Take a drive in your Chevy – Top Five Places for Film Buffs in Ohio

Over the years, Ohio has been the backdrop for many movie sets. With its picturesque small towns, rolling hills, and Midwest charm, Ohio scenery offers a unique perspective not easily duplicated in Hollywood. Ohio is also home to many inspiring older theatres, where moviegoers flock to see vintage films as well as the newest blockbusters. These top five locations offer the best sites for film buffs in the State.

Time stands still at the Athena Cinema in downtown Athens. Established in 1915, the theatre has welcomed visitors for a century. The Athena was purchased and completely restored by Ohio University in 2001 and now welcomes local patrons while also providing a home for budding University filmmakers. The non-profit Art Deco theatre offers a unique partnership between the community and students by allowing patrons to take in a new major motion picture or experience the excitement of student screening all in one place. To learn more, visit http://athenacinema.com/about/.

Who can forget one of the most memorable Christmas flicks of all time, A Christmas Story? Visit the home where the movie was filmed. See the window where the infamous leg lamp lighted the front porch and walk through the kitchen where Ralphie, his brother Randy, and their parents spent so much time. Across the street from this Cleveland suburb home is A Christmas Story House Museum. There you can see original props from the movie including the Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle Ralphie admired in the store window. For more information, visit http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com or call (216) 298-4919. The house and museum are open all year.

For years, the Cleveland Museum of Art has offered film screenings twice a week, and the tradition continues. Hosted in the two theatres at the Museum, the showings are a popular event among all ages. Learn more by visiting http://www.clevelandart.org/events/films/about-film/history-museum%E2%80%99s-film-series.

The Murphy Theatre and the town of Wilmington were the backdrop for the 1993 movie, Lost in Yonkers, starring Richard Dreyfuss. The restored theatre remains active today with live performances from entertainers and theatre groups, as well as the occasional film showing. To learn more, visit the http://www.themurphytheatre.org.

A night out on the town typically involves going out for dinner followed by a movie. The Studio Movie Grill combines the two and offers a unique dine-in movie experience. Visit the fully-stocked bar before the show for a pre-dinner drink. Enter the theatre before the movie starts to place your order for your meal. When your meal order arrives, dine in style in a specially-designed seat with table top. With newly-released movies, drinks, and movies, your whole evening on the town takes place at the movie theatre. Located in downtown Columbus, the Studio Movie Grill is centrally-located. Visit https://www.studiomoviegrill.com for more information.

Spend some time exploring some of these unique and one-of-a-kind movie locations in Ohio.