“The Holdovers” is a throwback movie that premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival in the fall of 2023. Since its release, the film has been quite successful and even earned a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes (with a 91% audience score). The dramedy is a nominee for several Academy Awards and follows the journey of a New England prep school instructor that has to stay on campus during Christmas break. The holiday film (which is rated R) is a great watch for those that love narratives containing unsuspecting connections between unlikely characters. The acclaimed movie, directed by Alexander Payne, is the story of three people organically bonding in less than appealing circumstances. Paul Hunham, Angus Tully and Mary Lamb (played by Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, respectively) are the motley crew that viewers will get to know in the 1970’s styled holiday film.
While the film locations of “The Holdovers” provided almost stark and isolating environments for the characters, they are much more welcoming destinations in person. Travelers that are fans of the film can immerse themselves in the same surroundings which catapulted major change in the character’s lives. These locations were incredibly important to the development of the movie’s plot as well. In fact, the entire film was made in one U.S. state, so travelers can discover the world of the New England boarding school in one trip. Check out the main filming destinations of “The Holdovers” and our recommendations for visiting.
Groton, Massachusetts
- Key Scenes: Barton Academy and surrounding environment
- Best Time to Visit: Between December and February for winter holiday fun
- Transportation Options: the Fitchburg Line train or taxi
Groton, Massachusetts is a major film location for the movie. It is a northwestern suburban town which is accessible by train or car from major Massachusetts locations like Boston. After the hour drive from the central area of Boston, travelers can enjoy the extensive hiking trails, slow moving rivers and scenic valleys of Groton. Groton was utilized for many parts of the film, but mostly for varied shots of the school, which added dimension to the fictional academy. Movie fans can visit the Groton School Boathouse, Groton School Chapel and the Northfield Mount Hermon School to get a feel for the world of the Barton Academy. Exterior and interior shots of the boarding school were taken at these locations. This includes the stained-glass windows of the chapel and views of the Nashua River. Although there are no film tours available to fans yet since the film was released quite recently, there is sure to be buzz if the film wins in one of its many award nomination categories.
Things to Do: Explore this town by going to the Groton History Center, canoeing on the Nashua River or visiting the popular Gibbet Hill Farm.
Where to Eat: Although the culinary offerings of Groton did not make it into the film, there are a few local favorites that the film crew might have enjoyed. The Dream Diner and Gibbet Hill Grill are rated as some of the best eats in the area, so travelers should not miss out on these American cuisine restaurants.
Where to Stay: The Groton Inn is a historic boutique hotel which includes breakfast and is located near ski areas. It is the number one place to stay among tourists due to its proximity to the highway, on-site restaurant and affordable prices (rooms go for around $168 a night).
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
- Key Scenes: the classroom and the piano scene
- Best Time to Visit: For snow similar to the film, from December to March
- Transportation Options: The local bus shuttle Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) operates in Fairhaven
Fairhaven is a Massachusetts town that has a historical significance. Fairhaven is located on the southern coast and is around an hour away from Boston. The main filming location in Fairhaven includes the Fairhaven High School, which was utilized for scenes in the classroom or the auditorium. So, visiting this town will give viewers more of the Barton Academy student experience. Other than the local high school which was featured in the movie, tourists can explore the area a bit more. If travelers do not know exactly where they want to go they can check out the Fairhaven Office of Tourism. There they can discover some of the most popular activities like Fort Phoenix State Reservation and the local petting zoos. Fairhaven is actually the home port of Captain Joshua Slocum, who was the first to circumvent the globe alone. So tourists can learn more about that historical fact or enjoy local marketplaces and walking tours.
Things to Do: The Phoenix bike trail, stunning gothic style Unitarian Memorial Church and West Island State Reservation are some of the top activities for visitors of Fairhaven.
Where to Eat: The Black Whale, Turk’s Seafood Restaurant and Brick Pizzeria Napoletana are just some of the best local eating spots.
Where to Stay: The Hampton Inn New Bedford/Fairhaven is the most comfortable accommodation that is both affordable and located centrally. For around $110 a night travelers can stay in this hotel located two miles from the beach with free breakfast.
Southborough, Massachusetts
- Key Scene: the schools dining hall, kitchen, gym and the headmaster’s office
- Best Time to Visit: December to February, for the most snow
- Transportation Options: the public bus shuttle is available
Southborough (or Southboro) is a suburb of Massachusetts that is considered one of the best places to live in the state. This filming site has a rural feel but plenty for visitors to do. The (boarding) school scenes of the film were shot in the St. Mark’s School, which was established in 1865. This location helped to authenticate the film which was set in a completely different period than it was filmed in. Greater Southborough is a great place to visit as well. It has a Southborough Center Historic District, 5,000 acre Sudbury Reservoir Trail and the Chestnut Hill Farm. Chestnut Hill is a working farm and is one of the last of its kind in Southborough.
Things to Do: The 90 acre Breakneck Hill Conservation area is extremely popular in Southborough for its recreational land filled with wildflowers and a nice trail. The Callahan State Park is another nice nature attraction which tourists love for its several miles of trails for hiking, skiing and even horseback riding.
Where to Stay: In Southborough travelers will have plenty of affordable accommodation options, like the Sheraton Hotel and Hilton Doubletree which cost around $130 per night.
Where to Eat: The best restaurants in Southborough are local favorites like J&M Diner, Firefly’s BBQ and Jack’s Abby.
Deerfield, Massachusetts
- Key Scenes: Barton Academy campus
- Best Time to Visit: December to January for snow sports
- Transportation Options: most tourists travel by bus
Although Deerfield, Massachusetts offers visitors a spacious suburban destination, there is much to see there. It is two hours away from Boston and is well known for its heritage tourism. In fact, the historic parts of town have been labeled a National Historic Landmark District. Deerfield is a great place to visit for history buffs and fans of the movie “The Holdovers”. Scenes filmed in Deerfield include when the majority of the academy are getting on the bus to return home over the break. This part of the movie was captured outside of the snow-covered Deerfield Academy Campus with a few small parts including the academy’s main building.
Things to Do: The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Deerfield History Museum are among the most popular tourism spots of the area.
Where to Eat: Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern as well as Gianni Fig’s Ristorante are nice restaurants in the central Deerfield area that experience a lot of volume.
Where to Stay: The Deerfield Inn (which costs around $260 per night) is a popular option for tourists since it is centrally located, has free breakfast and houses the popular Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern.