Where was My Girl filmed?

During the summer of 1972 in Madison, Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) is an 11-year-old hypochondriac. Her father, Harry (Dan Aykroyd), is a well-meaning but awkward widower who often overlooks his daughter's needs due to his lack of understanding. Harry's occupation as a funeral director, which coincidentally also serves as their family home, has instilled in Vada a deep fascination with death and disease. Despite being set in Pennsylvania, the film was primarily shot in Florida. Madison, Pennsylvania, was recreated in Sanford, about 20 miles north of Orlando. The iconic 'Sultenfuss Funeral Parlor' is at 555 East Stanford Street, Bartow. Although impressive and accurate to its depiction in the film, this property is pretty remote from popular tourist destinations. Due to a lack of guest bookings, the property was forced to shut down and has since reverted to a private residence. Fans wishing to visit this notable location should head east from Tampa along Route 60 until reaching Bartow. Despite its distance from major attractions, the journey to this iconic house is worthwhile for any My Girl enthusiast. The house retains its on-screen grandeur and is instantly recognizable, making it a rewarding experience for those who make the trip.

Vada (Anna Chlumsky) and Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin) take their town's streets on bikes. They are seen crossing the main street with the clock tower on their right before pedaling down the sidewalk. Ignoring a sign stating "no bicycles," the duo takes a shortcut through a mechanic's garage, riding up a ramp. The building and ramp have since been demolished, but the alley they emerge onto still exists. This is where the garage owner shouts at them as they escape. For fans hoping to visualize this iconic scene, the intersection of E 1st St and Magnolia Ave in Sanford, Florida, is the place to visit. This is where most of the scenes were shot. Despite the changes, the film's spirit still lingers in this location. Historic Downtown Sanford offers many experiences, from arts and culture to delicious food and beverages, all set against Florida's natural beauty. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with local artists showcasing their work at the Gallery on First. The Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery also curates pieces from Southern contemporary artists. Sanford, once known as Florida's "Historic Waterfront Gateway," is a vibrant destination just 30 minutes north of Orlando in Seminole County. Traveling by car via Exit I-4 Express E should take approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you choose public transportation, the journey will last about an hour and a half.

Vada (Anna Chlumsky) is infatuated with her fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Bixler (Griffin Dunne). Upon discovering his adult poetry writing class, she resolves to overcome the financial obstacle and join. Determined, she takes money from a cookie jar in Shelly's (Jamie Lee Curtis) camper to pay for the class. In her first session, the suggestion to write about what's in her soul brings up a deep-seated fear that she is responsible for her mother's death, who passed away two days after giving birth to her. This emotionally charged scene unfolds in a historic location. Mr. Bixler's creative writing class was filmed at the H. B. Plant Railroad Historical Society, a distinct landmark now serving as a community center. This should not be confused with the current Plant City High School. Since its inception in 1914, the society has embarked on a development journey, creating the Carwin A. Baxter Museum, a library, five model layouts, and the restoration of several classrooms. They also uphold the Raymond R. Myers Museum at the Historical Visitor’s Center. The 1914 building, a treasure trove of history and culture, welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Take the I-4 W from Orlando to N Park Rd in Plant City. Take exit 22 to W Reynolds St. The journey should take approximately 1 hour by car, depending on traffic.

Beneath a willow tree, Vada (Anna Chlumsky) and Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin) become "blood brothers." A few days later, under the shade of a willow tree, Vada and Thomas J. ponder the sensation of a first kiss. This leads them to share a kiss of their own. Unable to find a suitable willow tree beside a lake during location scouting, the filmmakers decided to create their own. They commissioned a team to cut down a large oak tree, marking each branch for reassembly. The tree was then uprooted and relocated to Mirror Lake in Clermont, Florida. The tree's base was secured with five tons of cement, and metal coupling sleeves were used to strengthen the branches. The entire tree was then adorned with $15,000 worth of silk willow leaves, resulting in the realistic tree seen in the film. Mirror Lake, the site of this memorable scene, is isolated from the other filming locations. Today, only the metallic base of the artificial tree remains. Reports vary on the current state of the dock; some claim it has been removed due to decay, while others insist it remains submerged underwater. Unfortunately, this particular lake section is inaccessible to the public and cannot be viewed from the road. However, much of the surrounding land is currently on the market as part of a plan to develop more housing there. It means that you can try to get here. The only way to reach the destination is by driving via FL-408 W and Florida's Turnpike from Orlando, which should take approximately 30 minutes.

Young Vada Sultenfuss's (Anna Chlumsky) world shifts when her father, Harry (Dan Aykroyd), begins dating Shelly (Jamie Lee Curtis). Initially unsure of Shelly, Vada's attitude towards her begins to transform. One evening, she and her best friend, Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin), tail Harry and Shelly to a bingo game, intending to cause a disruption. The kids are seen strolling down the sidewalk on the left, bypassing the front steps as they head toward the bingo tent set up in the yard of a church. This iconic scene was captured at Ocoee Christian Church, 15 South Bluford Avenue, near Lake Apopka on the western edge of Orlando, Florida. Given the distance from other filming locations, the choice of location is intriguing, suggesting compelling reasons behind this decision. The church itself is a historic landmark. On March 28, 1997, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary, designed in a Gothic style by a Boston architect, features floor plans reminiscent of scaled-down European Gothic cathedrals, lending an air of grandeur and history to the scene. To reach the Ocoee Christian Church from Orlando, Florida, you can take the FL-408 W from S Division Avenue. This route typically takes about 20 minutes by car. If you prefer public transportation, a bus service includes a transfer at Lynx Central Station, which lengthens the journey to approximately 2 hours.