“The Idea of You” takes us on a whirlwind romantic comedy adventure. Sophie (Anne Hathaway), a divorced mother, finds herself unexpectedly falling for Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of the hot boyband August Moon. The film explores themes of second chances, following your dreams, and, of course, the allure of young stardom.
While the story unfolds with a California backdrop, the actual filming locations for “The Idea of You” were a little closer to home for the production team. Let’s dive into the key places where the movie came to life and what you can expect to see if you decide to visit them yourself!
Atlanta, Georgia
Key Scenes: The majority of the film’s exterior scenes were filmed in Atlanta, including Sophie’s house, the art gallery, and Buckhead neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit: Visit between May or September for a comfortable temperature, summer can be a bit hot in Savannah.
Transportation Options: Atlanta is a major city with a good public transportation system including buses and a subway line. Renting a car offers more flexibility for exploring different filming locations.
Atlanta, the vibrant capital of Georgia, served as the primary filming location for “The Idea of You,” cleverly transformed to represent sunny California. Fans will recognize locations like the charming Poncey-Highland neighborhood, where Sophie’s house is situated, and the Candler Park area, which doubled as the exterior of her art gallery. Buckhead, a more upscale district of Atlanta, also makes an appearance in the film.
This easily accessible city offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Immerse yourself in the art scene by exploring the High Museum of Art, or catch a performance at the Alliance Theatre. For a taste of Atlanta’s history, visit the Atlanta History Center or the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Things to Do in Atlanta: Explore the scenic Atlanta BeltLine, a converted railway turned walking and biking trail, or visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. For a touch of Hollywood magic, take a studio tour at Warner Bros. Studios Atlanta, where many movies and television shows are filmed.
Where to Eat in Atlanta: Enjoy classic Southern fare at The Colonnade Restaurant, a historic Atlanta institution. For a more modern vibe, head to Ponce City Market, a food hall offering a variety of cuisines.
Where to Stay in Atlanta: The Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown offers a stylish and centrally located place to stay, close to many filming sites and attractions.
Savannah, Georgia
Key Scenes: A couple of key scenes, including a romantic evening stroll, were filmed in Savannah’s historic district.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall from March to June offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring Savannah’s charming streets.
Transportation Options: Savannah is a walkable city, and many of the key attractions are located within the historic district. For venturing outside the downtown area, car rentals or ride-sharing services are convenient options.
Savannah, Georgia’s historic gem, provided a picturesque backdrop for a few scenes in “The Idea of You.” Fans with a keen eye might recognize Forsyth Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city, where Sophie and Hayes share a romantic moment. The cobblestone streets and moss-draped squares of Savannah’s historic district add a touch of Southern charm to the film.
This location is a must-visit for fans of history and architecture. Take a guided walking tour to learn about Savannah’s rich past, or explore the city’s squares like Telfair Square and Chippewa Square, both featured in the film.
Things to Do in Savannah: Step back in time at the Savannah Historic District or explore the fascinating collections at the Telfair Museums. Take a ghost tour at the odd macabre and hear chilling tales of Savannah’s haunted past. You should visit the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) which largely responsible for the city of Savannah’s thriving creative scene.
A number of revolving contemporary art shows are on display all year long at the SCAD Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum connected to the school.
Where to Eat in Savannah: Enjoy fresh seafood with a view at The Olde Pink House, a historic restaurant located on the Savannah River. For a casual atmosphere and delicious comfort food, try Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah institution famous for its innovative ice cream flavors.
Where to Stay in Savannah: The Kimpton Brice Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located right in the heart of the historic district, placing you close to filming locations and other attractions.
Southern Charm Meets Big Dreams
The vibrant cityscapes and charming landscapes of Georgia come alive in “The Idea of You.” But beyond the backdrop, what did you think about the film’s portrayal of whirlwind romance and following your dreams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!