If you were making a movie about the contrast between California and West Virginia, how would you do it? Would you pair a wholesome West Virginia country girl with a bad-boy Hollywood actor? Would you throw in a Piggly Wiggly to raise some West Coast eyebrows? Would you pit the big name, big city Los Angeles against most definitely not a big name, big city Fraziers Bottom? Well, if you did do all that, you’d probably be sued for copyright infringement, because that’s exactly what happens in the 2004 hit film “Win A Date With Tad Hamilton” which was inspired by and partially filmed in West Virginia.

The movie centers around Piggly Wiggly cashier and Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia native Rosalee, who wins a date with movie star Tad Hamilton, much to the chagrin of her best friend, Piggly Wiggly store manager and secret admirer Pete.
Joe Smith / Google Maps
We'll try not to give too much away, but let's just say that throughout the movie, stereotypically naive West Virginia is pitted against worldly-wise Hollywood. And, true to the all-too-frequent popular culture stereotype, West Virginia doesn't always come out the winner.
Eiler, Lyntha Scott / Library of Congress
That said, if you can make it through those parts of the film without cringing too badly, you'll spot some familiar scenes: the Kanawha River. The New River Gorge. Yeager Airport.
formulanone / Wikimedia

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You can even visit Fraziers Bottom if you like, driving along quiet country roads past a small fire department and post office.
Google Maps
You can pretend that the beautiful Once Upon A Farm wedding venue is the same farm Tad Hamilton bought.
Once Upon A Farm / Google Maps
You can eat at Fraziers Bottom's small diner, which in real life is called Tammy's Country Kitchen.
Anthony Darst / Google Maps

And as you do these things, you will realize why, in the end, when it really counted, West Virginia triumphed over Hollywood even in this stereotypical film. Of course it did. Deep roots and strong friendships are always the way to go, and we West Virginians do those well, both on and off-screen. Now, no offense to the spectacular Kate Bosworth, but the only real question we have is where was Jennifer Garner when the female lead in “Win A Date” was cast?

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