As the name would imply, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is set in the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri, but it was filmed in the small town Sylva, North Carolina, just outside of Asheville, in the spring of 2016.
The movie, based on a true story, follows a mother who, out of desperation, purchases advertising on three billboards that has a controversial message directed at the town’s revered police chief.
Downtown Sylva played Ebbing in the movie. Most of the action took place around the intersection of Spring St and W Main St at the old Massie Furniture Store (now Sassy Frass Consignment) which was transformed into the Ebbing Polce Department. The town embraced its role in the movie so much the local paper even put out an edition of the Ebbing Herald after its building was also transformed.
Here’s a list of other filming locations for the movie in and around Sylva, be sure to check them out if you’re in the area!
Three Billboards: were located along North Fork Rd, east of Asheville (they were removed shortly after the movie wrapped)
James and Mildred’s Date Spot: J. Arthur’s Restaurant, 2843 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
Ebbing Bar: Town Pump, 135 Cherry St, Black Mountain
Dixon’s House: Cowan St, Sylva
Gift Shop where Mildred works: Country Traditions, 73 Webster Street, Dillsboro
High School: Cullowhee Valley Elementary, 240 Wisdom Drive, Cullowhee
Welby’s Office: Jackson General Store 2nd Floor, 582 W. Main Street, Sylva
For more information about movies filmed in North Carolina, visit romanticasheville.com.
