Are you a fan of TV shows like The Vampire Diaries, The Goonies, and The Walking Dead? If so, you’re in luck! Small towns across the US have played host to some iconic filming locations. Wilmington, North Carolina, for instance, is a favorite spot, having been the backdrop for popular shows like One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek. As fans of these ’90s classics, we can attest that there’s something special about visiting places where beloved TV shows were filmed.
But Wilmington isn’t the only game in town when it comes to filming locations. We’re excited to share some of our favorite small towns across America that have made appearances on screens big and small. Whether you’re a TV buff or just looking for some off-the-beaten-path adventures, these charming spots are sure to delight.
Take Covington, Georgia, for example.
This quaint town has been the setting for shows like The Vampire Diaries and Stranger Things, making it a must-visit destination for any self-respecting TV fan. And who knows? You might just stumble upon some filming locations of your own while exploring these charming towns.
So why not start planning your next US adventure today and see where the magic of TV takes you?
Covington, Georgia (The Vampire Diaries)
Wilmington, North Carolina (Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill)
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a coastal haven that has played host to several popular TV shows. The charming town was the backdrop for both ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘One Tree Hill’, with iconic locations like the Riverwalk along Cape Fear River and Wrightsville Beach featuring prominently in the shows. Fans of the series can visit TRIC, the nightclub from ‘One Tree Hill’, as well as the famous bridge that appeared in the show’s opening credits.
The town’s picturesque scenery and its significance to both shows make it a must-visit destination for fans.
In addition to its appearances in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘One Tree Hill’, Wilmington also lent its southern charm and historic downtown area to provide the exterior shots for ‘Hart of Dixie’. The town’s Riverwalk, Thalian Hall, and various streets in the historic district can all be recognized from the show.
Its ability to seamlessly blend into the fictional world of Bluebell, Alabama, is a testament to Wilmington’s enduring charm.
Seneca Falls, New York (It’s a Wonderful Life)
Seneca Falls, New York, has forged a lasting bond with the classic film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Though not directly featured in the movie, the town takes pride in being the alleged inspiration behind Bedford Falls. This connection is celebrated annually through a festival that honors the cinematic masterpiece. For those interested in exploring this unique tie, the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum and the iconic Bridge Street Bridge are must-visit attractions.
The latter serves as a poignant nod to the film’s most memorable scene.
North Bend, Washington (Twin Peaks)
Washington State has long been on my bucket list of places to explore, driven by a fascination with TV shows and movies that have filmed there. North Bend, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, holds a special place in my heart as it was the primary filming location for David Lynch’s surreal classic ‘Twin Peaks.’ This charming town is home to Twede’s Cafe, affectionately known as the Double R Diner from the show, where cherry pie and ‘damn fine’ coffee are always on offer.
The breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls, which made an appearance in the show’s iconic opening credits, is another must-see attraction that I’m eager to experience firsthand.
South Pittsburg, Tennessee (Stranger Things)
Tennessee was one of our favorite stops on our epic American road trip. We had the chance to visit South Pittsburg, a charming town that stole the show in Netflix’s hit series ‘Stranger Things.’ Although much of the show was filmed in Georgia, South Pittsburg’s nostalgic downtown area proved the perfect setting for the 1980s-inspired scenes. Fans of the show can now explore the main street and surrounding areas, which doubled as key filming locations for pivotal moments.
Tomales, California (13 Reasons Why)
In a surprising turn of events, the picturesque town of Tomales in Northern California played host to several exterior scenes in the popular Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. The show’s production team cleverly repurposed the Tomales Regional History Center into the Crestmont Movie Theatre, while the Tomales Town Hall was transformed into Liberty High School’s gymnasium. As fans of the show, you might be interested to know that these iconic locations can still be visited and admired today.
Knightstown, Indiana (Parks and Recreation)
The fictional town of Pawnee, from the hit TV series ‘Parks and Recreation,’ has its roots in the quaint town of Knightstown. A hub of activity for fans of the show, the Knightstown Gym – rebranded as the Pawnee Community Center on screen – is a must-visit destination.
Moreover, the charming Main Street, which made appearances throughout the series, offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the beloved show’s setting, allowing viewers to draw parallels between the small-town charm of Knightstown and the fictional world of Pawnee.
Monroe, Georgia (The Originals)
Immersed in the charm of Monroe’s historic downtown area, visitors were transported to the French Quarter of New Orleans. This iconic setting became the vibrant backdrop for ‘The Originals,’ a captivating spin-off of the popular series ‘The Vampire Diaries.’ Fans of the show can still wander through the picturesque town square and surrounding streets, which played host to many pivotal scenes featuring the Mikaelson siblings.
Astoria, Oregon (The Goonies)
In the charming coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and small-town charm converges at the iconic Short Circuit House. While this picturesque setting is perhaps most famously associated with the cult classic ‘The Goonies,’ its Victorian-era architecture has also been showcased in various television programs.
For film enthusiasts, no trip to Astoria would be complete without a visit to the Oregon Film Museum, housed within the historic Clatsop County Jail – a nod to the movie’s own cinematic legacy.
Westfield, New Jersey (The Addams Family)
Washington Depot, Connecticut (Gilmore Girls)
The fictional town of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls owes its charm to Washington Depot in Connecticut, where the show’s creators drew inspiration from. This quaint New England town is a perfect representation of the idyllic setting that fans of the show adore. Visitors can stroll through the town center and be transported to the iconic town square, complete with cozy cafes reminiscent of Luke’s Diner and Miss Patty’s School of Ballet, which added to the show’s endearing charm.
Senoia, Georgia (The Walking Dead)
Monterey, California (Big Little Lies)
The critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’ is deeply rooted in the picturesque coastal city of Monterey, California. The show’s atmospheric setting is defined by its stunning beaches, luxurious homes, and majestic landscapes. For fans of the series, exploring the beautiful Monterey Bay coastline is a must. This includes visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which makes appearances throughout the show.
Additionally, Lover’s Point Park and Beach offer serene views and a tranquil environment, reminiscent of the characters’ reflective moments in the series. The Bixby Creek Bridge on the Big Sur coast, featured prominently in the show’s opening credits, is also within driving distance. Its breathtaking views provide a glimpse into the dramatic landscape that sets the tone for ‘Big Little Lies.’ For those visiting San Francisco, Monterey makes for an excellent day trip or weekend getaway.
Scranton, Pennsylvania (The Office)
Deadwood, South Dakota (Deadwood)
Sylmar, Los Angeles, California (Just Add Magic)
Rockland County, New York (Orange Is the New Black)
While Orange Is the New Black was set in a fictional prison in Litchfield, New York, the majority of filming took place in Rockland County. The former Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, now largely abandoned, served as the primary location for the show’s Litchfield Penitentiary. Although not open to visitors, fans can still get a glimpse of the exterior from outside.
Furthermore, several key scenes were captured on film around Nyack and other areas of Rockland County, perfectly encapsulating the show’s intricate and diverse narrative.
North Caldwell, New Jersey (The Sopranos)
Torrance, California (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Torrance Beach in California holds a special significance for fans of the popular TV series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. The show, which aired from 1997 to 2003, used Torrance High School as the exterior shots of Sunnydale High. This historic school’s unique architecture played a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the show. For die-hard fans, visiting the school is a must-do pilgrimage, allowing them to see the iconic facade and front lawn up close.
In fact, many episodes feature these visuals prominently, making it an even more meaningful experience for those who have followed the series.
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