c. 1826 Welcome to Wind Gap, Home of Sharp Objects

​"Don't tell mama."

Those haunting last words from the finale of HBO's hit show Sharp Objects had fans squirming in their seats. The show, based on the bestselling book by Gillian Flynn who is also the author of Gone Girl, is a psychological mystery that will keep you coming back for more.

Broken yet incredibly strong Camille Preaker sets out to document the murders of two young girls in her hometown, throwing her back to haunting memories of her childhood and the mysterious death of her younger sister. 

The story is rich in setting, which has had fans wondering is Wind Gap a real place? The short answer is, yes and no. The town and its bizarre and terrifying residents are fictional, but it was filmed in the small Georgia town of Barnesville.

Driving North into the small community was like stepping into the past. With large elegant homes with manicured gardens and people walking down the sidewalks made me realize exactly why Barnesville was chosen for the part. Greek Revival and Victorian architecture are prominent giving the town a lovely and historic feel.

The show has spurred tourism in Barnesville, and the town is welcoming guests by offering a self guided WALKING TOUR to see all the sights. I had the pleasure of strolling down the sidewalks of downtown and got to see a lot of the iconic shots where the show was filmed.

Things to See:

Murals

The iconic Welcome to Wind Gap mural painted by Barnesville's Andrew Henry is the perfect place for a photo. Its muted colors and vintage feel reminds fans of the juxtposition in the show -- a seemingly happy place with dark secrets. ​

The Welcome Caboose

Though the town did not keep the "Welcome to Wind Gap" painted on the caboose, it is still a wonderful photo op for fans. It's located downtown at the historic Barnesville Depot and steps from free parking. ​
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Murder Alley

Perhaps the most thrilling place to see is murder alley where Camille witnessed the discovery of the body of one of the two missing girls. After accidently walking down the alley, trying to find a different location, I realized why they chose this place for the scene. There is something genuinely creepy about it even in the middle of the day.

Fountain Plaza

Fountain Plaza, right next to the historic depot, is where the memorials for the two girls were placed and where Zeke Calhoun Wind Gap's founder's statue stood. It's also home to another incredible mural.

The Police Station

The police station in the show is near the Wind Gap mural.

Pastime Grill

Camille's mother, Adora, was a prominent pig farmer. If you'd like to pay homage to a Barnesville and Wind Gap favorite, perhaps you should visit to the Pastime Grill.

Buggy Days

​If you'd really like the full Barnesville experience, visit during their Buggy Days.During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town was known as the "Buggy Capital of the South." ​​

Brief Barnsville History

Barnesville was founded in 1826 by Gideon Barnes. As with many southern towns, the advent of the railroad increased prosperity. During the Civil War, their Dr. George Mongomery McDowell voted to leave the union. One of Sherman's flanks camped outside of the town in May of 1865 making the need for field hospitals to be set up around the area. Many of those who were tended to at the hospitals were soldiers who fought in the Battles of Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro and Love Joy Station. Those who lost their lives are buried in Greenwood Cemetary. As the town aged and developed, it eventually became home to 6,755 residents (according to a 2010 census). Its downtown is filled with shops and eateries with lovely murals and landscaping. It's a true Southern gem.

All photos (unless otherwise specified) are ⓒ 2018 by Vanessa K. Eccles.