Movie road trip: A cinematic site per state for all 50 states

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Mississippi: The Help

Based on the popular book, The Help was set in Mississippi. While the book was set in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s, the movie was filmed in Greenwood. North of Jackson, Greenwood offered some the nostalgic charm that the movie needed to capture. While some public locations were used, many of the homes were private residences.

The long, wooded Mississippi streets are featured in The Help. Greenwood’s Grand Boulevard epitomized the feel from the book. Featured throughout the movie, the location conveys a slower, Southern lifestyle. The carefully cared for streets were associated with the elitist neighborhood. While somewhat stereotypical, the area is quite lovely for a stroll.

Several privately owned homes were featured in the movie. Skeeter’s home was an actual farm. The exterior and interior were two different homes in the area. Other local homes were also used.
The downtown Greenwood area offers some antique shops, clothing stores, and gift shops. The store, A Pocket Full of Posies, at 309 Howard St., is the bookstore featured in the movie. The book was featured in its window. Today, that store sells stationary and gifts.

If you don’t want to drive to Greenwood, Jackson, Mississippi does have a film location. Fans of The Help can have a meal at Mayflower Café. In the movie, Skeeter has a date with Stuart here. This Greek restaurant has been around since 1935. In addition to its movie features, Mayflower Café is famous for its house salad dressing and has been featured on the Food Network.