Steven Spielberg spent 53 days filming Lincoln here in late 2011. A real 1854 train depot became a restaurant where Lincoln’s Secretary of State recruited lobbyists.
An eight-sided market building played backdrop to grumbling Civil War troops.
The movie magic didn’t stop there. Harriet, TURN: Washington’s Spies, and even The Walking Dead: World Beyond came calling.
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan once filmed on one of its brick-lined streets.
I like how this Virginia neighborhood never needed fake fronts or painted backdrops. The old buildings already looked the part, and they still do.
You can stroll the same blocks that fooled movie audiences around the world.
I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day than chasing film scenes with a coffee in hand. So which famous spot would you visit first?
Spielberg Picked These Streets For A Reason
Hollywood scouts usually build old towns from plywood. In Old Towne Petersburg, the real thing was already standing there, waiting for its close-up.
Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln filmed in Petersburg over 53 days in late 2011. Old Towne landmarks stood in for Civil War-era properties throughout the shoot.
Production designer Rick Carter said the city’s mansions looked very much the way they were back then. That’s quite a compliment from someone whose job is making the past look real.
So why did this Virginia district work so well? The answer goes back to a big fire in 1815 that wiped out older wooden warehouses and homes.
Brick buildings replaced them, and many survived. Today the district holds one of Virginia’s largest collections of Federal and Greek Revival commercial architecture.
The Petersburg Old Town Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains more than 180 contributing historic structures, which is a lot of ready-made scenery.
For you, that means every block feels like a set without the velvet rope. Bring comfortable shoes and a phone with plenty of storage.
You’ll want photos of rooflines, doorways, and brick facades. Just don’t be surprised if your pictures look a little cinematic.
A Real Train Station Played A Movie Restaurant
Built in 1854, the South Side Railroad Depot is Virginia’s oldest surviving railroad station. Not bad for a building that also has a movie credit.
In Lincoln, the depot transformed into a restaurant. That’s where Secretary of State William Seward recruited lobbyists to push the 13th Amendment through.
Picture a train station suddenly filled with candlelit tables and whispering politicians. Movie crews pulled it off, and the depot handled the role like a pro.
Here’s the best part for visitors today. The Petersburg Visitor Center now sits inside the South Side Depot.
That makes it a smart first stop for your day. You can grab maps, ask about local happenings, and get your bearings before exploring.
It also lets you stand in a real filming location within minutes of parking. Few movie fans get that kind of quick win.
Spend a moment looking at the old brick walls and imagine the cameras rolling. Then think about the trains that rolled through long before Hollywood showed up.
History buffs and film fans can both find something to love here. Honestly, that’s a rare kind of double feature.
Eight Sides, One Very Photogenic Market
Most buildings settle for four walls. The City Market on Old Street went with eight, and it has stood out since 1879.
Its octagonal shape makes it one of the most recognizable spots in Old Towne Petersburg. Spielberg’s team noticed, too.
In Lincoln, the market served as a backdrop for scenes with disgruntled troops. Those weary soldiers needed a setting that felt authentic, and this one delivered.
Movie fans can stand nearby and line up their own shots. Try catching the building from a corner so all those angles show up.
The area around the market also hosts the Old Towne farmers market. Vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, handmade jewelry, and even dog treats.
Schedules can change by season, so check before you go. A Saturday morning visit could pair market shopping with a little film history.
Wear sturdy shoes around here. Old Street has cobblestone stretches that are charming but a bit uneven underfoot.
Once you’ve snapped your photos, grab a snack and take a slow lap. The market’s quirky shape rewards a second look from every side.
Spies, Heroes, And A Few Walkers Too
Spielberg may be the biggest name, but he’s far from the only director in town. The guest list here reads like a streaming queue.
AMC’s TURN: Washington’s Spies filmed in Old Towne Petersburg during Seasons 2 and 3 in 2014 and 2015. Revolutionary War intrigue fit right into these brick blocks.
Harriet, the 2019 film about Harriet Tubman, shot here in 2018. The Good Lord Bird, a television drama, also used the district.
Things got a little spookier with The Walking Dead: World Beyond. Season 2 filmed in Petersburg in 2020.
Homeland Season 7 came through in 2017. That same year brought Burning Sands to the area as well.
Earlier productions include For Love of Liberty in 2004 and The Vernon Johns Story in 1993. Clearly, Hollywood keeps finding its way back.
It helps that Petersburg is home to Blind Tiger Film Works. The production facility offers sound stages, equipment, and lodging for crews.
Here’s a fun game for your visit. Rewatch one of these titles first, then try to spot familiar corners as you walk around.
Tom Hanks And Meg Ryan Walked Sycamore Street
Sleepless in Seattle fans, this one’s for you. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks filmed Ithaca on Sycamore Street, as reported in 2016.
Ithaca was Meg Ryan’s directing debut. The story is set during World War II, so the street needed an old-fashioned, small-town look.
Sycamore Street had that in spades. Its historic storefronts helped carry the film back several decades without much fuss.
Daniel Radcliffe also filmed in Petersburg for Imperium in 2015. Yes, the actor who played Harry Potter worked right here in Virginia.
Mercy Street, the PBS Civil War drama, wrapped filming here in 2016 too. That’s a busy stretch for any town’s calendar.
Walking Sycamore Street today, you’ll find a mix of shops, eateries, and old commercial buildings. The scenery is the same kind that drew stars in the first place.
The Google listing for the district points to 413 N Sycamore St, Petersburg, VA 23803. It’s a handy pin to drop in your map app.
Take your time on this stretch. Window shopping counts as research when the windows have starred in films.
Count The Corners At The Trapezium House
Right angles are overrated, at least according to the Trapezium House. Built in 1817, it’s famous for its unusual, slanted shape.
The house is one of the most talked-about buildings in Old Towne Petersburg. Its odd angles make people stop, tilt their heads, and look again.
Nearby, other old homes add even more history to your walk. The McIlwaine House dates to 1794 and shows off Federal-style design.
The John F. May house was built around 1810.
The Strachan-Harrison house goes back even further, to the mid- or late-1700s.
Then there’s the Petersburg Courthouse, built in the 1830s. Its presence gives the district a stately anchor.
Together, these buildings show why film crews love the place. You can’t fake this many years of real construction with a quick paint job.
Try making a mini scavenger hunt out of them. Kids especially enjoy hunting for the strange shape of the Trapezium House.
Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down dates. By the end of the walk, you’ll feel like a history detective with excellent taste in architecture.
Your Stomach Gets A Starring Role
All that location scouting builds an appetite. Good news, Old Towne Petersburg has plenty of places to refuel.
Dining spots fill centuries-old buildings and modern cafes alike. Some menus lean on local ingredients, while others travel the globe.
Craving barbecue? Saucy’s BBQ is on the list.
Seafood fans can head to Croaker’s Spot for a satisfying meal.
Coffee lovers have Demolition Coffee for a caffeine boost before more exploring. Blue Willow Tea Room offers a gentler, tea-time pace.
International choices are easy to find, too. Andrade’s International Restaurant, El Mundo’s Mexican Restaurant, and Wabi Sabi Restaurant all call the area home.
For classic comfort, look for Comeback Burger, Longstreet’s Deli, and the Dixie Restaurant. Maria’s at Old Town 21 Ristorante Italiano brings Italian flavors to the mix.
Hours can vary, especially early in the week. Checking ahead keeps you from staring sadly at a locked door.
Weekends tend to be lively, so reservations are a smart idea at popular spots. A good meal in a historic building feels like its own little scene, minus the director yelling cut.
Antiques, Art, And Souvenirs With Backstories
Prop masters would feel right at home browsing these shelves. Antique shops are a big part of the Old Towne Petersburg experience.
The Oaks Antiques is one popular stop for treasure hunters. You could spend a good hour poking through old finds and unusual pieces.
Independent boutiques add more variety. Many feature work by local artisans, so your souvenir might come with a local story.
Specialty food shops are mixed in, too. They make it easy to bring home a tasty memory of your trip.
Art lovers should look for the Petersburg Area Art League. It’s located right in the district and supports the local creative scene.
Galleries, museums, and even spas round out the options. A shopping day here can turn into a full afternoon without trying.
Some shops keep limited hours. Plan your route around the stores you most want to see.
Leave some room in the trunk, just in case. That vintage lamp might look like it belongs in a period film, and that’s exactly the point.
Ghosts, Kayaks, And Battlefields Make A Full Weekend
Daylight isn’t the only time to enjoy these streets. Ghost Tours run during certain times of the year in Old Towne Petersburg.
Old buildings and spooky stories make a natural pair. Check the schedule ahead, because these tours are seasonal.
Prefer fresh air over chills? Kayak tours and rentals are available, giving you a fresh view of the area from the water.
History fans have even more to explore nearby. Petersburg National Battlefield is close, along with Pamplin Historical Park.
Those sites add rich context to the Civil War stories that films like Lincoln brought to the screen. Seeing them in person makes the movies feel more real.
Getting here is simple. Petersburg sits about 23 to 25 miles south of Richmond, Virginia.
That makes it an easy day trip, though a weekend lets you catch more. The historic Hotel Petersburg was renovated recently and is right in the area.
Plan one day for film spots and shopping. Save the next for battlefields, paddling, or a ghost tour, and you’ll leave with a full reel of memories.
