For fans captivated by the post-apocalyptic world of “The Walking Dead,” the question “Where Was The Walking Dead Filmed?” often arises. While the series spans a fictional landscape teeming with walkers, its real-world filming locations offer a tangible connection to the show. Much of the iconic scenery, particularly the towns of Woodbury and Alexandria, is found in the charming city of Senoia, Georgia. This small town has become synonymous with the series, transforming into a must-visit destination for die-hard fans. However, Senoia wasn’t always a hub for zombie enthusiasts; it boasts a rich history in the film industry, having hosted productions long before walkers roamed its streets.
Senoia’s cinematic journey began well before the undead arrived, with notable films like Driving Miss Daisy (1989), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), and Footloose (2011) utilizing its picturesque locales. Despite this history, it was “The Walking Dead” that truly placed Senoia on the global map. The series’ immense popularity led to a significant boom for the town, both economically and in terms of population. After filming concluded and the sets were dismantled, the legacy of the show remained. Remarkably, ten of the houses built for filming were even sold, becoming part of the town’s fabric. The impact is undeniable; in 2016, Senoia’s Main Street boasted 50 businesses, a stark contrast to the mere five that existed in 2006 before the series’ rise. This growth underscores how deeply “The Walking Dead” reshaped Senoia, turning it into a vibrant destination for fans seeking to immerse themselves in the show’s universe and discover the answer to “where was The Walking Dead filmed?”.
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Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan in The Walking Dead standing at Negan’s outpost, a significant filming location in Senoia, Georgia, for season 8.
For those eager to explore “The Walking Dead” filming locations firsthand, Senoia offers several exciting options. Among the most popular are the Touring Dead Walking Tours, operated by the Georgia Touring Company. These tours, led by guides dressed as beloved characters, provide an immersive experience. Julie Brown, the company’s owner, launched the tours in 2012 as filming commenced and witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of the show. The original Touring Dead tour focused on downtown Senoia, specifically Main Street, which served as the iconic backdrop for Woodbury. This two-hour walking or golf cart tour delves into the heart of Woodbury’s filming locations, revealing the secrets behind the on-screen town. While Touring Dead II, a more elaborate five-hour tour with live stunt performances, is no longer running, its successor, Touring Dead III, continues to thrive.
Touring Dead III expands beyond downtown Senoia, offering mobile tours to explore a wider range of filming locales. Julie Brown emphasizes their “exclusive access to several locations throughout the region,” ensuring fans get a unique and in-depth experience. Although some previously visited locations are becoming unavailable due to property redevelopment, Touring Dead III still encompasses over 40 locations across two different mobile tours. These include significant sites like Negan’s outpost, featured in season 8’s confrontation with the Saviors, and Negan’s house from the poignant “Here’s Negan” episode in season 10. The tours also venture into Hampton, Georgia, location of Glenn’s infamous dumpster scene in season 6, and Hogansville, where the bar scene with Beta and Alpha’s head in season 10 was filmed. These diverse locations highlight the expansive filming landscape beyond Senoia itself, answering the broader question of “where was The Walking Dead filmed?” across the region.
After a day of exploring the locations where “The Walking Dead” came to life, fans can further immerse themselves in the show’s world by dining at Nic and Norman’s. This popular pub, co-owned by Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon) and Greg Nicotero (special effects makeup artist and director), opened in 2016 and has become a Main Street staple. Designed with a 1930s speakeasy ambiance, Nic and Norman’s offers a unique dining experience for fans. The menu features classic American pub fare with creative twists, including dishes like brisket mac and cheese and fried chicken pot pie. For a truly themed experience, try “Norman’s Pick” – an Impossible burger with a fried egg – or “Greg’s Pick” – a chuck, short rib, and brisket patty burger with their signature N&N sauce. While perhaps not zombie-friendly, Nic and Norman’s provides the perfect ending to a day spent discovering where “The Walking Dead” was filmed, offering a taste of the show’s world in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
