Where Was “Sweet Magnolias” Filmed?

• What is “Sweet Magnolias”?
• Is Serenity, South Carolina from “Sweet Magnolias” a real place?
• Did they film “Sweet Magnolias” on location in Sumter, South Carolina?
• Covington, Georgia “Sweet Magnolias” filming locations
• Other notable “Sweet Magnolias” filming locations
• Find your own “Sweet Magnolias”-inspired filming location

Love the hit show and are now wondering: “where was ‘Sweet Magnolias’ filmed”? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We take you on a journey to the beloved series’ numerous filming locations.

While you’re here, we also have a “Sweet Magnolias”-inspired filming location from Peerspace, the number one digital destination for all of your filming location and production studio rental needs. Be sure to stick around till the end so you can check that out. But in the meantime let’s kick back, relax, and check out where you can find your own slice of Serenity, South Carolina!

What is “Sweet Magnolias”?

The Netflix drama series “Sweet Magnolias” debuted in 2020 and aired its most recent season, its third season, in the summer of 2023. With a fourth season in the works, fans are excited for more of the show’s romance and excitement. Based on the novels of the same name by author Sherryl Woods, the series follows three friends as they navigate the ups and downs of middle age in their South Carolina town.

Serenity, South Carolina, where the women live, is absolutely picturesque. Fans have fallen in love with its wraparound porches and serene atmosphere, leading many to wonder: where was “Sweet Magnolias” filmed? Today we’re going to take a trip down South and check out all the filming locations that you may recognize while letting you know which ones you can visit for yourself.

Love all things Netflix? Then check out where they filmed “I Care A Lot” next!

Is Serenity, South Carolina from “Sweet Magnolias” a real place?

One of the first things fans are probably wondering when they watch “Sweet Magnolias” is whether or not the town of Serenity, South Carolina is an actual place. This is the first thing we want to establish when answering the question: where was “Sweet Magnolias” filmed?

To discover where the real Serenity, South Carolina is located, we turn to an article in Good Housekeeping. It confirms that the town is not actually a real place, but was created by Sherryl Woods based on her experiences in the town of Sumter, South Carolina.

They go on to share a quote from the author that explains why the town meant so much to her. “Each year as I travel from my home in Key Biscayne, Florida to my family’s summer cottage in Colonial Beach, Virginia, I make a stop in Sumter, South Carolina, to visit one of my family’s oldest and dearest friends, Donnie Clemons.”

It’s no wonder that the author settled on Sumter as the inspiration for Serenity. The town’s website says that they experience a moderate climate all year round that is perfect for outdoor activities. They also have a rich history, including the Sumter Opera House. It was built in the late 1800s and is still in use as the setting for live shows for all ages to this day.

Did they film “Sweet Magnolias” on location in Sumter, South Carolina?

Now we know what the inspiration for Serenity, South Carolina is. Next, we can move on to answering the question: where was “Sweet Magnolias” filmed?

According to travel magazine This Is My South, they actually filmed the series not far from Sumter in the city of Covington, Georgia. This is no surprise considering its proximity to the filming hub that is Atlanta, and the town’s history as the production location for shows such as “Dukes of Hazzard,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and movies like “Remember The Titans.”

Find yourself in Covington and want to check out locations that have been seen on screen? Then make sure you go on their Walk of Stars Tour. They boast over 30 places that you can check out so you’re sure to be familiar with films and shows filmed there!

Covington, Georgia “Sweet Magnolias” filming locations

By now, we have the preliminary answer to the question: where was “Sweet Magnolias” filmed? Next, ee can finally get to some of the specific locations from the show that you may recognize,

We’re going to turn to an article by Atlas of Wonders to start our tour, beginning with Dana’s restaurant, The Sullivan’s. Feel free to stop into The Alley at Mystic Grill in Covington if you want to see the actual interiors where they shot the show and grab a delicious bite to eat! Apparently, this was also the same restaurant that was in “The Vampire Diaries.”

Next up, we want to cover one of the more memorable locations from the show, the mansion that Helen transforms into her business, the Corner Spa. Atlas of Wonders writes that you can find this at 1144 College Avenue in Covington.

Don’t expect to get a relaxing spa treatment while you’re there, because the property is actually the location of a law office. The last location in Covington to address is the Spring River Medical Complex – the real-life counterpart to that is the Piedmont Newton Hospital.

Discover 10 great films made in Atlanta for more cinematic inspiration!

Other notable “Sweet Magnolias” filming locations

Like most television shows and movies, the production wasn’t quite able to find everything they were looking for in one town, so they had to branch out. There are a few other places in Georgia for us to visit on our quest to answer the question: where was “Sweet Magnolias” filmed?

First up is the location of Serenity’s Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. You may remember that the church was featured in several episodes of the show. Good Housekeeping tells us that the actually filmed those scenes at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church in Decatur, a little closer to Atlanta.

The last location we’re going to cover today is the True Brew Daily Cafe from the second season of the show. Atlas of Wonders tells us that if you’re looking to find the cafe and purchase a cup of Joe for yourself then you should head down to the Awake Coffee Company in Conyers, Georgia, and see the quaint coffee spot for yourself.

Find your own “Sweet Magnolias”-inspired filming location

If you watched “Sweet Magnolias” and want to create your own piece of media or host an event with a similar vibe, then be sure to check out Peerspace. The platform has hundreds of amazing locations available to rent across the globe that match the Serenity feeling.

Venue ideas in Conyers

For instance, check out this beautiful and massive 30,000-square-foot residence. It boasts a garden with two koi ponds, five beehives, and serene nature trails. Inside the home, you’ll also have access to a party-perfect private movie theater room! The hosts are in the entertainment industry themselves, which can be beneficial if you need equipment rentals. It’s in Conyers, which you may remember as the filming location for parts of “Sweet Magnolias”. In fact, this house looks like it could be right at home in Serenity, Georgia.

Venue ideas in Sumter

What if you want to head to Sumter, SC, the city that inspired the “Sweet Magnolias” books? You can book amazing Peerspace venues there, too! For example, check out this stylish downtown home in Sumter. It boasts two bedrooms, a game room, a living room, a full kitchen and dining space, and a private backyard. Sounds like home to us!

Venue ideas elsewhere

There are also tons of “Sweet Magnolias”-worthy rental venues available through Peerspace in cities and towns globally. For example, our friends in Los Angeles, CA can book this sweet fairytale cottage in Topanga and host a “Sweet Magnolias” watch party as you await the fourth season to drop!

Peerspace is the best spot to find filming locations and production studios in the Atlanta area and beyond!

Where was “Sweet Magnolias” filmed: conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this insider’s look into the filming locations for “Sweet Magnolias”. Whether you’re working on a production or a party, remember that you can use Peerspace to help you discover the perfect setting. It’s a marvelous way to find all the spaces that make you creative, especially as we wait for “Sweet Magnolias” season 4!

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace