Senoia, Georgia – A Small Town Gem

The historic town of Senoia, Georgia is a small town gem. Located forty miles south of Atlanta in Coweta County, Senoia (pronounced Seh-noy) exudes charm and Southern hospitality. Senoia is a mecca for film crews and tourists. This town of 3,300 people has found a way to market itself well and avoid the empty storefronts and loss of population that plague many other small communities. Senoia is a Georgia Camera Ready Community that effectively works with the film and television industries to bring production work to the area.

Senoia’s downtown has been used as a filming location for a number of movies in the last two decades. Scenes from Driving Miss Daisy, Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Home Alabama, Andersonville, Meet the Browns, and the 2011 remake of Footloose were filmed locally. Raleigh Studios-Atlanta has a 120 acre studio facility and backlot just outside of town. A company executive has been instrumental in restoring half of downtown Senoia’s stores. The AMC hit series “The Walking Dead” has filmed many episodes in Senoia. Known as Woodbury in the series, Senoia’s downtown was walled off in Season 3 as a safe zone during the zombie apocalypse. The series was recently renewed for Season 5, so cast members and zombie extras will soon be returning to Senoia to film.

Residents consider Senoia a great Southern hometown. Southern Living magazine has twice chosen Senoia as the site for its Southern Living Idea House. The 2010 house was a 5,000 square foot luxury brownstone residence. The 2012 Idea House was a renovation of an historic pre-Civil War farmhouse. Senoia’s downtown is home to antique stores, gift shops, clothing boutiques, and restaurants. Grammy Award winning country artist Zac Brown owns Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Social Club, located at 18 Main Street. Patrons can enjoy Southern style food and a full bar. There is live music nightly including open mic night once each week.

Residents and visitors to Senoia can enjoy several special events throughout the year. The Memorial Day Celebration features a parade, arts and crafts show, and fireworks. Main Street is lined with classic cars each fall for the “Cruisin’ to the Oldies Car Show. The holiday season brings Christmas On Main and a Candlelight Tour of Homes. In late spring and summer, zombies can be spotted during filming of The Walking Dead. Tourists from all over the country flock to Senoia to catch a glimpse of the filming action.

Senoia has preserved its historic heritage while finding a way to survive in the current economic climate. Visitors have embraced the small town charm while enjoying a vibrant downtown and a real sense of community.