The film is known for its unusual choice of filming locations. Although the story originally takes place in Georgia, it was moved to South Carolina for the film. Most of the filming took place in Florida, in the picturesque towns of Micanopy and McIntosh, located south of Gainesville. Additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles. Micanopy and McIntosh were chosen for their small-town atmosphere, and to create the desired ambiance, extensive changes were made at a cost of $12 million, according to the American Film Institute. These towns became the on-screen embodiment of the fictional Grady, South Carolina, where most of the film's events unfold. The film begins with dynamic scenes in Los Angeles, showing the life of the protagonist, Benjamin Stone, before his accidental arrival in Grady. The contrast between the bustling metropolis and the leisurely pace of the small town underscores the key theme of the story.

Filming Locations:

The Fence on the Property

In the Movie

Scene where Ben Stone sets off on a cross-country trip in his vintage 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster. His destination is Beverly Hills, where he plans to open a cosmetic surgery practice. However, his plans unexpectedly fall apart when he encounters a homemade fence belonging to Judge Evans in the rural town of Grady, South Carolina.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the quaint town of Micanopy, Florida. The specific location is the unincorporated community of Evinston, which is usually considered part of Micanopy on most maps. Judge Evans' house, the central element of this scene, is located on a dirt road near Southeast 182nd Avenue.

The Cafe

In the Movie

Scene where Mayor Nick Nicholson is eager to convince Ben to stay in town, as their current doctor, Aurelius Hogue, is on the verge of retirement. He arranges a friendly welcome for the young doctor. The local cafe owner and her acquaintances make Ben feel at home with their generous hospitality.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Northeast Cholokka Boulevard in Micanopy, Florida. This street, lined with antique shops, coffee houses, cafes, and other local establishments, is the heart of the cinematic town of Grady.

The Local Clinic

In the Movie

Scene where Ben encounters a stark contrast as he moves from the tense atmosphere of the city emergency room to the calmer setting of a small clinic in Grady. His new patients are locals with fairly simple cases: an elderly woman who sees spots due to dirty glasses, a man impaled by a fishhook, and a young couple who can't read, whom Ben helps sort through their mail.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the antique shop "House of Hirsch Two Antiques" in Micanopy, Florida. This antique store has retained its original appearance to this day. It represents a unique blend of history and charm, with a rich collection of antiques.