Reconnect and find yourself in Oregon and Washington with these filming locations from Somebody I Used To Know on Amazon Prime.
Feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you in Amazon Prime’s “Somebody I Used To Know.” After the ratings of her show plummet, Ally (Alison Brie,) leaves her job as executive producer to explore her hometown of Leavenworth, Washington and find her purpose which she believes comes in the form of a second chance with Sean (Jay Ellis,) her ex-boyfriend. That is, until Sean reveals his upcoming nuptials to a strong-willed, free spirit named Cassidy (Kiersey Clemmons,) someone that reminds Ally who she used to be, a reflection of everything she once had. Walk down memory lane, exploring Oregon, Washington and all the locations in between.
SPOILER WARNING!
Colchuck’s
What do you do when you walk in on your mom and former high school teacher making out? In Ally’s case, you head straight for the local bar. Colchuck’s in Leavenworth, Washington masquerades as The High and Low Bar where Ally’s drowns her sorrows within the first twenty minutes of the film. Ally isn’t sad for long though because after drinking two or three beers alone, Sean just “happens” to drop into her booth and cheer her up by taking her on a nostalgic walk to all their old haunts. Colchuck’s serves up burgers and beer all day if you’re hungry. We can’t promise any run-ins or cute dates with “the one who got away” though.
Bavarian Village
The Bavarian Village features in a “date” montage between Ally and Sean that seemingly lasts all night. They both want to escape their lives for the night, though Sean may not admit it to himself. The village in the center of Leavenworth satisfies the need for adventure the two have. Not only do Sean and Ally enjoy the winter wonderland, including the enormous display of lights surrounding them but they dance in front of crowd that magically appeared. While there are many activities within the village, like “delightful specialty shops, eclectic dining, spas,” but the (ex?) lovebirds only seem concerned with taking pictures with reindeer and running down the street with the icicles they stole from the restaurant. Hopefully, you’ll choose to do everything the Bavarian Village offers today.
Wenatchee River
The aforementioned date montage ends with the former lovers reminiscing about what went wrong in their lives at the waterfront known as the Wenatchee River. Sean and Ally seem to be back in their old rhythms, and things come to head romantically, while gazing at this serene view. The two turn away from the waves to stare at each other and lean close until Sean pulls away awkwardly. According to its website, the water is “a natural beauty” surrounding this picturesque town. Located on the edge of Leavenworth, the Wenatchee flows for 53 miles into the Columbia River. Here, you can paddleboard, fish, hike and more. Maybe you’ll even have an almost kiss of your own.
Front Street Park
Front Street Park features in the background of the dancing crowd. It is a shame we couldn’t see more of the Leavenworth gazebo, as the audience only sees the blurry outline. Visiting in person does exceed expectations. The park is “located in the heart of the business section, local folks and visitors can access shopping, entertainment, festivals and events, and take advantage of the beautiful lawns, shade trees, and alpine gardens.” It is known as “Art in the Park” because of gorgeous exhibits displayed by the talented artists, so come and experience the park the way it’s intended, not just as a backdrop, but as a historic focal piece meant to be celebrated by not just a crowd of bystanders watching a couple share longing glances as the dance away the night.
Serenity Mountain Retreat
The Serenity Mountain Retreat in Estacada, Oregon plays host to the wedding weekend activities Ally crashes. Technically, as Ally explains to Benny (Danny Pudi,) she was invited to the weekend by the groom’s mother. That, however, felt more like a polite gesture than a leap in which Ally needs to break up the lovebirds. This weekend is the first time the audience meets Cassidy, who is understandably apprehensive to Ally’s presence. The hope that the Serenity Mountain Retreat lives up to its name, is ultimately dashed when Ally openly flirts with a shirtless Sean as Cassidy stands three feet away. This retreat offers more than just awkward interactions in nature to future guests including, “a family orientated nudist retreat, Putt-Putt golf, a few hot tubs and a barbeque smoker.”
Blewett Brewing Company
Blewett Brewing Company, located in Washington features as the bar near the end of the movie where Cassidy and Ally compete in a cringe-worthy singing competition for Sean’s affection at the rehearsal dinner. As Cassidy is the lead singer of a rock band, it is no wonder that she blows Ally away with her voice. The crowd is surely aware of the tension between the women as Ally stumbles off the stage after failing to best Cassidy. In addition to the tension of the so-called “love triangle,” Cassidy seems to be feeling pressure from Sean to give up her dream. The sadness is so clearly evident in her voice when she announces the last song that even Ally is caught off guard. It here in this bar the first flicker of similarly appears between Cassidy and Ally. This stage within the Blewett Brewing Company isn’t usually filled with competition, but it does offer live music, craft beer, and a far warmer welcome than Ally receives in Leavenworth.
Gearhart Hotel
The Gearhart Hotel in Oregon provides the backdrop for the interior scenes of Cassidy’s and Sean’s suites. If these walls could talk they would be screaming “No! Ally, no,” as the majority of her worst decisions begin within these rooms. First, she drunkenly invites Cassidy’s estranged parents to the rehearsal dinner, causing a fight between the happy couple, then she “comforts” Sean in his hotel room by latching herself onto him in a sloppy kiss. Hurt, he returns the kiss, but Ally pulls away. Feeling guilty, she finds herself in Cassidy’s room, confessing her jealousy over Sean. Surprisingly, Cassidy kisses Ally, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase “love triangle.” The hotel is no stranger to weddings, but make sure to mention any guests that may be added last minute. The only thing more complicated than Ally and Sean’s history is the history of the hotel. Beginning in 1910, the Gearhart Hotel was originally a Women’s facility. Then in 1911, construction of a grandiose main lodge was approved. “The County Poor Farm,” as it was called thrived within The Great Depression. By the 1980s the building was vacant and vandalized, only to be revived in the 90s, shaping into the magnificent structure we see in 2023.
Hidden Springs Nudist Club
Hidden Springs Nudist Club outside Portland is featured in the ending of the film. Here the audience sees Ally let go of everything (her job, Sean, and even her clothes) to produce a reality show based on the freeing experience of a nudist colony. Hidden Springs is located about an hour and ten minutes from the Serenity Mountain Retreat, meaning that all who venture to Oregon will find a way to unwind. The club was founded in 1969 and is described as a “full member club with the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) in 1970 and are registered as a mutual benefit nonprofit corporation in the State of Oregon.” As Ally says to her contestants, it may not be for everyone, but it sure is an unforgettable experience.
Stream Somebody I Used To Know on Amazon Prime now.
