The feel-good romantic drama Sweet Magnolias, based on the novels by Sherryl Woods, has been a surprise hit for Netflix. The show premiered on Netflix on May 19th, 2020, and hit the number-one spot on the Netflix charts soon after. Now fans are waiting for the third season to drop this July 20th.
Developed by Sheryl J. Anderson, the series follows the lives of three best friends from South Carolina as they navigate love, life, and more.
The show’s Gilmore Girls-esque aesthetic and Southern Americana appeal has charmed fans. So much so that many would love to vacation in the fictional town of Serenity. The idyllic town may not be real, but you can visit the real-life locations Sweet Magnolias is shot in!
The primary location for all its shoots, Covington, Georgia, is one that Vampire Diaries fans would recognise. This picturesque town is Instagram-worthy and has been featured in numerous other productions, including Remember the Titans and Selma.
If you’re visiting Covington, make sure to visit Mystic Grill, which was transformed into Dana Sue’s restaurant, Sullivan’s, during filming. You can also admire the historic Lee-Porter Mansion, which provided the beautiful outdoor scenery for The Corner Spa in the show.
Another town to include in your Sweet Magnolias trip is McDonough, Georgia. While there weren’t many scenes filmed here, it is home to two pivotal landmarks from the show: the high school and the church. Serenity High School, in reality, is Henry County Middle School, and the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church scenes were shot at Oakhurst Presbyterian in Decatur.
Although nothing was filmed here, Sumter, South Carolina, holds a special place in the heart of Sweet Magnolias author Sherryl Woods. She has mentioned that Sumter served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Serenity. Woods has a personal connection to Sumter, as she visits it every year on her way from Key Biscayne, Florida, to her family’s summer cottage in Colonial Beach, Virginia. She dedicated the first book in the series, Stealing Home, to her dear friend and her home in Sumter.
If you are in those neck of the woods, you can make a road trip out of your visit or join the rest of the fans in streaming the Sweet Magnolias on Netflix from the comfort of your homes.
