Where was Fried Green Tomatoes filmed?
1991
City Locations
Senoia (USA), Juliette (USA), Newnan (USA), Whitesburg (USA), Fayetteville (USA), Decatur (USA), Conyers (USA), Zebulon (USA), Orlando (USA)
Location Types
College, House, Storefront, Hospital, Hotel
Location Styles
College, Beachfront, Mid-Century Modern, Rustic
About Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes is an emotional and heartwarming movie about a housewife, Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates), who lives a boring and unfulfilling life. While visiting her husband's nursing home, she encounters Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), an aged lady who narrates stories about her life.
As Ninny tells of the people she used to know at the Whistle Stop Cafe, including the feisty Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson) and wise Ruth Jamison (Mary-Louise Parker), Evelyn gets inspired by their strength and resilience. She discovers their shared love and understanding made them stronger.
Fried Green Tomatoes was a commercial success, making $119.4 million against its $11 million production budget, but it also received critical acclaim. The film earned two Oscar nominations at the 64th Academy Awards.
It is also worth noting that Fried Green Tomatoes features an all-female cast in leading roles, a unique accomplishment for its time! Jon Avnet directed the film written by Carol Sobieski and Fannie Flagg.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has received a 76% approval rating based on 45 reviews, with an average score of 6.70/10. Metacritic reports a weighted average score of 64 out of 100 based on 21 critics.
Fried Green Tomatoes Locations
Several locations provided a backdrop for the production of the iconic 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes. Juliette, Georgia, a small town with a population of around 200 people, was the setting for most scenes. While this made it ideal for shooting, the backdrop was just as important; stunning landscapes and natural sights such as the Ocmulgee River, Indian Springs State Park, and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge surround Juliette.
The area around Juliette is charming, with antebellum homes, rolling hills, and historical sites that brought the southern setting of the movie to life. The nearby Macon-Bibb County area has museums and galleries featuring works from local artists. Plenty of Juliette and Macon-Bibb County restaurants offer mouthwatering dishes with fresh ingredients from local farms.
Visiting the Fried Green Tomatoes filming locations would be an unforgettable experience. Whether you take a tour or wander through each area independently, there is no doubt that a trip here would be worthwhile.
Evelyn meeting Ninny scene in Fried Green Tomatoes
Avalon Health & Rehabilitation, 120 Spring St, Newnan, GA 30263, United States
A meek 40-something housewife named Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) meets Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), an elderly resident of an Alabama nursing home where Evelyn's husband's aunt also resides. During their interactions, Ninny regales Evelyn with tales of the once-vibrant town of Whistle Stop and its former inhabitants.
Avalon Health & Rehabilitation, in Newnan, Georgia, is a skilled nursing facility that provides a range of services to its residents. The facility offers compassionate and personalized care to help residents achieve optimal health, independence, and well-being.
In addition to its healthcare services, Avalon Health & Rehabilitation has an on-site beauty salon, barber shop, a library, a chapel, and recreational activities to keep residents engaged and fulfilled. The facility has a courtyard and walking paths for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
To get to 120 Spring St, Newnan, start by getting to the area from downtown.
Idge and Ruth opening the cafe scene in Fried Green Tomatoes
The Whistle Stop Cafe, 443 McCrackin St, Juliette, GA 31046, United States
Idgie (Nancy Moore Atchison), Buddy (Chris O'Donnell), and Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) proceed to walk along the narrow path atop the dam with the river flowing beneath them. As they walk, they laugh and enjoy each other's company, fully immersed in the beauty of their surroundings.
Juliette Dam is a historic structure on the Ocmulgee River in Juliette, Georgia. The dam, constructed in the early 20th century, was built to create a reliable source of hydroelectric power for the surrounding area. Over the years, the dam has become a symbol of the town and a popular destination.
The dam spans the width of the Ocmulgee River, creating a large lake behind it that provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding area is also home to several parks and nature trails, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Idge, Buddy, and Ruth walking along the dam scene in Fried Green Tomatoes
Juliette Dam, Juliette, GA 31046, United States
Idgie (Nancy Moore Atchison), Buddy (Chris O'Donnell), and Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) proceed to walk along the narrow path atop the dam with the river flowing beneath them. As they walk, they laugh and enjoy each other's company, fully immersed in the beauty of their surroundings.
Juliette Dam is a historic structure on the Ocmulgee River in Juliette, Georgia. The dam, constructed in the early 20th century, was built to create a reliable source of hydroelectric power for the surrounding area. Over the years, the dam has become a symbol of the town and a popular destination.
The dam spans the width of the Ocmulgee River, creating a large lake behind it that provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding area is also home to several parks and nature trails, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Get there by driving on Juliette Rd/Juliette Mill Rd.
The poker scene in Fried Green Tomatoes
Historic Banning Mills, 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185, United States
Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) and Idgie (Nancy Moore Atchison) play poker with friends. The scene takes place in the backyard of the Threadgoode family home, where the group gathers around a makeshift table. As they play, the atmosphere is relaxed with bantering and joking. The sound of crickets and the rustling of leaves adds to the peaceful ambiance of the scene.
Historic Banning Mills is an adventure resort in Whitesburg, Georgia, approximately 45 minutes west of Atlanta. The resort boasts several exciting outdoor activities and accommodations, including the lengthiest zip line canopy tour and various lodging options.
Founded in 1998 with a focus on preservation and conservation, Historic Banning Mills has become a popular destination for visitors. The resort spans over 300 acres and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including Snake Creek Gorge.
To get to 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd from downtown Whitesburg, head east on GA-5 S/GA-16 E/Main St.
Idgie gifts her mother scene in Fried Green Tomatoes
Snake Creek, 750 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185, United States
Idgie (Nancy Moore Atchison) presents her mother (Lois Smith) with a jar of honey she collected from a tree stump. Sipsey (Cicely Tyson), one of the other characters, receives a string of bream that Idgie has just caught from the river. This act of generosity and resourcefulness highlights the close-knit community formed around The River Club and the Whistle Stop Cafe.
The tranquil and picturesque Snake Creek is in the heart of Whitesburg. This crystal-clear waterway, flowing gracefully through the town, is like a soothing balm for the soul. Known for its serene atmosphere and crystal-clear waters, Snake Creek has long been a destination for hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts.
As you explore the winding trails that follow the creek's curves, watch out for the local flora and fauna- from wildflowers and towering trees to curious critters like beavers and deer.
To get to 750 Hutcheson Ferry from downtown Whitesburg, head east on GA-5 S/GA-16 E/Main St.
Evelyn and Ninny pass Ruth's grave scene in Fried Green Tomatoes
The Juliette Mills, Village Cemetery, 232 J H Aldridge Dr, Juliette, GA 31046, USA
Evelyn (Kathy Bates) reunites with Ninny (Jessica Tandy). Upon asking Ninny to come live with her and Ed (Gailard Sartain), Ninny agrees. While passing by Ruth's (Mary-Louise Parker) grave, they notice a jar of honey and honeycomb freshly placed there. There is also a card that reads, "I'll always love you, the Bee Charmer," which was Ruth's affectionate nickname for Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson). The note provides evidence that Idgie is still alive.
Juliette Mills Village Cemetery is a historic burial ground in East Juliette, Georgia, that dates back to the 19th century. The cemetery sits on a picturesque hillside overlooking the nearby Ocmulgee River and surrounding lush greenery.
The cemetery is the resting place for notable figures, including Oscar B. Smallwood, born in 1899 and died in 1954. His headstone in Person 196 features an inscription and notes offering a glimpse into his life and legacy.
To get to 232 J H Aldridge Dr, drive towards downtown. Turn onto Juliette Rd/Juliette Mill Rd and continue driving.
Conclusion
Fried Green Tomatoes came to life across various locations, from the bustling cities of Atlanta and Birmingham to the quiet towns of Juliette and Whistle Stop. This unique blend of places created an atmosphere that suited Fannie Flagg’s novel.
The movie follows Evelyn Couch, a depressed housewife who finds solace in hearing tales from a woman at a nursing home. The story culminates in Evelyn journeying to Whistle Stop and reclaiming her life.
Along the way, she meets many colorful characters, including Ninny Threadgoode, Big George, Ruth Jamison, and Frank Bennett, all played by top-tier actors, including Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Jessica Tandy.
The movie is a true classic showcasing the beauty of the American South and the joys of friendship. Visitors who embark on a Fried Green Tomatoes filming locations-inspired tour might experience the same.