Analeigh Tipton, St. Francis High School graduate and "America's Top Model" third-runner-up in 2008, is racking up some impressive screen credits.

Tipton, 24, gave a memorable performance as a teenage baby-sitter sweet on Steve Carell in the 2011 movie "Crazy, Stupid Love." In 2012, she co-headlined, with fellow St. Francis alum Greta Gerwig, the romantic comedy "Damsels in Distress," directed by Whit Stillman ("Barcelona").

In the zombie rom-com "Warm Bodies," based on the popular Isaac Marion novel and opening today, Tipton plays the best pal of a young woman (Teresa Palmer) who falls for a thoughtful zombie (Nicholas Hoult), who has maintained some of his humanity.

In other words, Tipton is going places. But she also likes to come home to Folsom. So she was disappointed, she said by phone during a recent publicity stop for "Warm Bodies," that the trip did not allow enough time for that.

In lieu of a trip home, Tipton offered a list of five favorite local spots.

Manderes restaurant (1004 E. Bidwell St., Suite 600, Folsom): "It is owned by this wonderful man who is constantly changing the menu. It has delicious food and drinks and is such a wonderful place and is so comfortable."

The Purple Place Bar and Grill (363 Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills): "It is this big purple building with the most incredible hash breakfast," Tipton said. When she was younger, Tipton said, the Purple Place would become "the local biker" hangout on Sundays.

Jack's Urban Eats (various locations): "Coming from St. Francis, it was the local hangout for all the schools there. They have the best French fries. They are so delicious, and your breath smells for hours."

Old Sacramento: "I could spend hours at Evangeline's (113 K St., Sacramento). That is where I got my Halloween costume for 10 years straight.

"One year, I was a giant teacup made of velvet. I looked like the teacup in 'Beauty and the Beast.' Nobody could walk within a 5-foot radius of me."

St. Francis High School (5900 Elvas Ave., Sacramento):

Tipton has returned to her alma mater to speak to students.

"I started the film club there," Tipton said. "I started doing all these little movies, and that is what got me into film."

Tipton is a budding screenwriter, and she points out that Gerwig, a fellow alumna of the all-girls' high school, directs and writes movies. Tipton emphasizes do-it-yourself filmmaking to the students she meets.

"I want to inspire girls by saying, 'Yeah, it is a man's industry, but women are making their own films.' "

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