Classic Southern Film Tour
From "Fried Green Tomatoes" to "Forrest Gump," see the sights from movies and TV shows that feature Southern culture and attractions in Georgia.
Whistle Stop Cafe in 'Fried Green Tomatoes'
Juliette, Georgia, is home to the original Whistle Stop Cafe and other locations featured in the classic Southern film "Fried Green Tomatoes." The café is open daily from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Historic Oak Hill in 'Sweet Home Alabama'
Historic Oak Hill, a Georgia historic landmark in Rome and the home of Berry College founder Martha Berry, plays the part of Melanie's (Reese Witherspoon) pretend Alabama home in "Sweet Home Alabama."
Druid Hills Neighborhood in 'Driving Miss Daisy'
822 Lullwater Road in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta was Jessica Tandy's home in the film "Driving Miss Daisy." The home is privately owned, but a drive down Lullwater, Springdale and Oakdale roads in Druid Hills will look very familiar to fans of the film.
Nearby, the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation, Atlanta's oldest and most prominent synagogue, also known as "the Temple," was the site of the infamous 1958 Temple Bombing. This historic Atlanta synagogue is shown as Jessica Tandy's place of worship in "Driving Miss Daisy," though in the film, the bombing takes place in the late 1960s. In reality, the bombing was in retaliation for the outspoken civil rights activism of The Temple’s senior rabbi, Jacob Rothschild.
Downtown Covington in 'Cannonball Run'
In 1981's "The Cannonball Run," Burt Reynolds famously pilots his single engine plane onto a street in downtown Covington so Dom DeLuise can pop in to a market for more beer. The film also features Dean Martin, Roger Moore, Sammy Davis Jr. and Burt Convy, among others.
Covington's Newton County Courthouse in 'In the Heat of the Night'
Covington has long been used in films due to its small-town charm and proximity to Atlanta. Fans of the TV show "In the Heat of the Night" will recognize the Newton County Courthouse. Covington doubled as the fictional town of Sparta on the show, and the courthouse was often featured. There are many spots around town that are of interest to film and television buffs. The Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce has maps available for those interested in a self-guided tour.
'Forrest Gump' bench at the Savannah History Museum
The original bench Tom Hanks (as "Forrest Gump") rests on with his box of chocolates at the edge of Chippewa Square in Savannah now resides in the Savannah History Museum. But the square remains a popular destination for visitors, both film and history buffs. There is seating, and plenty of good shopping close by, so it's definitely worth a stop!
