Where was Sweet Magnolias filmed? Filming locations of Netflix's romantic drama explored 

Netflix's Sweet Magnolias whisks you away to the fictional town of Serenity, nestled in the heart of South Carolina. Yet, this Southern wonderland isn't a real-life destination you can visit; it's brought to life through TV. The streets and locales you see on your screen are courtesy of Covington, a town in Georgia, which is celebrated for its history in the film industry.

Covington, with its quaint allure and storied landmarks, is the ideal stand-in for the imaginary Serenity. It mirrors the warm, welcoming vibe that's so central to the show. While the series does borrow some elements from Sumter, South Carolina—the place that inspired author Sherryl Woods' vision—the production team felt that Covington was the perfect fit for the story they wanted to tell.

But the magic of Sweet Magnolias doesn't stop at Covington's borders. Let's explore the real-world spots that help breathe life into the show!

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Shooting locations of Sweet Magnolias

1) Covington, Georgia

The majority of the Sweet Magnolias show is shot in Covington, Georgia. This town has around 15,000 residents and is often referred to as the "Hollywood of the South." It's been the backdrop for many films and TV shows, like The Vampire Diaries, In the Heat of the Night, and even Sweet Home Alabama.

Explore Georgia says that the picturesque, small-town feel of Covington's downtown is just right for the show's setting. Plus, the people there are friendly and helpful, which made it a great choice for Sweet Magnolias.

Producer Daniel Paulson told The Covington News,

“The police force, the various store owners, they welcomed us. Some places may not be as welcoming and friendly.”

Notable locations within the quaint town of Covington that you'll recognize from the TV series Sweet Magnolias include:

Sullivan’s Restaurant: In the show, Dana Sue Sullivan, played by Brooke Elliott, manages this charming eatery, which is a central gathering place for the community. Did you know that in real life, this spot is actually the Mystic Grill? It's a popular restaurant that has also made an appearance in the hit TV show The Vampire Diaries.

The Corner Spa: This retreat, operated by the characters Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen, is housed in the historic Lee-Porer House. What's even more interesting is that during Season 2 of The Vampire Diaries, this very same location served as a secretive hiding place for Elena.

Covington Square: You'll find many of the show's outdoor scenes set here, with the town's cobblestone streets and a Southern charm that makes you feel right at home. It's where the residents of Sweet Magnolias often come together.

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2) McDonough, Georgia

While much of the show Sweet Magnolias is set in Covington, the place that stands in for Serenity High School is actually Henry County Middle School, which you can find in McDonough, a town in the state of Georgia.

This school is a short 30-minute drive away from Covington and plays a big role in the show, especially in involving Maddie's kids and their school friends.

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3) Decatur, Georgia

Serenity’s Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, which plays a significant role in the series, is brought to life on the screen at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church in Decatur, a place that's not too far from the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia.

This charming, old-time church is ideal for those warm and fuzzy, faith-filled scenes that tug at the heartstrings in the show.

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Other filming locations of Sweet Magnolias

Beyond the primary locations, the crew ventured into other Georgia towns like:

Conyers, Georgia played host to filming some of the show's charming street scenes and extra outdoor shots, which brought a Southern ambiance.

Mansfield, Georgia's cozy residential neighborhoods served as the perfect stand-in for the fictional town's warm and welcoming areas.

Newborn, Georgia, with its picturesque small-town vibe, contributed scenic backgrounds that complemented the series' rural atmosphere.

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You can catch every season of Sweet Magnolias only on Netflix.

Whether you're watching your favorite episodes again or discovering the show for the first time, the allure of Serenity is just a click away!