wilmington film studio tours

Screen Gems Studio

• 910-343-3500

The town of Wilmington is well-known for its Hollywood connection, and has set the stage for hundreds if not thousands of movies and television shows over the past few decades. The pinnacle of this cinematic activity can be found at the local EUE Screen Gems Studios, which features elaborate studios along the eastern seaboard in New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and North Carolina's own mini-Hollywood, Wilmington.

Built in 1985, the full-service studio features 10 stages and 150,000 sq. ft. of column-free shooting space, located just north of Wilmington's bustling downtown. In fact, the complex is currently the largest filming facility in the United States outside of California, and hosts dozens of regular television series and movie sets year after year. An estimated 350 film, television and commercial projects have been shot at the 50 acre site since it was created, including both blockbuster and academy award nominated films, such as "Iron Man 3," "Blue Velvet, "Nights in Rodanthe," "Firestarter," and a number of television series including "Dawson's Creek" and the popular HBO series "Eastbound and Down."

The studio feature seasonal tours, generally on the weekends from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to visitors who want to explore the incredible facilities, which include sound stages and an impressive "water tank" stage that takes up a massive arena with an all-encompassing indoor pool where underwater scenes are filmed. The tour can also feature a special visit to any sets of television series that are currently filming.

While the movie studio is for the most part closed off to the public, in addition to the tours available, Screen Gems Studios also features some incredible opportunities for bargain hunters as well. When a movie or a television series shuts down, savvy shoppers can find incredible deals on everything that was involved with the filming, from the set decor to the actors' wardrobe. For example after the local favorite television series "One Tree Hill" wrapped up its final season, shoppers in the know were able to score all sorts of goodies from the set, from the clothes used in wardrobe, to the silverware and place settings that were utilized in all of the series' dining scenes. These massive "sales" are usually announced a month or two in advance in community papers, or on the local Screen Gem Studio's website, http://studios.euescreengems.com/nc/.

The tours available at Screen Gems Studios can be somewhat unpredictable, and are generally available when a current television show or movie is being produced, and the facility is effectually wide open. Visitors are advised to call in advance to find out when tours are occurring and to reserve their spot, and as a result, they can view first-hand the hard work that goes into the Wilmington film scene. Tours can be reserved by calling 910-343-3500, and are typically available Saturdays and Sundays.

Movie buffs of all ages will adore a tour through the famed Screen Gems Studios, a highlight of Wilmington's incredible theater and arts scene. As the heart of a large number of summer blockbusters and cult classics, a trip to the Screen Gems Studios is veritably a trip to Hollywood, but with a stunning, coastal Carolina backdrop location. Plan a trip to this southern coastal Mecca for the Hollywood set, and see why Wilmington is quickly building a reputation as one of the best movie and TV locations on the East Coast.

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Film Location Tour

See real locations & actual sets for some of Wilmington’s biggest movies & TV Shows, including Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Blue Velvet, A Walk to Remember, Fire Starter and more!

This 90 minute fun-filled walking tour will have you laughing and crying, and you better do it on cue if you ever want to work in this town again!

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors or military, and children under 6 are free. To purchase tickets online click here . Tours leave rain or shine & meet riverfront at Market and Water Streets.

For more information call (910) 794-1866 or Email Us

Scheduled tour times are:

January 1 st to February 29 th   Saturday-Sunday at 2:00 PM March 1 st to April 30 th  Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday-Sunday at 2:00 PM May 1 st to August 31 st   Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 2:00 PM & Saturdays 10:00 AM September 1 st to October 31 st   Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 2:00 PM November 1 st to December 31 st  Saturday-Sunday 2:00 PM

* No tours Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.

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• Carolina Adventures /

Wilmington studio tours, location walks

By karen olson house.

Tour schedule Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets: $12 adults; $10 students and military personnel with an ID; $5 children under 12. Cash only.

EUE/Screen Gems Studios 1223 23rd Street North Wilmington, NC, 28405 (910) 343-3433 (tour hotline) studios.euescreengems.com/nc

Note: At press time, it wasn’t definite that tours would continue past August 2014, and tours can be canceled when productions are in delay. Before you drive there, call the hotline for updates.

EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington is once again offering public tours. It hosted them for 15 years but stopped in 2011 after the TV show “One Tree Hill” wrapped final production.

More than 350 film, TV and commercial projects have shot on the 50-acre sound stage lot, which boasts 10 stages and the largest special effects water tank east of Los Angeles. Recent movies include “Iron Man 3” “The Conjuring” and “We’re the Millers”. Fox’s “Sleepy Hollow” and CBS’s “Under the Dome” began filming second-season shows this past spring.

Our hour-long tour kicked off with a short sizzle reel that highlights TV shows, commercials and movies shot in North Carolina. It’s shown in the screening room where directors and producers watch the dailies for things like continuity (an example is ensuring hairstyles and clothing visually match in separate scenes). 

Filming “We’re the Millers” in July 2012.

Then our group walked the 10-stage lot and visited some sets inside. Exactly which sets depends on what’s filming there and permissions given. We learned about “swing sets” and the difference between “Wardobe” (care, maintenance and storage) and “Costume” (artistry!).

Hollywood location walk This 90-minute humorous tour with a “self-important director” visits locations of productions filmed in downtown Wilmington. Tourists enjoy identifiable sights from TV shows like “One Tree Hill” and “Dawson’s Creek” and other productions, hear celebrity anecdotes, and glean industry secrets (like how they make it snow in summer).

Tours meet rain or shine at Market and Water streets. Tours can sell out but you can buy tickets online, or at Black Cat Shop, 8 Market Street.

• Adults: $13 plus tax; seniors, students and military: $11, plus tax; children 6 and under:  free.
• Through Aug. 31: Saturdays at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Sept. 1–Dec. 31:Tours continue. For specifics, check the website or call (910) 794-1866 hollywoodnc.com

Area info (910) 341-4030 1-877-406-2356 wilmingtonandbeaches.com

We strolled past an old-time fire engine used in “Sleepy Hollow,” learned how productions avoid outside noise and walked through “Under The Dome” sets showing a jail, sheriff’s office and the Sweetbriar Rose Café (where “Dome” townspeople often meet).

We also discovered that sets don’t actually have electricity or plumbing, extension cords are called “stingers,” and you can’t show labels, even on spices, without trademark permission. The tour guides, UNC-Wilmington film studies students, were personable and enthusiastic.

About the Author

Karen Olson House is a contributing editor for Carolina Country.

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A Walk Through Wilmington: Discover North Carolina’s Film Hub

From teen classics such as Dawson’s Creek to Nicholas Sparks titles and the recent hit The Summer I Turned Pretty , the Wilmington area checks all the boxes for a fulfilling film-focused trip.

Wilmywood, Hollywood East or whatever name you want to call it – Wilmington is a mecca for film and TV production with hundreds of blockbuster and indie films, plus a couple of cult teen dramas, filming here since the early 1980s. Set your own pace with a self-guided tour, enjoy a meal like the stars did and see how many local sites you can spot.

George & Tammy

This production finds Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain portraying country music power couple George Jones and Tammy Wynette. To fit the musical theme, the perfect first stop is Rusty Nail Saloon ; this blues-loving club was used for interior bar scenes. And when more venues were needed, nearby Thalian Hall and Legion Stadium fit the bill. Check all three of the locations’ calendars to catch live music, plays or sporting events. Afterward, dig into Southern home cooking at Ruth’s Kitchen ; the folks there were excited to see their diner get a makeover when it was used for filming. To eat how the cast and crew did, head to Seabird (chef Dean Neff is a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Chef), PinPoint Restaurant , manna or Rumcow .

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling book, The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Belly on her family’s annual vacation with her mom’s best friend and two sons – two sons who suddenly see Belly in a new light. As the drama-filled summer unfolds, South End in Wrightsville Beach , Fort Fisher State Recreation Area , downtown Southport and Papercut Books all play scenic roles.

Along for the Ride

In Along for the Ride (based on Sarah Dessen's book of the same name), Auden arrives in the beachfront town of Colby feeling like an outsider, but after befriending a fellow insomniac and agreeing to “The Quest,” she starts to feel at home. Grab your bike if you can – just like Auden and Eli do – and stop by several spots in the Wilmington area that stood in for Colby. Window shop on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk like Auden when she first arrived to town, or grab a coffee nearby at North End Café To-Go , which played Beach Beans in the film. Love the mini golf course from the movie? You can find it at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in Wilmington. But if The Tip – where all the coolest Colby kids hang out – seems like your move, head to beach access 322 in Kure Beach .

Halloween Kills

In the first of two sequels closing out this legendary franchise, Halloween Kills continues to follow Michael Myers and his murderous destruction. But don’t worry – though the film is scary, the settings in Wilmington are anything but. Pack a picnic and head to Wallace Park or Veterans Park, where some outdoor scenes were filmed. Or order a local beer and jam to blues music at The Rusty Nail – it stands in as Mick’s Bar and Grill in the movie. And to complete your Halloween -inspired visit, follow in Jamie Lee Curtis’ footsteps and stop for the “ best food and view ” at The George , pose for a photo next to Michael Myers at Museum of the Bizarre , and spend the night amid luxurious amenities at Dreamers Welcome .

Dawson’s Creek

Thanks to the classic teen drama Dawson’s Creek being produced in Wilmington for years, dozens of locations throughout the city and its island beaches where scenes were shot or where the stars visited during the show’s run can still be visited today. Restaurants (like Hell’s Kitchen ), inns, characters’ homes, schools, shops (like The Black Cat Shoppe ), marinas and more featured in the show can be explored with self-guided maps from the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau or online. Make a day of it by walking around and reliving the drama.

I Know What You Did Last Summer

Similar to Wilmington, Southport has proven to be a popular spot for filmmakers because of its gorgeous oak trees, Victorian homes and picturesque river. In 1997, locations all over this coastal city were used to film I Know What You Did Last Summer , a thriller based loosely off the book of the same name. See where Helen (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was crowned Croaker Queen – and where Barry (Ryan Phillippe) met his fate – when you catch a live show at Amuzu Theatre . Or grab a bite to eat at Fishy Fishy Café , which served as Barry’s gym. To see sites from this film and dozens of others, take a Southport Fun Tour . Reservations are required.

Empire Records

Pull up a seat at Rebellion in downtown Wilmington and enjoy a decidedly different view of a cult classic. In the 1995 film, the exterior of the building stood in for Empire Records, the eponymous record store (back when record stores were a thing), where this coming-of-age film took place. Starring Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger near the start of their careers, Empire Records follows a day in the lives of a group of teens as they try to save their independent store from being sold to a chain. For the ultimate tribute to this Gen X classic, put together a playlist of your favorite ‘90s hits and recreate the final dance scene in front of the bar.

One Tree Hill

Like Dawson’s Creek , this teen drama shot mostly in Wilmington and the surrounding beaches during its nine-season run. See all the locations on a One Tree Hill walking tour : Sit on the bench along the Riverwalk where Nathan (James Lafferty) gave Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) a Cracker Jack bracelet, shoot hoops where some of the outdoor basketball games were played, visit the nightlife hotspot where Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Brooke (Sophia Bush) went on their tattoo date (must be 21 to enter), buy a Keith Scott Body Shop T-shirt at The Black Cat Shoppe and so much more.

One of a number of Nicholas Sparks films shot in our state throughout the years, The Choice – the story of two neighbors falling in love then being faced with a powerful dilemma – was mainly filmed in Wilmington and the scenic seaport town of Beaufort. Pay homage to characters in the film by dining at Dockside Restaurant and Bar and Brasserie du Soleil , by visiting Masonboro Island via boat or strolling through the 67-acre Airlie Gardens .

• 12 Real-Life Ways to Experience The Choice

Filmed in Southport and Wilmington, Safe Haven hit the big screens on Valentine’s Day 2013. See where Katie (Julianne Hough) attempted to flee from her past when you start your day on the Wilmington Riverwalk , where you can see sites from countless other TV shows and movies, as well. Head to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area , where Katie and Alex (Josh Duhamel) share a kiss, then catch a boat to Southport for more sites including the Southport ferry terminal and American Fish Co. (stood in as Ivan’s Fish Shack, where Katie worked as a waitress).

• See More Sites Where Safe Haven Filmed

The Longest Ride

This Nicholas Sparks film adaptation that combines bull riding, art and love was shot all over our state, including Asheville and Winston-Salem in addition to Wilmington. You can begin your exploration in Wilmington’s historic district where you’ll see the Temple of Israel, the Union Station Building and St. Mary’s Catholic School, all of which are locations in the film. For an elegant and romantic overnight stay, book a room at Graystone Inn , where a young Ira (Jack Huston) and Ruth (Oona Chaplin) attended a party.

• Tour the Places That Inspired The Longest Ride

Much of the filming of this superhero flick was done at sites with limited public access, but you can still admire the stately architecture of Cape Fear Club on Chestnut Street, observe the towering cranes at the state port and drive past New Hanover Regional Medical Center. If you’d like to walk where the actors and actresses did, there’s quite a list to pick from: Various stars were sure to check out Battleship North Carolina (Sir Ben Kingsley took a private tour), Roko Italian Cuisine , Catch (Gwyneth Paltrow was impressed enough to request a private cooking lesson from chef Keith Rhodes) and Brasserie du Soleil .

We're the Millers

Join the fake-but-fun Miller family when you spot sites from this 2013 comedy starring Jennifer Aniston that filmed in Wilmington, which stood in as Denver on the big screen. Grab a cup of joe at Port City Java , which represented Burklyn Coffee in the movie – or choose to get your caffeine fix at Folks Café , where the coffee ice cubes prompted Emma Roberts to tweet it was the best coffee she’s ever had. For lunch, you’ll feel nostalgic at Penders Café , which looks much as it did when it opened more than 40 years ago. In the film, David (Jason Sudeikis) is abducted right outside the café after dining at the counter. Other sites include the apartments on Market Street and Brunswick Forest.

Under the Dome

Get acquainted with Chester’s Mill, the rural town covered in a mysterious dome, when you visit downtown Burgaw (a half hour north of Wilmington). Here you’ll find the Pender County Courthouse square, familiar storefronts and the diner, all of which stood in flawlessly for Stephen King’s fictional town. In Wilmington, enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail at manna – actress Rachelle LeFevre frequented the restaurant while filming. Continue farther south to Southport, where the Southport ferry landing, Southport Motorcars (Big Jim’s Auto Sales in the show), the Pilot Tower (WYSB radio station) and Southport Post Office should all look familiar.

More TV shows and movies filmed in the area:

• Blue Velvet
• The Conjuring
• Crimes of the Heart
• Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
• Firestarter
• Florida Man
• The Secret Life of Bees
• Summer Catch
• Swamp Thing

For a full listing of films shot in our state since 1950, visit filmnc.com .

Enjoy a Tasty Charlotte-Area Film and Food Tour

Take a totally ‘90s film tour, plan a scenic film tour of the asheville area.

Wilmywood Movie & TV Location Walk

Wilmywood movie & tv location walk, wilmington, nc.

Join us on a 90-minute action packed adventure through America's largest living film set! See over 100 actual film locations, props and set pieces, & hear behind the scenes stories from hits like Iron Man 3 - One Tree Hill - We're The Millers - The Conjuring - Dawson's Creek - Blue Velvet - Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - The Summer I Turned Pretty - A Walk To Remember - Tammy - Empire Records - The Crow - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Much, Much More.

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Movies and Television Filmed in Wilmington

Cinespace wilmington.

Cinespace Studios acquired the EUE/Screen Gems Studios complex in Wilmington, North Carolina from the Cooney family in 2023 .  One of the largest sound stage and facilities operators in the world, Cinespace offers 109 active stages in Wilmington , Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, and Studio Babelsberg in Germany – including a mix of state-of-the-art, heritage, and purpose-built stages.

In 1984, famed film producer Dino DeLaurentiis built Wilmington NC’s movie studio now known as Cinespace Wilmington .  Since then, more than four hundred (400) film, television and commercial projects have been produced here.  The quality and volume of the productions have earned Wilmington the monikers, Hollywood East and Wilmywood .

Cinespace Wilmington maintains tremendous capacity to produce award-winning movies and television including ten state-of-the-art stages and a vast array of production equipment.  The 50-acre full-service studio is one of the top filming facilities in the United States.  The studio has attracted and developed a world-class film crew who enjoy living in Wilmington and The Beaches.  

The Wilmington Regional Film Commission website contains locally produced film and television history as well our studio, crew and industry capabilities.  This is an excellent resource for movie and television buffs and production companies.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College have film studies and movie and video production programs.

Tours.  Cinespace Wilmington does not provide tours of the studio at this time. 

For film and television fans,  BackroadPlanet.com has produced a summary of Wilmington film and television scene locations you can follow on your own self-guided tour.    Hollywood Location Walk offers a self-guided film tour.

Wilmington NC Ranked Second Best Place to Live and Work as a MovieMaker in Smaller Cities and Towns by MovieMaker Magazine (2023)

Wilmington’s Film History

The history of the film industry in Wilmington, North Carolina began in the 1980s when famed film producer Dino DeLaurentiis built Wilmington’s first movie studio, now known as Cinespace Wilmington.  DeLaurentiis, who had been looking for a location to build a studio outside of Hollywood, was drawn to Wilmington’s coastal setting and proximity to major cities such as New York and Washington D.C.

The studio, which originally opened as DeLaurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG) Studios in 1984, quickly became a popular location for film and television productions.  Some of the early productions filmed at the studio included “Firestarter,” “Blue City,” and “Maximum Overdrive.”  The studio also played host to a number of popular TV shows, including “Dynasty” and “Matlock.”

In the 1990s, the studio was sold to EUE / Screen Gems and underwent a major expansion and renovation.  The expansion included the addition of sound stages, editing suites, and other production facilities, making the studio one of the most advanced and well-equipped in the country.

During this time, Frank Capra Jr. moved to Wilmington to head the studio. Under his leadership, the studio attracted a number of high-profile productions, including “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” and “Black Knight.”  Capra Jr. also helped establish the North Carolina Film Office, which works to attract film and television production to the state.

In 2023, the Cooney family sold EUE / Screen Gems Studios to internationally acclaimed Cinespace Studios  and it continues to operate under that name today.

© Brownie Harris

EUE / Screen Gems Studios former president Frank Capra, Jr. on the backlot in 1997.

In the 2000s, Wilmington continued to solidify its reputation as a film-friendly city and became a go-to destination for a variety of productions.  The studio hosted many successful TV series such as “Dawson’s Creek,””One Tree Hill,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Eastbound & Down,” “Under the Dome” and “Iron Fist.”  The studio also served as a location for several films, including “Superhero Movie,” “The Conjuring,” and “We’re the Millers.”

In recent years, Wilmington has continued to be a popular location for film and television productions.  The state and city’s film incentives, talented crew base and infrastructure continue to attract productions.  Some of the productions filmed in Wilmington include “Swamp Thing,” “The Conjuring 3,” “The Longest Ride,” and “The Inspectors.”  The studio also has hosted a number of popular TV shows such as “SIX” and “The Terror: Infamy.”

Today, Cinespace Wilmington is considered one of the top film and television production studios in the country, and Wilmington has become a hub for the film industry in North Carolina.  The city’s rich history, diverse locations, and experienced crew base continue to attract productions of all types.  The industry has also had a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and boosting tourism.

In summary, the film industry in Wilmington, North Carolina began in the 1980s with the establishment of DeLaurentiis Entertainment Group Studios by Dino DeLaurentiis.  The studio quickly became a popular location for film and television productions, and under the leadership of Frank Capra Jr. in the 90s, Wilmington solidified its reputation as a film-friendly city.  Today, the studio is run by Cinespace Studios’ well known entertainment executives and is considered one of the top film and television production centers in the United States.

Movies Filmed in Wilmington NC

The following movies, television shows and series were shot in the Wilmington area.  Many were filmed at Cinespace Wilmington and its predecessors .

Boys of Summer The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat Eric LaRue Providence

Along For The Ride Breakwater One True Loves

I.S.S. Scream The Black Phone

Halloween Kills The Georgetown Project

Drought Uncle Frank Words On Bathroom Walls

Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland The Choice The Longest Ride The Sin Seer Max Steel

The Squeeze Tammy The Remaining

Iron Man 3 The Conjuring Heart of the Country Jessabelle Mary & Martha Safe Haven Where the Devil Hides We’re The Millers Stuck in Love

Piranha 3DD Hick Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Arthur Newman, Golf Pro The Conjuring 

The Bleeding A Good Old Fashioned The Secret Life of Bees

Bolden! Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever The Marc Pease Experience Nights in Rodanthe

The 27 Club Hounddog The List Remember the Daze Wreckage

Dead Heist Forgiven Two Tickets to Paradise White Men Can’t Dance

Idlewild Loggerheads RedMeansGo Southern Belles

20 Funerals Stateside

Black Knight Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood Domestic Disturbance The Last Summer Off Season A Touch of Fate A Walk to Remember

The Angel Doll The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys Summer Catch

28 Days New Best Friend The Pavilion

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Black Dog Bruno Morgan’s Ferry Muppets from Space A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries Takedown

The Cutoff Dreams and Wishes Enchanted I Know What You Did Last Summer Shadrach Virus Waterproof

Bloodmoon The Jackal The Night Flier This World, Then the Fireworks Traveller

The Grave Kyoko Lolita My Teacher’s Wife To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday

Empire Records Fall Time Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored The Road to Wellville

Chasers The Crow Horror Story The Hudsucker Proxy It Runs in the Family Radioland Murders

Amos & Andrew Household Saints Super Mario Bros.

Billy Bathgate Sleeping With The Enemy (scenes)

Betsy’s Wedding Everybody Wins The Exorcist III Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tune in Tomorrow…

Cyborg Dream a Little Dream Little Monsters Loose Cannons Weekend at Bernie’s

Collision Course Date with an Angel Dracula’s Widow Hiding Out Track 29 Traxx Weeds

The Bedroom Window Crimes of the Heart No Mercy From the Hip King Kong Lives The Squeeze Trick or Treat

Blue Velvet Manhunter Marie Maximum Overdrive Raw Deal Silver Bullet Year of the Dragon

Firestarter

TELEVISION / SERIES

Welcome to Flatch (season 2) Hightown (season 3) The Summer I Turned Pretty (season 2)

Our Kind of People (season 1) The Summer I Turned Pretty (season 1) George & Tammy Christmas in Harmony

Line Sisters Echoes Florida Man The Summer I Turned Pretty One Summer Our Kind Of People (season 1) Flatch (season 1)

USS Christmas Hightown (season 2)

Reprisal (season 1)

Reprisal (pilot) Swamp Thing (pilot & season 1)

Good Behavior (season 2)

Good Behavior (season 1) Six (season 1)

Good Behavior (pilot) Under the Dome (season 3)

Sleepy Hollow (season 2) Under the Dome (season 2) Secrets and Lies (season 1) Secrets and Lies (pilot) Red Zone (pilot) How and Why (pilot)

Christmas in Conway Sleepy Hollow (season 1) Eastbound & Down (season 4) Under the Dome (season 1) Revolution (season 1)

Eastbound & Down (season 3) Revolution (pilot) Witches of East End (pilot)

Hornet’s Nest A Smile As Big As The Moon One Tree Hill (season 9) Eastbound & Down (season 3) Home & Away Hart of Dixie (pilot) Revenge (pilot) Teen Spirit A Cinderella Story Playing With Guns (pilot 2) One Tree Hill (season 8) Swamp Loggers (season 3) Teen Mom 2

One Tree Hill (season 8) Eastbound & Down (season 2 – 1 episode) Swamp Loggers (seasons 2 & 3) Playing With Guns (pilot 1) Gimme Shelter (pilot) One Tree Hill (season 7) Teen Mom 2

One Tree Hill (season 6) Swamp Loggers (season 1)

Eastbound & Down (season 1) Little Britain USA One Tree Hill (season 5)

Eastbound & Down (pilot) One Tree Hill (season 4)

IQ-145 Madison Rose (pilot) One Tree Hill (season 3) Surface

Ghost Stories One Tree Hill (season 2)

History Channel’s Days That Shook the World One Tree Hill (season 1) The Water Is Wide

HGTV’s Building Character Dawson’s Creek (season 6) One Tree Hill (pilot)

Dawson’s Creek (season 5) The Locket

Dawson’s Creek (season 4) Going to California

Amy & Isabelle Dawson’s Creek (season 3) MTV’s Fear Inspirational Channel Outdoor Channel The Runaway Southern Living Presents

The Color of Love: Jacey’s Story Dawson’s Creek (season 2) Freedom Song The Snooker Report

C15: The New Professionals CNN News Dawson’s Creek (season 1) Funny Valentines Glory, Glory (pilot) Holy Joe MTV News

Ambushed Dawson’s Creek (pilot) Miracle in the Woods Nathan Dixon Ruby Bridges The Wedding What the Deaf Man Heard

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Dawson's Creek Locations Tour

It’s been more than 25 years since the wildly popular show Dawson’s Creek premiered on the WB, catapulting the careers of James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams. During the course of the series, 128 episodes over six seasons were filmed in Wilmington and our Island Beaches.

On the show, Wilmington and the surrounding area doubled as “Capeside,” a small fictitious coastal town in Massachusetts. Several landmarks and locations from the show can still be seen around town. Tie up your walking shoes and get your selfie sticks ready for a trip around our coastal community's famous Dawson’s Creek locations.

Downtown Wilmington Locations

Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp

Starting at the southern end of the Wilmington Riverwalk, look for Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp at 2 Ann Street. This riverfront restaurant served as the location of Pacey's "Icehouse," which was seen in the show's finale.

The Original "Icehouse"

Head north a couple of blocks to 115 South Water Street and you'll find the location where the original "Icehouse" restaurant once stood.

Reel Café

Reel Café , located at 100 South Front Street, can be seen in multiple episodes. Look across the street and you'll see "Joey's Wall."

A few blocks south, at 100 South 3rd Street, is the historic Graystone, which appeared in the show.

Rebellion NC

Rebellion NC , a restaurant and bar at 15 South Front Street, is the location where Joey made her singing debut.

Platypus & Gnome

Platypus & Gnome , located at 9 South Front Street, can be recognized from various episodes.

Blue Post Billiards

One block east is  Blue Post Billiards , 15 South Water Street. You must be 21 to enter.

"Leery's Fresh Fish"

Michaels on the Waterfront is the location of the fish house owned by Dawson's family is at 5 South Water Street.

"Coffeehouse"

Floriana's restaurant at 2 Market Street, with veranda seating overlooking the Riverwalk, served as a coffeehouse on the show.

Island Passage Elixir

The Island Passage Elixir boutique, 4 Market Street, was featured in the episode “Full Moon Rising."

Black Cat Shoppe

Right next door is the Black Cat Shoppe , 8 Market Street. The unique exterior of this storefront can be recognized as the "Capeside CD Shop."

"Hot Dog Stand"

The Visitor Information Booth on the Riverwalk at Market and Water streets appeared in the show as a hot dog stand and as a snack bar.

The Wilmington Riverwalk

You'll see many familiar show sites along the Wilmington Riverwalk . Most notably, at the foot of Market Street across from the Alton Lennon Federal Courthouse, is the location where Andie and Pacey first kissed.

Battleship Park

You won't be able to walk to this one, but you can see it across the Cape Fear River while you're along the Riverwalk. Battleship Park is right beside the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA  on Eagle's Island. This location was the site of “The Winter Fair” in the “Psychic Friends” episode.

Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen , 118 Princess Street, was a temporary set that is now a restaurant and pub with the same name. After the show wrapped the bar was sold with its contents to a local restaurateur who turned it into a real bar with the same name.

"Train Station"

The   Historic New Hanover County Courthouse, 316 Princess Street, served as the location for the interior of the Capeside train station.

Thalian Hall

The historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts , 310 Chestnut Street, served as the location for the interior of the "Rialto Theatre" in the show.

"Screen Play Video"

N Salo, at 212 North Front Street, is the location of "Screen Play Video," where Pacey worked after school.

Pender's Café

Pender's Café , 205 North Front Street, was featured in a few episodes.

Outdoor Equipped

This building at the corner of Grace and Front Streets appeared as a Boston radio station in the show. It's now home to Outdoor Equipped .

The Cotton Exchange

Filming took place in the parking lot and courtyard of The Cotton Exchange at 300 North Front Street.

The Schwartz Center

The Schwartz Center on the Cape Fear Community College campus, 610 North Front Street, appeared as a film festival lobby in the show.

Midtown Wilmington Locations

Airlie gardens.

Jump in the car and head over to Airlie Gardens at 300 Airlie Road, about 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington. You'll recognize several Dawson's Creek locations as you explore the 67-acre Southern gardens.

"Jen's Final Goodbye"

Just down Oleander Drive from Airlie Gardens is New Hanover County Arboretum at 6206 Oleander Drive. This is the location of the Ability Garden where Jen said her goodbye in the final episode.

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

Several of the show's scenes were filmed at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park , 5320 Oleander Drive, in the arcade and Big Splash Café and Pizzeria.

"Capeside High School"

UNC Wilmington, 601 South College Road, doubled as the Capeside High School campus. UNCW's Alderman Hall is one of the most recognizable locations on campus.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake at the intersection of 3rd Street and Carolina Beach Road appears as the show's “Burham Lake."

Wrightsville Beach Locations

Banks channel.

The narrow waterway that forms the southern end of Wrightsville Beach is known as Banks Channel. Its shoreline and docks were a popular backdrop on the show.

Bluewater Grill

Bluewater Grill along Wrightsville Beach's Intracoastal Waterway is the location where Joey sang in the Miss Windjammer talent show.

Dockside Restaurant

Dockside Restaurant at 1308 Airlie Road served as the location for "The Icehouse" restaurant when the camera was facing the water.

Carolina Beach Locations

Carolina beach boardwalk.

The  Carolina Beach Boardwalk appeared in a few of the show's early episodes.

Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park , 101 State Park Road, appeared in a few of the show's early episodes.

Kure Beach Locations

"the maine coastline".

The beach around the Kure Beach Fishing Pier on K Avenue doubled as the Maine coastline during the filming of the show's fifth season.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Several scenes were shot at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site , 1610 Fort Fisher Boulevard South.

"New England Aquarium"

In season six, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher , 900 Loggerhead Road, stood in as the New England Aquarium in Boston. The Cape Fear Shoals exhibit with its quarter-million-gallon saltwater tank doubled as "Cape Cod Shoals."

Some of the show's scenes were filmed on the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry .

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

Exploring Wilmywood’s Filming Locations

December 3, 2014 By Guest Author 2 Comments

This post has been updated in June 2019 to reflect places that have since closed. New information is in bold.

Wilmington aka Wilmywood and Hollywood of the East: A small town in North Carolina that superstar celebrities visit every year to film television shows and films. I have to admit, the reason I chose to visit Wilmington initially was because it was once Tree Hill and Capeside ( Dawson’s Creek ). So when in town I had to do a Hollywood Locations Walk with Haunted Wilmington Tours. You know I am so glad I did, too.

Spiel Stevenberg was my guide for the day. I picked a great day too as no one else turned up so I had my own private tour – win! Spiel learned straight away what I was here to see. He said a lot of Australian girls actually come over and participate in his tours, all wanting a glimpse of Tree Hill.

Let me begin by saying I loved this tour. Spiel was engaging, entertaining and so passionate. He had several photo albums in his bag, which were full with clippings and photos concerning Wilmywood. He is able to share stories and show you places you never would have noticed. All with an enthusiasm a lot of tour operators lack. So here is a glimpse of what I saw on my tour.

The table where Naley (Nathan and Haley) from One Tree Hill began when Nathan opened up a box of Cracker Jack’s and put the bracelet inside on Haley’s wrist, saying “don’t say I never gave you anything.” The bench is located near the visitor information kiosk on the Riverwalk.

Old City Market

After Dawson’s Creek wrapped the studio sold different props at an auction, including this sign, which is now displayed at the Old City Market entrance. Enter on Water Street and walk to the back. On the left wall you will find signatures from Joshua Jackson, Henry Winkler and the like. I was in the same spot earlier in the day and never noticed. The shop that displayed this sign is no longer open so the sign has been removed. You can still go inside and see the signatures. 119 S Water Street

Empire Records

Spiel had me guessing the Australian actors who had filmed in Wilmington and let’s just say I sucked. I had forgotten Anthony LaPaglia, one of our most successful yet underrated exports, was in Empire Records . The building where this was filmed is still standing. It’s now Rebellion, a restaurant, and a tree now sits right in front of it. 15 S Front Street

We’re the Millers

Yeah, Wilmington was transformed into Denver, Colorado for this movie . We saw the alley where Kenny ran over to ‘save Casey,’ the building they lived in and the coffee shops he frequents. I re-watched the movie after learning this and kept exclaiming, “I’ve been there!” “I know that café!” And so on. The above building served as Jennifer Anniston’s workplace. 28 S Front Street

Blue Post Billiards

So this literal hole-in-the-wall establishment has been used in Tammy with Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon and We’re The Millers as the strip joint where Jennifer Aniston worked.

There was also a TV crew working on a set there when we walked passed for the new show, Secret and Lies (based off the Australian show of the same name). It stars Ryan Phillippe and Juliette Lewis so I was excited to return the following day to stalk some celebrities, but the set was gone by that evening, so I guess they decided to film another scene the following day. Drats!

It was also used as a location in multiple episodes of Good Behavior . It’s a membership bar so you’ll need to purchase a card to drink there. 15 S Water Street

Another big blockbuster filmed here. Although I am yet to watch it, I was told that a big showdown happened between Robert Downey Jr. and his enemy at the State Port. Spiel had the clipping to prove it.

Hell’s Kitchen

Used on both One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek , this restaurant houses memorabilia including signed photos of actors as well as the actual boat used on Dawson’s Creek . Hell’s Kitchen was a college bar where the gang hung out in Boston. It was also used as a health foods store in season 1. It was purchased in 2003 and turned into a real restaurant. 118 Princess Street

Alley from A Walk to Remember

Fans of the Nicholas Sparks tearjerker will recognize a number of landmarks from A Walk to Remember in Wilmington. It’s where good girl Jamie discloses her diagnosis to bad boy and new boyfriend Landon. It’s located next to the Old City Market.

The Reel Cafe

The Reel Cafe wasn’t featured in Wilmington television shows or movies, but it has movie memorabilia inside like posters signed by the cast of Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. There are also drinks named after all of the projects filmed here. 100 S Front Street

Karen’s Café

You always save the best for last. Karen’s Café is empty these days as there is actually another café opened across the street (remember in the last season, coffee wars?) But nonetheless, this is it, the store that went from coffee to clothes to coffee. It now sits vacant. Grace St

You may be wondering about the River Court, which was actually used in every episode except one (the black and white noir episode if you were wondering). It was demolished a few years ago but you can still look across the River Walk to where it was. Supposedly fans could buy a piece of the court off the internet. Of course.

Touring Wilmington’s Filming Locations

The walking tour costs $13 and lasts for 90 minutes. It is excellent value for money when compared to similar tours elsewhere and Spiel is an absolute delight. Tours leave from the Black Cat Shoppe (8 Market Street), which sells Wilmington filmed items like t-shirts for One Tree Hill and was used as the Capeside CD Shop on Dawson’s Creek . I highly recommend it if you have any interest in the film and television industries.

About the Author:  Hayley Simpson is an uncoordinated introvert who doesn’t let her social awkwardness stand in the way of her travel dreams. She left her home in Australia to live the expat life in Vancouver , Canada 18 months ago. Be inspired to escape your comfort zone through her blog, Hayley on Holiday.

The author received a complimentary Hollywood Locations Walk tour thanks to  Wilmington and Beaches . All photos property of the author. 

Looking for a place to stay on your trip to Wilmington? Graystone Inn was used extensively on Dawson’s Creek as well as The Longest Ride . ARRIVE Wilmington is located on the former site of The Wilmingtonian, a hotel that was popular with actors and film crews.

Reader Interactions

June 13, 2021 at 10:20 am

Hey uh the Reel Cafe… that’s where Brooke worked as a lobster.

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