Mysteries on the Move: Scavenger Hunt in Savannah

If you’re after a unique way to experience Savannah’s historic charm, Mysteries on the Move offers a self-guided scavenger hunt that combines sightseeing with a fun murder mystery game. It’s designed to be played at your own pace, using your smartphone, and takes you through some of Savannah’s most recognizable landmarks like Chippewa Square and Colonial Park Cemetery.

What we really like about this experience is how it encourages you to get outdoors and explore the city in a playful way. It’s a fantastic option if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a little puzzle-solving and history. However, a potential snag is that the walk can be longer and more involved than some might expect, with some travelers mentioning the duration can extend well beyond the initial estimate. Still, if you’re up for a bit of walking and adventure, this could be a memorable way to see parts of Savannah you might not visit otherwise.

This tour is best suited for curious explorers who enjoy storytelling, are comfortable with using their smartphones for interactive activities, and don’t mind some walking. If you’re looking for a relaxed, sit-back experience, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those wanting a playful, active way to soak in Savannah’s history, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Self-Guided and Flexible: Play at your own pace with no fixed schedule.
• Interactive Storytelling: Enjoy solving a murder mystery woven into Savannah’s sights.
• Historic Landmarks Included: Stops feature well-known sites like Colonial Park Cemetery and Chippewa Square.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for groups, families, or friends looking for a shared activity.
• Smartphone Required: Be prepared to use your device to unlock clues and watch videos.
• Walking Distance: Expect around 1.9 miles of walking, possibly longer depending on how you pace yourself.

What to Expect from This Savannah Scavenger Hunt

We’ve seen enough reviews and descriptions to get a good sense of what this tour offers. Essentially, Mysteries on the Move transforms Savannah into a game board where each landmark is a clue station. You’ll hunt for passcodes, read historical plaques, and watch short videos, all aimed at unraveling the mystery of Rex King, a silent movie director who met his end during a 1926 filming in Savannah.

The game begins at a designated meeting point and wraps up back where you started, making it a convenient loop for most visitors. The entire experience is designed to take around two hours, covering about 1.9 miles but some reviews note it can stretch out significantly—up to five hours in one case—especially if you want to take your time or soak in the sights.

The Historic Stops

Each stop on this scavenger hunt has a particular story or clue to uncover. Notable sites include:

• Savannah Theater: An iconic venue with a colorful history, probably fun to peek inside if you’re a theatre buff.
• Chippewa Square: Famous for its appearance in movie scenes, the park offers a lovely spot to pause and read the plaques.
• Colonial Park Cemetery: Here, history fans will enjoy wandering through the graves and reading about Savannah’s early days.
• Telfair Academy Arts and Science: A cultural highlight for those interested in arts and architecture.

The clues are tied to the content of accessible and free historical markers, making each stop both educational and interactive. The idea is to find the passcode at each site, which then unlocks the next set of clues—kind of like a puzzle combined with sightseeing.

The Experience’s Style and Appeal

People seem to appreciate how engaging this tour is. Many reviews mention the videos—short silent movie clips—that are crucial for solving the mystery. Watching these helps keep the storyline lively and adds a layer of fun that isn’t typical for traditional self-guided tours.

However, not everyone loved it. Some found the experience less like an actual scavenger hunt and more like reading signs, with a few noting technical issues like videos that wouldn’t play. One reviewer mentioned feeling like they were taken in circles, which can be frustrating if you’re aiming for a straightforward adventure.

Cost and Value

The price is $20 per person, which isn’t bad for a two-hour activity that combines sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and a bit of storytelling. Considering you get to explore Savannah’s historic districts and learn interesting tidbits along the way, many find this to be a good value—especially if you enjoy interactive experiences. But, if you’re more into guided tours with a knowledgeable person leading the way, this self-guided option might feel a little impersonal.

Group Size and Accessibility

This tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, making it a cozy and flexible experience, perfect for small groups or families. It’s accessible enough for most people with moderate physical fitness, given the walking involved, but be prepared for some longer stretches if you’re doing the entire game.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Flexible pacing allows you to take your time and explore at your leisure.
• Interactive clues and videos make the experience engaging and fun.
• Interesting landmarks are woven into the storyline, providing an entertaining way to see the city.
• Affordable at $20, offering good value for a two-hour activity.

Cons

• Longer duration than expected, with some completing the activity in about five hours.
• Technical hiccups like videos that won’t play or difficulty returning to previous pages, as some users noted.
• More walking than some anticipate, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.
• Not a guided tour—no personal guide, so you’re relying on the clues and your own navigation skills.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a playful way to explore Savannah’s history that combines storytelling, puzzles, and walking, Mysteries on the Move offers a different perspective. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy mysteries and don’t mind a bit of a walk. The flexibility to go at your own pace is a big plus, but be prepared for the possibility of the experience taking longer than anticipated.

The inclusion of well-known landmarks and the storytelling element makes it more engaging than just wandering around with a map. Plus, watching videos along the way adds an enjoyable multimedia aspect. However, technical issues and the length of some routes could be downsides depending on your patience and time constraints.

In the end, it’s a good choice for travelers wanting an active, interactive activity that enriches their understanding of Savannah in a fun, casual way. If you love puzzles, stories, and history, it’s worth giving this a shot—just make sure you’re ready for some walking and a flexible timeline.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly and suitable for groups, but keep in mind that the activity involves walking and reading clues, so younger children should be comfortable with that.

Do I need a smartphone?
Absolutely. The entire experience relies on your phone to access clues, watch videos, and input answers.

How long does the tour take?
The advertised duration is around 2 hours, but reviews suggest it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on pace and interest.

What landmarks are included?
Stops include Savannah Theater, Chippewa Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, Telfair Academy Arts and Science, and others of historical significance.

What is the walking distance?
Approximately 1.9 miles, but some might find they walk more if they take their time or get absorbed in the clues.

Is it guided by a person?
No, this is a self-guided activity. You follow the clues on your own, which gives you flexibility but less guidance.

Can I do this tour with a group?
Yes, a single purchase covers your whole group, and it’s designed for smaller groups up to 10 people.

What if I have technical issues during the game?
Some reviews mention trouble with videos or logging out, so it might help to keep notes of passcodes or have a backup plan like taking screenshots.

Is there a refund if I don’t like it?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

If you’re someone who loves a bit of adventure paired with history, this scavenger hunt can be a refreshing way to see Savannah. Just go in with an open mind, prepared for some walking, and maybe a backup plan for tech hiccups. It’s a playful way to uncover the city’s stories, and if you’re into mysteries, you might find yourself genuinely hooked.