Unveiling the Eerie Glamour: Top Stranger Things Filming Locations
Hello, fellow '80s nostalgia enthusiasts! If you've been binge-watching Stranger Things and found yourself craving a slice of that small-town, eerie glamour, you're in luck. Today, we're going on a virtual tour of the Stranger Things filming locations that have become as iconic as Eleven's telekinetic powers. So, grab your Eggo waffles, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and filming locations of stranger things.
The Byers' House: The Hub of Stranger Things
Kicking off our tour is the Byers' house, the nerve center of the Upside Down's influence on Hawkins. This classic suburban home is where the Wheeler brothers first discovered Will's eerie drawing of the Upside Down, setting the stage for the entire series. The house is located in the Atlanta neighborhood of Douglasville, Georgia, and its exterior has become as recognizable as Joyce's fairy light wall.
Hawkins National Laboratory: The Gateway to the Upside Down
No list of Stranger Things filming locations would be complete without mentioning the sinister heart of Hawkins: the Hawkins National Laboratory. This imposing structure is where Eleven was created, and where the Upside Down first breached our world. The lab was filmed at the Belle Isle Power Plant in Atlanta, which has been abandoned since the 1970s, adding to its eerie charm.
Hawkins Middle School: Where the Kids Hang Out
When the Stranger Things kids aren't fighting Demogorgons, they're hanging out at Hawkins Middle School. This ordinary-looking school is where Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will first became friends, and where Eleven caused a minor ruckus with her psychokinetic powers. The school was filmed at Rocky Mount High School in North Carolina, which has been used in several other productions.
Joyce's Apartment: The Heart of the Investigation
Joyce Byers' humble apartment is where she tirelessly searches for her missing son, Will. The apartment's interior was filmed on a soundstage, but the exterior can be found in the Douglasville neighborhood where the Byers' house is located. Keep an eye out for the iconic Christmas lights that first hinted at Will's connection to the Upside Down.
The Palace Arcade: Where the Magic Happens
No Stranger Things tour would be complete without a visit to the Palace Arcade. This retro gaming paradise is where our heroes first encountered the mysterious arcade game, "Dragon's Lair," and where Eleven first made her dramatic entrance. The arcade was filmed at The Village Theatre in Douglasville, which has been transformed into a 1980s gaming haven for the show.
The Upside Down: A World Apart
While not a physical location, the Upside Down is a crucial Stranger Things filming location. This dark, twisted reflection of Hawkins was created using a combination of practical effects and CGI. The eerie, otherworldly atmosphere was achieved by filming in dark, damp locations and using a greenish color filter to create the Upside Down's distinctive glow.
Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to the '80s
There you have it, folks! Our whirlwind tour of the Stranger Things filming locations has come to an end. From the Byers' house to the Upside Down, each location has played a crucial role in bringing this beloved series to life. So, the next time you're binge-watching Stranger Things, remember that you're not just watching a show – you're exploring a world that's equal parts '80s nostalgia and eerie glamour.
Stay spooky, and keep your eyes peeled for those Demogorgons!