Are you one of the millions of viewers who fell in love with the charming, small-town life of Serenity, South Carolina? You're not alone! The Netflix hit series Sweet Magnolias, which follows the lives of best friends Maddie Townsend, Dana Sue Sullivan, and Helen Decatur, has captivated audiences with its blend of Southern charm, drama, and heartwarming friendship. As of today, December 8, 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting the next season, and the most current information reveals the show's production has expanded far beyond its original base, offering new destinations for super-fans to explore.

The fictional Serenity, South Carolina, is actually a beautiful blend of locations, primarily centered in the state of Georgia. While the town is set in the Palmetto State, inspired by author Sherryl Woods' vision of a quiet Southern community, the magic on screen is mostly brought to life in the Peach State. The key to the show's authentic feel lies in its main filming hub: the quaint, historic city of Covington, Georgia.

The Heart of Serenity: Covington, Georgia's Key Locations

Covington, Georgia, located just 40 minutes east of Atlanta, is the primary stand-in for Serenity. This city is no stranger to Hollywood, having served as a backdrop for numerous productions, including The Vampire Diaries. The show's location manager, Brad Smith, chose Covington for its picturesque, historic downtown square and its quintessential Southern architecture, which perfectly captures the idyllic atmosphere of the fictional Serenity. The majority of the show's most iconic scenes are filmed right here, making it the ultimate pilgrimage for any fan.

Here are the real-life locations for the most famous spots in Sweet Magnolias:

• Sullivan's Restaurant: The Mystic Grill. The beloved local eatery owned by Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) is actually a famous real-life restaurant in Covington Square called Mystic Grill. This is a crucial piece of trivia for fans, as the building was previously used as the setting for the fictional Mystic Grill in The Vampire Diaries. The exterior and the interior of the adjacent gift shop, "The Alley at Mystic Grill," are used for filming Sullivan's.
• The Corner Spa: The Law Offices of Wm. Thomas Craig. The business venture of the three best friends, The Corner Spa, is not a functioning spa in real life. The charming exterior shots of the building are filmed at the Law Offices of Wm. Thomas Craig, located right off the main square in Covington. The interior scenes, where the Magnolias share their famous margaritas, are shot on a sound stage to allow for maximum flexibility during production.
• The Serenity Clock Tower: Newton County Courthouse. The iconic clock tower that dominates the town's skyline and appears in countless establishing shots is actually the historic Newton County Courthouse, situated prominently in the center of Covington Square.

The Real-Life Homes of the Sweet Magnolias Trio

The homes of Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen are characters in themselves, reflecting their individual personalities and providing the backdrop for many of the show's most intimate moments. While the houses feel like they are all in one neighborhood, they are actually spread across a few different cities in the Atlanta metro area.

Maddie Townsend’s House
The beautiful, classic Southern home of Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) is a magnificent single-family property located at 2103 Floyd Street Northeast in Covington, Georgia. Built in 1910, this house perfectly embodies the traditional, cozy Southern architecture that defines the show's aesthetic.

Dana Sue Sullivan’s House
Dana Sue’s house, where she lives with her daughter Annie, is located close to Maddie's, in the same general area. The address is 3119 Southeast Conyers Street. Both Maddie's and Dana Sue's homes contribute to the feeling of a close-knit, supportive neighborhood that is central to the show's theme of community.

Helen Decatur’s House
In a notable departure from Covington, Helen Decatur's (Heather Headley) elegant blue house is actually located in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta. The specific address is 1941 Trotti Street Northeast. This detail highlights how the production team pieces together the fictional town of Serenity using various picturesque locations across Georgia.

Beyond Serenity: New Filming Locations for Season 5

To keep the series fresh and to reflect new storylines for the beloved characters, the production for the highly anticipated Season 5 expanded its scope significantly. This is the most current and exciting update for fans looking for new filming locations and potential plot hints. Filming for Season 5 wrapped in late September 2025, with major scenes shot in two brand-new, high-profile locations.

Savannah, Georgia
The production team traveled to the historic, coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, to film the Season 5 finale. The beautiful, moss-draped squares and historic architecture of Savannah will feature prominently as the Sweet Magnolias take a trip outside of Serenity. Specifically, scenes were filmed around the famous Foley House Inn in downtown Savannah, suggesting a significant, possibly climactic, storyline unfolding in the city.

New York City, New York
In a truly unexpected turn, the cast was also spotted filming in New York City. This is a major change of scenery from the small-town South. Reports indicate that Maddie Townsend was seen filming scenes at the iconic Grand Central Station, suggesting a potential plot involving her character traveling to the Big Apple. The inclusion of New York City and Savannah adds a new layer of excitement and a fresh backdrop for the upcoming season.

Additional Filming Locations That Build the Serenity World

The illusion of Serenity is completed by a few other key locations that provide the necessary atmosphere for the town's community life and spiritual center. These locations, while not in Covington, are all within the greater Atlanta metro area:

• The High School: Henry County High School. The school attended by Ty, Annie, and the other Serenity teens is actually Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia.
• The Church: Oakhurst Presbyterian Church. Scenes set at Serenity's Prince of Peace Lutheran Church were actually filmed at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia.

The next time you rewatch Sweet Magnolias, you can appreciate the intricate work of the production team in weaving together the charm of Covington, the elegance of Atlanta and Decatur, and the historic beauty of Savannah and New York City to create the beloved, fictional town of Serenity, South Carolina. From the historic courthouse to the famous Mystic Grill, the world of Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen is a real place you can visit.