If you are a film fanatic, chances are good that you have caught a scene or two that was shot in West Virginia without even realizing it. When you recognize your favorite Almost Heaven restaurant or scenic spot lurking in the backdrop, you will always think of the scene the next time you stop by.
From historic landmarks to the state’s most hidden streets, West Virginia towns find ways to attract visitors. Here are five movies that showcase some of the Mountain State’s most charming towns.
White Sulphur Springs
Christmas At The Greenbrier (2022)
Dubbed “America’s Resort,” The Greenbrier Resort is a world-class destination for those looking to experience an extravagant getaway in White Sulphur Springs. Christmas At The Greenbrier is a story about the possible love connection between a widowed mother, Abby, and former professional football player, Ben. They unexpectedly cross paths while at the resort and are pressured to determine if true love is their destiny. You will always experience the magic of The Greenbrier – whether it’s the Christmas season or during the peak of spring.
Weirton
Super 8 (2011) and The Deer Hunter (1978)
If you’re into hidden small towns, Weirton should definitely be of interest. The science fiction thriller Super 8 turns the clock back to the summer of 1979 when a group of young friends is filming a Super-8 movie when a pickup truck derails a speeding train. Evidence suggests that the train accident was not an accident, as locals began disappearing left and right, whipping the young group into a frenzy.
While the story takes place in the fictional Ohio city of Lillian, the movie was filmed in West Virginia. Most scenes were shot in Weirton and parts of Follansbee and New Cumberland in Ohio. Filming locations in the area include St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Abundant Grace Bible Church (Lillian Middle School in the film), Weirton Electric Supply (a pharmacy in the movie) and many more.The Deer Hunter is a classic war movie set in 1968. Lifelong friends Michael, Nick and Steven are from a working-class Pennsylvania steel town. Following Steven’s elaborate wedding and one final group hunting trip, they prepare to ship overseas. While in Vietnam, however, their dreams of military honor are quickly erased by the war, and even those who survive are haunted by its worst moments.
Huntington
We Are Marshall (2006)
In 1970, Marshall University in Huntington lost 75 of its football players, coaches, staff members and boosters in an airplane crash. Based on a true story, We Are Marshall shines a light on the new Thundering Herd head coach, Jack Lengyel, and his mission to rebuild the football team and heal the mourning community.
While most of the movie was not filmed in West Virginia, Coach Lengyel’s speech scene was filmed at the memorial at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington. This pivotal moment in the team’s success also honored the victims of the Southern Airways Flight 932 crash.
Fairmont
Feast of the Seven Fishes (2018)
Made by Marion County native Robert Tinnell, Feast of the Seven Fishes is a comedy holiday movie about a large Italian family preparing for the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. The family members look back on the good old days and seek love in the future.
Some of the Fairmont filming locations include the Marion County Courthouse, High-Level Bridge, Woody’s Restaurant, Johnny’s Market (DeMary’s Market), The Melody Manor (Tonya’s Bar on Rte. 19), Grandpa Johnny’s House on Clayton Street and many more.
While you’re following the footsteps of your favorite characters or just admiring the history of the towns, be sure to explore more of what each destination has to offer with the help of our free West Virginia Vacation Guide!
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This article: These 4 West Virginia Towns Made It to the Big Screen has been curated from our friends at Visit West Virginia and the original in it's entirety can be found here: https://wvtourism.com/these-4-west-virginia-towns-made-it-to-the-big-screen/
