In honor of the day, we’re paying tribute to the iconic film Groundhog Day. Checkout these picturess real-world filming locations.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or maybe in a burrow, you’re probably familiar with the film Groundhog Day. It’s one of those iconic movies from the 1990’s, and for many of us, it’s become as synonymous with celebrating Groundhog Day, as Home Alone is with the Holidays. Essential to it’s appeal is the film’s setting in the quintessential american village of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. But wait, that charmingly festive gathering of town’s folk and picturess stretch of Main street wasn’t even in PA. The location for most of the shooting of Groundhog Day was actually Woodstock, Illinois. As huge fans of pop culture movies and interesting Illinois venues, we thought we’d share some of the actual Illinois filming locations.
Pennsylvania Hotel
You may recall this is the building is where Bill Murray’s character takes a suicidal leap from the tower balcony. A futile attempt to escape the endless time loop in which he finds himself trapped, repeating the same day, over and over again. In the real life Illinois town, the building is the Woodstock Opera House. It’s also where Marlon Brando, who grew up in Illinois, once performed.
Gobbler’s Knob
The ceremonial grounds and epicenter of the Groundhog Day festival. In the movie this is where arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman, Phil Connors delivers his sarcastically disingenuous report of the annual Groundhog Day event. In the actual Illinois town, this is Woodstock Square Park. Located in the center of the park is the Bandstand featured in many of the movie’s scenes.
Tip Top Cafe
The classic American diner, where Phil (Murray’s character) over indulges on pastries to the disgust of Andie MacDowell’s character (Phil’s producer Rita), and expounds on his “God Like” experience. Located on Cass Street of the real Illinois town, this location became home of Tip Top Bistro (a real-life cafe taking it’s name from the movie version). At last check however, it’s an Italian ice cream and coffee shop named Bella’s Gelateria.
Cherry Street Inn
In the film, Phil spends night after night in a quaint bed and breakfast overlooking the village streets. The actual building is known as the Royal Victorian Manor. It’s a charming 1894 Victorian retreat which boast five themed suites filled with luxurious period furnishings.
See it for yourself
If you’re ever in Woodstock Illinois, you can find many of filming locations within walking distance of the town square park. It is the perfect place to spend a day or two, or three, or four, or five, or. . .
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