Where to Find the Stranger Things Mall: Your Ultimate Guide
Hello there, fellow Stranger Things fanatics! If you've found yourself wondering, "Where is the Stranger Things mall?" you're in the right place. We're about to dive into the Upside Down of Hawkins' retail scene and pinpoint the real-world location of the iconic Starcourt Mall. So, grab your Eggo waffles and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and where is the stranger things mall.
The Mall in the Show: Starcourt Mall
Before we embark on our real-world treasure hunt, let's set the scene. In the show, Starcourt Mall is a sprawling shopping center that opens in Hawkins in the summer of 1985. It's a symbol of the town's progress, but as we know, nothing in Hawkins is ever as simple as it seems.
The mall becomes a central location in Season 3, housing everything from a cinema to a food court, and even a mysterious Russian facility hidden beneath it. It's here that the kids spend their summer days, and where the Mind Flayer's latest scheme unfolds.
Where is the Stranger Things Mall Located?
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, that's great, but where can I find this mall in real life?" The good news is, the Starcourt Mall was filmed at a real location, and it's not too far from the town of Hawkins' filming location, which is actually the town of Jackson, Georgia.
The real-world location of the Starcourt Mall is the Bentwaters Park in the UK. Yes, you heard it right! Despite the show being set in the good ol' US of A, the production team decided to film the mall scenes across the pond. But don't worry, we'll get to how you can visit the location later.
The Mall's Real-World Inspiration
If you're curious about what inspired the creation of the Starcourt Mall, look no further than the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, have cited the Cherry Hill Mall as their inspiration for Starcourt.
The Cherry Hill Mall opened in 1961 and was one of the first enclosed shopping malls in the United States. It's easy to see how its classic design and layout could have inspired the Starcourt Mall in Stranger Things.
Visiting the Starcourt Mall: A Guide
Alright, so you're eager to see the Starcourt Mall for yourself. Here's how you can make it happen:
1. Head to the UK: The first step is to book a trip to the UK. Bentwaters Park, where the mall was filmed, is located in Suffolk, England.
2. Find Bentwaters Park: Once you're in the UK, make your way to Bentwaters Park. It's located near the town of Beccles, not too far from the city of Norwich.
3. Explore the Park: Bentwaters Park is a beautiful place to visit, even if you're not a Stranger Things fan. It's a country park with walking trails, a lake, and plenty of wildlife. Keep in mind that the mall scenes were filmed in a specific area of the park, so you might want to do some research or ask a park ranger for directions.
4. Take a Selfie: If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try to recreate some of the show's iconic mall scenes. Just remember to be respectful of the park and other visitors.
Other Stranger Things Filming Locations to Visit
While you're in the area, you might want to check out some of the other Stranger Things filming locations. Here are a few you won't want to miss:
- The Wheeler House: The real-world location of the Wheeler family's home is in the town of Jackson, Georgia. It's a private residence, so be respectful and don't trespass.
- Hawkins National Laboratory: The lab's exterior was filmed at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It's a stunning location, but be sure to follow all the rules and regulations for visiting.
- The Upside Down: Okay, we know this one might be a bit tricky to visit. But if you ever find yourself in a parallel dimension with a red sky and creepy vines, you'll know you've made it to the Upside Down.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to finding the Stranger Things mall. We hope this article has answered all your burning questions and given you a new destination to add to your travel bucket list.
Remember, the real magic of Stranger Things isn't just in its filming locations, but in the story it tells and the community it brings together. So, whether you're visiting the mall or just binging the show at home, enjoy the ride!
Until next time, keep your lights on and your doors locked. The Upside Down is always watching.