Allow me to paint a picture for you: Imagine a young man sitting on a bench. This man is wearing a white suit with a plaid blue button-up shirt. A tan suitcase sits to his left. Spanish moss-draped oaks fill the space behind him. He’s wearing running shoes. A box of chocolates rests on his lap.
Sound familiar? It should. I just described one of the most recognizable images in cinematic history. Although most adults likely would recognize this legendary scene from “Forrest Gump,” the spot where it was filmed holds prominence of its own—as do many famous filming locations in the Southeast.
There’s nothing quite like stepping into your favorite movie or TV show, following in the footsteps of your favorite characters, or re-creating iconic scenes with your friends. While that particular bench no longer resides in Savannah, Georgia, fans of the seminal classic can still visit the spot in Chippewa Square where Forrest awaited the bus that would take him to meet his son for the first time. In fact, guided tours like Savannah’s Old Town Trolley Tours feature this park as a popular stop.
While “Forrest Gump” is arguably one of the most famous films to come out of the region, there’s a reason why Wilmington, North Carolina, is dubbed “Hollywood East.” According to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, about 152 movies have been filmed in Wilmington since 1983. Such productions include “Scream” (2022), “The Longest Ride” (2015), “The Conjuring” (2013), “A Walk to Remember” (2002), “Lolita” (1997), “The Exorcist III” (1990), and “Firestarter” (1984)—among many, many more. Popular TV shows filmed in Wilmington include “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Dawson’s Creek.”
Credit: Explore Georgia/Ralph Daniel
The Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau offers several guided and self-guided tour options perfect for the film buffs in your group. The “Top Film & TV Locations” tour map takes visitors on a self-guided journey to locations that appeared in more than 400 film and TV credits. The “Wilmywood Movie & TV Location Walk” is a tour option led by a costumed guide every Wednesday and Saturday. One of those most popular film locations in the city, Airlie Gardens, is open daily and offers a brochure outlining the many productions filmed there and the exact locations where recognizable scenes occurred.
For a bit of variety, Southern Hollywood Film Tours offers several tour options at destinations across the region. The original “Southern Hollywood Film Tour” option is one of Georgia’s first film tours. This two-hour tour begins in Peachtree City and includes visits to sites seen in films and shows like “The Walking Dead,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “WandaVision,” and “The Conjuring.” Groups also might opt for a customized option that highlights the stops your tourgoers are most excited to see. A step-on tour service is available for large groups and motorcoaches. All tours are led by a semi-retired television and video producer.
Other popular film destinations worth a visit in the Southeast include Richmond, Virginia (“Evan Almighty,” “Hannibal”); Charleston, South Carolina (“The Notebook,” “Dear John”); and Juliette, Georgia (“Fried Green Tomatoes”).
From the cobblestone streets of Charleston to the town squares of Savannah, the Southeast offers no shortage of emblematic backdrops that have made their way onto both the small and silver screen. For groups, touring these filming locations is more than a Hollywood encounter—it’s a chance to experience history, culture, and storytelling in real life. Whether posing for photos in the very place where beloved characters once stood or uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic of moviemaking, these destinations invite travelers to see the Southeast through a new lens—one that blends entertainment with unforgettable exploration.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Forrest Gump’s Bench, Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia; Credit: Visit Savannah/Dylan Wilson Weddings
