Director Howard Zieff, known for his work in commercial advertising, created a touching coming-of-age story that harmoniously blends elements of romance, comedy, and drama. The film was released in 1991 and remains beloved by many viewers. The story takes place in the small, quiet town of Bartow, located in Central Florida. Here you can see wonderful natural landscapes, historic architecture, and cozy streets that served as the perfect backdrop for the film's narrative. Bartow is surrounded by picturesque lakes, green parks, and sun-drenched streets, giving the film a special atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia. One of the iconic filming locations was the white Victorian mansion that played the role of the Sultenfuss family funeral home. It is located at 555 East Stanford Street on Highway 60, about 40 miles east of Tampa. In real life, the building long functioned as a guest house until it was closed. Another well-known filming location is the cafe where Vada spots Culkin's mom. This scene was filmed at 112 East First Street in an establishment then called "Jake's Cafe," now known as the "Breezeway" restaurant. Visiting these places will be a true journey back in time, allowing fans of the film to immerse themselves in the atmosphere in which Vada and Thomas lived and grew up.

Filming Locations:

Sultenfuss Funeral Home

In the Movie

Scene where Vada, a charming 11-year-old girl, has been fascinated by death and disease since childhood. And it's not without reason. Her father, Harry, is a kind but awkward widower who doesn't always understand his daughter's needs, works as the director of a funeral home that also serves as their family home. Vada often brings friends and acquaintances there to show them coffins and corpses for a small fee, and sometimes to play pranks on visitors.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a building located at 555 East Stanford Street in Bartow. It played a significant role in the film, although it is off the beaten tourist path. Previously, this structure functioned as a guest house, but due to low booking demand, it was closed and subsequently converted into a private residence.

The Street

In the Movie

Scene where Vada and Thomas ride their bikes through the streets of their town. Along the way, they meet their school teacher, who is painting the facade of a house. Thomas initially doesn't want to talk to the teacher during vacation, but Vada persuades him to start a conversation.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the intersection of East First Street and Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Around the intersection are pedestrian areas that offer visitors scenic views, as well as access to various shops, cafes, and galleries. Additionally, the intersection offers views of historic Renaissance-style buildings, many of which have been restored to preserve the city's heritage.

Poetry Club

In the Movie

Scene where Vada, in love with her teacher Mr. Bixler, decides to join the poetry lessons he conducts after school. At her first session, when asked to write about what's on her mind, Vada confronts a deep fear—she feels responsible for her mother's death, who passed away two days after her birth.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the building of the Henry B. Plant Railroad Historical Society. This is a landmark in Sanford, Florida, now functioning as a community center. It was built for the needs of the railroad company, which played a key role in the development of Florida's transportation infrastructure. Today, the building serves as a cultural and educational center, offering various events, exhibitions, and programs for locals and tourists. Inside are historical exhibits dedicated to the history of railroads, as well as the growth and development of Sanford as a railroad hub.