11 Real-Life Ways to Experience ‘The Choice’ by Nicholas Sparks

Read the Book

Plenty of Sparks’ fans read the book years ago. And some bought it in anticipation of seeing the movie, catapulting the title back to the bestsellers list during the time of the film's release. It’s fun to compare the story you know from a book to what’s portrayed on screen.

Enjoy Drinks with Views

Dockside Restaurant and Bar is a popular waterfront attraction at Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it offers great views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the boats docked alongside it and people-watching on the pier. In the movie, it’s a go-to hangout spot for Travis and his friends, just like it is in real life for many locals who come here often for fresh seafood or appetizers and drinks.

Go for a Romantic Canoe for Two

Yes, Travis rowing a small boat with Gabby gazing adorably at him is, literally, a scene out of a movie. But it is also one you can easily recreate in the Wilmington area and its beach towns. Book a vacation rental with a waterfront view and boat access, and you’ll be well on your way to starring in your personal rom-com.

Take a (Bigger) Boat to the Beach

There’s a fun scene in the storyline of the main characters cruising on a motorboat. This beautiful day on the water is filmed on Masonboro Island for the movie, but takes place on Shackleford Banks in the book. Masonboro Island, 5 miles southeast of Wilmington, has quiet, pristine beaches that are only accessible by boat.

Let Man’s Best Friend Frolic on the Coast

Dogs play important roles in Travis and Gabby’s lives. And what pooch wouldn’t enjoy the natural attractions of the North Carolina coast? You’ll find it very accommodating to bring your dog along on the trip. Rolling around in the sand, running through the high beachgrass, feeling the gentle breeze – all sounds like fun (for the dog too).

• Dog-Friendly Beaches in North Carolina

Tour the Gardens

There are plenty of beautiful water attractions in Wilmington, and on land it doesn’t get more picturesque than Airlie Gardens. Spanning 67 acres, these historical gardens present colorful flowers, venerable oak trees, tall pines, lakes, wildlife and many other opportunities to become one with nature. A scene in the movie also takes place here.

Find Your Fort

Located at Kure Beach, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area serves as a backdrop in the movie. And there’s much more to explore. There are nearly 6 miles of beach and trails, a park nestled against both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, wildlife, boardwalks, a state aquarium, Civil War-era historic site and boating ramp.

Explore the State Gem

Known as "North Carolina’s Gem," The Crystal Coast provided much inspiration to Sparks when he was writing The Choice. He vividly describes the charm and appeal of the towns and destinations along this stretch of coast, including Beaufort and Cape Lookout, the latter of which is home to Shackleford Banks, most known for its wild horses.

Make a Beeline Up the Coast

Spending time on the North Carolina coast affords you opportunities to experience incomparable beach life, and you can get a great sampling from Wilmington and Beaufort, which are about a two-hour drive apart. As Sparks told Hollywood.com about North Carolina: "It’s got a geography that is different than most of the places I’ve been, it’s an interesting state. ... It’s very exciting to me to introduce people to this, since not everyone gets to experience it for themselves."

But you can.