Hallmark’s Hats Off to Love, directed by Amy Barrett, is a heartwarming romantic movie that captures the charm of a fictional Louisville Derby. At NetFilming, we dive into the stunning locations where this film was brought to life, offering you a behind-the-scenes look at the places that shaped its vibrant visuals. While the story unfolds in Kentucky, the production team chose Florida’s sunny landscapes to create the perfect springtime backdrop. From racetracks to rustic farms, here’s everything you need to know about where Hats Off to Love was filmed.
What is Hats Off to Love About?
Hats Off to Love is a romantic Hallmark movie that blends love, ambition, and the excitement of a fictional Louisville Derby. The story centers on Stella (Ginna Claire Mason), a talented hat designer tasked with creating stunning hats for Rosalind (Holly Robinson Peete), a prominent socialite. As Stella prepares for the prestigious Bradberry Hat Competition, she seeks to capture the essence of high society. She teams up with Rosalind’s son, Christian (John Clarence Stewart), a horse trainer aiming to win the Derby. Their collaboration sparks a heartwarming romance, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Derby’s festivities. Premiering on May 3, 2025, on Hallmark Channel, the film celebrates creativity, connection, and the thrill of competition, making it a must-watch for romance fans.
Hats Off to Love Filming Locations
Hallmark’s Hats Off to Love was filmed entirely in Florida, with key locations including Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa, and the Belleview Inn in Belleair. Additional scenes were shot in Clearwater and Ocala.
Tampa Bay Downs
The Derby scenes, central to the film’s storyline, were filmed at Tampa Bay Downs, located at 11225 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL 33626. This historic horse racing facility, opened in 1926, is one of America’s most renowned thoroughbred racetracks. Situated in the Westchase neighborhood of Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay Downs offered an authentic backdrop for the Louisville Derby sequences. The production team utilized the racetrack, barns, and surrounding areas to capture the excitement of the races. Actors donned sharp, colorful outfits, while the crew skillfully filmed the energy of the crowds and the elegance of the event, ensuring the Derby felt true to life.
Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa
For scenes requiring a rural, equestrian setting, the team turned to Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa, a census-designated place in Pasco County. This 20-acre property, home to horses, donkeys, goats, and even a cat, provided a picturesque horse farm setting. Run by Quantum Leap Farm, Inc., the facility offers equine-assisted therapies, such as therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, to promote personal growth and well-being. Its open pastures and rustic charm contrasted beautifully with the polished Derby scenes, adding depth to the film’s visuals. The farm’s serene environment also helped highlight the growing bond between Stella and Christian.
Belleair’s Belleview Inn
To capture the elegance of high society, the production filmed indoor scenes at the Belleview Inn in Belleair, a charming town in Pinellas County. The inn’s blend of classic and modern architecture made it an ideal setting for the film’s sophisticated aesthetic. The crew primarily used the inn’s grand lobby to shoot key scenes, leveraging its luxurious ambiance. With 35 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, and access to the nearby Sandpearl Resort’s semi-private beach, the Belleview Inn offers a refined experience, perfectly aligning with the movie’s high-society theme.
Additional Florida Locations
Filming took place in Clearwater and Ocala in addition to Tampa, Odessa and Belleair. The film became more plausible with the added-appeal of Ocala, Florida horse farms, Ocala known as Florida’s horse capital. The picturesque sights of Clearwater added to the film’s colorful, cheerful mood. With these environments (and the balmy Florida weather), the crew made a film that looks like a spring time festival.
Why Florida, not Kentucky?
As the film takes place within Kentucky, the production team made the decision to shoot solely in Florida in order to obtain the look of a bright, spring environment. The skies of Kentucky during the shoot, between Jan. 27 and the middle of February 2025, were too gray for a sun-dappled look that the director, Amy Barrett, had in mind. The sunny days and variety of landscapes in Florida made the perfect backdrop. The crew spent a little more than two weeks shooting in Tampa, Odessa, Belleair, Clearwater, and Ocala, concocting a seamless sort of combination of urban sophistication and rural cracker charm.
“Hats Off to Love” Behind the Scenes
The making of Hats Off to Love was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration, with filming wrapping in just over two weeks from January 27 to mid-February 2025. Director Amy Barrett, in her Hallmark debut, went for a strong, springy vibe, opting for Florida instead of the overcast winter of Kentucky. The cast, which included Ginna Claire Mason and John Clarence Stewart, got into the Derby’s festive spirit, donning as many bright colors as they could in ensembles that were made with dresses from Mae New York.
The equestrian scenes, enhanced by Kacey Hoyer’s horses, added a touch of authenticity. “Shooting at Tampa Bay Downs and Quantum Leap Farm, gave us the perfect combination of energy and heart to tell Stella and Christian’s story,” said Barrett. The crew’s commitment to bringing the grand scale of the Derby and the romance’s cozy romance to life made the shooting of the film very enjoyable, and its impact is evident in the well-polished look of the film.
For more insights into your favorite movies’ filming locations, keep visiting NetFilming for exclusive behind-the-scenes details.
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