Chasing Great Films in North Carolina: A Journey Through Familiar Settings

Film Scenery in North Carolina

North Carolina has served as the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows for decades. I grew up watching teen dramas, from the California dreams in "The O.C." to the scenic beauty of North Carolina in "One Tree Hill" and "Dawson's Creek." Interestingly, a new generation is now discovering the Southern coast through the hit Amazon Prime series "The Summer I Turned Pretty," based on the novels by Jenny Han, a former student of the University of North Carolina.

This destination takes us from Finch College in Chapel Hill to the coastal streets of Wilmington and Southport. North Carolina effortlessly beckons travelers to explore all the locations from their favorite films.

Chapel Hill: The Heart of North Carolina

I recently had the chance to explore the eastern coast of North Carolina and unwind in Chapel Hill. Here, the film "The Summer I Turned Pretty" transformed the campus of UNC into Finch College for several scenes.

I joined a walking tour from the UNC Visitor Center, where I heard fascinating stories from Izzie, a student guide. Notably, Jenny Han once lived in Old East, the oldest building on campus, which the film crew borrowed as the dormitory for the character Belly.

No visit would be complete without mentioning Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery (TOPO), one of the oldest breweries in the state. I loved their menu featuring delicious dishes paired with award-winning beers. If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews, where you can enjoy unique chocolate treats and colorful books.

New Bern: History and Culture

New Bern, the birthplace of the Pepsi brand and the first capital of North Carolina, is the setting for three famous Nicholas Sparks novels: "A Bend in the Road," "The Wedding," and "The Notebook." It's also a historical highlight in the film "Outlander."

Tryon Palace, an 18th-century reconstruction, transported me back to America's colonial era. I felt like I was reliving moments with Jamie and Claire Fraser during their encounters with Governor Tryon before the American Revolution. To see New Bern from the water, I booked a cruise with 2 River Cruises to explore the estuaries and swamps of Croatan National Forest.

Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach: A Cinematic World

Wilmington, known by various names such as "Wilmywood" and "Hollywood East," has been the filming location for many famous movies since the 1980s. I booked a horseback riding tour at Springbrook Farms, passing through streets featured in "One Tree Hill." The guide shared many captivating stories about film and local history.

I also discovered Floodplain Books, a two-story bookstore opened by bestselling author Wiley Cash. Additionally, Papercut Books is a shop that appeared in "The Summer I Turned Pretty." If you're in the mood for antiques, check out Jess James + Co, a place frequented by celebrities like Zooey Deschanel.

Culinary Delights in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach

In Wilmington, I couldn't resist trying the dishes at Elijah's, an American restaurant featured in "Dawson’s Creek." For dinner, the exquisite creations by Chef Carson Jewell left me in awe. At Wrightsville Beach, I visited Workshop café for an espresso alongside fossilized shark teeth.

Crystal Pier restaurant Oceanic was the dramatic proposal spot for Belly and Jeremiah in "The Summer I Turned Pretty."

Ending the Exploration Journey

I had never heard of Southport before this trip, but this charming town is definitely worth exploring. North Carolina is truly a captivating place with countless exciting experiences waiting to be discovered. I will surely return to explore even more here.