Los Angeles, New York City … and North Carolina? Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the latter played the backdrop in hundreds of movies and television shows over the past few decades. (Do “One Tree Hill”, “Dawson’s Creek,” “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” ring any bells?)
Enter: set-jetting. According to a recent Expedia trend report, 81 percent of Gen Z and millennial travelers are planning this type of getaway. And as an elder millennial, I took on the trend with a trip to North Carolina earlier this year to see some of these filming locations for myself.
You may wonder why so many productions choose North Carolina in the first place. Not only do they receive a sizable rebate for in-state spending, but cities like Wilmington, New Bern, and Southport are easily transformed to stand in for Anywhere, USA.
My set-jetting extravaganza included multiple cities throughout North Carolina, and I was floored by the sheer number of filming locations I discovered along the way. If you’re considering a visit, here’s how I would maximize your time.
In this article
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” fans will surely recognize The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an alum, author and showrunner Jenny Han specifically chose the picturesque campus to stand in for the fictional Finch College that Belly and Jeremiah attend in season three. I learned on my tour that current students tried snapping pictures of the cast throughout filming, and the extras were frequently stationed in various classroom buildings around campus.
I suggest beginning here because of its proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive to campus.
While I was led around by a campus tour guide, you can typically take a self-guided tour around the various filming locations since most filming locations stayed intact. Notable campus landmarks include McCorkle Place (where Belly and Jeremiah danced together), Pettigrew Hall (the study abroad office), Hill Hall (in the background of the bench scene), and Fraternity Court (Jeremiah’s frat house). Old East was Belly’s dorm and is the oldest state university building in the United States. Han was in the first women’s class who lived here, too.
However, there was a change to the UNC-Chapel Hill sign on the entrance’s stone columns, which was recreated as a tarnished Finch College plaque during production. It’s back to its original look now.
You can also choose a fitting base in the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning The Carolina Inn, which is a charming boutique hotel right on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. It’s where the cast stayed during filming, and the exterior was in the conference scene with Belly’s parents.
Plus, you can also dine at Top of the Hill, a rooftop restaurant overlooking Franklin Street, which is where Han brought her production team on multiple occasions.
Tryon Palace
After checking out of your hotel, drive 143 miles southeast (about 2.5 hours) to New Bern, North Carolina, to visit Tryon Palace. The first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina and home to Royal Governor William Tryon, it was originally built between 1767 to 1770 and reconstructed in the 1950s.
Not only are the palace and surrounding gardens stunning, but they’ve played a part in Hollywood history, too, as the season two finale of “Sleepy Hollow” was shot on the grounds.
The Dixon House stood in as the residence of Ichabod and Katrina Crane, Tryon Palace itself acted as a military stronghold, and Stanly House (a former lodging for George Washington) made its debut as Benjamin Franklin’s home.
If you’re a fan of “Outlander” like I am, you don’t want to miss Tryon Palace’s monthly themed tour. While the show was actually filmed in Scotland, this tour showcases what Jamie and Claire Fraser may have experienced upon a visit with Governor Tryon, while still giving you a look at the rooms and artwork in the palace.
It’s well worth a visit, and tickets range in price depending on whether you want a guided tour ($10 youth, $20 adults), admission to the galleries and gardens ($8 youth, $15 adults), or gardens only ($5 youth, $10 adults).
The City of Wilmington, North Carolina
Hop in your car and drive about 97 miles on US-17 South to Wilmington, which is the filming location for so many movies and TV shows, it’s been nicknamed both “Wilmywood” and “Hollywood East.”
Stroll along the Wilmington Riverwalk to find the Naley Bench, which “One Tree Hill” fans will recognize from the episode where Nathan gave Haley his Cracker Jack bracelet. Other notable filming locations from the show like Black Cat Shoppe, Edge of Urge, Blue Post Billiards, Hells Kitchen (a.k.a. the Swinging Donkey Bar), and Dough House Pizza Co. (Karen’s Café) are all located around the area, too.
While in town, don’t miss Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre botanical garden with colorful, seasonal blooms (I was lucky enough to see the azaleas on my visit), and also a filming location for “Dawson’s Creek.” The gorgeous Pergola Garden, known as “The Ruins,” served as the spot where Dawson first kissed Jen.
You can also book a table at Oceanic at the Crystal Pier for unparalleled views of Wrightsville Beach with a side of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” drama, because this is the filming location for the explosive family meal where Belly and Jeremiah announce their engagement. Or, grab coffee at North End Café To-Go, which acted as Beach Beans in the Netflix movie “Along for the Ride.”
Arrive Wilmington
While the town of Wilmington is a goldmine for filming locations, so is Arrive Wilmington, a chic 34-room boutique hotel located downtown. You’ll want to stay here both because of the whimsical mid-century modern meets contemporary flair, and because it’s a featured player in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”
The cast and crew stayed here while filming, so you’ll be in good company, and it also debuted as Cousins Hotel during Belly and Jeremiah’s wedding weekend.
While on-site, you can grab a drink at Dram Yard, where the characters dined the morning after the failed nuptials. My personal favorite is the Venus Flytrap, a mix of Grey Goose vodka, cucumber, lime, and aloe.
Then, take a load off at Gazebo Bar, accented by fire pits and bright green deck chairs. You’ll recognize it from multiple scenes, including the charged conversation Conrad has with his dad.
And don’t miss Belly and Jeremiah’s honeymoon suite on the second floor, which you can ask to see at reception if no one is staying there during your visit.
Fishy Fishy Cafe
Head 30 miles south of Wilmington to the small beach town of Southport, North Carolina, where my absolute favorite spot is the oft-used Fishy Fishy Cafe.
Nestled in the Old Yacht Basin, this casual restaurant is easily spotted by its bright turquoise exterior and beach-themed decor. After ordering flavorful items like the jalapeño hush puppies and fried green tomatoes, take in the fact that it’s been a featured character multiple times.
If you watched “The Waterfront” on Netflix, you’ll recognize it as Buckley Crab Shack. While the interior on the show was a set, the exterior is, you guessed it, Fishy Fishy Cafe.
It hasn’t just been a restaurant, either. 1997’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” turned Fishy Fishy Cafe into Southport Muscle, transforming the exterior with a large block-lettered sign and patriotic flags.
And, just beyond the restaurant, you’ll find the location where Pacey worked on his wrecked boat during season three of “Dawson’s Creek.”
The Shortcut
Start in Chapel Hill near the airport, then work southeast through New Bern, Wilmington, and Southport to hit the most filming locations in one trip.
Wilmington alone is worth a full day or two: it's home to "One Tree Hill," "Dawson's Creek," and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" locations, plus the hotel where the cast stayed.
Fishy Fishy Cafe in Southport was featured in both "The Waterfront" (as Buckley Crab Shack) and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (as Southport Muscle).
Looking for your next set-jet getaway? Check out our 4-day Los Angeles itinerary
Jamie Sanders was hosted by Visit North Carolina as part of her trip to North Carolina. Some expenses were covered. All opinions and recommendations in this article are her own.
