In anticipation of the season 4 premiere of Once Upon a Time tomorrow, I took a trip to Storybrooke/Steveston to get my first look at this seaside fishing village where the show is primarily filmed.
a street in Steveston
I’ve been watching the series since day 1 and am a big fan. Usually shows start derailing after the first couple seasons, but I’ve been impressed at the level of creativity and comprehension it still has, despite the many plot twists and odd mix of fairytale and Disney characters from old & recent times, like Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, Hook, Ariel, Mulan, the Wicked Witch, etc. And now Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff from Disney’s 2013 hit Frozen will join the motley crew of characters in Storybrooke this season.
Sven (reindeer), Kristoff, and Elsa
Storybrooke Library and Clock Tower
There’s really one one main street in Steveston and that’s Moncton Street where all the shops are. It’s actually called Main Street in the show.
main intersection in Moncton Street
Here you can see the Nikka Fishing & Marine building they use for the derelict Storybrooke Library that gets a clock tower and boarded-up windows added to it in the show.
Nikka Fishing & Marine
Storybrooke Library and Clock Tower
Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) strolls Main Street in Storybrooke
Mr. Gold’s Pawn Shop
I was surprised to discover that Mr. Gold’s pawn shop is actually a woman’s store called It’s Posh!, an upcycled souvenir shop. The only indication of its other identity is this sign in the window.
Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer
Side view of It’s Posh!
Granny’s Diner
It’s surprising how different a TV show can make a place look. Although Granny’s Diner looks quaint enough, it seemed much more charming in the show. Then again, I didn’t go inside (it was closed) so not sure how that matched up. From the window, it loos like it has the same outdoor patio chairs inside as out, rather than the benches of the retro diner. In real life, this place is called the Cannery Café.
Cannery Café
Inside Granny’s Diner
Outside Granny’s Diner on set
Here are some other shots I took of Steveston that you might recognize from the show:
Any readers out there who also like watching Once Upon a Time? How do you feel about this upcoming Frozen-themed season?
textingthecity 
Hey Char,
Interesting post as usual. 🙂 I think I would have mixed feelings about visiting a town that was used as the basis of a movie/tv show town. I’m sure it would be interesting to see what was real vs created/altered, although I don’t know if I’d want to spoil the image I have of how it looks on the show. A part of me wants to believe that such a town exists entirely as shown; such as Stars Hollow.
But back to the town & show at hand. I enjoyed the premier of Once Upon A Time and I’m intrigued by how the writers have introduced the Frozen storyline and looking forward to how they intertwine its story, past & present with the show.
yes, I think it was a good opening episode too! Now when I watch the show I find myself pointing out, “I’ve been there!” “I walked on that street!” It’s hard to turn that voice off once you become familiar with where something’s filmed, so I can understand your mixed feelings about visiting. Still glad I went though!