Can You Visit Forrest Gump’s House? Exploring the Iconic Locations from the Movie
Forrest Gump is a movie that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1994, the film tells the story of Forrest, a man with a low IQ who goes on to achieve great things in his life. The movie was shot in various locations across the United States, with each location becoming an iconic part of the film’s legacy.
The House in the Movie
One such location is the house where Forrest lived. The house has become an iconic part of the movie, and many fans travel to see the location each year. However, the question remains, can you really visit Forrest Gump’s house?
The answer is both yes and no. The house used in the movie was not a real house but a movie set. The house was built on a soundstage in Hollywood and was decorated to look like a typical Alabama home. This means that the house you see in the movie does not actually exist in real life.
Iconic Locations You Can Visit
Despite this, there are a few locations that you can visit that were used to film certain scenes in the movie. These locations include:
- Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia – This is one of the most famous locations used in the movie. Chippewa Square is where Forrest sits on a bench telling his story to various people who sit next to him. The bench that Forrest sits on is no longer on the square, but you can still visit the location and take a photo at the spot where the bench used to be.
- Monterey Plaza Hotel in Monterey, California – This is where Forrest runs across the country and ends up in front of a large group of people. The hotel is still in operation today, and you can visit it to see the location where this iconic scene was filmed.
- Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina – This is where Forrest’s love interest, Jenny, grows up. The Estate is still open to visitors, and you can take a tour to see the location where Jenny spent her childhood.
- Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina – This is where Forrest runs across a bridge while being chased by bullies. The bridge is still there and is open to visitors, allowing you to recreate this iconic scene from the movie.
While you cannot visit Forrest’s actual house, these locations give you a chance to experience some of the magic of the movie in real life. Visiting these locations can give you a deeper appreciation for the film and the effort that went into creating it.
Exhibits and Museums
In addition to these iconic locations, there are also several museums and exhibits that showcase props, costumes, and other memorabilia from the movie. These exhibits can give you a chance to see some of the actual items used in the movie and get a closer look at the details that went into creating the film.
One such exhibit is the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant chain. The chain was inspired by the movie and features memorabilia from the film throughout its various locations. The restaurant even has its own gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and merchandise from the movie.
Another exhibit is the Forrest Gump Museum in Smithfield, Virginia. The museum features props, costumes, and other memorabilia from the movie, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience some of the scenes from the film.
Visiting these locations and exhibits can be a fun and exciting experience for fans of the movie. It can give you a chance to connect with the film in a new way and gain a deeper understanding of the work that went into creating it.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while you cannot visit Forrest Gump’s actual house, there are still several locations and exhibits that allow you to experience the magic of the movie in real life. From Chippewa Square to the Biltmore Estate, each location has its own unique history and story to tell. By visiting these locations, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the film and the effort that went into creating it. So, if you are a fan of Forrest Gump, make sure to visit these iconic locations and experience the movie in a whole new way.