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If you could step into your favorite film or tv series, would you? Most of us wouldn’t even hesitate to answer “YES.”
But while there’s no way to magically transport yourself into your favorite movie or tv show, you can visit the real-life places where several iconic films and series were filmed.
Tinsel Town might seem like the perfect vacation destination for a movie aficionado. But trust us…there’s so much more to film than the bright lights and massive sets.
Anyone living in a charming small town knows just how thrilling it is when a director chooses its community for its movie location. So why not avoid the crowds on your next getaway and visit one of our country’s small towns or cities that made it to the big screen?
Click “Next” to see 5 of our favorite movie locations!
Movie: Hocus Pocus
Salem obviously goes much further back in American history before Disney decided to make their live-action comedy about three witches raised from the dead on Halloween night and wreaking havoc on this old New England town.
But, this film twists that history a bit to create a fun flick in which the movie location serves as a kind of labyrinth in this cat-and-mouse game as three kids try to keep a spell book away from the Sanderson sisters and thwart their evil plot.
It’s a dark premise if we stop to think about it. But the film is so fun and full of humor with the playful surroundings where the actual Salem location is.
Everything from the autumn leaves to the old cemetery and historical buildings by the water add a sense of authentic atmosphere to this movie. It makes it a “Must-See” place to visit in our book, especially in autumn.
TV show: The Andy Griffith Show
If you were a big fan of this show, then you already know that the small town of Mayberry was fictional. But the set was strongly influenced by Mount Airy, NC, the actual birthplace of Andy Griffith, the show’s leading actor.
In honor of its most famous townie, downtown Mount Airy offers visitors a day’s worth of Andy Griffith tourist attractions, including a very detailed Mayberry Courthouse replica, which you can take a tour of inside and out.
Plus, you can also check out a working likeness of Wally’s Service Station, Andy Griffith’s boyhood home, the Andy Griffith Museum, and the real-life “Snappy Lunch” restaurant.
Movie: Home Alone
Let’s be honest: This film is the ORIGINAL holiday movie. And if you’ve never heard of it, we’ll give you a pass. The comedy stars a young Macaulay Culkin as an 8-year-old who is accidentally left alone during the holidays while his family vacations in Paris.
If you happen to be visiting the Chicagoland area, make sure to stop by to see the house. But this movie location has much more to offer. Check out The Book Stall, going on 75 years, and browse through the stacks.
And be blown away by the four distinct shopping districts that include Hubbard Woods Design & Dine, Vivid Art Gallery, three blocks of arts-oriented boutiques, clothing stores, and many wonderful restaurants.
Fun Fact: Director John Hughes also filmed Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles in Winnetka, which is about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago.
Movie: The Family Stone
Skirting Manhattan, a familiar movie location for many Hallmark flicks, for suburban New Jersey put a new spin on this comedy-drama which stars Sarah Jessica Parker and many other huge Hollywood stars, including Diane Keaton.
It’s all about meeting potential in-laws for the first time around the holidays. About 16,000 people live in Madison. You’ll find a diverse mix of cultures, such as the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. And the outdoor recreation can’t be missed either.
Geralda Farms’ preserve trail, at the late Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge’s estate, is a perfect place to surround yourself with nature. And then, stop in for a cup of Joe at one of the cafes. Don’t miss charming downtown Madison where much of the movie was filmed.
Movie and TV Show: Sleepy Hollow
Ever since Washington Irving created his Halloween adventure about the Headless Horseman, the small but charming town of Sleepy Hollow has been praised for its haunted folklore.
But in 1999, Hollywood…and Johnny Depp turned the tale on its head to remake a mystery horror film based on the original story.
In the movie, Ichabod Crane is a constable that’s hired to investigate a few headless slayings in the area perpetrated by none other than the famous Headless Horseman himself.
The movie portrays the town of Sleepy Hollow in its turn-of-the-century landscape, covered bridge included, ragged windmill, cloudy days, and eerily murky nights.
While the movie was filmed mostly in England, the original town contributes to this adaptation’s overall spooky tone while maintaining the original story’s traditional setting. Nowadays, this “movie location” is a big draw among many tourists each year.
But just like Salem, autumn and especially Halloween are a fan favorite for many tourists.
Do you have any other favorite movie locations you’d like our readers to know about? Leave us a comment and tell us all about it!
And if you’d like to learn about some other interesting and stunning locations in the US, we recommend you also read: 5 Friendly Places in Our Country With the Most Charming People
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