Where was Smokey and the Bandit filmed?

The legendary trucker Bo Darville , also known as the Bandit, is semi-retired and working at a trucking rodeo when a pair of unscrupulous tycoons approach him. Big and Little Enos Burdett (Pat McCormick and Paul Williams) are planning a large-scale party in Atlanta, Georgia, and due to outdated liquor laws in 1978 America, it's illegal to transport Coors beer east of Texas. However, the Burdetts are determined to have the brew at their event, and they offer the Bandit a whopping $80,000 to transport 400 cases of it from Texarkana back to Atlanta within a strict deadline of 28 hours.

This pivotal scene was filmed at Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta, Georgia. Viewers can spot a Spanish colonial-style building on the adjacent fairgrounds in the scene's backdrop. This structure is now part of the Screen Gems movie studios. The top portion of this former exhibition hall can be seen just above the treeline, adding to the authentic feel of the scene.

To reach this location, go to South Atlanta, where the historic Lakewood Fairgrounds is located. It’s a drive of a little over five miles south of the city center.

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One of the movie’s most memorable scenes is the Bandit's initial car chase with the police. In a thrilling display of expert driving, the Bandit sharply veers to the left at an intersection, hops the curb, and takes refuge behind a small brick structure. This sequence showcases not only the Bandit's daring nature but also sets the tone for the high-speed action that defines the film.

This scene was filmed at the intersection of Macon Street and Highway 81 in McDonough, Georgia. While the small brick building that served as the Bandit's hideaway no longer exists, several other buildings from the scene still stand. The bank on the corner has been converted into a pawn shop, while the building across the street now houses a cafe. Despite these changes, the town square remains largely unchanged, retaining much of its look from the time of the film's production.

To visit this iconic filming location, you would need to travel to McDonough, Georgia. It's located south of Atlanta and can be easily reached via Interstate 75.

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Bandit and Snowman (Jerry Reed) finally arrive in Texarkana. Their first task upon arrival is to load up their precious cargo of beer at Wayne's place.

Although the plot suggests they've crossed state lines, they've never left Georgia to film this scene. This scene was filmed on Main Street in Jonesboro. The characters can be seen passing the train depot located at the corner of Main and Mill Street. Despite changes over the years, the old depot retains much of its original appearance from filming.

Wayne's, however, looks quite different today after four decades have passed. It is now the Fig Tree Cafe. Had it been open during the Bandit and Snowman's fictional visit, it would likely have been an excellent spot for them to grab a hot cup of coffee and breakfast before embarking on their return journey.

To visit this location, take I-75 S and GA-138 E from Atlanta to Jonesboro. Expect the 20-mile journey to take around half an hour.

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Arkansas Sheriff Branford (George Reynolds), along with his ragtag group of deputies, devises a plan to capture the elusive Bandit. Anticipating a possible confrontation, the Bandit opts not to play chicken with the Arkansas Sheriff's Department and makes a swift U-turn to head in the opposite direction. This triggers a chaotic chase as the sheriff and his deputies scramble to apprehend him.

This intense scene was filmed at the intersection of Highway 54 and Mundy's Mill Road in Jonesboro, Georgia. This two-lane highway, located on the outskirts of town, provided an apt setting for the high-speed pursuit. However, the area has undergone significant development since the movie's filming and bears little resemblance to its former rural appearance.

Accessing this location is easy by private car. Depart from downtown Atlanta and follow Interstate 75 towards Fayetteville. The travel time typically ranges around half an hour, contingent upon the traffic conditions in Atlanta.

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Smokey and the Bandit is filled with high-speed chases, and perhaps none are more thrilling than the climactic pursuit involving the entire Georgia State Police force, complete with a helicopter. This adrenaline-fueled chase culminates in the Bandit and Snowman meeting their deadline and collecting their payment.

However, instead of a simple conclusion, a double-or-nothing deal is struck for Boston clam chowder to be delivered within 18 hours. The trio, including Frog, then dash off in a shiny, candy apple red Cadillac, setting up the exciting premise for potential future adventures.

These final chase scenes were shot around Ventura, California, particularly along Casitas Vista Road and Santa Ana Road. Despite being set in Georgia, these Californian roads provided the perfect backdrop for the film's dramatic climax. Fans of the film can easily visit these iconic locations. They'll find campgrounds and parks in the vicinity, making it an ideal spot to spend a night immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the film.

The area can easily be accessed from the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) in Ventura. It’s about a 75-mile drive northwest from downtown LA.

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