-bathroom house on a quiet street. The spaciously appointed dual-story home features two working fireplaces as well as a chef's kitchen and separate dry bar, and a covered deck in the backyard for all seasons. The home also boasts 11-ft. ceilings in each room and a claw foot bathtub in the master bathroom, which means that Rick Grimes may have been the highest-paid sheriff in history.

The city of Senoia, Ga.

Prior to providing a variety of locations for The Walking Dead , Senoia hosted several different film productions, including Driving Miss Daisy (1989), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Pet Sematary Two (1992), The Fighting Temptations (2003), and Footloose (2011). (The city's motto? "The perfect setting. For life." ) It was AMC's juggernaut hit that put the little town on the map, however, making it a lifelong destination for fervent fans of the show and even bumping up the town's population. After The Walking Dead wrapped filming and deconstructed all of the sets, 10 of the homes that the production built to film around were sold . As of 2016, there were 50 bustling businesses flanking Main Street compared to just five in 2006, as well as a plethora of exploration options for fans wishing to seek out filming spots.

A couple of the most popular bets in town are the Touring Dead Walking Tours, which are hosted by Georgia Touring Company and led by guides cosplaying as your favorite characters from the show. "I opened for business in 2012 when they began filming, but had no idea what was coming," Julie Brown, the owner of Georgia Touring Company, told EW. When filming ramped up a few years later, Brown began the first iteration of The Touring Dead, a two-hour walking (or golf cart) experience specifically for the locations in downtown Senoia, whose Main Street provided the iconic location of Woodbury. The since-retired Touring Dead II was "a five-hour tour...where we had a team of highly-skilled stunt actors portray heroes and villains from the show and perform fight scenes live in front of our tour guests on location." Logistical issues saw the second incarnation of the tour come to an end in 2019, though its successor, The Touring Dead III, is very much up and running , taking fans on explorations of different filming locales outside of downtown Senoia.

"We have exclusive access to several locations throughout the region," Brown noted. "Unfortunately, some of the locations we used to visit are going away as properties are being sold and redeveloped. However, we have over 40 locations we still visit over the two mobile tours and [we are] adding to the list as the last few episodes air, [including] scenes coming from the series finale that we cannot divulge yet." Amongst the myriad locations fans may visit during The Touring Dead III are Negan's ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ) outpost, where Rick and his compatriots faced off against the Saviors in season 8, as well as Negan's house from the seminal "Here's Negan" episode in season 10. The journey also snakes through the city of Hampton, where Glenn ( Steven Yeun ) endured his controversial dumpster dive during the sixth season, and stops off at the bar in Hogansville which Beta ( Ryan Hurst ) visited in season 10 along with Alpha's ( Samantha Morton ) severed head after the latter's death.

After exploring your favorite filming locations, you can dine at one of the most popular additions to Main Street within the last few years. Nic and Norman's is an American pub designed to evoke a '30s speakeasy that Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus (Daryl) and the show's co-executive producer and director Greg Nicotero opened with their business partners in 2016. The menu is fairly straightforward pub grub, with burgers and flatbreads in addition to a variety of more imaginative dishes such as brisket mac and cheese, fried chicken pot pie, and braised pork shank slow-cooked in a Coca-Cola reduction. If you do turn up for a meal, be sure to consider Reedus and Nicotero's namesake burgers. Reedus' burger, "Norman's Pick," is a plant-based Impossible patty "topped with a fried egg and dressed with beets, avocado, spinach, and soy ginger sauce" that the actor recommends with a lettuce wrap as opposed to a bun, while "Greg's Pick" is a patty made out of ground chuck, short rib, and brisket served over baby blend lettuce, onions, tomato, pickles, topped with the restaurant's signature N&N sauce, which Reedus and Nicotero invented themselves. Unfortunately, there's nothing on the menu for your undead friends, so they'll need to scavenge elsewhere.

Related content:

• Dead end: On set for the final days of The Walking Dead
• The Walking Dead cast give 100% fake finale character endings
• The Walking Dead seasons, ranked

Related Articles

Entertainment

• Gift Guides
• Privacy Policy
• User Agreement
• It's a Southern Thing © 2019
• Powered by RebelMouse

What you’ll find on a visit to ‘The Walking Dead’ town of Senoia, Georgia

I'm not sure what I expected when I visited Georgia's famous zombie town, but it wasn't the quaint little burg filled with shops and restaurants that I encountered.

Senoia, a town of about 3,300 souls in Coweta County, is where much of the filming of the AMC hit, "The Walking Dead," takes place. I recently visited with a friend to see what all the buzz was about and, as someone who is not a zombie fan, I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only can visitors see many of the filming sites from "The Walking Dead," but other places will look familiar, as well. A "walk of fame" in Senoia of small brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks lists all the movies partially filmed in town , including "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Sweet Home Alabama," "The Fighting Temptations," "Meet the Browns," "Pet Sematary II," "A Christmas Memory," and numerous other films and shows. But "The Walking Dead" is definitely the town's bread and butter.

Click here to see the house and bridge from "Fried Green Tomatoes."

Click here to see the mill used in "Sweet Home Alabama " and "Conjuring 3."

We didn't see any zombies during our time in Senoia but we did see hundreds of tourists hoping to see zombies and, according to Explore Georgia , visitors do sometimes see zombies or actors wandering around town.

Downtown Senoia, which locals pronounce "Sen-oy," doubles as the town of Woodbury in the show, but the main attraction is actually located behind a 15-foot-high corrugated metal fence – the set for the Alexandria Safe Zone. The fence keeps people out since it is an active film set. It is worth a visit although the only thing visible above the fence is an old windmill and roofs of some buildings.

Those who want to be sure they've seen every site from the show can sign up for paid tours of the town. Tours begin downtown.

Other activities for fans to check out include:

Self-guided walking tour : A map you can pick up at gift shops and the visitors center shows spots around town where specific action took place in various episodes of the show. Very few places in town haven't been tapped by the show for filming.

Nic and Norman's : A restaurant opened by Norman Reedus, a star of the show, and Greg Nicotero, a producer and director. The Southern eatery is one of several restaurant choices in downtown Senoia.

The Woodbury Shoppe: Part shop, part museum, this locale offers selfie opportunities as well as memorabilia and fan gear. Visitors can see all kinds of props from the show and visit the Walking Dead Café.

According to an article on Georgia Public Broadcasting , the town has grown phenomenally since the show began 10 years ago. "There are now more than 65 retail/restaurant spaces on the two-block Main Street district. There were five such spots at the turn of the century. There are currently lofts being built and new retail space is 100 percent pre-leased," the article said.

Set of The Walking Dead

Rebekah Davis

The set for "The Walking Dead"

Kelly Kazek

Downtown Senoia

Inside the Woodbury Shoppe

Props inside the Woodbury Shoppe

Best SEC game day traditions you need to know about

The college football season is right around the corner, and we can’t wait! Before the opening slate of SEC games, let’s consider some of the things that make college football so great– the unique and inspiring traditions that happen on game day across the South.

Here are the best game day traditions for every school in the SEC. (Disagree? It was hard selecting from the many choices, but let us know which tradition should have been included instead.)

Alabama: Dixieland Delight

While saying “Roll Tide” (as a cheer during a game, or in general greeting to a fellow fan) is perhaps the school’s most well-known tradition, perhaps its most exuberant is the singing of “Dixieland Delight” during a game’s fourth quarter. A chart-topping song recorded by the country band Alabama in 1982, it was actually written about the state of Tennessee. The song involves audience participation with “creative” (and often crass) lines, causing its temporary ban in 2015. The song was brought back in 2018 after a public campaign and a promise to not include profanity and today there’s nothing quite like hearing the words sung at a night game under the stadium’s neon LED lights .

READ MORE: Things only Southerners get about college football

Arkansas: Calling the Hogs

The ubiquitous “Woo Pig Sooie” phrase is part of the tradition of “Calling the Hogs” at Arkansas games , The most common story of its origin comes from the 1920s when a group of farmers began shouting “Sooie!” at a football game to encourage the Razorbacks players. The crowd joined in, and the rest is history.

The cheer, said at kickoff and at moments throughout games, goes like this: “Whoo!” (while raising the arms, wiggling the fingers), “Pig!” (bringing both arms down with fists clenched), and “Sooie!” (extending the right arm) three times, then finishing by yelling “Razorbacks!”

READ MORE: How we know it's football season in the South

Auburn: Flying of War Eagle

Even non-fans can be moved by Auburn’s most iconic tradition – the flying in of War Eagle to Jordan Hare Stadium before kickoff. The tradition traces its roots to 1892 when a former Civil War soldier-turned professor’s eagle (who he’d nursed back to health after a battle) got loose and began to circle the football field curing a game. Numerous live eagle mascots followed that original one, and in 2000 today’s tradition began. The Auburn University athletic website says that on Aug. 31, 2000: “Tiger, also known as War Eagle VI, flew from the end zone to midfield, delighting the 76,128 fans in attendance for the season opener vs. Wyoming. Before long, the flights began on the concourse between the lower and upper bowls, making for a more majestic flight as the eagles circle the stadium before locating their trainer at midfield.”

WATCH MORE: How Auburn's eagles take flight

Florida: Gator Chomp

The favorite alligator hand chomp started in 1981 after Florida marching band members noticed how the Mississippi State cheerleaders did a rhythmic hand motion when their band played the “Jaws” theme; the band members took the idea home with them from the game and began playing the theme themselves and doing a motion that imitated an alligator’s jaws chomping down. The motion debuted a few weeks later on Oct. 10 in The Swamp and while fans originally tried to call it “Gator Jaws,” it evolved into the Gator Chomp instead.

Georgia: Playing between the hedges

While “Calling the Dawgs” might be the most popular vocal evidence of Georgia fandom, the tradition of playing football games “between the hedges” is the most iconic. Originally planted in 1929, the beautiful green border of “privet Ligustrum” at Sanford Stadium was inspired by a visit in 1920s to the Rose Bowl by UGA graduate student Charlie Martin. The hedges have been removed and replaced twice–in 1994 for preparation of the upcoming Summer Olympics in Georgia (when soccer was played in the stadium) and in 2017 to make space for new lockers and a scoreboard -- but remain a unique stadium feature in all of college football.

Kentucky: Tailgating at Kroger Field

Fans gather in the huge parking lot at Kroger Field for Kentucky football games, and enjoy snacks and libations (make sure there's plenty of bourbon involved; it is, after all the, official drink of Kentucky and the Lexington area has numerous world-class bourbon distilleries). Tailgaters and finds alike then enjoy Cat Walk, the procession of the Wildcat football team that takes place on the path between Nutter Field House (where the team bus arrives) and Commonwealth Stadium.

LSU: Visiting Mike the Tiger

While LSU may have some of the most intense gametime traditions and atmosphere (night games in Death Valley take on a life of their own), one of the most unique traditions in all of college football is visiting Mike the Tiger’s habitat before entering Tiger Stadium. The 5,000-square foot habitat is located between Tiger Stadium and Pete Maravich Assembly Center and includes a pond and stream system and architecture designed specifically for the bengal tiger. It’s also a great place for a Tiger selfie. (The LSU Tiger nickname, by the way, was officially adopted in 1936, but the first live tiger was bought in 1934 from a Little Rock zoo.)

Ole Miss: Tailgating at The Grove

The best tailgating scene in the country takes place in Oxford at The Grove. The 10-acre grassy lawn in the middle of the Ole Miss campus is transformed into a luxurious place of chandeliers, silver platters and cocktails on football game day. Integral to tailgating there is the “Hotty Toddy” cheer and using red or blue plastic cups only (it’s a University rule!) The football team enters and walks through The Grove via the archway at the Walk of Champions en route to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

READ MORE: Why the Square in Oxford is the South's best gems

Mississippi State: Cowbells

The most recognizable sound inside a SEC football stadium? We’d argue for the cowbells at Mississippi State, which were first recorded in use in the late 1930s but come from a legend further back; after a cow wandered onto the field during a game against Ole Miss, the Bulldogs won resoundingly and students then adopted the cow as a good luck charm. While the cow roamed the sidelines for a while, fans eventually took to simply bringing and ringing the cow’s bell. Temporarily banned by the SEC along with other artificial noisemakers, cowbells were officially allowed again in 2010 with some restrictions.

READ MORE: Attractions to see in Starkville

Missouri: Rock M

A large 90-foot wide and 95-feet high block “M,” carved from stone by the freshman class in 1927, guards the stadium’s north endzone of Memorial Stadium It debuted when the Tigers defeated Kansas State and “ Five-hundred freshmen joined hands and encircled the cinder track in a single line while the bland played ‘Old Missouri’ in the center of the field. A huge stone M – the work of the Frosh the night before – loomed up white and threatening against the bankment.” (Note also that our modern understanding of Homecoming was created at the Columbia campus; if you can make it there for Homecoming weekend, it’s an especially fun tradition.)

Oklahoma: Boomer Sooner (and Schooner)

The term “Sooner” is tied with the University of Oklahoma’s connection to Native American tribes that had been relocated to the area after being forcibly removed from their homelands via the Trail of Tears. When treaties were negotiated and the land was made available to settlers through Land Runs; those who “jumped the gun” before the official opening were called Sooners. While the term is connected to an unjust historical event, “Sooner” also became synonymous with energetic or enthusiastic individuals. Today, Sooner is found in the “Boomer Sooner” fight song and in the “Sooner Schooner” (the replica covered wagon pulled by two white ponies named Boomer and Sooner).

South Carolina: Cockaboose Tailgating

A line of 22 bright red stationary train cars sits behind the south end of William-Brice Stadium and are privately owned and rented out by avid Gamecocks fans. The rail cars, lying on an old railroad track, have terraces on top for tailgating and are fully equipped inside. While the Cocakbooses aren’t open to the general public, fans tailgate nearby and also walk through the area for a unique pre- and post-game experience. The cockaboose name comes from South Carolina’s Gamecock nickname, which originated from South Carolina Revolutionary War hero General Thomas Sumter, who was often called “The Fighting Gamecock.”)

Tennessee: Rocky Top

Go to a Tennessee football game and be prepared for numerous singings of “Rocky Top,” the school’s unofficial song (it’s official fight song is “Down the Field”) Written in 1967 Felice and Boudleaux Bryant stayed at the nearby town’s Gatlinburg Inn and later popularized by country star Lynn Anderson, it was played for the first time at a game against Alabama in 1972. The song’s familiar chorus (you’ll hear it numerous times throughout a game!) states: “Rocky Top, you’ll always be / Home sweet home to me / Good ol’ Rocky Top / Rocky Top, Tennessee.”

READ MORE: Songs we wish we didn't love

Texas: Hook ‘em Horns

The famous hand sign–made by extending the index and pinky fingers while grasping the second and third fingers with the thumb–debuted in 1955 when the school’s head yell leader demonstrated it at a pep rally ahead of a game against TCU. The gesture, which represents the look of its mascot’s head and horns, has been used ever since during games, but also as a general greeting, farewell, and other sign of good will. (But also be cognizant of the “horns down” since, which rivals are known to use against Longhorn fans and teams.)

Texas A &M: Midnight Yell

Texas A&M’s best game tradition actually occurs the night before the game, at the school’s midnight yell practice session. Taking place inside Kyle Field, more than 25,000 students regularly attend the event, which includes the marching band leading everyone into the stadium, regimented practices of each in-game activity, stories from Yell Leaders, and even a moment of darkness when dates are encouraged to kiss. The tradition began in 1913, but didn’t move to midnight until 1931 after it was suggested that freshmen should gather at midnight to practice ahead of the next day’s game against rival University of Texas.

Vanderbilt: Anchor Down

The anchor pairs with Vanderbilt’s Commodore nickname and is found in numerous campus and game day traditions. An anchor is displayed on game day and during home games it’s carried in the Star Walk procession to the football stadium, where someone is invited to “drop the anchor” at midfield before kickoff. The “Anchor Down” phrase has grown up alongside the anchor traditions and is now used as a cheer and a greeting. The anchor is a relatively new tradition at Vanderbilt, debuting in 2004.

The Mississippi town that's perfect for a girlfriends' getaway

A cooking class is a great activity for a getaway with your girlfriends.

Looking for a charming spot for a getaway with your girlfriends? Let us introduce you to Greenwood, Mississippi, a hidden gem in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. (They don’t call it “The Heart and Soul of the Delta” for no reason!) It’s where rich history meets modern luxury, making it an ideal destination for a fun and relaxing trip with your besties. So, what’s on the itinerary?

Stylish stays at The Alluvian Hotel

Start your trip by checking into The Alluvian Hotel, a chic boutique hotel that’s perfect for a girls' weekend. Housed in a beautifully restored 1917 building, The Alluvian offers luxurious rooms and a prime location right in the heart of downtown Greenwood. It’s not just about the comfortable accommodations; the Alluvian’s spa is a must-visit. Book a relaxing massage or a full day of pampering, and you’ll be ready for whatever weekend adventures await. It’s no wonder it has been repeatedly named to Conde Nast’s Gold List and recognized as a AAA Four Diamond Hotel!

Cooking up fun at Viking Cooking School

Just a short walk from The Alluvian, you’ll find the Viking Cooking School — an ideal spot for a fun group activity. Whether you’re hands-on in the kitchen or watching a demonstration, you’ll love learning new culinary skills with your friends. If you’re a fan of The Help , don’t miss their special class inspired by the film. You’ll master dishes like crispy fried chicken, feather-light biscuits and Minny’s famous Chocolate Pie. It’s a deliciously fun way to bond and enjoy some tasty Southern treats. No matter if you’re an aspiring cook or just looking to enjoy some delicious new recipes with friends, this is the place to be.

Exploring historic downtown

After cooking up a storm, take a leisurely stroll through historic downtown Greenwood. Pick up the Main Street Walking Tour brochure and you’ll be guided past charming landmarks like Cotton Row, the 1906 Leflore County Courthouse and the 1914 Carnegie Library. Don’t forget to snap some pics on Keesler Bridge — it’s a great spot for capturing insta-worthy memories with your girlfriends.

Downtown Greenwood is also a shopping haven. You’ll find everything from unique antiques to stylish boutiques. One must-stop is the Mississippi Gift Co., where you’ll find plenty of homemade art and treasures – all made in the Magnolia State. It’s a fun place to explore.

A literary adventure

For fans of the movie The Help , Greenwood offers an exciting driving tour that takes you to key filming locations. This self-guided tour will lead you through the very streets where the movie’s iconic scenes were shot. As you drive through town, you might find yourself imagining the stars like Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone walking the same paths. It's a fun and immersive way to connect with the story while exploring Greenwood’s beautiful neighborhoods and historic spots.

A creative outing

If you and your friends are looking to tap into your artistic side, don’t miss out on a painting class at Painting With Friends. This instructor-led art class is about having a great time while creating your own unique masterpiece. They provide everything you need — the canvas, easel, paint, brushes, apron and instructor — so you can just show up ready to have fun. Bring your own beverages and, if you’re feeling generous, a snack to share. It’s a relaxed and social way to enjoy some creative time together and leave with a keepsake to remember your trip.

Savoring local flavors

When it’s time to eat, Greenwood won’t disappoint. Treat yourselves to a meal at Fan and Johnny’s, where the chef has been recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist. For a more upscale dining experience, Giardina’s and Serio’s offer a range of delicious options from pompano to porterhouse. If you’re in the mood for classic diner fare, Jeem’s Diner has some of the best burgers and homemade biscuits around.

For something different, try Mai Little China’s egg rolls or San Miguel Taqueria’s Pico de Gallo. You also can’t leave town without making a stop at Bread and Butter. The downtown restaurant serves wood-fired pizza, creative sandwiches and delicious specialty juices that you can’t find anywhere else. (If you’d like an *ahem* stronger drink, it’s BYOB.) Dining in Greenwood is a great way to enjoy quality time together and sample a variety of flavors that take your tastebuds through the Delta and beyond.

Watching the sunset

End your day with a stunning sunset view. Take a stroll to Keesler Bridge or find a quiet spot on a backroad to watch the Delta sky light up. It’s a peaceful and picturesque way to wrap up your girlfriends getaway, offering a moment of breathtaking beauty and reflection.

Greenwood is the ultimate destination for a girlfriend getaway. With stylish stays at The Alluvian, fun cooking classes at Viking Cooking School, charming historic sites, diverse dining options and stunning sunsets, you and your friends will have a memorable and relaxing trip. Pack your bags, gather your girls, and head to the Mississippi Delta for an escape that combines adventure, relaxation and Southern hospitality.

3 Southern wildlife arts festivals to check out

Representatives from Alabama Black Belt Adventures.

With its abundant resources and bountiful landscapes, the South is a go-to location for artists seeking nature. Over the years, communities have combined these authentic artistic aspirations with the South’s notorious love of field sports and outdoor recreation to promote preservation and conservation of its treasured landscapes. This dynamic fusion has led to some incredible free-to-the-public wildlife arts festivals. Here are three of our favorite upcoming festivals to mark on your calendars.

Get the latest from It's a Southern Thing by subscribing to our newsletter, where you'll find the latest videos, stories and recipes.

Wetumpka wildlife arts festival.

Wetumpka, Alabama October 19, 2024

Known as Alabama’s premier wildlife arts festival, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) began in 2022 and quickly became a highly-anticipated event known for its idyllic location on the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka. It collaborates with the Alabama Wildlife Federation on an annual juried art competition offering $10,000 to the winning artist, exhibited during its Art Gone Wild exhibition. Artist Jared Knox, who won in 2023 for his “Bobcat and Bobwhite” acrylic piece, will be demonstrating at this year’s festival.

Created by The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts , known as The Kelly to locals, this one-day festival partners with the Smoot Harris Family and Regions Bank to encourage combining a love of field sports with art depicting the flora and fauna of the South.

Considering this is its state tourism department’s "Year of Alabama Food,” WEWA is making the most of it by hosting Southern chefs known for wildly sumptuous delights like Chef Jeffery Compton of the much-anticipated Armour House in Birmingham, Ricky Albright of Iron Fire Cooking, FOX’s Master Chef Junior winner Bryson McGlynn , as well as host of Alabama Public Television’s Garden Party Trace Barnett, who will be entertaining folks with his mixology creations alongside editor and award-winning food, travel and lifestyle writer Christiana Roussel.

In addition to ticketed food and fare-related events like the Cocktails & Quail kickoff or the Oyster Roast & Bourbon Toast celebration, these culinary artists will be demonstrating throughout the festival at a venue located in front of Coaches Corner, previously featured on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover.

READ MORE: Facts about Wetumpka

Wildlife Arts Festival

Thomasville, Georgia November 7-17, 2024

It’s been over 20 years since the tremendously successful (yet still elegant and nuanced) Wildlife Arts Festival took off in beautiful Thomasville each fall. This year is sure to be no different as visitors flock to events, exhibitions and experiences infusing wildlife art into the landscape of the region.

This annual event happens to coincide with the start of Georgia’s quail season, and a number of workshops honoring the ecosystems and field sports via public art are held for event-goers. Some inspiring events like Whiskey in the Woods, Bird Dog Bash, Beguiled by the Wild and the Land+Lore Series combine the different Southern elements to offer a tapestry of collective wildlife art experiences.

Crowds are also able to enjoy the creativity of a resident artist selected for each year’s festival. The 2024 Wildlife Arts Festival featured artist is Kathryn Mapes Turner from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The wildlife artist spent a season in nearby Red Hills to gather inspiration and create works illustrative of the land and its native inhabitants which will be on display during a portion of the 10-day festival.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)

Charleston, South Carolina February 14-16, 2025

Regaled as the largest and longest-held festival, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) takes place in beautiful, historic Charleston, South Carolina, and has been captivating attendees since 1983. Through wildlife art, live and unique entertainment and sporting demonstrations, SEWE is an assemblage of craftsmen, collectors, outdoor recreationists, sporting enthusiasts and, of course, artists.

The Dewberry, an iconic 5-star hotel in downtown, annually hosts an artist-in-residence during SEWE. This year’s selectee is not only an artist but — like many artists who focus on wildlife — is a naturalist and conservationist as well. Chris Maynard is known for his “featherfolio,” in which he spectacularly creates art with naturally shed feathers and crafts them into detailed shapes and scenes and then places the pieces in delightful shadow boxes, also curated by the artist.

Visitors also have the pleasure of visiting the sporting village with live demonstrations such as sheep herding, retriever presentations and the well-known Dock Dogs.

Considering the festival’s longtime success, the organization is now offering Gallery by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition — an art gallery and studio space featuring some of the most lauded wildlife art and artists, permanently located in The Shops at The Charleston Place hotel in downtown. The Gallery by SEWE is an evolving collection serving as a year-round extension of the festival’s mission to preserve wildlife art and support conservation.

What you should know about chiggers

• Blue Bell ranked
• Mosquito bites
• Salt on watermelon
• Cornbread air fryer
• Best French onion dips

Bass Pro Shop vs. Buc-ee's: Which would you rather be trapped in?

Would you choose the beach or lake we debate the two., cracker barrel vs. waffle house: which is best, is texas a southern state watch our debate., subscribe to it's a southern thing's free newsletter, how shelling peas brings people together, 5 ways i've turned into my southern mom, which 'designing women' character are you, what southern tv show should you watch next, 24 go-to karaoke songs southerners love, 13 'the andy griffith show' quotes we love, do you know these famous alabamians, check out talia's takes, our new advice column, 16 southern sayings you'll hear in the school drop-off line, olive garden sends couple to italy after photo shoot goes viral, 5 must-visit mississippi places for animal lovers, 11 iconic southern locales, why you should start planning your holidays in oxford now, 8 must-see attractions in starkville, 5 reasons we love waffle house, 9 salad recipes perfect for summer, as southern as sweet tea maybe not, 16 fresh fruit dessert recipes southerners love, sign up to get the latest videos, stories and merchandise..

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to primary sidebar

Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

15 Walking Dead Filming Locations Any Fan Should Visit

April 28, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

If you’re looking for Walking Dead filming locations, you’ve come to the right place! Filmed exclusively in Georgia, fans are able to explore the state to see some of the places used for filming the popular show easily and without the worry of being followed by zombies or, as they are called in the show, “walkers”. Some locations even have spots for some great Walking Dead-themed areas and memorabilia.

As one of the most watched television series in cable history, it’s no surprise that fans want to find filming locations for the Walking Dead. From a big thriving city, to small quaint towns, to beautiful islands, visiting these locations can be part of a perfect trip.

While visiting the Walking Dead locations, the scenes from the show may come to life and give you a chance to imagine being a part of the group of survivors during a zombie apocalypse. If you are a fan of the show, make sure to visit these Walking Dead filming locations!

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta

In season one of The Walking Dead, the survivors attempt to reach the Center of Disease Control, which was filmed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta. In the show, the CDC was responsible for protecting the health of safety of people but had been overrun by zombies. The survivors show up to find refuge within the center but some unfortunate events occur.

Not only is this one of the filming locations for Walking Dead, it is also a performing arts center with many shows, concerts, and events available for visitors. While exploring one of the best Walking Dead locations, guests can also enjoy an excellent performance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

The Woodbury Arena, Newnan

In Season 3 of the show, fans may remember an area used for staged pit fights as a way for entertainment for the Woodbury residents. There are also walkers kept on chains surrounding the two people fighting, making it more intense and entertaining to watch. This was all filmed at a factory building at 5 Perry Street in Newnan, Georgia.

While visitors might not be able to enter the exact spots where the scenes took place as it is closed off, the building is in view from the road and a parking lot. Luckily, there will be no gruesome fights to have to endure, but it is still one of the great Walking Dead filming locations that visitors can check off their list.

The Hospital, Atlanta

In the first episode of The Walking Dead, Rick wakes up in a deserted hospital after being in a coma. While Rick was in the hospital, the outbreak occurred and the building was left in ruins and walkers were locked inside. Not understanding what happened, Rick walks outside to discover bodies laying across the ground.

This scene was not filmed at an actual hospital but at the administrative offices of the Atlanta Mission, a non-profit that serves the homeless in this area. It is private property but can be seen from the road. Even though guests can’t explore the building and property, it is still one of the best Walking Dead locations to visit from the outside as this is where the show really began.

Jackson Street Bridge, Atlanta

Possibly the most iconic shot from Walking Dead is of Rick Grimes riding his horse alone on a highway toward the city of Atlanta in the pilot episode. Luckily for fans, the Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta overlooks the exact spot and gives a perfect opportunity for a photo.

From this spot, fans can envision Rick passing by the abandoned cars on horseback in search for his family. While some parts of this scene were added with CGI, it is still a great place to see exactly where the scene was shot. Not only is this one of the best Walking Dead locations, it is also an amazing view of the Atlanta skyline!

Morgan’s Apartment, Grantville

When looking for a place to stay in Georgia, fans of The Walking Dead can be tempted to book a stay at the Airbnb “Apartment for Walking Dead Fans” located in Grantville, which is directly adjacent to one of the Walking Dead filming locations. Guests who stay here will have access to see inside of Morgan’s apartment, which was replicated to look exactly as it was on the show, and includes a knowledgeable host to give more information. For those looking for other places to spend the night, check out some other gorgeous Georgia VRBO Rentals !

Even visitors who aren’t looking to stay here are welcome to take a tour of the apartment for just $10. Grantville’s downtown area, where this apartment is located, can also be seen in the show when Rick finds Morgan attempting to clear out the walkers. Visiting this town and area is a must for any fan of the Walking Dead!

Rick’s House, Atlanta

In the pilot episode of The Walking Dead, Rick wakes up from a coma inside a hospital by himself. After this, he leaves the hospital and heads over to his house to discover that everything and everyone is gone. For fans of the show, this is one of the best Walking Dead filming locations to visit!

In the show, Rick’s house is located in a small town but in reality it is in Atlanta, directly across from Grant Park at 817 Cherokee Avenue. While the house was vacant during filming, it is currently lived in and is private property. Luckily, the park across the street is open to the public and is a perfect place to get a photo of his house.

Downtown Senoia, Georgia

Located outside of Atlanta is the small town of Senoia, Georgia. This quaint town is the perfect getaway from the big city and also happens to be the main filming location for the town of Woodbury in the The Walking Dead. 

The main street in Senoia is lined with historic buildings and shops which made it a great location for film productions. Visitors will recognize these buildings as one of the important backdrops in the Walking Dead and will look mostly the same as it is on the show, minus the characters. 

Senoia is a wonderful town to visit for any fans, full of Walking Dead themed shops, restaurants, and tours. There is even a restaurant here owned by the actor who played Daryl, Norman Reedus, called Nic & Norman’s! As one of the only places easily explored with no restrictions, it is one of the best Walking Dead filming locations!

Elders Mill, Senoia

After Hershel’s farm is destroyed in Season 2 of The Walking Dead, the survivors make camp by a waterfall. This area is located at Elder Mills Road Waterfall and Campsite. It is at this location that Rick makes an important speech to the rest of the survivors as the season comes to an end.

While this area is a great place to explore, it is located on private property. Luckily, visitors are able to pay $10 to tour the property or can take in the views from the road. Since Elder Mills is also located in Senoia, along with many other Walking Dead filming locations, it’s a perfect place to stop by and enjoy the views!

Esco Feed Mill, Haralson

Esco Feed Mill is the site for many scenes in the Walking Dead, including a scene in the opening theme used in every episode. Haralson, Georgia is a tiny town with a population under 200 people, but it has been used multiple times as one of The Walking Dead filming locations.

It is at this location that the character Merle took a shot against the Governor and his people, and also happens to be where he is killed. Across the street from the Esco Feed Mill is a barn where Rick meets the Governor to negotiate in an intense scene. This spot is full of many important parts of the show and is a great place to visit for any Walking Dead fan!

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island off of Georgia’s coast has some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in the South. It might not be expected to be used for scenes about a zombie apocalypse, but Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island was used as one of the filming locations for The Walking Dead.

Driftwood Beach is first seen on the show when the character Tara washes up on it’s sand and is taken to Oceanside community. In a later season, there is also a scene filmed here where zombies wade onto shore from a shipwreck and a fight takes place between them and the people on the beach.

With the driftwood trees lining the shoreline, Driftwood Beach is the perfect place to visit and explore. It’s a great backdrop for photos and possibly even for recreating a scene from The Walking Dead!

The Dumpster Alley, Hampton

Most fans will remember the infamous scene in Season 6 when Glenn and Nicholas go through an alleyway trying to escape from the walkers, but instead get stuck at a dead end. The two characters are then surrounded by the walkers and they must climb on top of a dumpster to keep safe. This episode leaves fans with a major cliffhanger.

This scene was filmed in the small town of Hampton, Georgia at they alleyway off of James Street and Cherry Street. There is even a white outline of a body painted on the ground to mark where the scene took place. Fans may also recognize Hampton as one of the Walking Dead filming locations for many other scenes, especially from this episode!

Carol’s House, Fayetteville

In Season 7 of The Walking Dead, Carol discovers a house outside of the Kingdom grounds. By the end of the episode, she leaves the Kingdom to inhabit this house surrounded by an iron fence and a lot of land. Luckily for fans, this house is part of a perfect drive along a peaceful road.

To get there, visitors can drive down on a quiet road lined with trees to 774 Old Greenville Road in Fayetteville, Georgia. Carol’s Kingdom house is on private property, but is also completely visible from the road and is a great place for a photo opportunity. Driving here is worth it for any fan as it is one of the more peaceful filming locations for The Walking Dead!

Bellwood Quarry, Atlanta

Bellwood Quarry is a former granite quarry that has been recently bought by the city of Atlanta to be turned into a major park. Fans of The Walking Dead might recognize this area as the survivor’s early campsite. Many events throughout the show take place in this spot, including Rick reuniting with his family.

Since this site is currently being turned into a park for the city of Atlanta, visitors are unable to hike down or take tours to the bottom of the quarry. It is private property, but visitors can see the site from a distance. Once the park is open to the public, it will be a great way to see this beautiful area that was used as one of the main filming locations for The Walking Dead!

Steve’s Pharmacy, Sharpsburg

Used in a few episodes of Season 2 of The Walking Dead, Steve’s Pharmacy is the place where the survivors go when they need supplies. It is here that Maggie and Glenn get together for the first time. The second time they go here together, Maggie is attacked by a walker and Glenn helps her by killing the walker with a shelf inside the store.

Located on Main Street in Sharpsburg, Georgia, the front of Steve’s Pharmacy can be seen easily. On the same street also happens to be the bar that Herschel stops in when he is searching for a drink. Sharpsburg is one of the best Walking Dead filming locations to stop by and see two locations at once!

Raleigh Studios Atlanta

One of the most important Walking Dead filming locations is actually on the backlot and stages at Raleigh Studios Atlanta, now known as Riverwood Studios. From the prison to The Sanctuary to Oceanside, these sets were built for the show itself. A lot of interior shots were also done inside this studio.

Unfortunately, fans are not able to enter the studio as it is private property and is no longer giving tours. There is a possibility of seeing some of the sets from the road but visibility is not guaranteed. If tours are ever opened again, this spot would be the best Walking Dead location to visit!

Georgia has become a popular place to film movies and television shows and The Walking Dead is no exception! While exploring Walking Dead filming locations, visitors can also see about other movies and shows filmed in Georgia .

Peachtree City Georgia

• (678) 216-0282
• Email: [email protected]
• 191 McIntosh Trail · Peachtree City, GA 30269

Explore Peachtree City 

Movie Tours!

Fans of AMC’s hit television series The Walking Dead can immerse themselves in the show’s zombie culture on three different tours to the studio in nearby Senoia, GA and other locations where the show is filmed. Senoia is the location for the fictional town Woodbury as well as the studio satellite location and backlot for the series.   Are you a Marvel fan?  Take the Southern Hollywood Film Tour and see local filming sites as well as all things zombie! Self-guided Walking Dead Tour Want to see the sites where AMC’s The Walking Dead was filmed right here in Peachtree City? Hop on your golf cart and hit the paths to find the locations where Rick, Michone, and Glenn discuss their next decisions in Season 5, where the Governor watches Pete’s zombified body try to get out of the water in season 4, or where Shane tells Lori about Rick’s shooting incident during a flashback sequence in Season 2. Peachtree City was featured many times in The Walking Dead, so there are plenty of others, and all you need to do is click here to find out where and in what season and episode. Have fun but watch out for walkers!

Georgia Tour Company in Senoia offers walking tours devoted to The Walking Dead , to other locations in such series as Drop Dead Diva and film such as Fried Green Tomatoes and Fighting Temptations , and a food tour through Historic Downtown Senoia as you enjoy a progressive meal from appetizers to desserts from several local restaurants.

Take The Southern Hollywood Film Tour   [link to]to see locations not only from The Walking Dead , but also from blockbuster films such as Sweet Home Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes and Spider Man Homecoming . Bring your camera! There are photo ops galore and stops for movie souvenirs.

Trip Planner

The Peachtree City Trip Planner is an easy way to plan your trip to our beautiful city. Please go to " Stay ", " Shop " or " Dine " to add items to your itinerary.

Request a Visitors Guide

Please send me a printed PTC Visitor Guide to the address below.

You can view the digital version here .

• Name * First Name Last Name
• Email * [email protected]
• Phone Number - Area Code Phone Number
• Should be Empty:

Meeting Planner

• Services Directory
• Transportation
• Print Resources
• Promotional Images
• Meet the Team

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

2024 Election

Harris is on a 2-day georgia bus tour. it’s the latest sign the state is in play.

Tamara Keith

Harris-Walz campaign hit local stops in the Sunbelt swing state of Georgia by bus

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, disembark from their campaign bus in Savannah, Ga., on Wednesday, as they travel across Georgia on a 2-day campaign bus tour. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Vice President Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, are back on their campaign bus. The pair are together on the campaign trail for the first time since last week’s Democratic convention. This time, they’re on a two-day bus tour of Georgia.

Their trip is taking them into areas of the state that don’t always get attention from Democratic politicians. It will also be the site of Harris’ first major network interview since becoming her party’s nominee for president, on Thursday.

The attention this week is just the latest sign that Georgia, a state President Biden narrowly won in 2020, is once again in play this election year.

“This area is a priority for the campaign: we have nearly 50 full-time staff across 7 offices in South Georgia,” said Porsha White, the Georgia state director for the Harris campaign, ahead of the trip. “This will be the first time a general election presidential candidate will have campaigned in Savannah since the 1990s.”

Vice President Harris and Gov. Tim Walz visit Sandfly Bar-B-Q restaurant in Savannah, Ga., on Wednesday. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Upon arrival in Savannah, Harris and Walz greeted students from Savannah State University, the oldest public HBCU in Georgia, before boarding their campaign bus.

Their first stop on Wednesday was to a marching band rehearsal at Liberty County High School, which, according to U.S. News and World Report, has about 1,000 students, a majority of them “economically disadvantaged.”

The room erupted when Harris and Walz walked in, and the band played the school fight song with football players and cheerleaders in the back of the room. Leaning into his experience as a former coach, Walz gave a quick speech about teamwork. Harris told the crowd they were all leaders in their own way.

Next stop: Sandfly Bar-B-Q in Savannah, a restaurant decorated with license plates from various states. Harris and Walz were greeted by the restaurant's owner, employees and local patrons. Walz sought out a group of teachers and praised their “noble” work. He talked about the importance of optimism and insisted, “Our politics can be hopeful.” Outside, a man held a Trump flag.

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris visits Dottie's Market in Savannah, Ga., on August 29, during the second day of a campaign bus tour. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

On Thursday, Harris stopped by Dottie’s Market in Savannah, where she told the owner she plans to announce a tax credit to boost small business creation. “What I’m going to be rolling out next week is basically a tax credit for startups, small business startups,” she said.

Later was a rally at the city's Enmarket Arena, where she outlined her vision to "fight for America’s future" that included Medicaid expansion, focusing on middle- and working-class families and expanding reproductive rights.

Harris’ momentum continues as she ties with Trump in these swing states

It’s part of a broader strategy to reach voters in traditionally republican areas in swing states.

Savannah — like most major cities — votes strongly Democratic. But it is swimming in a sea of red — and that’s where Harris and Walz are campaigning.

“The whole point is to overperform,” said Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie. “And so you want to overperform not just among your base, but you also want to overperform in places where you have historically been weak.”

That means campaigning far from the Democratic strongholds of Atlanta, Philadelphia and Charlotte, N.C., to narrow the margins in parts of those competitive swing states that have typically voted Republican. In other words, losing by less.

In Georgia, where reliably Republican voters still outnumber reliably Democratic ones, that’s really the only way to have a chance at winning.

“Democrats also want to perform better than they historically have in other parts of the state, so you want to be able to post stronger margins — even if they are losing margins — in other parts of the state,” Gillespie said.

Donald Trump's big get-out-the-vote strategy in Arizona and Georgia? Donald Trump

Both campaigns put money and time into georgia.

In presidential races, there are two big indicators of how campaigns are feeling about their chances in a state: time and money. Since Harris got into the race, Donald Trump and his allies have spent nearly $33 million on ads in the state, mostly trying to define Harris with pretty negative messaging. Meanwhile Harris and her allies have spent nearly $23 million, mostly on more positive ads introducing her to voters. That’s according to an NPR analysis of data from the tracking firm Ad Impact. People watching TV in Georgia are seeing a ton of campaign ads already.

Today, the Harris campaign launched its first “contrast” ad , hitting Trump and tying him to the unpopular conservative roadmap known as Project 2025 . That will be on heavy rotation in Georgia and other swing states.

Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign event in Savannah, Ga., on Thursday. Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

The Harris campaign has invested in 24 offices around Georgia, including in more traditionally Republican areas. Since Harris started running for president, White says they’ve brought in 35,000 new volunteers.

As Harris inches ahead, the cavalry comes to Trump's aid on the airwaves

As for time: Trump held a rally in Georgia earlier this month — though he spent part of his speech bashing the state’s Republican governor. (Trump has since made a public show of saying they’ve worked things out.) This week’s bus tour is Harris’ second trip to the state in less than a month.

Polling averages show the race remains close — and it’s much closer with Harris at the top of the ticket than when Biden was the presumptive nominee . Biden won by fewer than 12,000 votes. But the state’s two Democratic U.S. senators are proof that a Democrat can win if they run a near-perfect campaign.

The Trump campaign will also be turning up the heat in the state this week in an effort to win it back. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene plans to head to a volunteer phone bank in Rome, Ga. In a release she cites “dozens of paid staff, thousands of volunteers, and field offices in every part of the state, from Atlanta to Savannah to the Valdosta. Team Trump will not leave a stone unturned this fall.”

For Trump, Georgia is a must-win state. For Harris, it would open up additional paths to the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Harris and Walz will take a pitstop in Georgia to do an interview

As Harris and Walz meet voters in person, they are also set to sit down for their first television interview together. CNN’s Dana Bash interviewed them at Kim’s Cafe, a Black-owned restaurant in Savannah, this afternoon. It will air at 9 p.m. EST on CNN.

Harris needs Gen Z. Here's her plan to win them

For the entirety of Harris’ nascent candidacy, she has been in a position to control the message, and she has largely delivered prepared remarks from teleprompter. The interview is, of course, a different format, where she is likely to be pressed on areas where her position has changed since the Democratic primary in 2020, when she supported some version of Medicare for All, opposed fracking and didn’t have as hard of a line on immigration and border security as she does now.

She won’t be alone. Walz will also be part of the interview, which means there likely will be some questions about their relationship and how they would work together — questions that by their nature are not as perilous as trying to explain policy shifts.

The Trump campaign has been publicly badgering Harris to do an interview, in part because they are looking for something to pounce on where they can actually get some traction. They have been trying unsuccessfully for five weeks to end her campaign honeymoon and make some attacks stick, and this interview is the best chance they’ve had in a while.

Already, Trump’s running mate JD Vance is criticizing Harris and Walz for doing a joint appearance rather than having Harris sit for a grilling alone. But it’s not clear how much voters really care about these intricacies.

• election 2024
• Kamala Harris
• 2024 election
• presidential election
• Donald Trump