Ally Abroad: A Stranger Things Adventure in Jackson, Georgia

Stepping into Hawkins & The Upside Down

I visited Hawkin’s and was turned upside down! If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, imagine walking down the same streets where Eleven, Mike, Will, and the gang once rode their bikes in Hawkins, Indiana. That magical place exists in Jackson, Georgia, and it’s one of the coolest pop-culture travel destinations for fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.

A Small Town with Big Fame

Jackson’s downtown historic square doubles as Downtown Hawkins in Stranger Things. Here, the familiar streets, storefronts, and landmarks you’ve watched on screen come to life just as they looked during filming. You get to see these iconic film locations in real life, right in front of your eyes. My sister and I decided to do this day tour of the city right after we watched the finale of the show.

Touring Hawkins

At the center of all the action is Stranger Tours, which is the official guided Stranger Things walking tour and fan hub located right in downtown Jackson.

The tour begins at The Hawkin’s Headquarters. This was my favorite spot. The whole store was Stranger Things & iconic 80’s memorabilia. Be sure to take time to look in this store, check out the murals, take a picture of the Welcome To Hawkin’s sign, and take a picture with the Surfer Boy Pizza van. The Hawkin’s mural and van had a line to wait in. Everything else you can check out without a wait.

What the Tour Includes

🎟️ Guided Walk Through Filming Spots

Your guide leads you to all the major locations used in the series. You see iconic spots from the Hawkins town square, to the appearances of Radio Shack, Hawk Theater, and the Hawkin’s Library.

🍕 Fun Extras

This isn’t just a walk; it’s an immersive experience. Expect 80s-style vibes with a meal. My favorite part of the tour was they gave us 80’s View Masters to use. We got to see the scene in the show through our View Master and then see what it looked like in real life right in front of our eyes at the same time. This added the best touch to the tour. At the end of the tour you go back to the Hawkin’s Headquarters and they feed you Surfer Boy Pizza (with pineapple). You also play trivia challenges about the show and win prizes. They tell you insider stories about how the series came to life in the town of Jackson.

📸 Photo Ops Everywhere

Whether it’s the detailed murals, storefront facades, the portal to The Upside Down, or even Radio Shack, there are great photo moments around every corner.

The walking tour typically lasts about 1 hour and the distance between everything isn’t far at all.

What to See Off the Tour

Even beyond the organized walk, downtown Jackson is packed with spots worth lingering over:

• Hawk Theater building – seen in early episodes and now a local tavern. You can see this on the tour also. It is near the back alley fight scene on the tour.

• Hawkins Library/Portal to The Upside Down exterior – filmed on the courthouse steps. You can also see plaques in different filming locations the city added so that you can see what part of the show was filmed there. I enjoyed finding and searching for those around the town.

• Radio Shack façade and murals – it is cool seeing the Radio Shack sign and a beautiful mural with it. You can also see where the Radio Shack was in the show, but it only has a plaque below it because it is a different store now.

  
  

Jackson embraces its cinematic fame, so you’ll find shops, murals, and themed treats that celebrate the show’s 80s nostalgia!

Lucy Lu’s Coffee Cafe

Did you know this coffee shop has Max hanging in Vecna’s grasp? You can also purchase Stranger Things themed coffee. You must stop in here for the props and coffee!

Tips for Visiting

✔ Plan ahead: Book the Stranger Tours ahead of time. It was $35 for adults, but included the pizza after also.

✔Bring extra memory for photos: There are so many iconic spots you’ll want to capture. I filled up my camera roll with all the iconic pictures.

Touring Stranger Things filming locations in Jackson, GA feels like stepping into another world (Hawkins & The Upside Down). It is one filled with nostalgia, mystery, and plenty of 80s flair. With Stranger Tours leading the way, it’s a day trip you won’t forget.