So You Want to Walk Among the Undead: A Guide to The Walking Dead Filming Locations in Atlanta (Spoiler Alert: No Actual Zombies Included)
Ever felt the urge to channel your inner Rick Grimes and roam the post-apocalyptic wastelands (well, sort of)? Well, the good news is, you don't need a crossbow or a questionable handlebar moustache to visit the filming locations of AMC's hit show, The Walking Dead. While Atlanta itself may not be overrun by walkers just yet (though rush hour traffic might make you think otherwise), it does hold the key to some pretty cool sights for any die-hard fan.
Can You Visit The Walking Dead Set In Atlanta |
Facing Your Fears (and Location Scouts): It's Not Exactly a Working Set Visit
Hold on to your severed limbs, tiger! There's no actual access to the live filming locations while they're in production. Safety first, folks, and interrupting a Daryl Dixon stunt sequence is probably a bad idea (for everyone involved).
However, fear not! There are plenty of other ways to satisfy your inner walker-slayer.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Lights, Camera, Action! Exploring Filming Sites with a Walking Dead Tour
Atlanta isn't the only spot that served as a backdrop for the show, but it does have a good chunk of iconic locations. Here's the best part: there are actually tours dedicated to taking you on a journey through The Walking Dead universe!
These tours will whisk you away to recognizable spots like the eerie exterior of the Centers for Disease Control (spoiler alert: it wasn't actually crawling with walkers in real life), the quaint town square that served as Alexandria's safe haven, and even the location of the infamous Terminus cannibal compound (hopefully, they won't serve mystery stew on the tour).
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Pro Tip: Be sure to check out reviews and tour options beforehand. Some tours offer a more general overview, while others might delve deeper into specific locations or even have special guest appearances from crew members or background actors.
So You Think You Can Scavenge for Souvenirs?
Let's face it, after a zombie apocalypse, decent t-shirts would be hard to come by. Luckily, you're in luck! Senoia, a town south of Atlanta that played a major role in the show, boasts The Woodbury Shoppe, a one-stop-shop for all your Walking Dead merchandise needs. From Daryl Dixon action figures to Alexandria Safe-Zone coffee mugs, you're bound to find the perfect post-apocalyptic souvenir.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to Become a The Walking Dead Location Scout in Training (Without Getting Bitten):
Alright, so maybe you can't snag a behind-the-scenes glimpse, but that doesn't mean you can't explore on your own! Here are some quick tips for the aspiring The Walking Dead location explorer:
How to find filming locations: A quick web search or a trusty fan forum can often reveal filming locations.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to be respectful: Remember, these are often real neighborhoods and businesses. Be a courteous explorer and don't trespass on private property.
How to prepare: Pack your walking shoes, a camera, and maybe a flask of your favorite pre-apocalypse beverage (just for emergencies, of course).
How to avoid walkers (of the non-fictional variety): While Atlanta is a bustling city, some filming locations might be a bit off the beaten path. Always be aware of your surroundings and let someone know where you're going.
How to make it an adventure: Turn your exploration into a game! See how many filming sites you can identify and maybe even recreate some of your favorite scenes (minus the walker attacks, obviously).
So there you have it! With a little planning and a healthy dose of fandom, you can turn your Atlanta visit into a thrilling (and walker-free) Walking Dead adventure. Just remember, stay safe, stay curious, and maybe avoid petting any suspicious stray dogs (you never know these days).