Based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, The Help tells of an aspiring writer reckoning between her life in segregated Jackson, Mississippi, and what she knows is right.
She embarks on a journey to tell the stories of the black maids that work in the community but at the cost of her relationships. The movie stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, and Jessica Chastain.
It was filmed throughout Mississippi, including at some locations open to the public. We’ve included a few private residences for the exteriors, but do not trespass.
The Help Filming Locations in Jackson
Mayflower Cafe
Skeeter and her new beau Stuart go out to Mayflower Cafe for dinner where he eats oysters. It’s a real restaurant in Jackson that is still open to this day.
The restaurant opened in 1935 by Greek immigrants and retains much of the same decor as in the early days. The menu includes Greek and Southern favorites and they’re reportedly the inventors of “comeback sauce.”
The restaurant is located at 123 West Capitol Street, a short walk from the state capitol that was also used for filming.
Brent’s Drugs
Skeeter goes for lunch at Brent’s Drugs, a local soda fountain and pharmacy, and runs into her friends. This Fondren neighborhood landmark is still a popular spot in Jackson.
First opened in 1946, the menu remains relatively unchanged with diner fare like burgers, tuna melts, and the all-important milkshakes. It’s located at 655 Duling Avenue.
The Help Filming Locations in Greenwood
Jackson Junior League
Skeeter and her friends hang out at the Jackson Junior League club where Hilly oversees her “sanitation initiative.” But it’s really the now-defunct home of the Greenwood Garden Club. The building is not open to the public, but you can see it from the outside. It’s located at 401 East Market Street.
For more filming locations from The Help, visit The Movie District, the Civil Rights Trail, and Locations Hub.
Minny’s House
Minny lived in one of the shotgun homes on the outskirts of town that she shared with her abusive husband and children. The house is located on Stephens Road in Greenwood in the Baptist Town neighborhood.
The historic African American community is over 100 years old and has ties to music legend Robert Johnson. These are private homes so be respectful of their owners.
Skeeter’s House
The interior of Skeeter’s home was inside a private home on River Road that went up for sale a few years ago. It’s one of many private homes used in Greenwood, along with those of Aibileen, Elizabeth, Hilly, and Celia.
But the exterior scenes are at a different house on Money Road. The owners, who also own the neighboring Tallahatchie Flats, have a sign out front that says “Help Yourself.” They let you take photos from the outside, but please don’t go in the house.
The Greenwood Courthouse was the site of the gala.
Additional The Help Filming Locations
Jackson Journal, Clarksdale
Skeeter starts her job at The Jackson Journal as her first as a writer. But the building that stood in for the newspaper office was the former Bank of Clarksdale.
It was later the offices of the Clarksdale Press-Register but now operates as an event facility. It can be found at 123 East 2nd Street and still says “Jackson Journal” on the doors.
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Looking for a hotel? In Greenwood, we recommend The Alluvian Hotel and the Tallahatchie Flats. In Jackson, we like the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown. Airbnb is another option. There’s no shortage of things to do in Jackson, including tours and museums, so check out our weekend guide for more information.
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