A Whimsical Road Trip To Moonrise Kingdom Filming Locations

February 26th, 2013 | 1 comment | Attractions, Destinations, Nature, Pop Culture, Road Trips

By Tatiana Parent

Adventure. Innocence. Dysfunction. Passion. Maps. Books. Art. Music. Love. Sex.

Actually, the word “whimsical” doesn’t even begin to describe the romantic summer adventures of our protagonists, Suzy and Sam. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a similar bucolic East Coast town (Ipswich, MA), but there’s something iconic and magical about summers in New England. So, I felt compelled to hunt down the filming locations of Moonrise Kingdom.

Moonrise Kingdom is a love-letter to Rhode Island and an impassioned tribute to childhood crushes, camp adventures, star-crossed lovers, and the sense of fulfillment that comes with following your heart.

Plus, every shot is postcard-worthy.

This beautiful former Jamestown lighthouse was used as the Bishop home exterior. Conanicut Point Light was built in 1886 and is registered as a National Historic Place.

Some exterior shots were also filmed at the historic Ten Chimney’s cottage in Wisconsin. This was the romantic summer retreat of actors Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt (and was host to such esteemed guests as Helen Hayes, Laurence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh).

The interior of the Bishop family home, built and designed for the film oozes in patterned textures, drama and nostalgia.

The inspiration for the home’s interior comes from Clingstone (AKA “The House on the Rock”) in Narragansett Bay (specifically its interior shingles).

 

Camp Yawgoog in Hopkinton served as the filming location for Khaki Scout Camp (and a few local scouts were used as extras in the film).

Several lighthouses were featured in the film: Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, Castle Hill Lighthouse (and the Bishop’s home is an ex-lighthouse).

But, alas, the iconic lighthouse that Suzy stands on was built in Jamestown specifically for the film.

Ballard Park in Newport, Prudence Island and other spots off Narragansett Bay also served as filming locations. St. Jack’s Church is actually the historic Trinity Church in Newport (on Spring Street).

So, grab a map  and a suitcase of books and explore the magical world of Moonrise Kingdom.

Follow this trip here.

Get your trip soundtrack here.

Photo Credits:

http://sojo.net/blogs/2012/07/22/age-innocence-wes-andersons-moonrise-kingdom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Conanicut_Point_Light_in_2007.jpg

http://www.themovingarts.com/moonrise-kingdom-the-anderson-formula/

http://thereviewbroads.com/2012/10/dvd-reviews-moonrise-kingdom.html/

http://bybun.com/tag/moonrise-kingdom/

http://www.thewhitetanktop.com/2013/01/best-of-2012.html

http://www.asergeev.com/pictures/k/Point_Judith_lighthouse_Narragansett_Rhode_Island.htm

http://tksharpless.net/Clingstone/At_Clingstone.html

http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/moonrise-kingdom-inspired-home-design/

 

About Roadtrippers:

Roadtrippers is the first and only complete road trip planner that lets you map out your route, find places relevant to you and create a travel itinerary that gets you on the road for the trip of a lifetime. Discover your America at Roadtrippers.

“Explore, Dream, Discover.”

Tags: filming locations lighthouse lighthouses Moonrise Kingdom movie Movie Locations rhode island Wes Anderson