The Ultimate TV and Movie Set-Jetting Road Trip in Georgia
Fans of movies and television shows – new and old – have a lot to love about Georgia. See for yourself where all that magic happens, with a set-jetting road trip through many unique movie and TV filming locations in Georgia.
Begin in Atlanta
Start your film journey in Atlanta, a hotbed for pop culture favorites like “The Walking Dead,” along with blockbusters such as “Black Panther” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” The film locations are as diverse as the city itself. From Clark Atlanta University, where Nick Cannon fought to be recognized as the best drummer on campus in “Drumline,” to the Georgia Aquarium, where “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip” was filmed, the number of pit stops to make on your movie trek are plentiful.
Stop by the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, where Captain America and his Avengers allies had their epic showdown in “Captain America: Civil War.” Then, stroll through Piedmont Park. Spend the day at Atlanta’s largest greenspace and check out where “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” were filmed.
Consider taking time to explore locations from Donald Glover’s award-winning FX series, “Atlanta.” Visit The Original J.R. Crickets on North Avenue, where Paper Boi gets his “lemon pepper wet,” or see the Cobb Civic Center, where he plays a celebrity basketball game. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis hosted Jennifer Lawrence and “The Hunger Games” cast during the popular sequel, “Catching Fire.” Since its opening in 1985, the hotel’s distinctive architecture by John Portman has caught the eye of many filmmakers. It served as the backdrop for the victors’ Capitol Housing in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” too – remember Johanna Mason’s infamous elevator scene? Beyond Panem, Denzel Washington’s character had a drink in the hotel lobby in “Flight,” and scenes from “Spider-Man: Homecoming” were also filmed on the premises.
The Swan House at the Atlanta History Center was another backdrop for “The Hunger Games” series. The former residence of the Inman family, it was built in 1928 by architect Philip Trammell Shutze, and its majestic, stately design made it feel like home for President Snow’s mansion in “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay: Part 1.”
With its timeless Beaux-Arts architecture, The Georgian Terrace has been an iconic landmark in Atlanta for decades. Beyond its historical allure, the hotel has also taken center stage in a variety of films, ranging from 1974’s “Cockfighter” to modern-day comedies such as “Identity Thief,” “The Change-Up,” and “Die Hart.”
Head to Senoia
Take a day-long film tour in Senoia, home to various filming locations of popular series. Kickstart your adventure at The Woodbury Shoppe, whose owners include the executive producer, graphic novel creator, and former studio co-owner of “The Walking Dead.” Grab memorabilia such as signed posters and officially licensed products by AMC and Skybound.
While in town, an outing with the Georgia Tour Company is a must. The company offers guided film tours, including A Marvelous Adventure, where you can drop by popular locations in Marvel films; Y’allywood tours, offering peeks at locations used in “The Walking Dead,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” “Pet Sematary II,” and more; and the Southern Fried Films tour, which traces the paths of Southern film classics, like the locales where Morgan Freeman chauffeured Jessica Tandy in “Driving Miss Daisy.”
When your appetite takes center stage, pot pies made with fried chicken, gourmet burgers, and brisket nachos are all on the menu at Nic & Norman’s, owned by “The Walking Dead” actor Norman Reedus and executive producer and master of special effects Greg Nicotero. At Lisa’s Crêperie, decadent and delectable crepes take the spotlight alongside a variety of specialty teas, coffees, wines, beer, and shakes.
Overnight in Fayetteville
Done exploring Senoia? Travel to nearby Fayetteville – it’s a quick 30-minute drive – to post up at Trilith Guesthouse, a boutiquey hotel beloved for its lofty rooftop bar near Trilith Studios, where everything from indie films to blockbuster hits are crafted.
While you’re there, take the Trilith Experience Tour to get a behind-the-scenes peek at this filming location where “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avengers: Endgame” came to life. You’ll also get to see how an actual working town was built around the film studio. Pause for a chef-inspired buffet lunch at The Studio Café, where you can nom on savory Southern staples like blackened catfish.
Stop in Jackson
Celebrate your love for “Stranger Things” – and keep watch for those pesky demogorgons – with a stop in Jackson, also known as Downtown Hawkins to superfans. Jackson’s local businesses relish the hit Netflix series, too, so there’s plenty of Hawkins-related fun to fill your day.
Stranger Tours’ expert guides can show you memorable destinations, like the drugstore used for filming scenes at Melvald’s General Store (it employs Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder). At Jackson Escape Games, you can choose from a handful of “Stranger Things”-themed puzzles, like how to get out of the Upside Down (it’s a supernatural alternate dimension!) or break free from the super-secretive Hawkins Laboratory. Sip on coffee concoctions named for “Stranger Things” characters – past drinks include the Demogorgon Frappé – at Lucy Lu’s Coffee Cafe. Then, stroll Jackson Square in search of souvenirs and colorful murals (there’s one on Third Street outside of Roots Outdoors and one at Buddy Blu’s Cool Licks).
Stay in Covington
For a cinematic journey, head to Covington, where classics like the Denzel Washington sports drama “Remember the Titans” and the more recent Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias” came alive. Take the self-guided Walk of the Stars, located in the Historic Downtown Covington Square. See if you can spot pavers celebrating actors like Paul Wesley from “The Vampire Diaries” and Phoebe Tonkin from “The Originals.”
Get your fill of both food and fantasy at the Mystic Grill, inspired by the tales of “The Vampire Diaries.” Or, head to Mystic Mercantile to tour a hauntingly accurate representation of the old Salvatore Mansion living room. From there, dive into the Mystic Falls Tour, which guides you through the haunts and hangouts featured on the show, including the exclusive Lockwood Mansion. Later, climb aboard the Main Street Trolley, which takes you to more than 40 iconic filming spots, including the yee-hawing roads found on “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Grab a bite at City Pharmacy, a former 1920s drugstore, and try the chef-prepared dishes and cocktails. Top it all off by indulging your cravings with a scoop of vibrant-blue Cookie Monster ice cream peppered with chocolate chips at Scoops. Rest in a Covington-themed suite at the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast – where “The Vampire Diaries” once filmed and cast and crew have stayed – before road-tripping to your next stop. Twelve Oaks is also said to be the inspiration for Ashley’s home in the epic classic film, “Gone With the Wind.”
Travel to Conyers
For film aficionados looking for the next destination to explore iconic filming locations, consider Conyers. It’s teeming with television and movie landmarks.
Explore Olde Town Conyers, recognizable from television series like “In The Heat of The Night,” “Cobra Kai,” and “The Originals.” Grab a satisfying snack, like chocolate-dipped pretzels, at The Sweet Treat Depot.
Enhance the experience by reserving a spot at The Celtic Tavern – known on-screen as Gillespie’s Pub in “The Originals” – for a taste of on-set dining. Or channel your inner conjurer with a trip to The Boo-Tique, where you can add to your ever-growing crystal collection from the store used as the backdrop for the Jardin Gris Voodoo Shop, also in “The Originals.” (Did you know malachite can be used as a protection talisman?)
Extra stops on your Georgia film tour
Have some extra time? Add more iconic stops to your Georgia road trip while exploring the state’s Hollywood roots.
- Do the self-guided Douglas County Film Trail to see spots where “The Hunger Games,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Stranger Things” filmed, among others.
- “Fried Green Tomatoes” fans shouldn’t miss The Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette. Try its Southern favorites like the movie’s hand-sliced namesake seasoned with top-secret spices.
- See Savannah’s Chippewa Square, made famous for scenes in “Forrest Gump,” where actor Tom Hanks tells Forrest’s story from the comfort of a bus bench. A replica bench – perfect for a photo op – is located at the Georgia Visitor Information Center at Port Wentworth. Looking for the real thing? An original bench used in the film is on display at the Savannah History Museum.
- Hop on a Segway with Adventure Tours in Motion, also in Savannah, to see filming locations in “Forrest Gump,” “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and “Something to Talk About.”
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