Discover Smallville, Kansas: Top Movies, TV Series and Books Set There

Smallville, Kansas, a fictional town known for its portrayal as the childhood home of the world’s most famous superhero, Superman, has been the backdrop for a myriad of films, TV series, and books. It’s a place where the ordinary intertwines with the extraordinary, and this guide will delve into the famous films shot in Smallville, TV shows set in this imaginary locale, and the rich literary tapestry spun around it.

Famous Films Shot in Smallville

Over the years, Smallville, Kansas, has served as the setting for several iconic films. These movies, whether directly mentioning Smallville or implicitly alluding to it, have etched this fictional town into the global cinematic geography.

1. “Superman” (1978) — Directed by Richard Donner: The film that introduced Smallville to the big screen. The quintessential superhero movie, it features several scenes set in Smallville, highlighting its peaceful, rural charm.
2. “Man of Steel” (2013) — Directed by Zack Snyder: This modern retelling of Superman’s origin story, features an updated depiction of Smallville, complete with a detailed rendering of the Kent family farm.
3. “Justice League” (2017) — Directed by Zack Snyder: Although not primarily set in Smallville, the film contains key scenes featuring the town and its surrounding farmlands.

TV Shows Set in Smallville

Smallville’s TV presence extends beyond its portrayal in the eponymous series “Smallville.” Here are some notable shows that have brought Smallville to life:

1. “Smallville” (2001-2011) — Developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar: The definitive Smallville TV series, it explores Clark Kent’s teenage years, and the challenges he faces growing up in Smallville.
2. “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (1993-1997) — Developed by Deborah Joy LeVine: Although primarily set in Metropolis, the series includes several flashbacks to Clark’s childhood in Smallville.
3. “Supergirl” (2015-present) — Developed by Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler, and Andrew Kreisberg: This series features several episodes set in Smallville, providing a fresh perspective on the iconic town.

Animated Films Set in Smallville

The animated realm, too, has been enriched by stories set in Smallville. Here are a few notable examples:

1. “Superman: The Animated Series” (1996-2000) — Developed by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm: This animated series features several episodes set in Smallville, highlighting the town’s significance in Superman’s upbringing.
2. “Justice League: The New Frontier” (2008) — Directed by Dave Bullock: The film’s opening scenes are set in Smallville, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the town.
3. “Superman: Red Son” (2020) — Directed by Sam Liu: An alternate universe tale where Smallville is depicted as a rural Russian village.

Famous Books Set in Smallville

The literary world has also been captivated by Smallville’s charm. Here are three classic and contemporary books that have used Smallville as their setting:

Classic Books:

1. “The Adventures of Superboy” by Eleanor Packer (1942): This novel provides a detailed account of Clark Kent’s teenage years in Smallville.
2. “Superman: Last Son of Krypton” by Elliot S. Maggin (1978): The book delves into Superman’s origin story, with several chapters devoted to his upbringing in Smallville.
3. “The Death and Life of Superman” by Roger Stern (1993): The narrative oscillates between Smallville and Metropolis, providing a comprehensive portrait of Superman’s world.

Contemporary Books:

1. “Smallville: Strange Visitors” by Roger Stern (2002): This novel, spun off from the TV series, explores the mysterious happenings in Smallville.
2. “Superman: Earth One” by J. Michael Straczynski (2010): A modern reinterpretation of Superman’s origin story, with a significant portion set in Smallville.
3. “Smallville Season 11” by Bryan Q. Miller (2012): This comic book series continues the narrative from the TV show, featuring several story arcs set in Smallville.

Exploring Smallville Filming Locations – Where to Go

While Smallville is a fictional town, its essence has been captured in various filming locations. Here are some must-visit places for Smallville enthusiasts:

1. Cloverdale, British Columbia: Serving as the primary filming location for the “Smallville” TV series, this Canadian town embodies the rural charm associated with Smallville.
2. Plano, Illinois: The town was transformed into Smallville for the filming of “Man of Steel.” Key landmarks include the Kent family farm and the Smallville town center.
3. Burnaby, British Columbia: Home to the Kent Farm set used in “Smallville,” the Burnaby region provides a glimpse into Clark Kent’s humble beginnings.

Where to Sleep in Smallville

Whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury seeker, there are accommodations to suit your needs in the real-world counterparts of Smallville. Here are three cheap and three luxury options:

Budget Accommodations:

1. Surrey Central Inn, Surrey, British Columbia: A budget-friendly option located near Cloverdale.
2. Super 8 by Wyndham, Yorkville, Illinois: Situated in Yorkville, close to Plano, this motel offers affordable rooms.
3. Happy Day Inn, Burnaby, British Columbia: A economical lodging option located near the “Smallville” filming locations.

Luxury Accommodations:

1. Civic Hotel, Autograph Collection, Surrey, British Columbia: A luxury hotel offering stylish rooms and a fantastic location.
2. Hampton Inn Yorkville, Yorkville, Illinois: This upscale hotel provides comfortable rooms and is located near Plano.
3. Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, Burnaby, British Columbia: A luxury hotel offering top-tier amenities and easy access to the Smallville filming locations.

Where to Eat in Smallville

Savor the flavors of Smallville at these budget and luxury dining options:

Budget Dining:

1. The Henry, Cloverdale, British Columbia: A casual dining spot offering a range of affordable dishes.
2. Suzy’s Pizza, Plano, Illinois: A budget-friendly pizza joint popular among locals and visitors alike.
3. Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria, Burnaby, British Columbia: An affordable Italian restaurant located near the “Smallville” filming locations.

Luxury Dining:

1. Vault Restaurant, Cloverdale, British Columbia: A high-end restaurant offering delectable dishes in a swanky setting.
2. Southbank Original Barbecue, Yorkville, Illinois: A luxury dining spot offering gourmet barbecue dishes.
3. The Pear Tree Restaurant, Burnaby, British Columbia: A fine dining restaurant offering an exquisite culinary experience.

Best Itinerary for Exploring Smallville’s Filming Locations Day by Day

This three-day itinerary will take you through the heart of Smallville, allowing you to explore its cinematic landscape:

Day 1: Cloverdale, British Columbia Start your tour in Cloverdale, the primary filming location for the “Smallville” TV series. Visit the town’s main street, transformed into Smallville’s town center for the show.

Day 2: Plano, Illinois Visit Plano, the real-world counterpart of Smallville for the film “Man of Steel.” Explore the town center and the Kent family farm.

Day 3: Burnaby, British Columbia End your trip in Burnaby, home to the Kent Farm set used in “Smallville.”

Local Legends and Curiosities About Smallville

Smallville’s cinematic journey is rife with intriguing tales. A local legend associated with the town is the “Smallville Curse,” an alleged string of misfortune affecting those involved with Superman adaptations. Another curiosity is the “Smallville Days” festival held in Plano, Illinois, celebrating the town’s connection to Superman.

Hidden Gems in Smallville

Smallville’s allure extends beyond its main streets. Discover the hidden charm of this town by exploring lesser-known filming locations such as the Sullivan’s Antiques storefront in Cloverdale and the Plano Train Station featured in “Man of Steel.”

What to Pack for a Trip to Smallville

Packing for Smallville requires considering the climate of its real-world counterparts. Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the cinematic landscapes, and a notebook to document your experiences. Depending on the season, pack light clothing for summer, layers for spring and fall, and warm attire for the winter months.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Smallville

Navigating Smallville’s real-world locations involves using public transportation or renting a car. In Cloverdale, use TransLink, the city’s public transport system. In Plano and Yorkville, renting a car is the best option for exploring the areas. In Burnaby, the SkyTrain provides easy access to various locations.

With this guide, you’re all set to embark on a cinematic journey through Smallville, exploring its rich history, diverse landscapes, and iconic landmarks. So, pack your bags, channel your inner superhero, and get ready to explore the heart of Kansas!