ChickSpeak

On the surface, Wilmington may seem like every other town in America, complete with cobblestone streets and unique little shops.  However, if you’re in this North Carolina town on just the right day, you may spot Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Galeotti or James Lafferty on the street shooting a scene for an upcoming episode of the hit CW show One Tree Hill.  If you’re really lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a big name star in the middle of filming one next year’s big blockbuster.

Known as the home of One Tree Hill and The WB’s Dawson’s Creek, as well as major motion pictures like The Secret Life of Bees and Empire Records, Wilmington has developed a reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast.  With a taste of Los Angeles mixed with the feel of a small town, Wilmington is one of those places you won’t find anywhere else.                   

History

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, Wilmington was founded in 1739, and transformed over the years into a major port city, according to this site. During the Civil War, it served as a major entry point for supplies for the Confederate soldiers, and its shipbuilding industry got a boost, thanks in part to World War I and World War II.  When Interstate 40 opened in 1990, Wilmington became on of the 1990’s fastest growing cities. Today, its population stands at about 82,000, and has become one of the most popular destinations for filmmakers on the east coast.      

Travel, Accommodations, and How to Navigate

For those who would rather fly than drive, both Delta and US Airways fly into Wilmington International Airport. Because the airport is roughly a half-mile from the center of town, visitors may want to invest in a car rental, especially if they plan on visiting attractions outside Downtown Wilmington.

Wilmington offers a wide range of accommodations at every price level, many of which are located in the heart of the historic downtown area. The Best Western Coastline Inn, located 503 Nutt St., is situated right on the Cape Fear River in the middle of the Historic District.  Rooms are priced from around $89 to around $130 and include a free continental breakfast. The Hilton Wilmington Riverside, located at 301 North Water St., is another great option, although a little pricier with rooms ranging from less than $120 to over $200.  Both hotels are in ideal locations, and shops and restaurants are within walking distance of both establishments.       

Places Every Tourist Must See

It’s all about lights, camera, action!  EUE/Screen Gems Studios offers visitors to take a peek behind the scenes with one-hour walking tours, featuring some of the sets from One Tree Hill.  Fans of the show will love getting to see some of their favorite Tree Hill homes and hotspots up close, and film buffs will be treated to some of tricks of the trade used during television and movie productions.  Although photographs inside the soundstages are not allowed, visitors are free to take pictures of the yard of vehicles in front of the studios.  Tours run every Saturday at noon and 2 p.m. and, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, on Sundays at noon and 2 p.m.  Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, but students with a valid ID can get a $2 discount. 

The television magic isn’t limited to soundstages.  Visitors can create their own self-guided tours, with the help of the One Tree Hill FAQ sheet and the Dawson’s Creek FAQ sheet.  Both can printed out for free on http://www.cape-fear.nc.us/ and include various locations from both shows.  One Tree Hill fans can have their photos taken outside the Clothes Over Bros storefront on the corner of Grace St. at North Front St. or visit CD Alley, at 8 Market St., where Chris Keller (played by singer Tyler Hilton) criticized the musical tastes of the store’s patrons.  Fans can even grab a coup of coffee at Port City Java-Downtown II at 300 North Front St., which served as Karen’s Café in the pilot.  Those who remember Dawson’s Creek can grab a bite at Hell’s Kitchen at 118 Princess St., which was a temporary set on the show before transforming into a pub with the same name and visit where some of the show’s sweetest moments took place, including the brick wall on the corner of Dock St. and Front St. where Pacey wrote “Ask me to stay” to Joey.  Since many places overlap, visitors can print out both and create their own unique walking tours that cover both shows.   

Unique Shopping for Fabulous Chicks

Wilmington offers shoppers an edgy Los Angeles vibe under the backdrop of small town storefronts.  One great destination is Aqua Fedora on 105 Market St.  Merchandise includes a mix of women’s, men’s and handcrafted clothing, accessories, home décor and original art, and body products.  All items are reasonably priced and are unique additions to any wardrobe or home.  Planet, located at 108 North Front St., is another great shop.  While they do carry a great line of t-shirts, they are better known for their collection of funky bandages, including ones shaped like bacon and eggs, and tin lunchboxes and banks.  Looking for something a bit more on the dark side?  The Black Cat Shoppe, located at 11 Market St., features a mix of adult humor products, action figures, posters and tin signs, jewelry and clothing products.  Note to One Tree Hill fans: One Tree Hill t-shirts can be purchased here.       

What Made This Chick Fall in Love with Wilmington

An avid One Tree Hill fan since the show started, I loved being able to walk the same streets that my favorite scenes were filmed on.  However, the edgy city vibe wrapped up in the package of a small town gave Wilmington a special place in my heart. I loved the brick-exposed walls featured in some buildings and the unique places to shop that offered one-of-a-kind items. Walking along the historical streets under the stars, I became absorbed in its safe atmosphere and, for a moment, I could imagine myself becoming a permanent resident.  Wilmington is one place I will always be drawn to, and I can’t wait until I can go back.   

Shannon Kirk, a junior communication major at DeSales University, is an avid One Tree Hill fan and visited Wilmington in summer 2009.  She enjoys finding unique cities with unique shopping, and great film locations.