Walking Dead tour

Question

My Son is a huge Walking Dead Fan. He has been diagnosed with terminal Cancer and would like to tour the area before it's to late...Can anyone give me advice on where to start. We live in Missouri and would have to make a week of it, if he's up to it...thanks so much for your help!

Answer

I'm so sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis, and I can only imagine how important this trip must be for both of you. It’s wonderful that he wants to experience the world of *The Walking Dead*, and luckily, the area around Senoia and the greater Atlanta region is rich in filming locations from the show. There are several ways you can make the most of your time during this tour. Here are some recommendations:

Senoia:
- Senoia is a central location for many of *The Walking Dead*'s iconic scenes. The town itself serves as the backdrop for the fictional town of Alexandria. You can visit the Alexandria Safe-Zone set, where Rick and the group find a semblance of normalcy after escaping the prison. Many scenes have been filmed here, and it’s definitely a must-visit for any fan. Senoia is also home to several stores with Walking Dead memorabilia, which could be a fun stop.
Woodbury:
- Woodbury, the town where the Governor ruled, is located just a short drive from Senoia. The actual filming location is near Senoia, and you can visit the set where the Governor's complex was filmed. While the set itself may not be fully intact, you can visit some of the surrounding areas where the scenes took place. It’s a great place to imagine the action from the show!
Atlanta – The Walking Dead Official Tour:
- If you’re looking for a guided experience, the *The Walking Dead* Official Tour is a great way to see multiple filming locations in one day. This tour covers famous spots like the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse, the location of the CDC (Center for Disease Control), and other iconic areas where major scenes were filmed. The tours are guided by people who know the show inside and out and can give you extra behind-the-scenes info.
Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta Studios):
- If your son is up for it, a visit to Trilith Studios might be a special treat. This is where much of *The Walking Dead* is filmed, and while tours inside the studios are limited, they do offer special events during the year where fans can get a closer look at the production side of things. You can check their schedule to see if there are any events during your trip.
Zombie Experience:
- In addition to the walking tours, there’s a special *Walking Dead*-themed zombie experience in Atlanta, where you can immerse yourself in a zombie-filled adventure. While this may not be the right fit for everyone, if your son enjoys the interactive element of the show, it could be a fun and unique experience.
Where to Stay:
- Senoia has some charming B&Bs and small inns that will make for a comfortable base while you explore. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s closer to Atlanta, there are also many hotels in the area that offer easy access to the *Walking Dead* tour locations.
Travel Tips:
- Since you’ll be traveling from Missouri, it might be worth planning your trip around a few slower-paced days to ensure that your son is comfortable. Depending on how he’s feeling, you might want to adjust the intensity of the tours, as some can involve a lot of walking. It’s also worth checking with the tour operators ahead of time about any special accommodations for medical needs to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Summary: There are plenty of *Walking Dead* locations to explore in and around Senoia, including the Alexandria Safe-Zone and Woodbury, as well as tours in Atlanta like *The Walking Dead Official Tour* for a more guided experience. With some careful planning, you can ensure that this trip is full of memorable moments for your son. Wishing you both a very special and meaningful trip!