Unveiling the idyllic filming locales of Netflix's Sweet Magnolias: Discover the enchanting backdrop of Serenity

Summary

Sweet Magnolias is shot in Covington, Georgia, an enchanting town exuding a quaint atmosphere that flawlessly embodies the allure of Serenity.

Numerous fictional spots from the show, including Sullivan's Restaurant and the Corner Spa, are actual establishments nestled within Covington.

In addition to Covington, Georgia, where most scenes are shot, other locations such as Atlanta and McDonough are also used to bring the town of Serenity to life in the Netflix drama series Sweet Magnolias. Inspired by the fictional and picturesque town of Serenity, South Carolina, the show revolves around three lifelong friends - Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen - as they support each other through the challenges of living in a small town. Based on the books by Sherryl Woods, the series explores the ups and downs of their interconnected lives.

Sweet Magnolias Is Filmed Almost Entirely In Covington, Georgia

The show owes much of its success to the picturesque small town of Serenity, which has a charm that is uniquely its own. Nestled within this enchanting place are quaint homes and captivating landscapes, emanating the warmth and geniality of Southern hospitality. This charm is skillfully conveyed through the exceptional writing of Sweet Magnolias, which boasts an array of unforgettable characters and exquisite quotes. Although some scenes are filmed on sets, meticulous attention was paid to selecting the perfect "on-location" spots that play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall ambiance. Thankfully, the location scouts excelled at their task, ensuring that every frame of Sweet Magnolias is captured in the ideal setting. Let's explore the captivating filming locations of this remarkable show.

While Serenity is intended to be located in South Carolina, the filming of Sweet Magnolias actually takes place in Covington, Georgia – a town that boasts its own picturesque charm. Due to Covington's natural small-town appeal, minimal set-building or extensive location transformations are required to achieve the desired atmosphere. Interestingly, several iconic fictional settings from the show already exist in Covington.

Sullivan's Restaurant is a real restaurant in Covington called Mystic Grill.

The Corner Spa exterior shots are a law office in Covington.

Serenity's clock tower building is the Newton County Courthouse in Covington.

Maddie's and Dana Sue's houses are also located in Covington.

Sweet Magnolias Also Films In Other Areas Of Georgia

Other scenes in and around downtown Covington, Georgia were also filmed. While the majority of the show was shot on location, certain sets were constructed on a soundstage to achieve the precise aesthetic demanded by Sweet Magnolias. For instance, the interior shots of The Corner Spa were filmed on a soundstage.

In order to bring the town of Serenity to life in Sweet Magnolias, certain scenes are shot in locations outside of Covington. Although the majority of the show is filmed in Georgia, there are specific areas that unfortunately cannot be found in the same vicinity. Here are the additional locations featured in Sweet Magnolias that were not filmed in Covington.

Henry County Middle School in McDonough, Georgia stands in for Serenity High School.

The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church scenes are shot at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Helen's house is actually located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sweet Magnolias season 3's Forager Festival scenes were shot at Madison Town Park in Madison, Georgia.

Season 3's gym scenes were shot at Porter Memorial Gymnasium in Porterdale, Georgia.

A Real Town In South Carolina Inspired The Town Of Serenity In Sweet Magnolias

While Serenity may only be a fictional place, fans can still experience its charm by visiting Covington, where the famous television series was filmed. Interestingly, Serenity was actually inspired by a real town in South Carolina called Sumter. Author Sherryl Woods holds such dear memories of Sumter that she paid homage to it in her inaugural Sweet Magnolias novel, Stealing Home.

Developing Serenity for this new series had a special meaning for me. Each year as I travel from my home in Key Biscayne, Florida to my family's summer cottage in Colonial Beach, Virginia, I make a stop in Sumter, South Carolina, to visit one of my family's oldest and dearest friends, Donnie Clemons.

Covington, Georgia Isn't Just Where Sweet Magnolias Is Filmed

The significance of creating Serenity for this latest series holds a deep personal connection. In my annual journey from Key Biscayne, Florida to our family's summer retreat in Colonial Beach, Virginia, I always make it a point to pause in Sumter, South Carolina, where I pay a visit to our treasured and long-standing family friend, Donnie Clemons.

Georgia has gained the nickname "L.A. South" due to its growing prominence in the film and television industry. Several towns and locations throughout the state have become multiple production hubs, and Covington is no exception. With its quaint charm and picturesque small-town atmosphere, Covington has become a sought-after destination for numerous film and TV shoots. One of the most renowned productions filmed in Covington is the popular CW series, The Vampire Diaries. Astute viewers may recognize certain areas of the fictional town, Mystic Falls, resembling parts of Serenity. The real-life Sullivan's Restaurant, known as Mystic Grill in the show, may ring a bell for fans as the eatery frequented by the characters in The Vampire Diaries.

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However, Covington has not only been featured in The Vampire Diaries and Sweet Magnolias, as it has also served as the filming location for various other productions. Movies such as Doctor Sleep, Sweet Home Alabama, My Cousin Vinny, Remember the Titans, Selma, and Footloose have all been shot in Covington. Additionally, TV shows like Legacies, I'll Fly Away, In the Heat of the Night, and The Dukes of Hazzard have also utilized Covington as a filming spot. It is evident that Netflix made a perfect choice in selecting Covington as the quaint town of Serenity for the upcoming season 4 of Sweet Magnolias.