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The Family Stone movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Family Stone filmed?

2005

City Locations

Madison (USA), Greenwich (USA), NewYork (USA), Culver City (USA)

Location Types

Film Studio, House, Storefront, University

Location Styles

Modern Building, Modern Car, Bus

About The Family Stone

The 2005 American comedy-drama film "The Family Stone" was written and directed by Thomas Bezucha. The story is about the Stone family, who gather in a small town in New England to celebrate Christmas. The eldest son, Everett (Dermot Mulroney), has brought his uptight girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), home to propose to her with a cherished heirloom ring. However, Meredith meets resistance from Everett's parents (Diane Keaton and Craig T. Nelson) and his four siblings (Luke Wilson, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, and Tyrone Giordano). Matters are further complicated when Meredith's sister arrives for emotional support. In the end, unexpected events turn to love being expressed all around.

Family Stone earned a worldwide gross of $93 million and received positive reviews from critics. Parker received a Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance in the movie, whereas Keaton, Nelson, and McAdams were each awarded Satellite Awards for their roles.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie received mixed reviews from critics, achieving a 53% approval rating based on 158 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The consensus among critics was that although the film showcased great performances, it suffered from uncomfortable tonal shifts. Similarly, Metacritic's weighted average score gave the movie 56 out of 100 based on 35 reviews, indicating mixed or average reviews. On the other hand, CinemaScore polls revealed that the movie received a higher level of approval from the audience, with an average rating of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.

The Family Stone Locations

The production of the hit comedy The Family Stone was filmed across four states and multiple regions, including Greenwich in Connecticut, Morris County in New Jersey, Culver City in Los Angeles, and New York. One of the main settings for the movie is the charming country town of Bedford, located in Westchester County, New York. The movie has many scenic locations, such as Bedford Hills railroad station, where Sarah Jessica Parker arrives by train and the house where she stays with the family. The backdrop of this region is filled with old colonial houses, lush green lawns, and winding country roads that lead up to stately homes.

Surrounding landmarks and areas of interest include Washington Irving's Sunnyside estate and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, located within a few miles from Bedford. Moreover, the nearby Hudson River offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors, like kayaking or hiking along its banks. It also provides breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains to those who travel upriver.

A trip to the filming locations featured in The Family Stone would be worthwhile due to its numerous attractions, like small-town charm mixed with historical sites and natural beauty. It makes for an ideal destination, especially during fall months when vibrant colors fill the landscape – perfect for capturing photo memories and re-living scenes from this classic film!

Fun Fact

A fun fact about The Family Stone is that it features several real-life family members in its cast: Diane Keaton's daughter Dexter plays Sarah Jessica Parker's niece; Dermot Mulroney's brother Conor plays one of Luke Wilson's brothers; and Craig T. Nelson's brother Jim plays Everett's father-in-law at his wedding ceremony.

Everett and Meredith coming to Ben's class scene in The Family Stone

Fairleigh Dickinson University, 285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ

Everett's (Dermot Mulroney) brother Ben (Luke Wilson) works as a professor and shows the beautiful architecture of the campus building. The scene involves Everett and Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) visiting Ben's class as guest speakers. As Ben introduces them, the camera pans out to capture the students' reactions.

Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university located in Madison, New Jersey. It was founded in 1942 and has since become one of the largest private universities in New Jersey. The university offers over 100 degree programs across its four campuses, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. FDU is known for its global education program, which allows students to study abroad at one of the university's international campuses. This program allows students to gain a unique perspective on the world and develop cross-cultural skills highly valued in today's job market.

To get to Fairleigh Dickinson University, take I-78 W towards Newark. Exit at 48A until exit 7A for I-287 S. Turn right onto Madison Ave and drive for approximately one mile to reach your destination.

Meredith buying a present scene in The Family Stone

Main Street, Downtown Madison, NJ, USA

Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) walks along Main Street and enters a store to purchase a gift. The camera captures the quaint and charming storefronts and the beautiful architecture of the buildings on Main Street.

Main Street, Downtown Madison, is the quintessential small-town experience. Walking down its picturesque sidewalks, you'll be transported to a different world as quaint shops and charming cafes dot the street. The beautiful architecture of the buildings will awe you, and the friendly locals will welcome you with open arms. In the fall, Main Street is a must-visit, with stunning foliage providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll. No matter when you visit, you'll feel a sense of community and comfort that is hard to come by in the hustle and bustle of big cities. Main Street, Downtown Madison, is a true gem of Wisconsin.

To reach Main Street, Downtown Madison, take US-12 E/US-14 E/Templeton Gap Rd towards Madison. Continue on US-14 E and take the Park St exit towards Main Street Downtown.

Ben and Amy talking on the couch scene in The Family Stone

Culver Studios, 9336 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA

Ben (Luke Wilson) and Amy (Rachel McAdams) share a heartfelt conversation on a couch. As they sit on the sofa, surrounded by tasteful decor and ambient lighting, the audience can't help but be moved by the sincerity of their conversation. It's a touching moment that stands out in the film. The soft, warm lighting creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere that draws the viewer into the moment.

This scene is filmed at Culver Studios. It is a historic film studio situated in Culver City, California. It was established in 1918 by Thomas Ince, a silent movie pioneer, and has been an essential part of the entertainment industry ever since. The studio has housed several iconic productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Citizen Kane, and King Kong. Recently, it has been home to popular TV shows such as Mad Men, Arrested Development, and Dear White People.

From downtown Los Angeles, take I-10 W towards Ince Blvd and continue until you reach Washington Blvd. Turn right onto Washington Blvd and continue for approximately 0.5 miles to reach 9336 Washington Blvd.

Everett and Thad walking to the shop scene in The Family Stone

Drew University, 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ

Everett (Dermot Mulroney) and his brother Thad (Tyrone Giordano) are shopping for an engagement ring for Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker). The historic Mead Hall building can be seen in the background as they walk along the campus. The beautiful architecture of the building and the surrounding scenery of trees and greenery create a charming setting for the scene.

Drew University is situated in Madison, New Jersey, and is a private institution. Established in 1867, the university is spread across a beautiful wooded campus that spans 186 acres. Drew University is well-known for offering a unique undergraduate program called the Drew Plan. This program allows students to design their majors, combining courses and disciplines from different departments. This interdisciplinary approach to education gives students more flexibility and control over their academic pursuits.

Here are some directions to get to 36 Madison Ave, Madison:

From New York City, take I-78 W towards Clinton and Madison Ave. Turn left onto Madison Ave and continue for approximately 1.5 miles. You will reach 36 Madison Ave on your right.

Everett buying the wedding ring scene in The Family Stone

Rose City Beauty, 26 Waverly Pl, Madison, NJ

Everett (Dermot Mulroney) and Thad (Tyrone Giordano) go shopping in town to buy an engagement ring for Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker). As they browse, Thad encourages Everett to reconsider marrying Meredith, stating that she doesn't seem to mesh well with their family. Despite this, Everett remains determined to propose to her.

Rose City Beauty is an all-natural beauty boutique at 26 Waverly Place in Madison, NJ. The store offers a wide range of beauty products free from harmful chemicals and toxins. From skincare to makeup, men's grooming, and baby essentials, Rose City Beauty has something for everyone.

To get here, take exit 48 for NJ-24 W towards Morris Plains / Springfield. Continue to Park Ave, turn left onto Madison Ave, and right onto Waverly Pl.

Christmas day scene in The Family Stone

144 Riverside Ave, Riverside, CT

The Stone children discover on Christmas Day that their mother, Sybil (Diane Keaton), who had previously battled breast cancer, is now facing an aggressive recurrence of the disease. Initially, Sybil had declined Everett's (Dermot Mulroney) proposal to use his grandmother's ring to propose to his girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker). However, given her condition, Sybil reconsiders and offers the ring to Everett. Unfortunately, by this point, Everett's romantic feelings have shifted towards Julie (Claire Danes), Meredith's sister, making the ring offer moot.

Riverside Avenue is a picturesque street in the Riverside neighborhood of Greenwich, Connecticut. The Avenue is surrounded by beautiful homes and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. One of the most notable features of Riverside Avenue is the historic Riverside Train Station, which was built in 1894 and still serves commuters on the New Haven Line today. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

Take I-95 N towards New Haven and Riverside/Greenwich to get here. Turn onto US-1 N/E Putnam Ave and right onto Riverside Ave.

Conclusion

The Family Stone is a classic holiday film that captures the beauty of family and love. Filmed across multiple locations in the U.S., each city brings something different to this story. Starting in Greenwich, Connecticut, the film follows an uptight conservative businesswoman as she experiences her boyfriend's eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration.

From this traditional New England setting to Morris County for a romantic trip to snowshoeing in the mountains; Culver City for its bustling city life; Los Angeles for more beachy vibes with roller-skating on the boardwalk, and finally ending up in New York at Rockefeller Center, The Family Stone takes us on a journey of discovery and joy.

As we experience each location through the characters’ eyes, we find ourselves immersed in a unique world where traditions come alive, even when things don’t always go according to plan.