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The Field of Dreams Movie Site is a popular attraction.
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Add Movie Magic
to Your Next Drive
From indie films to Hollywood blockbusters, upgrade your next road trip by visiting famous filming locations.
By Kyle Marra
While many movies unfold in mystical lands created entirely with green screens, massive LED walls and cutting-edge computer technology—making their iconic locations impossible to visit—others are filmed in real, tangible places you can actually experience for yourself. Fans of “The Shining” have traveled to see its legendary haunted hotel, while others have raced across America in the footsteps of “Forrest Gump” or wandered through the romantic landscapes of “The Notebook.” If you love film, consider adding these cinematic destinations to your next U.S. road trip.
Aerial view of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Florida
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Florida
Thousands of movies have used Florida’s tropical paradise as a backdrop. In the early 2000s, Tampa became the setting for one of Marvel’s most famous anti-heroes when “The Punisher,” which starred Thomas Jane and John Travolta, took over downtown. Tampa also served as a key location for Bryan Cranston’s crime thriller “The Infiltrator.” Nearby St. Petersburg has become a picturesque favorite for Hallmark productions like “A Taste of Love.” However, smaller Florida towns has also gotten in on the cinematic action.
“Follow That Dream,” starring Elvis Presley, was filmed in several small towns across north-central Florida. The courthouse that plays a pivotal role in the film’s climax still stands today at 1 Courthouse Square in Inverness, where it now serves as the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. You also can take a drive down the “Follow That Dream Parkway,” a highway in Yankeetown named after the film. And if you’re following in Elvis’ footsteps and want to experience some of the things he enjoyed during his downtime, be sure to catch a mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and grab a foot-long hot dog at Coney Island Drive-Inn in Brooksville.
Airlie Gardens, North Carolina
SUZANNE LANGEVIN
North Carolina
Rather than driving straight through North Carolina, consider stopping in Wilmington and taking a “walk to remember.” “A Walk to Remember,” directed by Adam Shankman and starring Mandy Moore and Shane West, transformed the charming city into a film set during production. Film enthusiasts can visit Jamie Sullivan’s house at 1716 Chestnut St., where the memorable “You’re my angel” scene was filmed. Other key locations visitors can experience include Trinity United Methodist Church, where Landon and Jamie were married in the film; Airlie Gardens, the 67-acre garden where Jamie shows Landon “the place where I was in two places at once”; and the Salt Marsh Boardwalk in Southport, where Landon walks while reminiscing about Jamie.
Honorable mentions include the Cape Fear River and the Old Smithville Burying Ground.
Field of Dreams of Movie Site, Iowa
Iowa
If you’re a baseball fan, then Dyersville is the place to visit. It was the setting for “Field of Dreams,” directed by Phil Alden Robinson and starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta. The film follows an Iowa farmer named Ray who builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice whisper, “If you build it, he will come.” The field begins drawing the ghosts of legendary players from the past.
That iconic baseball diamond—and the farmhouse overlooking it—are still standing today. Guests can book a tour of the house, and are encouraged to bring a ball and glove to play catch on the legendary diamond. As part of the experience, visitors can explore the movie’s history in the “If You Build It” Exhibit.” The farmhouse is also available for overnight stays and can accommodate up to nine people. Consider visiting on a summer Saturday evening to experience the “Ghost Player” interactive performances, which bring the magic of the film to life.
SCENE FROM THE BLUES BROTHERS MOVIE FEATURING PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH
Chicago
Music and movies collided when the Windy City of Chicago served as the primary location for the ’80s classic “The Blues Brothers.” Directed by John Landis, the film starred John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Carrie Fisher, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. Memorable locations that still exist today include the Soul Food Cafe (formerly Nate’s Delicatessen), where Aretha performs; the 95th Street Bridge over the Calumet River, home of the infamous Nazi car jump; and Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago, where the brothers receive divine intervention with help from Pastor James Brown.
Note: Although the church is still standing, it looks much different than it did in the film after being restored following a fire in 2006.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
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South Dakota
If you like indie cinema and also enjoy the great outdoors, South Dakota offers the best of both worlds. “Nomadland,” directed by Chloe Zhao and starring Frances McDormand, was shot on location in Badlands National Park and Custer State Park. The film, which explores the lives of modern-day nomads traveling the American West, uses these dramatic landscapes to powerful effect. Today, both parks offer exceptional hiking, scenic drives and wildlife viewing—allowing visitors to experience natural wonders and cinematic history at the same time.
Aerial view of Creekside Mountain RV Park, South Dakota
CREEKSIDE MOUNTAIN RV PARK
Traveling by RV? You can stay at Creekside Mountain RV Park to further immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle and re-create moments inspired by the film. Campsite rentals can be booked through AAA at AAA.com/TripCanvas.
Ready for a road trip worthy of the big screen? A knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent can handle the planning, recommend hidden gems along the way and help you make the most of AAA Member-only savings on hotels, car rentals, tours, attractions and more—so all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
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