The Wimpy Kid - Taking Your Own Long Haul

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 56 different languages. The books have delighted children of all ages, and went on to inspire four movies, and an animated reboot film, now showing on Disney+ that was released in 2021. The 2017 movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul was the last movie produced in the original franchise, and features Jason Drucker, Alicia Silverstone and Tom Everett Scott. The movie follows Greg Heffley and his brother being taken on a road trip to visit their Great-Grandmother, a.k.a Meemaw, for her 90th birthday. The journey takes the family from their home in Waleska, through Georgia, all the way to Indianapolis. If you’re a fan of The Wimpy Kid too, you can take your own road trip and visit some of the locations that brought the movie to life.

Waleska, Georgia
Before you set off on your Wimpy Kid road trip, make sure that you arrange some insurance for your trip, especially if you are planning on towing a boat, like the Heffley family did in the movie. Industry experts FVF Law recommend that you get a policy that covers you for accidents and personal injury. The Heffley’s long haul started out in Waleska, Georgia, on a private farm that served as the family’s home. As the first stop on your road trip, make sure you stop at the gas station for those essential supplies - mostly a lot of gum, cinnamon rolls and of course some massive bags of Cheetos, perfect for turning your skin orange.

Kiwanis Fairground
One of the most iconic scenes in The Long Haul is when Greg and his family visit the state fair. This actually took place at Kiwanis Fairground in Griffin, home of the annual Spalding County Fair. The fair is a celebration of everything agricultural - just be careful that you don’t win a piglet like Manny. To get to the Kiwanis Fairground from Waleska, you will need to travel south along Routes 285 and 216. The journey takes just over 2 hours and covers almost 100 miles.

Georgia International Convention Center
One of the last stops before Meemaw’s house was to Player Expo, where Greg took part in a video game competition, and it is revealed to the audience that Greg is actually the internet star, “Diaper Hands.”The Player Expo actually took place at the Georgia International Convention Center (2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337). The GICC has events running all year round, including gaming conventions, comic cons and dance extravaganzas. Sadly Player Expo is fictitious though.

A Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a classic road trip movie with one of America’s favorite families. You too can recreate their adventures through the state of Georgia and check out some of the filming locations along the way.