What's New In NC
Experience Film Sites From Safe Haven
Safe Haven, a romantic thriller film adapted from the Nicholas Sparks novel, debuted on the silver screen Feb. 14, 2013, and two North Carolina coastal cities play starring roles. The film was shot in Southport and Wilmington during the summer of 2012. Fans of Safe Haven, or travelers just looking for a fun adventure, can follow the footsteps of the cast and crew and explore the sites featured in the movie.
Start in the historic river district of Wilmington and stroll by the Wilmington Convention Center and Carolina Apartments on Market Street, both film sites of Safe Haven. You may recognize other sites while exploring, since more than 300 movies and television projects have been filmed here. Next, head to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, the location for the kiss between Alex (played by Josh Duhamel) and Katie (played by Julianne Hough). At the nearby Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal, catch a boat to Southport to see more film sites.
Once you arrive, the Southport terminal and ferry will be familiar from the film. If you’re spending the night, consider checking into the Wingate by Wyndham where Nicholas Sparks himself stayed. Several Southport storefronts and restaurants made their way into the film as well as hosted the cast and crew. Ports of Call is the location where actress Julianne Hough celebrated her 23rd birthday and where castmate Josh Duhamel learned to shuck an oyster. Visit Fishy Fishy Cafe and you’ll be in the exact location that served as the set for the Safe Haven General Store. Stop by for a drink on the dock and enjoy the view at Old American Fish Co., which was transformed into Ivan’s Fish Shack where Katie worked as a waitress in the film.
See more of Southport from the water with Adventure Kayak Company, which guided cast and crew members through cypress swamp and salt-water marsh. Golfers can make a tee time at Oak Island Golf Club where Josh Duhamel played a round. Or, if walking is more your pace, you can pick up a walking map at the Southport Visitors Center. Just east of here you’ll see the blocks where the Fourth of July festivities were filmed.
Although these coastal cities have received quite a bit of attention from the filming of Safe Haven and other television shows and movies, they still maintain their charm and small-town feel. In addition to Safe Haven, North Carolina is the backdrop for more than a dozen of Nicholas Sparks’ books. It’s no wonder the state continues to draw travelers and the Hollywood crowd alike.
Video: Watch behind-the-scenes footage of Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough discussing their experience filming Safe Haven in Southport.
Video: Tour film sites in Safe Haven with Nicholas Sparks and cast members.
added: January 18, 2013
updated: February 19, 2013
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