Much of the pilot episode of “Hart of Dixie” was filmed in the lovely Wilmington, North Carolina, which you may have recognized from CW staples “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill”. But since then, they’ve brought filming back to Los Angeles and have recreated the fictional town of Bluebell, Alabama on the Warner Brothers lot.

The Rammer Jammer from "Hart of Dixie" is the same exterior as Merlotte's from "True Blood", and can be found at Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, CA. Screen cap credit: capturedgracemusic.net.

In episode 102, “Parades and Pariahs”, the mayor takes Bilson’s character Zoe Hart to a restaurant called Rammer Jammer. If you’re a fan of the HBO series “True Blood”, you probably recognized the exterior of Rammer Jammer as the same that stands in for Merlotte’s. That’s because this exterior is on the Warner Brothers backlot, which both shows use for filming (”True Blood” occasionally, “Hart of Dixie” primarily). This is what the all-purpose restaurant looks like when not dressed up for either show:

Right nearby, in the “jungle” area of the WB backlot, is a little shack that it appears they’re using as Wade’s cabin. It was used as a cafe in Million Dollar Baby and has been seen on “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Mentalist” as well.

Here it is as photographed it on the WB tour:

Wade's cabin from "Hart of Dixie". Photo credit: Christina LeBlanc for LiveTheMovies.com.

And here it is, after it’s dressed and decorated for the show:

Wade's cabin, dressed for the show. Screen cap credit: capturedgracemusic.net.

Of course, if you’re a fan of “Pretty Little Liars” or “Gilmore Girls”, you probably recognized the town square setting from the parade scenes (episode 102) in “Hart of Dixie” — that’s because it’s all the same town square! That’s right: Stars Hollow, Rosewood, and Bluebell are all the same! (Just with some different set dressings.)

The church was seen on "Pretty Little Liars", and the gazebo was used on "Gilmore Girls". Now both are also part of Bluebell, Alabama on "Hart of Dixie". Screen cap credit: capturedgracemusic.net.

And again, these can both be seen on the WB Studio Tour in Burbank, CA (which I very highly recommend):

Photo credit: Christina LeBlanc for LiveTheMovies.com.

More to come on the sights from “Hart of Dixie” as the season unfolds!

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

Production uses several streets in the Los Altos neighborhood of Long Beach for the homes of the show’s characters. San Anseline Avenue is where you can find Rita’s house (2348), and next door (at 2354) is the house of the neighbor with the noisy dog from Season 1.

Rita's house as seen on Dexter.

The house next door to Rita's, the neighbor with the noisy dog from Season 1.

Nearby you can find the home Dexter grew up in with Deb and Harry, at 2431 Chatwin Avenue. Next door to that, at 2421 Chatwin Avenue, is Angel’s former home as seen in Season 1 when he gets drunk and Dexter tries to drop him off there.

At 5570 E. Rolanda Street is the house that Dexter inherits from his biological father in Season 1, and right across the street at 5561 E. Rolanda Street is where the old lady neighbor lived.

The house that Dexter inherits from his biological father.

Important note: These are private homes. Do not trespass or disturb the residents!

Several scenes from “Dexter” were also filmed at Shoreline Village in Long Beach. It’s a cute shopping center on the water near the Queen Mary. The show constructed the Santa’s Village scene among the shops, and the spot below was the backdrop for the police gathering to watch the video that the Ice Truck Killer left behind.

This spot can be seen on the show (look for the pink store front).

The official address is 429 Shoreline Drive. The green barn-looking building, which is actually a theatre, was used as the comic book store crime scene in Season 2:

Also in that episode, La Guerta and Doakes go for a walk along the Shoreline Village boardwalk. You might recognize this view:

A little further north of Long Beach you can find a few more “Dexter” spots. In Marina del Rey you’ll find the hotel where the Ice Truck Killer sprayed his victim’s blood for Dexter to find, so Dex would start piecing together the horrific events of his mother’s murder. The Marina del Rey Hotel is at 13534 Bali Way.

The Marina del Rey Hotel stood in for the Marina View Hotel.

Marina del Rey is also home to the 50s diner Dexter and Lila go to in Season 2:

The diner is at 4211 Admiralty Way and is actually an organic restaurant, but maintains the 50s diner charm.

Nearby in Santa Monica is the bowling alley Dexter frequents with his coworkers in Season 2. It’s located at 234 Pico Blvd and in real life is the AMF Bay Shore Lanes:

In Sun Valley, CA, you can find the auto salvage yard where Dexter killed the husband and wife who were killing Cuban immigrants. The address is 9928 Glenoaks Blvd:

The autoyard is in Sun Valley.

Close by is the Pink Motel, where the cops track the Ice Truck Killer wannabe and bust him in time to save the woman he’s kidnapped:

The Pink Motel is at 9457 San Fernando Road in Sun Valley.

Of course, several of the first season’s locations are in Miami, including Dexter’s apartment at 1155 103rd Street in Miami Beach (production built a reproduction at the studio in Los Angeles).

For a ton more “Dexter” locations, visit Seeing-Stars’ excellent season-by-season guide.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

The Biggest Loser gym. Photo Credit: LiveTheMovies.

A bird's-eye view of the grounds, from LAMountains.com.

At King Gillette Ranch (26800 West Mulholland Highway, Calabasas), you’ll find the “Biggest Loser” gym, the dormitories where the cast lives, and the lush green grounds where they train and reflect. You pay a small parking fee (about $7 for the whole day), and can go directly to the main building for maps and information. (LAMountains.com also provides a free map here.)

It’s a beautiful spot to walk around, take a few photos, and enjoy nature. But, TV junkies, you’ll also spot the gym, dorms, and buildings from the show:

When I visited, they’d just started filming the 10th season. My friend and I were lucky enough to spot some of the new contestants chatting and going for a walk:

We tried not to disturb them in case they were filming, but the above guys were really nice and said hi to us. All in all, a nice little spot for a TV-stalking stop!

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

If you take the Warner Brothers VIP Studio Tour, you’ll see (the generally undressed) exterior of Merlotte’s as you cruise through the studio’s forest/jungle area. It’s nestled in the trees near a shack that’s recently been used on “Chuck” and “The Mentalist”. It remains undressed (as above) until the crew comes in to film scenes, at which point it is dressed up as the Merlotte’s you recognize from the show:

The interior of Merlotte’s is constructed and filmed on a sound stage at another studio. (Having been inside “Merlotte’s” as seen above, I can confirm there’s really nothing inside.) However, tucked away behind Merlotte’s is Sam’s trailer:

When I last visited the Warner Brothers lot, they’d just finished filming some scenes with Sam and his car was still on the lot, parked out by Merlotte’s. As with Merlotte’s, the interior of Sam’s trailer is pretty bare — the interior set is built on a sound stage at a different studio.

Still, it was cool that the tour guide for the Warner Brothers Deluxe Tour (which I took for the first time this month) let us wander in and around both locations — especially knowing that Sam Trammell had been there just a day earlier!

For more info on the Warner Brothers tour, check out our story & review here.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

The light installation can be found at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The museum is a great place to visit if you’re in the city. It’s located at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, and on the second Tuesday of each month, admission is free for all permanent exhibits.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

Beachwood Market
Tess and Alexis shop here for dinner supplies in “The Party” (Season 1).
2701 Belden Drive
Los Angeles, CA

Canyon Beachwear
Tess and Alexis shop here in “Mommie Dearest” (Season 1).
13035 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604

Casa Dorada
Tess and Alexis stay here in “What Happens in Cabo, Stays in Cabo” (Season 1).
Av. Pescador S/N
Col. El Médano
Cabo San Lucas, BCS 23410

Groundwork Coffee Company
Tess meets Max here to talk about their relationship in “Vanity Unfair” (Season 1).
1501 Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
 groundworkcoffee.com

The Hudson
Alexis and Tess go here with Vernon Davis and friends in “The Move” (Season 1).
1114 North Crescent Heights Blvd.
West Hollywood, Ca. 90046
 thehudsonla.com

Hyde Lounge
Tess and Alexis go dancing there in “Mommie Dearest” (Season 1).
8029 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

La Fonda Restaurant & Lounge
Gabby and her parents go here in “What Happens in Cabo, Stays in Cabo” (Season 1).
2501 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90057
 lafondala.com

Lucky Strike Lanes
Tess goes bowling with Ryan Cabrera here in “The Hearing” (Season 1).
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Ste 143
Hollywood, CA 90028
 bowlluckystrike.com

Miceli’s
Gabby takes her family out to dinner with her first paycheck in “Vanity Unfair” (Season 1).
1646 N Las Palmas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028

MILK
Gabby and her stepdad go here to talk in “The Move” (Season 1).
7290 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Petersen Automotive Museum
Tess walks in the Biatta Intimates runway show here in “The Arrest” (Season 1).
6060 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
 petersen.org

Pink Kitty Nightclub
Alexis and Tess hosted an event for Haiti here in “What Happens in Cabo, Stays in Cabo” (Season 1).
 pinkkittycabo.com

Planet Blue
Alexis, Tess, and Gabby shop for Gabby’s birthday outfit here in “The Party” (Season 1). Gabby applies for a job there in “Vanity Unfair” (Season 1).
409 N Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The Roxy Theatre
Tess and Alexis go see Wicker here in “The Party” (Season 1).
9009 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA
 http://theroxyonsunset.com/

Skin Haven
Tess and Alexis get pedicures there in “Vanity Unfair” (Season 1).
300 N. Crescent Heights Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
 skinhaven.com

Tailwaggers
Gabby applies for a job here in “Vanity Unfair” (Season 1).
1929 N Bronson Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068
 tailwaggerspets.com

The Wine House
Andrea and her husband go here in “Mommie Dearest” (Season 1).
2311 Cotner Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

(Psst… if you’re an “Arrested Development” fan, check out our “AD” filming location guide!)

CHRISTINA LEBLANC: Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me! I really appreciate it.

TONY HALE: Oh, sure, it’s my pleasure.

CL: I’m writing kind of a series of articles about my favorite TV characters and Buster Bluth is my favorite of all time.

TH: [Laughs] Sweet!

CL: What was the best part about playing Buster? He’s such an original and awesome character; what were your favorite parts about playing him?

TH: Um, what were my favorite parts about playing Buster… you know, I remember having a discussion with Mitch, who’s the creator, and we discussed that the only thing in life that Buster ever wanted was safety. And anything that threatened that safety was… he would just, you know, lose his mind. And it was fun to constantly be that hypersensitive. To be constantly that on-edge, all the time. Somebody could give him the wrong pencil and he’d, you know, lose his mind. It was just kind of funny to always react to everything. And also, just, I think my favorite part was the surprises that were thrown at me. You know, constantly… that was what was so great about the show was that every week, it was just a surprise. We had no idea what was coming at us and, you know, sometimes in shows you kind of get into a typical formula or a typical routine, but we just had no clue what was coming at us and that was a blast to do.

CL: Yeah! How did you react when they told you a seal was going to bite your hand off? Because, I mean, that’s kind of out of the ordinary.

TH: Oh, I know! I was super excited, because again it was something I never thought was coming at me, and initially I had a “hmm, I like to use my hands when I act”. But then it was just, the multiple comic possibilities with it was really fun. And I love that he never really stuck to one prosthetic, whether a real hand or a hook or whatever. He had his choice daily, whatever he was in the mood for.

CL: So funny. Kind of along those lines, do you have any favorite episodes or favorite Buster moments that happened?

TH: I have so many scenes with Jessica Walter, who played my mom.

CL: I loved you guys together.

TH: Yeah, we had this co-dependent, disastrous relationship and that was really fun to play off of. Along those same lines, I had Liza Minnelli as my girlfriend. And I had such a blast doing the character… I haven’t seen the actual episodes in a long time but if I do watch something on the DVD, I like to watch the gag reel. I just had so much fun laughing at everybody else. I mean, Will Arnett, who played Gob, just made me cry, and David Cross, just like Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica… it was just constant, you know, eye candy. It was so fun.

CL: You can’t lose with that group! There’s always someone to make you laugh.

TH: Oh, I know.

CL: The fans, obviously, are extremely intense about loving the show. What do you think it is about the show that people are so attached to?

TH: It’s interesting. I have some friends of mine that live in Virginia and they were saying that, actually, they watch it a lot and they said that it’s comforting to them. I was thinking, that’s so interesting. And I wonder if it’s that the height of dysfunction is just, um, it’s kind of an escape because it’s so crazy and so heightened that I think people can just laugh and forget, just laugh at the absolute destruction of the family.

CL: It’s definitely fun to watch. I’ve watched them all a thousand times, so I get that. Now we have a question from a fan, which is are there any aspects of your character or experience on the show that you carry with you into other roles or other aspects of your life?

TH: Not now… I will say, I probably – when I was doing the show – my wife will probably tell you that I was a little more hypersensitive than I need to be. Like, I would always come home a little bit on-edge. When you’re in that character so much, every now and then you bring it home. But carried over? [Laughs] Hopefully nothing, he was such a colorful guy. But doing it, it was interesting, cause you are just this emasculated man-child constantly, so… it’s an interesting place to be.

CL: [Laughs] And in terms of the movie – I’m sure you get bugged with movie questions – but is there anything you’d love to see happen? Like in terms of plot, or anything you want Buster to get into?

TH: You know, I kind of go back to the surprise aspect, because I remember I was telling someone – I had an interview a while back – and they were kind of asking me kind of the same question and I said, I remember giving Mitch the idea of “what if Buster is on American Idol or something?” and he was like, “yeah… I’m gonna have a seal bite off your hand”. And I kind of gave up on having ideas. Now I just love the surprise aspect. Because, you know, if we were to do the movie it would be, timeline-wise, five or six (or however many years it takes if we ever do the movie) after that and I just want to be completely surprised as to what happens to Buster. I mean, I can’t imagine what that guy is getting into. So I’m just really excited about the surprise aspect.

CL: Definitely. I imagine that would be fun.

TH: I know. I just have no clue, and that’s what’s fun about it.

CL: I also loved you as Emmett on “Chuck”.

TH: Oh, thanks!

CL: You’ve also done some guest-starring roles on a couple of more dramatic shows as well [like “Justified”, “Law & Order”, and “Numbers”]. A fan wanted to know, when you take a role that’s not like the comedy we’re used to seeing on “Arrested Development” or some of your other projects and do a more dramatic role, how do you get in the zone? Is it a challenge or do you enjoy doing something different?

TH: It’s definitely a challenge. Like I’m doing a movie right now in Waco, TX and it’s a dramatic role, and I did a “Law and Order” and I played a dad whose daughter gets kidnapped to Brazil by my ex-wife and to get to that zone, you kind of have to imagine – cause I have a 4-year-old daughter – if somebody were to take my daughter. It’s a total challenge. It was based on a true story, and you kind of feel like you’re representing somebody out there who has been through that. And it was fun… well, I don’t know if fun is the right word because it wasn’t necessarily fun to be in that zone. It was a challenge.

CL: Satisfying, maybe?

TH: Yeah. It was very, very, very, very, very satisfying. But it wasn’t like… I have a lot of friends in New York and we shot for two weeks in New York, but I wasn’t, like, going out with my friends at night because the next day I’d have to bawl my eyes out in the courtroom about my daughter being gone.

CL: Right, right.

TH: You know? [Laughs] But it was definitely very, very challenging and very satisfying but I don’t know if “fun” is the right word.

CL: Is there any role you haven’t been able to do yet that you kind of dream of playing?

TH: Um… god, I don’t know. That’s a good question. I’m trying to think… I’ve had the opportunity to do a wide range of stuff, a lot of different characters and they’ve all had their own kind of thing. I don’t know if there’s one crazy thing I haven’t done. [Laughs] Buster’s about as extreme as it gets. So… I don’t know what the dramatic version of Buster is… some hypersensitive psycho killer or something. But, that’s a good question. I just like to keep working. If the gigs can keep coming, then I’m satisfied.

CL: Well, yeah, as you said you’ve already gotten to play a lot of different characters, so that’s pretty cool.

TH: It is. It’s fun. It’s really, really, really fun. I’m very thankful.

CL: Another fan wanted to know about “Awkward Situations for Men”. Is there anything you can tell us about that? And how was it working with Danny Wallace?

TH: He. Is. The. Best. He is the coolest guy. Before the show, I didn’t really know his work and so, from getting the show, I’ve kind of become his internet stalker – reading all of his stuff and watching all of his videos. Not only is he so funny, but he’s just an incredibly kind man and we had such a blast working on the pilot. The whole story of the show is – he has a book coming out in June called Awkward Situations for Men – and the pilot is based on his experience as a Brit coming to the states and dealing with the American culture. And I play his American best friend who gets into trouble a lot of the time. It was just so much fun. And Laura Prepon was on the show as well, and Matt Letscher, and we had a great, great time and we’re still waiting to hear what happens with it. But it was just such a blast to do and I’m really thankful for that gig.

CL: That sounds really exciting so I hope we get to see it!

TH: I know, me too! [Laughs]

CL: Any other upcoming projects you want to tell us about? Where can we see you in the future? I know you said you’re in Texas right now working on a movie.

TH: Yeah, I’m in Waco, TX. [Laughs] I know, which is exciting. I went to a Wal-Mart in Waco the other day.

CL: Wow!

TH: I know, it was awesome. The film I’m doing now is called Sironia, and it’s directed by a guy named Brandon Dickerson. And it’s just a really great story about this guy who was in LA trying to make it as a musician and kept on hitting walls and decided to move back with his wife to Sironia, Texas. There’s music throughout; people kind of compare it to Once.

CL: Oh, yeah.

TH: I mean, it’s different, but there’s a lot of music involved in the movie. I play his Southern brother-in-law. And it’s just a really, really sweet, powerful story. And then in August, there’s a movie called Happythankyoumoreplease that I did.

CL: Oh, is that Josh Radnor’s movie?

TH: Yeah. And that’s coming out in August. I was able to see it at Sundance and Josh has done such a fantastic job. It’s just this story of six New Yorkers and of their lives and I play kind of loveable – or, I don’t know if I’m loveable – but this kind of awkward office worker who’s in love with Malin Ackerman. It’s just a really sweet, good movie, and it’s coming out in August, and then we’ll see what happens after that! It’s always a surprise! This business is always an adventure.

CL: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me, I really appreciate it.

TH: Oh, thanks!

CL: And best of luck with everything, I look forward to seeing your upcoming projects!

TH: Thanks so much Christina, I really appreciate you taking the time.

The Bradbury Building has been seen in Chinatown, Blade Runner, and Pay it Forward, among other productions. The building’s architecture is interesting and beautiful; if you are in downtown LA it’s a must-see! It’s located at 304 S Broadway at 3rd Street.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

You may recognize the mansion from films like Ghostbusters (it was Gracie Mansion), The Big Lebowski, Batman and Robin, Indecent Proposal, X-Men, The Holiday (it stood in for a restaurant interior) and Death Becomes Her. It also stood in for Rory’s school, Chilton, on “Gilmore Girls”.

Aside from its location factor, the park & mansion are worth a visit for the scenery alone. The mansion is gorgeous, the grounds are pretty and serene, and from the front of the property is a gorgeous view of all of Los Angeles.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

Not only does the side of the school boast a mural of famous faces like Marilyn Monroe, the school itself boasts some famous alumni: Anthony Anderson, Brandy, Carol Burnett, Keith Carradine, Frank Darabont, Laurence Fishburne, Judy Garland, James Garner, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Ritter, Ione Skye, Leighton Meester, Sharon Tate, Lana Turner, Rita Wilson, and Fay Wray, to name a few.

The school has also been seen on screen, in productions such as the “Jackass” movie, the John Cusack 80s flick Better Off Dead and the 2007 Nancy Drew film.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor