One of Netflix’s biggest hits is continuing to draw tourists to Rome, and local leaders are working to turn quick photo stops into longer visits that benefit downtown businesses.
Tourism officials say the “Creel House” from Stranger Things — known locally as the Claremont House on Second Avenue — has become a major attraction. Last year, an estimated 5,000 fans visited the house, and so far this year, about 2,000 visitors have already made the trip.
Instead of fans snapping a quick selfie and heading back out on the highway, tourism leaders want to encourage visitors to stay longer — by exploring downtown Rome, eating at local restaurants, and taking in other attractions.
“We have created the Stranger Things in Rome Tour,” said Kristi Kent with the Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism. Kent says the tour is expected to launch next month and will include another major filming location at Berry College — the site used in the show as Pennhurst Mental Hospital.
Kent also says Netflix has donated pieces of the Pennhurst set, including a large metal sign, to the City of Rome. Rather than placing it back at Berry College, the city plans to create a downtown display.
“We wanted to make that a location that you can come and visit in Downtown Rome,” Kent said, explaining the city will set up a backdrop at the Town Green to recreate the look of the original film set — with the Pennhurst metal artwork positioned in front for visitors to experience.
The Stranger Things in Rome tour is expected to launch next month, offering fans a new way to see filming sites — and giving downtown Rome a boost from the show’s continued popularity.
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