Throwback Thursday aka #TBT in #Savannah: Forrest Gump Movie Locations Near Romantic Inns in Savannah

SAVANNAH Georgia (July 31, 2013) -- Is it possible to think of more famous places in #Savannah for Throwback Thursday than scenes from the romantic drama, Forrest Gump? After all, Forrest Gump is a wildly popular movie told in flashback!

The popular Forrest Gump opening feather scene was filmed here at the historic Independence Presbyterian Church steeple near Chippewa Square where Forrest sat on a bench, storytelling with his box of chocolates for Jenny.

Have you heard the term "Throwback Thursday"?  Thursday is a fun groupie's share day -- a time to pause and look back, and share a memorable photo through the social media of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Better still, kick up that thought for a Savannah trip! What would be more fun than seeing Savannah through the eyes of Forrest, Forrest Gump? Lodging in a Romantic Inn in Savannah will make the Savannah experience even more special.

In Savannah flashbacks are simple! 

So many Forrest Gump movie spots are still familiar today and easy to spot in downtown Savannah.

On Chippewa Square (park bench scene, facing north), Forsyth Park (playground scene), Lauri's Cafe on Wright Square (Jenny's waitress scenes), on West Bay Street (the running sequence), and the Independence Presbyterian Church steeple (the opening feather scenes).  A replica of the park bench is in the Savannah History Museum in the Visitor's Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. A movie tour will introduce you to more film locations in Savannah.

The music is gentle and beautiful.



Released in 1994, the movie starred Tom Hanks in the title role, Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan), Sally Field (Mrs. Gump), and Robin Wright (Jenny Curran). Filming took place August 27, 1993 - December 9, 1993.   Here's a link to the movie trailer.

Oglethorpe Statue in Chippewa Square is a site seen in background during the park bench scenes in the "Forrest Gump" movie. Photo circa 1960s, showing Town & Country ladies shop in background. Today Gallery Espresso is on the southeast corner.

Forrest Gump won the 1995 Academy Award Oscar®  in these categories:

• Best Actor in a Leading Role:  Tom Hanks
• Best Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Best Effects: Visual Effects, Ken Ralston, George Murphy, Stephen Rosenbaum, Allen Hall
• Best Film Editing: Arthur Schmidt
• Best Picture: Wendy Finerman, Steve Starkey, Steve Tisch
• Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: Eric Roth 
• Source: IMDb.com 

The movie's famous taglines have stood the test of time -- (1) The story of a lifetime. (2) The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump. (3) Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get.

Midday in Savannah, Georgia, hang around Chippewa Square. It's a fun spot for people watching and enjoying a picnic on a park bench. You may even spot the popular Forrest Gump look alike!

Want to know more? Check out the YouTube (below) identifying the behind the scenes "how to" of making the opening feather scene. The church and steeple are popular photos by Savannah tourists.

We hope to see you soon!  Meanwhile, check in daily with  Romantic Inns of Savannah innkeepers for more ideas for your next Savannah trip, and stay tune for more Throwback Thursday photos and story shorts via Twitter and Facebook.

Copyright (c) 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah / Sandy Traub