Though "Steel Magnolias" is set in the fictional town of Chinquapin, it was filmed in the small town of Natchitoches, Louisiana — which is also the screenwriter Robert Harling's hometown. According to People, Harling originally wrote "Steel Magnolias" as a play in honor of his sister Susan Robinson, who died of complications related to diabetes after a risky pregnancy and failed kidney transplant. The successful play ran for several months off-Broadway before it was adapted for the screen, becoming the classic we know today.
The tree-lined town of Natchitoches provided a lovely backdrop for the film, and an extra hint of intimacy once you realize it's where the true story took place. According to The Bay St. Louis Little Theatre, a former mayor of Natchitoches was the advisor for the film, and he gave advice for shots and picturesque locations.
According to the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, fans of "Steel Magnolias" who visit Natchitoches can even go on a tour to visit iconic places from the film, like the different women's houses, the site of the Easter egg hunt at the end of the movie, and even Truvy's beauty salon.
