Hey friends! 🌊✨ Did you catch the latest buzz? The Summer I Turned Pretty is making a splash with its third season, and we can’t help but get hyped about everything from the juicy plot twists to those gorgeous filming locations! If you’ve been following Belly’s (Lola Tung) romantic rollercoaster with Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) at the fictional Cousins Beach, you might be wondering where all that summer drama is actually set. Spoiler alert: it’s not in Cape Cod! So, let’s dive into the stunning real-life spots that brought this beloved series to life.
The Magic of Wilmington, North Carolina
Okay, but can we talk about Cousins Beach for a moment? While Jenny Han imagined this picturesque paradise in Cape Cod, the real filming happened in Wilmington, North Carolina. Known as “Hollywood East,” this charming city is a treasure trove of filming locations. It’s where the cast spent quality time bonding before filming kicked off, and honestly, that warmth totally shines through on-screen! 🥰 Lola Tung shared how they formed a bond akin to childhood friendships, which is just so relatable, right?
Wilmington has been the backdrop for iconic shows like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill, and now it’s adding The Summer I Turned Pretty to its impressive lineup. Can you believe that the real-life “Entering Cousins Beach” sign is in Southport, NC? It’s right by the Wilmington Cape Fear Pilots Association’s lookout tower! How cool is that? Talk about an Instagrammable moment! 📸
Behind the Scenes: Iconic Filming Locations
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of those gorgeous filming spots! The beach scenes that have us all swooning? Yep, those were shot at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Who else is dreaming of sun-soaked days and beach vibes? 🌞 And that snowy nighttime scene in season 2? Filmed at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Yes, please! I can almost hear the waves crashing!
And let’s not forget about Belly’s stunning summer home, which is actually the Fisher family residence located at Porters Neck Plantation. If you’ve seen the show, you know it’s a summer sanctuary for the families. The interior shots were filmed at Screen Gems Studio in Wilmington, making it a perfect blend of reality and fantasy. How dreamy would it be to spend a summer there? 🏖️
From Country Clubs to Pie Stands
Now, let’s talk about the country club, a pivotal spot in season 1! It’s where Belly had all those anxious moments preparing for her debutante ball. The Cape Fear Country Club served as the setting, while the actual debutante ball was filmed at St. Mary Catholic School. Can you imagine the butterflies she must’ve felt? 💃
And for all the foodie fans out there, remember that pie stand where Belly and Jeremiah stopped during their road trip? That was filmed at Old River Farms in Burgaw, NC. I mean, can we just take a moment to appreciate the delicious blueberry pie? 🍰 I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hit the road for some pie adventures!
Fun fact: the Brown University scenes? Filmed at the University of North Carolina Wilmington instead of, you know, Brown itself. Plot twist! 🎭 The crew was aiming for that perfect vibe, and honestly, they nailed it!
And how about those thrilling moments at the boardwalk? All the games and roller coaster rides were captured at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Who else is feeling the thrill just thinking about it? 🎢
Let’s Chat!
So, there you have it! The stunning locations that bring The Summer I Turned Pretty to life are just as captivating as the storyline itself. I’d love to know your thoughts! Which location has you daydreaming the most? Is it the beach, the country club, or that dreamy Fisher house? Let’s get chatting in the comments! 💬