If you’re a film AND travel buff, tour these nearby weekender-worthy travel destinations where award winning Oscar-recognized movies were shot. In honor of this month’s 96th Academy Awards ceremony, visit these small towns and recall scenes from most-liked movies.
Juliette, Georgia: Featured in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Order yourself a heaping helping of them, battered in secret seasonings, cooked to perfection and served with a special sauce at the Whistle Stop Café. Star Jessica Tandy and screenwriters Fannie Flagg and Carol Sobieski were Oscar nominees.Â
Opelika, Alabama: Home to multiple spots featured in the 1979 classic Norma Rae, based on the true story of textile worker and union organizer Crystal Lee Sutton. Tuck in at the Golden Cherry Motel. Star Sally Fields won the Best Actress Oscar.
Seaside, Florida: A small resort community in northwest Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico hosted the Jim Carrey dramedy The Truman Show, described as a genre blend of dystopian and social science fiction, psychological drama and romantic comedy. Oscar nods went to supporting actor Ed Harris, director Peter Weir and screenwriter Andrew Niccol.
Savannah, Georgia: Georgia’s oldest city is most notable for Forrest Gump. Stroll through Chippewa Square, where Forrest shared his box of chocolates with friendly strangers. Alas, his iconic bench is no longer there, but you can visit it at the Savannah History Museum. This favorite garnered thirteen Oscar nominations and six wins, including Best Picture.
If you’re a way-back film aficionado and prefer a shorter local drive, visit the Norman Studios Silent Film Museum at 6337 Arlington Road, the sole remaining vestige of Jacksonville’s cinematic heyday as the Winter Film Capital of the World. Â
