We can all agree that Iowa would be the PERFECT setting for a Hallmark movie, right?
AND we all know there are some amazing places to shoot the stereotypical movie right here in the Hawkeye State.
Let’s set the record straight on something. Some of the greatest and most iconic films of the 20th century were filmed here in Iowa. We have ‘Field of Dreams’, ‘Children of the Corn’ and ‘Bridges of Madison County’ and all of them were filmed in that state.
So when someone…especially the Hallmark Movie Channel says that the whole premise of a holiday movie is going to be based in a town not too far from Cedar Rapids, then I know they should deliver.
In 2016, Hallmark released a holiday movie on their platforms called “Christmas in Homestead”. The premise is similar to any other sappy Christmas movie (which I love by the way, so it’s not me hating the movie).
On Hallmark’s website, the film’s premise reads,
“One of the world’s most famous actresses travels to the Christmas-obsessed town of Homestead, Iowa to shoot a holiday-themed movie. local innkeeper and his single father, Mat. As she gets a taste of small town life, she discovers the true meaning of Christmas.”
That’s right! This movie is supposed to take place in Homestead, a real town not too far from Cedar Rapids. After discovering this, I was so excited to see how the production team turned this town into the perfect setting for a Christmas romance.
Homestead is a star town! Ashton Kutcher even grew up there!
Ashton Kutcher’s childhood home in Homestead, Iowa
The well-known actor hails from Iowa. Ashton Kutcher was born in Cedar Rapids and spent his formative years in Homestead. The latter is where he helped his father-in-law build this space almost 30 years ago. In 2015, Ashton decided to give his mom the surprise of a lifetime when he redid their basement.
I assumed that after Iowa’s excellent track record as a part of classic movies, film crews would jump at the chance to visit the city. After doing a lot of digging, it turns out that these people have never set foot here!
According to Explore Georgia, the holiday frolic was filmed in Dahlonega, Georgia! It’s nowhere NEAR Iowa. Georgia seems to be a popular location for Hallmark filming as several other films have been filmed there!
The real Homestead has a population of approximately 150 since the last census. Even if we didn’t get a hoaky holiday movie, at least we got Ashton Kutcher, right?
I’m honestly surprised Hallmark isn’t trying to film in Iowa. Areas like the Amana colonies could be a perfect setting. Any quaint villages would be fun to shoot, no matter what type of project is being produced.
An old time-travel vacation romance about a hard-working woman who meets a cute farmer from the 1800s? Perfect!
A couple looking to rekindle their romance in a quaint Iowa town? It looks great!
If Hallmark is looking for another small town to shoot in, may I suggest Cedar Falls. The town of Cedar Valley screams quaint small town. If they shoot it during Holiday Hooplah celebrations, the Hallmark filmmakers could use the festive holiday decorations and lights as a wonderful backdrop.
Plus, any of these stores on Main Street would fit perfectly as a “small family business that needs to be saved by Christmas” plot point of almost any Hallmark movie.
Who wouldn’t want to film an imaginary couple strolling along River Place Plaza right next to Santa’s Workshop? It’s just romantic vacation vibes!
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