Sweet Home Alabama Film Tour
Visit the Georgia locations that stand in for Alabama in this romantic comedy.
After leaving her small town life in favor of a career in fashion in New York City, a Southern girl must return home. She needs a divorce from her childhood sweetheart to marry her current boyfriend, but he isn't letting her go easily. Despite the name, "Sweet Home Alabama" was actually filmed in Georgia. Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, Candace Bergen and Josh Lucas star in the film, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022.
Follow Melanie's escapades through Georgia
Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum
Located on the campus of Berry College, Oak Hill was the home of school founder Martha Berry. In "Sweet Home Alabama," the mansion was used as the Carmichael Plantation, where Melanie is supposed to get married. The Greek Revival manor housed Union soldiers during the Civil War. The Martha Berry Museum opened in 1972 and features paintings of notable Americans as well as artifacts from the Berry family. The stunning grounds were one of the three display gardens in the state.
Georgia International Horse Park
Used to stage the large-scale Civil War reenactment with Melanie's father Earl, the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers was one of the sites of the 1996 Olympic Games. Volleyball, equestrian and pentathlon events took place here. In addition to the namesake equestrian park, the facility includes a lakeside beach, children's pool, slides, tennis courts and walking trails.
Starr's Mill
Starr's Mill stood in as Deep South Glass, where Jake has made a name for himself in Melanie’s absence. This gristmill was constructed in 1825 on Whitewater Creek. Renamed for Hilliard Starr, the name continues to define this part of Fayette County. It later became a cotton gin and provided power to nearby Senoia.
Crawfordville and Taliaferro County Courthouse
The small town of Crawfordville, with a population under 1,000, portrayed Melanie's hometown in the film with a number of local businesses serving as the backdrop. The Taliaferro County Courthouse, built in the High Victorian style, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see a number of filming locations from "Sweet Home Alabama" and others around town.
Southern Hollywood Film Tour
The communities south of Atlanta have been full of film productions over the last few years. So, the Peachtree City-based Southern Hollywood Film Tour takes visitors to some of the most notable places, including landmarks from "Drop Dead Diva," "Joyful Noise," and "Sweet Home Alabama." The tour includes a stop by Starr's Mill, featured in the movie, as well as the nearby towns of Haralson and Senoia.
Barnsley Resort
Built by Godfrey Barnsley to honor his wife, the Italianate manor was designed by Andrew Jackson Downing. Originally called "Woodlands," it was damaged during the Civil War and during a tornado. It fell into disrepair before a German prince purchased it in 1988, turning it into a resort. Today, Barnsley Resort has two restaurants, a golf course, spa, horse stables and the original boxwood gardens. It wasn't used during filming, but actor Patrick Dempsey stayed here while working.