Where Was Practical Magic Filmed?

For those of you that enjoy a good rom/com with a touch of magic, the Practical Magic movie may have been a favorite. It’s got a great cast for those of you who are fans of Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and Aidan Quinn. We tend to associate witchcraft and magic with Salem, Massachusetts which is where this movie is set. But where was Practical Magic filmed? On a completely different coastline! Here’s what the movie was about.

Where Was Practical Magic Filmed?

Practical Magic was primarily filmed in the Pacific Northwest, with most of the exterior shots taking place in and around Seattle, Washington. In addition to Seattle, several other locations were used to film Practical Magic including Cedar Creek Grist Mill in Woodland, Washington; the hamlet of Port Gamble on Hood Canal near Kingston; and Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. The interior scenes were filmed entirely in sound stages at the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.

What was Practical Magic All About?

Practical Magic is a fantasy comedy-drama film about two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens who are born into a family with magical powers. The Owens women have long been ostracized by the townspeople due to their “witchy” ways, and are determined to break the family curse that has befallen them for generations. In order to do so, they must work together and use their magical powers to thwart a powerful evil, as well as learn how to love and accept themselves despite their differences. Along the way, they discover the strength of family and the power of true love.

Who Was In The Cast

The main cast of Practical Magic included Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens, the two sisters with magical powers; Stockard Channing as their aunt Jet; Dianne Wiest as their grandmother Helen; Aidan Quinn as Jimmy Angelov, a local detective who falls for Sally; Giancarlo Esposito as Gary Hallet, a criminal from Gillian’s past; and Evan Rachel Wood as young Sally Owens. Other cast members include Goran Visnjic, Mark Feuerstein, Stephanie Faracy, and Christine Estabrook.

The Director

Practical Magic was directed by Griffin Dunne from a screenplay by Robin Swicord. Dunne is a prolific director who has worked on many films, television series, and documentaries over the years. He is best known for his work on NBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent and FX’s Damages, as well as the film Addicted to Love (1997). It was based on the novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman.

Did Practical Magic Receive Any Awards?

The film was a success at the box office, becoming the seventh-highest grossing movie in 1998, with a worldwide total of $125 million. It also received mostly positive reviews from critics for its heartwarming story and strong performances by Bullock and Kidman.

Practical Magic received three nominations and one award. Stockard Channing won Blockbuster Entertainment Awards Favorite Supporting Actress – Comedy/Romance. Dianne Wiest was an American Comedy Awards nominee for Funniest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, and Camilla Bell was a Young Artist Awards nominee for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actress. 

Fun Facts About Practical Magic

• Aidan Quinn auditioned for the role of Jimmy Angelov four times before he was finally cast.
• Evan Rachel Wood was only nine years old when she played the character of young Sally Owens in Practical Magic.
• In a scene where the two sisters are running away, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock were actually being pulled by a truck because they couldn’t run fast enough to keep up with it!
• In the scene where the two adult sisters get drunk with their aunts, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock were actually drunk on bad tequila.
• The name of Sally’s shop is called “Verbena.” Verbena is an actual plant that is associated with supernatural and divine forces.

Can You Visit the Set of Practical Magic?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the set of Practical Magic. The house was specially built and was torn down when filming ended. However, you can visit where the exterior shots and scenes were filmed in locations around Massachusetts and Washington State, including towns such as Seattle, Port Townsend, Friday Harbor, and La Conner. 

And That’s A Wrap!

Whether you’re looking for an active vacation or a cultural getaway, there is something special to be enjoyed in Washington State. Whether it’s hiking the Olympic Mountains or tasting the local seafood, visitors are sure to find plenty of things to do and see while they explore this beautiful state.