My Hometown: Oxnard, California
Once an agricultural area, it is now an endless array of concrete and buildings covering some of the best farmland God has ever provided. To balance it out, California brought water to the desert for farmland.
--contributed by Bill
Labels: Movie Magic Contest, my Hometown
Filming Location: "Scarlett" in Charleston, South Carolina
Many years ago I took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. On the way I was reading a book called
Scarlett, which was the sequel to
Gone With The Wind. When we got there, we discovered they were filming the movie of that book. It was so cool to be able to actually walk the streets featured in the book and see the characters in costume milling around, it felt like I had stepped back in time.
--contributed by lapaulaf
Labels: Movie Magic Contest
My Hometown: Staunton, Virginia
Oh, how you should see the streets of laid red clay bricks mixed with cobble stone that stretches from one end of town to the other. At the far end of a narrow street, buildings of old stand tall looking in the direction of one solitary building cut into the embankment of a cliff-- its name is the General Jackson Hotel. Its been there even before my great grandfather took his first breath, with brilliant crystal lights dangling from the creamy ceiling, reflecting evening light into glorious rainbows. My movie would begin in this very setting with the lovely couples sitting down at white covered tables just big enough for the two to sit comfortably, the staff coming to serve them a early dinner in old custom wears of the hotels' lineage, roasts all warm with steam rising from the silver covered dishes on tea tables. The room is silent other that a few mere I love you's and the sounds of the forks finding the plates.
After dinner the young couples would find themselves going to a farm called Merdale Meadows just fifteen miles away. There they would meet up with the old man who runs the horse trail rides. Each horse is looked over carefully for temperament as he shows each person to their "old faithful." He starts off slow up a small bank-- some of the women look nervously downward holding tight to the saddle's horn, but the ride through rivers and streams across meadows and tree-filled woods with leaves falling like snow was worth it alone, but at the end of their journey, just before night dims the last light in the sky, they reach their destination-- a beautiful meadow more beautiful than all others. They dismount, wrapping the reins to a downed tree. They all stay still and hushed, but why one may ask. As night comes closer, the couples sit in the grass atop blankets-- soon the moons shines full and bright as a white sun blazing, a blue shadow to each tree. A sound comes slow at first but then louder more pronounced a nose shows from a bush. A small female fawn appears still with spots-- her mother is close grazing on the last honeysuckle of the season. The couples watch as more deer appear. Soon the group of people look on as
they are sharing the field with a heard of wild deer, a fawn skips and jumps just a little too far from mother and ends up in front of a women snuggled up to her husband. She reaches out to touch the nose of the fawn just as the tips of her
fingers touch the fawn's soft fur. The fawn runs back to mom to nurse and the group "awws" at the calming sight a small rabbit comes into view, as does a owl nestled up top an old branch. As he flies down to seek out a field mouse, the branch falls-- the large, dark buck perks his ears, raising his large graceful neck to look around. Something startles him and he runs the herd away-- jumping a low fence, the fawns squeeze through a broken fence wire hole.
The group stands to leave, and as they find there way back down the trail they had taken, each taken in the mystical power this wood still holds. When they reach the bottom they find themselves saying goodbye to the old man, thanking him for the most memorable time each had ever had. Each are given a token of their trip-- a book called
The Book of Merdale. and then the couples leave. Going back to the hotel they go to their rooms with a glass of wine, and as the lights of the room dim the lovebirds go to the fire places and snuggle together on the couches-- the women kiss there love's cheek as they in return kiss there brows, and and a sigh of complete content ends the perfect afternoon in Staunton, Virginia.
-- contributed by Pararu Quamato
Labels: Movie Magic Contest, my Hometown
Filming Location: Smithville, Texas
Brad Pitt and Sean Penn had already filmed their final scene for
Tree of Life and Sandra Bullock's visit was a distant memory by the time I had the opportunity to drive past Smithville, Texas, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my brief stay in the cozy community.
Just like in
Hope Floats, Smithville is small town America at its best, dotted with buildings that seem to welcome you back to the slower pace of the past. Any any movie fan planning on a visit, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Pocket's Grille-- good food and a chance to see some
Hope Floats memorabilia on display!
-- contributed by Gary
Labels: Movie Magic Contest
My Hometown: Las Vegas and Tule Springs, Nevada
When people think of Las Vegas, Nevada, they think of the strip, drinking and gambling. Doesn't sound so romantic right? I mean, half the people that do come here are single and are looking for a 'good time' which involves a one night stand with a stranger. And that has to be the FARTHEST thing from romantic. I've lived here my whole life, so I see things differently then most. Aside from the strip and the hot, hot desert, there is a little place near the mountains, call Tule Springs. It's our state's National Park. Not many people visit there, which makes it quite nice and quiet. There's fields and fields of grass and barns full of animals and you can even go horse back riding. There's benches for picnics and wishing wells for you to throw pennies. There's a bunch of trees for shade and a beautiful meadow you can walk through. It's the states largest park, so the possibilities are endless. If you
and your hubby want to have a romantic getaway for free that's peace and quiet, this is definitely the place to go!
--contributed by Alyssa
Labels: Movie Magic Contest, my Hometown
Filming Location: Niagara Falls
As a fan of
The Office, I'm so excited that an important scene in the new season was
filmed aboard The Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls! Since this episode still
hasn't aired, I won't give anything away. Besides, when I planned a visit to
Niagara Falls with my fiance earlier this year, it wasn't the gang at Dunder Mifflin
that was on my mind, but rather screen queen Marilyn Monroe, who filmed her movie
Niagara on location at the falls in 1952.
Although the surroundings have changed since the era when the thriller was
shot, the falls themselves remain the same. From a distance, the falling water
gives the impression of a wedding veil, and the imagery must have inspired my
boyfriend, as he chose the site as the place to propose to me!
It was a beautiful June day when we boarded The Maid of The Mist, and a rainbow seemed to follow us as we approached the falls. Even wearing the blue rain jackets issued to each passenger, we were soaked by the time the tour was over, but that only added to the experience. I'll always have fond memories of my time in Niagara Falls, and like so many couples before us, we plan to go back on our honeymoon!
--contributed by Bridget
Labels: Movie Magic Contest
My Hometown: Newport, Kentucky
If I were filming a romantic movie where I live I would do it in Newport, Kentucky. There is a place called Newport on the levee and it has romantic restaurants and
a movie theater. The restaurants are upper class, very romantic and right on the
river. You can take a walk on the river at night and it's very pretty. On the levee
it's lit up and has binoculars set up all along the walk way and benches you can sit
at. Walking along or sitting together, just looking out at the water is very
romantic. The breeze at night is great. After that, very close to there is Weller
Haus bed and breakfast. It's one of the most romantic places in the area. It's
historic, along with most of Newport, and it's very cozy. There is an English garden
and pond-- it feels very private, but still in the city. They have a wonderful porch
you can sit on. You're right by the levee and river. It's very romantic.
--contributed by Stephanie
Labels: Movie Magic Contest, my Hometown
Filming Location: "Viva Las Vegas" and The Little Church of The West
Being one of the world's biggest Elvis Presley fans, I've not only made a pilgrimage to Graceland, but also to the city that, to this day, seems to worship him as much as I do-- Las Vegas. As my husband (bless him) humors my passion for The King, for our recent summer vacation we packed out bags and headed for the bright light city that sets my soul on fire, singing "Viva Las Vegas" along the way.
Although the ghosts of gold lame Elvis appear at most of the Vegas chapels we drove past, it was the experience of walking in the real King's footsteps at The Little Church of the West Wedding Chapel that brought a tear to my eye. This cozy wooden chapel-- which has been the site of a number of famous wedding ceremonies over the years-- starred in the wedding scene of
Viva Las Vegas with Elvis and Ann-Margret. Those two had such chemistry. Even though they found love with others, they always kept a special place in their heats for one another, and I'll keep a special place in my heart for The King of Rock 'n' Roll and that little wooden chapel.
--contributed by Pauline
photo by Pauline
Labels: Movie Magic Contest
Filming Location: The Alamo and The River Walk in San Antonio
As a resident of San Antonio, I've walked past The Alamo countless times, and while I've never failed to reflect on the event that took place there in 1836, as a movie fan I'm also reminded of the many times the Spanish mission has appeared on the big screen. Two of my favorites are
Miss Congeniality (remember Sandra Bullock's performance with the glasses for the talent competition?) and in a performance montage in the movie
Selena.
Even years after her untimely passing, Selena Quintanilla is still the queen of Tejano music and her music remains a fixture on San Antonio radio play lists. During the filming of Selena's biopic, Jennifer Lopez shot a scene on one of the bridges that stretch over the waters that run through the River Walk, one of the city's most romantic attractions. When visiting, be sure to take a cruise in one of the many boats that float past the area's hotels and stores!
--contributed by Sophia
photo courtesy Sophia
Labels: Movie Magic Contest
Filming Location: "The Amityville Horror" House in Long Island
I went to see the
Amityville Horror house in Long Island, New York last summer. It did not look the same as it did in the movie. They had rebuilt the whole house. It didn't feel good to see the house because I was thinking it would look the same as it did in the movie.
--contributed by Melissa
Labels: Movie Magic Contest
My Hometown: Salado, Texas
Salado may have achieved momentary fame when former President Bush's daughter chose the town for her pre-wedding celebrations, but in the eyes of this Central Texas community's residents Salado has always been a star.
The past is always present here, from the classic movies that flicker on screen and vaudevillian acts that entertain at the Silver Spur Theater to the vintage clothing, porcelain dolls and china cups that look right at home in the myriad antiques stores along Main Street. (I suggest a stop by Antiques Rose of Bell, which is housed in a Victorian era home that adds to the back-in-time experience.)
Visitors that walk through the entrance of The Stagecoach Inn follow in the footsteps of former guests Sam Houston, Robert E. Lee and General Custer. After enjoying a romantic lunch or dinner at the inn (you'll love their chicken fried steak!) take a souvenir snapshot by the stagecoach outside.
I had to move away from the Central Texas area, but it's still has a big part of my heart. Sometimes, if I concentrate, I can still hear the trickling waters of Salado Creek as it skips over its pebbled bed. If you get a chance to visit Salado, stop by the bronze statue of the mermaid "Sirena," who watches the water roll by, and tell her I said "Hello."
--contributed by Arthur
Labels: Movie Magic Contest, my Hometown
My Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Well, if I were to have a romantic getaway in Boise, ID. First, I would go up to Tablerock Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. Then, I would head downtown to Goldy's for an amazing breakfast. Hand in hand I would walk over to Julia Davis Park and enjoy a paddle boat ride on the lake. Then I'd spend some time walking along the Greenbelt, Boise's nature trail, ending up a private oasis behind Veteran's Memorial Park. After a day of enjoy the water and the sights, we would head to Chandler's Steakhouse for mouthwatering steak. Finally, we would drive up to eighth street extension to stargaze and admire the skyline.
-- contributed by Courtney
Photo courtesy Courtney
Labels: Movie Magic Contest, my Hometown
Being one of the world's biggest Elvis Presley fans, I've not only made a pilgrimage to Graceland, but also to the city that, to this day, seems to worship him as much as I do-- Las Vegas. As my husband (bless him) humors my passion for The King, for our recent summer vacation we packed out bags and headed for the bright light city that sets my soul on fire, singing "Viva Las Vegas" along the way.
As a resident of San Antonio, I've walked past The Alamo countless times, and while I've never failed to reflect on the event that took place there in 1836, as a movie fan I'm also reminded of the many times the Spanish mission has appeared on the big screen. Two of my favorites are Miss Congeniality (remember Sandra Bullock's performance with the glasses for the talent competition?) and in a performance montage in the movie Selena.
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